Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

Pituitary Adenoma Presenting As Cranial Nerve Iii Palsy And Hemifacial Pain, Yoona Choe, Justin George, Matthew Boyle, Peter Maduka

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Pituitary adenomas are common neoplasms arising from the pituitary adenohypophyseal cell. They can be classified by cell type, size and as nonfunctioning or functioning based on the secretion of pituitary hormones. Of these, approximately 48% are macroadenomas (>10 mm) and approximately 53% are prolactinomas. For how common these adenomas are, only 1 of 1100 persons manifest clinical symptoms¹ rendering detection and clinical management challenging.

Non-functioning adenomas are slow growing like most pituitary adenomas and are usually detected due to their mass effect on neighboring structures.² The majority of the reported symptoms as a results of these mass …

An Unexpected Finding During A Breast Excisional Biopsy: A Case Report, Emily Forester, Anjeanette Brown

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Pacemaker leads within the breast are rare. Although it is infrequent, there are some reports of implanted cardiac devices or wires migrating into breast tissue or through the chest wall. To the best of our knowledge, there are no current reports of pacemaker leads within the breast tissue of a patient with concurrent breast cancer. This case aims to detail the surgical management of this rare phenomenon.

Case Presentation: A pacemaker-dependent, female patient presented to the operating room for a left breast excisional biopsy. Intraoperatively, two epicardial leads were unexpectedly found within the center of the patient’s breast tissue. …

Comparative Analysis Of Health Outcomes In Gastric Cancer: Robotic Vs. Laparoscopic Gastrectomy, Maftuna Kurbonnazarova

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Exploring the most effective surgical approach for gastrectomy is crucial for determining superior health outcomes in patients. This research compares robotic and laparoscopic techniques with the aim of pinpointing the optimal method, offering valuable insights for improved postoperative well-being.

Resection And Reconstruction Of Ewing Sarcoma Of The Cuboid Utilizing Vascularized Fibular Autograft: A Case Report, Brandon Cunha, Alexandre Arkader

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Ewing Sarcoma (EWS) rarely presents in the bones of the foot, and particularly in the cuboid, making it an exceedingly rare occurrence. We present the case of a 7-year-old female diagnosed with EWS of the right cuboid, detailing the management and outcomes of this rare presentation. The patient, now almost 5 years post-initial local control, exhibits restored foot function, a normalized gait, and no evidence of disease recurrence. This case underscores the potential for preserving lower extremity function and improving postoperative quality of life in rare presentations of EWS through innovative reconstruction strategies.

Addressing Gaps In Care Through A Medical Student-Led Cancer Screening Project, Matthew Green, Hannah Ngo, Dakota B. Pastore, Jenna Zappetti, Olivia Siciliano, Meghan Mcquade, John Sauer, Anne Jones

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), breast cancer (BrCa), and cervical cancer are three of the most preventable cancers. Despite the known significance for early detection and treatment, barriers to screening remain. We developed a medical student-led project to improve adherence to national cancer screening guidelines in patients across Rowan-Virtua Family Medicine (FM) practices. This study assesses the initiative’s efficacy in improving adherence to CRC, BrCa, and cervical cancer screenings.

Methods: Rowan-Virtua FM patients between the ages of 21-75 (n=735) were identified as due or up-to-date on cancer screenings based on chart review. Student volunteers were trained to contact patients to discuss …

Case Report: An Emergency Department Presentation Of An Ovarian Teratoma, David Marconi, Zamron Masih

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

A teratoma (from the Greek terato for “monster” and onkoma for “mass” or “swelling”) is a type of neoplasm composed of tissues from two or three germ layers. Mature cystic teratomas (MCTs) constitute 70% of all ovarian neoplasms. They typically present with nonspecific symptoms such as pain and nausea. They account for approximately 2% of all primary ovarian malignant cancers and are predominately diagnosed via ultrasound. Computed tomography may be necessary if malignancy is suspected. Larger size warrants a higher suspicion of malignancy. Management is symptom control and ultimately, surgical removal. Prognosis is generally excellent, provided there is no malignant …

A Rare Presentation: Intracranial Hemorrhage As A Symptom Of Acute Leukemic Transformation In A 23-Year Old Male, Kelsey M. Murray, Kishan Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This case highlights the urgency of considering acute leukemic transformation in young patients presenting with neurological deficits, emphasizing the importance of prompt evaluation and management to optimize patient outcomes. The case depicted is a tragic complication of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and its acute blast crisis. Remarkably, the patient exhibited none of the typical constitutional symptoms associated with CML.

Dermoid Cyst – Presenting With Llq Abdominal Pain, Mohammad A. Rattu, James A. Espinosa

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled structures that may be defined as simple or complex and are often discovered incidentally on imaging. Their etiology can range from physiologically normal (such as follicular or luteal cysts) to ovarian malignancies. They are more common in the reproductive years secondary to endogenous hormonal production however may also occur at any age. Simple cysts more commonly occur among all age groups; mixed cystic and solid and completely solid ovarian lesions however have rates of increased malignancy. The most independent risk factor is age; therefore, post-menopausal women should have proper follow-up secondary to this risk. Some risk …

Neoadjuvant Versus Adjuvant Therapy For Stage Iiib-Iiid Melanoma, Bhumik Patel, Sangnya Upadhyaya

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The treatment landscape for advanced stage melanoma is rapidly evolving due to advancements in our understanding of melanoma biology and the emergence of novel therapies. This necessitates a comprehensive review to guide clinicians in adopting evidence based and patient centric approaches to treat stage IIIB-IIID melanoma. A literature review was conducted to synthesize current information on the most optimal treatment available. Data available from different clinical trials found that neoadjuvant therapy was a more effective treatment compared to adjuvant therapies alone. Furthermore, neoadjuvant therapy with combination therapy was more efficacious in producing a complete pathological response compared to monotherapy. A …

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Referrals In Cancer Patients, Bhumik Patel, Venkateswar Venkataraman, Deanna Janora, Jack Goldberg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) can address functional limitations in various conditions, including cancer. Cancer rehabilitation aims to address functional impairments resulting from both the disease itself and its treatments, striving to optimize physical, social, psychological, and vocational functioning. Existing literature indicates that PM&R services significantly benefit cancer patients by improving their overall quality of life. Studies have found that optimal utilization of PM&R services can increase the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) in cancer patients. Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Cancer Society guidelines emphasize the importance of incorporating PM&R services into oncology care to enhance the function and …

Decorin Suppresses Tumor Lymphangiogenesis: A Mechanism To Curtail Cancer Progression, Dipon K. Mondal, Christopher Xie, Gabriel J. Pascal, Simone Buraschi, Renato V. Iozzo

Kimmel Cancer Center Faculty Papers

The complex interplay between malignant cells and the cellular and molecular components of the tumor stroma is a key aspect of cancer growth and development. These tumor-host interactions are often affected by soluble bioactive molecules such as proteoglycans. Decorin, an archetypical small leucine-rich proteoglycan primarily expressed by stromal cells, affects cancer growth in its soluble form by interacting with several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK). Overall, decorin leads to a context-dependent and protracted cessation of oncogenic RTK activity by attenuating their ability to drive a prosurvival program and to sustain a proangiogenic network. Through an unbiased transcriptomic analysis using deep RNAseq, …

Evidenced-Based Strategies To Increase Cervical Cancer Screening Rates, Tuong Cat Vo Bsn-Rn, Nada Salloukh Bsn-Rn, Tatiana Elena Swanson Bsn-Rn, Xiao Mie Cindy Zhu Bsn-Rn, Laura Taylor Reed Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer affecting women worldwide (Staley et al., 2021). With cervical cancer being a preventable disease, an effective method of reducing healthcare costs and mortality is primary prevention, such as screenings. Financial burdens and barriers to accessing medical care may result due to the lack of proper cervical cancer screenings. Detecting cervical cancer includes screening women 21 to 65 years old with a Papanicolaou (PAP) test every three years. Women aged 30 to 65 years old can extend the screening of cervical cancer by having a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test along with …

Li-Fraumeni Syndrome And The Benefits Of Annual Comprehensive Screening: A Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Case, Alice He Bs, Wern Lynn Ng Md, Faith Seltun Do, Lay She Ng Md, Si Yuan Khor Md, Elham Nasrollahi Md, Chandi Garg Md, Rong Rong Ge Md

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

Pancreatic Cancer Tumor Microenvironment Is A Major Therapeutic Barrier And Target, Conner Hartupee, Bolni Marius Nagalo, Chiswili Y. Chabu, Mulu Z. Tesfay, Joycelynn Coleman-Barnett, John T. West, Omeed Moaven

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is projected to become the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Limitations in early detection and treatment barriers contribute to the lack of substantial success in the treatment of this challenging-to-treat malignancy. Desmoplasia is the hallmark of PDAC microenvironment that creates a physical and immunologic barrier. Stromal support cells and immunomodulatory cells face aberrant signaling by pancreatic cancer cells that shifts the complex balance of proper repair mechanisms into a state of dysregulation. The product of this dysregulation is the desmoplastic environment that encases the malignant cells leading to a dense, hypoxic …

Colon Adenocarcinoma Mimicking Acute Appendicitis In A 28-Year-Old, Bridget Kowalczyk, Edward Pingenot, Vivek Bansal

Gulf Coast Division Research Symposium 2024

No abstract provided.

Retrospective Review Of Adverse Events After Treatment Of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer With Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy, Marshall Hall, Henry Lim, Jason Pham, Alyssa Forsyth, Wenqin Du

North Texas Research Forum 2024

No abstract provided.

Geometric Favre-Racouchot Syndrome Following Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy, Marshall Hall, Cecilia Nguyen, Christian Scheufele, Christopher M. Wong, Stephen E. Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2024

Introduction: Favre-Racouchot Syndrome is a cutaneous disease characterized by nodules, cysts, and comedones located in sun-exposed areas of the face. It is most commonly found on the bilateral temporal and periorbital skin. Favre-Racouchot Syndrome is most associated with chronic sun exposure. It occurs more commonly in cigarette smokers. It has been rarely associated with radiation therapy. It has not been reported after image-guided superficial radiation therapy or in a geometric pattern. Case presentation: We present the first two recorded cases of Favre-Racouchot Syndrome occurring in the setting of image-guided superficial radiation therapy. Both patients presented with well-demarcated geometric plaques with …

Employing A Machine Learning Approach In Precision Oncology To Predict Pik3ca Functional Status And Identify Phenocopying Variants Of Deleterious Pik3ca Mutations, Javier Castillo

CMC Senior Theses

The following proposal describes a modular machine learning approach that detects malfunctioning genes and pathways in cancer using the transcriptome of cancer patients. The transcriptome is underused in precision oncology and, combined with machine learning, can aid in the identification of hidden responders. Applied to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, this method can be used to predict PIK3CA functional status and identify phenocopying variants of deleterious PIK3CA mutations. The classifier will do this by integrating RNA-seq, copy number, and mutation data from tumors to determine the functional status of PIK3CA using a set of learned gene-specific weights. The classifier will then be …