Diversity in cardiothoracic surgery: The time has come

Historically, cardiothoracic surgery has been one of the least diverse specialties in medicine. There has been progress during the last 20 years, but we are far from equality in regard to gender or racial and ethnic makeup of the cardiothoracic surgical workforce. This phenomenon is not isolated to America, but exists throughout the globe. Diversity has been shown to improve productivity and profits in manufacturing and other fields. In addition, diversity has been shown to improve outcomes in select patient populations with a wide range of chronic and acute medical conditions. So, what can we do about it? This article summarizes the current situation in regard to equality and equity in cardiothoracic surgery and proposes solutions to bring about lasting change. Diversity in cardiothoracic surgery will not occur passively. It will require a concerted effort and a commitment to change.

Survival among patients with untreated metastatic breast cancer.

1095 Background: Treatments for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) have significantly improved survival for patients who receive treatment, yet data describing the prognosis for untreated patients is lacking. Therefore, we sought to assess the survival outcomes of patients with de novo MBC who did not receive treatment. Methods: Adults with MBC at diagnosis (clinical M1 or pathologic M1) were selected from the NCDB (2010-2016) and stratified based on receipt of treatment (treated = received at least one treatment; untreated = received no treatments). Differences between patient groups were tested using Chi-square tests for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous variables. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method for the overall cohort and stratified by select patient and/or disease characteristics, and groups were compared with log-rank tests. Cox Proportional Hazards models were used to identify factors associated with OS in the untreated MBC subgroup. Results: Of the 53,240 patients with de novo MBC, the median age was 61y (IQR 52-71), and the majority had a comorbidity score of 0 (81.2%). Within this cohort, 49,040 (92.1%) received at least one treatment (treated) and 4,200 (7.9%) had no documented treatments (untreated). Untreated patients were more likely to be older (median 68y vs 61y, p < 0.001) and have higher comorbidity scores (p < 0.001). Patients with untreated MBC were more likely to have triple negative disease (17.8% vs 12.6%), and a higher disease burden (≥2 metastatic sites: 38.2% untreated vs 29.2% treated, p < 0.001). The median unadjusted OS in the untreated subgroup was 2.5mo vs 36.4mo in the treated subgroup (p < 0.001). For those who survived at least 1mo post-diagnosis, the median unadjusted OS in the untreated subgroup was 6.9mo vs 37.3mo in the treated subgroup (p < 0.001), which increased to 18.6mo and 40.3mo for those who survived at least 3mo post-diagnosis (p < 0.001). In the untreated population, unadjusted OS varied by breast cancer subtype (median 3.8mo for HR+/HER2-, vs 2.6mo for HER2+, vs 2.1mo for triple negative, p < 0.001) and number of metastatic sites (4.1mo for 1 site, vs 1.8mo for 2 sites, vs 1.1mo for 3 sites, vs 1.2mo for ≥4 sites, p < 0.001). After adjustment, variables associated with a worse OS in the untreated cohort included older age, higher comorbidity scores, higher tumor grade, and triple negative (vs HR+/HER2-) tumor subtype (all p < 0.05), while the number of metastatic sites was not associated with survival; these same findings were also noted when the analysis was limited to those who survived at least 1mo post-diagnosis. Conclusions: Patients with de novo MBC who do not receive treatment are more likely to be older, present with comorbid conditions, and have clinically aggressive disease. Similar to those who do receive treatment, survival in an untreated population is associated with select patient and disease characteristics. However, the prognosis for untreated MBC is dismal.

Radiofrequency Rejuvenation of the “Tweener” Patient: Under, Over, or Through the Skin

The demand for noninvasive facial rejuvenation continues to increase as younger, well-informed patients enter the aesthetic market. We refer to a subset of these patients as “tweeners,” those who present with early signs of neck and facial aging, but who have not yet developed changes significant enough to warrant a traditional excisional surgery approach. Many of these patients are in search of a minimally invasive intervention, a bridge in between observation and surgery. The authors describe their experience with radiofrequency (RF) technology as an in-office tool to address the aging face in a select patient population. This review also attempts to comprehensively search the existing body of literature to describe the RF technologies and devices available for facial rejuvenation. The efficacy and safety profiles of the devices are discussed, and the devices are categorized by their method of RF delivery—over (contact), through (microneedle), and under (percutaneous) the skin.

Using Pharmacogenetic Testing to Tailor Warfarin Therapy: The Singapore Experience and What the Future Holds

Genetic polymorphisms significantly affect individual responses to warfarin, contributing to unpredictability and challenges in managing anticoagulation. Although numerous studies have demonstrated that pharmacogenetic testing improves anticoagulation-related outcomes in the Caucasian population, its effect in the Asian population has not been well studied. This article discusses controversies surrounding tailoring warfarin therapy using pharmacogenetic testing and its role in clinical practice, with a focus on the Asian context. Using the Singapore experience as an example, the authors propose how pharmacogenetic testing can be a means to reduce dose titrations in select patient populations, and how it may be positioned as an enabler to reduce healthcare resources needed for anticoagulation management.