The effect of age on peripheral stem cell mobilization in healthy donors,single center experience

Purpose : Peripheral stem cell transplantation is used as a life‐saving therapeutic option in hematological malignancies. As previously established, most hematological malignancies are seen in the elderly population. Therefore, possible HLA‐identical sibling donors of elderly patients are generally of an advanced age. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of old age on stem cell mobilization and quality in older adult healthy sibling donors. Materials and Methods : Between 2006 and 2014, we evaluated 38 healthy donors aged ≥55 years. The granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) analogs were used at a dose of 5 µg/kg/day and administered subcutaneously twice a day for five days. CD34+ cells were estimated in the peripheral blood before collection of the apheresis product. The National Marrow Donor Program selects healthy unrelated donors if they are younger than 60 years. Therefore, we compared the product quality in donors over the age of 60 to that in donors aged 60 years or less. Results : We collected sufficient products from all the donors with one to three apheresis procedures. No serious complication was detected in all donors. Reaching the target CD34+ cell count in one day were detected in 83% of younger and 79% of older donors (P = NS). Collected CD34+ cells x10e6/recipient body weight (kg) was same and 5.1 in the groups (P = NS). There were no correlation between the donor age and these parameters. Conclusion : Healthy donor apheresis in older adults can be performed effectively and possible donors should be evaluated regardless of their age. J. Clin. Apheresis 32:16–20, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Management of penile cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: An eUROGEN accelerated Delphi consensus study

ObjectivesTo develop an international consensus on managing penile cancer patients during the COVID-19 acute waves. A major concern for patients with penile cancer during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is how the enforced safety measures will affect their disease management. Delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation may have an impact on the extent of the primary lesion as well as the cancer-specific survival because of the development and progression of inguinal lymph node metastases.Materials and methodsA review of the COVID-19 literature was conducted in conjunction with analysis of current international guidelines on the management of penile cancer. Results were presented to an international panel of experts on penile cancer and infection control by a virtual accelerated Delphi process using 4 survey rounds. Consensus opinion was defined as an agreement of ≥80%, which was used to reconfigure management pathways for penile cancer.ResultsLimited evidence is available for delaying penile cancer management. The consensus rate of agreement was 100% that penile cancer pathways should be reconfigured, and measures should be developed to prevent perioperative nosocomial transmission of COVID-19. The panel also reached a consensus on several statements aimed at reconfiguring the management of penile cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionsThe international consensus panel proposed a framework for the diagnostic and invasive therapeutic procedures for penile cancer within a low-risk environment for COVID-19.     

Minimizing Ports During Robotic Partial Nephrectomy

Methods:Data on 11 robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomies performed by using our technique from February 2015 through June 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The robotic platform used was DaVinci Xi (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, California, USA) with a 3-arm setup. The AirSeal system (SurgiQuest, Milford, Connecticut, USA) was used as a port allowing simultaneous introduction of 2 instruments for the bedside surgeon, obviating the need for an additional (fourth) robotic arm. A long suction-and-irrigation device and atraumatic grasping forceps were used. Both instruments were introduced through the trocar of the AirSeal system, making simultaneous introduction and use possible. We preferred the long suction-and-irrigation device, because it minimizes collision of the instruments.Results:Mean age and BMI of the patients were 55 ±14.6 y and 29.18 ± 6.85, respectively. Seven tumors were on the right side and 4 were on the left. The mean size of the tumors was 32.45 mm (± 11.31). Surgical time was 132.2 minutes (±37.17), with an estimated blood loss and ischemia time of 103.63 mL (±65.92) and 16.72 minutes (±9.52), respectively. One patient had postoperative bleeding that was resolved without transfusion. The median hospitalization period was 3.9 d (±0.53). Loss of intra-abdominal pressure was not observed, and pressure was stable at 10 mm Hg.Conclusion:The AirSeal System and its valveless trocar eliminated the need for an additional port placement in our series. The technique is feasible, safe, and reproducible; therefore, it may be implemented in selected cases of robot-assisted partial nephrectomies.