Journal of surgical oncology
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The role of a radiation therapy (RT) boost for positive margins following pre-operative RT and surgery in extremity soft tissue sarcomas (STS) is unclear. We assessed the contribution of a boost to local control (LC), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). ⋯ We did not identify a LC advantage for an RT boost. Given the unidentified selection factors for delivery of boost and its potential toxicities, its role in this setting remains unproven.
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We reviewed medico-legal cases related to extremity sarcoma malpractice in order to recognize those factors most commonly instigating sarcoma litigation. ⋯ Reported medico-legal claims involving sarcoma care continue to rise, with mean indemnity payments approaching 10 times that for other reported medical/surgical specialties. Primary care and orthopaedic specialties are the most commonly named physician defendants, citing a delay in diagnosis. This suggests further education in the front line diagnosis and management of sarcomas is needed.
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Optimal surgical decision-making and informed consent for palliative procedures is limited by a lack of appropriate outcomes data. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) may help guide patient selection for palliative surgery. ⋯ Patients with advanced cancer can be afforded symptom improvement and the opportunity for improved quality of life following palliative procedures. Elevated preoperative CRP may help identify patients who are less likely to realize the benefits of palliative operations.
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Outcomes research uses diverse inputs to examine innovative end results aimed to deliver quality patient care. Yet defining "outcomes research" remains a challenge, and its interpretation is often nuanced. In this review, we discuss the definition of outcomes research in the context of its historical evolution along with the rise of other similar types of research. We then discuss key considerations in interpreting the results of outcomes analysis.
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Peritoneal metastasis (PM) has traditionally been approached with therapeutic nihilism. The evolution of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) over the last two decades, however, has caused a paradigm shift in treatment for PM. This modality is rapidly gaining acceptance as standard of care for PM from various cancers. This article reviews the current literature regarding the use of CRS/HIPEC for PM from the most common intra-abdominal malignancies.