DR. ERICK ALFONSO MAFONG, M.D.

Plain English
Researchers studied the long-term effects of a non-surgical treatment called electronic brachytherapy for patients with non-melanoma skin cancer. They found that after an average follow-up of nearly 7.6 years, only 1.1% of patients experienced a return of cancer, while 70% had some skin changes, like lightening of the skin in almost 66% of cases. This treatment is important because it provides an effective option for skin cancer patients with a very low chance of recurrence and manageable side effects. Who this helps: This helps patients with non-melanoma skin cancer looking for effective and non-invasive treatment options.

Plain English
This study compared two treatments for early-stage non-melanoma skin cancer: electronic brachytherapy (EBT) and Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). Researchers found that both treatments were very effective, with 99.5% of lesions treated with EBT and 100% of those treated with MMS not recurring after an average of 3.4 years. Most patients rated the cosmetic outcomes as good or excellent, with 97.6% for EBT and 95.7% for MMS, showing that EBT is a viable non-surgical option. Who this helps: This benefits patients with non-melanoma skin cancer who may prefer a non-surgical treatment.

Plain English
This research looked at how a new electronic brachytherapy system can be used to treat nonmelanoma skin cancer in a community dermatology practice. Over 15 months, 524 patients were treated, with only four cases of cancer returning after an average follow-up of 12.5 months, and most patients were very happy with the results. This method is a convenient option compared to traditional Mohs surgery, allowing patients to receive effective treatment in just four weeks. Who this helps: This benefits patients diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancer looking for effective, convenient treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at how different neurotrophic factors affect damaged motor neurons in adult rats. The researchers found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (97% retention of function) and neurotrophin-4/5 (99% retention of function) prevented the loss of important characteristics in these neurons after injury, while nerve growth factor and neurotrophin-3 did not help at all. This is important because it shows specific treatments that can protect motor neurons from damage, which could lead to better recovery strategies for nerve injuries. Who this helps: Patients recovering from motor neuron injuries.