bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrahepatic Arterial flow Distribution after Ligation of A Right Replaced Hepatic Artery. A Case Report
Authors: Civalleri Dario , Scopinaro Gianni , Simoni Gianantonio , Claudiani Franco , Repetto Marina , De Cian Franco
Published: April 2018

A basic requirement for arterial chemotherapy of liver tumors is complete catheter perfusion of the liver. In cases with atypical anatomy of the hepatic artery, it is frequently impossible to obtain this goal by means of a single catheter. In a patient with a right replaced hepatic artery, the aberrant vessel was ligated and the left hepatic artery was perfused through a catheter inserted into the gastroduodenal artery. Perfusion scans performed through the catheter 14 and 135 days after arterial ligation showed a fall in the arterial flow to the right liver (right/left ratio 0.43 and 0.60). In contrast, a nearly complete perfusion of the liver (0.91 right/left ratio) was obtained 28 days after ligation, when the perfusion scan was performed immediately after catheter infusion of 90,000,000 degradable starch microspheres (DSM: diameter = 40 m). DSM administration is supposed to increase back pressure in the lobe receiving native circulation, thus activating intrahepatic collateral flow to the ischemic lobe. As regards regional treatment of liver tumors, obvious conclusions are to be drawn.
« Angioblastic » Adamantinoma of the Tibia. An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Muretto Pietro , Raspugli Paolo
Published: April 2018

An « angioblastic » adamantinoma of the tibia is described in a 78-year-old man. The diagnosis was defined by immunohistochemical methods, which showed a positivity for keratin in the cells lining spaces with a vascular appearance.
Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasm Type II Syndromes
Authors: Fassina A.S. , Scapinello A. , Pelizzo M.R. , Dall'Orto P. , Viale G. , Faccioli A. Maffei , Ninfo V.
Published: April 2018

A case of multiple endocrine neoplasm (MEN) type IIa and 2 cases of MEN type IIb are reported. The biological behavior of medullary thyroid carcinoma was more aggressive in the MEN type IIb. C-cell hyperplasia was present in the thyroid gland of the patient with a positive family history.
Bone Marrow Necrosis: An Unusual Presenting Feature of Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Paterlini Patrizia , Venturoni Lanfranco , Cretara Girolamo , Ricciotti Manlio , Quaglino Dennis
Published: April 2018

The authors describe a case of bone-marrow necrosis which represented the initial clinical feature of a « small cell » lung carcinoma with bone metastases.
Fibronectin, Laminin in Hybrids of Rous Sarcoma Virus Transformed and Normal Mouse Fibroblasts
Authors: Rampoldi Erica , Larizza Lidia , Doneda Luisa , Barlati Sergio
Published: April 2018

Hybrid clones derived from the fusion of normal and Rous sarcoma virus-transformed 3T3 fibroblasts were analyzed for fibronectin and laminin pattern of expression in order to find a possible correlation with tumorigenicity. Both organization in the pericellular matrix and secretion into the culture media were investigated by immunofluorescence and ELISA techniques. No significant difference in fibronectin or laminin release was found among hybrid clones exhibiting different levels of tumorigenicity. In contrast, distinctive immunofluorescence patterns of concomitant presence of low levels of fibronectin and high levels of laminin were constantly observed in all the tumorigenic clones.
Estimation of Cancer Morbidity using Mortality Data
Authors: Verdecchia Arduino , Capocaccia Riccardo , Mazzoni Cecilia
Published: April 2018

Data on the incidence and prevalence of diseases provide an essential basis for several sanitary and epidemiologic purposes. Unfortunately, official routine statistics provide little, if any, reliable information on incidence and prevalence. The estimation of such indexes on the basis of other indirect statistics, such as mortality, can therefore be of great use. A mathematical model for degenerative diseases in a stationary population was applied to cancers occurring in the Varese province of Italy where comparative morbidity data were available from the Lombardy Cancer Register. A very good agreement between estimated and observed incidence rates was found for some cancers such as stomach and lung cancer. The agreement obtained in these cases suggests that model hypotheses may be usefully adopted. This conclusion can probably be extrapolated to the general population of Italy or other Italian areas characterized by a population structure which is similarly stationary.
The Antiemetic Efficacy of Methylprednisolone Compared with Metoclopramide in Outpatients Receiving Adjuvant CMF Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Campora Elisabetta , Chiara Silvana , Bruzzi Paolo , Scarsi Pietro , Rosso Riccardo
Published: April 2018

A randomized trial was performed comparing the antiemetic efficacy of methylprednisolone (MPN) and metoclopramide (MCP) in 60 breast cancer patients eligible for outpatient adjuvant chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-FU (CMF). At the time of their first chemotherapy course patients were randomized to receive either MPN 375 mg or MCP 1 mg/kg both administered in 3 equal doses, IV just prior to chemotherapy and then IM 6 and 12 hours after treatment. Patients receiving MPN experienced significantly less nausea (p < 0.0005) and vomiting (p < 0.0005) and antiemetic protection was maintained in patients receiving multiple chemotherapy courses. Complete protection (0 emesis) was observed in 58 % of patients receiving MPN as compared with 20 % of patients treated with MCP (p < 0.005). The most frequent side effects were facial flush in 38 % of patients and somnolence in 15 % of patients receiving MPN and MCP, respectively. Complete protection from CMF-induced gastrointestinal side effects was observed in two-thirds of our patients receiving antiemetic MPN treatment. In these patients administration of the maximum cumulative CMF dose was possible without impairing their quality of life. MPN, at the dose and schedule reported, is an affective antiemetic drug suitable for use in breast cancer outpatients receiving adjuvant CMF therapy.
A Clinicopathological Study of Seven Cases of Primary High-Grade Malignant Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Casadei Gian Piero , Gambacorta Marcello
Published: April 2018

Seven cases of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of the central nervous system are described. Six cases were diagnosed after pathologic examination of surgical material; in one case, a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, the diagnosis was made at autopsy. The mean age of the patients was 52 years. The lesions were supratentorial in all cases, and unifocal in 6: the autopsy case had multicentric lesions. The cytologic examination of the cerebrospinal fluid was performed in 3 cases and was negative. The most common histologic type was immunoblastic lymphoma. The mean postoperative survival time was 12 months; in 2 cases, surgery combined with radiotherapy prolonged the survival for more than 2 years. Leptomeningeal involvement was considered to indicate a poor prognosis.
In Vitro Activity of Alkylating Agents on Human Tumors as Measured by a Short-term Antimetabolic Assay
Authors: Zafferoni Nadia , Silvestrini Rosella , Sanfilippo Ornella , Daidone Maria Grazia , Gasparini Giampietro
Published: April 2018

The activity of some alkylating agents widely used in clinical practice was studied by an in vitro antimetabolic assay, which evaluates the interference of drugs on the incorporation of 3H-thymidine and 3H-uridine in short-term cultures of human tumors. The effect of CCNU, chlorambucil, cisplatin, melphalan, prednimustine, procarbazine and the pro-active derivatives of cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide and 4-hydroperoxyifosfamide, was tested on non-Hodgkin lymphomas, germ cell testicular tumors, breast and ovarian cancers. Similar effects were generally produced by the drugs on both DNA and RNA precursor incorporation, and the in vitro response rates were similar to those clinically obtained for the same tumor types by using the same drugs in monochemotherapy. The effects of different alkylating agents on the individual tumors were not significantly associated, except for the analogues 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide and 4-hydroperoxyifosfamide, for which a significant agreement rate was observed. No evidence of acquired resistance to 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide and cisplatin after clinical treatment with the same drug was found in samples from ovarian cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but there was a definite trend in germ cell testicular tumors to lower sensitivity to cisplatin in previously treated patients.
Cancer Therapy: Phenothiazines in an Unexpected Role
Authors: Jones G. Robert N.
Published: April 2018

Four lines of evidence (clinical findings, epidemiology, inhibition of tumor growth together with prolongation of survival time, and mechanism of action) which suggest that certain phenothiazines, particularly chlorpromazine, possess a range of anti-neoplastic activities in man and in rodents which has not been generally recognised are reviewed and discussed. Chlorpromazine interferes with energy production in sensitive tumours; the mode of action appears to correspond to autooxidative cellular injury, a common form of cell death.
Tumorectomy plus Radiotherapy in the Management of Breast Cancer
Authors: Zucali Roberto , Kenda Rado
Published: April 2018

From 1974 to 1982 a total of 58 patients with locoregional breast cancer, judged not suitable for demolitive surgery because of old age, bad general conditions or other reasons, were treated with simple tumorectomy followed by radiotherapy. The median age of the patients was 71 years. Two patients had synchronous bilateral breast cancer, both treated with the same conservative approach. Thirty-three tumors were classified as T1, 24 as T2, 1 as T3, and 2 as T4 of a small size. The median size of the tumor was 2 cm; mean size was 2.24 cm. Radiotherapy was given to the whole breast, followed by a conedown on the tumor bed. The median dose to the tumor bed was 64 Gy, over 7-9 weeks. Thirty-two patients received irradiation on nodal sites too, up to 45-60 Gy. The median follow-up for the whole series was 44 months. Only 4 of 60 treated breasts have presented a local recurrence (6.6 %); relapse-free survival at 3 and 5 years is 85.4 % and 79 %, respectively. Our results confirm that tumorectomy followed by radiotherapy appears to be a very effective alternative to radiotherapy alone and to demolitive surgery. In fact, local control, survival and cosmetic results are quite satisfactory and achievable through a simple therapeutic modality.
Quality Assurance for Steroid Receptor Assay in Human Breast Cancer: Six Years Experience of the Italian Committee
Authors: Piffanelli Adriano , Pelizzola Dario , De Bortoli Michele , Agrimonti Fulvio , Fraina Roberto , Giovannini Gloria , Fumero Silvano , Agrimonti F. , Frairia R. , Perona M. , Mangione M. , Di Carlo F. , Conti G. , Fumero S. , Orlando A. , Robustelli Della Cuna G. , Zibera C. , Fortunati D. , Di Fronzo G. , Ronchi E. , Vignati G. , Ros A. , Adami L. , Bruscagnin G. , Gion M. , De Biasi F. , Costantini M. , Marroni P. , Bardi G.P. , Marugo M. , Fazzuoli L. , Bozzetti C. , Naldi N. , Piffanelli A. , Giovannini G. , Grilli S. , Buttazzi C. , Sica G. , Natoli V. , Amadori D. , Roccobon A. , Zoli W. , Messeri G. , Aristei C. , Sabatini M. , Concolino G. , Marocchi A. , Gulina A. , Vacca A. , Carbone A. , Jacobelli S. , Toppi A. , Sica V. , Masucci A. , Camuzzini G.F. , Aragno M.G. , Romano M. , Cerra M. , Di Lorenzo D. , Beccati D. , Degli Azzi I. , Grilli N. , Leo G. , Angiulli A. , Vigneri N.R. , Belfiore A. , Giuffrida D. , Antico A. , Castagnetta L. , Lo Casto M. , Sanguedolce R. , D'Alessandro N.
Published: April 2018

Since 1979 the quality control design proposed by the Italian ad hoc Committee has evaluated several lyophilized preparations with scalar receptor content; this permits the identification by linear regression analysis of systematic and non systematic errors. At present 41 laboratories from most of the national regions have joined the Italian Committee. The overall results of five years application of quality assurance in Italy show that there was a different pattern of imprecision with satisfactory indexes for intralaboratory performances but major variations in interlaboratory controls. There was also a remarkable difference of variability indices between the so-called « expert » and « new » laboratories; this problem can be reduced with practical seminars for new centers. On the basis of the results and experience achieved the Committee is starting another program of quality assurance for different new methodologies to provide guidelines for international working reference standards.
Sequential Therapy with Lithium in Chemotherapy-induced Vomiting
Authors: Candido Alfonso , Rossi Pierluigi , Tartaglione Raffaele , Alfano Generoso , Menichella Giacomo , Mango Giorgio
Published: April 2018

Having noticed psychotic traits in some patients showing incoercible vomiting due to antineoplastic drugs we have thought of establishing a therapy with lithium in the days preceding the therapeutic cycle in order to reduce the emetic events. The effectiveness of lithium carbonate (600 mg/mq p.o./day for one week) in the prevention or reduction of vomiting induced by antiblastic therapy has been checked in comparison with metoclopramide and domperidone in 40 patients. In the group pretreated with lithium, 80 % of the cases showed favorable results. In the control groups, on the contrary, the efficacy of the antiemetic therapy has shown to be of lesser importance (55 %). The undesirable side-effects of lithium appear to be irrelevant. We therefore think that pretreatment with lithium may become, in selected cases not affected by traditional antiemetics, of great importance in the control of emetic symptomatology.
Osteoclastoma-like Giant-cell Tumor of the Liver. Case Report
Authors: Andreola Salvatore , Lombardi Luciano , Scurelli Alessandro , Bersiga Alessandra
Published: April 2018

The authors report a case of primary osteoclastoma-like giant-cell tumor of the liver and briefly discuss the histogenesis of this rare tumor.
Sequential Treatment with Interferon and Chemotherapy of Metastatic Malignant Melanoma. Total Remission of Cutaneous and Visceral Metastasis, but not of Cerebral Metastasis
Authors: Sulis Efisio , Floris Carlo , Chessa Antonio , Desogus Alberto , Muggiano Antonio , Tedde Antonio , Turno Rossana
Published: April 2018

A woman 35 years of age suffering from cutaneous and visceral metastatic melanoma was treated with recombinant Interferon α 2b (rIFNα2b) subcutaneously 3 × 106 U/m2 3 times a week for 3 months with no apparent effect on the course of the illness. Two months after IFN therapy the patient developed cerebral metastasis. A cycle of carmustine, 100 mg/day for 3 days, was given, and complete disappearance of the cutaneous and visceral, but not of the cerebral manifestations was observed. Two consolidation cycles based on vincristine, dacarbazine and lomustine were then administered. The patient died 26 months after beginning treatment with IFN and 18 months after chemotherapy for the cerebral metastasis. No trace of tumor at the cutaneous or visceral level was found at autopsy.
Significance of Ferritin as a Marker in Head and Neck Malignancies
Authors: Bhatavdekar Jyotsna M. , Vora Hemangini H. , Goyal Anjali , Shah Neelam G. , Karelia Nilkamal H. , Trivedi Sunil N.
Published: April 2018

The efficiency of the combination of two tumor-associated antigens in recognising head and neck cancer was evaluated. The markers studied were CEA and ferritin by radioimmunoassay. CEA was estimated in 22 controls and 41 head and neck cancer patients. There was no difference in CEA values of controls and head and neck cancer patients, suggesting that CEA was not specific for head and neck malignancies. We measured serum ferritin in 27 controls and 58 patients with head and neck cancer. The mean ferritin level was significantly higher in patients (P < 0.001) than in normal subjects. The ferritin level in patients with no evidence of clinical disease 8 months after treatment showed approximately normal levels, whereas the levels showed a tendency to increase or remain at high levels in patients with a poor prognosis, giving support to the contention that ferritin may prove to be a valuable adjunct in head and neck cancer.
Blue Nevus of the Endocervix. A Study of Five Cases
Authors: Casadei Gian Piero , Grigolato Piergiovanni , Cabibbo Enzo
Published: April 2018

The pathologic and immunohistochemical features of 5 cases of blue nevus of the endocervix are presented: 4 of them were studied ultrastructurally. The lesions were incidentaly discovered at microscopic examination and showed pigmented dendritic cells in the cervical stroma. Immunocytochemical examination showed all cases to be positive for S-100 protein. Ultrastructurally they contained melanosomes, were surrounded by a basement membrane, and displayed occasional desmosome-like devices. Histogenesis is discussed, and support for a schwannian origin is presented.
Bilateral Rhabdomyomatous Tumor Relapsed as Typical Triphasic Wilms’ Tumor
Authors: Ceccamea Alberto , Dominici Carlo , Clerico Anna , Ferrante Enzo , Vignetti Piero , Castello Manuel A.
Published: April 2018

The authors report on a child affected with bilateral renal tumor, which was treated with cancer chemotherapy before and after surgery. Twenty-eight months after the discontinuance of therapy, a neoplasm was disclosed in the left kidney and then removed. Histologically, the bilateral tumor excised by the first surgery could be classified as biphasic Wilms’ tumor, rhabdomyomatous variant, whereas the neoplasm removed by the second surgery was the typical triphasic Wilms’ tumor. The authors suggest that preoperative chemotherapy might have played a role in the histologic changes of the initial tumor. Nonetheless, it is also tempting to postulate that the two histologic variants of Wilms’ tumor could have occurred in the patient in spite of any treatment.
The Probability of Cancer Death in Italian Males and Females
Authors: Decarli Adriano , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: April 2018

Probabilities of cancer death in Italian males and females over the calendar period 1955 to 1980 were computed from age-specific death certification rates for various neoplasms and contemporary general life tables of the whole Italian population. There were substantial increases in eventual probabilities of total cancer mortality: from 16.9 to 27.1 % for males and from 15.2 to 19.3 % for females. The upward trends were particularly large for lung (from 1.9 to 7.2 %) and other tobacco-related sites in males. In females, the largest increases were for neoplasms of the intestines (from 1.6 to 3.0 %) and breast (from 1.9 to 3.1 %). Separate analyses of probabilities of cancer death in specific age intervals showed more limited changes in middle age, and some moderate decrease at younger ages, probably attributable to improved treatment. The probability estimates presented are clearly based on criticizable assumptions, since they do not allow for any potential subsequent change in mortality and are inappropriate for analyzing the evolution of cancer rates because they reflect (in opposite directions) trends in cancer mortality and in all other causes of death. Nonetheless, a correct interpretation of these estimates does provide some important information from a public health viewpoint, in terms of resource allocation and health care planning, and can help quantify the increasing demand for oncologic services and structures over the next few decades.
Interaction of Heat with Chemotherapy in Vitro: Effect on Cell Viability and Protein Synthesis in Human and Murine Cell Lines
Authors: Supino Rosanna , Bardella Lidia , Gibelli Nadia , Cairo Gaetano , Schiaffionati Luisa
Published: April 2018

Cell survival in response to doxorubicin (Dx) and cis-diammine-dichloroplatinum (cis-Pt) administration, either alone or combined with hyperthermic treatment, was analyzed in human osteosarcoma (U-2-OS), murine melanoma (B16V) and murine leukemia (P388) cell lines and in Dx-resistant sublines derived from B16V and P388. In all cell lines tested there was an enhancement of drug toxicity by hyperthermia. In U-2-OS, the increase was more pronounced for cis-Pt than for Dx. In B16V and in P388, the increase in Dx toxicity was of the same degree in Dx-senstitive and Dx-resistant sublines, whereas heat-induced sensitization to cis-Pt was higher in Dx-resistant sublines than in their Dx-sensitive counterpart. Analysis of the protein pattern in the various cell lines showed that the synthesis of heat-shock proteins induced by heat was not influenced by the combined use of drugs and heat. Moreover, in spite of some differences in the overall protein pattern, no significant differences in the basal levels of heat-shock protein synthesis or in the extent of its induction after heat shock were observed between murine cell lines relatively sensitive to Dx and their corresponding selected resistant cells.
Lymphoproliferative Disorder of Large Granular Lymphocytes: Reversal of Lymphocyte Proliferation, Anemia and Neutropenia with Chlorambucil
Authors: Pedrazzoli Paolo , Cazzola Mario , Stella Carmelo Carlo , Ippoliti Giovanbattsita , Meloni Federica
Published: April 2018

A 54-year-old woman presented with hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, neutropenia and lymphocytosis. Most peripheral blood lymphocytes had the surface antigens T3+, Leu11+ and were morphologically large granular lymphocytes. Bone marrow presented 60 % lymphoid infiltration. Treatment with chlorambucil produced complete reversal of hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, neutropenia and lymphocytosis, and reduction of marrow infiltration. The patient is well 12 months after discontinuation of therapy.
Cytodiagnosis of Gastric Cancer by Brushing: 1978–1983
Authors: Monico Silvio , Giansanti Michele , Fugiani Paolo
Published: April 2018

A total of 1652 endoscopic cytologic brushings from 1181 patients, 823 males aged 15 to 87 years and 358 females aged 21 to 88 years, were examined. From these we diagnosed 96 carcinomas, 69 in males and 27 in females. In 1621 samplings from 1151 patients it was possible to compare the cytologic and histologic diagnoses. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of both methods, brushing and biopsy, used separately or in association, we analyzed 81 cases where gastric cancer was confirmed by histologic examination of the removed stomach. The sensitivity rate of the cytodiagnosis was 88.3 % and that of histology was 93.4 %. Combining the two methods gave a sensitivity yield of 96.2 %. These values are among the highest reported in the literature and confirm the utility of combining both methods for diagnosing gastric carcinoma.
Intracavitary Cisplatin in Malignant Cardiac Tamponade
Authors: Bindi Mirco , Trusso Maria , Tucci Enrico
Published: April 2018

A case of lung cancer presenting with cardiac tamponade is reported. Lasting control of the malignant effusion was achieved by means of intracavitary cisplatin following pericardiocentesis. The patient presented an objective response to subsequent systemic chemotherapy and died 10 months after the diagnosis because of disseminated cancer, without clinical or instrumental findings of pericardial effusion.
Burkitt-Like Lymphoid Malignancy Presenting as a Breast Tumor
Authors: De Pasquale Andrea , Di Francesco Anna , Ricciotti Manlio , Quaglino Dennis
Published: April 2018

The authors describe a case of a female patient, who presented with a rapidly expanding mass of the right breast as the first clinical sign of a Burkitt-like lymphoproliferative disorder. Massive bone marrow infiltration with leukemic spillover and limited lymph node involvement were subsequently detected. The difficulties encountered in classifying, according to current schemes, the observed lymphoid neoplasm are emphasized. Moreover, an evaluation of the true rarity of mammary localizations at the onset of lymphoid malignancies, based on a review of the literature, suggests, especially for the most malignant varieties, a higher frequency than supposed.
A Thyroid Metastasis Revealing an Occult Renal Clear-Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Dal Fabbro Silvio , Monari Gaetano , Barbazza Renzo
Published: April 2018

A case of renal clear-cell carcinoma presenting as a nodular thyroid metastasis is reported. The possibility of a metastatic lesion from the kidney should be taken into account in each case of clear-cell thyroid lesion. Fine needle aspiration cytology may be unable to discriminate between the renal or thyroid origin of such lesions unless PAS staining is performed.
Apparently Nonfunctioning Metastases of Parathyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Manente Paolo , Cecchettin Maurizio , Infantolino Domenico , Foscolo Giancarlo , Conte Nicola
Published: April 2018

A 41-year-old woman was operated on for severe hyperparathyroid syndrome. At surgery a parathyroid tumor with the histopathologic pattern of carcinoma was found. After surgery serum calcium settled within normal limits (10.5 mg/dl, N.V. 8.5–10.8), whereas parathormone and calcitonin reached progressively high levels, respectively 400 ng/dl (N.V. up to 250) and 500 pg/ml (N.V. up to 100 ng/ml). Serum ultrafiltration analysis for parathormone and calcitonin showed many peaks of immunoreactivity with high molecular weight of both hormones. One year after surgery, metastases developed in the lymph nodes of the neck and the mediastinal, pleural and pancreatic regions. After death for tumor wasting, immunohistochemical study of the tumoral tissue with the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique showed a relatively high density of calcitonin-containing cells. The findings in this case suggest that: a) several cells in this parathyroid cancer could secrete both parathormone and calcitonin; b) the hormonal secretion was impaired as suggested by the high molecular weight of both hormones found at gel-filtration analysis; c) the macromolecular profile of parathormone could explain the apparent function of the parathyroid cancer.
A Light Microscopic and Ultrastructural Study of Spindle-Shaped Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Andreola Salvatore , Audisio Riccardo A. , Lombardi Luciano
Published: April 2018

Spindle-cell hepatocellular carcinoma is an unusual morphologic variant of hepatocellular carcinoma with a typical sarcomatous appearance. The exact diagnosis of this tumor may be difficult when only small biopsies are available and in the absence of ultrastructural studies. We describe two cases of hepatocellular carcinoma: one was entirely composed of spindle-shaped cells, and the other was a typical hepatocellular carcinoma with only a small area of sarcomatous, fusiform cells. In the first case, ultrastructural studies demonstrated desmosomes and many Mallory bodies and confirmed the epithelial nature of the neoplasm. In the second case, no ultrastructural studies were available, but the presence of gradual transition from liver cell carcinoma to spindle-cell carcinoma excludede the diagnosis of carcino-sarcoma.
The Effect of Human Serum on the Binding Activity of Radiolabelled Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Camagni Silvia , Canevari Silvana , Ripamonti Marina , Mezzanzanica Delia , Orlandi Rosaria , Colnaghi Maria I.
Published: April 2018

Three murine monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs), MBrl and MOv2 of IgM isotype and MOv8 of IgG isotype, with restricted reactivity for breast or ovarian carcinomas, were labelled with 125I in the perspective of obtaining specific and stable radioimmunopharmaceutical reagents. The radiolabeled MoAbs were analyzed for their « in vitro » stability in human blood. They were incubated at 37 °C for various lengths of time in human or, as a control, in murine blood and their binding capacity was evaluated by solid-phase RIA and compared with that obtained after incubation with buffer. In human blood, serum and plasma, but not with other components such as erythrocytes, leukocytes, HSA and IgG, the MoAbs revealed a loss of binding reactivity which was marked and constant for the IgM MoAbs, and only occasional for the IgG MoAb. In murine serum the decrease was not so rapid. The same change in the binding capacity was observed when the MoAbs were labelled with 3H or 35S, excluding the involvement of dehalogenating mechanisms. In the perspective of using MoAbs for intracavity therapy the effect of ascitic or pleural fluids on their binding activity was also evaluated. The inhibition of the binding reactivity was not as evident and was not related to the MoAb isotype.
Polarography of Walker Tumor Submitted to Radiotherapy
Authors: Sakate Makoto , Vercesi Luigi , Henry Maria Aparecida Coelho Arruda , Lucchiari Pedro Héllo
Published: April 2018

A Polarographic study of oxigen was done in 57 rats inoculated with Walker 256 tumor and platinum electrode implanted in muscle and in tumor. The goal of the research was the study of oxygen in tumor before and after irradiation. Tumor growth caused a decrease in tumoral oxygen. Oxygen was always lower in the tumor than in the muscle. Radiotherapy with 2000 rad (but not with 1000 rad) increased oxygen in the tumor.
Prognostic Value of Computerized DNA Analysis in Noninvasive Papillary Carcinomas of the Urinary Bladder
Authors: Montironi Rodolfo , Scarpelli Marina , Sisti Stefano , Ansuini Giuseppina , Pisani Edoardo , Mariuzzi Gianmario
Published: April 2018

DNA parameters and a DNA status index were calculated in cases of noninvasive urothelial papillary carcinomas and apparently normal urothelium. DNA feature analysis included the measurement of basic parameters as well as those related to DNA deviation. Normal urothelium had a diploid content with a few values between 2c and 4c. The papillary lesions in the three grades showed a progressive decrease in diploid nuclei and steadily increasing percentages of tetraploid ones. One case of grade 1 papillary carcinoma and some of grade 2 showed a small proportion of aneuploid cells; the proportion quintupled in grade 3. The values of parameters related to DNA deviation increased progressively in the three grades, numerically expressing the shift from diploidy. The DNA status index is a multiparameter classification in which a single number, ranging from 0.5 to 3.7, expresses the degree of DNA deviation from a non-proliferating diploid population. The cases of normal urothelium and of grade 1 had the lowest values, from 0.5 to 1.9, whereas grade 3 cases had the highest, from 2.2 to 3.7. The index values of grade 2 cases were partly intermediate and partly in the range of the neighboring grades. The DNA status index has a prognostic significance. In fact, associated lesions and recurrences were only observed in cases with index values over 2.0.
Determinants of Physicians’ Preferences for Alternative Treatments in Women with Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Liberati Alessandro , Patterson W. Bradford , Biener Lois , McNeil Barbara J.
Published: April 2018

To learn about factors, that influence a physician's decision making, a mail survey was conducted asking physicians about their preferences for radical mastectomy vs. local excision plus irradiation, and for adjuvant chemotherapy vs. no adjuvant treatment for two hypothetical women with operable, clinical stage I breast cancer - one 35 years old and the other 60 years old. Two hundred and sixty-one physicians from varied specialties in Connecticut and Massachusetts returned the questionnaire. Approximately half of the respondents would accept either mastectomy or limited surgery plus radiation therapy for either patient. Adjuvant chemotherapy was recommended by 97% of respondents for the younger patient and by 66% for the older patient. Several factors appeared to be related to therapeutic preferences. An individual physician's attitude towards patient involvement in decision making was the most important predictor of surgical preference for both the patients, whereas the role of specialty (i.e., surgeons vs. other providers) was more important for the surgical management of the older patient. For the decision involving adjuvant chemotherapy, specialty, hospital size, and presence of radiotherapy equipment on site were important predictors. Factors other than survival (such as disease-free interval and cosmetic results) were viewed as important standards of effectiveness by some physicians.
The Treatment of Metastatic Pleural Effusion in Breast Cancer: Report of 25 Cases
Authors: Contegiacomo Alma , Fiorillo Loretta , De Placido Sabino , Pagliarulo Clorindo , Iaffaioli Rosario Vincenzo , Genua Geppino , Giampaglia Franco , Palmieri Giovannella , Bianco A. Raffaele
Published: April 2018

We report our experience in the treatment of pleural effusion in 25 patients with metastatic breast cancer. Seventeen patients received initial systemic therapy and in 13 of them local intrapleural therapy was subsequently employed; the remaining 8 patients received local therapy only. Several modalities of local treatment were used: intrapleural chemotherapy with thiotepa and 5-fluorouracil; the production of pleural adhesion by the use of chest drainage alone or associated with instillation of sclerosing agents, such as nitrogen mustard or tetracycline. Of the 21 patients who were subjected to local therapy, 19 (90.5%) achieved an objective response (16 complete (76.2%) and 3 (14.34%) partial). Complete responses were observed exclusively in patients who had pleurodesis. Our data suggest that pleurodesis is the treatment of choice for neoplastic pleural effusion and that the use of tetracycline as a sclerosing agent is the most useful because of its availability, low cost and low morbidity.
Radiotherapy versus Radiotherapy plus Cisplatin Treatment for Locally Advanced Non Small Cell Lung Cancer: Preliminary Results of a Randomized Study
Authors: Clerici Maurizia , Soresi Enzo , Zucali Roberto , Borghini Umberto , Vergani Claudio , Leoni Mario , Botturi Franco , Luporini Gino
Published: April 2018

Preliminary results of a randomized study (radiotherapy versus radiotherapy plus weekly low-dose cisplatin) are reported. Fifty-four patients (43 evaluable) with stage IIIa-b non small cell lung cancer were randomized. Objective responses (CR+PR) were seen in 62% of the radiotherapy-treated group and in 63% of the group treated with radiotherapy plus cisplatin. No major toxicity was seen. Patient compliance for both treatments was satisfactory.
Applicability of Local Hyperthermia as Adjuvant to Systemic Chemotherapy
Authors: Cruciarli Giorgio , Molinari Anna Lia , Marangolo Maurizio , Morelli Maria , Gnani Giuseppe , Mazzotti Antonio , Mauro Francesco
Published: April 2018

With the aim of verifying the in vivo applicability of local hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy, 13 patients with superficial metastases from different histologic types of carcinoma, mostly from head and neck cancer, were entered in a pilot study. The chemotherapeutic regimen was cisplatinum, 20 mg/m2/dx5 days, bleomycin, 10 mg/m2 on days 8 and 12, methotrexate, 100 mg/m2 on day 15, followed after 24 by folinic acid. Hyperthermia, using a microwave apparatus, and chemotherapy were delivered simultaneously. Objective remissions were achieved in 54% of patients, within the hyperthermia field (1 CR and 6 PR). No serious toxicity was noted. Methotrexate distribution after local hyperthermia was evaluated in 8 patients. Response duration was not gratifying, except for patients successively treated with radiation. In conclusion, the combination of chemotherapy plus local hyperthermia deserves subsequent evaluation as part of adjunctive programs.
Influence of One- and Two-Stage Biopsy-Mastectomy Procedures on Psychologic Adaptation of Patients
Authors: Catania Salvatore , Monti Massimo , Tamburini Marcello , Locatelli Elisa , La Grasta Daniela , Cunietti Ettore
Published: April 2018

To investigate the psychologic adjustment of women undergoing radical mastectomy for cancer, we compared drug consumption (analgesics and sedatives) in the postoperative period and the time lag between operation and the first spontaneous observation of surgical wound in two groups operated according to different procedures. Group 1 (52 patients; mean age, 47 years) underwent a two-stage surgical treatment consisting of biopsy (local anesthesia) followed after 2-4 h by mastectomy (general anesthesia); in the interval patients were informed about ongoing procedures by the surgeon, who also pronounced some key words such as tumor, malignant disease, cancer. Group 2 (66 patients; mean age, 47 years) underwent biopsy and mastectomy in a single stage under general anesthesia. The relative risk (RR) of Group 1 vs Group 2 patients was calculated as regards both drug consumption and time of the first self-observation of the surgical wound. Our results seem to suggest that the two-stage procedure through special care given by the surgeon may result in a positive coping pattern and thus better acceptance of the mutilation.
Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors as Prognostic Factors in Breast Cancer
Authors: Brdar Branko , Graf Dubravka , Padovan Radovan , Nola Petar , Rudan Nikola , Petrinec Zrinko , Sarčević Božena , Belicza Mladen
Published: April 2018

The relation between estrogen receptors (ER) and/or progesterone receptors (PgR) and some clinical factors such as tumor size, axillary node involvement, histological tumor grade, and disease-free interval (DFI) in 500 patients with operable (TNM stage I-III) breast cancer was studied. ER-positive (ER+) tumors were commoner in older patients, whereas PgR-positive (PgR+) tumors were similarly distributed within the age groups. The concentration of ER+ protein also increased with age in contrast to PgR+ protein concentration. However, receptor status was not associated with menopausal status independently of age. Axillary node involvement influenced neither ER nor PgR status, but there was a statistically significant relation between tumor size and positivity of ER or PgR. There was no association between histologic tumor grade and either steroid receptor phenotype. DFI was longer in patients with ER+ than those with ER− tumors, independently of axillary nodal status. The positivity of PgR in patients with ER+ tumors contributed to an even longer DFI, suggesting that the combination of ER/PgR is a better indicator of DFI than ER or PgR alone.
A Phase II Clinical Trial of Flutamide in the Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhao Tiping , He Guifen
Published: April 2018

An antiandrogenic agent flutamide was used in the treatment of one male and 14 female postmenopausal breast cancer patients. Only a mild and transient response was seen in 2 female patients. Therefore, flutamide cannot be used solely in the treatment of female postmenopausal breast cancer.
Late Results after Sleeve or Wedge Lobectomies for Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Cataldo Ignazio , Bedini Amedeo V. , Lequaglie Cosimo , Ongari Mauro , Valente Maurizio , Ravasi Gianluigi
Published: April 2018

From January 1971 to June 1983, 35 lobectomies with bronchoplastic procedures for invasive non-small-cell lung carcinoma were performed. Sleeve lobectomy was carried out in 21 cases, wedge lobectomy in 11, and upper sleeve bilobectomy in 3. There were 23 stage I, 10 stage II, and 2 stage IIIa tumors. Completion pneumonectomy was required in 1 case for anastomotic fistula and in 2 for atelectasis of residual lung. One of these patients died later due to empyema. The 5-year probability of death with recurrence was 31.98%. The 5-year disease-free survival was 58.57%. Metastatic relapse was observed in 8 cases and locoregional recurrence in 5. A new primary lung tumor occurred in 2 patients.
Bladder Cancer Prognostic Indices: Analysis of 286 Patients Treated with Radical Radiation Therapy
Authors: Micheletti Enrico , Morrica Brunello , Bonanno Isidoro , Buffoli Alberto
Published: April 2018

From 1974 through 1982, 286 patients with histologically proven bladder cancer (Tis 8, T1 62, T2 109, T3 86, T4 21 NXMO) were treated with external irradiation after transurethral resection. Irradiation was given with 260° arc technique photon beam from a Cobalt Unit; the tumor doses ranged from 52.5 to 65 Gy in 21-50 days, with a TDF between 75 and 110. The analysis was conducted with the log rank test on the cumulative percent survival (CPS) at 5 years. The study pointed out the importance of risk factors other than clinical stage on cumulative survival in bladder cancer. Prognostic factors associated with a relatively successful outcome (p < 0.001) were the Karnofsky performance status (100 vs others) (CPS 75% vs 30%), the absence of ureteral obstruction on the initial intravenous pyelogram (CPS 50% vs 35%), a negative urine culture (CPS 60% vs 30%), normal bladder capacity (CPS 50% vs 35%), low-grade histology (CPS 65% vs 35%), and grossly complete resection (55% vs 40%). The data from this analysis should be taken into consideration when radical radiotherapy is considered in new clinical trials.
Analysis of 309 Cases after Hydatidiform Mole: Different Follow-Up Program According to Biologic Behavior
Authors: Bolis Giorgio , Belloni Carlo , Bonazzi Cristina , Mangili Giorgia , Presti Mauro , Zanaboni Flavia , Mangioni Costantino
Published: April 2018

Between 1976 and 1985, at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Milan University, a total of 309 cases of hydatidiform mole, 223 complete moles and 86 partial moles, were monitored with the assay of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, following a postmolar biochemical surveillance program. Spontaneous remission of the disease occurred in 287 (92.9%) patients. Marker levels were undetectable in 80.4 % of cases within 60 days after evacuation of the mole and in 19.6% between 61 and 140 days. There were 22 (7.1%) patients diagnosed as having gestational trophoblastic tumors (GTT) and treated with chemotherapy: 20 were complete moles and 2 partial moles. Considering these data, the authors suggest different follow-up times for partial and complete moles and confirm the necessity of selection criteria in a diagnosis of GTT.
Pituitary Metastasis from Malignant Bronchial Carcinoid
Authors: Rossi Marco Lorenzo , Bevan John Stuart , Fleming Kenneth Anthony , Cruz-Sanchez Felix
Published: April 2018

Metastases from a carcinoid tumor to the pituitary gland have, to our knowledge, not been described. We present a 49-year-old woman diagnosed as having a primary carcinoid tumor arising in the submucosa of a large bronchus who 8 years later presented with multiple metastases including one to the pituitary gland, which was in partial failure of pituitary function. This case illustrates than when confronted with a pituitary tumor resembling an adenoma but negative for pituitary hormones, the possibility of a metastasis from a carcinoid tumor should be considered.
Cancer Mortality in Migrant Populations within Italy
Authors: Vigotti Maria Angela , Cislaghi Cesare , Balzi Daniela , Giorgi Daniela , La Vecchia Carlo , Marchi Marco , Decadi Adriano , Zanetti Roberto
Published: April 2018

Italian death certification rates from all causes of death, all diseases of the circulatory system, all neoplasms, and cancers of the upper digestive and respiratory tract, stomach, intestines, lung and breast in middle age (45-64 years) were analyzed according to selected geographic areas of birth and residence at death. For total cancer mortality and most neoplasms considered, the rates in middle age were closer to those of place of birth than to those of area of residence, although this pattern was more evident for some sites (e.g., mouth or pharynx, esophagus, larynx, stomach or bladder) than for others (e.g., intestines or breast). In most cases, migration had an adverse effect on cancer rates, and the lowest mortality was reported among stable populations (i.e., those with the same area of birth and death). These findings are discussed in relation to the major migration fluxes within Italy during the current century. Moreover, these analyses give information on the quality of Italian cancer death certification, since the observation that area of birth is often a more important determinant of cancer rates than area of residence provides indirect evidence that cancer death certification in various Italian geographic areas is satisfactorily reliable and consistent.
Drug Sensitivity of Different Tumor Lesions from the Same Patient Evaluated by a Short-Term Assay
Authors: Zaffaroni Nadia , Silvestrini Rosella , Sanfilippo Ornella , Daidone Maria Grazia , Bolis Giorgio , Seminara Patrizia
Published: April 2018

A short-term antimetabolic assay, which considers the interference with [3H]thymidine incorporation as an indicator of drug effect, has been used to comparatively assess the chemosensitivity of different tumor lesions from the same patient. The analysis was performed on primary tumors and their synchronous metastases from 67 patients with breast, ovarian, gastrointestinal and germ cell testicular tumors. A remarkable difference in sensitivity to cytostatic drugs was observed between the two lesions. In contrast, a strong association in chemosensitivity (81.7% agreement rate; p < 0.01) was observed between two synchronous metastases from 17 patients with breast, ovarian, germ cell testicular tumors or malignant melanoma. In addition, the predictive relevance of the antimetabolic assay on clinical response to chemotherapy was analyzed in relation to the type of tumor lesion tested in vitro in a retrospective correlative study on 57 patients with advanced ovarian and germ cell testicular tumors. The objective clinical response was significantly correlated to the in vitro sensitivity of metastases (83.7% agreement rate; p < 0.01), but not to that of the primary tumor.
Establishment and Characterization of a New Human Melanoma Cell Line (HU 214) with a High Growth Potential and Stable Properties
Authors: Molino Annamaria , Stevanoni Gabriella , Lorenzi Pamela , Dipasquale Bruno , Colombari Romano , Chilosi Marco , Cetto Gian Luigi , Forni Guido , Gerosa Massimo , Tridente Giuseppe
Published: April 2018

A human melanoma cell line (HU 214) with high growth potential was established from a lymph node metastasis of a patient with advanced cutaneous melanoma. The cells of this line were able to grow in monolayer (according to the Rosenblum technique) and in agar (according to the Courtenay-Mills method), and formed tumors when injected in nude mice. The line has been maintained in culture for more than 47 passages. The cell cultures were periodically characterized (every 6-8 passages) by immunohistochemistry using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) including MoAbs against tumor-associated antigens (antimelanoma, antiglioma and anti-LLA), against vimentin, and against major histocompatibility antigens, and including also Ki 67, a MoAb which reacts with a nuclear antigen associated with cell proliferation. The results of this characterization indicate that we have established a human melanoma cell line with a stable antigenic phenotype during subculturing, poorly differentiated cells, and a high growth potential.
Antigenic Phenotype of Radial Growth Phase Melanomas with or without a Vertical Growth Phase Portion
Authors: Brogelli Laura , Carli Paolo , Reali Umberto Maria , Pimpinelli Nicola , Moretti Silvia
Published: April 2018

The expression of 4 melanoma-associated antigens and of class I and II HLA antigens was investigated in 12 superficial spreading melanomas (SSM) and in 8 SSM with a vertical growth pattern portion (SS + NM) by the use of monoclonal antibodies and an indirect immunoperoxidase procedure. Monoclonal antibodies 225.28, 763.74, CL. 203, VF19-LL217, Q5-13, W6-32 and anti-HLA-DR, were used. Each antigen was more frequently expressed by SS +NM on the whole than by SSM and also by the radial growth pattern portions of SS + NM than by SSM. Vertical growth pattern portions of SS + NM were not antigenically similar to radial growth pattern portions in the same tumors. The high frequency of antigen expression in radial growth pattern melanomas seems to be associated with the appearance of a more invasive cell population.