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Scattoni V, Bolognesi A, Cozzarini C, Francesca F, Grasso M, Galli L, Torelli T, Campo B, Villa E, Rigatti P. Neoadjuvant CMV Chemotherapy plus Radical Cystectomy in Locally Advanced Bladder Cancer: The Impact of Pathologic Response on Long-Term Results. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 82:463-9. [PMID: 9063525 DOI: 10.1177/030089169608200511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aims and Background Neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy in infiltrating transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder has proved to be effective and to provide a pathologic complete response in about 30% of patients. No survival benefit has yet been proved. Methods We analyzed the outcome of 75 patients with advanced bladder cancer (stages T2-T4 N+/N0 M0) treated from 1985 to 1993 at two institutions in the same geographic area with 2 or 3 cycles of neoadjuvant CMV (cisplatin, methotrexate and vinblastine) chemotherapy plus cystectomy. Transurethral resection of the tumor was expressly avoided in order to keep the tumor intact as a marker lesion to evaluate response to chemotherapy. Results At the time of analysis, the median follow-up of 67 assessable patients was 51.5±3.9 (SE) months. Forty-six patients (69%) had clinical evidence of extravesical spread of the bladder tumor and 6 of lymph node metastases at presentation. After cystectomy, a pathologic complete response (pT0, pN0) was achieved in only 6 cases (9%) and a pathologic partial response in 32 patients (48%). The overall 5-year survival rate of all patients was 61 ±6%. Those patients who had a major response to chemotherapy (pCR + pPR) had a 5-year disease-free survival rate of 74%, which was statistically higher (P=0.0021) than the 44% for the remaining nonresponding patients (pNR). Overall, 43% of the patients with stage T2-T3a disease achieved tumor downstaging (CR, 5%; PR, 38%) compared with 63% of the patients with T3b-T4 (CR, 11%; PR, 52%), although there was no significant difference in 5-year survival curves between the two groups. Conclusions A pathologic complete response was achieved in less than 10% of the cases without a preoperative tumor resection. Unfortunately, most of the responses were only partial. Even though the study appears to suggest a survival advantage for those patients who achieved a downstaging, CMV chemotherapy had a limited curative potential in most of the patients. It seems unlikely that determinant proof will be obtained that neoadjuvant chemotherapy may improve survival over a nontreatment control arm. The intrinsic chemoresistance or the suboptimal response to chemotherapy of bladder cancer remains the most adverse prognostic factor.
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Grasso M. Editorial Comment on: Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Three Different Modalities of Lithotrites for Intracorporeal Lithotripsy in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy by York et al. (From: York NE, Borofsky MS, Chew BH, et al. J Endourol 2017;31:1145-1151). J Endourol 2017; 32:75. [PMID: 29161895 DOI: 10.1089/end.2017.0755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Mazzon I, Favilli A, Grasso M, Moretti V, Soda G, Gerli S. Intramural uterine hemangioma: an insidious trap of a rare pathology. A case report. CLIN EXP OBSTET GYN 2017. [DOI: 10.12891/ceog3910.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Fontana P, Grasso M, Acquaviva F, Gennaro E, Galli ML, Falco M, Scarano F, Scarano G, Lonardo F. SNORD116 deletions cause Prader-Willi syndrome with a mild phenotype and macrocephaly. Clin Genet 2017; 92:440-443. [PMID: 28266014 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex condition caused by lack of expression of imprinted genes in the paternally derived region of chromosome 15 (15q11q13). A small number of patients with Prader-Willi phenotype have been discovered to have narrow deletions, not encompassing the whole critical region, but only the SNORD116 cluster, which includes genes codifying for small nucleolar RNAs. This kind of deletion usually is not detected by the classic DNA methylation analysis test. We present the case of a male patient with a mild Prader-Willi phenotype and a small deletion including SNORD116, diagnosed by methylation-sensitive multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA. The patient showed neonatal hypotonia, hyperphagia, obesity, central hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, strabismus. Stature and intellectual development are within the normal range. The presence of macrocephaly, observed in other cases of SNORD116 deletions as well, is uncommon for the classic phenotype of the syndrome.
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Goldfarb DS, Grasso M. Case Study - Case Studies in Cystinuria. UROLOGIC NURSING 2017; 37:90-93. [PMID: 29240374 PMCID: PMC5764755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The diagnosis and treatment of patients with rare inherited metabolic disorders associated with recurrent and often obstructive kidney stones are important to the prevention of chronic kidney disease or end stage renal disease. Two case studies in this article describe the diagnosis and management of cystinuria, the most common rare kidney stone disorder.
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Grasso M, Estrada MA, Ventocilla C, Samanta M, Maksimoska J, Villanueva J, Winkler JD, Marmorstein R. Chemically Linked Vemurafenib Inhibitors Promote an Inactive BRAF V600E Conformation. ACS Chem Biol 2016; 11:2876-2888. [PMID: 27571413 PMCID: PMC5108658 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.6b00529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The BRAF kinase, within the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, harbors activating mutations in about half of melanomas and to a significant extent in many other cancers. A single valine to glutamic acid substitution at residue 600 (BRAFV600E) accounts for about 90% of these activating mutations. While BRAFV600E-selective small molecule inhibitors, such as debrafenib and vemurafenib, have shown therapeutic benefit, almost all patients develop resistance. Resistance often arises through reactivation of the MAPK pathway, typically through mutation of upstream RAS, downstream MEK, or splicing variants. RAF kinases signal as homo- and heterodimers, and another complication associated with small molecule BRAFV600E inhibition is drug-induced allosteric activation of a wild-type RAF subunit (BRAF or CRAF) of the kinase dimer, a process called "transactivation" or "paradoxical activation." Here, we used BRAFV600E and vemurafenib as a model system to develop chemically linked kinase inhibitors to lock RAF dimers in an inactive conformation that cannot undergo transactivation. This structure-based design effort resulted in the development of Vem-BisAmide-2, a compound containing two vemurafenib molecules connected by a bis amide linker. We show that Vem-BisAmide-2 has comparable inhibitory potency as vemurafenib to BRAFV600E both in vitro and in cells but promotes an inactive dimeric BRAFV600E conformation unable to undergo transactivation. The crystal structure of a BRAFV600E/Vem-BisAmide-2 complex and associated biochemical studies reveal the molecular basis for how Vem-BisAmide-2 mediates selectivity for an inactive over an active dimeric BRAFV600E conformation. These studies have implications for targeting BRAFV600E/RAF heterodimers and other kinase dimers for therapy.
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Grasso M, Remacle M, Bachy V, Van Der Vorst S, Lawson G. Response to letter to Editor: "The clinical course of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis after the use of cidofovir is influenced by multiple factors" by Michel R. M. San Giorgi et al. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2016; 274:593-594. [PMID: 27654254 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-016-4311-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Grasso M. Employment and remuneration trends in 2016. Aust Vet J 2016; 94:N18. [PMID: 27486604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
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Grasso M. The debate over penalty rates gets complicated. Aust Vet J 2016; 94:N12. [PMID: 27243056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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Grasso M. Business restructuring and how it affects you: part 2. Aust Vet J 2015; 93:N23-N24. [PMID: 26807468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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Mazzon I, Favilli A, Grasso M, Gerli S. Sinking myoma: A case of one-step cold loop hysteroscopic myomectomy. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2015; 36:271-2. [PMID: 26492106 DOI: 10.3109/01443615.2015.1058767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Truong HM, Fatch R, Nguyen B, Grasso M, Robertson T, Raymond HF, McFarland W. O20.4 Transmission risk beliefs influence sexual risk behaviour of hiv-positive msm. Br J Vener Dis 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2015-052270.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Grasso M. How to introduce and maintain change in the workplace. Aust Vet J 2015; 93:N20. [PMID: 26539596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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Mirzazadeh A, Grasso M, Johnson K, Briceno A, Navadeh S, McFarland W, Page K. Acceptability of Global Positioning System technology to survey injecting drug users' movements and social interactions: a pilot study from San Francisco, USA. Technol Health Care 2015; 22:689-700. [PMID: 24990173 DOI: 10.3233/thc-140838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite potential applications for improving health services using GPS technology, little is known about ethical concerns, acceptability, and logistical barriers for their use, particularly among marginalized groups. OBJECTIVES We garnered the insights of people who inject drug (PWID) in San Francisco on these topics. METHODS PWID were enrolled through street-outreach (n=20) and an ongoing study (n=4) for 4 focus group discussions. Participants also completed a self-administered questionnaire on demographic characteristics and their numbers and types of interactions with other PWID. RESULTS Median age was 30.5 years, majorities were male (83.3%) and white (68.2%). Most interacted with other PWID for eating meals and purchasing drugs over the last week; fewer reported interactions such as sexual contact, drug treatment, or work. Participants identified several concerns about carrying GPS devices, including what authorities might do with the data, that other PWID and dealers may suspect them as informants, and adherence to carrying and use. Most felt concerns were surmountable with detailed informed consent on the purpose of the study and practical ways to carry, charge, and hide devices. CONCLUSIONS PWID felt data collection on their movements and social interactions with other PWID using GPS can be acceptable with addressing specific concerns. The technology is now in hand to greatly expand the ability to monitor health conditions with respect to the environment and improve the location of prevention, care, and treatment facilities to serve hard to reach, mobile, and hidden populations.
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Truong HHM, Fatch R, Grasso M, Robertson T, Tao L, Chen YH, Curotto A, McFarland W, Grant RM, Reznick O, Raymond HF, Steward WT. Gay and bisexual men engage in fewer risky sexual behaviors while traveling internationally: a cross-sectional study in San Francisco. Sex Transm Infect 2015; 91:220-5. [PMID: 25355773 PMCID: PMC10630101 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2014-051660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND International travel poses potential challenges to HIV prevention. A number of studies have observed an association between travel and behavioural disinhibition. In the present study, we assessed differences in sexual behaviour while travelling internationally and within the USA, compared with being in the home environment. METHODS A probability-based sample of men who have sex with men (MSM) from the San Francisco Bay Area who had travelled internationally in the previous 12 months was recruited through an adapted respondent-driven sampling methodology (N=501). Participants completed interviewer-administered, computer-assisted surveys. RESULTS Detailed partner-by-partner behavioural data by destination type were collected on 2925 sexual partnerships: 1028 while travelling internationally, 665 while travelling within the USA and 1232 while staying in the San Francisco Bay Area. The proportion of partnerships during international travel that involved unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) was lower compared with during domestic travel and staying locally. International travel was associated with decreased odds of receptive UAI (AOR=0.65, p=0.02) compared with staying locally and there was a trend towards decreased odds of insertive UAI (AOR=0.70, p=0.07). CONCLUSIONS MSM engaged in proportionately fewer sexual activities which present a high HIV transmission risk when travelling internationally, namely unprotected receptive and insertive anal intercourse and particularly with HIV serodiscordant partners. The lower sexual risk-taking during international travel was robust to controlling for many factors, including self-reported HIV serostatus, age, relationship status and type of partnership. These findings suggest that when travelling internationally, MSM may experience behavioural disinhibition to a lesser extent than had been described previously.
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Rigatti P, Francesca F, Ronchi F, Di Girolamo V, Grasso M, Colombo R, Maffezzini M. Cystine lithiasis: combined extracorporeal and litholytic treatment. CONTRIBUTIONS TO NEPHROLOGY 2015; 58:274-7. [PMID: 3691141 DOI: 10.1159/000414533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Grasso M. What is a uniform? Aust Vet J 2015; 93:N20. [PMID: 25989644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
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Grasso M. Restraints of trade in common law contracts. Aust Vet J 2015; 93:N14-N15. [PMID: 25856845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
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Moltrasio F, Brenna A, Bovo G, Sala E, Jaconi M, Blanco S, Grasso M, Leni D, Pagni F. Pathological features of Xp11 translocation renal cell carcinoma using urine liquid-based cytology with FISH. Cytopathology 2014; 26:325-8. [DOI: 10.1111/cyt.12208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Alexander B, Fishman AI, Grasso M. Ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy: technologic advancements. World J Urol 2014; 33:247-56. [PMID: 25266163 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-014-1402-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ureteroscopic lithotripsy has evolved since the first reported cases employing rigid rod-lens endoscopes and stiff ultrasonic lithotrites. Fiber optics facilitated rigid endoscope miniaturization and the development of a steerable, deflectable flexible ureteroscopes. Over 30 years of technical innovations culminating in digital imagers and powerful, precise laser lithotrites, complimented by progressive endoscopic techniques have produced efficient endoscopic therapies with minimal morbidity and commonly performed in an outpatient setting.
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Ferrero S, Ladetto M, Drandi D, Cavallo F, Genuardi E, Urbano M, Caltagirone S, Grasso M, Rossini F, Guglielmelli T, Cangialosi C, Liberati AM, Callea V, Carovita T, Crippa C, De Rosa L, Pisani F, Falcone AP, Pregno P, Oliva S, Terragna C, Musto P, Passera R, Boccadoro M, Palumbo A. Long-term results of the GIMEMA VEL-03-096 trial in MM patients receiving VTD consolidation after ASCT: MRD kinetics' impact on survival. Leukemia 2014; 29:689-95. [DOI: 10.1038/leu.2014.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Alexander B, James M, Fishman A, Grasso M, Dorai T. MP29-09 INDUCTION OF HYPOMETABOLISM AS A NOVEL STRATEGY TO EXTEND WARM ISCHEMIA TIME IN PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMIES. J Urol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2014.02.751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Brenna M, Colò G, Roca-Maza X, Bortignon PF, Moghrabi K, Grasso M. A microscopic model beyond mean-field: from giant resonances properties to the fit of new effective interactions. EPJ WEB OF CONFERENCES 2014. [DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/20146602015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Schoenthaler M, Buchholz N, Farin E, Ather H, Bach C, Bach T, Denstedt JD, Fritsche HM, Grasso M, Hakenberg OW, Herwig R, Knoll T, Kuehhas FE, Liatsikos E, Liske P, Marberger M, Osther PJS, Santos JMR, Sarica K, Seitz C, Straub M, Traxer O, Trinchieri A, Turney B, Miernik A. The Post-Ureteroscopic Lesion Scale (PULS): a multicenter video-based evaluation of inter-rater reliability. World J Urol 2013; 32:1033-40. [PMID: 24135917 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-013-1185-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Post-Ureteroscopic Lesion Scale (PULS) offers a simple grading system for the description of ureteral lesions after ureteroscopy. In this article, we present the results of a video-based multicenter evaluation of the inter-rater reliability of clinically important PULS grades 0-3. METHODS Video sequences at the end of ureteroscopy (final passage) were recorded for 100 consecutive patients at a single institution and assessed by experienced urologists (n = 20) and senior residents (n = 17) at 19 international centers. The cohort included only patients with lesions grades 0-3 (with grades 2 and 3 subsumed as 2 + since distinction is defined by an extravasation of contrast medium in fluoroscopy). The gradings were evaluated for inter-rater reliability and in terms of simplicity, validity, comprehensibility, reproducibility, and usefulness. RESULTS Overall, inter-rater reliability was high (Kendall's W = 0.69, p < 0.001) and was comparable between specialists (Kendall's W = 0.69, p < 0.001) and residents (Kendall's W = 0.71, p < 0.001). The matched ratings showed grade 0 in 43.0 % of patients and grades 1 or 2 + in 44.0 and 13.0 % of patients, respectively. Results of the questionnaires indicated a high degree of acceptance, with an overall rating of 1.76 (1.64-1.93 for different items, scale 1-6). CONCLUSIONS Inter-rater reliability of the endoscopically assessable PULS was high among urologists with different levels of experience in different countries worldwide. The validated PULS system may be used for standardized reporting of ureteral lesions/injuries after ureteroscopy. In addition, PULS will enable more selective standardization of indications for postoperative DJ stenting based on the randomized controlled trials.
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Truong HHM, Grasso M, Chen YH, Kellogg TA, Robertson T, Curotto A, Steward WT, McFarland W. Balancing theory and practice in respondent-driven sampling: a case study of innovations developed to overcome recruitment challenges. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70344. [PMID: 23990901 PMCID: PMC3749182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) offers a recruitment strategy for hard-to-reach populations. However, RDS faces logistical and theoretical challenges that threaten efficiency and validity in settings worldwide. We present innovative adaptations to conventional RDS to overcome barriers encountered in recruiting a large, representative sample of men who have sex with men (MSM) who travel internationally. Methods Novel methodological adaptations for the “International Travel Research to Inform Prevention” or “I-TRIP” study were offering participants a choice between electronic and paper coupons referrals for recruitment and modifying the secondary incentives structure from small cash amounts to raffle entries for periodic large cash prize raffle drawings. Staged referral limit increases from 3 to 10 referrals and progressive addition of 70 seeds were also implemented. Results There were 501 participants enrolled in up to 13 waves of growth. Among participants with a choice of referral methods, 81% selected electronic referrals. Of participants who were recruited electronically, 90% chose to remain with electronic referrals when it was their turn to recruit. The mean number of enrolled referrals was 0.91 for electronic referrals compared to 0.56 for paper coupons. Median referral lag time, i.e., the time interval between when recruiters were given their referrals and when a referred individual enrolled in the study, was 20 days (IQR 10–40) for electronic referrals, 20 days (IQR 8–58) for paper coupons, 20 days (IQR 10–41) for raffle entries and 33 days (IQR 16–148) for small cash incentives. Conclusions The recruitment of MSM who travel internationally required maximizing known flexible tools of RDS while at the same time necessitating innovations to increase recruitment efficiency. Electronic referrals emerged as a major advantage in recruiting this hard-to-reach population who are of high socio-economic status, geographically diffuse and highly mobile. These enhancements may improve the performance of RDS in target populations with similar characteristics.
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