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Background This study reports early mortality and survival from colorectal cancer in relation to the pattern of treatments delivered by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting at a high-volume institution in England over 14 years. Methods All patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and discussed during MDT meetings from 2003 to 2016 at a single institution were reviewed. Three time intervals (2003–2007, 2008–2012, and 2013–2016) were compared regarding initial surgical management (resection, local excision, non-resection surgery, and no surgery), initial oncological therapy, 90-day mortality, and crude 2-year survival for the whole cohort. Sub-analyses were performed according to age greater or less than 80 years. Results The MDT managed 4617 patients over 14 years (1496 in the first interval and 1389 in the last). Over this time, there was a reduction in emergency resections from 15.5 per cent to 9.0 per cent (P < 0.0001); use of oncological therapies increased from 34.6 per cent to 41.6 per cent (P < 0.0001). The 90-day mortality after diagnosis of colorectal cancer dropped from 14.8 per cent to 10.7 per cent (P < 0.001) and 2-year survival improved from 58.6 per cent to 65 per cent (P < 0.001). Among patients aged 80 years or older (425 and 446, in the first and last intervals respectively) there was, in addition, a progressive increase in 'no surgery' rate from 33.6 per cent to 50.2 per cent (P < 0.0001) and a reduction in elective resections from 42.4 per cent to 33.9 per cent (P = 0.010). The 90-day mortality after elective resection fell from 10.0 per cent (18 of 180) to 3.3 per cent (5 of 151; P = 0.013). Conclusions Survival from colorectal cancer improved significantly over 14 years. Among patients aged ≥80 years, major changes in the type of treatment delivered were associated with a decrease in postoperative mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are often used for benign and Sm1 large non-pedunculated rectal polyps (LNPRPs), although other surgical techniques including transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS) and transanal minimal invasive surgery remain available. This review covers the role of pre-excisional imaging and selective biopsy of LNPRPs. Areas covered: Polyps between 2 and 3 cm with favorable features (Paris 1, Kudo III/IV pit patterns, and non-lateral spreading type [LST]) may have a one-stage EMR without biopsy and imaging, provided adequate expertise is available with other technologies such as magnifying chromoendoscopy. Higherrisk polyps (moderate/severe dysplasia, 0-IIa+c morphology, nongranular LST, Kudo pit pattern V or submucosal carcinoma, or those >3 cm) should have pre-EMR/ESD imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) ± biopsies and photographs prior to multidisciplinary team discussion. Expert commentary: In some centers, EMR and ESD are considered the primary modality of treatment, with TEMS as a back-up, while elsewhere, TEMS is the main modality for excision of significant polyps and early colorectal cancer lesions. Likewise, the exact roles of ERUS and MRI will depend on availability of local expertise, although it is suggested that the techniques are complementary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a systematic review conducted by the authors related to identification of biomarkers for diagnosing colorectal cancer and polyps. Topics discussed include detection of the cancer through fecal DNA markers, serum protein biomarkers, high positive predictive value (PPV) of immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) as compared to guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) and high cost involved in screening on the basis of biomarkers.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of mortality in western society with a 5-year survival of approximately 50%. Metastasis to the liver and lungs is the principal cause of death and occurs in up to 25% of patients at presentation. Despite advances in available techniques for treating metastases, the majority of patients remain incurable and existing adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy are only of limited effectiveness. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the metastatic process may allow us to identify those at greatest risk of recurrence and discover new tumour targets to prevent disease progression. It is now apparent that tumour stroma plays an important role in promoting tumour progression. A pronounced desmoplastic reaction was associated with a reduced immune response and has been shown to be an independent poor prognostic indicator in CRC and cancer recurrence. Determining the cause(s) and effect(s) of this stromal response will further our understanding of tumour cell/stromal interactions, and will help us identify prognostic indicators for patients with CRC. This will not only allow us to target our existing treatments more effectively, we also aim to identify novel and more specific therapeutic targets for the treatment of CRC which will add to our current therapeutic options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Background: b Up to 30% of patients with stage III disease have a recurrence by 5 years after "curative" surgery. The postoperative day 3 median neutrophil count of the patients that developed distant metastasis was 9.4(5.3-12.1)x10 SP 9 sp /L vs. 6.3(3.7-8.6)x10 SP 9 sp /L for the patients that didn't (p=0.048). B Conclusion: b We show some preliminary evidence, postoperative neutrophil count can be used as risk predictor of the development of distant metastasis in patients undergoing surgery for stage III rectal cancer, with a specificity of 90%, NPV81%. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose of Review: The incidence of non-melanomatous skin cancer (NMSC) increases with age and there are specific considerations regarding management of NMSC for the older patient population. Here we will review current data regarding treatment considerations and options for older patients with NMSC. Recent Findings: Hypofractionated regimens and high-dose brachytherapy may be non-surgical treatment options for older patients with NMSC. Other less aggressive strategies such as active surveillance can also be considered in some settings. Summary: Management of NMSC in the older patient population requires a thorough assessment of comorbidities, frailty, and life expectancy. Additionally, discussions regarding goals of care and quality of life (QOL) issues are especially important in this population. Older patients with NMSC in particular may benefit from a tailored treatment plan based on current available data rather than a broad application of general treatment guidelines for NMSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the condition of a patient with the occurrence of thymoma, myasthenia gravis and relapsing polychondritis. Characterization of relapsing polychondritis; Result of the physical examination of the patient; Impact of the administration of edrophonium chloride on the motor strength of the patient; Effect of thymectomy on the symptoms of myasthenia.

Focuses on the rehabilitation system for cancer patients in the United States. Statistics on the number of people with cancer history and rehabilitated; Emphasis on the need to increase effort by the rehabilitation agencies to reach out the patients; Provision of training at national and state levels and establishment of a national grant to serve cancer patients.