AVI SAMUEL BASKIN, MD

Plain English
This study looked at how effective different methods of outreach are in getting Asian Americans to participate in lung cancer screenings. Researchers found that when participants were actively contacted by a lay navigator, 25% were referred for screening, compared to only 12% in the group that received passive outreach via email. This is significant because by using lay navigators, the likelihood of getting a screening referral was nearly three times higher than with passive methods. Who this helps: This benefits Asian American patients at risk for lung cancer by increasing their access to screening.

Plain English
This study looked at how the work environment affects feelings of belonging, burnout, and decisions to leave for women surgeons in cardiothoracic surgery. Researchers interviewed 25 female surgeons and found that their experiences are shaped by both broader national attitudes toward gender and the specific cultures within their workplaces. Key issues included the high demands of maternity and family life, gender bias, and the importance of supportive leadership and open communication in feeling accepted and satisfied at work. Who this helps: This helps women surgeons by highlighting the need for supportive workplace cultures that can reduce burnout and promote retention.

Plain English
This study focuses on improving how doctors diagnose and treat lung nodules through a technique called transbronchial interventions. Researchers found that while newer methods are less risky, traditional bronchoscopic approaches still don’t match the accuracy of image-guided methods, which have a higher success rate. By suggesting that tools and techniques from interventional radiology could enhance these procedures, the study highlights an opportunity to improve patient outcomes and diagnostic accuracy. Who this helps: This benefits patients with lung nodules and doctors performing the procedures.

Plain English
This paper looks at how penile cancer affects the mental health and sexual quality of life for those who survive the disease. The authors found that there is not enough research on these important aspects, which leaves many patients without the support they need. Addressing these gaps is vital for improving the overall well-being of survivors. Who this helps: This helps patients who have survived penile cancer.

Plain English
This study looked at how well surgical trainees in the U.S. understand the Commission on Cancer's (CoC) guidelines for cancer surgeries. Only 30% of trainees knew about these guidelines, while 68% of more advanced trainees (fellows) were familiar with them. This lack of knowledge shows that there needs to be better education on these important standards in training programs, which can help improve the quality of cancer surgery and patient care. Who this helps: This helps surgical trainees and ultimately cancer patients by ensuring surgeries are performed to high standards.

Plain English
The Commission on Cancer created six new rules to make cancer surgery more consistent and standardized across hospitals. Inspectors who visit these hospitals to check compliance found that the rules are working well, but success depends on whether hospital leaders support them, departments communicate effectively, and there are enough staff and resources—and whether surgeons are willing to follow them. To make these standards actually stick, hospitals need strong leadership backing them up and need to get surgeons on board, while inspectors should officially take on a mentoring role to help hospitals improve rather than just checking boxes.

Plain English
This study looked at new methods for staging mediastinal lymph nodes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer, which is crucial for deciding treatment options. It found that newer, less invasive techniques like endobronchial ultrasound-guided needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) are more accurate and safer than traditional surgical methods. These advancements lead to better diagnosis and treatment planning, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with non-small cell lung cancer and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at the readability of trial summaries for six types of urologic cancers on ClinicalTrials.gov. Researchers found that, on average, these summaries required a reading level equivalent to a graduate education, with an average score of 18.7 on the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level. However, following the National Institutes of Health's efforts to promote clear language in 2017, readability improved, showing that efforts to make these summaries clearer are important for helping people understand clinical trials. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families better understand clinical trial options.

Plain English
This study examined the experiences of women in cardiothoracic surgery regarding mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership. Researchers interviewed 25 female surgeons and found that many women, 84% of whom worked in academic settings, faced challenges such as a lack of mentorship and sponsorship, often feeling isolated in their career advancement. The study revealed that having male sponsors is crucial to overcoming barriers, and it emphasized the need for better support systems and training tailored to women's unique challenges. Who this helps: This benefits female surgeons looking to advance their careers and the institutions seeking to support them.

Plain English
This study examined the availability of urologic services in the United States and found a significant shortage of urologists in many areas. Specifically, 61.4% of counties do not have a practicing urologist, and in 350 of those counties (24%), people received urologic care without having a urologist nearby. This is important because it highlights inequalities in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas where patients may have to travel over 50 kilometers to see a urologist. Who this helps: Patients in rural areas struggling to access urologic care.

Plain English
This study looked at how well hospitals are following a new guideline (Standard 5.8) for lung cancer surgery that requires the sampling of lymph nodes. It found that while 80% compliance is expected, only about 50% of hospitals are meeting this requirement. Key issues included uncertainty about the evidence behind the guideline and technical challenges, but many believed that better teamwork among healthcare professionals and regular feedback could help improve compliance. Who this helps: Patients undergoing lung cancer surgery benefit from improved lymph node evaluation, which can lead to better outcomes.

Plain English
This study looked at using robotic surgery to remove a large thymoma, a rare tumor in the chest, in a 68-year-old woman. The tumor measured 13 centimeters, which is larger than what previous studies typically addressed (6 to 8 cm), and the robotic surgery was successful. This finding shows that even bigger tumors can be safely removed using robotic techniques, which can improve recovery for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with large thymomas by providing a safe surgical option.

Plain English
Researchers looked at how well hospitals followed new guidelines for checking lymph nodes in lung cancer surgeries. In 2022, 54% of hospitals met the standard, but this dropped to just 232 out of 504 (46%) in 2023 due to stricter requirements. These findings highlight a significant challenge in ensuring that patients receive optimal care, as improving lymph node evaluation can lead to better treatment outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with lung cancer benefit from better lymph node evaluations during surgery.

Plain English
This study looked at how well hospitals are performing sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB) for melanoma patients. Researchers found that over 48,000 patients were treated across more than 1,100 hospitals, with an average of 2.4 lymph nodes removed and about 18% testing positive for cancer. The results showed that SLNB procedures are consistent across facilities, but there is still room for improvement, particularly in other related surgeries. Who this helps: This benefits melanoma patients and the doctors treating them.

Plain English
This study examined different types of prostate cancers, focusing on a specific growth pattern called expansile cribriform (EC) and other subtypes, to see how they affect recovery after surgery. Among 165 men who had surgery, 60% had the EC pattern, and 67 of these men experienced a return of cancer. The researchers found that a unique genetic cluster related to steroid hormones was linked to a higher risk of cancer recurrence (hazard ratio of 2.35), suggesting that understanding these genetic differences can help doctors better predict which patients might need additional treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with prostate cancer by improving treatment prediction and management.

Plain English
This study looked at how certain surgical standards set by the American College of Surgeons can affect outcomes for women with breast cancer undergoing specific types of surgery to check their lymph nodes. The research analyzed data from over 1.2 million women and found that while facilities showed different results—like an average of 2.6 lymph nodes removed during sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and a positivity rate of 12.2%—the improvements in patient outcomes were not consistent across the board. Better understanding and following these standards may help reduce variations in surgical results and improve patient care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with breast cancer and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at men diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer to see if the amount of cancer found at biopsy affected their outcomes after surgery. Researchers found that a higher volume of cancer was linked to a greater chance of the cancer being upgraded to a more aggressive grade during surgery (with a 31% higher odds per percentage of positive biopsy cores), but it did not affect the risk of having more serious pathology or cancer returning after surgery. This matters because it helps doctors identify which patients might need more careful monitoring or treatment after a low-grade diagnosis. Who this helps: This information helps doctors make better decisions for men with low-grade prostate cancer.

Plain English
This study looked at how to best educate children and teenagers with differences in sex development (DSD), gathering insights from 110 people, including patients, parents, and healthcare providers. Researchers found that while education is crucial for helping these young people feel better about themselves, there was no consensus on the best way to provide this education. Many participants believed that supporting psychosocial development is important and that education should be tailored to the child's age and understanding, though barriers like parental shame and family dynamics complicate things. Who this helps: This benefits children and teenagers with DSD, their parents, and healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at the costs associated with certain treatments for older women (70 years and up) with a specific type of breast cancer. The researchers found that a large number of these women—78% of 9,074 studied—received unnecessary procedures like lymph node tests and radiation therapy, even though these treatments don't help them live longer. The costs of treatment varied widely, with just surgery costing an average of $10,367, while surgery combined with unnecessary tests and radiation could reach $27,370. Who this helps: This information is useful for patients and doctors aiming to make more cost-effective treatment decisions.

Plain English
This study looked at the opinions of surgeons about a 30-day preoperative assessment known as History and Physical (H&P) before low-risk surgeries. Researchers interviewed 30 surgeons and found that most thought these assessments were unnecessary, often describing them as "redundant" or just a formality. Eliminating this requirement could make surgery more convenient for patients and allow for more timely care for those who really need a thorough preoperative evaluation. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing low-risk surgeries.

Plain English
This study looked at how well online resources inform women over 70 years old about breast cancer treatments. It found that websites for top cancer hospitals and major cancer organizations often fail to provide clear information for these older women, with none mentioning that routine use of certain procedures, like sentinel lymph node biopsy, may not be necessary. This is important because better information could help older women make more informed choices about their treatment options and potentially avoid unnecessary procedures. Who this helps: This helps older women with breast cancer and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at the use of certain unnecessary breast cancer surgeries and how it varies between hospitals. While some procedures, like axillary lymph node dissection and reoperation after a lumpectomy, saw a decline in use (with reductions between 37% to 53% at some facilities), others, such as contralateral prophylactic mastectomy, actually increased (by 9% to 67% at different hospitals). These differences highlight a need for hospitals to improve their practices and reduce unnecessary surgeries, which can lead to better patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients by promoting more appropriate treatment options and reducing unnecessary surgeries.

Plain English
This study looked at how many women with small, one-sided breast cancer are choosing to undergo a surgery called contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM), which removes the other breast, despite it not improving survival rates. Out of nearly 766,000 women studied, 31% opted for mastectomy and among those, the number choosing CPM is rising, especially influenced by factors like age, race, and insurance type. This matters because many of these women could have safely chosen a less invasive surgery that would result in less pain and lower costs. Who this helps: This helps patients facing breast cancer treatment decisions.

Plain English
This study looked at how satisfied patients are with their visits to a urology clinic that serves people with limited access to healthcare. Researchers found that 65% of the 200 patients were satisfied, but long wait times and the use of translators made a big difference in satisfaction levels. Specifically, patients who waited more than an hour were 75% less satisfied, and those needing a translator were similarly less satisfied. Improving wait times and language support could lead to a better experience for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients who visit safety net clinics.

Plain English
This study looked at whether the presence of benign prostate tissue near the edges of tissue removed during prostate cancer surgery affects the chances of having detectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels or cancer recurrence afterward. Out of 1,082 men who had the surgery, 23% had this benign tissue, but it did not lead to more detectable PSA levels, cancer recurrence, or needing further treatment. This matters because it means that having this benign tissue does not increase the risk of cancer returning, helping doctors better understand postoperative outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from prostate cancer surgery.

Plain English
This study looked at a training program called the Cultural Complications Curriculum that aims to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in cancer care. Researchers found that applying this curriculum can enhance understanding among healthcare teams and reduce mistakes related to cultural misunderstandings. This is important because it ensures that healthcare providers are better equipped to care for a diverse patient population, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients from diverse backgrounds receiving cancer treatment.

Plain English
This study looked at the ethical reasons for reducing unnecessary medical treatments that can harm patients and waste money. Researchers identified five key principles that healthcare systems should follow to help eliminate these low-value services, which can improve patient care and lower costs. Using this framework helps healthcare providers find better strategies for reducing ineffective treatments, making the system more efficient. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at how using MRI to measure prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) can help predict whether men with low-risk prostate cancer (initial Gleason score of 3+3) will develop more severe cancer if they're monitored instead of treated right away. They found that 44.6% of the 166 men in the study had their cancer upgraded to a more serious Gleason score of 7 or higher after follow-up biopsies. Higher MRI PSAD readings were linked to an increased risk of cancer progression, with men who had an MRI PSAD of 0.15 ng/mL or more showing a significant upgrade rate, compared to those with lower readings. Who this helps: This benefits patients with low-risk prostate cancer and their doctors by providing better tools for monitoring disease progression.

Plain English
This study looked at how a medication called mirabegron, usually used for overactive bladder, affects brown fat, cholesterol, and insulin sensitivity in 14 healthy women over four weeks. The results showed that mirabegron increased the activity of brown fat, raised levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol by 35%, and improved insulin sensitivity without causing weight changes. This is important because it suggests that mirabegron might help treat metabolic diseases related to obesity. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with obesity-related metabolic issues.

Plain English
This study looked at how well patients sleep while recovering from elective surgery in the hospital. Out of 113 patients surveyed, only 47% reported sleeping well the night before, and 93% said they got less sleep in the hospital compared to at home. On average, patients experienced five interruptions during the night, and those with more than three interruptions reported poorer sleep quality. Improving how and when hospital staff provide care and reducing noise can help patients get better rest, which is crucial for recovery. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from surgery and healthcare providers aiming to improve hospital care.

Plain English
This study looked at four types of breast cancer surgeries that are considered unnecessary, as they don't improve survival but can lead to more complications and costs. Researchers found that between 2011 and 2013, the rates of two of these unnecessary procedures—axillary lymph node dissection and re-excision for close lumpectomy margins—dropped significantly, by about 50% and 40% respectively. However, many women continue to undergo contralateral prophylactic mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy, which don't show signs of decreasing in use. Who this helps: This benefits patients by reducing exposure to unnecessary surgeries and their complications.

Plain English
This study looked at the types of cancer treatments and services that professional groups are advising patients to question or avoid through the Choosing Wisely campaign. It found a focus on specific areas like unnecessary imaging tests and certain chemotherapy treatments, helping to streamline cancer care for better patient outcomes. This matters because it aims to reduce unnecessary procedures that can harm patients or waste resources. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by guiding them on which cancer treatments to reconsider.

Plain English
This study looked at how Medicare beneficiaries feel about choosing a prescription drug plan and what factors matter to them. It found that while most people care about low costs, many also prioritize having the same plan as their partner, the reputation of the insurance company, and convenience. Participants often felt confused and wanted more help with the process, indicating that older adults need better support when choosing their plans. Who this helps: This helps Medicare patients, especially older adults, who struggle with selecting the right prescription drug plan.

Plain English
This study looked at how a drug called mirabegron, which is normally used for an overactive bladder, affects human metabolism, particularly in fat and gallbladder function. Researchers found that a higher dose of mirabegron (200 mg) significantly increased metabolism in brown fat by 16 times and led to a 35% increase in gallbladder size. These findings show that mirabegron may also promote fat burning and improve gallbladder and bile function, which could be important for developing new treatments for obesity-related health issues. Who this helps: Patients struggling with obesity and related metabolic conditions.

Plain English
This research looked at how effective different treatments are for female sexual dysfunction by comparing them to a "dummy" treatment known as a placebo. They found that women who received a placebo improved by an average of 3.62 points on a measurement scale for sexual function, while those who received actual treatments improved by 5.35 points. Shockingly, the study showed that about 67.7% of the treatment effect was due to the placebo, highlighting that current medications are only slightly better than doing nothing, indicating a need for better treatment options. Who this helps: This helps women experiencing sexual dysfunction and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at the backgrounds of people who donated their kidneys altruistically (without knowing the recipient) and through a voucher program (which allows donors to give a kidney and receive a voucher for future use), from 2008 to 2015. The researchers found that most non-directed donors were women, around 46 years old, and came from relatively high socioeconomic backgrounds, while voucher donors were mainly wealthy Caucasian men. Understanding who these donors are helps create better strategies to encourage more people to donate kidneys, which is important for increasing organ availability for patients in need. Who this helps: This helps kidney patients waiting for transplants and organizations aiming to increase kidney donations.

Plain English
This study looked at brown fat tissue in young men to understand how it behaves in lean versus obese individuals. Researchers found that lean men had more active brown fat (an average of 334 mL) compared to obese men (130 mL), indicating that obesity is linked to less active brown fat. This is important because brown fat helps burn calories and regulate blood sugar, which could be key in fighting obesity and metabolic diseases. Who this helps: Patients struggling with obesity and related metabolic issues.

Plain English
This study looked at how confident men with prostate cancer feel about managing their health, and how that confidence affects their visits to the emergency department (ED). Researchers followed 469 low-income men and found that those with low or medium confidence visited the ED less over time—70 men made a total of 118 visits during the study, and pain, urinary retention, and fever were the main reasons for those visits. This is important because improving how patients communicate with their doctors could help reduce unnecessary trips to the ED, which benefits both patients and healthcare systems. Who this helps: This helps patients with prostate cancer, especially those with low or medium confidence in managing their health.