Radiology and radiation oncology considerations for transgender and intersex patients: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: In this qualitative study, we explored experiences of radiologists and radiation oncologists in providing clinical care to transgender, gender diverse (TGD), and intersex patients by asking about comfort level, relevant past training and training gaps, and clinical recommendations for TGD and intersex patient care. METHODS: A purposive sample of radiology and radiation oncology professionals (n = 16) from diverse practice settings were interviewed on a videoconferencing platform. Transcripts were auto-populated and checked manually for accuracy. Two coders used a mix of deductive and inductive coding to identify key themes. Member checking was conducted with interviewees. RESULTS: Participants reported major gaps in training, knowledge, and confidence related to all aspects of TGD and intersex patient care. Recommendations for improvements included training that encompassed key terminology, how to conduct a physical exam on TGD and intersex patients, radiology and radiation oncology adaptations for TGD and intersex patients, and care coordination among multi-disciplinary oncology team members and gender affirming care providers. Exposure to diverse TGD and intersex persons in personal and professional life contributed to higher levels of comfort among providers in caring for TGD and intersex patients. CONCLUSION: Gaps in knowledge and limited confidence characterized the sample. Training at all levels is needed to improve radiology and radiation oncology care for TGD and intersex patients.

Spectrum of injuries with "less-lethal" beanbag weapons: pictorial essay.

Beanbag weapons are gaining popularity with increasing daily use as a non-lethal or less-lethal alternative to traditional firearms. While these are considered "less-lethal," these are associated with a spectrum of serious injuries. We present a pictorial essay of these injuries ranging from mild skin contusions to more severe solid organ injuries.

An Aggressive Case of Mucormycosis.

Mucormycosis is an aggressive fungal disease that can occur in individuals with certain predisposing factors, such as diabetes mellitus and pharmacologic immunosuppression. An astounding aspect of this disease is the speed at which it can spread to surrounding structures once it begins to germinate inside the human body. This case involves a 24-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency room complaining of a headache after a dental procedure who developed fulminant rhinocerebral mucormycosis within days. The objective of this report is to shed light on how fast this disease spreads, discuss current management of rhinocerebral mucormycosis, and illustrate the subtle, but critical radiographic findings to raise clinical awareness for this life-threatening disease.

A phase I study of the combination of temsirolimus with irinotecan for metastatic sarcoma.

mTOR inhibitors are emerging as important anti-neoplastic agents with a wide range of clinical applications. The topoisomerase I inhibitor irinotecan is a potent DNA damaging drug, with a broad spectrum of anticancer activities. mTOR appears to enhance cancer cell survival following DNA damage, thus the inhibition of mTOR after irinotecan could theoretically show synergistic activities in patients. Both mTOR inhibitors and irinotecan have been used as single agents in soft tissue sarcomas with limited efficacy. We completed a phase I trial of the combination of the mTOR inhibitor, temsirolimus, and irinotecan in patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma. Seventeen patients were recruited. The Phase II recommended dose is 20 mg of temsirolimus and 80 mg/m2 of irinotecan administered on weekly basis for three out of four weeks. Most frequently encountered toxicities include cytopenias, fatigue, and gastrointestinal toxicities. Two patients (one with leiomyosarcoma and one with high grade undifferentiated sarcoma) had stable disease for more than 12 months.