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Researchers are evaluating surgical and minimally invasive treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) by comparing Medicare patients who received the MILD procedure against those who had interspinous process decompression (IPD). The study focuses on outcomes such as the rate of harms related to the initial procedure and the frequency of additional surgical or minimally invasive interventions within 24 months after treatment. Enrollment includes patients treated from January 1, 2017, onward, with continuation until the sponsor decides to stop. The MILD procedure involves percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression, performed under fluoroscopy through a dorsal approach to partially remove tissue and bone at the affected spinal level. The control group receives the IPD procedure for LSS. Both groups are monitored for a 24-month period post-index procedure using Medicare claims data to track reoperations and any harms. Participants contribute data through Medicare claims without needing prior enrollment or consent, as the study is exempt from IRB oversight. Researchers collect and analyze information on procedure-related harms and subsequent interventions over two years. This approach allows evaluation of long-term safety and effectiveness outcomes for patients treated with either MILD or IPD.

Researchers are evaluating the use of cemiplimab, an immune system-boosting drug, to treat early-stage cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), a type of skin cancer. Cemiplimab works by attaching to a protein called PD-1 on immune cells, helping them kill cancer cells. This Phase 3 study compares the effectiveness of cemiplimab injected directly into the skin lesion against standard surgical removal of the tumor. The research also examines the side effects that cemiplimab may cause. Participants will either receive cemiplimab injections into the tumor or undergo primary surgery, which involves removing the tumor with precise margin control methods like Mohs surgery. The study focuses on lesions sized between 1 cm and 2 cm located on the head, neck, hand, or pre-tibial area. Those undergoing surgery will have their tumors completely removed with margin assessment to ensure thorough treatment. During the study, investigators will monitor participants for event-free survival (EFS), meaning the length of time without cancer progression or other events, assessed up to one year and up to three years. Researchers will also track side effects and overall treatment response. Participants need to have good general health, adequate liver, kidney, and bone marrow function, and be physically able to undergo surgery if assigned to that group. The study aims to provide important information on how well cemiplimab works compared to surgery for early-stage CSCC.