Current medical research and opinion
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Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have shown prognostic value in breast cancer. This study evaluated the TILs scores in 186 Portuguese patients diagnosed with early breast cancer, with special focus on HER2 subtype. ⋯ TILs were higher in tumors with negative hormone receptor status and HER2 amplifications, and in triple-negative breast cancer. In HER2+ patients treated with dual anti-HER neoadjuvant therapy, the TILs score on the surgical specimen was generally lower than in the biopsy.
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This study describes patient characteristics and utilization of recently approved novel acute medication and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies. ⋯ Understanding patient characteristics and treatment utilization patterns among patients prescribed both a CGRP mAb and novel acute medication may provide valuable insight regarding migraine treatment selection for healthcare decision makers.
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We conducted literature reviews to uncover differential effects of sex on sequelae from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and on long COVID syndrome. ⋯ Sex-disaggregated differences for COVID-19 sequelae and long COVID syndrome were observed. Few COVID-19 studies report sex-disaggregated data, underscoring the need for further sex-based research/reporting of COVID-19 disease.
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Multicenter Study
Expanded evidence that the 31-gene expression profile test provides clinical utility for melanoma management in a multicenter study.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for cutaneous melanoma (CM) recommend physicians consider increased surveillance for patients who typically have lower melanoma survival rates (stages IIB-IV as determined by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), 8th edition). However, up to 15% of patients identified as having a low recurrence risk (stages I-IIA) experience disease recurrence, and some patients identified as having a high recurrence risk will not experience any recurrence. The 31-gene expression profile test (31-GEP) stratifies patient recurrence risk into low (Class 1) and high (Class 2) and has demonstrated risk-appropriate impact on disease management and clinical decisions. ⋯ The 31-GEP can stratify patient recurrence risk in patients with CM, and clinicians understand and apply the prognostic ability of the 31-GEP test to alter patient management in risk-appropriate directions.
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Observational Study
Real-world safety and supportive care use of second-line 5-fluorouracil-based regimens among patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Chemotherapy-related adverse events (AEs) can negatively impact the care of patients. The prevention and management of AEs often require additional medications. This study evaluated the percentages of patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) undergoing second-line therapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based regimens that experienced AEs during treatment and received medication to manage those AEs. ⋯ In patients with mPDAC who received second-line therapy, those who received liposomal irinotecan-based regimens had the lowest rates of anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia compared to FOLFIRI, FOLFIRINOX, and FOLFOX, while requiring a similar or lower level of medication to treat and manage those adverse events. Patients treated with FOLFIRI received the highest dose of pegfilgrastim to manage neutropenia. The results of this real-world analysis are consistent with prior evaluations of patients with mPDAC and highlight the importance of managing adverse events and associated cost implications.