Dr. Keohane studies a range of medical issues, including the treatment of benign tumors like vestibular schwannomas using Gamma Knife radiosurgery, which is a targeted form of radiation therapy. He also investigates disparities in cancer care, particularly how racial segregation impacts breast cancer treatment for women. Other areas of focus include rare heart conditions related to tuberculosis and unique cases of cancer in children and patients with chronic diseases like Crohn's disease.
Key findings
In a study on Gamma Knife radiosurgery for large vestibular schwannomas, all 34 patients had tumor control, and 63% experienced significant shrinkage of their tumors.
Research indicated that Black women were 22% less likely to receive adequate breast cancer care compared to white women, showing significant disparities in access.
Using higher doses of radiation combined with chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer resulted in only a 3.8% failure rate in controlling tumors in patients with limited disease.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Keohane study breast cancer?
Yes, he investigates the impact of racial segregation on breast cancer care and survival rates, particularly affecting elderly women.
What conditions does Dr. Keohane research?
He researches benign tumors, cancer treatments, and complications from conditions like tuberculosis and Crohn's disease.
Is Dr. Keohane's work important for patients with children's cancers?
Yes, he has studied rare cancers in children, which helps increase awareness and improve treatment options for young patients.
Publications in plain English
Does Size Matter? On the Role of Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Large Vestibular Schwannomas as Seen in an Institutional Experience of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for High-Grade Tumors.
2023
World neurosurgery
Koffler D, Sidiqi B, Keohane M, Viswanatha S, Huang L +6 more
Plain English This study looked at how effective a treatment called Gamma Knife radiosurgery is for large vestibular schwannomas, which are benign tumors. Out of 34 patients treated, all had their tumors controlled, with about 63% of those treated with the main radiosurgery experiencing significant tumor shrinkage. The results indicate that this treatment is both effective and safe, and decisions about surgery should focus on patients' symptoms rather than just the size of the tumor.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with large vestibular schwannomas by providing a less invasive treatment option.
Racial segregation and disparities in breast cancer care and mortality.
2008
Cancer
Haas JS, Earle CC, Orav JE, Brawarsky P, Keohane M +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how living in racially segregated neighborhoods affects the quality of breast cancer care and survival rates for elderly women. Researchers found that Black women were 22% less likely to receive adequate breast cancer care compared to white women, and living in areas with more Black segregation reduced care for both Black and white individuals. However, segregation did not significantly impact mortality rates, meaning that while it affects care, it doesn't seem to change survival outcomes between Black and white women.
Who this helps: This information helps patients, especially Black and Hispanic women, by highlighting the importance of equitable breast cancer care.
Myocarditis and pericarditis with tamponade associated with disseminated tuberculosis.
2000
The Canadian journal of cardiology
Afzal A, Keohane M, Keeley E, Borzak S, Callender CW +1 more
Plain English This study looked at a rare case of tuberculosis affecting the heart in a young woman who had no signs of immune system issues. The researchers highlighted different ways tuberculosis can impact the heart tissues and emphasized that doctors need to be aware of this serious condition, especially since it can be treated with specific medications. Early diagnosis is crucial, as it can prevent life-threatening complications.
Who this helps: This helps patients with tuberculosis and healthcare providers treating them.
Differential lung physiotherapy using a double lumen tube in flail chest and refractory lung atelectasis.
1999
Intensive care medicine
Keohane M, Kannan S, George KA
Plain English This study focused on a method called differential lung physiotherapy, which uses a special tube to help patients with flail chest and severe lung collapse. The research showed that this technique effectively improved lung function in a patient who was not responding to traditional treatments. This matters because it offers a new approach to help patients with challenging lung issues breathe better and recover.
Who this helps: This helps patients with flail chest and lung collapse.
Left atrial myxoma presenting with embolism to the aorta.
1997
Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography
Ponduri K, Alam M, Keohane M, Jafri S, Paone G
Plain English The researchers studied a case of a rare heart tumor called a left atrial myxoma that caused a blockage in the aorta, a major blood vessel. They used a specialized ultrasound called transesophageal echocardiography to diagnose this condition, which had not been documented before. This finding is important because it enhances the understanding of how this type of tumor can lead to serious complications, which can help in timely treatment for future patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with heart tumors and their doctors in diagnosing and managing similar cases.
Cystic papillary adenocarcinoma of the submandibular gland in a child.
1996
AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology
Czarnecki EJ, Spickler EM, Keohane M, Roennecke W
Plain English Researchers studied a rare type of cancer called cystic papillary adenocarcinoma that developed in the submandibular gland of a 12-year-old boy. The boy had a 5-centimeter mass in his jaw that had been growing for 8 months, and doctors confirmed the diagnosis after a biopsy. This is significant because such tumors are unusual in children, highlighting the need for awareness and appropriate treatment options for this age group.
Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by increasing awareness of rare cancers in children.
Peripheral nerve blocks for paediatric day-stay surgery: one year's experience in a district general hospital.
1995
The Ulster medical journal
Keohane M, McAuley D, Ardill AC
Plain English This study looked at how well peripheral nerve blocks, a type of pain relief, worked for 200 children who had same-day surgery. The results showed that 86% of the kids had no pain after surgery, 9% needed a little more pain relief, and only 5% needed stronger medication. This is important because effective pain management can make recovery easier and faster for children after surgery.
Who this helps: This helps children undergoing day-stay surgery and their families.
A split laryngeal mask as an aid to training in fibreoptic tracheal intubation. A comparison with the Berman II intubating airway.
1993
Anaesthesia
Darling JR, Keohane M, Murray JM
Plain English This study looked at two tools, a split laryngeal mask and the Berman II airway, to see which one helps better during training for placing a breathing tube through the nose with a fiberoptic camera in 30 patients. Both tools were effective at allowing doctors to successfully insert the tube on the first try without causing a drop in oxygen levels. However, those using the split laryngeal mask had a higher heart rate after the procedure, indicating a difference in how the body responded between the two groups.
Who this helps: This benefits medical trainees and doctors learning how to manage patients' airways.
Small bowel carcinoma in Crohn's disease. Distinguishing features and risk factors.
1989
Cancer
Senay E, Sachar DB, Keohane M, Greenstein AJ
Plain English This study looked at a case of small bowel cancer in an 86-year-old woman who had Crohn's disease for 40 years, highlighting how long-term complications from the disease can lead to cancer. The woman experienced a late occurrence of cancer after a long period without major issues, but her diagnosis was delayed, resulting in a poor outcome. The findings show that Crohn's disease increases the risk of developing cancer in the small intestine, underscoring the need for doctors to find better ways to diagnose these cancers early.
Who this helps: Patients with Crohn's disease and their healthcare providers.
Pituitary-containing benign cystic teratoma arising from the uterosacral ligament.
1989
Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine
Heller DS, Keohane M, Bessim S, Jagirdar J, Deligdisch L
Plain English Researchers examined a rare case of a benign tumor called a mature teratoma found in a 56-year-old woman's body during surgery for ovarian issues. They discovered pituitary tissue within this teratoma, which is unusual since such tissue is typically located in the brain. This finding is important because it highlights that pituitary tissue can exist outside its normal location, expanding our understanding of how such tumors can develop and potentially affecting diagnosis and treatment in similar cases.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and medical professionals better understand rare tumor presentations.
Improved local control of thoracic disease in small cell lung cancer with higher dose thoracic irradiation and cyclic chemotherapy.
1987
International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
Papac RJ, Son Y, Bien R, Tiedemann D, Keohane M +1 more
Plain English This study looked at the effects of giving higher doses of radiation and a specific chemotherapy combination to patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Researchers found that using 6000 cGy of radiation alongside chemotherapy resulted in only a 3.8% failure rate in controlling tumors in the chest for patients with limited disease. This is important because it shows that higher radiation doses can lead to better outcomes, potentially increasing long-term survival for some patients with SCLC.
Who this helps: This helps patients with limited small cell lung cancer and their doctors by providing better treatment options.
Infantile hemangioendothelioma of heterotopic intrathoracic liver associated with diaphragmatic hernia.
1987
Human pathology
Shah KD, Beck AR, Jhaveri MK, Keohane M, Weinberg B +1 more
Plain English The researchers studied a six-hour-old baby who died during surgery to fix a birth defect in the diaphragm. They found a rare type of liver tumor in an abnormal piece of liver located in the chest, which was connected to both the left lung and the regular liver. This case is important because it highlights a unique combination of a congenital defect and a tumor that could help doctors better understand and treat similar cases in the future.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare professionals who care for infants with complex medical conditions.
Plain English This research paper describes a rare case of oat cell carcinoma, a type of lung cancer, that spread to the ureter, which is the tube connecting the kidneys to the bladder. The study highlights how unusual it is for this cancer to spread to this part of the body. Understanding such cases helps doctors recognize and treat similar occurrences in their patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with rare cancer cases and their doctors.
Edema of the lower extremities secondary to obstructive sarcoidosis.
1980
Angiology
Sweeney T, Ramsby G, Keohane M
Plain English This study focused on a rare case of swelling in the legs caused by a condition called sarcoidosis. The patient was diagnosed using special imaging and a biopsy, and it was found that treatment with steroids helped reduce the swelling. This information is important because it highlights how steroid therapy can effectively manage this uncommon symptom of sarcoidosis.
Who this helps: This helps patients with sarcoidosis and doctors treating them.