News
Normothermic Regional Perfusion Expands Organ Transplant Availability
Published: September 13, 2023
View News chevron_rightCancer |view more
Using Virtual Reality to Ease Psychological Impact of Cancer Treatment
Jacek Pinski, MD, a medical oncologist with the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of Keck Medicine of USC, has launched a pilot study focusing on the impact of virtual reality on the psychological well-being of cancer patients.
Characterizing Unique Underlying Molecular Features of Spinal Cord Gliomas
Clinical management of spinal cord gliomas is currently drawn from experience with intracranial gliomas. However, new research from USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center suggests that the two types of tumors may have distinct differences.
Immigrants Have Higher Liver Cancer Survival Rates Than U.S.-Born Patients
A new study from USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center identified the higher survival rates for immigrant patients in the U.S., including data from across all major racial/ethnic groups. The findings come as liver cancer remains one of ...
Can Lung Cancer Treatment Be Delivered at Home Feasibly and Effectively?
A clinical trial at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center is studying the efficacy of pairing oncological care with telemedicine so that patients can potentially manage aspects of their cancer treatment from their own homes.
Cardiovascular / Thoracic |view more
This is a case of an athletic 35-year-old patient who presented to his primary care physician complaining of frequent episodes of chest pain, palpitations, and syncope, which interferes with his daily life activities.
Normothermic Regional Perfusion Expands Organ Transplant Availability
A cutting-edge transplant approach utilizes organs from donors after circulatory death, creating the potential to meet the needs of heart and liver failure patients who would otherwise wait in limbo amid a growing need for transplants.
Treating Persistent Afib With Minimally Invasive TT-Maze Procedure
The Totally Thoracoscopic (TT)-Maze procedure offers a safe, novel approach and can dramatically improve quality of life. Jonathan Praeger, MD, a cardiac surgeon with the USC Cardiac and Vascular Institute at Keck Medicine of USC, explains how.
Identifying Racial Disparities in Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease
A study from Keck Medicine of USC has shown that Black patients are nearly 50% less likely than white patients to receive vascular interventions that could potentially avoid adverse outcomes such as stroke, heart attack or amputation.
Dermatology
Atopic Dermatitis Increases Risk of Suicide, Study Finds
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting 18 million adults (7.2%) and 9.6 million children (13%) in the United States. Many psychiatric comorbidities are associated with AD.
Gastroenterology
Normothermic Regional Perfusion Expands Organ Transplant Availability
A cutting-edge transplant approach utilizes organs from donors after circulatory death, creating the potential to meet the needs of heart and liver failure patients who would otherwise wait in limbo amid a growing need for transplants.
Study Finds Link Between Metabolic Syndrome and Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease
More than one-third of Americans have metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that can increase a patient’s susceptibility to advanced liver disease. Findings from a new Keck Medicine of USC study explore how heavy drinking can contribute ...
Studying an Endoscopic Procedure’s Impact on Blood Glucose Levels in Type 2 Diabetes
A new Phase 2 clinical trial will examine if an outpatient, nonsurgical endoscopic procedure can help patients stabilize blood glucose levels without the need for medication or insulin.
Consumption of Fast Food Linked to Liver Disease
Risk of liver damage is highest for those with obesity or diabetes, a new study from Keck Medicine of USC finds.
Neurosciences |view more
7 Ways Neurosurgery Leaders Can Deliver Excellence and Innovation
As chair of Keck Medicine of USC’s Department of Neurological Surgery for 20 years, I have identified several strategies for keeping my department ahead of the innovation curve and delivering effective leadership.
Keck Medicine of USC researchers are testing a unique therapy that may prevent or slow atherosclerosis and cognitive impairment when taken within six years of menopause.
Utilizing a Biological Aging Biomarker to Predict Spine Surgery Outcomes
A new pilot study led by a USC Spine Center surgeon identified an association between shortened telomere length and postoperative complications after major spine surgery. These results could lead to a new future of risk assessment by studying ...
Improving Long-Term Mobility After Stroke with Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Keck Medicine of USC has performed the world’s first VNS implantation for a stroke recovery patient outside of a clinical trial, offering new hope for others whose rehab has plateaued.
Ophthalmology
How Could Intravitreal VEGF Target Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration More Effectively?
Could a New lntraocular Treatment Platform Offer Hope for Patients with Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Orthopaedic surgery
Novel JAMA Study on Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Best Practices for Treatment and Prevention
Diabetic foot ulcers are a “silent, sinister syndrome” that contribute to far too many amputations and deaths, said David G. Armstrong, DPM, PhD, a podiatric surgeon at Keck Medicine of USC.
Leadership Lessons from a Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery
We have a tripartite mission in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Keck Medicine of USC: to provide excellent patient care, to advance patient care through research, and to train the next generation of surgeons.
Potential Relief for Osteoarthritis Moves to Clinical Trial After Animal Studies
A drug compound’s positive effects in mice and other animal models give researchers hope for its potential in upcoming trials with humans.
Otolaryngology |view more
Case Study: Otolaryngologist’s Cultural Intuition Finds Source of Patient’s Hearing Loss
Hearing loss may indicate a range of diagnoses and potential comorbidities. However, for some patients, cultural and environmental factors such as where a patient grew up may point to sources of hearing loss, including life-threatening cancers.
Delivering Effective Leadership: 10 Lessons from a Chair of Otolaryngology
What makes a capable clinical leader truly exceptional? The task may seem daunting, but the solutions are often simple.
Pushing the Envelope with Surgery to Restore Hearing: Notes from a Leading Otolaryngology Program
For the 500 million people worldwide who suffer from hearing loss, sounds and the ability to receive them are incredibly precious resources.
Case Study: Multi-Pronged Approach to Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
A University of Southern California professor made an appointment with his primary care doctor at USC after a twinge in his neck became an ache, and then a lump. He was immediately referred to Uttam Sinha, MD, a head and neck cancer surgery ...
Cochlear implant advancements to include music recognition capabilities
While cochlear implants restore substantial hearing, they can’t compete with the body’s natural hearing ability. Rehabilitation is required once the device is implanted in order to train the brain to recognize speech through the implant’s ...
KECK MEDICINE OF USC PROVIDES CUTTING-EDGE COCHLEAR IMPLANT SURGERY FOR ALL AGES — FROM INFANTS TO THE ELDERLY — GUIDED BY A MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM AT THE USC CARUSO DEPARTMENT OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY – HEAD AND NECK SURGERY.
SPINE
Research at the USC Spine Center
The USC Spine Center houses a robust research program that combines leading clinical, translational and basic science research on all aspects of spine care, including disc degeneration, spinal fusion, spinal tumors and spinal cord injury.
Treatment of adult scoliosis and deformity
Adults with scoliosis and other spinal deformities can benefit from the multidisciplinary approach offered at the USC Spine Center. Adults of any age can be treated for their scoliosis or back deformity. Patients receive coordinated care ...
Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of spine tumors
The USC Spine Center treats all patients with primary and metastatic spine tumors. Our physicians have a strong interest in treating patients with spine tumors as early as possible in the course of the disease. Patients can be successfully ...
Urology
Keck Medicine of USC urologists to perform world’s first bladder transplant
Urologists with Keck Medicine of USC have launched a clinical trial to perform the world’s first human bladder transplant. The trial is actively screening potential participants for this first-ever type of transplantation.
Clinical trial results establish a new treatment option that may offer better outcomes than traditional therapies for patients with a slow-growing form of testicular cancer.
Case Study: Bladder Augmentation Surgery to Treat Neurogenic Bladder
Damage to the spinal cord, nerves, and complications from congenital or acquired neurological conditions used to mean a lifetime of progressive deterioration that would slowly weaken kidney function. Up until the last two decades, the ...
Treating Enlarged Prostate with Safe, Minimally Invasive Water Jet Ablation
USC Urology offers water jet ablation, a procedure that uses powerful water jets to safely remove unhealthy prostate tissue and does not impact the nearby anatomy tied to urinary control and sexual function.