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PURPOSE:To assess the optimal structure of an introductory curriculum (IC) for radiation oncology residents, including the perceived utility of a 2-day off-site "boot camp," and evaluate the success of a pilot introductory radiation oncology curriculum (IROC) based on these initial data. METHODS AND MATERIALS:In the first phase, anonymous, web-based surveys were sent to US radiation oncology program directors and residents. Likert-type scores (1, not at all; 5, extremely) are reported as the median and interquartile range. Using the phase 1 results, IROC was developed, piloted, and evaluated. RESULTS:Of the 89 program directors and 697 residents, 47 (53%) and 165 (24%) responded, respectively. Of the 89 program directors, 37 (79%) reported offering a formal IC. However, only 83 residents (50%) reported having a formal IC. Program directors reported resident preparation for clinical training as "moderate" (median 3, interquartile range 2-3) on entering residency and "moderate" (median 3, interquartile range 3-4) after IC completion (P = .03). However, residents only believed they were "slightly" prepared (median 2, interquartile range 1-2) on entering residency and "moderately" (median 3, interquartile range 2-3) prepared after IC completion (P

Background: Elderly patients with vertebral hemangiomas are rare and might require surgery. Thus, the choice of surgery for these lesions remains controversial because of the rarity of these lesions. This study aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy of the intraoperative injection of absorbable gelatin sponge mixed with cement followed by spinal decompression to treat the elderly with typical vertebral hemangiomas. The risk factors for hemangioma recurrence were investigated through a literature review.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 13 patients with typical aggressive hemangiomas between January 2009 and January 2016. Of these patients, 7 were treated with spinal decompression combined with intraoperative vertebroplasty (Group A), and 6 patients were treated with decompression with intraoperative vertebroplasty and absorbable gelatin sponge (Group B). The general data and perioperative data of the patients were compared. Patients were followed up for at least 3 years, and postoperative complications and recurrence rates were recorded and compared.Results: All patients had typical aggressive hemangiomas. The average age of all patients was 64.4 ± 3.3 years. The preoperative data did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05). The blood loss of groups A and B was 707.1 ± 109.7 ml and 416.7 ± 103.3 ml, respectively (P = 0.003) (P = 0.003), and the average surgery durations were 222 ± 47.8 min and 162 ± 30.2 min, respectively (P = 0.022). The average follow-up duration was 62 ± 19 months, and no cases of recurrence were found at the final follow-up assessment.Conclusions: Multimodal treatment significantly alleviated the clinical symptoms of elderly patients with typical aggressive vertebral hemangiomas. Intraoperative absorbable gelatin sponge injection is a safe and effective way to reduce blood loss and surgery duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aberrant appearance of DNA in the cytoplasm triggers the activation of cGAS-cGAMP-STING signaling and induces the production of type I interferons, which play critical roles in activating both innate and adaptive immune responses. Recently, numerous studies have shown that the activation of STING and the stimulation of type I IFN production are critical for the anticancer immune response. However, emerging evidence suggests that STING also regulates anticancer immunity in a type I IFN-independent manner. For instance, STING has been shown to induce cell death and facilitate the release of cancer cell antigens. Moreover, STING activation has been demonstrated to enhance cancer antigen presentation, contribute to the priming and activation of T cells, facilitate the trafficking and infiltration of T cells into tumors and promote the recognition and killing of cancer cells by T cells. In this review, we focus on STING and the cancer immune response, with particular attention to the roles of STING activation in the cancer-immunity cycle. Additionally, the negative effects of STING activation on the cancer immune response and non-immune roles of STING in cancer have also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]