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Background The non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) TNM classification system uses only the anatomic extent of lymph node (LN) metastases to define the N category. The number of LNs resected and the ratio of positive LNs to total examined LNs are prognostic in other solid tumors. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database to investigate the impact of these parameters on the overall survival of NSCLC. Methods All patients with NSCLC in the SEER database from 1988–2007 who had curative resections and had at least one lymph node examined were included. The prognostic value of age, race, sex, tumor size, histologic grade, number of examined LNs and ratio of positive LNs to total examined nodes was assessed using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model for overall survival. The number of nodes examined was categorized into four levels. The percent LN positive was stratified into three levels. Results Among patients with localized disease, fewer nodes examined corresponded with a worse prognosis. Prognosis improved as more LNs were examined. For patients with regional disease, the differences were significant only at the extremes. Older patients, males and those with higher grade or larger tumors did worse. Patients with low or moderate ratios of positive to total LNs had better prognoses than those with high ratios. Conclusions More LNs resected and lower ratios of positive LNs to total examined LNs are associated with better patient survival after NSCLC resection independent of age, sex, grade, tumor size and stage of disease.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with poorer outcomes in patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancers. This association is not well established for women with triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC). In this study, the prognostic effects of body mass index on clinical outcome were evaluated in patients with TNBC. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 418 patients who were treated between July 1996 and July 2010 for TNBC. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated in relation to body mass index (BMI) after controlling for clinically significant variables. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-four patients (29.7%) were normal/ underweight (BMI 24.9 kg/m 2 ), 130 patients (31.1%) were overweight (BMI from 25 to 29.9 kg/m 2 ), and 164 patients

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Threats and assaults on mental health staff have a substantial prevalence and are increasing in our psychiatric population. Practical recommendations derived from our study but in need of further research for confirmation are: (1) multidisciplinary personal safety training to enhance team-building, improve communication and help prevent violent events and (2) establishment of post-event protocols to assist staff-victims and administrators navigate through complex issues occurring after violent events.