bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conditions Affecting the Inhibitory Action of RLP on Radiation Leukaemogenesis in Mice
Authors: Bekenblum I. , Trainin N. , Cividalli G. , Boiato-Chen Louise , Knyszynski Ahuva
Published: April 2018

The inhibitory effect of RLP (a cell-free extract derived from sheep spleen) on radiation leukaemogenesis in mice, was studied under different biological conditions, in order to determine the limitations and specificity of its action.

For inhibition of radiation leukaemogenesis (lymphatic, thymic, type) in C57BL/6/Jax mice, the RLP injections were required to be given repeatedly — at least 4 times for demonstrable effect, and 10 times for optimal effect — the treatment begun about 1 hour after irradiation. Weaker effects were obtained when the treatment was begun 24 hours after irradiation, and no inhibition when the injections were given before the start of the radiation treatment, or begun 2 weeks after its completion.

In irradiated RF mice, RLP inhibited the induction of lymphatic (thymic) leukaemia, while that of myelogenous leukaemia appeared to be augmented.

RLP failed to inhibit the spontaneous development of the lymphatic (thymic) leukaemia in AKR mice.

The results support the conclusion that the inhibitory action of RLP is an anti-radiation effect with respect to leukaemogenesis, rather than an antagonism against the leukaemogenic process proper.
Natural Oestrogens and the Safe Level of Oestrogen Intake
Authors: Boyland E.
Published: April 2018

Several substances with oestrogenic activity occur in many different species of plants. More assays of oestrogenic activity of food products should be carried out so that the oestrogen intake of different populations can be assessed.

Some women with mammary cancer benefit from the operations of oophorectomy and adrenalectomy. The benefit is probably due to the removal of small amounts of oestrogens that are sufficient for the growth of hormone-dependent tumours. The data indicate that microgram (μg) quantities of oestrogen may facilitate the growth of cancer of the breast. These amounts of oestrogens may therefore present a hazard to post menopausal women.

The administration of oestrogens to cattle, sheep or poultry increases the rate of growth and efficiency of food utilisation. If the hormone is added to food and withdrawn a week before slaughter no oestrogen appears to be present in the meat. The meat and liver of chickens in which oestrogen pellets have been implanted, however, contain amounts of oestrogen that could also facilitate the growth of otherwise dormant hormone dependent tumours.
Urethan Carcinogenesis in Newborn, Suckling, and Adult Mice of C57BL, C3H, BC3FJ, C3Hf, and SWR Strains
Authors: Porta Giuseppe Della , Capitano José , Parmi Liliana , Colnaghi Maria I.
Published: April 2018

Urethan was given to four inbred strains of mice and to one hybrid, either in the drinking water at 0.4 per cent for 15–20 days to 5-week old animals, or subcutaneously 3 mg once to newborns, or intraperitoneally 1 mg/g body weight, 5 times, once every second day, to 10-day old animals. The 5 treatments starting at 10 days of age induced a high percentage of rapidly developing thymic lymphosarcomas, while in the groups treated at birth or at 5 weeks, few tumors of this type were observed. The incidence of non-thymic malignant lymphomas or leukemias was not influenced by urethan, apart from a reduction of latent period. A small number of mammary adenocarcinomas occurred among the treated females of the C57BL and SWR strains but none in the control groups. In C3Hf and BC3F1 females there was a high incidence of mammary tumors when treatment was started at 5 weeks; treatment at birth or at 10 days did not modify the control incidence. On the contrary, hepatomas developed more rapidly and in higher percentage in the animals treated at birth or at 10 days. The incidence of pulmonary adenomas was increased by treatment in all strains parallel with the spontaneous occurrence. Tumors of harderian glands, skin, kidney, thyroid, adrenals and ovaries were also more frequent among treated animals.
Influence of Procoagulants and Anticoagulants on Experimental Carcinogenesis
Authors: Solammo Giuseppe
Published: April 2018

The author reports on the results of a study by his School on the relations between procoagulants and anticoagulants on the one hand and experimental carcinogenesis on the other. The antifibrinolytic or procoagulant substances used (epsilonaminocaproic acid, trasylol and thromboplastin) all shortened the latent period of some experimental tumors and the survival time of the animals. The anticoagulant used (laminarin) exerted no statistically significant effect on either onset or growth of 3:4-benzpyrene sarcomas but, unexpectedly, exerted an accelerating effect on the onset and growth of a transplantable rat tumor: IRE reticulosarcoma, whether solid or ascitic. A brief critical review of the results follows.
Long-term Results of 100 Cases of Hodgkin's Disease treated with Chemoterapy
Authors: Di Pietro Sergio
Published: April 2018

Long-term results of 100 cases of Hodgkin's disease, treated with chemotherapy associated or not with X-ray therapy from 1949 to 1900, are reported. The median, survival rate was of 36 months: at 5 years the rate was 25 %. The survival rate at 5 years was 34,2 % for the 38 women and 19.3 % for the 62 men treated. Of 66 cases of the third clinical stage 31.6 % was alive at 5 years; the corresponding value for the 40 cases of the fourth stage was 15 %. The best survival rate was observed in the group of women of the third clinical stage with involvement of ilo-mediastinic lymph nodes in the first period of the disease (52.6% at 5 years). As to the four histological varieties of our cases, one can observe that the «paragranuloma» and the «scleronodular» types show a fairly good survival rate, not depending on the clinical stage, whereas the «polymorphous» and «sarcomatous» ones cause a more severe prognosis for the patients of the fourth clinical stage. The age of the patients, evidence or not of « systemic » symptoms, and the duration of the disease before the first treatment don't seem to have any significant influence on the survival rate. The best results were obtained with chemotherapy-X-ray therapy association in the group of patients of the third stage (survival rate of 39.5 % at 5 years). No difference is noted, on the contrary, between long-term results of chemotherapy alone and those of chemotherapy associated with X-therapy in the fourth stage.
Distant Metastases from Thyroid Carcinomas
Authors: Cascinelli Natale , Bartoli Cesare , Turm Maurizio
Published: April 2018

From 1928 to 1965, 383 cases of thyroid carcinoma were studied at the National Cancer Institute of Milan; among these cases 113 had distant metastases. The metastases were more frequent in patients aged fro 60 to 69. The female/male ratio was about 2:1. The lesions were more often in the skeleton (74 cases) and in the lungs (64 cases). Since a high incidence of skeletal metastases without lung involvement has been observed, the authors postulate that metastatic spread from thyroid carcinoma may occur also through vertebral veins. In undifferentiated carcinomas distant metastases occur quite early (87 % at 5 years). On the contrary, in differentiated carcinomas, metastases occur later: after 5 years from thyroidectomy in 31 per cent of patients with follicular carcinomas metastases were found and in 74 per cent after 10 years. In papillary carcinomas the percentage is 17 and 52 after 5 and 10 years respectively. Among 113 cases with distant metastases, 50 showed the first metastatic localization to the regional lymph nodes; this occurrence was found to be more frequent in papillary and unidifferentiated carcinomas (χ2 = 11.805).
Pathogenesis of Tumor Recurrences on the Tracheostoma in Patients Laryngectomised for Carcinoma
Authors: Molinari Roberto , Milanesi Italo
Published: April 2018

Of 519 patients subjected to total laryngectomy for cancer 14 had a recurrence of the tumor on the tracheostoma. The various possible pathogenetic mechanisms are reviewed critically in the light of this material. Non-radicality of the operation seems to be the most probable, in view of the peculiar lymph spread of neoplastic cells. The lymph drainage system of the larynx is described, with special reference to the crossing of the lymphatic networks at the level of the subglottic region. Although the normal direction of the lymph flow of this region is almost entirely upward, several anatomic and pathologic alterations can stop these pathways and reverse the lymph flow, in which case some of the lymph reaches the vessels of the tracheal network. When the trachea is divided during laryngectomy or when tracheotomy is performed, neoplastic cells spread out of the severed vessels and are imprisoned by the suture of the tracheostoma and the healing process. They thus elude the biological defense mechanisms (which may be present also in the lymph nodes) and so a tumor forms on the new site. This interpretation is supported by the high rate of recurrence on the tracheostoma (17.5%) after long-term use of a tracheostomy tube, especially in cases of tumor of the subglottic region or of the glottis.
Presence of Three Philadelphia Chromosomes (Ph1) in the Blastic Crisis of a Case of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Pegoraro Luigi , Pileri Alessandro , Rovera Giovanni , Gavosto Felice
Published: April 2018

Three Philadelphia chromosomes in addition to other extra-chromosomes in most of the bone marrow cells (70%) were observed in the terminal course of a case of chronic myeloid leukemia with blastic crisis. The percentage distribution of extra-chromosomes in the single groups of the Denver system was evaluated and compared with the theoretical expectation. This analysis showed a distribution of extra-chromosomes widely different from the random expectation, several chromosome groups being highly underrepresented (namely A, B, D and E) and others (C, F and G) overrepresented. From the karyotype analysis the commonest feature (27,4%) appeared to be the presence of three extra-chromosomes in group C, one extra in group F, and two extra Ph1 in group G. The leukocyte alkaline phosphatase performed on smears of peripheral blood gave a total value higher than normal. Various workers have connected the low values usually observed in chronic myeloid leukemia with the loss in chromosome 21 genetic material. In the present case, the increase in leukocyte alkaline phosphatase alongside an increase in chromatin 21 material might suggest a correlation between these two parameters.
Infrared Spectrophotometry Studies on Cerebral Tumor s-RNAs
Authors: Viale Giuseppe L. , Restelli Angela Fondelli
Published: April 2018

Deuterated s-RNAs prepared from a medulloblastoma, a glioblastoma and a frontal lobe show a different relative intensity in the 1680 cm–1 band. The phenomenon can be related to the frequency in the base pairings; it may depend either on a proportionally different content of t-RNAs and/or on qualitative variations in the primary and secondary structure of the polynucleotides. Irrespective of the kind of variation and its causes, the finding once more proves the existence of chemical differences between neuroectodermal tumors, with an undifferentiated and those with an atypical cellular component.
Discovery, Isolation and Physicochemical Properties of Narciclasine, a New Antimitotic of Vegetable Origin
Authors: Ceriotti Giovanni , Spandrio Luigi , Gazzaniga Annibale
Published: April 2018

A crystalline substance with marked antimitotic activity on several biological systems (mitoses of ascites S 180, of the megaloblasts of chick embryo, of the tips of wheat radicles) has been isolated from the bulbs of several varieties of Narcissus and named Narciclasine. After reference to the tests that led to its discovery and isolation and to the work of others in the same field, the method of isolation is described together with the physical and chemical properties of the substance (identification, chromatographic behavior, UV, IR and fluorescence). The structural formula, established on the basis of work reported elsewhere, is given.
Ultrastructural Characteristics of Kaposi's Sarcoma
Authors: Bàrbera Vincenzo , Mazzarella Luigi
Published: April 2018

The uncertainty which exists on the histogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma is emphasized and the pertinent literature is briefly reviewed, with particular reference to electron microscopic studies. The results of an investigation on the fine structure in 6 cases of the disease are presented and the characteristic features of the two principal types of cellular elements, endothelial-like and spindle cells, are described. The relevant aspects observed were a clearly outlined basement membrane, vesicles due to pinocytosis, dense granules presumably due to erythrophagocytosis and, most interesting because it had never been recognized before, the presence of cytoplasmic filaments 90–110 Å thick, which show considerable variation in number, distribution, course and direction. These filaments appear to be similar to those that have been shown in endothelial cells and seem structurally identical to leiomyofilaments. In discussing the significance of these findings, a correlation is made with the results of previously reported electron microscopic studies and the hypothesis is postulated that the tissue of Kaposi's sarcoma originates from mesenchymatous elements which may develop into cells either of the endothelial-like and of the leiomuscular-like type.
Activity of Narciclasine on the Mitoses of Sarcoma 180 Ascitic Cells
Authors: Ceriotti Giovanni
Published: April 2018

Intraperitoneally or subcutaneously injected narciclasine exerts an inhibiting activity on the mitoses of ascites Sarcoma 180. According to the dosage mitoses are blocked at metaphase or at preprophase. For the highest doses a mitoclasic effect is also present. Mitoses of duodenal mucosa and of bone marrow were much less affected by narciclasine.
A Coagulation Study in Patients with Neuroblastoma
Authors: Girolami Antonio
Published: April 2018

The results of a coagulation study in 22 patients with disseminated neuroblastoma are reported. The most frequent changes observed were: thrombocytopenia, hyperfibrinogenemia and increased fibrinolytic (activator) activity; an occasional decrease in the prothrombin complex factors was also found. All patients had a normal factor VIII level. One patient had a severe fibrinolytic purpura.

The significance of these findings is discussed. A coagulation workup seems indicated in all patients with neuroblastoma who show a bleeding tendency. A well controlled hemostatic balance may allow in fact a more aggressive therapeutic approach.
The Effect of Porfiromycin on the Life Cycle of Hep-2 Cells In Vitro
Authors: Papac Rose J.
Published: April 2018

The effect of porfiromycin (N-methyl mitomycin) on the cell cycle in HEP-2 cells was investigated by pulse labeling with tritiated thymidine at various intervals following 4-hours incubation with the drug. Arrest of cells during the G2 phase was the predominant effect with temporary suppression of mitotic activity as well.
Factors Influencing the Entrance of Cancer Cells in the Circulating Blood.
Authors: Agostino Domenico
Published: April 2018

Cancer cells were identified in the circulating blood of animals with resectable colon cancers after the administration of anestetics into the tumor, manipulation, inoculation of fluids and during surgery for the removal of the primary tumor. Malignant cells were also found in the circulating blood of animal with non resectable cancers before and after manipulation, inoculation of fluids into the tumor and during an attempt to legate the primary lesion. All these procedures produced « showers » of cancer cells which persisted for about 5 minutes. Hepatic metastases after manipulation of resectable tumors were produced in 13.3 per cent of the control animals and in 35.4 per cent of the manipulated animals.
Preferential Sites and Mode of Spread of Hodgkin's Disease and Lymphoreticular Sarcomas on the Basis of Clinical Evaluation of 500 Cases.
Authors: Bonadonna Gianni , Banfi Alberto , Carnevali Giuseppe , Milani Franco , Salvini Enea
Published: April 2018

The preferential sites and mode of spread in 500 consecutive untreated patients with malignant lymphomas (200 Hodgkin's diseases, 150 lymphosarcomas and 150 reticulum cell sarcomas) have been studied. After a detailed diagnosis all patients with primary involvement of lymph nodes and spleen were staged according to the international four-stage clinical classification proposed at Rye in 1965. The lymphoreticular sarcomas with primary onset in Waldeyer's ring were staged according to the T.N.M. classification as modified in Milano by the National Cancer Institute in 1965. Patients with involvement of viscera or tissues without apparent disease in the lymph nodes, spleen or pharynx were listed separately. Primary involvement in Hodgkin's disease was confined in 99.5 % to lymph nodes and spleen. In lymphosarcoma and in reticulum cell sarcoma there was a high primary involvement of Waldeyer's ring (20 % and 53 % respectively) and in other extranodal sites (11–12%). Besides the cervical regions the distribution of lymph node involvement in Hodgkin's disease was predominantly in the mediastinum (20%) and in the paraaortic area (20%), while in lymphoreticular sarcomas mainly in the axillary (16%), iliac (23%) and inguinal (17%) regions. In the lymphoreticular sarcomas with primary onset in Waldeyer's ring the disease on first admission was limited to the pharynx and to the neek nodes in 73 % of cases. Study of the mode of spread showed that in untreated Hodgkin's disease the number of cases with contiguous involvement was 66 % while in lymphoreticular sarcomas it was only 35 %. Further, after localized radiation therapy Hodgkin's disease has a higher (72%) tendency to recur in adjacent lymphoid regions than lymphoreticular sarcomas with primary involvement in nodes and spleen (45%). The therapeutic implications of this study are discussed. The most important conclusion is that prophylactic irradiation should be given to localized Hodgkin's disease and not to lymphoreticular sarcomas with the exception of those arising in Waldeyer's ring.
Leukocytotoxic Antibodies in Patients Suffering from Various Forms of Leukemia.
Authors: Fagiolo Enzo , Baldi Nicola
Published: April 2018

The results of a study on the leukocytotoxic activity of sera from patients with acute or chronic, myeloid or lymphoid leukemia are reported and discussed. In almost all cases circulating antibodies were found, active –- in isolation or simultaneously –- against suspensions of granulocytes and/or lymphocytes of normal subjects, and autologous and homologous leukemic cells from subjects with acute or chronic, myeloid or lymphatic leukemia. The presence of an immunologic process appeared to be independent of the type of leukemia, though the rate of positives in chronic lymphatic leukemia was lower. Antileukemic immunisation proved to be independent of the leukocyte count; however, the cases with anti-autologous leukocyte antibodies were among the leukopenics. These findings support the hypothesis that there is an immunologic humoral process of the antileukocytic type, though it does not seem to be active against specific neoformed antigens of the autologous leukemic cells. The probable autoimmune pathogenesis of these antibodies is discussed.
Ultrastructure of Peculiar Phagosomes in Stromal Lymphatic Tissue of One Rhinopharyngioma.
Authors: Sirtori Carlo , Bosisio Maria Bestetti
Published: April 2018

Four cases of rhinopharyngioma were examined by electron microscopy, special attention being given to the lymphatic tissue adjacent to the tumoral epithelium. The tumor cells showed the typical ultrastructure of the epithelium of rhinopharyngioma (monomorphous population of large cells with clear large nucleus containing one or more nucleoli, cytoplasm with bands of tonofilaments). The lymphatic tissue in 3 of the 4 cases examined did not show any numeric or ultrastructural changes in its cellular components. In the 4th case however, it contained numerous cells which could not be classified definitely according to their morphological characteristics. These cells contained cytoplasmic inclusions of unusual appearance. The inclusions were composed of a finely granular and homogeneous material delimited by a three layered membrane 80 - 90 A in thickness and were intersected internally by membranes of the same thickness arranged sometimes in parallel systems. On the basis of the histochemical characteristics of these membranes, similar to those of the pinocytotic vesicles and to the cellular membrane, these peculiar cytoplasmic inclusions were considered phagosomes. In the lymphatic tissue of the same case, a considerable increase in the number of plasmocytes was observed. The plasma cells had the morphological characteristics of intense secretory activity (very dilated ergastoplasmic cisterns full of dense material sometimes showing a paracrystalline structure). The presence of cells containing peculiar phagosomes and the hyperactivity of the plasmacells were related respectively to a histiocytic activation of various cells of the lymphatic tissue and to an immunological reaction of the plasmocytes, both due to necrosis of the tumor tissue.
Comparison of Ultrasound and Radiography in the Diagnosis of Abdominopelvic Masses
Authors: Damascelli Bruno , Lattuada Angelo , Musumeci Renato , Severini Aldo
Published: April 2018

Ultrasound scanning of the soft tissues has been used increasingly at clinical level for some years now, especially for investigating abdominal organs and abdominopelvic space-occupying lesions, whose intrinsic structure they delineate. This paper deals with the practical applications of ultrasound and compares the information it supplies with that supplied by the simpler and least traumatic radiologic investigations in 60 cases of abdominopelvic swellings. In all the patients ultrasound demonstrated space-occupying lesions and in 52 cases specified whether the mass was cystic or solid, whether a cyst was uni- or multilocular and whether a solid mass was homogeneous or not. In this series only one multilocular ovarian cystocarcinoma was mistaken for a solid mass. Compared with routine X-ray investigations, the ultrasound findings proved to be superfluous in 33 cases and contributory in 27. The latter were mainly utero-ovarian masses, hepatomegalies, swellings of nonfunctioning kidneys or gallbladders and serous cysts.
The Histopathology of Malignant Megakaryocytosis: Report of a Case
Authors: Pennelli Natale , Collavo Dino , Cappuzzo Gian Maria
Published: April 2018

A case of malignant megakaryocytosis presenting a blood picture of acute leukemia (50%) blasts), marked hepato-splenomegaly and intense megakaryocytosis and myeloblastosis in the bone marrow, liver and spleen, is described. The authors accept megakaryocytosis as a well-defined disease entity, at least from the viewpoint of pathologic anatomy. The fairly rapid clinical course, the constant hepato-splenomegaly and the characteristic histological picture of the bone marrow, liver and spleen are the essential features necessary for a differential diagnosis from other myeloproliferative syndromes involving the megakaryocytic series.
Anti-gamma Globulin Factors and Malignancies
Authors: Tedesco Francesco , Liso Vincenzo , Bonomo Lorenzo
Published: April 2018

Patients with various malignancies were investigated for the presence of anti-gamma-globulin factors (AGGF). The cases with neoplasms of different tissues showed a significative incidence of positive tests for the AGGF as detected by the latex slide test (26.4%), human FII tanned sheep cell agglutination (34.5%) and sensitized sheep cell agglutination (8.4%). In the myeloid and lymphatic leukemias the incidence of AGGF was not higher than in patients with other diseases.
«In vitro» Cytotoxic Activity of Normal and Leukemic Anti-Leukocyte Murine Sera
Authors: Tridente Giuseppe , Collavo Dino , Cappuzzo Gian Maria , Chieco-Bianchi Luigi
Published: April 2018

These experiments were designed to evaluate the specificity of cytotoxic antibodies for normal and leukemic leukocytes from mice with different genotypes. C57BL and C3Hf/Gs mice were immunized with allogeneic splenic cells from C3Hf/Gs, C57BL and (C3Hf/Gs x CBA T6T6) F1 donors. The animals were injected intraperitoneally once a week for 6–7 weeks and serum was obtained 7 days after the last injection. The cytotoxic effect of the sera on leukocytes was evaluated using the Terasaki test, which is based on direct phase contrast observation of refraction modification in damaged cellular elements. By using donors and recipients with dissimilar H-2 locus, an increase in the cytotoxic index was observed which was related to the number of immunizing injections. Values were fairly uniform for the different combinations tested. The maximum antibody titer was obtained 7 days after the last injection with notable decrease after 14 and 30 days. Cross tests between antisera and leukocytes with the same or different H-2 allele have demonstrated a high specificity of the isoantisera for the different H-2 locus alleles (k, b). In another group of experiments, the effect of isoantisera on leukocytes from animals with generalized leukemia was tested. The leukemia was induced by inoculation at birth with either Graffi or Gross virus. In the 12 cases studied, the cytotoxic effect on leukemic cells was always less than on normal cells of the same strain. Finally, a group of experiments was carried out using leukemic anti-leukocyte sera obtained by immunizing C57BL animals with cells derived from 2 Graffi virus-induced leukemias grafted into (C3Hf/Gs x CBA T6T6) F1 mice. These sera presented maximum cytotoxic index values on leukocytes of (C3Hf/Gs x CBA T6T6) F1 animals with Graffi virus-induced leukemia. Lower values were observed for normal leukocytes of the same strain. (C3Hf/Gs x CBA T6T6) F1 cells originating from Gross virus-induced leukemia were less sensitive to these sera, not only in comparison with Graffi virus-induced leukemia leukocytes but with normal (C3Hf/Gs x CBA T6T6) F1 leukocytes as well. It was also possible to demonstrate positivity in the cytotoxic response with C57BL leukemic leukocytes (Graffi virus-induced). These data seem to indicate that a reduction in the histocompatibility antigens of the leukemic leukocyte occurs contemporaneously with the appearance of tumor-specific antigens, and both phenomena are most likely related to neoplastic transformation. The following hypotheses are discussed as possible explanations of these phenomena: the possibility of true antigen deletion; the spreading out of membrane antigenic receptors as a consequence of increased cellular volume; the appearance of the TL antigen in the leukemic cells causing a partial loss of H-2 antigens.
Results of Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer. Study Group for Therapy of Breast Cancer, Cancer Chemotherapy Committee, Italian Society of Cancerology
Authors:   Gruppo di Studio per la Terapia del Carcinoma Mammario del Comitato per la Chemioterapia dei Tumori della Società Italiana di Cancerologia, Bonomini B. , Fiorentino M. , Cozzi P. A. , Di Pietro S. , Veronesi U. , Gaetani M. , Turri M. , Vescia E. , Gardini G. F. , Maltoni C. , Margottini M. , Jacobelli G. , Piemonte M. , Capretti G. , Sala G. , Spinelli A. , Toniolo G.
Published: April 2018

A summary of the results obtained by the Italian Breast Cancer Group in 122 patients with advanced breast cancer randomized over four different treatments: testosterone propionate, given i.m. 3 times a week at the dose of 100 mg per injection; cyclophosphamide, administered i.m. 25 times a month at the dose of 100 mg/day; testosterone + cyclophosphamide i.m. at the above doses; HMNT (4-hydroxy-17 methyl-19-nortestosterone) given i.m. 3 times a week at the dose of 100 mg/day. The criteria for patient selection and methods of evaluation were, with some modifications, these used by the American Breast Cancer Group. Objective improvements were observed in 26.9% of patients treated with testosterone propionate, in 15.6% of patients treated with cyclophosphamide, in 23.5% of those treated with testosterone + cyclophosphamide and in 20% of patients treated with HMNT. The most interesting result, worth of further evaluation, is that observed with the combined testosterone + cyclophosphamide therapy, which yielded the highest number of objective improvements in patients in menopause for less than one year.
Chemotheraphy of Medulloblastoma
Authors: Fiorentino Mario , Vangelista Riccardo
Published: April 2018

A combination of Vincristine, Cyclophosphamide and intrathecal Methotrexate has proved effective in obtaining a remission of a recurrent medulloblastoma metastatized to the spinal cord of a 5 years old boy. The remission has been lasting 4 months, before treatment switched again to radiotherapy.
Report of Two Cases of Hemangiopericytoma
Authors: Salvatori Bruno , Zingo Lorenzo
Published: April 2018

A 32 year old male patient underwent surgical treatment of a hemangiopericytoma, located on the left 5th toe. A second patient, a man of 61, had a tumor of the wall of the right cheek, which was treated with Co60-therapy. The authors point out the lack of relationship between histological features and clinical behavior of this type of tumor, as it is impossible to recognize histologically the benign form of the hemangiopericytoma from the malignant one. As a consequence of it, radical dissection of the tumor is always advisable, provided that it does not result in severe mutilation.
Oral Cavity Tumors with Invasion of the Mandible
Authors: Catania Vinicio Carmelo , Buraggi Gian Luigi , Palmia Claudio
Published: April 2018

A study on 229 cases of oral cavity tumors with the invasion of the mandible observed at the National Cancer Institute, Milan, and at the Institute of Radiology, University of Milan, from 1928 to 1967 is reported. Of these cases 73 were subjected to radical surgery, 15 were conservatively operated, 46 had radiant therapy, and 95 received no cure at all for tumor extension. Radical surgery, that is the surgical removal of the hemimandible invaded by the tumor, associated with the ablation of homolateral laterocervical lymph node chains, is the most rational measure and can yield excellent results; for radical surgery the median survival rate is of 2 years; the relative survival rate is of 49%, 5 years after the operation. Conservative surgery and radiotheraphy are secondary measures which, in principle, should be carried out only in case of technical contra-indications or patients refusal of radical surgery.
Regional Lymph Node Metastases in the Prognosis of Melanoma
Authors: Veronesi Umberto , Cascinelli Natale , Preda Ferdinando
Published: April 2018

A study of 101 cases of malignant melanoma with regional metastases observed at the National Cancer Institute of Milan between January 1940 and March 1964. All the patients underwent radical surgery of the metastases, which were confirmed histologically. 35 of the patients had received no previous therapy, whereas 66 had already had treatment for the primary tumor. Prognosis seemed to be unaffected by sex or primary tumor site. Overall five-year survival was 15%. In the cases subjected to block dissection or at any rate to simultaneous operation on primary tumor and metastases the survival was 20 % whilst in the cases subjected to previous surgery it was 10 %. It is thought that the poorer prognosis in the latter group spells out too limited surgery of the primary melanoma in a part of patients. These five-year clinical cure rates justify the policy of regional metastatic nodes removal.
Preliminary Studies on the Distribution and Excretion of Tritiated Daunomycin in Men
Authors: Di Fronzo Giovanni , Bonadonna Giovanni
Published: April 2018

3H-daunomycin was injected in 10 patients with widespread cancer (in 7 cases intravenously, in 1 case into the ascitic fluid and in 2 cases intraarterially) at the dose of 1 mg/kg. The radioactivity was determined in plasma, urine, stools, ascitic fluid and cerebrospinal fluid with the hyamine hydroxide method. The radioactivity was determined with a Tri-Carb apparatus, model 3003. From this study 3H-daunomycin seems to be rapidly fixed by body tissues regardless of the route of administration. Low plasma levels of radioactivity were detected even at early intervals after drug administration. 3H-daunomycin levels fall very rapidly when the drag is injected into the ascitic fluid; low urinary and fecal excretion were also observed during the first week. No radioactivity was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid, which indicates that daunomycin at the dose given does not cross the blood brain barrier. Since daunomycin appears to be taken up quickly by the cells, where it is retained for long periods of time, accumulation and toxic effects are more likely to occur with a daily dose rather than with intermittent dose schedule.
Malignant Malanoma of the Penis
Authors: Cascinelli Natale
Published: April 2018

In a series of 720 malignant melanomas there was one case of primary malignant melanoma of the penis, in a 43-year old patient. He was subjected to total amputation of the organ together with the inguino-iliac lymph nodes and endolymphatic radiotherapy with 131I Lipiodol.
Clinical Evaluation of High Intermittent Intravenous Doses of Methotrexate in Advanced Lung Cancer
Authors: Bonadonna Gianni , Cunsolo Antonio , De Palo Giuseppe M. , Monfardini Silvio , De Lena Mario , Di Pietro Sergio , Guzzon Adalgiso
Published: April 2018

Methotrexate (MTX) was given by weekly intravenous injections to 43 patients with inoperable or metastatic lung cancer (32 cases were untreated while 11 received radiotherapy or chemotherapy prior to administration of MTX). In 35 cases the dose was 40 mg/m2/week and in 8 cases 60 mg/m2/week. 36 patients were adequately evaluable. In most cases it was possible to continue the administration of MTX for 6–8 weeks (table 1). In responsive cases maintenance treatment was given at the dose of 15 mg/m2 every 4 days either orally or intramuscularly. Response to treatment was evaluated according to Karnofsky's scale. Considering only the category I responses 12/30 patients adequately treated with 40 mg/m2 showed objective improvement and 2/6 of those given 60 mg/m2. Regressions were short-lived and in no case did they last longer than 5 months (table 2). Regressions were seen in practically all histologic types (table 3). Of 43 patients receiving MTX 30 (70%) had one or more side-effects: 27 showed oral or gastrointestinal toxicity, 8 varying degrees of bone marrow depression, 6 hepatic and 4 renal toxicity. Four patients died because of toxicity, renal damage being present in all cases (table 4). The relatively small number of consistent objective regressions (about 40%), their short duration and the high incidence of severe toxicity, as observed in the present series, indicate that weekly high-dose intravenous MTX is of moderate therapeutic usefulness in lung cancer.
Metastases from Melanoma of Unknown Origin
Authors: Cascinelli Natale , Pilotti Silvana
Published: April 2018

720 cases of malignant melanoma were treated in 30 years at the Cancer Institute of Milan. In 12 of these cases the primary site of the tumor remained unknown: metastases were found 10 times in the lymph nodes, twice in the subcutis, once in the bone (rib). The incidence of occult primary melanoma is 1.6 per cent.
Immunodepression from Daunomycin
Authors: Natale Nicola , Mocarelli Paolo
Published: April 2018

The immunosuppressive activity of daunomycin on the production of spleen plaque-forming cells was determined in mice treated with the antibiotic and later challenged with sheep erythrocytes. The immune response was significantly decreased by a dose of 7.5 mg/kg body weight and virtually abolished by a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. It is suggested that daunomycin may interfere with the latent period of the immune response.
Extended Radical Mastectomy with Removal of Axillary, Internal Mammary, Supraclavicular and Mediastinal Lymph Nodes
Authors: Veronesi Umberto , Zingo Lorenzo
Published: April 2018

Description of the technique of super-radical mastectomy with removal of axillary, internal mammary, supraclavicular and mediastinal lymph nodes developed at the National Cancer Institute of Milan and previously reported (1). The thoracic defect due to thoracectomy with removal of the clavicle, the medial portion of the first and second ribs and the corresponding half of the sternum is now avoided by sternal replacement and suture. Thus radicality is maintained and cosmetic impairment is confined to breast removal.
Malignant Mesenchymal Tumors of the Thyroid
Authors: Veronesi Umberto , Cascinelli Natale , Preda Ferdinando
Published: April 2018

16 cases of malignant mesenchymal tumors of the thyroid (7 polymorphous sarcomas, 3 hemangioendotheliomas, 3 reticulum cell sarcomas, 4 fibrosarcomas) observed at the National Cancer Institute, Milan, between 1938 and 1968 are presented. They account for 3.3% of all malignant thyroid tumors during that period. More frequent after the age of 50, the cases reported showed marked malignancy and a rapidly fatal course. Only 2 cases of fibrosarcoma, one in a 15-year old boy and the other in a 35-year old man, were clinically cured 13 and 16 years respectively after radiosurgical treatment.
Topographical Study on Sex Chromatin in Breast Cancer
Authors: Baruffi Italo , Bighetti Sergio , Gondim Federico C. P.
Published: April 2018

Report of a topographical study on 12 cases of breast cancer designed to establish whether all the areas of a given tumor had the same sex chromatin, this being essential for the determination of tumoral sex to be a valid therapeutic guide. The results show that, although there may be variations in the number of nuclei with sex chromatin, the variations are not so great as to alter the tumoral sex in a given tumor. The determination of tumoral sex on a single tumor fragment is therefore valid.
Hepatoblastoma and Hepatocarcinoma in Childhood
Authors: Pollice Lucio , Marzullo Franco
Published: April 2018

Primary malignant epithelial tumors of the liver in childhood are classified by histological pattern into two main groups: hepatoblastoma and hepatocarcinoma. Hepatoblastomas, often associated with congenital anomalies, occur more frequently in children under 2 years of age, their biological behaviour often being characterized by a slow rate of growth. Hepatocarcinomas, usually occurring in children over 5 years of age, are considered to be clinically and pathologically indistinguishable from liver carcinomas observed in adults. Two cases of hepatoblastoma, namely of « embryonal » and « fetal » type, and a case of trabecular hepatocarcinoma, all in children under 6 years of age, are reported. The typical histological pattern of hepatoblastoma is emphasized and, on the basis of biological and clinical data, it is suggested that genetic factors may be involved and hence that these tumors should be classed among dysembryogenetic tumors.
Comparison between 3H-Daunomycin and its Antimitotic and Antimetabolic Activities in Ascites Sarcoma 180
Authors: Di Fronzo Giovanni , Silvestrini Rosella , Scarpinato Bianca Maria
Published: April 2018

Daunomycin uptake and its antimitotic and antimetabolic activities have been studied in S 180 ascites cells in vivo. The uptake of the tritiated antibiotic was determined by radiochemical methods 15 min and 2 h after the i. p. administration of scalar doses. The inhibiting effects on nucleic acids biosynthesis was evaluated by determining with autoradiographic and radiochemical methods, the incorporation of 3H-thymidine and 3H-uridine 2 h after daunomycin administration. Parallel studies were carried out on the antimitotic activity. The results obtained indicate that daunomycin is already present in the cells 15 min after injection and in proportion to the dose given. Two hours after the injection the level of incorporated radioactivity is lower. Mitotic activity, measured two h after the treatment, is reduced dose proportionally and is completely absent at doses of 2 mg/kg. The incorporation of 3H-thymidine and 3H-uridine is increased in the cells treated with low doses and is reduced only at doses of 2 mg/kg or higher. In these experimental conditions DNA synthesis is reduced to greater extent than RNA synthesis. A comparison of daunomycin uptake and of nucleic acid synthesis inhibition showed a direct proportionality whereas the effect of daunomycin on mitotic activity and on nucleic acids metabolism appear to be dissociated.
A Transplantable Adenocarcinoma of Salivary Glands of the Mouse
Authors: Caputo Antonio , Floridi Aristide
Published: April 2018

The properties of a new spontaneous tumor originating from the salivary gland of a C3H/He mouse were studied. The three different morphological patterns (adenocystic carcinoma, solid carcinoma and anaplastic adenocarcinoma), which concomitantly occured in the tumor, correspond to an ascending order of malignancy and indicate that the cells of the intercalated duct of the gland might be involved in the histogenesis.

It has been observed that this new tumor retains its original characteristics when transplanted in syngeneic hosts after 153 serial transplant generations. No growth was observed in allogeneic hosts, the random-bred Swiss mice.

The conversion of the solid tumor in to the ascites form was definitely not successful, even if the recipient mice were conditioned with X-rays and cortisone. Conditioning promoted the production of metastases in the lymphnodes and lungs.
Uracil-chlorethamine in the Treatment of Lymphoma
Authors: Bignotti Giancarlo , Tognella Sergio , Grifoni Vincenzo
Published: April 2018

Twenty-four patients with advanced lymphoma were treated with uracil-chlorethamine. The starting dose was 2 to 3 mg by mouth daily until maximum therapeutic effect or severe hematologic toxicity developed. This period of time ranged from 20 to 185 days (median 30) for a total dose ranging from 0.7 to 5.1 mg/kg (median 1.3). Maintenance treatment was given to 13 patients at the dose of 1 mg per day for 5 to 7 days per week. In the induction phase, therapeutic effects were obtained in 13 out of 24 (54 %), all pretreated patients. However, complete or incomplete remissions were observed in only 5 out of 24 (21 %) cases. Severe, although reversible, hematologic toxicity (i. e. blood leukocytes < 1000 and/or platelets < 50.000/mmc) was observed in 5 out of 24 cases. It was not strictly dose-related and it was often unpredictable. Altogether, as remission inducer, uracil-chlorethamine appeared to be moderately active and not easy to handle. On the other hand the drug proved able to maintain or improve a remission (induced by the same or other agents) for periods of time up to 24 months (median 6), with minimal or no toxicity.
Equine Melanotic Disease
Authors: Levene Arnold
Published: April 2018

After a description of the morbid anatomical and histological appearances of equine melanotic disease, the author provides a critical review of the literature. The histogenesis is demonstrably via dermal melanocytic proliferation. By comparing the equine disease with spontaneously occurring and chemically induced dermal melanocytic tumours in the hamster, and with the wide range of behaviour pattern seen in the human blue naevus, also the subject of a review, he concludes that equine melanotic disease is best considered as a special manifestation of the blue naevus phenomenon.
Malakoplakia: A Pseudoneoplastic Disease of the Rectum
Authors: Filotico Marcello , Renda Gaetano
Published: April 2018

A review of the literature on extraurinary malakoplakia is followed by the description of a typical case, located in the rectum, whose clinical and rectoscopic features suggested the existence of neoplastic disease. This condition should therefore be borne in mind in the course of differential diagnosis of anorectal tumors.
Comparative Morphogenesis of Malignant Skin Melanoma
Authors: Blinova Galina A.
Published: April 2018

A study of the histogenesis of 276 malignant skin melanomas (including 70 early stage cases) has shown that the outward appearance of the tumor depends on its origin and that different histogenetic types of malignant skin melanoma have different prognoses.

Malignant skin melanomas originating from junctional melanoblasts are characterized by a more favorable course, while those originating in the derma from intradermal, neurinomatous and blue nevus cells usually have a poor prognosis.
Storage Levels of Ddt Metabolites in Mouse Tissues following Long Term Exposure to Technical DDT
Authors: Tomatis Lorenzo , Turusov Vladimir , Terracini Benedetto , Day Nicholas , Barthel William F. , Charles Reginald T. , Collins George B. , Boiocchi Mauro
Published: April 2018

The storage levels of DDT and its metabolites, following the long term administration of technical DDT at the dose levels of 2, 20, 50 and 250 ppm to mice, were evaluated in the fat tissue, liver, kidney, brain and reproductive organs. In addition, storage levels were evaluated in foetuses and newborns of DDT-treated mothers. Apart from op'-DDT, there was a direct relationship between the concentration of each metabolite in each organ and the dose to which the animal was exposed. The highest concentration of DDT and metabolites was found in the fat tissue followed by reproductive organs, liver and kidney together, and lastly brain. The most prevalent metabolite was pp'-DDT, except in the liver, where pp'-DDD showed the highest concentration. Pregnant females had lower concentrations of all metabolites than non-pregnant females. The concentration of residues in samples of total foetal litters was directly related to the concentration of DDT fed to the mother. There was a strong negative correlation between the concentration of pp'-DDT and that of pp'-DDD in the foetuses and the placentas of the same litter. A significant increase in whole body DDT concentration was observed shortly after birth.
La Telecobaltoterapia Come Unico Trattamento Delle Neoplasie Laringee
Authors: Dragoni Giovanni , Milani Franco , Viganotti Giovanni , Marzegalli Maurizio
Published: April 2018

194 laryngeal tumors were treated with cobalt teletherapy. They were classified according to the T.N.M. system and 168 have been evaluated statistically (T1 – T2 = 42; T3 – T4 = 124). The results are shown in a series of survival curves; the five-year survival rate is 21.6 %. This experience confirms the value of radiotherapy as a useful conservative treatment, although in many extensive cases (T3 – T4) radiotherapy ensures longer survival if combined with surgery.
Lymphographic Evaluation of 116 Cases of Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Musumeci Renato , Acerbi Luigi , Paolo Balzarini Gian , Orefice Sergio , Preda Ferdinando , Uslenghi Carlo
Published: April 2018

The use and limitations of lymphography in malignant melanoma are evaluated on the basis of 116 cases, nearly all of the lower limbs, and the possibilities of use both preoperatively and during follow-up are discussed. In 53.5% of the cases lymphography revealed lymph node metastases in the inguino-iliac-lumboaortic chains, a datum that justifies the use of lymphography. Histologic examination of the lymph nodes removed at operation proved to be just as important. The two investigations agreed in 89.1% of the cases, taking the material as a whole, and in 90.5%, taking the individual lymph chains (157).