Saint Francis University

About: Saint Francis University is a education organization based out in Loretto, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Osteoblast. The organization has 1694 authors who have published 2038 publications receiving 87149 citations.

Updates on immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract: Immunotherapy has made significant progress in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the last years. Early tumor vaccine studies showed trends toward better clinical outcomes, and larger trial results are currently being awaited. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are promising therapeutic agents in advanced NSCLC. While ipilimumab, a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 inhibitor, has clearly improved outcomes in metastatic malignant melanoma, its safety and efficacy in NSCLC are not yet known. Programmed death-1 (PD-1) and PD-1 ligand inhibitors such as nivolumab, MK3475 and MPDL3280 have demonstrated clinical efficacy in patients with advanced/metastatic NSCLC in early clinical trials. Their validation in larger Phase III trials is anxiously being awaited. Furthermore, exploring efficacy of these molecules in patients with early stages of lung cancer is also necessary.

Delayed accumulation (flip flop) of Tc-99m DTPA in a leiomyosarcoma.

Abstract: An 85-year-old woman with leiomyosarcoma occupying the abdominopelvic area had a renal dynamic study with Tc-99m DTPA. The tumor area initially showed almost no content of the radiopharmaceutical. At 24 hours, there was retention of activity in the leiomyosarcoma as compared with surrounding tissues (flip flop). It was noted that, based on literature reports, tumors of mesodermal origin (leiomyoma, spindle cell sarcoma, neurofibroma) may have the ability to concentrate Tc-99m DTPA.

Persistent polyclonal B-cell lymphocytosis in chronic smokers: more than meets the eye.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Persistent neutrophiliais awell-recognized phenomenon in some chronic cigarette smokers In contrast, persistent polyclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (PPBL) is considered a rare entity affecting this patient population METHODS We analyzed a cohort of 21 patients with chronic smoking histories presenting with persistent leukocytosis None of the patients was on steroids, lithium preparations, or other medications known to increase the white blood cell (WBC) counts We excluded any myeloproliferative or lymphoproliferative conditions in our patient cohort WBC differential was obtained during repeated visits and the mean values calculated The results were subsequently compared to known upper normal limits and tested for statistical significance RESULTS The absolute leukocyte count in our cohort was 178 +/- 32 x 10(9)/L and the absolute neutrophil count was 120 +/- 28 x 10(9)/L The difference proved statistically significant for both values when compared to upper normal limits (P < 0001) Six patients (five females and one male) were also found to have a significant and persistent lymphocytosis at 51 +/- 05 x 10(9)/L (P < 0001) CONCLUSIONS We have identified the presence of -29% PPBL cases in a series of consecutive patients with persistent leukocytosis/neutrophilia related to chronic cigarette smoking Similar to the results obtained by other investigators, our PPBL patients showed a younger female predominance Given the findings in our cohort, we believe that PPBL might be more common than previously thought and discuss further its potential implications for general and specialty practice

Neuromuscular blockade in the emergency department

Abstract: This article presents a comprehensive review of neuromuscular blocking agents and their uses in the emergency department. These medicines are divided into two categories: depolarizing relaxants (including succinylcholine and decamethonium) and nondepolarizing relaxants (including d-tubocurarine, pancuronium, atracurium, and vecuronium). Also reviewed are pharmaco-kinetics, toxicity, and principal applications of these important agents.