Annals of surgical oncology
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Clinical Trial
Ambulatory intercostal drainage for the management of malignant pleural effusion: a single center experience.
Malignant pleural effusions are common and can be difficult to manage. We have reviewed our use of ambulatory drains (Pleurex drains) in this regard with particular reference to hospital stay, duration of drainage, and incidence of complications. ⋯ The use of ambulatory pleural catheters for managing malignant pleural effusion is a safe and effective strategy. It has only minor complications that are related to prolonged drainage. We feel that this strategy should be considered the first choice option for these patients.
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Comparative Study
IMP3 is a novel prognostic marker that correlates with colon cancer progression and pathogenesis.
Insulin-like growth factor-II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3) plays a vital role in carcinogenesis; however, its significance and prognostic value in colon cancer remain unclear. ⋯ IMP3 may play an important role in colon cancer progression and could serve as a prognostic biomarker to identify patients at risk of developing metastasis or recurrence after colonectomy.
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To evaluate the long-term disease-free and overall survival of patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN) micrometastases, in whom a completion axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was systematically omitted. ⋯ This analysis of unselected patients provides evidence that a completion level I and II ALND may be safely omitted in early-stage breast cancer patients with SLN micrometastases.
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Positive volume-outcome relationships exist for cancers treated with technically complex surgery, including ovarian cancer. However, contemporary patterns of primary surgical care for ovarian cancer according to hospital and surgeon case volume remain poorly defined. ⋯ The proportions of ovarian cancer patients undergoing primary surgery at high volume centers and by high-volume surgeons increased statistically significantly from 1990-2000 to 2001-2008. Further investigation is necessary to determine factors contributing to this favorable trend.