J Formos Med Assoc
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Real-world evidence of lorlatinib therapy in Taiwanese patients with advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer.
Lorlatinib is a brain-penetrant, third-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor indicated for ALK-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In a global phase II study, patients who experience disease progression despite prior treatment with ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) was assessed. Herein, we report real-world clinical outcomes of lorlatinib-treated patients with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC who were heavily pretreated and progressed on first- and second-generation ALK-TKIs, in a Taiwanese population under the lorlatinib expanded access program (EAP). ⋯ Lorlatinib exhibits substantial activity and tolerability when used clinically in a later-line setting in a Taiwanese population with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC.
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Vitiligo is a common acquired disease of pigment loss. In lesions recalcitrant to non-invasive treatment, transplantation of cultured autologous melanocytes is an emerging choice. Conventionally, the recipient site is often prepared by laser-mediated or mechanical dermabrasion. ⋯ The recipient site became reepithelialized within 1 week. Progressive repigmentation was observed for up to 6 months, with an average of 65.06% repigmentation in the recipient site without scarring at the end of follow-up. Hence, preparation of the recipient site by controlled PUVA-induced sunburn-like blistering can potentially facilitate melanocyte transplantation and prevent scarring.
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Cesarean section delivery is associated with microbiota disruption and immuno-dysregulation during childhood, but the association with Kawasaki disease remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the association between Cesarean section and Kawasaki disease. ⋯ In conclusion, this study identified a potential association between Cesarean section delivery and a higher risk of Kawasaki disease during six-to eighteen months of the prospective birth cohort in Taiwan.
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Double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) can be used to remove circulating pathogenic molecules. By reclaiming filtered albumin, DFPP reduces the need for albumin and plasma replacement. Large proteins, such as fibrinogen, are removed. Our institution adopts a DFPP treatment protocol consisting of active surveillance of coagulation profiles and prophylactic supplementation of blood products containing fibrinogen. This study aims to investigate the effects of consecutive DFPP treatments on serial coagulation profiles and the risk of bleeding under this protocol. ⋯ DFPP treatment might be performed safely along with active monitoring of coagulation profiles and prophylactic transfusion of cryoprecipitate or FFP.
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Endoscopic stenting at malignant distal duodenum stenosis (MDDS) is challenging because of the duodenal C-loop configuration, the acute angle of the duodenojejunal junction, and the limited length of the endoscope. Few studies have investigated the clinical outcomes of stenting at the distal duodenum. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of treating MDDS with different types of metallic stents. ⋯ Both UC-SEMS and PC-SEMS are safe and effective treatment options for MDDS. However, stent dysfunction remains a significant issue to overcome, particularly in the elderly. Further research is needed to explore novel strategies that can improve the effectiveness of stent placement and reduce the risk of stent dysfunction.