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OBJECTIVES: To assess the quality and quantity of Saudi publications in oncology over a 10-year period. METHODS: A systematic PubMed search was conducted between January 2008 and December 2017 to retrieve all Saudi oncology publications. Data about the articles was collected. The level of evidence (LOE) was independently assessed by 2 authors. Two 5-year periods (2008-2012 and 2013-2017) were compared using the relevant parameters. Clinicaltrials.gov was also searched for all oncology trials registered in Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: A total of 839 publications met our inclusion criteria. The most common type of research was case series, totaling 32% of all publications. Clinical trials formed less than 2% of the total. The LOE was I, II, III, and IV in 0.3%, 2.1%, 58.4%, and 39.3% of the included publications, respectively. The LOE was the same in the 2 periods. There were more publications in international journals (p=0.004), more international collaborations (p=0.001), and higher journal impact factors (p=0.037) in 2013-2017 than in 2008-2012. Only 76 registered clinical trials were found in the Clinicaltrials.gov registry. CONCLUSION: Despite an increase in the number of Saudi publications in the field of oncology over time, the LOE did not change. There were, however, some improvements in the international collaboration and journal impact factor, as well as an increase in the number of studies published in international journals. These observations call for a national strategy to improve oncology research in Saudi Arabia.

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BACKGROUND: To assess the quality of life (QOL) of females with breast cancer in Saudi Arabia and its association with patients' demographic, social, and clinical data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among breast cancer patients attending King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah. Participants were asked to complete a self-administered structured questionnaire. We utilized the validated Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL-C30 (EORTC-QOL-C30) and breast cancer module QLQ-BR23 (EORTC-QOL-BR-23). Data were analysed using SPSS; mean and standard deviation computed for continuous variables, and percentages for categorical variables. Student's t-test performed to compare mean scores for various groups. RESULTS: Eighty-eight women participated in the study. The participants had a mean global health score of 64.0, standard deviation (SD) = 27.7. Of the functional scales, role functioning scored the highest (mean 71.2, SD = 31), while social and emotional functioning scored the lowest, (mean 57 SD = 35.8) and (mean 59.5 SD = 32), respectively. On the symptom scales, the most troubling symptoms were fatigue and insomnia, (mean 48.86 SD = 29.4) and (mean = 48, SD = 35), respectively. On the disease-specific tool (QLQ-BR23), body image and future perspective scored the lowest with a mean of 60.2 SD = 35 and 42.0 SD = 39.6, respectively. The most distressing symptom was hair loss (mean 61.56 SD = 41). CONCLUSIONS: Our population showed an acceptable overall global health score. However, they scored low on the important functional and symptoms domains. This study implies that patient age, social, and physical factors were possible determinants of global health and QOL scores. The healthcare system of Saudi Arabia should, therefore, address all these different aspects of QOL of breast cancer survivors.

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BACKGROUND: Although several studies have commented on causes of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) failure, detailed description of anatomical findings in such cases remains insufficient. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was primarily to analyze radiologic, endoscopic, and intraoperative findings in patients presenting with failed DCR and secondarily to assess the outcome of revision endoscopic DCR (endo-DCR) carried out at our institution. METHODS: Twenty-four failed DCRs presenting to our tertiary care center were retrospectively analyzed. Data collection included patients' history, diagnostic, and management data, as well as thorough analysis of sinonasal CT scans, along with endoscopic and intraoperative findings. Outcome was also assessed in 21 cases with revision endo-DCR performed. RESULTS: The anterior part of uncinate process was not previously removed in 15 sides (62.5%), with unopened agger nasi in 13 sides (54.2%). The lacrimal bone was detected covering the posterior sac despite removal of the anterior ascending process of maxilla in 9 sides (37.5%). Rhinostoma was anterior to lacrimal sac in 2 sides (8.3%) and was below the sac in 7 sides (29.2%). Fibrous membrane covered the rhinostoma despite removal of all sac-overlying bones in 6 sides (25%). Other findings included intranasal adhesions, septal deviation, lateralized middle turbinate, granulation tissue, foreign body reaction, and chronic sinusitis. Nineteen of the 21 revision endo-DCRs were successful (90.5%). CONCLUSION: This study provides a precise anatomical description of findings in cases of failed DCR. Such information is paramount in helping surgeons enhance their learning curve, refine the surgical technique, and improve patients' outcome.

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