DR. RUSSELL LANGAN, MD

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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 radiation therapy can help treat biliary tract cancers, which include types like cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer. The researchers found that radiation therapy can improve survival for patients, especially those with serious features of their disease; however, since these cancers are rare, most research so far has been small and not very rigorous. Improving radiation treatment could help more patients live longer and feel better, especially those who can’t have surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients with biliary tract cancers and their doctors.

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This study looked at why some people have slightly higher levels of liver enzymes in their blood, which can indicate liver problems. It found that about 10% to 20% of the general population is affected, with common causes being fatty liver disease related to metabolism and drinking alcohol. Understanding the causes of these elevated levels is crucial because they can lead to serious health issues, including liver disease and increased risk of death. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with liver issues and healthcare providers who treat them.

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This study looked at surgeries to remove part of the pancreas in patients with a condition called intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), focusing on changes from 2014 to 2019. Out of 3,912 patients, 21% had cancer while 79% did not. Overall, the rate of surgeries remained stable, but more patients are now having robotic surgery, which increased from 9.1% to 16.5%, and the rate of a serious complication called clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula dropped from 18.8% to 13.8%. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with IPMN and their doctors by highlighting improvements in surgical methods and outcomes.

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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 focused on pulmonary nodules, which are small growths in the lungs that can be discovered during chest scans, especially in smokers. It found that adults aged 50 to 80 with significant smoking histories benefit from low-dose lung cancer screening, which reduces deaths from lung cancer. Specifically, solid nodules under 6 mm need monitoring, while those between 6 and 8 mm should be checked again within a year, and larger nodules require more intensive evaluation. Who this helps: This helps patients who are at risk for lung cancer and their doctors in managing their care effectively.

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This research paper examines chronic kidney disease (CKD), which affects about 15% of people in the U.S. Many people don’t know they have it. The study highlights the importance of screening for those at risk, including older adults and individuals with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. It also emphasizes the need for proper diagnosis and management, recommending specific treatments to help slow disease progression, such as maintaining blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg and using certain medications for patients with diabetes. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with chronic kidney disease and their healthcare providers.

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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 study looked at the use of robotic surgery for a complex procedure called pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) over six years. It found that robotic surgeries increased from 2.8% to 7.5% of all PD cases, with fewer complications and shorter hospital stays compared to traditional methods—9.5 days in the hospital for robotic surgery versus 10.9 days for other types. However, medical trainees aren't getting enough practice, as there are only about 5 robotic cases per trainee each year, which is not enough to become proficient. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing PD by providing safer and more efficient surgical options.

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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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This study looked at ampullary adenocarcinoma, a rare cancer type affecting less than 1% of gastrointestinal cancers, with about 6 new cases diagnosed per million people. Researchers found that tumors classified as the intestinal subtype generally have better survival rates compared to those of the pancreatobiliary subtype, but past studies on this have shown mixed results. Understanding the genetic makeup of these tumors may help in developing more effective treatments tailored to individual patients' needs. Who this helps: Patients with ampullary adenocarcinoma and their doctors.

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This study looked at a rare case of a 45-year-old woman who had liver masses that appeared cancerous but were actually caused by a parasitic infection transmitted through contaminated soil. After treatment with ivermectin for two weeks, her liver issues completely resolved. This is important because it shows that doctors should consider parasitic infections when diagnosing liver problems, as early treatment can lead to better outcomes and avoid unnecessary surgeries. Who this helps: This helps patients with unexplained liver issues and doctors diagnosing similar cases.

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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 paper reviews treatments for patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver but can't be surgically removed. It highlights three main therapies: chemotherapy delivered directly to the liver, precise radiation therapy, and internal radiation therapy using a special substance. These treatments have been shown to help control cancer growth and may improve survival rates, but they are not yet commonly used as the main option for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases and their doctors.

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The study focused on serious eye conditions that require immediate attention, such as acute angle-closure glaucoma and retinal detachment, which can lead to vision loss if not treated quickly. It found that patients with glaucoma experience sudden pain, redness, and blurry vision due to high eye pressure, while those with retinal detachment see flashes of light and may notice a curtain-like shadow over their vision. Timely treatment from an eye specialist is essential to prevent long-term damage and preserve eyesight. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing eye emergencies and their doctors who treat them.

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This research paper examined various types of lumps in the scrotum, highlighting both painful and painless conditions. It found that conditions like testicular torsion require urgent surgery, ideally within six hours, to save the testicle, while other issues like epididymitis are typically treated with antibiotics. Understanding these conditions helps doctors quickly identify and treat serious problems, potentially saving patients from complications. Who this helps: This helps patients with scrotal and testicular issues, including those at risk for torsion or other serious conditions.

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This study looked at how often patients with pancreatic cancer received chemotherapy before surgery over five years and how this affected their recovery. Researchers found that the use of this treatment (called neoadjuvant therapy) rose from 24.2% in 2014 to 42.7% in 2019, and patients who received it had fewer serious complications and were more likely to have successful surgeries. Specifically, those who got neoadjuvant therapy had a 43% higher chance of optimal surgical results and lower rates of issues like infections and reoperations. Who this helps: This helps patients with pancreatic cancer by potentially improving their surgery outcomes and recovery.

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This study looked at a protein called PD-L1 in patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM), a type of cancer. They found that 76% of the tumor samples tested positive for PD-L1, which may link to more aggressive forms of the disease and worse survival rates. Understanding PD-L1 levels helps researchers explore new treatments that could improve outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma by guiding future treatment options.

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This study examined how surgery impacts survival for patients with advanced gastric cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 19,000 patients and found that those who had surgery on the primary tumor or distant sites lived longer, with a median survival of about 15.8 to 15.9 months, compared to just 8.6 months for patients who did not have surgery. This is important because it shows that surgery can significantly improve survival, encouraging more exploration of surgical options for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with metastatic gastric cancer and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how metabolic syndrome (which includes obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure) affects patients undergoing a specific type of surgery called pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). It found that 7.3% of the 19,054 patients studied had metabolic syndrome, and those patients faced higher risks: for example, 30-day mortality was 3% for those with metabolic syndrome compared to 1.8% for those without, and serious complications occurred in 26% of patients with metabolic syndrome versus 23% in others. This is important because it highlights the need for special care strategies to help reduce risks for these patients during and after surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients with metabolic syndrome who are undergoing surgery, as well as the doctors treating them.

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This study examined the impact of having a cardiac surgery program on the outcomes of thoracic surgeries like lobectomy, pneumonectomy, and esophagectomy across nearly 400,000 patients. The findings showed that patients in hospitals with a cardiac surgery program had lower death rates after lobectomies and esophagectomies, but not for pneumonectomies. Overall, the presence of a cardiac surgery program was linked to fewer complications for all three types of surgery; however, it didn’t independently improve results when considering other factors like hospital teaching status and the number of surgeries performed. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing thoracic surgery by highlighting the importance of hospital quality rather than just the presence of a cardiac team.

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This study looked at benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a common condition in older men that causes trouble with urination due to an enlarged prostate. It identified several risk factors for BPH, such as being Black, obese, or having diabetes, and suggested that men with mild symptoms can often just keep an eye on their condition. For those with more serious symptoms, medications like alpha-blockers are usually the first choice, and combining treatments works better than using one medication alone. Who this helps: This benefits older men dealing with urinary problems and their doctors treating them.

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This study looks at various conditions affecting the scrotum and testicles, such as benign masses, infections, and testicular cancer. It found that most benign masses, like varicoceles, don't need treatment but can affect fertility if they cause increased heat in the scrotum. When testicular torsion occurs, immediate surgery within 6 hours can save the testicle more than 90% of the time. Who this helps: This information benefits men experiencing scrotal or testicular issues, including those with fertility concerns and those facing emergencies like testicular torsion.

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This study looked at how complications after esophagectomy surgery (removal of the esophagus) affect long-term survival in older adults with esophageal cancer. Out of 940 patients studied, 51% had no major complications, but those who experienced complications had a lower overall survival rate, although their cancer-specific survival remained unchanged. Specifically, patients with complications had worse overall survival if they survived at least 90 days post-surgery, emphasizing the importance of managing complications to improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing esophagectomy and their doctors by highlighting the need for careful monitoring and management of post-surgery complications.

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This study looked at Hepatitis A, a viral infection transmitted through contaminated food or water. After a vaccine was introduced, infections in the U.S. dropped by over 90%, but recent outbreaks among unvaccinated people are increasing cases again. Hepatitis A usually causes symptoms like fever and jaundice, but the disease typically resolves on its own without long-term effects, making vaccination especially important for young children and high-risk groups. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially children and those at high risk of severe illness.

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Researchers looked at the effects of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) on patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer who underwent surgery. They found that using NAT reduced the rates of positive margins—where cancer cells are found at the edges of the removed tissue—from 21.8% to 15.5%. When radiation therapy was also used, those rates dropped even further to 13.4%. This is important because having fewer positive margins is linked to better survival rates, with patients having positive margins living an average of 14.9 months compared to 23.9 months for those without. Who this helps: This helps patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer and their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how two different chemotherapy drugs, capecitabine (CAPE) and gemcitabine (GEM), performed in combination with radiation therapy before surgery in patients with borderline resectable and resectable pancreatic cancer. It found that patients taking CAPE had a much better chance of having their tumors surgically removed (almost 10 times more likely) and lived longer without their cancer worsening (15.4 months compared to 4.0 months for GEM). Thus, using CAPE may improve treatment outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: This research benefits pancreatic cancer patients who are considering surgery.

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This study looked at how different factors affect whether people follow up after testing positive for lung cancer in a screening program. Out of 14,000 people who had a positive test, 89.3% received the recommended follow-up care. Women, married individuals, and white patients were more likely to follow up compared to men, single or divorced individuals, and African American patients, respectively, highlighting that race and social connections play an important role in health care access. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, particularly those at risk for lung cancer, by highlighting disparities in follow-up care based on gender, marital status, and race.

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This study looked at how effective and reliable spirometry tests are when done in a doctor's office compared to specialized labs. It found that office-based tests provide important information about lung health, especially for diagnosing lung disease. A key measurement, the FEV1/FVC ratio, helps identify breathing problems, and significant decreases in this ratio can signify issues, although the study notes that it isn't clear what exactly counts as "significant." This is important because accurate lung assessments help doctors provide better care and monitor treatment effectiveness. Who this helps: This helps patients with lung conditions and their doctors by improving the accuracy of lung function assessments.

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This study compared the long-term survival rates of two minimally invasive surgical methods for lung cancer: robotic-assisted lobectomy and thoracoscopic lobectomy. Researchers analyzed data from 409 matched patients and found that after three years, 71.4% of patients who had thoracoscopic surgery and 73.1% who had robotic surgery were still alive, showing no significant difference in overall survival or cancer-specific mortality between the two methods. This matters because it indicates that both surgical approaches are equally effective for patients with lung cancer, which can help inform treatment decisions. Who this helps: Patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

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This study focused on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a common autoimmune condition that causes joint pain and swelling, primarily affecting women and people with a family history of the disease. The research found that early treatment can lead to less joint damage and improved quality of life for patients; specifically, using methotrexate as a first-line therapy significantly helps those with RA. This is important because it also lowers the risk of heart-related deaths linked to the disease. Who this helps: This benefits patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how heart and lung transplant patients do after having general surgery compared to patients who haven't had transplant surgery. Researchers found that transplant patients experienced more complications and stayed in the hospital longer. Specifically, these patients had a higher mortality rate, although factors like hospital size and other health issues were also influential. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers understand the risks for heart and lung transplant patients undergoing surgery.

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This study focused on how different racial and ethnic groups use medical services for liver cancer linked to hepatitis C. Researchers found that from 2005 to 2015, Black and Hispanic patients received fewer treatments—like liver transplants and surgeries—compared to white patients, leading to worse outcomes; specifically, Black patients had higher death rates during hospitalization. This matters because it highlights important health disparities that need to be addressed to ensure everyone receives fair medical care. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those from Black and Hispanic communities dealing with liver cancer.

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This research looked at different subcategories of T1 stage pancreatic cancer to see how they affect survival rates in patients who had surgery. They analyzed data from over 41,000 patients and found that the 5-year survival rates for T1a (68.8%), T1b (57%), and T1c (46.6%) patients showed differences, indicating that smaller tumors generally lead to better outcomes. However, when looking at a more in-depth analysis, the distinction between the categories was not significant across all cases. Who this helps: This benefits patients with pancreatic cancer and their doctors by providing clearer survival expectations based on tumor size.

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This study looked at benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common issue in older men that causes uncomfortable urinary symptoms. It found that mild symptoms can be managed by simply monitoring them, while medications like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can help more severe cases. Surgery may be necessary for men who experience complications or don't respond to medication. Who this helps: This benefits older men dealing with urinary problems.

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The study focused on improving treatments for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a serious liver cancer that many patients cannot be cured from due to its advanced state. Researchers found that combining external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) with other treatments like transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) can lead to better outcomes for these patients, particularly those with three or fewer large tumors or other complications. This matters because with effective treatment options, patients may have a better quality of life and extended survival times. Who this helps: Patients with advanced liver cancer who cannot undergo surgery.

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This study looked at patients with HIV who had major surgeries to remove cancers that are not related to AIDS, comparing their recovery to that of the general population. Researchers found that HIV patients had a higher risk of complications after surgery, particularly after lung surgery, where their risk was nearly three times greater. It also took HIV patients longer to recover after surgery, especially after colectomy, averaging about 2.6 more days in the hospital. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating HIV patients with cancer.

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This study looked at a treatment method called intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) for early stage breast cancer. It involved 49 patients and found that while 75% experienced some side effects (mostly mild), the quality of life for most patients remained high, with positive feelings about their health reported at 3 to 4 on a scale where 4 means "very much" satisfied. Importantly, there weren’t any local cancer recurrences over two years, indicating that this treatment is effective and manageable. Who this helps: This benefits patients with early stage breast cancer seeking less invasive treatment options.

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This study looked at how a specific blood test, called the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), can help predict outcomes in patients with high-risk, nonmetastatic melanoma. Researchers analyzed data from 1,431 patients and found that a high NLR (3 or higher) is linked to a greater risk of dying from the disease. This matters because it uses a simple blood test to identify patients who might need more aggressive treatment options to improve their chances of survival. Who this helps: This helps doctors identify high-risk melanoma patients who may require more urgent or intensive care.

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This study looked at the long-term effects of a treatment called irreversible electroporation (IRE) for liver tumors. Out of 40 patients treated, only 10 tumors (about 13.4%) came back after the procedure, and none of these recurrences happened after 19 months. This is important because it shows that IRE is a safe option for patients with small tumors in hard-to-reach areas of the liver, offering them a chance to avoid more invasive treatments. Who this helps: Patients with liver tumors that cannot be surgically removed.

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This study focuses on vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to anemia and various mental and physical health issues. It found that screening for this deficiency isn't recommended for everyone, but should be done for specific high-risk groups, like older adults and those who follow vegetarian diets. Treatment with high doses of vitamin B12 pills works as well as injections for improving symptoms, but injections are better for severe cases. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for patients at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency and their healthcare providers.