Ann Zimrin

Impact of early percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement on nutritional status and hospitalization in patients with head and neck cancer receiving definitive chemoradiation therapy

This study analyzed the impact of timing of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement on clinical endpoints in patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CRT).

Primary Tumor Volume Is an Important Predictor of Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Cancer of the Head and Neck Treated With Definitive Chemoradiotherapy

PURPOSE The tumor volume has been established as a significant predictor of outcomes among patients with head-and-neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy alone. The present study attempted to add to the existing data on tumor volume as a prognostic factor among patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS A total of 78 patients who had undergone definitive chemoradiotherapy for Stage III-IV squamous cell cancer of the hypopharynx, oropharynx, and larynx were identified. The primary tumor volumes were calculated from the treatment planning computed tomography scans, and these were correlated to the survival and tumor control data obtained from the retrospective analysis. RESULTS The interval to progression correlated with the primary tumor volume (p = .007). The critical cutoff point for the tumor volume was identified as 35 cm(3), and patients with a tumor volume <35 cm(3) had a significantly better prognosis than those with a tumor volume >35 cm(3) at 5 years (43% vs. 71%, p = .010). Longer survival was also correlated with smaller primary tumor volumes (p = .022). Similarly, patients with a primary tumor volume <35 cm(3) had a better prognosis in terms of both progression-free survival (61% vs. 33%, p = .004) and overall survival (84% vs. 41%, p = < .001). On multivariate analysis, the primary tumor volume was the best predictor of recurrence (hazard ratio 4.7, 95% confidence interval 1.9-11.6; p = .001) and survival (hazard ratio 10.0, 95% confidence interval 2.9-35.1; p = < .001). In contrast, the T stage and N stage were not significant factors. Analysis of variance revealed that tumors with locoregional failure were on average 21.6 cm(3) larger than tumors without locoregional failure (p = .028) and 27.1-cm(3) larger than tumors that recurred as distant metastases (p = .020). CONCLUSION The results of our study have shown that the primary tumor volume is a significant prognostic factor in patients with advanced cancer of the head and neck undergoing definitive chemoradiotherapy and correlated with the treatment outcomes better than the T or N stage.

Massive blood transfusion for trauma.

Purpose of reviewMassive blood transfusion saves the lives of thousands of severely injured patients each year, but it does so in the context of the evolving epidemiology of injury, of trauma centers and trauma systems, and of blood safety and new technologies for hemorrhage control. This article reviews recent knowledge and advances that impact on the use and effectiveness of massive transfusion. Recent findingsInjury is rapidly becoming the second leading cause of death in the world. These deaths are highly preventable with social and engineering controls and good trauma care. Massive transfusion is readily available, safe, effective, and cheap in the context of modern trauma center care. However, aged blood products can cause transfusion-related acute lung injury, and better blood storage systems are under development. Recent work has improved understanding of the coagulopathy associated with acidosis and provided guidance for limiting dilutional coagulopathy. Nevertheless, massive transfusion always leads to coagulopathy and so is at best an adjunct to good surgical care. Better drugs and devices for hemorrhage control, such as recombinant activated factor VII and hemostatic bandages, are in development. SummaryInjury is a major public health and medical system problem. Progress in basic science, clinical care, and the development of better hemorrhage control devices are all improving outcome for massively transfused patients. Investment in trauma care and supporting blood supply systems is highly cost effective.

Phase II study evaluating the addition of cetuximab to the concurrent delivery of weekly carboplatin, paclitaxel, and daily radiotherapy for patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

PURPOSE To report the mature data of a prospective Phase II trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor cetuximab (CTX) added to the concurrent therapy of weekly paclitaxel/carboplatin (PC) and daily radiation therapy (RT). METHODS AND MATERIALS From 2005 to 2009, a total of 43 patients were enrolled in the study. The median follow-up was 31 months (range, 9-59 months). All patients had Stage III/IV disease at presentation, and 67% had oropharyngeal primaries. The weekly IV dose schedules were CTX 250 mg/m(2) (400 mg/m(2) IV loading dose 1 week before RT), paclitaxel 40 mg/m(2), and carboplatin AUC 2. RT was given at 1.8 Gy per day to 70.2 Gy. Intensity-modulated RT was used in 70% of cases. RESULTS All patients completed the planned RT dose, 74% without any treatment breaks. The planned CTX and PC cycles were completed in 70% (91% with at least seven of planned nine cycles) and 56% (93% with at least seven of planned eight cycles) of patients, respectively. Toxicity included Grade 3 mucositis (79%), rash (9%), leucopenia (19%), neutropenia (19%), and RT dermatitis (16%). The complete response (CR) rate at the completion of therapy was 84%. The estimated 3-year local regional control rate was 72%. Six patients with an initial CR subsequently experienced a local recurrence, 10 patients experienced distant progression. The median overall survival and disease-free survivals have not been reached. The 3-year actuarial overall survival and disease-free survival were 59% and 58%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The addition of CTX to weekly PC and daily RT was well tolerated and resulted in encouraging local control and survival rates.

Race Impacts Outcome in Stage III/IV Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck After Concurrent Chemoradiation Therapy

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of race on outcome in patients with stage III/IV squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) who have completed concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Planning for pandemic influenza: effect of a pandemic on the supply and demand for blood products in the United States

BACKGROUND: Influenza causes episodic pandemics when viral antigens shift in ways that elude herd immunity. Avian influenza A H5N1, currently epizootic in bird populations in Asia and Europe, appears to have pandemic potential.

Oropharyngeal cancer as a driver of racial outcome disparities in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: 10‐year experience at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center

Racial outcome disparities have been observed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with diminished survival for black patients compared with white patients.

Oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) drives racial outcome disparities in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC): Ten year experience at the university of maryland greenebaum cancer center (UMGCC)

Racial outcome disparities have been observed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with diminished survival for black patients compared with white patients.

Creative solution for implementation of experiential, competency-based palliative care training for internal medicine residents.

To graduate internal medicine residents with basic competency in palliative care, we employ a two-pronged strategy targeted at both residents and attending physicians as learners. The first prong provides a knowledge foundation using web-based learning programs designed specifically for residents and clinical faculty members. The second prong is assessment of resident competency in key palliative care domains by faculty members using direct observation during clinical rotations. The faculty training program contains Competency Assessment Tools addressing 19 topics distributed amongst four broad palliative care domains designed to assist faculty members in making the clinical competency assessments. Residents are required to complete their web-based training by the end of their internship year; they must demonstrate competency in one skill from each of the four broad palliative care domains prior to graduation. Resident and faculty evaluation of the training programs is favorable. Outcome-based measures are planned to evaluate long-term program effectiveness.

Rituximab treatment for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with human immunodeficiency virus failing extensive treatment with plasma exchange: a report of two cases.

In an urban area with a 3% prevalence of HIV infection, two women presented in a 1-year period with AIDS and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). TTP was diagnosed in each patient based on the presence of thrombocytopenia, schistocytes, and markedly elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Initial treatment with plasma exchange resulted in resolution of these abnormalities. However, the discontinuation of plasma exchange resulted in the prompt recurrence of laboratory abnormalities diagnostic for TTP. Treatment failure was established after observing 6 and 4 such responses requiring 41 and 40 episodes of plasma exchange for each patient, respectively. Patients were subsequently treated with 2-4 doses of weekly rituximab resulting in durable remission. These patients are now 21 and 9 months beyond rituximab treatment. Rituximab appears to be safe and effective in this setting.