Self-Reported Assessment of the Socio-Economic Impact of Anticancer Chemotherapy-Related Neurotoxicity

Chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity is a well-known complication of several very effective systemic anticancer treatments, mainly presenting as cognitive impairment ("chemo-brain") and peripheral neuropathy. The social and economic effects of long-lasting chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity on patients' lifestyles and their relationships are under-investigated, and their impact is, therefore, largely unknown. In this study, we used a web-based questionnaire to record the self-reported perception of chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity on cancer patients' health status, but also on several different aspects of their daily life. From the study results, it emerged that the impact of chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity on personal, social, and working activities is very high. A similar effect was also observed when the psychological impact is assessed. Moreover, there is evidence suggesting that the management of CIPN is suboptimal; this is partially due to a lack of effective drugs, but also of appropriate advice from healthcare providers. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for the relevance of the impact on the explored aspects of the daily life of cancer patients and spotlights the need for a larger and more structured investigation on these long-term side effects of anticancer chemotherapy.

Treatment of post-prostatectomy rectourethral fistula with fibrin sealant (Quixil™) injection: a novel application

Rectourethral fistulas in adults is a rare but potentially devastating postoperative condition requiring complex and demanding surgery. Fibrin glue treatment has been used with some success in anal and rectovaginal fistulas, and in the case we present here this indication has been extended to a postoperative rectourethral fistula following radical prostatectomy. For the first time, to our knowledge, a fibrin sealant (Quixil) was injected into the fistula tract, and a rectal mucosal flap was used to close the internal opening. The fistula healed in few weeks, and the patient is symptom free after 1 year of follow-up.