Longitudinal assessment of disparities in pancreatic cancer care: A retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database.

Background: The existence of sociodemographic disparities in pancreatic cancer has been well-studied but how these disparities have changed over time is unclear. The purpose of this study was to longitudinally assess patient management in the context of sociodemographic factors to identify persisting disparities in pancreatic cancer care.

Methods: Using the National Cancer Database, patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from 2010 to 2017 were identified.

Low-Dose Tocilizumab With High-Dose Corticosteroids in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 Hypoxic Respiratory Failure Improves Mortality Without Increased Infection Risk.

Background: Severe hypoxic respiratory failure from COVID-19 pneumonia carries a high mortality risk. There is uncertainty surrounding which patients benefit from corticosteroids in combination with tocilizumab and the dosage and timing of these agents. The balance of controlling inflammation without increasing the risk of secondary infection is difficult.

Positron emission tomography (PET) has limited utility in the staging of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Background: Positron emission tomography (PET) as an adjunct to conventional imaging in the staging of pancreatic adenocarcinoma is controversial. Herein, we assess the utility of PET in identifying metastatic disease and evaluate the prognostic potential of standard uptake value (SUV).

Methods: Imaging and follow-up data for patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma were reviewed retrospectively.