CARLOS JUAN CHIESA, M.D.

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This study focused on using Yttrium-90 glass microspheres to treat patients with certain types of liver cancer, including intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, metastatic colorectal cancer, and metastatic neuroendocrine cancer. The committee recommended specific radiation dose targets to improve treatment effectiveness, stating that doses should be at least 400 Gy for radiation segmentectomy and 150 Gy for radiation lobectomy, with careful adjustments based on individual patient conditions. These guidelines are important because they aim to enhance treatment outcomes and minimize damage to healthy liver tissue. Who this helps: Patients with liver cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at a protein called Dbc1 and its role in fat cells during obesity. Researchers created special mice that lacked Dbc1 only in their fat cells and found that these mice became obese but did not show typical signs of obesity-related diseases, like diabetes or liver problems, unlike other mice. However, these fat cells showed increased signs of inflammation, indicating that Dbc1 might play a role in how fat cells respond to obesity. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and doctors working to understand obesity and its related health issues.

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This study looked at how the timing of a treatment using Y glass microspheres affects the control of liver tumors, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma. Researchers found that tumors treated four days after calibration had a better Tumor Control Probability (TCP) than those treated eight days later, with TCP plateauing at lower doses for the later treatment. This matters because it shows that treating tumors sooner can lead to better outcomes and reduces the risk of needing higher doses, which could cause more side effects. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver tumors and their doctors by improving treatment timing for better results.

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The study compared two treatments for patients with liver cancer who cannot have surgery: Trans-Arterial Radio-Embolization (TARE) using Y-90 glass microspheres and Drug-Eluting Bead Trans-Arterial Chemo-Embolization (DEB-TACE). TARE was found to provide more survival time—1.617 years with standard dosing and 1.823 years with personalized dosing—compared to 1.331 years with DEB-TACE, but it also cost more (around €32,400 for TARE versus €27,700 for DEB-TACE). Overall, TARE proved to be more cost-effective due to the better survival rates it offers, supporting the choice of this treatment for liver cancer patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver cancer by providing better treatment options.

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This study looked at the process of safely shutting down and removing a medical cyclotron, a machine used to create isotopes for cancer treatment, at the Italian National Cancer Institute of Milano. The researchers found that after the machine was turned off, certain areas of the concrete walls had high levels of radioactivity, which could take about 20 years to reach safe levels in some spots. This finding is important because it helps hospitals plan for the time and costs involved in safely decommissioning these machines, potentially saving them money and time. Who this helps: This helps hospitals and cancer treatment centers by informing them about the decommissioning process and associated costs.

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This study looked at the risk factors for a serious condition called placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in women who had a history of cesarean deliveries along with a condition called placenta previa or low-lying placenta. Out of more than 520,000 deliveries, 396 women met the criteria, and 108 of them were diagnosed with PAS. They found that the risk of developing PAS increased significantly with the number of previous cesareans; for example, it was only 5% for one cesarean but jumped to 63% for three or more combined with placenta previa. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers in managing and monitoring pregnancies at higher risk for PAS.

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In this study, researchers looked at how measuring the dose of radiation that tumors receive during treatment helps predict how long patients with certain neuroendocrine tumors, known as gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP NETs), can live without their disease worsening. They found that patients who received a higher dose after their first treatment had a much longer period without their disease progressing—over 45 months for some, compared to an average of 21 months for those who received lower doses. This is significant because it shows that personalizing treatment based on tumor dose can lead to better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and their doctors.

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Researchers created a new tool called the LASER Scale to help assess how well medical residents perform laser surgery, specifically in the throat area. This tool was developed through input from 15 specialists worldwide and focuses on important factors like safety and technique. The LASER Scale will help supervisors give better feedback to residents, which is crucial for their training and improving patient care. Who this helps: This helps medical residents and their trainers in otolaryngology.

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This study looked at how liver transplantation can help patients with a type of liver cancer that can't be surgically removed, specifically after they received chemotherapy and treatment called radioembolization to shrink their tumors. Out of 13 patients treated, only 4 were successfully transplanted after the tumors were stabilized, and all 4 are alive and cancer-free several months later. This is important because it shows that carefully selecting patients who respond well to treatment can lead to positive results from liver transplantation. Who this helps: This helps patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who are seeking treatment options.

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This study reviewed recent research to provide updated guidelines for using Y-90 glass microspheres to treat liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC). The team found it important to personalize treatment, leading to new recommendations for five common situations in patients with HCC that reflect the latest advancements in treatment methods. This matters because better guidelines can help doctors deliver more effective and tailored care for patients suffering from this aggressive cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and their healthcare providers.

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Researchers studied the best practices for a treatment called selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) used for liver cancer. They gathered expert opinions and identified 11 key factors that define what a "perfect" SIRT procedure looks like, with 80% of experts agreeing on most of these factors. This standardization is important because it can help improve treatment consistency and patient outcomes in the future. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients undergoing SIRT for liver cancer.

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This study compared two methods for diagnosing high blood pressure (hypertension) in young people with obesity: one based on specific cutoff numbers and another using age-related tables. They found that nearly 28% of youths were identified as hypertensive using the age-related tables (ESC-CD), while 23% were identified using the fixed cutoffs (HTN-CGs). The youths identified as hypertensive by either method were at increased risk for kidney and heart issues, highlighting that the table method helps identify more at-risk young people and supports early prevention of cardiovascular problems. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers diagnose hypertension in children and adolescents more effectively.

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This research paper discusses the use of patient dosimetry in nuclear medicine therapy, specifically for treatments involving radioactive drugs. The authors found that to improve patient care, there should be personalized treatment approaches based on how much radiation each patient receives, rather than using the same dose for everyone. They recommend more collaboration between medical centers, better training for healthcare providers, increased funding for research, and the establishment of routine methods for measuring radiation doses in patients to ensure safe and effective treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving nuclear medicine therapy by ensuring they get personalized and safer treatments.

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This study investigated the best waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) measurements to assess health risks related to obesity in children and teenagers aged 6-18 from different countries. The researchers found that the ideal WHtR cut-off for identifying increased health risks varies by region: it is about 0.50 for those in Europe and the U.S., and approximately 0.46 for those in Asia, Africa, and South America. These findings matter because they help in identifying children at risk for serious health issues across different cultures and countries, improving preventative strategies. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers working with children and teenagers globally.

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This study looked at how effective a new treatment called Lu-PSMA is for men with advanced prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy. The findings showed that 66% of patients treated with Lu-PSMA had a positive response in terms of prostate-specific antigen levels, compared to 37% for those treated with another chemotherapy drug. This treatment is important because it appears to be safer and more effective, providing hope for better management of a tough cancer. Who this helps: Men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

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This study examined two treatment options for women with a serious condition called placenta accreta spectrum: cesarean hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus) and conservative management (leaving the placenta in place). Out of 148 women, only 16.3% who had conservative management needed more than 4 blood transfusions compared to 59% of the women who underwent cesarean hysterectomy. This finding is important because it shows that conservative management may lead to fewer severe complications after delivery. Who this helps: This helps patients facing placenta accreta spectrum and their healthcare providers.

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This study focuses on how to treat liver cancer and liver metastases—cancers that start in the liver or spread to it—from colorectal cancer. It highlights that only 10-20% of patients can be cured with surgery or transplants, but a treatment called radioembolization has shown to be safe and effective. This method improves patient outcomes, leading to better response rates and overall survival, which is important in guiding doctors on how to best manage this complex condition. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver cancer and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a treatment for liver cancer called radioembolization using special glass microspheres. Researchers wanted to see if a detailed dose calculation method could lead to better results, but they found no real improvement, with only a moderate correlation in treatment effectiveness—measured by response to therapy—indicating that higher doses did not guarantee better outcomes. Specifically, they found a maximum correlation of just 0.43, meaning the results were not as strong as expected. Who this helps: This research is important for doctors treating liver cancer patients, as it helps refine treatment methods.

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This study looked at preterm infants who received different levels of amino acids in their nutrition during the first two days of life to see how it affected their phosphate levels. Researchers found that those who received a higher amount of amino acids (3 grams or more per kilogram of body weight) had a much higher rate of hypophosphatemia—77.5% compared to 53.8% for those given less than 2.9 grams. This is important because low phosphate levels can lead to serious health issues in these vulnerable infants. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers caring for preterm infants.

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This study looked at the connection between high uric acid levels and metabolic syndrome with fatty liver disease in children and teens aged 5 to 17 who are overweight or obese. It found that the risk of fatty liver disease increased significantly from 29.9% in those without either condition to 67.1% in those with both high uric acid and metabolic syndrome. Specifically, high uric acid was a stronger indicator of fatty liver disease than metabolic syndrome alone. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers working with overweight or obese young patients, allowing them to better identify those at risk for fatty liver disease.

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This study looked at the link between uric acid levels and early signs of diabetes (like issues with fasting glucose and glucose tolerance) in young people who are overweight or obese. Out of 2,248 youths aged 5-17, those in the highest group of uric acid showed a significant rise in problems like impaired fasting glucose and insulin resistance, with rates increasing dramatically. For instance, the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance jumped from third to fifth uric acid group, indicating a clear trend where higher uric acid levels are associated with worse glucose metabolism. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and health professionals working with overweight and obese youth.

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This study examines radioembolisation, a treatment for liver cancer that delivers radiation directly to tumors through blood vessels. Researchers found that recent advancements in the planning and execution of this treatment have improved its effectiveness, but there are still limitations that need to be addressed. Understanding these improvements and challenges is important because it can lead to better outcomes for patients with liver cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at women with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), a serious pregnancy condition, to see how their pregnancy outcomes differed based on having a condition called placenta praevia and a history of cesarean sections. Out of 249 women studied, those with both placenta praevia and a previous cesarean had worse outcomes, including a higher likelihood of needing a hysterectomy (53% vs. 21%) and facing more complications. This matters because identifying these risks early can lead to better planning and care for mothers and babies during pregnancy and delivery. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by informing them about risks associated with different pregnancy histories.

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This study looked at how remnant cholesterol levels affect the thickness of a specific part of a blood vessel in children and teenagers, which can indicate early signs of heart disease. Researchers found that higher remnant cholesterol levels were linked to thicker carotid artery walls: kids in the highest cholesterol group had more than twice the risk of this thickening compared to those with the lowest levels. This is significant because it highlights that elevated remnant cholesterol could be an early warning sign for potential heart problems in young people. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially children and adolescents at risk for heart disease.

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This study examined how specific genetic changes in non-coding RNA can cause serious limb deformities in humans. Researchers found that deletions in a particular area of chromosome 2 led to severe limb issues like shortened bones and webbed fingers in patients. In experiments with mice, similar genetic changes resulted in similar limb defects, confirming the importance of a newly identified RNA called Maenli in regulating limb development. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with congenital limb malformations and their families.

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This research looked at how often young people (ages 5-14) with obesity or being overweight have mildly reduced kidney function compared to those with normal weight. The study found that 7.8% of the overweight or obese youth had mildly reduced kidney function according to one method of calculation and 19.4% using another method, indicating a significant difference from only 3.8% of normal weight youth. This is important because those with reduced kidney function also showed higher risks for health issues related to heart and metabolism. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers by highlighting the need for closer monitoring of kidney health in young people with obesity.

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This study looked at the role of a protein called PLIN2 in children who are overweight or obese, specifically examining how it may relate to early signs of artery damage. Researchers found that children with excess weight had significantly higher levels of PLIN2 in their immune cells (63 overweight/obese kids versus 21 normal-weight kids), which was linked to thicker arterial walls, indicating early arterial injury. Understanding this connection is important because it highlights a potential way that being overweight may lead to future heart problems. Who this helps: This helps children with overweight/obesity and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the blood samples of children ages 6 to 11 to find out if certain substances in their bodies could indicate high blood pressure, or hypertension. Researchers compared the blood profiles of 26 children with high blood pressure to 26 healthy children and discovered 8 specific substances linked to hypertension. Notably, two of these substances, ethanolamine and another compound, showed strong potential for identifying children with high blood pressure, making it easier to spot this condition early. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers identify high blood pressure in children more effectively.

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This paper discusses how to improve the planning of nuclear medicine therapies in Italy, following European and Italian laws. It identifies that there are different types of therapies and suggests that some should always be optimized for safety and effectiveness, while others might not need it. The researchers emphasize that doctors should be allowed to adjust treatments based on existing data without needing extra approvals, which could lead to more personalized and effective care. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving nuclear medicine therapies.

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This research focused on creating a standardized method for calculating the radiation dose patients receive during liver cancer treatment using special beads (Y microspheres). The study found that it's important to check both pre- and post-treatment doses to ensure proper planning, as there can be big differences between expected and actual doses delivered to tumors; for example, it noted significant discrepancies in some patients. This is important because it helps doctors deliver more accurate doses, which can improve treatment effectiveness and minimize side effects. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing liver cancer treatments, ensuring they receive the correct radiation dose for better outcomes.

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This study looked at two different sets of guidelines for diagnosing high blood pressure in children and aimed to see if using the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines would identify more overweight or obese youth at risk for heart problems than the European Society for Hypertension (ESH) guidelines. Researchers analyzed data from 2,929 overweight or obese children, finding that 11% were classified as hypertensive under the AAP criteria, even though they were deemed non-hypertensive by ESH. These children showed higher levels of health risks like insulin resistance and heart strain, highlighting the need to rethink the ESH guidelines to better protect these young individuals. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers identify at-risk youth more effectively.

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This study looked at how high levels of uric acid (UA) are related to kidney function and fatty liver disease in young people with overweight or obesity. They examined over 2,500 kids and teens aged 5 to 18 and found that 46% of those with both reduced kidney function and fatty liver disease also had high UA levels. This is important because high UA levels might help identify young patients at risk for serious kidney and liver issues. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers better assess risks for their young patients with obesity.

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This study focused on creating a set of standard procedures for measuring how much radiation patients receive from a treatment called I mIBG, which is used for certain types of cancer like neuroblastoma and neuroendocrine tumors. The researchers laid out guidelines for collecting data and calculating radiation doses to ensure consistent and accurate assessments, recommending practices based on both recent research and expert insights. This standardization helps improve treatment safety and effectiveness by ensuring that all healthcare providers follow the same protocols. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing I mIBG treatment and the doctors who administer it.

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This study looked at the link between low muscle mass and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in overweight and obese children and teenagers. Out of 234 participants, those with the lowest muscle mass were 2.8 times more likely to have NAFLD compared to those with higher muscle mass. This is important because it highlights that children with low muscle mass may be at greater risk for liver disease, suggesting that monitoring muscle health could help identify which kids need more support to avoid serious health issues. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers working with overweight or obese youth.

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This study looked at a treatment called transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for patients with liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) using glass microspheres. Researchers found that the amount of radiation given to the healthy part of the liver is crucial; for healthy livers with bilirubin levels below 1.1 mg/dL, a dose of 50 Gy is safe, while for those above this level, a dose of 90 Gy should be aimed for. This is important because it helps doctors give the highest safe amount of radiation to target the cancer while minimizing harm to the healthy liver. Who this helps: This helps liver cancer patients by improving treatment safety and effectiveness.

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This study looked at how different imaging techniques in PET/CT scanners affect the detection of small tumors. Researchers tested four types of scanners using a special model and found that using advanced methods improved the ability to recover activity in small spheres: they could accurately detect 17 mm spheres with the best techniques, compared to just 22 mm with standard methods. This matters because better detection of small tumors can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: Doctors and patients with potential tumors.

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This study looked at young people aged 5 to 17 with normal and high blood pressure to see how their weight and health conditions were affected. Among the 2739 youth studied, 18.3% had elevated blood pressure, which was more common in those who were overweight and obese. Those with high blood pressure had higher body mass index and were more likely to have insulin resistance and fatty liver, but there was no significant damage to vital organs. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare providers and families of overweight and obese children by highlighting the need for monitoring blood pressure and related health issues.

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This study looked at the thickness of a specific part of blood vessels in children aged 6 to 16 and how it relates to body weight, fat around the waist, and signs of heart health issues. Researchers found that a thicker layer, known as carotid extra-media thickness (cEMT), was strongly linked to higher waist sizes (with a statistical measure indicating a significant connection) and related to inflammation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but not to cholesterol levels or overall metabolic syndrome. This matters because thicker arteries can signal potential heart problems later in life, highlighting the need for early intervention in obesity. Who this helps: This helps children at risk for obesity-related health issues and their doctors.

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Researchers studied a new imaging tool called anti-PSMAI-scFvD2B, designed to detect prostate cancer more accurately using a method called immuno-PET. They found that this tool was very effective at targeting prostate cancer cells, with 75-91% of the cancer cells showing a strong response, and the tool was able to clearly distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous tumors. This advancement could lead to better diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with prostate cancer, improving their chances of survival. Who this helps: This helps patients with prostate cancer.

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This study looked at how nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects kidney function in 230 overweight or obese children. It found that children with NAFLD had significantly higher rates of kidney problems, with 13.3% showing reduced kidney function compared to just 1.6% in those without NAFLD. The research indicates that having NAFLD is a major factor in kidney decline in these children, rather than their genetic risk factors. Who this helps: This helps overweight and obese children with NAFLD and their doctors by highlighting the need for monitoring kidney health.