bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Effects of Local Recurrence after Conservative Treatment for Early Infiltrating Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Barros Alfredo Carlos SD , Teixeira Luis Carlos , Nisida Antonio Carlos , Pinotti Marianne , Pinotti José Aristodemo
Published: April 2018

Aim

A study was carried out to determine whether local recurrence after quadrantectomy, axillary dissection and radiotherapy (QUART) affects the oncologic prognosis of patients with early infiltrating breast carcinoma.

Methods

A total of 149 patients were submitted to QUART between 1981 and 1990 and followed by an average period of 120.9 months (range, 16–213). Local recurrence was not observed in 132 cases (group 1) but was detected in 17 patients (group 2).

Results

In group 1, 39 cases (29.5%) presented distant metastases and 34 (25.8%) evolved to death. In group 2, 10 (51.8%) distant metastases and 9 deaths (52.9%) were verified. The survival curves estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed by the logrank test were statistically different for distant metastases-free survival (P = 0.03) and for overall survival (P = 0.01). The relative risk in patients with post-QUART local recurrence for distant metastases was 2.09 and for death 2.34.

Conclusions

It was concluded that post-QUART local recurrences are a poor prognostic factor in patients with early infiltrating breast carcinoma.
The Efficacy of Orgotein in the Treatment of Acute Toxicity Due to Radiotherapy on Head and Neck Tumors
Authors: Valencia Javier , Velilla Carmen , Urpegui Angel , Alvarez Ignacio , Llorens M Angeles , Coronel Pilar , Polo Sonia , Bascón Natiyidad , Escó Ricardo
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

To assess the efficacy of orgotein in the treatment of acute secondary effects of radiotherapy on head and neck tumors.

Material and methods

Data were collected on 41 patients who received radiotherapy for tumors of the head and neck. Radiotherapy was the exclusive treatment in 19.5% of cases, with surgery in 24.4%, chemotherapy in 48.8%, and with both in 7.3%. The toxicity requiring use of orgotein was: oropharynx mucositis (26.8%), dysphagia (34.2%), or both (39%), in grade 2 or more according to the RTOG scale. Orgotein (8 mg im) was administered every 48 hrs until radiotherapy was finished.

Results

The overall response rate was 92.5%; a complete response was obtained in 12 patients (30%) and partial in 25 (62.5%). The reduction in toxicity at the end of radiotherapy was one grade in 18 patients (45%), 2 grades in 16 (40%), 3 in 2 patients (5%), and 4 grades in the only patient with grade 4 acute toxicity. A statistically significant influence was shown in obtaining complete response: laryngeal tumor location (P = 0.037), duration of radiotherapy of more than 53 days (P = 0.002), discontinuation for non-toxic reasons (P = 0.008).

Conclusions

We consider that orgotein is highly effective in dealing with acute secondary effects of radiotherapy on the head and neck area.
Prognostic Significance of Blood Group Antigen Expression of Tumor Tissue in Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Ülger Aybe Füsun , Keklik Tülay , Kumbasar Özlem Özdemir , Arbak Peri , Demirkazýk Ahmet , Güngör Adem , Erekul Selim , Alper Doğanay
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

Many prognostic factors have been evaluated both for SCLC and NSCLC. The prognostic significance of blood group antigen expression of tumor tissues has been studied particularly in NSCLC, yielding divergent results. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic value of the tumoral expression of blood group antigens ABH in lung cancer.

Methods

The presence of blood group antigens was assessed immunohistochemically in paraffin-embedded tumor samples from 92 patients diagnosed between 1996 and 1997. Monoclonal antibodies were used to detect blood group antigens.

Results

The median survival was longer in NSCLC patients whose tumors were positive for blood group antigen A (P = 0.009). Since the expression of blood group antigen A in tumor cells was limited to patients with type A or AB blood, survival analysis of these patients showed survival to be longer in non-small cell lung cancer patients with blood group antigen A-positive tumors (P = 0.0019).

Conclusions

Expression of blood group antigen A in tumor cells is an important, favorable prognostic factor in patients with non-small cell lung cancer, which could be useful to stratify patients with blood group A or AB according to possible outcome, and to guide therapeutic decision-making. The expression of blood group antigens ABH should be evaluated in larger series of lung cancer patients (including small and non-small cell lung cancer) with all blood types.
An Alternative Method for Preventing Extravasation Complications in Vascular Access Catheters with Reservoirs for Subcutaneous Infusion: THE Double Injection Technique
Authors: Aytekin Faruk O , Tekin Koray , Kocaoglu Hilmi , Erdem Ergun
Published: April 2018

Long-term intravascular access catheters with reservoirs are a common requirement for cancer patients. Complications resulting from the use of these devices have been studied in several single-institution investigations, the consensus being that they are safe and have a low complication rate. However, extravasation may occur especially in obese patients due to accidental infusion of the subcutaneous tissue. To prevent this problem we describe an easy method that could be an alternative to the widely used ultrasonography-guided injection method.
Solitary Plasmacytoma of the Jaw Occurring in an Elderly Woman Affected by Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Di Micco Pierpaolo , Niglio Alferio , Torella Roberto , Di Micco Biagio
Published: April 2018

Solitary plasmacytoma accounts for a small percentage of plasma cell neoplasms. The disease often affects older people and is potentially curable. Only a few cases of solitary jaw plasmacytoma have been described in the literature. Here we report the case of a 76-year-old woman affected by chronic hepatitis C infection and isolated plasmacytoma of the left jaw. Plasmacytoma was diagnosed in January 2001, but the swelling of the mandible had been present since 1993. Two different pathologists made the diagnosis on the basis of biopsy material from the mandibular swelling.
Duodenal Obstruction from Isolated Breast Cancer Metastasis a Case Report
Authors: Lottini Michele , Neri Alessandro , Vuolo Giuseppe , Testa Michele , Pergola Loreta , Cintorino Marcella , Guarnieri Alfredo
Published: April 2018

Metastatic involvement of the upper gastrointestinal tract from breast cancer has been reported in autopsy series as occurring in more than 15% of patients, usually associated with extensive systemic spread; clinical manifestations from such metastases have been described in less than 1% of cases. Lobular infiltrating carcinoma seems to have a different metastatic pattern than the ductal type, with an apparent predilection for the gastrointestinal tract. Metastatic presentation as an isolated intestinal obstruction without other signs of metastatic spread is extremely rare. We present a case of isolated duodenal metastasis from breast cancer, associated with intestinal obstruction, as the first sign of metastatic spread.
Parathyroid Cancer in a Hemodialysis Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Zivaljevic Vladan , Krgovic Ksenija , Tatic Svetislav , Havelka Marija , Dimitrijevic Zora , Diklic Aleksandar , Paunovic Ivan , Jankovic Radovan
Published: April 2018

An extremely rare case of parathyroid cancer in a hemodialysis patient is presented here. A 69-year-old man was operated on for secondary hyperparathyroidism due to chronic renal failure. A locally invasive tumor of the right inferior parathyroid gland and enlargement of the other three parathyroid glands were found during bilateral neck exploration. Surgical management consisted of en bloc resection of the right inferior parathyroid gland with the right thyroid lobe and part of a sternothyroid muscle along with subtotal parathyroidectomy of the three enlarged parathyroid glands. Histological examination of the resected tumor provided evidence of a parathyroid cancer in the right inferior parathyroid gland. Nodular hyperplasia was confirmed histologically in the other three glands. With less than 20 previous cases described in the literature, parathyroid cancer is a very rare condition in hemodialysis patients.
Significance of the Relative Size of a Breast Tumor in Deciding the Method of Surgical Treatment
Authors: Lesar Miroslav , Stanec Mladen , Banović Miroslav
Published: April 2018

Aim

In the surgical treatment of breast cancer there are basically two options: radical and breast-sparing surgery. The main criterion in deciding the mode of treatment is the absolute size of the primary tumor. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relative size of a breast tumor as a prognostic factor and to establish boundary values of the relative tumor size for breast-sparing or radical surgery.

Methods

The relative volume of the breast tumor was analyzed in 200 female patients treated at the Zagreb University Hospital for Tumors. All patients were diagnosed with ductal invasive carcinoma and underwent radical surgery.

Results

The study found the correlation between the relative volume of the tumor and tumor grade (r = 0.805, P = 0.24) and between the relative volume of the tumor and the involvement of regional lymph nodes (r = 0.493, P = 0.14). These correlations confirmed the possible prognostic value of the relative size of a breast tumor.

Conclusions

Three percent is the boundary value of the relative volume of a tumor at which its biological potential changes and the pathohistological level of a tumor and the number of affected lymph nodes increases. The relative size of 3% could therefore be considered a boundary value in making a decision about the method of surgical treatment (breast-sparing or radical surgery). For tumors with a relative size of less than 3%, breast-conserving surgery is recommended for its lesser malignant potential and the possibility of performing wide extirpation (extirpation 1-2 cm from the tumor margin), regardless of the size of the breast.
Disclosure of Cancer Diagnosis to Patients and their Relatives in Turkey: Views of Accompanying Persons and Influential Factors in Reaching those Views
Authors: Öksüzoğrlu Berna , Abalı Hüseyin , Bakar Meral , Yıldıirıim Nuriye , Zengin Nurullah
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background

In Turkey, it is a common belief that most family members of patients with cancer would not want them to be informed of a diagnosis of cancer. Our aim was to evaluate the attitudes and opinions of people accompanying cancer patients, regarding cancer diagnosis disclosure.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study 270 caregivers accompanying cancer patients during outpatient chemotherapy sessions were asked to fill in a questionnaire to determine their opinions regarding whether the diagnosis of cancer should be disclosed to the patients and their relatives or not. Timing of telling the diagnosis and from whom it should be learned were queried as well. Possible influential factors for the answers were analyzed with the chi-square test.

Results

Of the 270 accompanying persons, 130 (48.2%) said that the patients should be informed of the diagnosis, whereas a greater number (236, 87.4%) believed that the patient's relatives should be informed. Being younger than 40 years old (P = 0.0005), being unmarried (P = 0.002), having a higher educational status (P = 0.0001) and having passed less than four months since the diagnosis (P = 0.005) positively affected opinions regarding telling the truth to the patient. Higher education (P = 0.012) and high monthly income (P = 0.002) positively affected opinions regarding disclosing a diagnosis of cancer to the patient's relatives.

Conclusion

As a result, in a survey of caregivers’ points of view, more than half of the accompanying persons did not agree with disclosing a cancer diagnosis to patients, whereas the majority agreed with disclosing it to the relatives, and educational level seemed to be the major influential factor.
Folfox4 in Advanced Colorectal Cancer: A Monoinstitutional Experience
Authors: Boscolo Giorgia , Pasetto Lara Maria , Jirillo Antonio , Monfardini Silvio
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

Patients included in clinical trials are “selected”, and they usually differ from those commonly treated. Methods: From 1999 to 2004, in the Medical Oncology Department of Padua (Italy), 70 metastatic colorectal cancers were treated with FOLFOX4.

Results

Our results, compared with those of the registration trial (response rate, duration of response and progression-free survival) appeared lower; overall survival was improved.

Conclusions

The number of therapeutic regimens more than their type influenced the results.
Localized Prostate Cancer Treated with Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy
Authors: Livi Lorenzo , Paiar Fabiola , Banci-Buonamici Fabrizio , Simontacchi Gabriele , Detti Beatrice , Gacci Mauro , Mondaini Nicola , Nelli Federico , Bastiani Paolo , Pertici Maurizio , Mungai Raffaello , Ponticelli Pietro , Biti Giampaolo
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

The development and use of new radiotherapy techniques, especially 3D conformal radiotherapy or intensity-modulated radiotherapy, has allowed the safe application of high doses of external beam radiotherapy without increasing toxicity. The aim of this analysis was to describe the acute and when possible late toxicity and the feasibility on using intensity-modulated radiotherapy into our routine work.

Patients and methods

From June 2003 to December 2004, 60 patients with prostate cancer underwent high dose (80 Gy) radiotherapy treatment with intensity-modulated radiotherapy at the University of Florence. In the current analysis, we included patients without clinical or radiographic evidence of distant disease at the time of the first evaluation in the radiotherapy unit.

Results

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy treatments were delivered successfully without any interruption or technical problem. High-dose intensity-modulated radiotherapy was well tolerated acutely. Four patients (10%) developed grade 1 late rectal toxicity after completion of intensity-modulated radiotherapy and 8 patients (20%) developed grade 1 late urinary symptoms.

Conclusions

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy is the approach of choice for high-dose radiotherapy delivery. No patient had severe toxicity (grade 3) despite the high dose delivered. From a cost-benefit point of view, our experience shows that delivery of intensity-modulated radiotherapy requires only minor corrections to the ordinary activity schedule.
The Value of Postoperative Radiotherapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Single-Institution Experience
Authors: Ulutin H Cuneyt , Aksu Gorkem , Fayda Merdan , Kuzhan Okhan , Tahmaz Lutfu , Beyzadeoglu Murat
Published: April 2018

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of postoperative irradiation in renal cell carcinoma.

Patients and methods

Forty patients with localized renal cell carcinoma admitted to our hospital between 1986 and 1999 were evaluated. All patients were initially treated with radical nephrectomy. Postoperative radiotherapy was given to 26 of 40 patients (65%). Fourteen patients (35%) received no adjuvant therapy. Median age was 55 years (range, 20–70 years). Twenty-four patients (60%) were men and 16 patients (40%) were women. Histopathological diagnosis was renal cell carcinoma in all of the patients. N+ disease was present in 3 patients (7%). Stage I and II disease was present in 25 patients (63%) and stage III and IV disease in 15 patients (37%). Two patients (5%) had T1a disease, 11 patients (27%) had T1b, 15 patients (38%) had T2, 11 patients (27%) had T3a and 1 (3%) patient had T3b. In the radiotherapy group, renal bed and regional lymphatic fields were irradiated with daily fractions of 180–200 cGy/fraction to a total dose of 46–50 Gy, using parallel opposing fields.

Results

The 5-year overall survival rates were 70% in the postoperative radiotherapy group and 20% in the no adjuvant treatment group, showing no significant difference (P = 0.1). The 5-year disease-free survival rates were 66% in the radiotherapy group and 16% in the no treatment group, with a significant difference in both univariate and multivariate analyses (P = 0.045 and P = 0.0007, respectively). Stage III and IV disease, tumor size ≥7 cm, presence of distant metastasis and lactate dehydrogenase level >450 U/L were found to be adverse prognostic factors for overall survival in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Analyzing the factors affecting disease-free survival, absence of postoperative radiotherapy and tumor size ≥7 cm were found to be adverse prognostic factors in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

Multi-institutional prospective randomized trials using modern radiotherapy techniques such as conformal radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy are necessary to evaluate the real role of radiotherapy and its effect on survival in renal cell carcinoma, especially in selected patients with a high risk of local or regional failure.
Clinical Application of Spectral Electromagnetic Interaction in Breast Cancer: Diagnostic Results of a Pilot Study
Authors: De Cicco Concetta , Mariani Luigi , Vedruccio Clarbruno , Ricci Carla , Balma Massimo , Rotmensz Nicole , Ferrari Mahila Esmeralda , Alitino Elena , Trifirò Giuseppe , Sacchini Virgilio , Viale Giuseppe , Paganelli Giovanni
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

There is a need for a cost-effective method to safely reduce the number of diagnostic procedures women undergo for breast cancer. We tested a new procedure for breast cancer diagnosis based on breast tissue response to low level electromagnetic incident waves.

Methods

We tested 101 patients with suspicious palpable breast lesions detected by mammography or ultrasonography, who were scheduled to undergo an open biopsy. Using an electromagnetic field generator (tissue resonance interaction method probe [TRIMprobTM]), we passed the TRIMprobTM over the breast area and recorded the signal variation of one or more spectral lines (dB1, dB2, dB3). The results were compared with those of a control group as well as with pathology data obtained from excisional biopsy.

Results

No adverse effects of the test were observed. Pathology revealed 86 malignant breast cancers (72 invasive, 14 in situ) and 15 benign conditions. We achieved the best discrimination between normal breasts and lesions using dB1 (dB1 AUC-ROC = 0.8; dB2 AUC-ROC = 0.61; dB3 AUC-ROC = 0.76). With a specificity of 75% to 95%, the sensitivity ranged from 49% to 84%. Tumor or patient variables did not influence the results.

Conclusions

The TRIMprobTM test was able to provide some degree of discrimination between normal breast tissue and lesions but not between benign and malignant lesions. The lack of influence of patient age and tumor size on test results might be advantageous in terms of early diagnosis in young women. These preliminary results need to be verified and extended in a preclinical-stage disease setting before clinical applicability can be envisaged.
Role of Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus in Patients with de Novo Colon Cancer after Renal Transplantation
Authors: Adani Gian Luigi , Baccarani Umberto , Lorenzin Dario , Bresadola Vittorio , Currò Giuseppe , Sainz Mauricio , Gropuzzo Maria , Montanaro Domenico , Tulissi Patrizia , Risaliti Andrea , Bresadola Fabrizio
Published: April 2018

Aims

The development of new effective immunosuppressive agents has provided long-term survival for transplant recipients, thereby increasing the risk of de novo malignancy in chronic immunocompromised hosts. Although de novo post-transplant lymphoproliferative diseases and skin cancer have been shown to have an increased incidence in long-term surviving solid organ transplant recipients, the association with colon cancer is controversial.

Patients and methods

Over a 12-year period, 20 patients (5%) out of 400 renal transplant recipients (treated at the University Hospitals of Udine and Ancona) developed 24 de novo tumors; 11 skin cancers and 13 non-skin cancers. Three patients developed de novo colon cancer. Immunosuppressive therapy was reduced immediately after diagnosis, and all patients were shifted from cyclosporine to rapamicine within 30 days. The tumor was surgically resected with curative intent in 2 cases, and 1 patient had only palliative surgery due to metastatic disease. The postoperative course was uneventful, and all patients maintained normal graft function.

Results

Two of 3 patients died of progression of the neoplasm, within a median time from the diagnosis of 12 months. We analyzed the possible correlations between de novo colon cancer and “serology (hepatitis C virus-hepatitis B virus, HCV-HBV) status'’ infections, cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus reactivation, episodes of rejection, and blood transfusions.

Conclusions

Differently from other de novo skin and non-skin tumors, our cases developed cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus reactivation within 3 months of transplantation. Therefore, we suggest a closer follow-up for de novo colon cancer in renal transplants with early cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus reactivation in order to avoid a delay in diagnosis.
Colon Carcinoma Metastasis to the Thyroid Gland: Report of a Case with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Kumamoto Kensuke , Utsumi Yasufumi , Sugano Kouju , Hoshino Masami , Suzuki Shinichi , Takenoshita Seiichi
Published: April 2018

Metastasis of colon cancer to the thyroid gland is very rare and we would like to report a case we have experienced, with a review of the literature. A 66-year-old woman noticed a swelling in the anterior neck area and sought medical attention at our department in August 2003. At age 63, she had undergone surgery for cancer of the ascending colon, but subsequently the cancer metastasized to the liver and she underwent an outer hepatic segmentectomy. Fine-needle aspiration cytology indicated adenocarcinoma with characteristic tall columnar cells, confirming our suspicion that metastasis from the ascending colon cancer had already occurred. Furthermore, lung metastasis was also suspected, because several nodules were found in the lungs. On August 13, resection of the left lobe of the thyroid gland and dissection of the cervical lymph nodes were performed. Histopathology showed metastasis of the ascending colon cancer to the thyroid and lymph nodes.
A Rare Cystic Non-Functioning Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Tumor with An Unusual Presentation
Authors: Destri Giovanni Li , Reggio Ester , Veroux Massimiliano , Lanzafame Salvatore , Puleo Stefano , Minutolo Vincenzo
Published: April 2018

This report describes a patient with a cystic non-functioning neuroendocrine glucagon cell pancreatic tumor presenting with demyelination of the optical nerve that had initially provoked marked monolateral reduced vision and had led to a suspected diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Cystic degeneration is uncommon in endocrine pancreatic tumors due to their abundant vascular supply. Very few cases of cystic neuroendocrine non-functioning pancreatic tumors have been reported in the international literature. The presence of atypical neurological symptoms, such as sudden visual impairment, should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis for such tumors. The prognosis is poor, because most of these tumors are malignant and diagnosed at an advanced stage. The three-year disease-free survival of our patient, however, encourages the use of aggressive surgical treatment.
Relationships among unmet needs, depression, and anxiety in non–advanced cancer patients
Authors: Ferrari Martina , Ripamonti Carla I. , Hulbert-Williams Nicholas J. , Miccinesi Guido
Published: April 2018

Introduction:

In oncology settings, less attention is given to patients’ unmet needs and to existential and emotional distress compared to physical symptoms. We aimed to evaluate correlations between unmet needs and emotional distress (self-reported anxiety and depression) in a consecutive cohort of cancer patients. The influence of sociodemographic and clinical factors was also considered.

Methods:

A total of 300 patients with cancer recruited from an outpatient Supportive Care Unit of a Comprehensive Cancer Centre completed the Need Evaluation Questionnaire and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). Unmet needs covered 5 distinct domains (informational, care/assistance, relational, psychoemotional, and material).

Results:

After removal of missing data, we analyzed data from 258 patients. Need for better information on future health concerns (43%), for better services from the hospital (42%), and to speak with individuals in the same condition (32%) were the most frequently reported as unmet. Based on the ESAS, 27.2% and 17.5% of patients, respectively, had a score of anxiety or depression >3 and needed further examination for psychological distress. Female patients had significantly higher scores for anxiety ( p < 0.001) and depression ( p = 0.008) compared to male patients. Unmet needs were significantly correlated with both anxiety ( rs = 0.283) and depression ( rs = 0.284). Previous referral to a psychologist was significantly associated with depression scores ( p = 0.015). Results were confirmed by multiple regression analysis.

Conclusions:

Screening for unmet needs while also considering sociodemographic and clinical factors allows early identification of cancer patients with emotional distress. Doing so will enable optimal management of psychological patient-reported outcomes in oncology settings.
Il Tumore Filloide Della Mammella: (Cistosarcoma Filloide di J. Muller)
Authors: Lomonaco F.
Published: April 2018

The pathologic-anatomical and clinical aspects of the phyllode tumour of the breast (cystosarcoma of J. Muller) are illustrated.

In order to avoid any confusion and doubt on the real nature of this neoplasm, it would be wise to reject the definition « cystosarcoma » which is still frequently employed: the term « phyllode tumour » which has the merit of establishing only the most manifest morphological character of the neoplasm is proposed.

The exceptional growth is one of the peculiarities generally ascribed to this tumour; this is only partially true, for the observation of cases with moderate size are becoming more and more frequent.

The essential histological picture reminds that of the intracanalicular fibroadenoma, from which it diverges, however, owing to the pseudosarcomatous aspects responsible for the wrong definition of the tumour, and to the myxoid appearance.

The pseudosarcomatous aspects do not necessarily indicate, by themselves, a character of malignancy of the neoplasm; this may, therefore, be grouped among breast tumours with benign characters, as confirmed by the observation of late results in the treated cases. A correct treatment of the phyllode tumour should, therefore, be limited to the tumour exeresis, without radical removal of the breast; only in cases showing a particular tumour growth a simple mastectomy is required.

The personal observation of 21 cases collected at the Cancer Institute of Milan from 1940 to 1958 has largely confirmed the remarks above reported, especially as concerns the moderate size reached by the tumours, the pseudosarcomatous aspects and the characters of absolute clinical benignity.
Chemioterapia Del Carcinoma Della Mammella Con Trietilenetiofosforamide
Authors: Peracchia A. , Fesani F.
Published: April 2018

15 patients affected with advanced mammary carcinoma have been treated with triethylene-thio-phosphoramide (Thio-Tepa). The drug, which has practically no damaging side-effects at the doses employed, allows, in the majority of the cases, considerable improvements; in some patients a regression of the neoplastic lesions (especially lymphoglandular and pleuro-pulmonary) has been obtained. Favourable results, especially with regard to the duration, have been obtained by the association of chemotherapy and endocrino-surgical operations.

The reasons for the use of Thio-Tepa in 14 patients during the intervention of breast removal and in the days immediately following it, are presented and discussed.
Studio Delle Sostanze Di Origine Tumorale Ad Azione Inibente Sulla Catalasi Epatica « in Vivo » : Nota 4 - Sostanze attive dializzabili
Authors: Ceriotti G. , Spandrio L. , Agradi A.
Published: April 2018

The dialysable fraction of ascitic fluids, that depresses liver catalase activity, has been studied. This fraction was extracted from ascitic fluids (from cancer patients with peritoneal spread, from cirrhotic patients and from mice bearing' sarcoma 180), after various treatments, by n-butanol at pH 10. It proved to be adsorbed to globulins and to confer them their anticatalasic activity.

A chromatographic analysis of the very active material demonstrated its complexity and the plurality of the inhibiting substances. The extreme lability of these factors has, until now, prevented their isolation in a pure state. When degraded, their activity is partially restored by reducing agents. On the basis of several data, it is supposed that they are basic polypeptides with SH and phenolic OH groups, and that they are bound, in the ascitic fluid, to a protein support, probably of glubulinic type.
L'ovarosurrenectomia E La Radiosiderazione Ipofisaria Nel Cancro Metastatizzato Della Mammella: Considerazioni Sul Comportamento Degli Steroidi Urinari
Authors: Catania V. C. , Lado P.
Published: April 2018

In patients bearing disseminate metastases from breast cancer, treated by bilateral oophorectomy or hypophyseal radiosideration with Au198 or with Y90, the urinary elimination of 17-ketosteroids (60 cases), of corticosteroids (39 cases) and phenolsteroids (39 cases) has been studied.

The methods employed (Drekter's method for 17-ketosteroids, Heard, Sobel and Venning's method for corticosteroids, Jayle and Crepy's method for phenolsteroids) showed, in agreement with results by other investigators, the persistence of 17-ketosteroids and phenolsteroids elimination, even after interventions carried out for abolishing or eliminating the normal sources of production.

A comparison between elimination values for these two hormone groups and clinical response to endocrinosurgical treatment did not demonstrate a clear relationship between the residual production of such hormones and the subsequent evolution of the neoplastic process. However, in the patients treated with Au198, a better clinical result was found to be related to a more marked inhibition of the elimination values of urinary 17-ketosteroids.
Osservazioni Sul Tasso Serico Di Alcuni Enzimi E Sulle Sue Modificazioni in Rapporto Alla Terapia Radiante, in Pazienti Affetti Da Neoplasie Maligne
Authors: Baroncelli G. , Bendiscioli G.
Published: April 2018

Serum enzyme activities (aldolase, lacticodehydrogenase, glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase) have been studied in patients bearing malignant tumours, and their modification after radiotherapy has been followed.

It was concluded that:

1) In 109 tumour-bearing patients the aldolase was increased in the 68.8 per cent of the cases; the LDH in the 51.3 per cent. Such increase, which is scarcely influenced by the tumour nature and site (except for the tumours of the digestive apparatus, with paranormal values, and liver tumours, with very high values), is particularly depending on the tumour extent and spread.

2) The glutamic-oxalacetic and glutamic-pyruvic transaminases did not undergo significant changes in patients bearing extrahepatic tumours.

3) In subjects showing no established tumours, the radiotherapy did not induce significant enzyme modifications.

4) In 75 cancer patients treated with radiotherapy, the enzyme activities showed some modifications; these, however, cannot be considered as clinically significant, being neither constant nor uniform. Independently of the radiation dose administered and of the duration of the therapy, an improvement has been accompanied by a return to normal of the enzyme activities, whereas a further growth of the tumour was paralleled by an enzyme increase. It is therefore assumed that the dosage of serum enzyme activities may give valuable indications for the good or bad result of the radiating treatment.
Considerazioni Anatomo-Radiologiche Sui Tumori Pararenali
Authors: Dragoni G. , Felci U.
Published: April 2018

Six cases of pararenal tumors, roentgenographically diagnosed and histologically proved are presented. Mesenchymal tumors arising in the fibroadipose envelopes of the kidney were found to be prevalent; at the histological examination they show, occasionally, areas of sarcomatous degeneration. Retroperitoneal tumors are histologically classified and described, and the various radiological tecniques, which may be valuable from a diagnostical viewpoint, are critically surveyed. Besides the findings which may be noted following the roentgenographic examination of the abdomen without contrast medium, the topographic changes of the urinary ways appear to be particularly significant: in fact, the reno-ureteral displacements constitute the most frequent occurrence, in that the neoformations of the pararenal space, arising in the renal fascia and generally spreading, may cause displacements and dislocations of the kidney and ureters. The great importance of the uropyelographic examination is therefore stressed, whereas an undoubted even if sometimes complementary value is ascribed to the more modern techniques.
Considerazioni Istopatologiche Su 2 Casi Di Adenolinfoma Tiroideo
Authors: Melzi M. , Pagliano L.
Published: April 2018

The problem of the thyroid tumors from branchial origin and of the presence of oncocytes in the thyroid gland is reviewed, from the histologic and histogenetic standpoint. Two cases of thyroid adenolymphomas are presented: the first, cherry-sized, in a 37-years-old woman, the second, three centimeters in diameter, in a 35-years-old woman. Within the tumors acidophilic large epithelial cells and lymphatic tissue with cystic structures were found to be closely packed; in one case, papillary aspects were also observed. The possibility is emphasized of the occurrence, in the thyroid gland, of true branchiogenic adenolymphomas, whic hare supposed to show both a benign and malignant biological activity.
Il Plasmocitoma Atipico
Authors: Mononi G. , Giongo F.
Published: April 2018

Three cases of atypical plasmocytoma are discussed. A alpha-2 globulinic plasmocytoma, with absence of the characteristic radiological skeletel lesions, with many plasmacells in the bone marrow and a significant electrophoretic pattern only in the days preceding death; a beta-gamma globulinic plasmocytoma, which had begun with a symptomatology of sudden lumbar sciatica, without Bence-Jones protein and with a high percentage of plasmacells in the bone marrow; a case with acute, feverish onset, with skin infiltrations at the base of the neck, bone alterations demonstrable only in the final stage of the disease and presence of many plasmacells in the bon marrow. In these cases the diagnosis was possible because of two characteristics: the presence of plasmacells in the bone marrow smear and the disproteinemia. It is started that the frequency of atypical plasmocytomas is greater than commonly believed, and the necessity of systemic biopsic, electrophoretic and radiographic investigations in all suspect cases is underlined.
La Citodiagnostica Nella Clinica Del Carcinoma Bronchiale Osservazioni Sperimentali
Authors: Brancadoro P. , Loasses A.
Published: April 2018

The results of cytodiagnostical researches on 100 patients, 95 of which affected by lung cancer, are referred. In 64 cases the cytological examination allowed a correct positive diagnosis, in 5 a correct negative one, in 31 a false negativity was observed. The cytodiagnosis was correct in the 72 per cent of the central tumors, in the 68 per cent of the intermediate localizations and only in the 17 per cent of the peripheric ones. Positive diagnoses were more frequent in the washing fluids from bronchi than in sputum. In 44 out of the 95 cancer patients the cytological examination was the only microscopical positive finnding: such an observation underlines the importance of the cytological research in the diagnosis of lung cancer.
Sulla Importanza Dell'Idiotipo Nell'Eziopatogenesi Delle Neoplasie Maligne Del Laringe: Nota I - Rilievi statistici sull'associazione delta manifestazione neoplastica con alcuni fattori ambientali
Authors: Soini A. , Borgo M.
Published: April 2018

Sigarette smoke and alcohol have already been claimed to be possible determining factors of cancer of the respiratory apparatus. This work is but a small contribution to the problem of the role that the aforesaid substances may have in the development of larynx cancer. The analysis of the data, obtained through an accurate questioning of 137 individuals affected with cancer of the larynx and 137 controls with the same age and occupation, shows 1) that the incidence of smokers, who have been smoking more than 10 sigarettes pro die for at least ten years, is significantly greater in the first group; 2) that in the same group the incidence of people, who were using more than 1 liter of wine pro die for at least ten years, is higher — but not significatly — than in the control group. Therefore it may be concluded that there is a statistical association between the cancer of larynx and use of sigarettes.
Influence of Thymectomy and of Thymic-Extract Treatment in the Development and Growth of 3,4-Benzpyrene-Induced Sarcomas in the Rat
Authors: Fumarola Donato , Giordano Domenico
Published: April 2018

Forty-five female and male albino rats, 3 months old, were given 3 subcutaneous injections of 5 mg of 3,4-benzpyrene in almond oil, once every 20 days. Fifteen animals had been thymectomized at 1 month of age; 15 were given daily intravenous injections of an aqueous thymic extract for 10 days prior to each treatment with benzpyrene; 15 were kept as controls. Four of the thymectomized animals developed subcutaneous sarcomas, while sarcomas appeared in all the animals of the other two groups. The latent period for the appearance of tumors in the thymectomized animals was not significantly different from that observed in the controls. The survival time after the appearance of tumors was significantly longer in the thymectomized animals than in those of the other groups. In the thymic-extract-treated group, the latent period and the survival time were significantly shorter than in the other groups. The results are discussed and it is called attention particularly to the partial inhibiting effect of the thymectomy.
Immunoelectrophoretic Analysis of Serum Proteins of Patients with Malignant Tumors
Authors: Plesnicar Stojan , Romeo Antonino
Published: April 2018

Immunoelectrophoretic changes in the serum of 32 patients with various type of malignant tumors, were studied. The method described by Grabar and Burtin was used. The following results were obtained: Albumin: The line of precipitation was in all cases more curved, less intensive and generally shortened; Alpha-1 globulin: The curves found were well visible and symmetrical in both pathological and control sera; Alpha-2 globulin: The line of alpha-2 macroglo-bulins was always present and best marked; Beta-1 globulin: Always well visible the line of siderophyllin. Under this line, in 14 out of 32 cases, a line, which is presumably beta-1/A globulin, was found; Beta-2 globulin: In half of the cases the line of beta-2/M was well visible; Gamma-globulin: No changes were found. The changes found are believed to be related to the reaction of normal, serum proteins producing cells to the presence of malignant tumors.
The Problem of Tumor Heredity in Man. 4°. Multiple Tumors
Authors: Bucalossi Pietro , Pandolfi Anna , Veglia Luciano , Veronesi Umberto
Published: April 2018

The tumor incidence among the relatives of 106 patients with multiple malignant tumors (probands) and 106 without tumors (controls) was studied. The probands, 52 males and 54 females, had an average of 53.9 years at the time of the first tumor, and 60.3 years at the time of the second tumor. There were two tumors in 101 cases, and three tumors in 5 cases. In this series, patients with multiple tumors of the same organs were not included. A total of 1634 relatives of the probands and 1586 of the controls were examined. Informations of the following categories of relatives were collected: father and mother, brothers and sisters, paternal and maternal grandparents, paternal and maternal uncles and aunts, sons. One or more subjects with malignant tumors were found in 69 of the 106 families of the probands (65.1%), and in 38 of the 106 families of the controls (35.8%). Of the 1634 relatives of the probands, 112 (6.9%) had a malignant tumor, while there were 59 (2.7%) relatives with tumors among the 1586 relatives of the controls. This difference of tumor incidence was still greater in the parents and brothers. There was no correlation between the family incidence of tumors and the various type of tumors observed in the probands. A comparison between probands with « exogenous » tumors and those with « endogenous » tumors showed no significant differences in the family tumor incidence.
The Ratio Mitochondria-Cytoplasm in Normal and Tumor Cells
Authors: Melli Marialuisa
Published: April 2018

A new technique for quantitative study of mitochondria is proposed. This method is based on the measurement by a photometric system of the area of the mitochondria and of the cytoplasm on electron microscopic photographs. Photographs are transferred on drawing paper. Mitochondria are blackened with India ink and a first measurement is taken. Then, nuclei and extracellular spaces are blackened and a second measurement is made, to obtain the area of cytoplasm by difference to the total area. The percent ratio mitochondria-cytoplasm is then calculated. With this method, the ratio mitochondria-cytoplasm in cells from normal liver and from Yoshida ascites hepatoma, was studied in rats. The average values of the percent ratio were 22.49 for normal and 6.61 for tumor cells.
A Contribution to the Radiologic Study of Mandibular Tumors
Authors: Garavaglia Giampaolo , Guzzon Adalgiso
Published: April 2018

The radiologic appearance of 16 mandibular tumors, 14 primary and 2 metastatic, is described. These cases were selected in order to discuss the difficulties for a correct radiologic diagnosis of mandibular tumors. A grouping of these tumors in 4 categories is suggested: a) tumors constantly osteolytic; b) tumors constantly with bone condensation; c) tumors with prevailing osteolysis; d) tumors with prevailing condensation. The criteria for a differential diagnosis are presented.
Primary Hemangioma of the Clavicle and of the Orbite
Authors: D'Alò Roberto
Published: April 2018

Two cases of primary bone hemangioma of rare location are described. A cavernous hemangioma of the clavicle had a favourable result following x-rays therapy. A hemangioma of the floor of the orbite, left without therapy, doubled in size in two years.
Intralymphatic Radiotherapy: Preliminary Results of a New Method. Note I
Authors: Chiappa Sergio , Galli Guido , Barbaini Severino , Ravasi Gianni
Published: April 2018

Liposoluble contrast media, used in lymph nodes x-ray examination, have some specific features, when compared with idrosoluble contrast media. They rarely diffuse through the lymphatic walls, they produce an intense and homogeneous opacity of the lymph nodes and they remain in the lymph nodes for several months. For these reasons, it was thought to substitute the iodine of the liposoluble contrast medium with I131, and to use this radioactive material for therapy in primary and secondary malignant growth of lymph nodes. Since October 1961 a series of 30 patients was treated, 22 with malignant lymphomas of various type, 8 with metastases from carcinoma of the uterus or malignant melanomas of the legs. The radioactive contrast medium was injected into the feet following the technique suggested by Kinmonth. This tecnique allowed the irradiation of lymph nodes from the inguinal to the lumbo-aortic included. Favourable results were obtained: a marked and durable reduction of the diseased lymph nodes was observed in most cases. The long permanence of the contrast medium in the lymph nodes allowed to follow the size and shape of lymph nodes up to 6 months after injection. No signs of bone marrow damage were observed. The intralymphatic radiotherapy has advantages in respect of the transcutaneous radiotherapy: 1) Irradiation of the lymph nodes from inside, without damage of other tissues; 2) simultaneous irradiation of lymph nodes in different locations, giving a high dose to each lymph node, but a low total body dose; 3) Continuous irradiation; 4) Single inoculation of the radioactive material, even without hospitalization. The limitations of the method are due to the impossibility to reach all the lymph node districts and the lymph nodes completely obliterated by carcinoma metastases, which are by-passed. As these preliminary results suggest, the intralymphatic radiotherapy is best indicated in malignant lymphomas.
The Treatment of the Solitary Bone Metastases from Renal and Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Catania Vinicio C. , Gennari Leandro
Published: April 2018

The favourable results of radical surgery in five cases of solitary bone metastasis, three from renal carcinoma and two from thyroid carcinoma, are presented and discussed.
Lymph Node Metastases of Malignant Tumors of the Palate
Authors: Pignataro Oreste
Published: April 2018

In this study on the localization of lymph node metastases of malignant tumors of the palate, a restrictive anatomical criterion has been adopted, with exclusion of the tumors of the gums, of the fornix, and of the glossopalatine and pharyngopalatine pillars. Basing on this criterion, 103 cases of malignant tumors of the palate were found among 3498 tumors of the oral cavity. Of the 103 cases, 40.77 percent were tumors of the vault, 44.66 percent of the velum, and 14.56 percent of the palate in toto. At the first visit, lymph node metastases were noticed in 74.7 percent of the cases. There was monolateral involvement of the Küttner's lymph node in 27.3 percent of the cases, bilateral in 32.4 percent; monolateral involvement of the internal jugular chain in 7.8 percent; simultaneous involvement of the two lymph node stations monolaterally in 22.1 percent of the cases, bilaterally in 10.4 percent. With regard to the site of development of the tumors, the Küttner's lymph node was involved bilaterally in 70 percent of the tumors of the palate in toto and in 35.7 percent of the tumors of the hard palate, while in the tumors of the soft palate it was involved monolaterally in 30.8 percent of the cases and bilaterally in 20.5 percent. The lymph nodes of the internal jugular chain were always involved monolaterally in 10 percent of the cases irrespectivly of the site of origin of the tumor. The simultaneous involvement of the Küttner's lymph node and of the internal jugular chain was observed in 14.3 percent of the tumors of the hard palate, either mono- or bilaterally; in the tumors of the soft palate the monolateral localization prevailed (30.8% versus 10.2%). On the whole it was found that the tumors of the hard palate too have a high propensity to give metastases (66.7%). The survival rate over 5 years was studied in 55 cases and it was found to be significantly higher in the cases with involvement of the Küttner's lymph node only, either monolaterally (36.4%) or bilaterally (31.2%).