Urinary biomarkers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and timing of pubertal development: The California PAH Study

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Urinary biomarkers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and timing of pubertal development: The California PAH Study via Epidemiology - Published Ahead-of-Print Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Few studies have evaluated the association between pubertal development in girls and PAH exposures quantified by urinary biomarkers. Methods: We examined associations of urinary PAH metabolites with pubertal development in 358 girls aged 6-16 years from the San Francisco Bay Area enrolled in a prospective cohort from 2011-2013 and followed until 2020. Using baseline data, we assessed associations of urinary PAH metabolites with pubertal development stage. In prospective analyses limited to girls who at baseline had not yet started breast (N=176) or pubic hair (N=179) development or menstruation (N=267), we used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression to assess associations of urinary PAH metabolites with onset of breast and pubic hair development, menstruation, and pubertal tempo (interval between onset of breast development and menstruation). Results: We detected PAH metabolites in >98% of girls. In cross-sectional analyses using baseline data, PAH metabolites were not associated with pubertal development stage. In prospective analyses, higher concentrations (≥ median) of some PAH metabolites were associated with two-fold higher odds of earlier breast development (2-hydroxynaphthalene, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, summed hydroxyphenanthrenes, total summed metabolites) or pubic hair development (1-hydroxynaphthalene) among girls overweight at baseline (body mass index (BMI)-for-age percentile ≥85) compared to non-overweight girls with lower metabolites concentrations. PAH metabolites were not associated with age at menarche or pubertal tempo. Conclusions: PAH exposures were widespread in our sample. Our results support the hypothesis that, in overweight girls, PAHs impact the timing of pubertal development, an important risk factor for breast cancer. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. View on Web

Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Induction chemotherapy of modified docetaxel, cisplatin, 5‐fluorouracil for laryngeal preservation in locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Induction chemotherapy of modified docetaxel, cisplatin, 5‐fluorouracil for laryngeal preservation in locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma via Head & Neck Abstract Background Previous studies have investigated the value of induction chemotherapy (IC) in organ preservation strategies for head and neck cancers. This study evaluated the effectiveness of sequential IC with radiotherapy as a laryngeal preservation strategy for locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma (LAHSCC). Methods One hundred and forty-two consecutive patients with LAHSCC were retrospectively analyzed who received three IC regimens from 2015 to 2019. Results In the TP (docetaxel plus cisplatin), TPF (TP plus 5-fluorouracil), and TPX (TP plus capecitabine) IC groups, there were 51, 29, and 62 patients, respectively. The primary tumor objective response rates were 51%, 55.2%, and 71%, and the 3-year survival rates with preserved larynx were 36.6%, 31.8%, and 51.2%, respectively (p = 0.03). There was no difference in overall survival and the adverse events were tolerable. Conclusions The TPX regimen displayed good efficacy and safety, indicating its potential as a therapeutic IC regimen for LAHSCC. View on Web

Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The management of metastatic neck nodes following induction chemotherapy in N2/3 classification hypopharyngeal carcinoma

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader The management of metastatic neck nodes following induction chemotherapy in N2/3 classification hypopharyngeal carcinoma via Head & Neck Abstract Background For patients with less chemosensitive neck nodes, poor prognosis after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) could be predicted and neck dissection is needed. Methods Ninety-two N2/3 hypopharyngeal carcinoma patients were retrospectively studied. According to response after induction chemotherapy (ICT), patients were treated with neck dissection followed by concurrent CRT (CCRT) (group 1), surgery plus postoperative CRT (group 2), or CCRT for primary and regional sites (group 3). Results Overall survival and disease-free survival rates of group 1 were significantly higher than group 2 (p = 0.038, p = 0.031) and group 3 (both p = 0.018). Regional control rate of group 1 was significantly higher than group 3 (p = 0.041). There were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 regarding local and regional control (p = 0.746, p = 0.302). Conclusions Neck dissection followed by CCRT is the best choice for patients with responsive primary but nonresponsive nodes. View on Web

Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland: Clinicopathological analysis of 146 cases from a single institute

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the parotid gland: Clinicopathological analysis of 146 cases from a single institute via Head & Neck Abstract Background Parotid lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC) is a rare malignant tumor. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological features of parotid LEC. Methods All patients clinicopathological information diagnosed parotid LEC from 2005 to 2017 were analyzed. Results A total of 146 cases of parotid LECs were identified. Of these, 126 (86.3%) were primary and 20 (13.7%) were secondary LECs. Patients with secondary LEC tended to have tumors with earlier TNM staging than those with primary (p = 0.031). The tumor cells in 87 (94.6%, 87/92) cases tested positive for Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). Cervical node metastases were present at diagnosis in 46 (31.5%) cases. Overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 97.0% and 90.8%, respectively. Older age was an adverse prognostic indicator for overall survival (p < 0.001). Conclusions Parotid LEC is associated with EBV and an increased rate of cervical node metastases. However, most patients, especially younger ones, have a good prognosis. View on Web

Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The management of metastatic neck nodes following induction chemotherapy in N2/3 classification hypopharyngeal carcinoma

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader The management of metastatic neck nodes following induction chemotherapy in N2/3 classification hypopharyngeal carcinoma via Head & Neck Abstract Background For patients with less chemosensitive neck nodes, poor prognosis after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) could be predicted and neck dissection is needed. Methods Ninety-two N2/3 hypopharyngeal carcinoma patients were retrospectively studied. According to response after induction chemotherapy (ICT), patients were treated with neck dissection followed by concurrent CRT (CCRT) (group 1), surgery plus postoperative CRT (group 2), or CCRT for primary and regional sites (group 3). Results Overall survival and disease-free survival rates of group 1 were significantly higher than group 2 (p = 0.038, p = 0.031) and group 3 (both p = 0.018). Regional control rate of group 1 was significantly higher than group 3 (p = 0.041). There were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 regarding local and regional control (p = 0.746, p = 0.302). Conclusions Neck dissection followed by CCRT is the best choice for patients with responsive primary but nonresponsive nodes. View on Web

Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Association between body composition and survival in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Association between body composition and survival in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy via Head & Neck Abstract Background Body composition may influence the prognosis of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. To find out the most crucial factors in this relationship, we explored the association between body composition and survival. Methods In this prospective longitudinal study, HNC patients who underwent radiotherapy (RT) from March 2017 to December 2018 were recruited. The association between body composition and survival was analyzed using Cox proportional hazard regression. Results Final analysis included 316 patients, with a median follow-up of 34.4 months. Multivariable analysis revealed that weight loss 6 months before RT and body composition changes during RT did not affect the survival outcome. However, patients with low appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) before RT exhibited poor overall survival (OS). ASMI before RT was an independent prognostic factor for OS. Conclusions Body composition loss was common during RT, and ASMI before RT independently influenced the survival outcomes of HNC patients. View on Web

Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Combined taxane, platinum, and cetuximab as a first‐line treatment for recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Retrospective study

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Combined taxane, platinum, and cetuximab as a first‐line treatment for recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Retrospective study via Head & Neck Abstract Background There is limited evidence supporting the use of taxane-based chemotherapy combined with cetuximab to treat recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC). This retrospective study aimed to explore treatment efficacy and safety in a first-line setting. Methods Fifty-nine patients received ≤6 cycles of combined cetuximab, platinum compounds, and taxane (median follow-up, 352 days). Kaplan–Meier survival curves were constructed. Results The median patient age was 54 years (23–75 years; 50 males and 9 females). The most common distant metastatic site was the lung. Patients received ≥2 cycles chemotherapy (33 [55.9%] received cetuximab, paclitaxel, and carboplatin; 21 [35.5%] received cetuximab maintenance; median progression-free survival, 7 months; overall survival, 12 months). The most common hematological toxicity was Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, which was successfully managed through growth-stimulating factors and dose modifications. No treatment-associated deaths occurred. Conclusions Combined cetuximab, platinum, and taxane is effective and tolerable in R/M HNSCC. View on Web

Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Recurrence risk stratification and treatment strategies of patients with stage IVa‐b hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Recurrence risk stratification and treatment strategies of patients with stage IVa‐b hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma via Head & Neck Abstract Background Optimal treatment strategies for patients with stage IVa-b hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC) remain controversial. This study aimed to examine the high-risk factors of postoperative tumor recurrence after surgical resection of HSCC and devise individualized postoperative adjuvant treatment (POAT). Methods Overall, 218 patients with stage IVa-b HSCC who received surgery as initial treatment and with negative surgical margins were evaluated. Independent risk factors of recurrence were identified, and survival outcomes were compared according to recurrence risk and POAT use. Results POAT significantly improved recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) only in the high-risk patients (p = 0.003 and 0.018, respectively). Compared with postoperative radiotherapy alone, postoperative chemoradiotherapy (pCRT) achieved significantly better RFS (p = 0.035) and OS (p = 0.048). Conclusions POATs are recommended for high-risk patients with stage Iva-b HSCC, with pCRT achieving superior outcomes. Regular re-examination after tumor resection is sufficient for low-risk patients. View on Web

Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Noradrenergic Add-on Therapy with Extended-Release Guanfacine in Alzheimer’s Disease (NorAD): study protocol for a randomised clinical trial and COVID-19 amendments

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Noradrenergic Add-on Therapy with Extended-Release Guanfacine in Alzheimer's Disease (NorAD): study protocol for a randomised clinical trial and COVID-19 amendments via Trials - Latest Articles Guanfacine is a α2A adrenergic receptor agonist approved for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is thought to act via postsynaptic receptors in the prefrontal cortex, modulating execu... View on Web

Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Prediction of R Status in Resections for Pancreatic Cancer Using Simplified Radiological Criteria

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Prediction of R Status in Resections for Pancreatic Cancer Using Simplified Radiological Criteria via Annals of Surgery - Most Popular Articles Objective: Predicting R status before surgery for pancreatic cancer (PDAC) patients with upfront surgery and neoadjuvant therapy. Summary Background Data: Negative surgical margins (R0) are a key predictor of long-term outcomes in PDAC. Methods: Patients undergoing pancreatic resection with curative intent for PDAC were identified. Using the CT scans from the time of diagnosis, the 2019 NCCN borderline resectability criteria were compared to novel criteria: presence of any alteration of the superior mesenteric-portal vein (SMPV) and perivascular stranding of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Accuracy of predicting R status was evaluated for both criteria. Patient baseline characteristics, surgical, histopathological parameters, and long-term overall survival (OS) after resection were evaluated. Results: A total of 593 patients undergoing pancreatic resections for PDAC between 2010 and 2018 were identified. Three hundred and twenty-five (54.8%) patients underwent upfront surgery, whereas 268 (45.2%) received neoadjuvant therapy. In upfront resected patients, positive SMA stranding was associated with 56% margin positive resection rates, whereas positive SMA stranding and SMPV alterations together showed a margin positive resection rate of 75%. In contrast to these criteria, the 2019 NCCN borderline criteria failed to predict margin status. In patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy, only perivascular SMA stranding remained a predictor of margin positive resection, leading to a rate of 33% R+ resections. Perivascular SMA stranding was related to higher clinical T stage (P = 0.003) and clinical N stage (P = 0.043) as well as perineural invasion (P = 0.022). SMA stranding was associated with worse survival in both patients undergoing upfront surgery (36 vs 22 months, P = 0.002) and neoa djuvant therapy (47 vs 34 months, P = 0.050). Conclusions: The novel criteria were accurate predictors of R status in PDAC patients undergoing upfront resection. After neoadjuvant treatment, likelihood of positive resection margins is approximately halved, and only perivascular SMA stranding remained a predictive factor. View on Web

Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.