bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels in Cellular Extracts of Human Malignant Lymphomas
Authors: Vezzoni Maria A. , Lucchini Roberto , Giardini Roberto , Raineri Monica , Murone Michelangelo , Vezzoni Paolo
Published: April 2018

Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels have been claimed as an independent prognostic factor in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). In the present study, the intracellular and serum LDH levels in Hodgkin's (HD) and NHL were investigated. We found that among NHL, the histologic types of high-grade malignancy (lymphoblastic, immunoblastic and centroblastic), according to the Kiel classification, have a significantly higher intracellular (p < 0.01) and serum (p < 0.05) content of this enzyme than those of low-grade malignancy. This finding could explain in part the relation between high serum LDH levels and poor prognosis. It is also possible that the stage of the disease at the moment of the serum determination could be related to the serum LDH level, because a large tumor burden is likely to release more enzyme than a smaller one. However, we could not test this hypothesis because in our series there was ony one NHL patient with stage I or II. Serum LDH level could be a predictor of prognosis in NHL because of its relationship with more malignant histological types, and possibly with more advanced diseases.
Long-Term Response to Ovariectomy in 35 Premenopausal Patients with Advanced Breast Cancer, Treated in Coherence with Hormonal Tests
Authors: Preda Ferdinando , Oriana Sara , Di Fronzo Giovanni , Secreto Giorgio , Severini Aldo , Scavone Gianfranco , Castagnola Giovanni
Published: April 2018

Thirty-five premenopausal patients with metastasized or locally advanced breast cancer underwent ovariectomy. At relapse, after surgery, they were treated with hormone therapy or chemotherapy, according to hormonal tests carried out before the castration. Five-year survival, computed with the actuarial method, confirmed the better prognosis of the hormone-dependent patients and also an improved prognosis in the patients treated with hormone therapy after ovariectomy. Furthermore, chemotherapy proved more efficacious: an increased survival was observed in the non-hormone-dependent patients.
Coagulation Disorders in Patients with Tumors of the Uterus
Authors: Laghi Ferdinando , Di Roberto Pier Franco , Panici Pierluigi Benedetti , Margariti Pasquale Alessandro , Scribano Donata , Cudillo Laura , Villani Luigi , Bizzi Bruno
Published: April 2018

Sixty-eight previously untreated female subjects were studied: 26 patients with cervical carcinoma, 22 with endometrial carcinoma, and 20 with benign uterine diseases. These patients, together with 25 healthy female control subjects, underwent several coagulation tests, including beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF4) plasma levels. Of all the parameters considered, the variations in beta-TG and PF4 were the most interesting. They were increased in patients with cervical and endometrial carcinoma. The sensitivity of the two tests reached 79% (15/19) for patients with invasive cervical carcinoma and 74% (16/22) for all patients with endometrial carcinoma. Our data demonstrate that among the investigated parameters beta-TG and PF4 are the earliest disorders of the hemostatic system and are more frequently increased in the gynecologic malignancies.
Anionic Glycoproteins and their Hexosamine Content in Neoplastic Patients: Relationships with the Clinical Stage and the Course of the Disease
Authors: Cunietti Ettore , Gandini Renato , Gandini Maria Cristina , Locatelli Elisa , Viola Paola , Chinea Benito , Fasoli Angelo
Published: April 2018

In 40 healthy subjects, in 47 non-cancer patients, and in 142 cancer patients, perchloric acid-soluble glycoproteins (PASG) and hexosamines were determined to investigate their tumor specificity and correlation with the tumor mass. Cancer patients were divided into three subgroups: CI, no evidence of cancer (after radical surgery); CII, locoregional disease; CIII, widespread metastatic disease. There was no statistically significant difference in PASG among normals, non-cancer and CI patients; hexosamines in non-cancer and in CI patients were higher (P < 0.002) than in normals; both PASG and hexosamines were significantly higher in CII and CIII patients than in normals (P < 0.001). In the CI group, 62% of patients who relapsed within 10 months after surgery had high hexosamine values, whereas 69% of patients who did not relapse showed normal levels (P < 0.05). PASG and hexosamines significantly increased with cancer progression and decreased when objective response to treatment was achieved. They are not tumor specific, but seem to be related to the tumor burden; hexosamines seem to have some prognostic value.
The Value of Ductogalactography in the Diagnosis of Intraductal Papilloma
Authors: Berni Daniela , De Giuli Emilia
Published: April 2018

A series of 291 ductogalactograms was reviewed to detect radiologic signs pathognomonic of single or multiple papillomas. These lesions were found in 24% of the patients. Ductogalactography is the only method that can reach a diagnosis in many patients with nipple discharge. It has a good reliability (76%); we had no false-positives or false-negatives as regards malignant lesions in our series.
5-Fluorouracil, Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide Combined with High-Dose Medroxyprogesterone Acetate in Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Lopez Massimo , Di Lauro Luigi , Perno Carlo-Federico , Papaldo Paola , Barduagni Mario , Barduagni Aldo
Published: April 2018

Seventy-six patients with metastatic breast cancer were treated with fluorouracil, adriamycin (doxorubicin) and cyclophosphamide (FAC) plus high-dose medroxyprogesterone acetate (HD-MPA). MPA was given for 21 days at the dose of 500 mg/day i.m., then on a randomized basis, either 500 mg/week i.m. (FAC+HD-MPA i.m.) or 300 mg/day p.o. (FAC+HD-MPA p.o.). Objective response rates were 79% in 39 patients on FAC+HD-MPA i.m. and 73% in the 37 patients on FAC+HD-MPA p.o. There was no significant difference in the median duration of response and median survival for the 2 regimens (respectively, 17 months and 22 months, and 15 months and 21 months for FAC+HD-MPA i.m. and FAC+HD-MPA p.o.). Toxicity was mild and similar in both groups. Although FAC+HD-MPA was highly effective, at present it is difficult to select which regimen provides the best initial treatment for metastatic breast cancer.
Role of Infectious Virus Expression and Immune Response in Retrovirus-Induced Oncogenesis
Authors: Zanovello Paola , D'Andrea Emma , Ronchese Franca , De Rossi Anita , Collavo Dino , Chieco-Bianchi Luigi
Published: April 2018

Some of the parameters involved in retrovirus-induced oncogenesis were analyzed in newborn mice injected with Moloney-murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) as well as in adults who received the virus by the intraperitoneal (i.p.) or intrathymic (i.t.) route. The neonatally injected mice were permissive for both viral replication and virus-induced cell-surface antigen expression on thymus cells, peripheral T and B lymphocytes, and macrophages, whereas the M-MuLV was not present in the adult i.p. injected mice. Instead, in i.t. injected mice, the virus was expressed in thymus and peripheral T cells only, but was not detected in tail extracts as assessed by means of the UV-XC plaque assay. Lack of virus spread in adult-treated animals correlated with a prompt humoral and cellular immune response, whereas the highly viremic newborn inoculated mice showed negligible virus-specific antibody production and an extremely low frequency of splenic cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors. Moreover, immune response in both groups of adult-treated mice efficiently prevented tumor induction by Moloney-murine sarcoma virus (M-MuSV), which has the same antigenic determinants as M-MuLV, its natural helper. In contrast, M-MuSV sarcomas grew progressively in newborn inoculated mice and killed the host. Finally, 80 % of neonatally injected mice developed lymphomas, whereas all treated adults remained free of disease for more than 15 months. These findings imply that the immune response may, in fact, prevent retrovirus-induced oncogenesis through restriction of virus replication and/or destruction of virus-infected cells.
Endocrine Effects of Tamoxifen in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Boccardo Francesco , Guarneri Domenico , Rubagotti Alessandra , Casertelli Gian Luigi , Bentivoglio Giorgio , Conte Nori , Campanella Gianpaolo , Gaggero Giuliana , Conielli Gabriella , Zanardi Silvia , Nicolò Guido
Published: April 2018

The effects of tamoxifen on plasma concentration of gonadotropins, prolactin (PRL), estrone (E1), estradiol-17β (E2), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were studied in 40 postmenopausal breast cancer patients. In addition, the changes induced by the drug on endometrium and vaginal epithelium were investigated. After 6–8 weeks of tamoxifen treatment, a significant decrease in FSH, LH and PRL basal levels was observed, whereas the concentrations of E1 and E2 were not significantly affected. A significant increase in SHBG levels was induced by prolonged treatment with the drug. In addition, tamoxifen caused a partial estrogenization of vaginal smears, and a weak stimulatory effect on endometrium was also apparent. These findings indicate that tamoxifen produced agonistic effects on some targets and antagonistic effects on the others.
Cis-Diamminedichloroplatinum Activity in Bidimensionally Measurable Metastatic Lesions of Bladder Carcinoma
Authors: De Lena Mario , Lorusso Vito , Iacobellis Ulrico , Marzullo Franco , Maiello Evaristo , Cramarossa Antonio
Published: April 2018

Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP) was administered i.V., at the dosage of 20 mg/m2 for 5 consecutive days and recycled every 3 weeks, to 11 patients with bidimensionally measurable metastatic lesions from bladder cancer previously untreated with antineoplastic drugs. Eight patients (6 men and 2 women) were evaluated for clinical response and 9 for toxicity. No complete regression was observed, and partial regression was obtained only in 3 patients (37.5 %). Severe leukopenia and thrombocytopenia occurred only occasionally; moderate nausea and vomiting were observed in 5 cases. Nephrotoxicity was noted in 4 of the 9 patients evaluable for toxicity, and 2 of them, with ureteral obstruction, died of renal failure.
Poly(A) Polymerase Distribution in Normal and Malignant Lymphoid Cells
Authors: Lucchini Roberto , Vezzoni Paolo , Giardini Roberto , Vezzoni Maria A. , Raineri Monica , Clerici Libero
Published: April 2018

The incorporation of ATP on poly(A) primers catalyzed by poly(A) polymerase was investigated in normal and neoplastic lymphoid cells from animal and human sources. High levels of the enzyme were found in mouse thymus, in chicken bursa and thymus, as well as in neoplastic cells from patients affected by lymphoblastic and Burkitt's lymphomas. Low or very low quantities were found in peripheral blood lymphocytes, chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells, normal lymph nodes and solid lymphoid tissues of Hodgkin's disease. In general, the enzymatic content of neoplastic lymphoid cells reflected those of their normal counterpart. No effect of fasting or cortisone treatment on poly(A) polymerase in mouse spleen, thymus or liver was found. No particular relationships with B, T or non-T, non-B lineages were observed, but some relationship with DNA polymerase alpha was found. Therefore, it may be that poly(A) polymerase levels are related to the proliferative activity of the cellular populations.
Distribution of Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors in Primary Tumor and Lymph Nodes in Individual Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Coradini Danila , Cappelletti Vera , Miodini Patrizia , Ronchi Enrico , Scavone Gianfranco , Di Fronzo Giovanni
Published: April 2018

Primary breast cancer tissue and lymph nodes were obtained from 48 patients. Estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PgR) were determined by a dextran-coated charcoal assay. ER were present in 72.9 % of the primary tumors and in 62.4 % of the malignant lymph nodes, whereas PgR were present in 73.0 % and 50.0 % of the cases, respectively. The primary tumor and the corresponding malignant lymph nodes showed an identical ER and PgR status, i.e., both tumor sites were receptor positive or both receptor negative in 89.6 % and 77.1 %, respectively. However, 10.4 % of the patients had ER-positive tumors but ER-negative lymph nodes and 22.9 % had PgR-positive primaries with PgR-negative lymph nodes. No receptor-positive lymph nodes showed a combination with receptor-negative primary tumor. This preliminary data shows that receptor-positive malignant lymph nodes mostly display the same receptor status as the corresponding primary tumor, whereas receptor-negative lymph nodes may have a receptor-positive primary tumor.
Prognostic Evaluation of Estrogen Receptors and Urinary Androgens in Ovariectomy for Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Oriana Saro , Scavone Gianfranco , Böhm Silvia , Di Fronzo Giovanni , Preda Ferdinando
Published: April 2018

Eighty patients with advanced breast cancer were characterized by estrogen receptor (ER) status and by urine androgen (A) metabolites. After ovariectomy, patients with positive hormonal parameters were treated with hormonal therapy and patients with negative parameters were treated with chemotherapy. The results of the follow-up confirm that the survival is higher in patients with positive hormonal parameters (ER +, A+). In this group, the patients with increased urine androgen excretion (i.e. A+) apparently had a better long-term survival than ER + cases.
Outcome of Follow-Up Programs in Patients Previously Resected for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Pugliese Vittorio , Aste Hugo , Saccomanno Sebastiano , Bruzzi Paolo , Bonelli Luigina , Santi Leonardo
Published: April 2018

The survival of a group of 115 patients (group A) who entered a follow-up program after apparently « curative » surgery for colorectal cancer was compared with that of 62 similar patients (group B) who did not join such a program. No significant difference was found. Clinical benefits to single patients in group A, in terms of anticipated diagnosis and effective treatment of recurrences and of metachronous neoplasias, appeared to be, if any, extremely limited. In light of the high costs of intensive follow-up programs, it is concluded that their use can be justified only within controlled perspective trials aimed to evaluate their usefulness.
Polyps at the Site of Ureterosigmoidostomy
Authors: Chiarelli Silvia M. , Sandei Furio
Published: April 2018

Anatomoclinical findings in 6 patients under long-term control of ureterosigmoidostomy, performed 5 to 26 years previously for nonneoplastic bladder pathology, are reported. Four histologically confirmed polyps are described and histopathogenetic theories are discussed. The authors suggest that these polyps arise from the ureter via glandular metaplasia due to external contact surgically created in urinary diversion.
Effect of Hyperthermia Alone and in Combination with Anticancer Drugs on the Viability of P388 Leukemic Cells
Authors: Adwankar Manohar K. , Chitnis Manik P.
Published: April 2018

Effect of local tumor hyperthermia (42 °C) at various intervals ranging from 1 to S h and in combination with antineoplastic drugs was investigated on P388 murine lymphocytic leukemic cells by using an in vitro-in vivo bioassay method. It was observed that a 1-h exposure resulted in a one log cell kill. In combination studies with hyperthermia and anticancer drugs, 1-h exposure to hyperthermia along with 10 μg/ml in vitro concentration of adriamycin (NSC 23127), vincristine (NSC 67574), or 5-fluorouracil (NSC 19893) resulted in the synergistic cell killing action against P388 leukemic cells. However, cyclophosphamide (NSC 26271) and cytosine arabinoside (NSC 63878) did not show any enhanced therapeutic effect.
Comparison of Methylprednisolone and Metoclopramide in the Prophylactic Treatment of CIS-Platin-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Authors: Giaccone Giuseppe , Donadio Michela , Musetta Roberto , Bertetto Oscar , Ciuffreda Libero , Ferrati Patrizia , Clerico Mario , Calciati Alessandro
Published: April 2018

Sixty-one patients undergoing treatment with cis-platin-containing regimens were given prophylactically either metoclopramide or methylprednisolone, in order to reduce the gastro-intestinal side effects. Vomiting occurred in 79 % of the cycles (128/162), and had a distressing intensity in 39.5 % of cycles (64/162). No significant differences were observed between metoclopramide and methylprednisolone with respect to number and duration of vomiting episodes and duration of nausea and anorexia. Two of 6 patients benefited from substitution of metoclopramide for methylprednisolone; only 1/11 benefited from the substitution of methylprednisolone for metoclopramide. Metoclopramide and methylprednisolone, at the dosage and schedule used, were well tolerated and moderately active in preventing nausea and vomiting induced by cis-platin; their use in combination could further improve these results.
Cell Type Distribution in Histologic Specimens of Primary Lung Cancer
Authors: Geddes Marco , Buiatti Eva , Costantini Adele Seniori , Santucci Marco
Published: April 2018

A total of 1986 cases of primary lung cancer, observed in the Pathology Department of the University of Florence during 1971–1981, were analysed by age, sex, year of diagnosis, source of specimen, and cell type. Adenocarcinomas occurred more frequently in females and at younger ages and were diagnosed mainly from surgically obtained specimens. In contrast, squamous cell carcinomas developed more often in males and at older ages, and were chiefly diagnosed by bronchial biopsy. Over the 11-year period of study, a significant increase in the percentage of squamous cell carcinomas and a consequent decrease in the percentage of adenocarcinomas occurred both in females and in males, independent of changes in the specimen sources.
Morpho-functional Findings in Adenocarcinoma of Endometrium
Authors: Eusebi Vincenzo , Pelusi Giuseppe , Bondi Arrigo , Morichelli Maria P. , Ceccarelli Claudio , Cavallina Roberta , Mancini Antonio M.
Published: April 2018

Ten cases of adenocarcinoma of the endometrium were studied using histochemical methods for mucopolysaccharides and immunocytochemical methods for the localization of various markers, such as EMA (epithelial membrane antigen), GCDFP-15 (gross cystic disease fluid protein) and CEA. Four cases appeared to contain High Iron Diamine-positive substance and 6 cases were positive using an immunocytochemical method with a polyclonal anti-CEA antiserum. In contrast, no cases stained when a monoclonal anti-CEA antiserum was employed. This suggested that HID-positive material could be a sign of differentiation towards cells with a secretive function.
Bone Marrow Histopathology of Acute Nonlymphocytic Leukemia following Therapy for Primary Malignancies
Authors: Navone Roberto
Published: April 2018

Therapy-related acute nonlymphocytic leukemias occur with increasing frequency owing to modern aggressive antineoplastic therapies. Out of 3,138 bone marrow trephine biopsies, there were 148 cases of acute nonlymphocytic leukemias. Of these, 14 cases occurred 30–156 months following chemotherapy or radiotherapy or both for malignant disease. The male/female ratio was 0.27 (vs. 1.6 of « de novo » leukemias). Primary malignancies (7 Hodgkin's disease, 1 fibrosarcoma and 6 carcinomas) had been treated with chemotherapy+radiotherapy (10 cases), with chemotherapy alone (3 cases) or with radiotherapy alone (1 case) and were apparently cured. All therapy-related leukemias were heralded by a preleukemic cytopenic phase. Response to therapy was poor (mean survival 3.9 months). Bone marrow histopathological findings showed in 13 cases acute myelo- or monoblastic leukemia and in 1 case erythroleukemia. Out of 21 biopsies, there were increased numbers of abnormal megakaryocytes in 10, megaloblastic dyserythropoiesis in 7, and fibrosis in 13 (moderate in 11 cases and severe in 2, with dry tap). Therapy-related acute leukemia appears to be a distinct clinical-pathological entity. Bone marrow trephine biopsy is useful because of the frequency of fibrosis, the possibility of dry tap, and the characteristic histopathological findings that make diagnosis possible also in the preleukemic phase.
The Histologic Typing of Tonsillar Carcinoma
Authors: Resta Leonardo , Ricco Rosalia , Santangelo Antonio
Published: April 2018

In a retrospective review of 170 cases of malignancies of the tonsil the authors report on 81 malignant epithelial tumors. In 56 cases (69.1 %), the tumor (squamous cell carcinoma) was composed of solid epithelial nests with different degrees of keratinization. In 24 cases (29.6 %) the tumor (undifferentiated carcinoma of nasopharyngeal type) had histologic characteristics similar to the undifferentiated carcinomas observed in the nasopharynx. Only one case was unclassifiable. Squamous cell carcinomas occurred more frequently in males (6:1), in older age, with more frequent extratonsillar and nodal extension and a poorer prognosis. Undifferentiated carcinoma had a similar incidence in both sexes, occurred also at an early age, and more often seemed to be limited to the tonsil. The 10-year disease-free survival rate was 30 % for undifferentiated carcinoma; all the patients affected by squamous cell carcinoma had a recurrence within 6 years of the diagnosis.
Hormone Receptors and Breast Cancer: Correlations with Clinical and Histologic Features
Authors: Montesco Maria Cristina , Pluchinotta Alfonso , Piffanelli Adriano , Pelizzola Dario , Giovannini Gloria , Pagnini Carla Arslan
Published: April 2018

The possible relationships between hormone receptor status and several clinical (age, gynecologic history, clinical stage) and morphologic aspects (histologic grade, vascular invasion, lymphocytic infiltration, necrosis, fibrosis, elastosis and lymph node metastasis) were evaluated. A highly significant correlation between estrogen receptor levels, patient age, menses regularity and postmenopausal status was found. The histologic features most significantly related to tumor receptor status were histologic grade, lymphocytic infiltrate, necrosis and elastosis. Since these same histologic aspects appear to influence prognosis in breast cancer, the prognostic significance attributed to tumor receptor levels is substantiated. Therefore the importance of this assay is confirmed, not only for its diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, but also for its prognostic value.
Telethermography and Axillary Node Status as Predictors of Early Relapse in Breast Cancer: Preliminary Report
Authors: Mustacchi Giorgio , Milani Silvia , Sandri Paolo , De Lazzer Federico , Ficari Federico , Monti Gian Federico , Adovasio Roberto , Pancrazio Francesco , Pietri Piero
Published: April 2018

The authors report on 141 primary, non-metastatic, breast cancer patients with a minimum follow-up of 12 months after surgery to a maximum of 5 years. All cases were studied according to the patterns of the preoperative telethermography (TH) and nodal status (N). Prognosis was evaluated in terms of incidence of relapse. A statistically significant correlation was found between TH+ and early relapse, and for N+, but there was no correlation between TH and N, both for negative and positive values. The results suggest a complementary prognostic value of the two parameters.
Morbidity following Prophylactic and Therapeutic Lymph Node Dissection for Melanoma - A Comparison
Authors: Ingvar Christian , Erichsen Christian , Jönsson Per-Ebbe
Published: April 2018

Between 1976 and 1982, 110 isolated regional lymph node dissections (RLND) for melanoma were performed as a prophylactic procedure (PLND) in 44 and therapeutic procedure (TLND) in 64 patients. The prevalence of metastases was 20 % in the PLND group. The number of patients with complications in the PLND were 17/44 (39 %) and in the TLND 39/64 (61 %). Local wound complications dominated. Serum collections occurred in 25 % of PLND patients and 45 % of TLND patients (p < 0.05), and infections, skin necrosis, and cellulitis in respectively 11 % and 22 %. The incidence of lymphedema was 10 % in PLND and 23 % in TLND patients. Regarding the anatomic sites, there were significantly more seromas after axillary dissection in TLND patients compared with PLND patients (p < 0.05). However, no difference was observed between groin dissections in the 2 groups. The socioeconomic effects in terms of hospital stay and further therapeutic measures were pronounced when complications occurred.
Bladder Urethral Dysfunction after Abdominoperineal Resection of the Rectum for Anorectal Cancer
Authors: Zanolla Rita , Campo Biagio , Ordesi Giorgio , Martino Gemma
Published: April 2018

We prospectively studied bladder and urethral function in 44 patients before and after abdominoperineal resection of the rectum for anorectal cancer. The patients were investigated with the following examinations: combined cystometry and electromyography, urethral pressure profile measurement, urecholine denervation test, urine culture, urethrogram and residual urine measurement after voiding. Urodynamic results after surgery demonstrated the partial or total denervation of the detrusor muscle with bladder areflexia in the 54 % of the cases, the decrease in the urethral pressure profile in the 48 % of the cases, and the absence of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia in all cases. Urethrogram results showed a high incidence of bladder dislocation into the presacral space (36 %). Urine cultures were frequently positive in 52 % of the patients. Most patients (52 %) had difficulty in voiding with high residual urine and/or stress incontinence (4.5 %). All the patients received an early rehabilitative treatment with kinesitherapy and/or pharmacologic therapy after bladder catheter removal and after urodynamic results. The patients with neurogenic bladder with residual urine volume had satisfactory functional recovery of the activity.
Morphology and Progression of Preneoplastic Changes in Methylcholanthrene-Induced Mouse Mammary Tumorigenesis
Authors: Basolo Fulvio , Fontanini Gabriella , Squartini Francesco
Published: April 2018

Susceptible BALB/c virgin female mice were treated with 3-methylcholanthrene in almond oil (0.5 %) by skin painting and killed at monthly intervals. The mammary glands were prepared as whole mounts for stereoscopic study of the glandular tree wtih removal of any focal change for histology. The results showed a marked disarrangement in the architecture of the glandular tree, a prevalent ductal tree, and an overcrowding of ducts. Focal hyperplastic changes were frequently observed, including hyperplastic alveolar nodules, hyperplastic ductal nodules, noduloids and intraductal epithelial growths, and their respective rates of malignant transformation observed at histology were 22 %, 15 %, 7 % and 50 %. Data suggest a different weight of these preneoplastic changes as sources of malignant transformation and a prevalent ductal origin of the methylcholanthrene-induced neoplasms.
Preliminary Observation on the Clinical Tolerance of Interferon-Beta in Cancer Patients
Authors: Liberati Anna Marina , Puxeddu Adolfo , Biscottini Bruno , Allegra Angelo , Pennacchi Manuela , Bertoni Patrizia , Pecci Antonella , Ballatori Enzo , Grignani Fausto
Published: April 2018

Nine patients with metastatic solid tumors were given IFN-β by i.v. bolus injections. Six escalating doses (from 1 to 9 × 104 IU) followed by 6 additional injections at the dose of 9 × 106 IU were administered every other day (schedule A) in 3 of the 9 patients. IFN dose was also increased to a maximum of 46 × 106 IU, and 12 individual injections of 1, 2, 3.3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 16, 21, 27, 34 and 46 × 106 IU of IFN were given over a minimum of a 24-day period (schedule B) in 6 of the 9 patients. The single maximal tolerated dose ranged from 9 to 46 × 106 IU. The toxicity of IFN-β given as scheduled in this study was significant but acceptable.
Hypercalcemia in Malignancies: Treatment with Dichloromethylene Diphosphonate (Cl2MDP)
Authors: Conte Nicola , Di Virgilio Roberto , Roiter Ignazio , Caberlotto Livio
Published: April 2018

Eleven hypercalceic patients affected by various kinds of cancer were treated with dichloromethylene diphosphonate (Cl2MDP), 400 mg diluted in 500 ml of saline solution, i.v., during 3 h. Drug administration normalized plasma calcium levels in all treated patients, within 72 h for patients with lung cancer; within a longer period for other kinds of cancer. Moreover, Cl2MDP also reduced calciuria in treated patients. The use of the drug was not followed by side effects and was also well tolerated in patients with kidney insufficiency.
Cardiac Function Evaluation in Amsa-Treated Patients
Authors: Piotti Patrizia , Villani Fabrizio , Comazzi Roberto , Lacaita Gemma , Guindani Antonio
Published: April 2018

Cardiac function was monitored by means of ECG and systolic time intervals in 13 patients submitted to treatment with 4′-(9-acridinylamino) methanesulfon-m-aniside (AMSA) without the classical reconstitution vehicle N1N-dimethylacetamide. ECG changes were represented by flattening of T waves (100%), sporadic atrial extrasystoles (23 %), and sporadic or coupled ventricular premature beats (7.6 %). These alterations were transient and not dose related. The systolic time interval ratio, recorded at the end of infusion and 2 h after drug administration, did not change significantly from pretreatment values. Systolic time intervals recorded in 6 patients after the mean cumulative dose of 550 mg/m2, and in 3 patients after the mean cumulative dose of 1000 mg/m2, did not change from mean basal values. Present data failed to confirm the occurrence of a significantly cardiotoxic activity of AMSA.
Primary Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma of the Parotid Gland Associated with Sjögren's Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Bandieramonte Gaetano , Giardini Roberto , Bono Aldo
Published: April 2018

The authors report a case of primary immunoblastic lymphoma in the parotid gland in a subject with Sjögren's syndrome and briefly discuss the correlation between the two disease entities.
α1-Antitrypsin, Transferrin, Alkaline Phosphatase, Phosphohexoseisomerase and γ-Glutamyltransferase in Breast Cyst Fluid
Authors: Biagioni Stefano , Stella Francesco , Mannello Ferdinando , Cerroni Luigi , Stella Carlo , Troccoli Rosario
Published: April 2018

The levels of α1-antitrypsin, transferrin, alkaline phosphatase, phosphohexoseisomerase and γ-glutamyltransferase were measured in 32 samples of breast cyst fluid, and a wide range of values was obtained. The levels observed in some samples for these parameters, being similar to those of normal serum, might suggest a mechanism of plasma exudation for the formation of breast cyst fluid. Nevertheless, a comparison with the maximum normal serum reference value revealed very high levels of γ-glutamyltransferase in all of the samples; about 50% also exhibited high levels of phosphohexoseisomerase. These results indicate that the formation of breast cyst fluid takes place with a specific local production, in addition to the mechanism of selective plasma exudation. Moreover, elevated transferrin levels in some cyst fluids are probably the expression of a high biosynthetic activity and could be diagnostically useful in the course of breast gross cystic disease. The importance of these observations from the point of view of diagnostic and prognostic trends are discussed.
Immunohistochemical and Electron Microscopic Study of Twelve Adenomatoid Tumors
Authors: Svanholm Hans , Paulsen Stein
Published: April 2018

Twelve adenomatoid tumors were examined immunohistochemically with antibody probes to keratin and factor VIII-related antigen (FVIII-RA). None of the tumors labeled with FVIII-RA antibodies, whereas all but one labeled for keratin. Electron microscopy was done on tissue from paraffin-embedded blocks from all but one of the adenomatoid tumors. Both the immunohistochemical and electron microscopic results favor a mesothelial origin of adenomatoid tumors.
Cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin and Platinum (CAP) Combination Chemotherapy, A New Effective Approach in the Treatment of Disseminated Breast Cancer. Preliminary Report
Authors: Kolarić Krsto , Vukas Dunja , Roth Anton , Potrebica Vera , Cervek Jožica , Cerar O.
Published: April 2018

The prospective controlled Phase III clinical trial tested the therapeutic value of the cis-platinum-adriamycin-cyclophosphamide combination (CAP), compared with the combination including cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, vincristine and prednisolone (CMFVP), in untreated metastatic breast cancer. One hundred and twenty-three patients (> 2 cycles) were evaluated: 61 on the CAP, and 62 on the CMFVP schedule. An objective response (CR+PR) to CAP combination chemotherapy was achieved in 72% of patients (43/61), with a high rate (36%) of complete remissions. In terms of metastatic site, the response rate appeared to be particularly high in soft tissue and visceral organ (lung, liver) metastases. In the CMFVP group, an objective response was noted in 26 of 62 patients (42%), with 16% complete remissions. The difference in overall therapeutic response - and in the complete remission rate as well - was statistically significant to the advantage of the CAP regimen (P < 0.01). The duration of remissions was 6-28 + months (mean = 14) for the CAP, and 4-15+ months (mean = 9) for the CMFVP schedule. Toxic side effects were more pronounced in the CAP group, particularly myelosuppression, with anemia prevailing. Side effects to CMFVP treatment were moderate. In 39 CMFVP previously treated cases, CAP was administered as second-line treatment, and an objective response was observed in 51% of cases (20/39). Results of this controlled trial showed the advantage of the CAP combination chemotherapy in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
Follow-Up after Mastectomy for Breast Cancer. Observations in 96 Patients
Authors: Viola Paola , Carnovali Marino , Marcangeli Mariano , Martignoni Giancarlo , Montoli Alberto , Panozzo Massimo , Pavia Gianfranco , Confalonieri Carlo
Published: April 2018

From 1978 to 1982 at the Oncology Unit of the Rho Hospital, we followed 96 women who had been operated for breast cancer. In 22 cases (23%) the first signs of recurrence were changes in the following: physical examination (9), symptoms (7), ESR (3), bone scan (2), alkaline phosphatase (1), chest X-ray (1). An adequate follow-up schedule is based on the following: a) limited examinations causing little disturbance to the patient, easily feasible, sensitive, specific, and of limited cost; b) lead-intervals of various tests set according to the risk of relapse; c) critical periodic review of the series, with constant updating of information in the literature.
Phenotypic and Ultrastructural Profile of M5 Leukemia Cells in Peripheral Blood and Skin Infiltrate
Authors: Moretti Silvia , Palermo Alessandro , Donati Eleonora , Bosi Alberto , Fattorossi Andrea
Published: April 2018

The leukemic cells circulating in the peripheral blood and invading the skin of a patient with type M5 myelomonocytic leukemia were compared using ultrastructural, cytochemical and immunological criteria. Neoplastic cells exhibited more differentiated morphologic features in the skin than in peripheral blood, resembling tissue macrophages. The cytochemical pattern did not show any appreciable difference, whereas the surface antigenic profile was dissimilar. Most circulating leukemic cells were Leu M1+ and Leu M3+, and the percentage of OKM1+ and OKIa-1+ cells varied in two different blood samples examined. Conversely, OKIa-1 monoclonal antibody stained viritually all the leukemic cells infiltrating the skin in the absence of any appreciable reactivity with the other monoclonal antibodies. The phenotype of the malignant cells in the skin did not vary during the clinical course of the disease. These observations suggest that the cutaneous microenvironment is able to induce leukemic cells to mutate their phenotypic features towards a more mature state, or that only relatively differentiated circulating leukemic cells are able to leave the bloodstream and colonize the skin.
Lomustine (CCNU)-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Tucci Enrico , Verdiani Paolo , Di Carlo Stefania , Sforza Vincenzo
Published: April 2018

A case of progressive pulmonary interstitial fibrosis following adjuvant lomustine (CCNU)-5-fluorouracil therapy for a colon carcinoma is reported. A close relationship between lomustine assumption and lung damage seems to emerge from the clinical, radiologic and histologic findings presented. On the basis of this experience and previous available data from literature, pulmonary toxicity must be regarded as a possible adverse effect of lomustine therapy.
A Fifteen Years’ Experience in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Benign Lung Tumors
Authors: Lequaglie Cosimo , Preda Ferdinando , Ongari Mauro , Alloisio Marco , Ravasi Gianluigi
Published: April 2018

Even the most sophisticated examinations, such as computerized tomography and percutaneous fine needle biopsy, often do not allow a certain preoperative diagnosis of benign lung cancer. The clinical history may also be deceiving: a smoker over 35 years of age need not necessarily have a primary lung cancer, but this event is frequent enough to justify a diagnostic thoracotomy. In our series, chest tomography proved to be useful and sometimes revealed unsuspected lesions. In contrast, bronchoscopy is useful only for centrally located lesions, and the same is true for bronchial washing and brushing. Finally, thoracotomy, possibly an axillary one with enucleation or possibly transegmentary resection, is the most frequent operation in benign lung tumors, because of the unfailing diagnosis and for the minimal functional damage to the patient. A diagnostic thoracotomy may also avoid the psychologic stress suffered by a patient with a simple but undiagnosed benign lung tumor.
Potentiation of Adriamycin Cytotoxicity in P388 Murine Leukemia Sensitive and Resistant to Adriamycin by use of Lonidamine and Hyperthermia
Authors: Chitnis Manik , Adwankar Manohar
Published: April 2018

The in vitro effect of adriamycin (ADR) and lonidamine alone and in combination, at 37 °C and 43 °C, was investigated on murine leukemia P388 sensitive (P388/S) and resistant (P388/ADR) to adriamycin. The sensitive and the resistant cells were exposed in vitro with and without the drugs for 1 h at 37 °C and 43 °C. These cells were inoculated ip (106 cells/mouse) into groups of BDF, mice. Cytotoxic effect of the treatment was assessed on the basis of percentage increase in life span (% ILS) of these animals, compared to the animals receiving cells which did not receive any treatment but exposed only to 37 °C for 1 h. It was observed that exposure of P388/ADR cells to lonidamine or adriamycin alone at 43 °C for 1 h resulted in greater cell kill, thus enhancing the % ILS of the experimental animals receiving those cells, compared to that of mice receiving the cells exposed to the same drugs for 1 h at 37 °C. However, the combination of lonidamine (0.02 mM) and adriamycin (10 μg/ml) at 43 °C for 1 h showed more than a synergistic effect, resulting in a % ILS of 120. Similar results were seen in the case of P388/S; however, the observations pertaining to P388/ADR are encouraging, since the mode of treatment has reversed the acquired resistance of P388 leukemia cells to adriamycin.
The Accuracy of Local Death Certificates in Cancer of the Lung and Stomach
Authors: Sarchielli Alessandro , Geddes Marco
Published: April 2018

The study analysed the accuracy of local death certificates (LDC) for patients with lung cancer (424 males, 36 females) and stomach cancer (99 males, 62 females) who died between 1979 and 1984. All the diagnoses were confirmed histologically. For a subgroup of lung cancer (males), we also evaluated the national death certificate (NDC) and the correspondence of LDC vs. NDC. The reliability of LDC was quite poor. This paper examines the different reasons for the underevaluation of cancer in LDC and the variables which modify the accuracy of cause of death on the death certificate.
Determination of Estrogen Receptors in Human Breast Cancer: Comparison between Enzyme Immunoassay and Dextran-Coated Charcoal Method
Authors: Bozzetti Cecilia , Naldi Nadia , Guazzi Annamaria , Nizzoli Rita , Benecchi Magda , Cocconi Giorgio
Published: April 2018

Estrogen receptor determination was performed on 120 breast cancer cytosols, using the dextran-coated charcoal method (DCC) and an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to compare the efficiency of the two techniques. A strong correlation was noted between ER concentrations determined by DCC and EIA (P < 0.001). The mean ER-EIA value was significantly higher than the mean ER-DCC value in premenopausal (P < 0.001) as well in postmenopausal (P < 0.001) patients.
New Trends in the Surgical Treatment of Primary Breast Cancer in the Florence District: 1979-1985
Authors: Cataliotti Luigi , Ciatto Stefano , Del Turco Marco Rosselli , Distante Vito
Published: April 2018

The authors report on a consecutive series of 1979 TIS-T1A-T2A-T3A breast cancer cases surgically treated from 1979 to 1985. The study investigates the impact of recent reports on conservative surgery and of a national treatment protocol for breast cancer, encouraging the use of modified radical mastectomy (MRM) and quadrantectomy, axillary dissection and breast irradiation (QUART) as alternatives to Halsted's radical mastectomy (RM). RM frequency dropped from 52% to 8% in TIS-T1A and from 82% to 20% in T2A-T3A cases in the study period, in favor of MRM and of QUART, which increased from 10% to 54% in TIS-T1A cases. Although surgical choices differ widely according to individual surgeons, a definite trend towards more conservative surgery is evident, which demonstrates how the national treatment protocol has affected current surgical practice.
Cancer of the Pancreas: Clinical Outcome in 76 Cases
Authors: Pugliese Vittorio , Saccomanno Sebastiano , Bonelli Luigina , Barone Daniela , Conio Massimo , Aste Hugo , Santi Leonardo
Published: April 2018

A final diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was established in 76 consecutive patients during 4 years. The clinical outcome was evaluated retrospectively, as well as clinical presentation and its impact on the rate of resectability. Even though the diagnostic techniques showed a high sensitivity, only 18.4% of patients had a radical resection performed. In 77.6% of the cases a tissue diagnosis had been obtained. However, in only 1/5 of them was the tissue proof obtained preoperatively. This review confirms that the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer is poor, with slight advantages in the few resectable cases. Therefore, an earlier diagnosis should be attempted in high-risk symptomatic patients, selected by means of nonaggressive tests and evaluated by means of more accurate diagnostic techniques, when suitable.
Growth Inhibition of Murine Colonic Adenocarcinoma by Tumor Immune but not by IL-2-Activated or Alloactivated Lymphocytes
Authors: Rodolfo Monica , Parmiani Giorgio
Published: April 2018

The antigenic profile of C-26 and C-51 BALB/c colonic adenocarcinomas was examined by in vivo and in vitro assays. Mice immunized with irradiated C-26 or C-51 tumor cells from freshly excised tumor nodules or from in vitro-growing cell lines were able to reject a challenge of both tumors. Spleen lymphocytes of immune but not of normal mice were effective in cross-inhibiting tumor growth in vivo in a Winn assay. Tissue-associated antigens common to C-26 and C-51 and to their metastases but not to other syngeneic neoplasms were detected in vitro by cytotoxic T lymphocytes obtained after 5 days of a secondary culture of immune lymphocytes and irradiated tumor cells. Activated lymphocytes were obtained by exposure of spleen cells to interleukin 2 or by allostimulation. Such lymphocytes, although cytotoxic in vitro on C-26 and C-51 carcinomas, were unable to significantly reduce in vivo tumor growth in the Winn assay.
Epirubicin in Combination Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Advanced Stage Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas
Authors: Abate Giuseppe , Cornelia Pasquale , Di Pietro Nicola , Ganzina Fabrizio , Pergola Mario , Silvestro Pasqualina , Basso Antonio , Salvatore Marco , Zarrilli Donate
Published: April 2018

From April 1981 to May 1984, 23 patients with advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphomas were treated with CEOP (cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) or OEPP (vincristine, epirubicin, procarbazine, and prednisone) combination chemotherapy. CR was achieved in 58 % and PR in 31 % of the patients, giving an overall response rate of 89 %. Nine of 15 (60 %) previously untreated patients with unfavorable histology obtained a CR and 5 a PR. Median relapse-free survival was 33 months; median overall survival has not yet been reached, and the probability of survival for CRs was 91 % after 54 months of follow-up. Acute toxicity was quite acceptable, and chronic cardiac toxicity was detected in 6 patients only. In conclusion, epirubicin used in combination chemotherapies induced durable remissions and prolonged survivals in advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
Effects of Tumor Necrosis Factor on Tumor Cell Plasma Membrane Permeability
Authors: Anghileri Leopold J. , Robert Jacques
Published: April 2018

Ehrlich ascites tumor cells incubated with rabbit tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-serum showed a temperature-dependent functional impairment of the plasma membrane as reflected by permeability changes. Trypan blue inclusion and Ca2+-transport were considerably increased at hyperthermia temperature. This characteristic of the TNF-plasma membrane interaction may explain the cytotoxicity of TNF.
The Role of Histamine in Doxorubicin and Teniposide-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Dog and Mouse
Authors: Gebbia Nicola , Flandina Carla , Leto Gaetano , Tumminello Francesca Maria , Sanguedolce Rosario , Candiloro Vincenza , Gagliano Mauro , Rausa Luciano
Published: April 2018

In previous studies we reported that teniposide (VM26) induced acute cardiac effects in dogs seem to be related to a release of histamine and that a prior treatment with chlorpheniramine, an H, histamine blocker, prevents the onset of this phenomenon. Since histamine and other vasoactive substances also seem to be involved in doxorubicin (DXR)-induced acute cardiac effects, experiments were undertaken in the aim to prevent, as in the case of VM26, the onset of this phenomenon by administering chlorpheniramine. Since DXR-induced chronic cardiomyopathy also seems to be related to the same mechanisms involved in the onset of acute cardiac effects induced by this drug, additional studies were carried out to investigate whether a long-term treatment with VM26 could induce in mouse alterations of cardiac morphology similar to those of DXR. In addition, because the mouse is known to be extremely insensitive to histamine, further studies were performed to investigate whether DXR or VM26 administration could induce in this animal model a massive histamine release and whether a long-term treatment with high doses of histamine could elicit, similarly to DXR, alterations in cardiac morphology. The results of our experiments demonstrated that DXR (1.5 mg/kg i.v.) caused in the dog a massive histamine release and a marked impairment of cardiac inotropism. As previously described for VM26, prior treatments with chlorpheniramine completely prevented this phenomenon. Furthermore, DXR administration, at a dose level able to induce cardiac damage in the mouse (2.5 mg/kg i.v.), or that of VM26 (2 mg/kg i.v.) failed to induce a massive histamine release. In addition, long-term treatment with VM26 (2 mg/kg i.v.) or high doses of histamine (100 mg/kg i.v.), unlike DXR, did not elicit in this animal alterations of cardiac morphology. Finally, chlorpheniramine (0.15 or 0.45 mg/kg i.v.) did not prevent the onset of chronic cardiomyopathy induced by DXR in mouse. In conclusion, our results show that the role of histamine in the onset of DXR-induced chronic cardiomyopathy, at least in mouse, remains questionable and suggest that this animal, because of its high natural resistance to histamine, is not a suitable experimental model to investigate the cardiovascular pharmacology of drug-induced histamine release.