Retratamientos endodónticos: una realidad que preocupa / Endodontic retreatment: a worrying reality

Las evaluaciones radiográficas de tratamientos endodón- ticos realizadas por graduados muestran un alto porcentaje de procedimientos incorrectos. Esta circunstancia lleva a la rea- lización de un elevado número de retratamientos ortógrados y retrógrados, con los inconvenientes y desventajas que conlle- va recurrir a una reintervención endodóntica. Es responsabili- dad de los profesionales, docentes y autoridades universitarias y gubernamentales revertir esta situación que afecta a la salud bucal de la sociedad. En el presente editorial se proponen di- ferentes alternativas para intentar modificar este preocupante panorama (AU)

Radiographic evaluations of endodontic treatments per- formed by graduates show a high percentage of incorrect procedures. This circumstance leads to the performance of a high number of orthograde and retrograde retreatments, with the inconveniences and disadvantages that entails resorting to an endodontic reintervention. It is the responsibility of pro- fessionals, teachers, university and government authorities to reverse this situation that affects the oral health of society. In this editorial, different alternatives are proposed to try to modify this worrying outlook (AU)

Reinterventions in Patients with Claudication and Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) present with claudication or chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI). CLTI patients have a more advanced stage of atherosclerosis and increased comorbidities compared to claudicants, and are at an elevated risk of major amputation and mortality after lower extremity revascularization (LER). However, the frequency of reinterventions for claudication and CLTI have not been compared. Our hypothesis is that patients with CLTI undergo more frequent reinterventions to prevent major amputation. METHODS: A single-center retrospective chart review of consecutive patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization (LER) for PAD in 2013-2015 was performed. Patients were stratified based on indication for revascularization into claudication or CLTI. Patient characteristics, outcomes, and reinterventions were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: There were 826 patients undergoing LER and 44% (N = 361) had CLTI. Patients treated for CLTI were more likely to be smokers (P < 0.001), to have diabetes (P< 0.001), chronic renal insufficiency (P< 0.001), end stage renal disease (P< 0.001), and cardiac disease (P< 0.001). CLTI patients were less likely to be on optimal medical management as reflected by decreased rate of aspirin (P< 0.001), ADP receptor/P2Y12 inhibitors (P< 0.001), and statins (P< 0.001) compared to patients with claudication. Patients with CLTI had significantly higher major amputation (3.7% vs. 0.2%, P< 0.001) and mortality (1.4% vs. 0.2%, P = 0.092) at 30 days. At long-term follow up, patients with CLTI had higher rates of major amputation (15.5% vs. 1.3%, P < 0.001) and mortality (37.1% vs. 18.1%, P < 0.001) compared to patients with claudication. There was a significant difference in mean follow-up time between the 2 cohorts (claudication: 3.7 ± 1.5 years versus CLTI: 2.6 ± 1.8 years, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the ipsilateral reintervention rate between the 2 groups (claudication: 39.6% vs. CLTI: 42.7%, P = 0.37) or the mean number of ipsilateral reinterventions (claudication: 2.0 ± 1.6 vs. CLTI: 2.0 ± 1.7). However, after adjusting for follow-up time, the mean number of reinterventions per year was significantly higher for CLTI patients compared to patients with claudication (1.4 ± 2.2 vs. .6 ± 0.7 intervention per year, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing LER for CLTI undergo more frequent reinterventions over time compared to patients treated for claudication. Research on reinterventions after LER should include reporting of the frequency of reintervention adjusted for the follow up period in addition to the reintervention rate defined as the percentage of patients undergoing reintervention.

The association between effectiveness of first-line treatment and second-line treatment in gastro-oesophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Population-based predictive factors for the effectiveness of second-line palliative systemic therapy in gastro-oesophageal cancer are not available. This study investigates the predictive value of effectiveness of first-line treatment for second-line treatment outcomes in gastro-oesophageal cancer in a real-world setting. METHODS: Patients with metastatic gastro-oesophageal cancer diagnosed in 2010-2017 who were treated with second-line therapy after disease progression on first-line therapy were identified from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients were divided into four groups as per duration of time to treatment failure (TTF) of the first line (0-3, 3-6, 6-9 and >9 months), and the association with overall survival (OS) and second-line TTF was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and two-sided multivariable regression models. RESULTS: Median OS since the start of the second line of patients (n = 611) with first-line TTF of 0-3, 3-6, 6-9 and >9 months was 4.0, 4.1, 5.5 and 7.1 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Median second-line TTF of patients with first-line TTF of 0-3, 3-6, 6-9 and >9 months was 2.8, 2.4, 3.0 and 4.5 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Patients with first-line TTF of >9 months showed a longer OS than patients with first-line TTF of 0-3 months (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46-2.47), 3-6 months (adjusted HR 1.88; 95% CI 1.47-2.39) and 6-9 months (adjusted HR 1.31; 95% CI 1.04-1.65). Results for second-line TTF were similar. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a positive correlation between effectiveness of first-line therapy and outcomes of second-line therapy in gastro-oesophageal cancer. Physicians should take duration of the first line into account when considering second-line palliative systemic therapy.

Analysis of prognostic factors for postoperative complications and reinterventions after open surgical repair and endovascular aneurysm repair in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE: A definitive treatment for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm considering age and comorbidities has not been identified. In the present study, we retrospectively validated treatment outcomes in Japanese patients and proposed the treatment strategy of open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data for patients undergoing EVAR or OSR between 2006 and 2017. Patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm were excluded. We examined post-operative complications, operative mortality, re-intervention and prognosis. RESULTS: Throughout the study period, 405 patients underwent EVAR and 176 patients underwent OSR. The percentage of patients with post-operative complications was 35.8% in the OSR group, compared with 13.1% in the EVAR group (P < 0.01). The operative mortality rate was 0.49% in the EVAR group and 0.57% in the OSR group (P = 1.00). With a multivariate analysis, age, hemodialysis, modified Frailty Index (mFI), and OSR were risk factors for post-operative complications. The 5-year re-intervention free survival rate was 63.0 % with hostile neck EVAR compared with 83.1 % with favorable neck EVAR and 86.1 % with OSR group (P < 0.01). With a multivariate analysis, hemodialysis, mFI, and hostile neck EVAR were risk factors for re-intervention. The 5-year overall survival rate was 51.9 % with hostile neck EVAR compared with 73.2 % with favorable neck EVAR and 79.0 % with OSR group (P < 0.01). With a multivariate analysis, age, mFI, and hostile neck EVAR were poor prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Age, mFI, hemodialysis and hostile neck anatomy are useful predictors of post-operative complications, re-intervention and overall survival, and could be useful for informing treatment selection between OSR and EVAR.

Frequency of pre-treatment may not increase the immune-related adverse events of RCC patients treated with nivolumab.

ABSTRACT: Nivolumab has shown good prognosis in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients previously treated with targeted therapy. We aimed to study irAE (immune-related adverse event) due to nivolumab and numbers of previous treatment lines in RCC patients. Between October 2016 and November 2019, 114 patients were treated with nivolumab as second- and later-line therapy. Among them, 110 patients with complete data were evaluated in this retrospective observational study. The primary endpoint was the relation between irAE and numbers of previous targeted therapies. Secondary endpoints were the relation of irAE with the duration of nivolumab treatment and with best overall response. For the primary analysis, proportional odds logistic regression was used to assess the effect of the number of prior therapies on the grade of any irAE as the ordinal variable. For the secondary analysis, binomial logistic regression models adjusted for the covariates were prepared to confirm the association between the incidence of irAE and the number of courses, number of nivolumab treatments and best overall response. Overall, 69, 66, 33, 13, 9 and 9 patients were treated with sunitinib, axitinib, pazopanib, sorafenib, temsirolimus and everolimus, respectively, prior to nivolumab. In total, 60 adverse events (Grade 1, 21; Grade 2, 21; Grade 3, 14; Grade 4, 2; not evaluated, 2) were identified in the patients treated with nivolumab. Ordered logistic regression analysis showed that the adjusted odds ratios of numbers of prior treatment for grade of irAE were 1.12 (numbers of prior treatment: 2 to 1) and 1.31 (3 to 1). Odds ratios of the numbers of nivolumab treatments and best overall response for the incidence of irAE were not significant. No statistically significant relations were found between grade of irAE and numbers of treatments prior to nivolumab. Patients treated with nivolumab should be closely monitored for irAE regardless number of previous therapies.

Real-World Treatment of Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Myeloma.

The continuous advances in the treatment landscape of multiple myeloma has led to the approval of several novel agents and their combinations that significantly improved patient outcomes. Despite their undoubtful effectiveness in the context of clinical trials, their impact on real-world (RW) clinical practice remains debatable. RW data on the role of novel agents and their combinations among patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma have confirmed the efficacy of proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and monoclonal antibodies. However, the magnitude of the benefit and the safety profile may differ among RW studies and between RW and pivotal clinical trials. Several variables may pertain to these observations and include patient selection, ethnicity, age, comorbidities, disease stage at diagnosis and at relapse, number of prior lines of therapy, disease subtype, presence of renal impairment, extramedullary disease, and cytogenetic abnormalities. All these contribute to a varying degree of disease and patient heterogeneity among the studies that may result in a differential treatment effect. The expertise of each medical center and the treatment setting in terms of availability and drug access are particularly important as well. Interestingly, RW observations may serve as proof of concept for designing novel clinical trials, as is the case with retreatment studies. In conclusion, clinical trial and RW data are complementary, and they should be considered to improve both clinical trial design and clinical practice.

Endovascular Retreatment of Previously Ruptured Coiled Cerebral Aneurysm Remnants Significantly Reduces Rebleed Rate.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of ruptured cerebral aneurysms by endovascular coiling is associated with a better neurologic outcome when compared with neurosurgical clipping but has a higher risk for target aneurysm rebleeding after treatment. We hypothesize that aggressive retreatment of coiled aneurysms will lead to fewer recurrent hemorrhages as compared with historical values of 2.3%-3.0%. METHODS: All first-time Guglielmi detachable coil-embolized cerebral aneurysms were retrospectively reviewed at a single institution from 2004 to 2015. Aneurysm retreatment after first-time embolization was recorded as well as time to retreatment. Retreatment at our institution is routinely performed for incomplete coiling with etiologies including incomplete initial coiling, coil compaction, and aneurysmal dilatation. Aneurysm rerupture was treated with additional coiling. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to evaluate embolization durability. RESULTS: There were 214 aneurysms that met inclusion criteria. Mean (standard deviation) follow-up was 2.74 (2.24) years. Aneurysms that were patent or recanalized were retreated. Mean (standard deviation) time to retreatment was 9 (9) months. Overall, 46 (21.5%) aneurysms required retreatment. Retreatment was performed for coil compaction/remnant growth, recanalization, persistent remnant, and rebleed. Two (0.9%) patients had recurrent aneurysm hemorrhage and both were treated with additional coil embolization. There were no new long-term neurologic deficits caused by aneurysm retreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Aggressive retreatment of previously ruptured, coiled cerebral aneurysms for persistent aneurysm patency reduces the recurrent hemorrhage risk to that historically seen in neurosurgically clipped aneurysms with minimal additional morbidity. This study validates a large body of literature demonstrating the significance of post-treatment aneurysm remnants and their association with recurrent hemorrhage.

Retratamento com surfactante em prematuros de muito baixo peso: preditores de risco e sua influência nos resultados neonatais / Retreatment with surfactant in very low birth weight preterm infants: risk predictors and their influence on neonatal outcomes

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess clinical predictors and outcomes associated to the need for surfactant retreatment in preterm infants. Methods: Retrospective cohort study, including very low birth weight preterm infants from January 2006 to December 2015 who underwent surfactant replacement therapy. Beractant was used (100 mg/kg), repeated every six hours if FiO2 ≥0.40. The subjects were classified into two groups: single surfactant dose; and more than one dose (retreatment). We evaluated maternal and neonatal predictors for the need of retreatment and neonatal outcomes associated to retreatment. Results: A total of 605 patients (44.5%) received surfactant; 410 (67.8%) one dose, and 195 (32.2%) more than one dose: 163 (83.5%) two doses and 32 (16.4%) three doses. We could not find clinical predictors for surfactant retreatment. Retreatment was associated to a greater chance of BPD in infants >1000 g (RR 1.78; 95%CI 1.30‒2.45) and ≤1000 g (RR 1.33; 95%CI 1.04‒1.70), in infants with gestational age<28 weeks (RR 1.56; 95%CI 1.12‒2.18) and ≥28 weeks (RR 1.50; 95%CI 1.17‒1.92), in neonates with early sepsis (RR 1.48; 95%CI 1.20‒1.81), and in infants not exposed to antenatal corticosteroids (RR 1.62; 95%CI 1.20‒2.17) Conclusions: We could not find predictor factors associated to surfactant retreatment. The need for two or more doses of surfactant was significantly related to bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar preditores clínicos e resultados associados à necessidade de retratamento com surfactante. Métodos: Coorte retrospectiva com prematuros de muito baixo peso, no período de janeiro de 2006 a dezembro de 2015, em uso de terapia de reposição de surfactante. O surfactante utilizado foi beractante (100 mg/kg), repetido a cada seis horas se FiO2≥0.40. Foram analisados dois grupos: dose única de surfactante e mais de uma dose (retratamento). Foram avaliados preditores maternos e neonatais para retratamento e resultados neonatais. Resultados: 605 pacientes (44,5%) receberam surfactante; 410 (67,8%) uma dose e 195 (32,2%) mais de uma dose: 163 (83,5%) duas doses e 32 (16.4%) três doses. Não foram encontrados fatores associados ao retratamento com surfactante. A displasia broncopulmonar (DBP) foi associada ao retratamento (p<0.01). A presença de retratamento aumentou a chance de ocorrência de DBP em neonatos >1000 g (RR 1,78; IC95% 1,30‒2,45) e ≤1000 g (RR 1,33; IC95% 1,04‒1,70), em recém-nascidos com idade gestacional <28 semanas (RR 1,56; IC95% 1,12‒218) e ≥28 semanas (RR 1,50; IC95% 1,17‒1,92), naqueles com sepse precoce (RR 1,48; IC95% 1,20‒1,81), e nos que não foram expostos ao corticoide antenatal (RR 1,62; IC95% 1,20‒2,17). Conclusões: Não encontramos fatores preditores associados à necessidade de retratamento. A necessidade de duas ou mais doses de surfactante está associada à displasia broncopulmonar.

RETREATMENT WITH SURFACTANT IN VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT PRETERM INFANTS: RISK PREDICTORS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON NEONATAL OUTCOMES.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical predictors and outcomes associated to the need for surfactant retreatment in preterm infants. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study, including very low birth weight preterm infants from January 2006 to December 2015 who underwent surfactant replacement therapy. Beractant was used (100 mg/kg), repeated every six hours if FiO2 ≥0.40. The subjects were classified into two groups: single surfactant dose; and more than one dose (retreatment). We evaluated maternal and neonatal predictors for the need of retreatment and neonatal outcomes associated to retreatment. RESULTS: A total of 605 patients (44.5%) received surfactant; 410 (67.8%) one dose, and 195 (32.2%) more than one dose: 163 (83.5%) two doses and 32 (16.4%) three doses. We could not find clinical predictors for surfactant retreatment. Retreatment was associated to a greater chance of BPD in infants >1000 g (RR 1.78; 95%CI 1.30‒2.45) and ≤1000 g (RR 1.33; 95%CI 1.04‒1.70), in infants with gestational age<28 weeks (RR 1.56; 95%CI 1.12‒2.18) and ≥28 weeks (RR 1.50; 95%CI 1.17‒1.92), in neonates with early sepsis (RR 1.48; 95%CI 1.20‒1.81), and in infants not exposed to antenatal corticosteroids (RR 1.62; 95%CI 1.20‒2.17). CONCLUSIONS: We could not find predictor factors associated to surfactant retreatment. The need for two or more doses of surfactant was significantly related to bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Rechallenge patients with immune checkpoint inhibitors following severe immune-related adverse events: review of the literature and suggested prophylactic strategy.

Patients with cancer who developed severe, grade 3 or 4 immune-related adverse events (irAEs) during therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors are at risk for developing severe toxicities again on rechallenge with checkpoint inhibitors. Consequently, medical oncologists and multidisciplinary teams are hesitant to retreat in this scenario, despite the fact that a number of patients may derive clinical benefit from this approach. Balancing such clinical benefit and treatment-related toxicities for each patient is becoming increasingly challenging as more and more patients with cancer are being treated with checkpoint inhibitors. In this manuscript, we provide an extensive overview of the relevant literature on retreatment after toxicity, and suggest prophylactic approaches to minimize the risk of severe irAE following rechallenge with immune checkpoint blockade, since treatment may be lifesaving in a number of occasions.

The Reintervention Index: A New Outcome Measure for Comparative Effectiveness of Lower Extremity Revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Reinterventions after lower extremity revascularization (LER) are common. Current outcome measures assessing durability of revascularization rely on freedom from reintervention but do not account for the frequency of repeated LER. The aim of this study is to compare the reintervention index, defined as the mean number of repeat LER, after open and endovascular revascularization. We hypothesized that endovascular procedures have reduced durability and increased frequency of reinterventions. METHODS: A retrospective review of the charts of consecutive patients undergoing LER for peripheral artery disease (PAD) in 2013-2014 by multiple specialties in a tertiary care center was performed. Patients were divided into open and endovascular groups based on the first LER procedure performed during the study period. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. Multivariable regression was performed to determine factors associated with reintervention. RESULTS: There were 367 patients (Endo = 316, Open = 51). A total of 211 patients underwent 497 reinterventions (reintervention rate = 57.5%, reintervention index = 2.35 ± 2.02 procedures [range 1-11]). Patients in the open group were more likely to be smokers (P = 0.018) and to have prior open LER (P = 0.003), while patients in the endovascular group were older (P < 0.001) and more likely to have cardiovascular comorbidities. On follow-up, there was no difference in overall or ipsilateral reintervention rates or reintervention indices between endovascular and open LER. Major amputation was significantly higher after open LER (19.61% vs. 8.54%, P = 0.013) but there was no difference in survival (P = 0.448). Multivariable analysis did not show a significant relationship between type of procedure and reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: The reintervention index provides a measure to assess the frequency of repeat LER. Patients with PAD, in this study, are afflicted with similar extent of reinterventions after open and endovascular LER.

Geriatric nutritional risk index as a useful prognostic factor in second allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Second allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has a low survival outcome and a high non-relapse mortality (NRM) rate which is a major obstacle to this treatment. We hypothesized that the status of malnourishment after first allo-HSCT as represented by the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) could be used as a prognostic factor to determine the outcomes of second allo-HSCT. A total of 108 patients with a median age of 42 (range, 17-69) years, who received second allo-HSCT for disease recurrence after first allo-HSCT from our institution, were included in this study. Low GNRI had a significant impact on NRM at 2 years after second allo-HSCT: 56.9% in patients with GNRI ≤ 92 compared with 27.5% in patients with GNRI > 92 (P = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, GNRI of ≤ 92 was the only significant factor for NRM (hazard ratio [HR] 2.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-4.56, P = 0.018). High-risk disease status at second allo-HSCT (HR 2.74, 95% CI 1.46-5.14, P = 0.002) and GNRI of ≤ 92 (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.02-2.82, P = 0.042) were identified as significant factors for overall survival (OS). A score of 1 was assigned to each factor, and the OS rate at 2 years after second allo-HSCT decreased according to the score: 53.0% in patients with score 0, 32.3% with score 1, and 2.5% with score 2 (P < 0.001). In conclusion, GNRI could be a useful predictor for the outcomes of second allo-HSCT. A prospective study in other cohorts is warranted to validate the findings of our study.

Multiple-dose versus single-dose gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist after first in vitro fertilization failure associated with luteal phase deficiency: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of multiple- versus single-dose gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) addition to luteal phase support (LPS), in patients with a first in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure associated with luteal phase deficiency (LPD). METHODS: Eighty patients with a first IVF failure associated with LPD were randomly assigned into single-dose and multiple-dose GnRH-a groups. In the second IVF attempt, patients in the single-dose group were given standard LPS plus a single dose of GnRH-a 6 days after oocyte retrieval. Patients in the multiple-dose group received standard LPS plus 14 daily injections of GnRH-a. Children conceived were followed up for 2 years. RESULTS: Pregnancy (67.5% vs. 42.5%), clinical pregnancy (50.0% vs. 22.5%), and live birth rates (42.5% vs. 20.0%) were significantly higher in the multiple-dose versus single-dose GnRH-a group. Patients in the multiple-dose GnRH-a group had significantly higher progesterone levels 14 days after oocyte recovery (35.9 vs. 21.4 ng/mL). No significant difference existed in the status at birth or developmental and behavior assessments of 2-year-old children conceived in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Daily addition of GnRH-a to standard LPS can achieve better pregnancy outcomes with a sustained safety profile in patients with a first IVF failure associated with LPD.

Prognostic role of alpha-fetoprotein in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with repeat transarterial chemoembolisation.

BACKGROUND: Repeat transarterial chemoembolisation (rTACE) is often required for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to achieve disease control, however, current practice guidelines regarding treatment allocation vary significantly. This study aims to identify key factors associated with patient survival following rTACE to facilitate treatment allocation and prognostic discussion. METHOD: Patients with HCC undergoing rTACE at six Australian tertiary centers from 2009 to 2014 were included. Variables encompassing clinical, tumour, treatment type and response factors were analysed against the primary outcome of overall survival. Univariate analysis and multivariate Cox regression modelling were used to identify factors pre- and post-TACE therapy significantly associated with survival. RESULTS: Total of 292 consecutive patients underwent rTACE with mainly Child Pugh A cirrhosis (61%) and BCLC stage A (57%) disease. Median overall survival (OS) was 30 months (IQR 15.2-50.2) from initial TACE. On multivariate analysis greater tumour number (p = 0.02), higher serum bilirubin (p = 0.007) post initial TACE, and hepatic decompensation (p = 0.001) post second TACE were associated with reduced survival. Patients with serum AFP ≥ 200 ng/ml following initial TACE had lower survival (p = 0.001), compared to patients with serum AFP level that remained < 200 ng/ml post-initial TACE, with an overall survival of 19.4 months versus 34.7 months (p = 0.0001) respectively. CONCLUSION: Serum AFP level following initial treatment in patients undergoing repeat TACE for HCC is a simple and useful clinical prognostic marker. Moreover, it has the potential to facilitate appropriate patient selection for rTACE particularly when used in conjunction with baseline tumour burden and severity of hepatic dysfunction post-initial TACE.

Repeated stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) using a non-coplanar mono-isocenter (HyperArc™) technique versus upfront whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT): a matched-pair analysis.

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an effective treatment option for multiple brain metastases (BMs). Modern mono-isocentric techniques allow the delivery of multiple stereotactic courses, in the event of intracranial failure. Nevertheless, limited data on effectiveness and toxicity have been reported in comparison to WBRT. Aim of this retrospective matched-pair analysis was to compare patients affected by limited BMs treated with multiple SRS courses using a mono-isocentric, non-coplanar technique (HyperArc™, Varian Medical System) to upfront WBRT. One hundred and two patients accounting for 677 BMs were treated with HyperArc™. In case of further intracranial progression, 44 treatment courses of 201 metastases in 19 patients, were treated by subsequent HyperArc™ courses. This population was matched with 38 patients treated with WBRT. The median BMs number was 4 (range 2-10) for HyperArc™ and 5 (range 2-10) for WBRT. Overall survival (OS) and toxicity were evaluated. The median follow-up was 9 months (range 3-40 months). The median OS was not reached (range 5-22 months) for HyperArc™ patients and 8 months (range 3-40 months) for WBRT patients, while the 1-year OS was 77% and 34.6% for HyperArc™ and WBRT, respectively (p = 0.001; HR 4.77, 95% CI 1.62-14.00). There was one case of radionecrosis. HyperArc™ is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of multiple BMs. In selected cases of intracranial oligorecurrence, further subsequent courses can be safely delivered with the same technical approach. Moreover, in patients with a limited number of BMs, SRS showed an improved survival outcome when compared to WBRT.

Effect and Tolerability of Same-Day Repeat Colonoscopy.

Purpose/Aim of the study: The main purpose of the colonoscopy is screening for colorectal cancers and diagnosis of colorectal disease The cost-effectiveness of colonoscopy directly depend on the adequate bowel preparation. Inadequate colonoscopy is recommended to be re-scheduled within 1 year. Re-scheduling is an economic and patient burden. Thus instead of re-scheduling, another strategy may be attempted. The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness and effect of the same day repeat colonoscopy after administration of an additional laxative dose. Materials and Methods: Patients with inadequate colonoscopy were enrolled in the study. The patients eligible for the enrollment were instructed to consume an additional laxative and scheduled in afternoon. The demographic data of the patient, the details of the index and repeat procedures were obtained by a questionnaire. Results: A total of 60 patients were enrolled in the study. The rate of adequate colonoscopy was 80%. Cecum intubation rate was 83.3%. There were no complications due to colonoscopy itself and additional laxatives. The polyp detection rate was 26.6%. The withdrawal time was 6.7 ± 1.34 min. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that same day repeat colonoscopy with additional laxative dose can be a safe and effective method for repeat procedure of an inadequate colonoscopy. The patients tolerated and were satisfied with the same day protocol. Quality indicators of colonoscopy such as adenoma detection rate and cecum intubation rate were achieved. Same day bowel cleansing method may be considered as an alternative way rather than re-scheduling inadequate colonoscopy for a later time.

Recommendations for Prevention of Drug Re-Exposure in Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Drug re-exposure resulting in Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare phenomenon and has scarcely been reported. With an aging population, polypharmacy, and a lack of a unified electronic medical record, standard recommendations to prevent or minimize the risk of re-exposure are necessary. We identified five patients, with diagnosis confirmed SJS/TEN, and determined the clinical characteristics and contributing risk factors leading to re-exposure. Polypharmacy, multiple prescribers, advanced age, medical illiteracy, retention of discontinued medications and self-prescribing all contributed to re-exposure in this cohort of patients. This case series demonstrates the potentially deadly effect of drug re-exposure, and the need for both streamlined and integrated medication allergy documentation systems. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(10):1049-1052.

Readministration of Platinum Agents in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Patients Who Developed Hypersensitivity Reactions to Carboplatin.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to carboplatin, a key drug for ovarian cancer patients, are problematic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of readministration of platinum agents (PTs) in recurrent ovarian cancer patients who developed HSRs to carboplatin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who developed HSRs to carboplatin were divided into those who continued to receive PTs in the following cycle (continuation group, n=24) and those in whom either the drug was switched to non-platinum agents (non-PTs) or chemotherapy was ended (discontinuation group, n=7). Outcomes were evaluated based on patients' medical records. RESULTS: The median survival time following HSRs was 28.1 and 15.4 months in the continuation and discontinuation groups, respectively (p=0.018). In the continuation group, a total of 155 cycles of PTs were re-administrated, and 50 cycles (32%) led to recurrent HSRs. There were no recurrent HSRs with a severity of grade 3 or greater. CONCLUSION: Continuation of PTs in ovarian cancer patients may contribute to improvement in their overall survival without severe recurrent HSRs.

Salvage Local Treatments After Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer.

CONTEXT: Whether focal therapy (FT) for prostate cancer (PC) jeopardizes outcomes from salvage treatments is a matter of debate still to be resolved. OBJECTIVE: To review the literature on oncological and functional outcomes and complications for available treatment options for recurrent or residual PC after primary FT. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We performed a nonsystematic search of PubMed for articles assessing relevant outcomes for salvage local treatment after FT failure using a manual search. When no evidence could be extracted for the FT domain, records dealing with recurrence after whole-gland ablation were considered. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Four retrospective series assessed salvage treatments after FT failure evaluating cases of radical prostatectomy (RP) and repeat ablation (sample size from 12 to 22 patients). The quality of the studies was low, with a high risk of bias. Other options are radiation therapy (RT) and whole-gland or focal repeat ablations, although these have only been described after whole-gland ablation. With some exceptions, including sexual function for RP, overall complications and oncological and functional outcomes do seem to be acceptable and are not much worse than those in the primary setting. Important limitations include the low level of the evidence and the absence of standardized criteria for FT, salvage treatment, and FT failure. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence shows acceptable outcomes for post-FT salvage options, although this is based on retrospective data. While it seems that FT has a minimal impact on salvage treatment results, prospective controlled studies are needed to confirm these preliminary data. PATIENT SUMMARY: We performed a literature search to determine the treatment options available for prostate cancer after failure of focal therapy and their outcomes. Options include radical prostatectomy, repeat whole-gland ablation, focal ablation, and radiotherapy. Overall cancer control, impacts on urinary and sexual function, and complications seem slightly worse but not markedly different compared to primary treatments, but high-quality studies are awaited to confirm these findings.