
Advanced MR Techniques in Detection of Tumor Infiltration and Grading in Gliomas
GliomasIn this study, we evaluate the role of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and MR spectroscopy (MRS), two advanced imaging techniques in magnetic resonance (MR) in grading and detection of microscopic infiltrating tumour in gliomas. These parameters are of utmost importance in optimal choice and planning of treatment. Patients treated with gliomatous brain tumours are included voluntarily. They undergo one imaging session on a 3T MR scanner prior to treatment. DKI data are quantitively analyzed in order to estimate specific parameters in normal appearing white matter, grey matter, tumor and peritumoral edema. MRS data are analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively with peak integration, ratio calculation and classification algorithms. Histological confirmation is obtained at subsequent surgery. Information from this study can be of significant importance in avoiding brain biopsies. Furthermore, information on microscopic tumour spread can be used during neurosurgery or in radiotherapy planning. An important advantage of these advanced MR techniques is the non-invasivity and the lack of ionizing radiation, two important issues in this relatively young patient population.

Evaluation of a Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Surgery System for Hepatic Ablation Procedures
Liver CancerThis study was designed in two phases: Phase I is designed to confirm that the surgeon is able to perform accurate liver surface registration including standard liver features used as landmarks during a scheduled laparoscopic liver ablation procedure and acquires a level of comfort with the procedure. The surface of the liver will be manually swabbed with the study tracked laparoscopic probe with landmarks noted during data collection. After registration of the liver is obtained, the registration points obtained during this procedure will be evaluated by the surgeon by moving the tracked laparoscopic probe over the liver surface and evaluating the location of the tracked laparoscopic probe displayed on the guidance system three dimensional (3D) image. The surgeon will accept or reject the registration accuracy. The hypothesis is that the surgeon will be able to successfully acquire liver surface registrations with a small learning curve for technique and will be able to proceed to Phase II of the study. Phase II contains the registration process included above but adds the additional process of tracking the ablation probe used to perform tumor ablation by attaching the Pathfinder Multi-Tool adaptor and collecting data showing the location of the ablation probe as tracked and displayed on the Pathfinder three dimensional (3D) image. The surgeon will use ultrasound (US) guidance to locate tumor location during the laparoscopic procedure. The images collected during this process will be recorded by Pathfinder.

East-West Hepatocellular Carcinoma Study Group
CarcinomaHepatocellularThe current treatment guidelines of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of the American and European Associations for the Study of Liver Disease are based on the Barcelona-Clinic-Liver-Cancer classification (BCLC), which does not recommend surgery in patients with large, multinodular and macrovascular invasive disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of hepatic resection in a large retrospective multicentric cohort of patients resected for HCC regardless of the BCLC indications.

Stem Cell Transplant and Zoledronic Acid Improve Outcome in Previously Untreated Patients With Multiple...
Multiple MyelomaAssess the impact in outcome of the use of zoledronic acid in multiple myeloma.

Using High Resolution Function Imaging To Detect Melanoma and Dysplastic Nevi
MelanomaA novel infrared imaging tool to aid in the clinical detection of atypical pigmented lesions and melanoma is developed. Goals include evaluation of the utility of high-resolution infrared scanning of cutaneous lesions in the diagnosis of pigmented lesions and the identification of high-risk lesions and melanomas.

Frequency of Methods of Local Invasion of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Pancreatic CancerPancreatic cancer often spreads through local invasion into local structures, including fat, blood vessels, nerves, and nearby organs (stomach, duodenum, spleen, bile duct). Local microscopic invasion is associated with recurrence of pancreatic cancer after pancreatic resection, such that even if the original cancer is surgically removed, microscopic areas of cancer often remain. Data on the patterns of local invasion by pancreatic cancer have not been published. In this study, The investigators hope to investigate the frequency of the various methods of local invasion of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This would help the investigators better understand how pancreatic cancer spreads, and determine what cancers are not resectable.

Fallopian Tube Removal as a Method of Ovarian Cancer Prevention: A Descriptive Study
Ovarian CancerThe purpose of this study is to better understand why women choose to have their fallopian tubes removed as a method for ovarian cancer prevention. This will be done through a paper questionnaire and phone interviews. The investigators hope to gain information that will allow us to better counsel women about ovarian cancer prevention.

Polycythemia Vera, Myelofibrosis and Essential Thrombocythemia: Identification of PV, MF & ET Genes...
Polycythemia VeraEssential Thrombocythemia1 moreThe purpose of this project is to find genes whose mutations cause Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocythemia and Primary Myelofibrosis.

AVN of Weight-Bearing Joints In Patients With Hematologic Malignancies Treated With Dexamethasone...
Avascular NecrosisAcute Lymphoblastic LeukemiaThe primary purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of AVN in children with hematologic malignancies treated with prednisone versus dexamethasone during continuation.

Screening for Early Pancreatic Neoplasia (Cancer of the Pancreas Screening or CAPS4 Study)
Early Pancreatic NeoplasiaFamilial Pancreatic NeoplasiaCAPS4 is a study at Johns Hopkins Hospital to study the diagnosis and long-term outcomes of screening patients with an increased inherited risk for pancreatic cancer.