[Current standard treatments and future outlook for follicular lymphoma].

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common subtype of indolent lymphoma. Survival outcomes for FL have improved since the introduction of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab, and median overall survival has reached 15-20 years. However, FL is an incurable disease that subsequently progresses or relapses, and progression-free and overall survival tend to shorten with repeated relapses. For patients with limited-stage disease, radiation therapy is generally the treatment of choice and results in a median survival of approximately nearly 20 years. For advanced-stage patients with low tumor burden, watchful waiting continues to be the appropriate strategy at present. It remains unclear whether rituximab monotherapy might change this watchful waiting approach and result in a benefit from early intervention in patients with low tumor burden. For advanced-stage patients with high tumor burden, chemoimmunotherapy including rituximab or obinutuzumab followed by maintenance therapy is the standard treatment. For relapsed or refractory patients, treatment options such as chemoimmunotherapy, lenalidomide-rituximab, tazemetostat, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies, and CD3/CD20 bispecific antibodies are available or in development. This review presents current standard treatments, recent advances, and future perspectives on the management of FL.

Outcomes of Watchful Waiting Strategy and Predictors of Postoperative Prognosis in Asymptomatic or Equivocally Symptomatic Chronic Severe Aortic Regurgitation With Preserved Left Ventricular Function.

BACKGROUND: The optimal surgical timing for asymptomatic or equivocally symptomatic chronic severe aortic regurgitation with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction remains controversial. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two hundred ten consecutive patients (median age 65 years) with asymptomatic or equivocally symptomatic chronic severe aortic regurgitation and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% were registered. First, the treatment plans (aortic valve replacement or watchful waiting) after initial diagnosis were investigated. Then, 2 studies were set: Study A (n=144) investigated the prognosis of patients who were managed under the watchful waiting strategy after initial diagnosis; Study B (n=99) investigated the postoperative prognosis in patients who underwent aortic valve replacement at initial diagnosis or after watchful waiting. The primary outcomes were all-cause death in Study A and postoperative cardiovascular events in Study B. In Study A, 3 died of noncardiovascular causes during a median follow-up of 3.2 years. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, the survival curve was similar to that of an age-sex-matched general population in Japan. In Study B, 9 experienced the primary outcome during a median follow-up of 5.0 years. In Cox regression analysis, preoperative left ventricular end-systolic diameter enlargement (hazard ratio, 1.11; P=0.048) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter >45 mm (hazard ratio, 12.75; P=0.02) were significantly associated with poor postoperative prognosis. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, left ventricular end-systolic diameter >45 mm predicted a higher risk of the primary outcome (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Watchful waiting was achieved safely in asymptomatic or equivocally symptomatic chronic severe aortic regurgitation with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Preoperative left ventricular end-systolic diameter >45 mm predicted a poor postoperative outcome and may be an optimal cut-off value for surgical indication.

Pathological Assessment of Men with Grade Group 2 Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: A variety of treatment options are now available for men with localized prostate cancer (PC); however, there is still debate in determining how and when to intervene for Grade Group (GG) 2 disease. Our study aims to formulate strategies to identify men at risk of upgrading and having adverse pathological outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study includes 243 patients with GG2 PC that were treated with radical prostatectomy between 2015 and 2021. Patients on active surveillance, previous history of prostate biopsy, hormonal and/or radiation therapy prior to surgery were excluded from this study. A retrospective analysis was conducted using clinicopathological data obtained from medical records. RESULTS: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score were statistically significant variables for risk of upgrading. In men who had presence of composite poor outcomes, PSA, PI-RADS score, presence of extraprostatic extension and seminal vesical invasion on MRI, number of positive cores, percentage of high grade (pattern 4/5) on prostate biopsy and Gleason pattern 4 volume on biopsy were all statistically significant variables. Strategy 8 (PI-RADS 5 lesion or percentage high grade [Gleason pattern 4] on prostate biopsy grade >10% or >3 cores positive on prostate biopsy) had significant association to identifying the highest number of men with upgrading and composite poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the use of strategy 8 in treatment decision making of men with GG2 PC. Further validation of the use of this strategy is warranted.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of Brazilian patients with duodenal-type follicular lymphoma: a multicenter retrospective study.

Duodenal-type follicular lymphoma (DFL) is a rare subtype classified by the 5th edition of the WHO and international consensus classifications of lymphoid neoplasms, typically presenting as localized disease with favorable outcomes. This multicenter retrospective study examines 53 Brazilian DFL patients with a median age of 58.2 years (33-85), with males comprising 50% (n = 27). According to Lugano GI tract classification, 40 patients (75%) were stage I. Median follow-up was 2.9 years (range 0.1-11). Incidental diagnosis occurred in 28 patients (52.8%) during routine endoscopy; 24 patients (45%) presented mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Treatments included watchful waiting (32 patients, 60.4%), rituximab monotherapy (15 patients, 28.3%), radiotherapy (three patients, 5.7%), and chemoimmunotherapy (three patients, 5.7%). Three patients experienced disease progression; watchful waiting showed three spontaneous remissions. No deaths occurred during follow-up. This study, the first from Latin America, demonstrates a good prognosis across treatments, highlighting Watchful waiting's effectiveness.

MRI and active surveillance: thoughts from across the pond.

In the United States (US), urological guidelines recommend active surveillance (AS) for patients with low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) and endorse it as an option for those with favorable intermediate-risk PCa with a > 10-year life expectancy. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is being increasingly used in the screening, monitoring, and staging of PCa and involves the combination of T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted, and dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging. The American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines provide recommendations about the use of mpMRI in the confirmatory setting for AS patients but do not discuss the timing of follow-up mpMRI in AS. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) discourages using it more frequently than every 12 months. Finally, guidelines state that mpMRI can be used to augment risk stratification but should not replace periodic surveillance biopsy. In this review, we discuss the current literature regarding the use of mpMRI for patients with AS, with a particular focus on the approach in the US. Although AS shows a benefit to the addition of mpMRI to diagnostic, confirmatory, and follow-up biopsy, there is no strong evidence to suggest that mpMRI can safely replace biopsy for most patients and thus it must be incorporated into a multimodal approach. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: According to the US guidelines, regular follow-ups are important for men with prostate cancer on active surveillance, and prostate MRI is a valuable tool that should be utilized, in combination with PSA kinetics and biopsies, for monitoring prostate cancer. KEY POINTS: According to the US guidelines, the addition of MRI improves the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer. Timing interval imaging of patients on active surveillance remains unclear and has not been specifically addressed. MRI should trigger further work-ups, but not replace periodic follow-up biopsies, in men on active surveillance.

Adjusting to living with chronic liver disease among patients who continue regular healthcare visits for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance: A grounded theory study.

AIM: To explore patients' process of living with chronic liver disease while continuing regular healthcare visits for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance. METHODS: Semistructured interviews and participant observations were conducted in this qualitative constructivist grounded theory study. The participants included 11 patients undergoing regular hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance every 1-6 months for 2-30 years. Data were analyzed using coding, memo-writing, theoretical sampling, and constant comparison. RESULTS: The participants incorporated regular healthcare visits into their living cycle. The cycle's core comprised two categories ("inferring my liver condition" and "desiring status quo"). The cycle underwent a transition described by three phases ("seeking ways to live with my chronic liver disease," "being overwhelmed by living with my chronic liver disease," and "reconstructing my life to live with my chronic liver disease"). This transition involved adjusting to living with chronic liver disease while continuing regular healthcare visits. The relative importance of the cycle's core progressively shifted from "inferring my liver condition" to "desiring status quo." CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the transition phases of patients' living cycles in adjusting to living with chronic liver disease while continuing regular healthcare visits. Understanding the different phases in which patients are and the psychological impact of healthcare visits can help them look forward to recuperative actions. Furthermore, patients who have a sense of ownership experience loneliness because of regular healthcare visits. A support system including nurses as part of regular hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance should be established to help ease patients' sense of loneliness by utilizing their sense of ownership.

The Norwegian Watch and Wait study: Norwait for rectal cancer. A report from a failed study-a word of caution.

The paucity of prospective data on the subject of Watch and Wait for rectal cancer prompted the implementation of Norwait, a population-based study including rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant therapy. The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy of clinical complete response (cCR) and quantify the regrowth rates. Norwait was a prospective population-based observational study with ethical approval (2017/935) registered at clinicaltrials.com (NTC03402477). Residents of Norway with histologically proven rectal cancer located within 15 cm from anal verge were eligible following completion of radiotherapy or chemoradiation at seven hospitals. cCR was the disappearance of tumour and of any ulcer with/without the appearance of whitening of prior tumour site and telangiectasia evaluated at 12 weeks by digital rectal exam, and endoscopic imaging. The study aimed to include 100 cCR patients with regrowth rates as primary endpoint. The data are presented in crude form. Eighty-two patients were included in seven hospitals from 2018 to 2020 when the study was terminated. Fifty-one patients were included in six hospitals, whereas protocol violations were identified in one hospital, where thirty-one (rather than protocol-estimated 12) patients were enrolled. Amongst the 31 patients, there were only 2 with documented cCR. Of the latter 29, there were 16 with ulcer or persistent tumour, and 13 without any documentation of cCR. Of these, 23 underwent surgery with a delay up to 50 weeks. At median 54-month follow-up of 31 patients, there were 77% local regrowths (n = 23), 40% metachronous metastases (n = 12) and 23% deaths (n = 7). At median 54-month follow-up of 51 cCR patients, there were 53% local regrowths (n = 27), 14% metachronous metastases (n = 7) and 4% deaths (n = 2). Norwait admonishes a word of caution reaching beyond the inconclusive results of a population-based study jeopardised by serious violation to protocol and legislation for conducting safe research.

Watchful waiting to surgery in men with mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic inguinal hernia: an individual participant data meta-analysis of long-term follow-up of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Individual studies on men with mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic inguinal hernia who have opted for watchful waiting (WW) vary considerably. Furthermore, long-term data on such patients who cross over to herniorrhaphy is scarce. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched systematically from inception to 3rd April 2024 for long-term follow-up of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on men with mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic inguinal hernia. Individual participant survival data of cross over rates from WW to herniorrhaphy were extracted, reconstructed and combined. Secondary outcome was reason for cross over to herniorrhaphy. RESULTS: Long-term follow-up of three RCTs with 592 participants was included. A total of 344/592 participants crossed over to herniorrhaphy during a median follow up period that ranged from 3.2 to 12.0 years. The median cumulative cross over rate was 54.2% (95% CI 45.5% - 66.3%). The cumulative 1-year, 5-year, and 10- year cross over rates were 28.7% (95% CI 25.2% - 32.5%), 51.5% (95% CI 47.4% - 55.6%), and 70.6% (95% CI 66.2% - 74.9%) respectively. During follow-up, the most frequent reasons for cross over to herniorrhaphy were increased pain 198/344 (57.6%) and incarceration 15/344 (4.4%). CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable long-term data for patient counselling, indicating that while WW is a safe strategy for men with mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic inguinal hernia, symptoms would likely progress eventually, necessitating operative repair.

European society of clinical microbiology and infectious diseases guidelines for antimicrobial stewardship in emergency departments (endorsed by European association of hospital pharmacists).

SCOPE: This European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to support a selection of appropriate antibiotic use practices for patients seen in the emergency department (ED) and guidance for their implementation. The topics addressed in this guideline are (a) Do biomarkers or rapid pathogen tests improve antibiotic prescribing and/or clinical outcomes? (b) Does taking blood cultures in common infectious syndromes improve antibiotic prescribing and/or clinical outcomes? (c) Does watchful waiting without antibacterial therapy or with delayed antibiotic prescribing reduce antibiotic prescribing without worsening clinical outcomes in patients with specific infectious syndromes? (d) Do structured culture follow-up programs in patients discharged from the ED with cultures pending improve antibiotic prescribing? METHODS: An expert panel was convened by European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and the guideline chair. The panel selected in consensus the four most relevant antimicrobial stewardship topics according to pre-defined relevance criteria. For each main question for the four topics, a systematic review was performed, including randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Both clinical outcomes and stewardship process outcomes related to antibiotic use were deemed relevant. The literature searches were conducted between May 2021 and March 2022. In April 2022, the panel members were formally asked to suggest additional studies that were not identified in the initial searches. Data were summarized in a meta-analysis if possible or otherwise summarized narratively. The certainty of the evidence was classified according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. The guideline panel reviewed the evidence per topic critically appraising the evidence and formulated recommendations through a consensus-based process. The strength of the recommendations was classified as strong or weak. To substantiate the implementation process, implementation trials or observational studies describing facilitators/barriers for implementation were identified from the same searches and were summarized narratively. RECOMMENDATIONS: The recommendations on the use of biomarkers and rapid pathogen diagnostic tests focus on the initiation of antibiotics in patients admitted through the ED. Their effect on the discontinuation or de-escalation of antibiotics during hospital stay was not reported, neither was their effect on hospital infection prevention and control practices. The recommendations on watchful waiting (i.e. withholding antibiotics with some form of follow-up) focus on specific infectious syndromes for which the primary care literature was also included. The recommendations on blood cultures focus on the indication in three common infectious syndromes in the ED explicitly excluding patients with sepsis or septic shock. Most recommendations are based on very low and low certainty of evidence, leading to weak recommendations or, when no evidence was available, to best practice statements. Implementation of these recommendations needs to be adapted to the specific settings and circumstances of the ED. The scarcity of high-quality studies in the area of antimicrobial stewardship in the ED highlights the need for future research in this field.

Comparative analysis of upfront stereotactic radiosurgery and watchful waiting in the management of newly diagnosed vestibular schwannomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are benign intracranial tumors posing significant management challenges. This study aims to compare the outcomes of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and watchful waiting (WW) in the management of newly diagnosed VS, integrating findings from both retrospective and the pioneering V-REX prospective trial. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Studies directly comparing SRS with WW for newly diagnosed VS were included. Primary outcomes focused on hearing preservation assessed through the AAO-HNS or Gardner-Robertson hearing classification scales and tumor progression, with secondary outcomes focusing on neurological symptoms, and the need for further treatment. Thirteen studies encompassing 1,635 patients (WW: 891; SRS: 744) were included.While no significant difference was found in serviceable hearing loss at last follow-up (RR = 1.51, [95%CI: 0.98, 2.32], p = 0.06), significant differences favoring WW were observed in pure tone audiometry (PTA) (MD = -13.51 [95%CI: -22.66, -4.37], p = 0.004) and word recognition score (WRS) (MD = 20.48 [95%CI: 9.72, 31.25], p = 0.0002). Analysis of tumor progression indicated no overall significant difference in risk between SRS and WW (RR = 0.40, [95%CI 0.07, 2.40], p = 0.32), but subgroup analysis suggested a lower risk with SRS in certain contexts. The need for further treatments favored SRS (RR = 0.24, [95%CI: 0.07, 0.74], p = 0.007). No significant differences were found in tinnitus and imbalance between the two groups. This comprehensive analysis suggests no marked difference in functional hearing preservation between SRS and WW in managing VS. However, untreated tumors commonly necessitate additional interventions. These findings highlight the need for individualized treatment decisions and underscore the importance of continued monitoring. The study advocates for further prospective trials to refine management strategies for VS.

International Variations in Adherence to Quality Metrics for Locoregional Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Adherence to guideline recommendations can improve the quality of care for patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Our aim was to assess adherence to guidelines for locoregional PCa by international region. METHODS: The study cohort comprised patients diagnosed with locoregional PCa in the 10-country Movember TrueNTH Global Registry (n = 62 688; 2013-2022). We assessed adherence to four quality metrics: (1) active surveillance for low-risk PCa; (2) definitive treatment within 12 mo of diagnosis for unfavorable-risk PCa; (3) no staging imaging for favorable-risk PCa; and (4) staging imaging for unfavorable-risk PCa. For χ2 analyses, we combined the three most recent years of data entered by region for each outcome, with adjustment for multiple tests (p = 0.05 ÷ 4 = 0.0125). We also conducted multivariable logistic regression and temporal analyses. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: Active surveillance rates for low-risk PCa ranged from 85% in Australia/New Zealand (vs USA: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.042, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.740-1.520) to 14% in Central Europe (aOR 0.028, 95% CI 0.022-0.036). For patients with unfavorable-risk disease, the highest uptake rate for treatment within 12 mo of diagnosis was in Central Europe (98%; aOR 2.885, 95% CI 1.260-6.603), compared to 70% in Italy (aOR 0.031, 95%CI 0.014-0.072). The proportion of patients with favorable-risk disease who did not undergo imaging ranged from 94% in the USA to 30% in Italy (aOR 0.004, 95% CI 0.002-0.008), while the rate of imaging for unfavorable-risk PCa ranged from 8% in Hong Kong (aOR 65.222, 95% CI 43.676-97.398) to 39% in the USA (all χ2p < 0.0125). Regional temporal trends also varied. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: In this international study comparing adherence to quality care metrics for the quality of care for locoregional PCa, we identified regional variance, possibly because of regional differences in cultural attitudes and health care structures. These benchmarks highlight opportunities for interventions to improve adherence to evidence-based guidelines. PATIENT SUMMARY: Our study shows that adherence to recommended management goals for patients with prostate cancer varies greatly by global region.

Cost-Utility Analysis of Early Detection with Ultrasonography of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Study on a Korean Population.

BACKGRUOUND: There is debate about ultrasonography screening for thyroid cancer and its cost-effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of early screening (ES) versus symptomatic detection (SD) for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in Korea. METHODS: A Markov decision analysis model was constructed to compare the cost-effectiveness of ES and SD. The model considered direct medical costs, health outcomes, and different diagnostic and treatment pathways. Input data were derived from literature and Korean population studies. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated. Willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was set at USD 100,000 or 20,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to address uncertainties of the model's variables. RESULTS: In a base case scenario with 50 years of follow-up, ES was found to be cost-effective compared to SD, with an ICER of $2,852 per QALY. With WTP set at $100,000, in the case with follow-up less than 10 years, the SD was cost-effective. Sensitivity analysis showed that variables such as lobectomy probability, age, mortality, and utility scores significantly influenced the ICER. Despite variations in costs and other factors, all ICER values remained below the WTP threshold. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study indicate that ES is a cost-effective strategy for DTC screening in the Korean medical system. Early detection and subsequent lobectomy contribute to the cost-effectiveness of ES, while SD at an advanced stage makes ES more cost-effective. Expected follow-up duration should be considered to determine an optimal strategy for DTC screening.

Complex Management of Basal Cell Carcinoma in a Frail Patient.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in older patients and has low mortality. Surgical versus medical management is considered in patients with multiple comorbidities and limited life expectancy (LLE), where the risk-to-benefit ratio must be carefully assessed. Watchful waiting (WW) is a viable option for some patients with severe LLE when follow-up care can be provided vigilantly and frequently. Special consideration should be given to morbidity factors such as tumor growth, bleeding, pain, and social withdrawal that negatively affect the quality of life. We present the case of a 75-year-old male with a past medical history of multiple system atrophy, who presented with a BCC on the ear and face. We discuss the management of this patient and factors that may have led to the inappropriate use of WW.

Personalized Treatment Strategy in "Low-Risk Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance Candidates" Using Irreversible Electroporation: Prospective Evaluation of Feasibility, Morbidity, Functional and Oncological Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the morbidity, functional and oncological outcome of irreversible electroporation (IRE) as a focal therapy for prostate cancer (PCa) when used in "active surveillance (AS)" candidates refusing standard treatment options. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IRE was performed under general anaesthesia, and the transurethral catheter was removed one day after intervention in all patients. Pre- and post-interventional voiding parameters (measured by International Prostate Symptom Score Questionnaire [IPSS], uroflowmetry and post-void residue) were compared. Follow-up (FU) was observed over a minimum of six months, including oncological outcome (controlled by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, rebiopsy, prostate-specific antigen dynamic as well as the need and type of secondary treatment) and general functional outcome (International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire, satisfaction of the procedure). RESULTS: Twenty-four patients refusing AS or standard treatment with a median FU of 18.7 months were included. IPSS showed nine patients with mild, 12 with moderate and two with severe obstructive voiding symptoms pre-intervention (focal IRE). Median IPSS pre-IRE was 9 points, 8.5 (p=0.341) at six months and 10 (p=0.392) after 12 months, respectively. Pre-IRE maximum urinary flow (Qmax) (median: 16.1±8.0 mL/sec) and Qmax after catheter removal (16.2±7.6 mL/sec) did not differ significantly (p=0.904). Thirteen PCa recurrences occurred (54.2%). Out-of-lesion-PCa was found in 12/13 patients (92.3%), while 4/13 patients showed in-lesion-PCa recurrence simultaneously (30.8%). In one patient, there was an in-lesion-PCa recurrence only (7.7%). Six out of 24 patients (25.0%) received a secondary treatment. All patients were satisfied with the IRE procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Focal IRE underperforms regarding the overall oncological outcome and should not be offered as an equivalent therapy to established curative treatment strategies. Nevertheless, under a strict FU regimen, its lack of significant additional morbidity compared to an active surveillance strategy makes IRE a feasible alternative for low-risk PCa in highly selected patients as a personalised approach.

The effectiveness of glucocorticoid treatment in post-COVID-19 pulmonary involvement.

RATIONALE: Persistent respiratory symptoms following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are associated with residual radiological changes in lung parenchyma, with a risk of development into lung fibrosis, and with impaired pulmonary function. Previous studies hinted at the possible efficacy of corticosteroids (CS) in facilitating the resolution of post-COVID residual changes in the lungs, but the available data is limited. AIM: To evaluate the effects of CS treatment in post-COVID respiratory syndrome patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Post-COVID patients were recruited into a prospective single-center observational study and scheduled for an initial (V1) and follow-up visit (V2) at the Department of Respiratory Medicine and Tuberculosis, University Hospital Olomouc, comprising of pulmonary function testing, chest x-ray, and complex clinical examination. The decision to administer CS or maintain watchful waiting (WW) was in line with Czech national guidelines. RESULTS: The study involved 2729 COVID-19 survivors (45.7% male; mean age: 54.6). From 2026 patients with complete V1 data, 131 patients were indicated for CS therapy. These patients showed significantly worse radiological and functional impairment at V1. Mean initial dose was 27.6 mg (SD ± 10,64), and the mean duration of CS therapy was 13.3 weeks (SD ± 10,06). Following therapy, significantly better improvement of static lung volumes and transfer factor for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and significantly better rates of good or complete radiological and subjective improvement were observed in the CS group compared to controls with available follow-up data (n = 894). CONCLUSION: Better improvement of pulmonary function, radiological findings and subjective symptoms were observed in patients CS compared to watchful waiting. Our findings suggest that glucocorticoid therapy could benefit selected patients with persistent dyspnea, significant radiological changes, and decreased DLCO.

Active Surveillance for Low-Risk Thyroid Cancers: A Review of Current Practice Guidelines.

The indolent nature and favorable outcomes associated with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma have prompted numerous prospective studies on active surveillance (AS) and its adoption as an alternative to immediate surgery in managing low-risk thyroid cancer. This article reviews the current status of AS, as outlined in various international practice guidelines. AS is typically recommended for tumors that measure 1 cm or less in diameter and do not exhibit aggressive subtypes on cytology, extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastasis, or distant metastasis. To determine the most appropriate candidates for AS, factors such as tumor size, location, multiplicity, and ultrasound findings are considered, along with patient characteristics like medical condition, age, and family history. Moreover, shared decision-making, which includes patient-reported outcomes such as quality of life and cost-effectiveness, is essential. During AS, patients undergo regular ultrasound examinations to monitor for signs of disease progression, including tumor growth, extrathyroidal extension, or lymph node metastasis. In conclusion, while AS is a feasible and reliable approach for managing lowrisk thyroid cancer, it requires careful patient selection, effective communication for shared decision-making, standardized follow-up protocols, and a clear definition of disease progression.