MARIAM FAYEZ ESKANDER, M.D.

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This study looked at how the social conditions of neighborhoods affect whether patients with gastrointestinal cancer take part in clinical trials related to surgery. Out of nearly 400,000 patients, only about 7,680 (1.9%) joined a clinical trial, and those who participated were less likely to come from socially vulnerable areas. Social vulnerability, especially in terms of economic status and education, greatly reduced the chances of trial participation, particularly for patients treated at community hospitals. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, by highlighting barriers to clinical trial participation.

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This study looked at why fewer people from vulnerable communities participate in cancer clinical trials, which are important for developing new treatments. Out of over 2.6 million patients analyzed, only 36,456 (about 1.4%) enrolled in trials, with lower participation rates among those living in disadvantaged areas and Black patients. For example, patients from the most vulnerable neighborhoods were 20% less likely to enroll in trials compared to others, indicating that social factors like education and transportation play a significant role in access. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, especially those from vulnerable groups who may have fewer opportunities to participate in clinical trials.

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This study looked at how different levels of liver therapies aimed at curing colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver affected patients' survival rates. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 35,000 patients and found that increasing the rate of these therapies by just 5% led to a 1.2% increase in survival rates. This is important because it shows that getting more patients access to these curative treatments can significantly improve their chances of living longer. Who this helps: This helps patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases.

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This study looked at how many liver surgeons are available to treat older patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. Researchers found that there were only 421 surgeons for about 16,700 patients, meaning many people (42.4%) lived where there were no liver surgery options. Those living near a liver surgeon had a better chance of receiving an evaluation and a reduced risk of death, showing that access to surgeons directly affects patient survival. Who this helps: This helps patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases by improving their chances of getting necessary treatments.

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This study looked at how well cancer survivors follow guidelines for breast and cervical cancer screenings based on their survivorship care plans. Researchers found that women who received detailed follow-up instructions were more likely to get screened—84.1% for breast cancer and 78.1% for cervical cancer—compared to those who didn’t receive such instructions. This is important because better adherence to screening can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: This helps female cancer survivors by encouraging them to stay on track with important health screenings.

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This study looked at how adjuvant chemotherapy affects patients with Stage II-IV colorectal cancer after they have had surgery to remove tumors. Researchers found that patients who received chemotherapy had significantly lower rates of cancer returning within the first year compared to those who only had surgery: 9% experienced a return of cancer within the first six months, compared to 22% in the surgery-only group. Chemo helped more in the short term, but the differences in outcomes became smaller after the first year. Who this helps: This research benefits colorectal cancer patients by highlighting the importance of chemotherapy in preventing early recurrence.

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This study looked at how race and ethnicity affect the likelihood of finding invasive tumors in patients undergoing surgery for a precancerous condition of the pancreas called intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. Out of 4,505 cases examined, 20.5% had invasive cancer, with Black patients at 24.2%, Asian patients at 23.7%, and Hispanic patients at 22.6%, compared to 19.9% for non-Hispanic White patients. This difference in invasive cases can't be explained by overall health or age factors, which means that non-White patients face higher risks, and recognizing this can help doctors improve early interventions and treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds facing pancreatic cancer risks.

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This study looked at two types of appendiceal cancer—mucinous and non-mucinous—and how much of the tumor needs to be surgically removed to improve survival. Out of nearly 4,700 patients, 68% had their entire colon removed, and while this helped patients with non-mucinous cancer (especially those with medium to high tumor grades), it didn't improve survival for those with mucinous cancer at all. This finding suggests that patients with mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma might not need such extensive surgery, which could reduce unnecessary procedures and their associated risks. Who this helps: This helps patients with mucinous appendiceal cancer by potentially sparing them from more invasive surgery.

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This study examined how neighborhood wealth affects young adults (under 50) with colorectal cancer. It found that those living in poorer neighborhoods were 13% more likely to have advanced cancer when diagnosed and had a 45% higher risk of dying compared to those from wealthier areas. Additionally, non-Hispanic Black patients faced more severe outcomes, including being less likely to have surgery and having lower survival rates. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, particularly young adults with colorectal cancer and those from low-income or minority communities.

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Researchers tracked cancer surgeries for the pancreas and liver during COVID-19 to see if the pandemic disrupted treatment. They found that pancreatic cancer surgeries continued at normal rates throughout the pandemic, while liver cancer surgeries dropped briefly at the start but quickly returned to normal levels—and more pancreatic cancer patients received chemotherapy before surgery during the pandemic. This matters because it shows hospitals prioritized cancer operations during COVID-19, meaning patients with these deadly cancers didn't face major treatment delays, though the increased use of pre-surgery chemotherapy suggests doctors may have changed their approach to managing these patients.

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This research looked at how combining immunotherapy and radiation therapy can improve treatment for gastrointestinal cancers. The findings from various studies, including some larger studies, show that adding immunotherapy to standard treatments can lead to better survival rates, although the exact timing and ways to combine these treatments are still being worked out. This matters because it opens up new possibilities for more effective cancer treatments, potentially leading to longer lives for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with gastrointestinal cancers.

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This research looked at the link between specific genetic changes (mutations) and how they affect the behavior of pancreatic cancer cells in tumors from 321 patients. The study found that 26.8% of the patients had these mutations, and while some were linked to poorer survival rates, especially in specific conditions, the mutations themselves did not affect the cancer's characteristics or patient outcomes. This means more targeted clinical trials are needed to improve treatment for pancreatic cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with pancreatic cancer and their doctors by identifying the need for better treatment options.

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Researchers examined how COVID-19 affected surgery rates for gut cancers across the United States from 2019 to 2022, analyzing nearly 96,000 operations on the esophagus, stomach, colon, and rectum. They found that surgery for esophageal and rectal cancers dropped significantly and stayed low throughout the pandemic, while stomach and colon cancer surgeries initially fell but bounced back to normal levels within a few months. This matters because delays in cancer surgery can allow tumors to grow and spread, potentially worsening patient outcomes and survival rates.

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This study looked at how Hispanic women with breast cancer are treated and how that affects their survival rates, breaking the group down by race into Hispanic White, Hispanic Black, and Hispanic Other. Researchers found that while most women received similar types of surgery, Hispanic Black (48.5%) and Hispanic Other (46.6%) women were more likely to have breast reconstruction compared to Hispanic White women (38.7%). Interestingly, Hispanic Other women had a 24% lower risk of dying from breast cancer compared to Hispanic White women. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and healthcare providers by highlighting the need for tailored approaches to treatment among different racial groups within the Hispanic community.

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This study looked at how different social factors, like race and insurance status, affect whether patients with pancreatic cancer join clinical trials from 2004 to 2016. Out of over 303,000 patients, only 1,127 (0.4%) participated in trials, and while enrollment improved over the years, Black patients and those on Medicaid were still less likely to join. Understanding these barriers is important because it highlights the need for better access to clinical trials for underrepresented groups, which can lead to more equitable treatment options. Who this helps: This benefits patients with pancreatic cancer, especially those from marginalized groups.

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This study looked at how the neighborhood where inflammatory breast cancer patients live affects their chances of survival, focusing on patients treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Researchers found that living in a low or middle-income neighborhood did not impact the likelihood of receiving this treatment or affect survival rates. However, patients with a specific aggressive cancer type known as triple negative had a much higher risk of dying from the disease, and being Black was also linked to increased mortality compared to White patients. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially Black women and those with triple negative breast cancer, understand their specific risks and treatment outcomes.

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This study looked at how the neighborhood where a person lives affects their care and survival when they have pancreatic cancer. Researchers found that about 29.7% of patients lived in low-income neighborhoods, and these patients were 40% less likely to receive necessary surgery for their cancer compared to those in wealthier neighborhoods. Additionally, they had an 18% higher risk of dying from the disease. Who this helps: This helps patients living in low-income neighborhoods by highlighting disparities in cancer care and survival.

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This study focused on hepatic adenomas (HAs), which are non-cancerous tumors in the liver that can be risky due to possible bleeding or cancer developing in about 25% and 5% of cases, respectively. Researchers found that new methods for imaging and testing can help classify these tumors into different types, which allows doctors to assess patient risks more accurately and decide on treatment options. For patients, especially men with larger adenomas or certain tumor types, surgery may be necessary to prevent serious complications. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver tumors and their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.

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This study examined various treatment options for liver cancer that comes back after initial surgery, which happens in up to 75% of cases. Researchers found that treatments like repeat surgery, liver transplants, and techniques like ablation and radiation can improve survival rates for patients with recurring liver tumors. For instance, patients who receive a salvage liver transplant after hepatocellular carcinoma have a 50% chance of surviving for at least five years. Who this helps: This information benefits patients dealing with liver cancer recurrences and their doctors by providing effective treatment options.

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This study looked at why some Black and Hispanic women with early-stage breast cancer refuse surgery, which can significantly reduce their chances of survival. Out of nearly 114,000 women, 799 refused surgery, with 562 being non-Hispanic Black and 237 Hispanic. The refusal rate rose from 0.6% in 2005 to 0.9% in 2015, and these women were often older, unmarried, and had more severe disease, which led to higher mortality rates. Who this helps: This research helps patients by highlighting the need for better support and communication around treatment options for minority women with breast cancer.

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This study examined how delays in starting chemotherapy after surgery for pancreatic cancer affect survival, particularly in under-resourced communities. Out of over 25,000 patients, only 73.3% received chemotherapy on time, with factors like older age, being Black, and having more health issues leading to delays. The research found that patients who started chemotherapy late had worse survival rates, highlighting the impact of socioeconomic factors on cancer treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with pancreatic cancer, especially those in lower-income communities.

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This study looked at how efficiently medical supervisors can increase trust in surgical residents to perform procedures on their own. Researchers examined 76 surgeries and found that in about 83% of cases, residents received a high trust score, but costs and time increased for most procedures as trust improved. This is important because it suggests that while increasing resident independence can improve training, it often requires more resources, which might impact overall healthcare costs. Who this helps: This helps surgical residents and their supervising doctors.

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This study looked at how two different racial groups—non-Hispanic white women and black women—responded to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (a treatment before surgery) for breast cancer. Researchers analyzed data from over 85,000 women and found that black women, on average, were diagnosed at a younger age (52.5 years) and had more advanced cancers compared to white women (54.8 years). They also discovered that black women were less likely to experience complete tumor shrinkage after treatment, leading them to undergo more extensive surgeries like axillary lymph node dissections. Who this helps: This research helps doctors understand how treatment responses vary by race, which can improve care for black women with breast cancer.

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This study looked at how race affects the type of surgical care and waiting times for surgery among women with breast cancer at busy hospitals. It found that non-Hispanic Black women were less likely to receive certain unnecessary surgeries compared to non-Hispanic White women, with 58.5% of Black women getting a specific biopsy versus 62.2% of White women. Additionally, Black women waited longer for surgery, with a 77% greater chance of waiting more than 60 days. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, particularly Black women facing breast cancer treatment.

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This study focused on improving the training of medical residents in the operating room by implementing a program called "Education M&M." After the program, 81.8% of participants reported enjoying it, and 90.1% intended to use the ideas shared. Awareness of the challenges in teaching and learning improved significantly among both faculty and residents. Who this helps: This benefits medical residents and their teachers, ultimately leading to better training in the operating room.

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This study examined how training can help surgeons become more skilled at performing robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (a complicated surgery involving the pancreas and intestine) more quickly and effectively. Researchers found that after 10 robotic surgeries, the average operating time stabilized at about 468 minutes, compared to 332 minutes for traditional open surgeries. The results show that thorough training for doctors can lead to better performance and fewer problems during surgery, which could improve outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients undergoing robotic pancreatic surgery.

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This study looked at how breast cancer affects Black men and women differently, focusing on those with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. It found that Black men with breast cancer are diagnosed at more advanced stages, have larger tumors, and are less likely to receive hormone therapy compared to Black women. As a result, Black men experience higher mortality rates, living around 60 months on average compared to 74 months for women. Who this helps: This helps patients by highlighting the urgent need for improved treatment and care strategies for Black men with breast cancer.

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This study looked at how the socioeconomic status of a neighborhood affects breast cancer patients who are diagnosed with metastatic disease, meaning their cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Researchers found that out of 24,532 patients, those living in lower socioeconomic areas had a 25 percent higher chance of having surgery compared to those in higher status neighborhoods, but they also had worse outcomes, with a survival difference of about 9 months between the lowest and highest neighborhood socioeconomic groups. This matters because it highlights disparities in cancer care that can lead to poorer survival rates for patients in low-income areas. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those with metastatic breast cancer living in low-income neighborhoods.

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This study looked at patients who had surgery to remove part of the pancreas and how certain factors could predict whether they would need to go to a rehabilitation facility afterward. Researchers found that out of 470 patients, nearly 20% were sent to rehab and about 30% were readmitted to the hospital within three months. Key indicators for needing rehab included a lower score on the Braden scale, which assesses the risk of pressure ulcers, among other factors. Who this helps: This helps surgeons and healthcare workers better prepare patients who might need extra support after surgery.

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This study looked at whether patients with pancreatic cancer benefit from additional treatment after surgery if they had already received chemotherapy or radiation before their surgery. Researchers analyzed data from 1,357 patients and found that those who received postoperative treatment lived a similar length of time as those who did not—27.5 months versus 27.1 months. This means that giving extra treatment after surgery might not improve survival for these patients, which is important for deciding treatment plans. Who this helps: Patients with pancreatic cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at how doctors decide which patients are suitable for minimally invasive surgery on the pancreas, comparing it to traditional open surgery. Researchers analyzed data from 928 patients and found that certain factors, like having a benign tumor or a higher body mass index, influenced the choice of surgery, but these factors didn't change the risk of serious complications. The results indicate that minimally invasive surgery is just as safe as open surgery, meaning more patients could potentially benefit from it. Who this helps: This helps patients needing pancreas surgery by providing more options for less invasive procedures.

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This study looked at how the examination of lymph nodes during surgery for pancreatic cancer has changed over time and its impact on patient outcomes. Researchers found that the average number of lymph nodes checked during surgery increased from 10 in 2004 to 17 in 2013, which led to more accurate detection of advanced cancer cases (N1 disease) rising from 64.4% to 68%. The study showed that better examination of lymph nodes is linked to improved survival rates for patients, but checking more than 30 lymph nodes didn’t provide any additional benefits. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with pancreatic cancer by ensuring more accurate diagnoses and improving treatment outcomes.

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This study looked at the rising rates of primary pancreatic carcinoid tumors compared to other types of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) from 2004 to 2013. Out of over 10,000 patients, 12.7% had carcinoid tumors, and their incidence increased significantly from just 36 cases in 2004 to 497 in 2013. Carcinoid tumors had better survival rates, with 5-year survival at 63.1%, compared to 58.3% for functional and 52.6% for nonfunctional tumors, highlighting the importance of accurately classifying these tumors for better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients by improving diagnosis and treatment strategies for pancreatic tumors.

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This study looked at the complications that can happen with totally implantable venous access devices, known as portacaths, which are often used by cancer patients for easy access to their veins. It found that while these devices are generally safe, they can still cause issues like infections and blockages, with complications such as infections occurring in about 2% to 5% of patients. Understanding these complications is important for doctors to ensure safe and effective treatment for patients using portacaths. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients who rely on these devices for treatment.

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This study compared two approaches to treating pancreatic cancer: giving patients chemotherapy before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) versus performing surgery first and then giving chemotherapy afterward (upfront surgery). Researchers looked at over 8,000 patients and found that those with stage III cancer who received neoadjuvant therapy lived longer, with a median survival of 22.9 months compared to 17.3 months for those who had upfront surgery. However, for patients with earlier stages (I and II), there was no significant difference in survival between the two treatments. Who this helps: This information helps doctors make better treatment decisions for patients with pancreatic cancer, particularly those with stage III disease.

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This study looked at whether people with BRCA2 gene mutations are more likely to show signs of chronic pancreatitis during an ultrasound than those without the mutations. The researchers found that 16.2% of BRCA2 carriers had solid lesions, compared to just 1.08% of non-carriers, and 21.6% had pancreatic cysts, while only 6.1% of controls did. This is significant because it suggests that BRCA2 mutation carriers are much more likely to have serious changes in their pancreas, which could impact their health and surveillance strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients with BRCA2 mutations and their doctors manage their risk for pancreatic diseases.

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This study looked at how pancreatic cancer is treated across different parts of the U.S. and found that about 22% of patients didn't receive any treatment, while only 38.4% of patients diagnosed at an early stage got the recommended combined treatment of surgery and chemotherapy. Patients in the Northeast lived longer than those in other regions, especially early-stage patients, who lived 2 to 3 months longer on average due to better access to comprehensive care. Who this helps: This research helps patients with pancreatic cancer by highlighting the importance of receiving timely and complete treatment.

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This study looked at patients who had a port inserted for cancer treatment to see what factors might increase their risk of developing a blood clot in the arm (upper extremity deep venous thrombosis). Out of over 51,000 patients, about 926 (1.81%) developed this condition. Key risk factors identified included being younger than 65, having kidney disease, previous history of blood clots, and certain types of cancer, especially gastrointestinal or lung cancers. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers by helping them identify patients at higher risk for complications after port insertion.

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This study looked at the effects of a new type of radiation therapy called stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) on patients with pancreatic cancer that could not be surgically removed. Researchers analyzed data from over 14,000 patients and found that those who received SBRT along with chemotherapy had a median survival of 13.9 months, which is better than those who only had chemotherapy (9.9 months) or combined chemotherapy with traditional external-beam radiation (10.9 months). This shows that SBRT can significantly improve survival for patients with this tough-to-treat cancer. Who this helps: This benefits patients with unresected pancreatic cancer and their healthcare providers.

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This study compared two methods for placing a device that allows for easy access to veins for cancer patients: a surgical method using the cephalic vein and a less invasive method using the subclavian vein. Researchers found that both techniques had similar complication rates of around 5% within 30 days after the procedure, but the surgical method had a higher failure rate for placement (14.4% compared to 6.5% for the percutaneous method). Overall, the percutaneous method took longer to perform, indicating that while both methods are safe, the percutaneous approach may be the preferred choice for successful placements. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients needing long-term access to their veins for treatments.

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This study looked at complications that occur after a specific surgery called pancreaticoduodenectomy, focusing on bleeding and its timing. Out of 2,548 patients, about 8.5% experienced bleeding, with those affected having a much higher death rate of 24.9% compared to 4% in those who did not bleed. Bleeding that occurred in the second week after surgery was particularly dangerous, leading to nearly double the mortality rate than bleeding in the first week. Who this helps: This information is crucial for doctors making treatment decisions and monitoring high-risk patients after surgery.

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This research looked at two treatment options for patients with operable pancreatic cancer: giving chemotherapy and radiation before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) versus doing surgery first and then giving chemotherapy and radiation afterward (upfront surgery). The study found that patients who received neoadjuvant therapy lived longer (32.2 months compared to 26.7 months) and had better quality of life during that time (25.5 quality-adjusted life months versus 20.8) than those who had upfront surgery. These results suggest that starting with neoadjuvant therapy could lead to significant improvements in both survival and quality of life for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with resectable pancreatic cancer and their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how being married and having family support affects cancer patients' diagnosis times, treatments, and survival rates. Researchers analyzed data from patients with five types of cancer treated between 2002 and 2012. They found that while being married didn’t lead to earlier diagnoses, married patients had better outcomes; for example, married patients had more access to surgery for pancreatic cancer and better survival rates for breast and lung cancers. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and their families, particularly those dealing with breast and lung cancers.

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This study looked at how healthcare reform in Massachusetts changed the rates of emergency surgeries for colon removal, known as colectomies, among people with public or no insurance. After the reform was implemented in 2006, the rate of these urgent surgeries in Massachusetts dropped significantly, while the national rates stayed the same. Additionally, the average hospital stay became one day shorter, indicating improved access to care, although there were no major changes in other outcomes like complications or mortality. Who this helps: This benefits patients with public or no insurance, especially those needing emergency colon surgery.