DR. STEVEN WILLIAM CORSO, MD

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This study examined how some gastric cancer patients with high levels of a protein called HER2 respond to targeted treatments and why some of them stop responding over time. Researchers analyzed samples from 30 patients and found that many of them developed resistance to treatments, with one-third showing a change in their cancer cells that made them tougher, and others activating specific pathways that help them survive even when treated with targeted therapies. These findings highlight important mechanisms behind resistance, which can inform future treatment strategies to improve outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: This information benefits gastric cancer patients and doctors by guiding better treatment plans.

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This study focused on reducing the use of antibiotics in young infants with fever in emergency rooms. Researchers aimed to lower the percentage of infants given antibiotics from 46% to 36% and successfully reduced it to 33%, particularly for infants aged 22 to 28 days, where antibiotic use dropped from 86% to 43%. Importantly, no cases of serious infections like bacteremia or meningitis were missed during this initiative, showing that it's possible to safely reduce unnecessary antibiotic treatments. Who this helps: This benefits infants and their families by reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.

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This study examined how a protein called heat shock factor 2 (HSF2) influences the activity of genes in two cancer-linked viruses: Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Researchers found that when HSF2 was present, the viruses activated genes that allow them to move from a dormant state to an active, harmful one; specifically, increasing the expression of key genes by a significant amount when HSF2 levels were boosted. Understanding this process is important because it could lead to better strategies for managing infections and cancers related to these viruses. Who this helps: Patients suffering from cancers associated with KSHV and EBV.

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This study looked at how well certain biomarkers, AREG and EREG, can predict whether patients with gastroesophageal cancer will respond to treatment that targets EGFR, a protein linked to cancer growth. Researchers found that patients with high levels of these biomarkers had better survival rates when treated with the EGFR drug gefitinib, while those with specific KRAS mutations did not benefit from this treatment. This discovery is important because it helps identify patients who are more likely to respond to a low-toxicity therapy. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with gastroesophageal cancer and their doctors by guiding treatment decisions.

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This study looked at gastric cancer, a type of cancer that is particularly deadly and hard to treat. Researchers explored new models to better understand the disease and to test new treatments, such as immunotherapies and cutting-edge drug combinations. They found that while previous trials often failed, recent advancements in treatment strategies show promise for improving patient outcomes through personalized care. Who this helps: This helps patients with gastric cancer by providing more targeted and effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how different mutations of the KRAS gene affect gastric cancer, focusing on a rare mutation called A146T compared to more common ones. They found that cells with the A146T mutation responded better to a specific cancer drug called Trametinib than cells with the more common mutations, but required an additional treatment to work effectively in some cases. Understanding these mutations can help create better and longer-lasting therapies for gastric cancer patients. Who this helps: Patients with gastric cancer, especially those with KRAS mutations.

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This study looked at a gene called ARID1A, which is often mutated in tumors. Researchers found that when ARID1A is lost, it leads to DNA damage, a strong immune response, and chronic inflammation, all of which contribute to tumor formation. Specifically, tumors formed after losing ARID1A showed increased genomic instability and may be more aggressive and resistant to the immune system. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with tumors caused by ARID1A mutations and helps doctors understand how these tumors develop and behave.

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This study looked at how SMAD3, a protein involved in cell signaling, affects the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin in treating esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Researchers found that patients who didn't respond to chemotherapy had higher levels of SMAD3, and when they blocked SMAD3 while using oxaliplatin in lab models, it significantly reduced tumor size. Blocking SMAD3 worked by increasing DNA damage in cancer cells, making it harder for them to repair themselves. Who this helps: This helps patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma who are not responding to current treatments.

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This study focused on reducing the number of lumbar punctures (LPs)—a procedure to collect spinal fluid—in febrile infants aged 22 to 28 days old in emergency departments. The researchers found that after implementing a new education and support system, the rate of LPs dropped from 87% to 44% within a year, without affecting the quality of care. This is important because it shows that unnecessary medical procedures can be reduced while still keeping patient safety intact. Who this helps: This benefits infants and their parents, by minimizing invasive procedures and ensuring more targeted care.

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The JACOB trial studied how well certain treatments work for patients with a type of stomach cancer that has high levels of HER2. It found that adding pertuzumab to standard therapy improved survival by just 3.3 months. However, patients with high HER2 levels were more likely to have a better response to treatment, with those having high HER2 copy numbers living an average of 20.3 months compared to 13.0 months for those with lower levels. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with HER2-positive gastric cancer by identifying which individuals might respond better to therapies.

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This study looked at HER2-positive gastric cancer, a tough-to-treat type of cancer, and focused on a specific protein called fatty acid synthase (FASN), which appears to help cancer cells survive against standard treatments. Researchers found that when compared to standard 2D cell cultures, FASN levels were higher in 3D cultures of cancer cells, and targeting both HER2 and FASN together made treatments more effective by reducing cancer stem cells by a significant amount and slowing tumor growth in resistant cases. This matters because it offers a new treatment approach for patients who no longer respond to standard HER2 therapies. Who this helps: Patients with HER2-positive gastric cancer, especially those resistant to current treatments.

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This study looked at gastric cancer patients to see if a type of treatment called PARP inhibitors could help those with specific genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA2 gene. It found that about 7% to 12% of these cancers show a genetic weakness that could make them sensitive to this treatment. In tests, tumors with BRCA2 mutations responded well to the drug olaparib, which could improve treatment options for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with gastric cancer who have BRCA2 mutations or a high HRD score.

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This study looked at how a professional development course on transcription affects the skills and confidence of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who work with children who have speech sound disorders. After taking the course, the number of SLPs who felt confident in their transcription abilities rose from about 37% to 68%, while their accuracy in transcribing speech sounds remained high at around 89%. This matters because helping these professionals feel more confident can improve their ability to support children with speech issues. Who this helps: This helps speech-language pathologists improve their skills and confidence.

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This study looked at a new treatment strategy using two drugs, clofarabine and pictilisib, for patients with gastric cancer, a type of cancer that often does not respond well to standard treatments. The researchers found that combining these two drugs led to a significant increase in cancer cell death and inhibited tumor growth, resulting in better survival rates. In experiments, the combination showed more effectiveness than using either drug alone, with important results indicating a stronger impact on cancer cells. Who this helps: This helps patients with gastric cancer by providing a potentially more effective treatment option.

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This study looked at how the care and treatment of women with endometrial cancer changed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, using data from 54 medical centers in Italy. Researchers found that the number of women treated dropped from 2,718 before the pandemic to 2,446 during it, and while fewer patients had surgery without checking lymph nodes (27.3% to 21.2%), more received sentinel node mapping (46.7% to 52.8%) and overall use of additional therapy increased (from 50.4% to 44.7% without adjuvant therapy). This matters because it shows that the pandemic disrupted normal cancer care, revealing the need for improved healthcare services during such crises. Who this helps: This helps patients with endometrial cancer by highlighting changes in their treatment during the pandemic.

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This study focused on creating advanced foam materials that can detect pressure using tiny silver particles. Researchers managed to cover a special silicone foam with these particles in a way that allowed them to adjust the sensitivity of the foam to pressure changes, achieving improvements in detection capability by up to 1,000 times. The new flexible sensors developed from this process can sense pressure changes as low as 25 Pa and were successfully tested to track a heartbeat in real-time. Who this helps: This helps patients who require continuous health monitoring, doctors, and developers of wearable medical devices.

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This research focused on a new treatment called hOA-DN30, which is an engineered antibody designed to target and block a specific receptor involved in certain types of cancer known as "MET-addicted" cancers. The study found that hOA-DN30 significantly reduced tumor size in mice, achieving complete tumor regression in models using human gastric cancer cells that rely on the MET receptor. This is important because it shows promising potential for effectively treating these aggressive cancers with minimal side effects. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients with MET-addicted tumors and their doctors by providing a new treatment option.

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This research paper focuses on a type of cell known as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their role in helping tumors resist targeted cancer therapies. It highlights that CAFs not only support tumor growth but also contribute to the failure of these therapies, which is a major problem in treatment. The study emphasizes the need for new strategies aimed at targeting CAFs to improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments and ultimately enhance patient survival. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and doctors by providing insights for better treatment approaches.

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This study focused on stomach and gastroesophageal cancers, which are significant causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Researchers examined nearly 10,000 patients and found that when certain genetic changes occur in tumors, patients respond better to treatments that block the EGFR protein. Specifically, combining two types of EGFR-targeting drugs led to better results than using them alone, and using an additional drug to tackle resistance improved treatment effectiveness for some patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas, providing them with new options for treatment.

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The study focused on a specific type of gastric cancer called microsatellite unstable (MSI) gastric cancer, which tends to have better survival rates after surgery compared to other types. The research highlighted that these tumors are more likely to respond well to immune therapies, but their reactions to chemotherapy can vary, with some conflicting results. Understanding these differences is crucial because it helps doctors choose the best treatment options for patients with this type of cancer. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with gastric cancer and their doctors by guiding treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how different treatments can help patients with a specific type of stomach cancer that has a lot of a protein called HER2. The researchers found that while the standard treatment, trastuzumab, only worked for 2 out of 8 cases, using a combination of trastuzumab with other drugs helped 5 out of 8 patients achieve strong and lasting results. This is important because it shows that more intensive treatment strategies can be more effective for some patients, meaning they may have a better chance of improved outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with HER2-driven gastric cancer who have not benefited from standard treatments.

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This study looked at whether new targeted drugs added to standard chemotherapy could improve survival for patients with advanced stomach cancer. Researchers found that out of 4,223 patients in eight trials, the survival rates and tumor response between the new therapies and regular chemotherapy were about the same, indicating little to no added benefit. These findings are important because they reveal that the currently approved molecular therapies do not significantly improve outcomes for this type of cancer, highlighting issues with patient selection in trials. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers understand the effectiveness of treatments for stomach cancer patients.

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This research reviewed various studies on a specific type of cancer model used for gastric cancer, known as Patient-Derived Orthotopic Xenografts (PDOXs). Out of ten studies analyzed, only 70% used actual cancer tissue from patients, and while about 40% of the models showed spread of cancer to other areas, many studies lacked important information about how effective these models really are. This is important because better models will help in testing new treatments for gastric cancer more accurately and effectively. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on gastric cancer treatments.

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This paper focused on studying a specific variation of the HER2 gene (called d16HER2) in HER2-positive cancers, such as some breast and gastric cancers. The researchers found that this d16HER2 variant is expressed in a significant number of these cancer cases, specifically noting that about 20% of the HER2-positive breast cancer samples showed this variant. Understanding the presence of this variant is crucial because it may influence how these cancers respond to treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with HER2-positive cancers and their doctors in tailoring more effective treatment plans.

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This study examined how certain melanoma cells, which rely on a mutated gene called BRAF for growth, develop resistance to treatment designed to target that gene. Researchers found that a protein called Galectin-1 increases in these resistant cells and helps them avoid the effects of therapy by boosting another protein, Neuropilin-1, which in turn supports the cancer's survival. Importantly, using drugs that block Galectin-1 and Neuropilin-1 together made these resistant melanoma cells respond again to BRAF-targeted treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with melanoma whose tumors have become resistant to initial BRAF-targeted therapies.

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This study looked at models of cancer that come directly from patients, instead of using older methods that grow cancer cells in labs for a long time. Researchers found that patient-derived models provide more accurate representations of tumors, which is important for developing better treatments. Using these models could lead to improvements in cancer therapies, making them more effective and personalized for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients by potentially leading to more effective and tailored cancer treatments.

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This study looked at a specific form of the HER2 gene called d16HER2, which is linked to more aggressive HER2-positive cancers, especially breast, gastric, and colorectal cancers. The researchers found that high levels of d16HER2 are particularly present in HER2-positive gastric and colorectal cancers, and patients with increased d16HER2 levels tend to respond better to treatment with trastuzumab, with some benefiting for over 12 months. This matters because measuring d16HER2 can help doctors identify which patients are most likely to respond to HER2-targeted therapies. Who this helps: Patients with HER2-positive gastric and colorectal cancers.

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This study focused on high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer, analyzing tumor samples from 24 patients before and after chemotherapy. Researchers identified two important genomic regions, 3q26.2 and 8q24.3, that showed repeated changes linked to the cancer's development. This finding is significant as it helps clarify the biological factors contributing to this aggressive cancer, potentially leading to better treatments in the future. Who this helps: Patients with high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer.

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This research focused on creating a vast collection of models for stomach cancer that accurately represent the disease found in patients. The study found 100 patient-derived cancer models that maintain the key features of the original tumors, revealing a specific genetic signature linked to better outcomes for some patients. This is important because it can help doctors identify new treatment targets and improve therapies for stomach cancer. Who this helps: Patients with gastric cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at the results of robotic surgery on obese patients undergoing hysterectomy due to endometrial cancer or hyperplasia. Researchers found that out of 87 patients, the average BMI was 36, the surgery took about 114 minutes, and importantly, all patients survived with no major complications reported, even though some had multiple health issues. These results show that robotic surgery can be a safe option for morbidly obese patients, despite some challenges related to their weight. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with high BMI who require surgery, as well as the doctors treating them.

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This study focused on understanding why some patients with HER2-positive metastatic gastric cancer don't respond to trastuzumab, a common treatment. Researchers found that a specific set of genetic changes (called the AMNESIA panel) was present in 55% of the treatment-resistant patients but not in any of those who responded to the drug. Patients without these genetic changes lived longer, averaging 5.2 months without disease progression compared to 2.6 months for those with resistance markers. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and cancer patients by helping them better predict treatment outcomes.

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Researchers studied how often gastric cancer samples implanted in mice developed human B-cell lymphomas instead of gastric cancer. They found that over 30% of the samples turned into lymphomas, which were linked to a certain virus (EBV) and had different genetic traits from gastric cancer. The study showed that giving the mice a short treatment with rituximab, a cancer drug, effectively prevented lymphoma development without affecting the original gastric cancer growth, which is important for accurately testing new treatments. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and clinicians working on gastric cancer treatments by ensuring that their test results are reliable.

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This study looked at how cancer cells adapt to drug treatments by changing their metabolism. When treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), cancer cells produced more lactate, which then led to the production of a protein called HGF that helped the cancer cells resist these drugs. Specifically, they found that this resistance mechanism was present in lung cancer patients who had stopped responding to EGFR TKIs. Who this helps: This research benefits lung cancer patients and their doctors by providing insights into drug resistance that can inform more effective treatment strategies.

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This study compared the costs of three types of hysterectomy: robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and open surgery, all performed by the same surgeon in Italy. They found that robotic surgery was significantly more expensive, costing about €4,695 on average per patient, compared to €2,053 for laparoscopic surgery and €2,846 for open surgery. While robotic surgery may offer benefits like a shorter hospital stay, the high cost of robotic tools makes it a less economical choice overall. Who this helps: This information helps patients and doctors decide on the best surgical options based on cost and effectiveness.

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This study looked at how combining two types of cancer therapies—MET and EGFR inhibitors—can treat a specific group of aggressive gastroesophageal cancers that have a high level of the MET gene (found in 2-4% of these cancers). The researchers discovered that while using just the MET inhibitor slowed tumor growth, using both MET and EGFR inhibitors led to complete tumor disappearance and prevented the cancer from becoming resistant to treatment. This is important because it offers a new, more effective treatment strategy for patients with this challenging type of cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with MET-amplified gastroesophageal cancer by providing them with a potentially more effective treatment option.

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Researchers studied various targeted therapies for gastric cancer, which is a serious type of cancer and a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. They found that many clinical trials for new treatments didn't succeed, with traditional chemotherapy providing only about 10 months of survival on average. This matters because it highlights the urgent need for effective treatments, especially since only two targeted therapies, Trastuzumab and Ramucirumab, have been approved so far. Who this helps: This helps patients with gastric cancer and their doctors in understanding treatment options and future directions for care.

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This study looked at two types of surgery for women with early-stage cervical cancer: robotic surgery (RRH) and laparoscopic surgery (TLRH). Researchers found that patients who had robotic surgery experienced significantly less blood loss during the operation (almost no blood in some cases) and had a 100% overall survival rate compared to 83.4% for those who had laparoscopic surgery. Most importantly, those undergoing robotic surgery also had a higher rate of remaining cancer-free, with 97% compared to 89% for laparoscopic surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients diagnosed with early-stage cervical cancer by providing safer surgical options.

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This study investigated how a protein called YAP contributes to resistance against certain lung cancer treatments known as EGFR inhibitors. Researchers found that when YAP was active, it helped cancer cells resist these drugs, and targeting YAP or its partner protein AXL restored the effectiveness of the treatment in resistant lung cancer cells. This is significant because it could lead to new strategies for treating patients with lung cancer who develop resistance to current therapies. Who this helps: This helps lung cancer patients who are struggling with treatment resistance.

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This study looked at how well a treatment called electrochemotherapy (ECT) works for patients with recurring vulvar cancer who can't receive standard therapies. Out of 10 patients treated, 80% experienced local control of their tumors, and after about a year, 60% of the patients were still alive. This is important because it shows that ECT could be a dependable option for improving quality of life in patients facing difficult treatment choices. Who this helps: Patients with recurring vulvar cancer who are not candidates for traditional treatments.

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This study looked at breast cancer patients who metabolize the drug tamoxifen differently due to their genetics, specifically focusing on those with lower enzyme activity. Researchers found that increasing the tamoxifen dose from 20 mg to 40 mg for patients with moderate metabolism (intermediate metabolizers) brought their drug levels in line with those of patients who metabolize the drug well, without increasing side effects. This matters because it could lead to better treatment outcomes for these patients while still keeping their quality of life intact. Who this helps: Patients with breast cancer who have specific genetic variations affecting their tamoxifen metabolism.

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This paper studies the genetic changes in gastric cancer, which is a major cause of cancer deaths worldwide. It highlights that while surgery is the best treatment, current drug therapies haven't been very effective, with only two drugs showing promise among many tested. Understanding the genetic details of gastric cancer can help researchers find better treatments and choose the right patients for these new therapies. Who this helps: This helps patients with gastric cancer and their doctors by guiding future treatment options.

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This study looked at the long-term effects of fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) versus standard radical surgery (RS) for women diagnosed with early-stage ovarian cancer. Researchers followed 1,031 patients over nearly 12 years and found that FSS was linked to a lower risk of cancer relapse and related deaths. However, the type of surgery did not significantly affect survival rates overall, especially for those with more aggressive tumors. Who this helps: This research benefits women with early-stage ovarian cancer who wish to preserve their fertility.

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Researchers studied lung cancer cells with a specific genetic change (ROS1+) that makes them responsive to the drug crizotinib. They found that some of these cancer cells developed resistance to the drug due to changes in the RAS signaling pathway. In a patient who became resistant, they discovered a genetic change (KRAS amplification), indicating that these alterations can predict which patients might not respond well to ROS1 drugs and that simply using stronger ROS1 drugs may not solve the problem. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and lung cancer patients, especially those with ROS1+ tumors who may face treatment resistance.

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This study looked at how genetic variations in the CYP2D6 gene affect how well patients can process the drug tamoxifen. Researchers tested 355 patients and found that the way we currently categorize CYP2D6 genotypes doesn't accurately reflect their actual metabolic activity. Specifically, they discovered that different genetic profiles labeled as "intermediate" metabolizers behaved distinctly, which means current guidelines for dosing might not be precise enough. Who this helps: This research benefits patients taking tamoxifen, particularly those with different genetic profiles affecting drug metabolism.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of chemotherapy after surgery in women with early-stage uterine leiomyosarcoma, a type of cancer. The researchers followed 140 women and found that after about five years, only 44% had survived, with chemotherapy offering no clear survival benefits compared to those who didn’t receive further treatment. The findings indicate that chemotherapy should not be the standard follow-up for these patients until more research is conducted. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients make informed decisions about post-surgery treatment options for uterine leiomyosarcoma.

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This study focused on how cancer cells become resistant to a specific type of treatment using a MET antibody while remaining dependent on MET signaling for survival. Researchers found that when lung cancer cells became resistant to this antibody, it was because they increased the number of MET genes they had, leading to overproduction of the MET receptor. Importantly, even though these resistant cells could avoid the effects of the antibody, they still responded well to another treatment (MET inhibitors), indicating that a combination of treatments could improve effectiveness in fighting this type of cancer. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients, particularly those with MET-dependent lung cancer, by suggesting more effective treatment strategies.

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This study examined how some colorectal cancer tumors become resistant to targeted treatments that focus on the EGF receptor (EGFR). Researchers found that about half of the cases develop mutations in a gene called KRAS, but in cases without these mutations, tumors showed an increase in a different gene called MET, which made them resistant to treatment. By targeting MET with specific inhibitors, the resistance could be reversed, indicating that identifying MET amplification could lead to better treatment options for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with colorectal cancer who show resistance to standard EGFR-targeted therapies.

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This research looks at why some cancer treatments stop working over time, focusing on a protein called MET that can make cancer cells resist therapy. The study found that when MET is overly active, it often leads to treatment failure or relapse in patients. Understanding how this protein works could improve future therapies and help prevent these resistant cases. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients who may struggle with treatment resistance.