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Background: It is not clear whether additional empiric superior vena cava isolation (SVCI) to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) results in low recurrences of atrial fibrillation. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated role of empiric SVCI in atrial fibrillation ablation., Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Scopus, and relevant references for RCTs (inception April 15, 2016 without language restrictions) and performed meta-analysis using random effects model. Recurrence rates of atrial fibrillations, procedural times, fluoroscopic times, and adverse events were the measured outcomes., Results: Three RCTs with a total population of 526 were analyzed. There was no difference in the recurrence rate between PVI plus SVCI versus PVI alone when comparison was made across all types of AF (39 vs 60; odds ratio 0.68; 95 % CI 0.43-1.07; P = 0.73; I 2  = 0 %). When analysis was restricted only to paroxysmal AF, there was a trend towards low recurrence rate in combination group without statistical significance (19 vs 35, OR 0.54; 95 % CI 0.29-1.00; P = 0.05; I 2  = 0). Similarly, no difference was noted between two groups in procedural (weighted mean difference [WMD] 10.12; 95 % CI -9.84 to 30.08; P = 0.32; I 2  = 85 %) and fluoroscopic time (WMD 4.66; 95 % CI -0.92 to 10.25; P = 0.1; I 2  = 94). Adverse events were similar in both groups., Conclusion: Empiric SVCI does not provide additional benefit to PVI alone for atrial fibrillation ablation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant etiologic cause of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) that leads to disabling deficits as well as significant morbidity and mortality in this population. Approximately 25 % of AIS is considered to be cryptogenic with no etiology ascertained at the time of the index event. Recent advances from the EMBRACE and CRYSTAL-AF trial have improved detection and treatment of AF and subsequently lead to changes in guidelines. However, with improved detection rates, the duration and frequency cutoffs for treating AF are currently being investigated to ensure optimization of patient selection and subsequent treatment.

Background: Despite advances in targeted therapies, there is an ongoing need to develop new and effective cytotoxic drug combinations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Based on preclinical demonstration of additive cytotoxicity, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of combining pemetrexed and nanoparticle albumin bound (nab) paclitaxel with a focus on NSCLC for phase II expansion., Methods: A 3 + 3 dose-escalation design was used to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Three dose levels were tested: pemetrexed 500 mg/m(2) day 1 and nab-paclitaxel day 1 at 180, 220, & 260 mg/m(2) every 21 days. Phase II eligibility included advanced NSCLC, ≤2 line prior therapy, PS 0-1, adequate organ function. Primary endpoint for further study was response rate (RR) ≥ 25%., Results: Planned dose escalation was completed without reaching the MTD. The RP2D was pemetrexed 500 mg/m(2) and nab-paclitaxel 260 mg/m(2). The phase II portion accrued 37 pts before early closure due to increasing first-line pemetrexed/platinum doublet use in non-squamous NSCLC. In 31 assessable phase II patients there were 5 partial responses, 12 stable disease, 14 progressive disease. The median overall survival was 8.8 months; progressive disease 4.4 months and disease control 15.6 months., Conclusions: Pemetrexed 500 mg/m(2) day 1 with nab-paclitaxel 260 mg/m(2) was feasible and well tolerated. The phase II component demonstrated activity in second/third-line therapy of advanced NSCLC; response rate 14% and disease control rate 46%. Treatment practice patterns of advanced NSCLC have evolved; further trials of this regimen are not planned.