Comparison of Forceps, Cryoprobe, and Thoracoscopic Lung Biopsy for the Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease − The CHILL Study

Rationale: Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) has emerged as a less invasive method to obtain a tissue diagnosis in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). The diagnostic yield of TBLC compared to surgical lung biopsy (SLB) remains uncertain. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of forceps transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) and TBLC compared to SLB when making the final diagnosis based on multidisciplinary discussion (MDD). Methods: Patients enrolled in the study underwent sequential TBLB and TBLC followed immediately by SLB. De-identified cases, with blinding of the biopsy method, were reviewed by a blinded pathologist and then discussed at a multidisciplinary conference. Main Results: Between August 2013 and October 2017, we enrolled 16 patients. The raw agreement between TBLC and SLB for the MDD final diagnosis was 68.75% with a Cohen’s kappa of 0.6 (95% CI 0.39, 0.81). Raw agreement and Cohen’s kappa of TBLB versus TBLC and TBLB versus SLB for the MDD final diagnosis were much lower (50%, 0.21 [95% CI 0, 0.42] and 18.75%, 0.08 [95% CI −0.03, 0.19], respectively). TBLC was associated with mild bleeding (grade 1 bleeding requiring suction to clear) in 56.2% of patients. Conclusions: In patients with ILD who have an uncertain type based on clinical and radiographic data and require tissue sampling to obtain a specific diagnosis, TBLC showed moderate correlation with SLB when making the diagnosis with MDD guidance. TBLB showed poor concordance with both TBLC and SLB MDD diagnoses.

EndoConf: real-time video consultation during endoscopy; telemedicine in endoscopy at its best

Background and study aims The aim of this study was to introduce EndoConf, a reliable and easy-to-use tool capable of optimizing clinical care in endoscopy by reducing the number of repeat endoscopy procedures, providing continuous on-the-job clinical education, and allowing a smooth transition to the next level of artificial intelligence-supported systems. Patients and methods We prospectively developed and improved a real-time conference system (EndoConf). EndoConf enables endoscopists to contact on-demand and in real time experienced endoscopists across other sites. After the initial introduction period, we registered all EndoConf-assisted procedures from our unit (Surgical Department of Odense University Hospital) over a 3-month period (Autumn of 2019). Results Of 84 EndoConf-supported procedures, 58 were eligible for further analysis. Eventually, 38 calls were made, of which only four were technically of low quality (10.5 %) while three were not answered (7.9 %). Of the 35 (92.1 %) completed EndoConf calls; 24 were referred for endoscopic mucosal resection, six were referred for transanal microsurgery preceded by transrectal ultrasonography and three were referred for multidisciplinary conference, whereas in two cases, the lesion was resected during EndoConf. Conclusions We found the EndoConf system to provide support that could reduce the number of unnecessary repeat endoscopic procedures while at the same time ensuring avoidance of any hazardous attempt at polypectomy.

Report from the Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference Virtual Education Series—Transition from Local to System Therapy and Optimal Sequencing of Systemic Therapy for HCC

The Western Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference (WC-5) convened virtually on 10 February 2021. The WC-5 is an interactive multidisciplinary conference attended by health care professionals from across Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) who are involved in the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists; pathologists; radiologists; and allied health care professionals participated in presentation and discussion sessions for the purpose of developing the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses current issues in the management of hepatocellular cancer (HCC). Recommendations have been made for the transition from local to systemic therapy and the optimal sequencing of systemic regimens in the management of HCC.

Preface: Communicating, Educating, Interfacing during COVID-19 Pandemic

This Special Edition of the European Scientific Journal - ESJ results from the speeches that were held at the online Multidisciplinary Conference on May 17. The Conference had several Special Sessions and I had the honor to chair the session on Medical and Health communication, especially during a pandemic.

Levine Cancer Institute Financial Toxicity Tumor Board: A Potential Solution to an Emerging Problem

PURPOSE: Fiscal distress or “financial toxicity,” in which patients experience challenges in paying for treatment, are becoming dominant problems for patients with cancer because of burgeoning health care costs and strategies implemented by health insurance payers to reduce their level of expenditure. We report the structure and function of the first Financial Toxicity Tumor Board (FTTB). Modeled on the concept of a conventional multidisciplinary tumor board, FTTB functions as a multidisciplinary conference providing broad problem-solving approaches to financial toxicity. METHODS: The FTTB, with participation from physicians, nurses, financial counselors, nurse navigators, social workers, and administrators, meets monthly and is focused on financial toxicity and financial worry experienced by patients with cancer. It is linked to a Patient Assistance Program for oncologic pharmaceutical agents as this domain constitutes a critical area of financial toxicity for many patients. RESULTS: In the first years of function, more than $55-$60 million of personal expenditure has been avoided for 1,749 and 1,819 patients, respectively, as well as more than $1.3 million copay assistance provided for financially challenged patients. Problems addressed have included payer impediments, underinsurance, complexities of certification, coding or billing issues, and inadequate internal standard operating procedures. CONCLUSION: A focus on proactive management of financial toxicity through the function of multidisciplinary FTTBs substantially ameliorates this burgeoning international problem. This concept is presented early as it may be leveraged readily in other centers.