bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activity of 4 Beta-Hydroxy-17 Alpha-Methyl-19-Nortestosterone on Experimental Tumors
Authors: Di Marco Aurelio , Gaetani Marcello , Dorigotti Luciano , Bellini Ornella
Published: April 2018

The antitumor activity of a new steroid: 4β-hydroxy-17α-methyl-19-nortestosterone (HMNT) was studied on some mouse and rat tumors. The drug administered subcutaneously at the dose of 300 mg/kg/day inhibited the growth of Ehrlich carcinoma (45.8%) and of the first-generation transplants of C3H mammary adenocarcinoma. At the dose of 120 mg/kg/day the inhibition observed on Walker carcinoma was about 28%. HMNT was ineffective on sarcoma 180 when given both subcutaneously or orally at the same dose of 300 mg/kg/day. HMNT caused a marked reduction of TPCV of Ehrlich ascites tumor (66%) and of ascites hepatoma AH 130 (42%), and a moderate TPCV reduction of O.G.G. ascites mieloma (37.8%). In addition HMNT had a marked inhibitory effect on the mitotic index of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. Diuresis and urinary excretion of electrolytes were not affected by the administration of HMNT in rats bearing ascites hepatoma. HMNT was compared to testosterone, progesterone and some other steroids for their antitumor activity: the results obtained support the hypothesis that the substitutions at posizion 4 β and 17 α and the removal of the methyl 19 from testosterone increase the effectiveness of the steroid. The results obtained by HMNT suggest that the action of the drug is performed through the slowing of the processes necessary for cell division.
Influence of a Derivative of Testosterone on the Growth of the Spontaneous Mammary Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse « in vitro »: 4-hydroxy-17alpha-methyl-19-nortestosterone
Authors: Dasdia Teresa , Soldati Maria
Published: April 2018

Testosterone propionate and 4-hydroxy-17 alfa-methyl-19-nortestosterone are being tested against a mouse mammary tumor growing in vitro, treated with 10 μg/cc for 8-9-12 days. The general procedure used in these tests have been indicated. Testosterone inhibits the tumor growth without influencing its cytological differentiation. The inhibiting action of testosterone is accompanied by regressive phenomena of the tumor elements. 4-hydroxy-17 alfa-methyl-19-nor-testosterone inhibits strongly the tumor growth with a decrease in mitosis number. It is possible sometimes to observe mitosis with lagging chromosomes. The histopathological structures are not influenced by hormonal treatment.
Effect of 5-Fluorouracil in Pregnant Rats Bearing Walker Carcinosarcoma 256
Authors: Di Re Francesco , Mascitelli-Coriandoli Ernesto
Published: April 2018

5-Fluorouracil was adiministered by endoperitoneal route at a daily dose of 10 mg/kg to pregnant female rats and to pregnant rats bearing Walker's carcinoma 256. In non-tumor-bearing animals it induced a marked reduction in the number and mean weight of living new-borns per delivery, while foetuses from tumor-bearing pregnant rats showed number and weight only slightly lower than normal. Tumor development was markedly inhibited both in pregnant and in non pregnant animals. Foetuses from tumor bearing rats showed an increase in nucleic acids and a reduction in the hepatic glycogen, while in foetuses from tumor bearing rats treated with 5-fluorouracil a marked fall was observed both in nucleic acids and in hepatic glycogen. In the blood of foetuses from tumor bearing rats a 20 percent reduction in glucose was observed, while 5-fluorouracil treatment determined a slight glucose diminution and a market increase of ureic concentration. The obtained results suggest trat the antimetabolite, inducing serious alterations in foetuses from treated rats, is much less active when there is a transplanted tumor (Walker's carcinoma 256) in the maternal organism. Probably this is due to the competitive-type action exerted by the highly proliferating tumor tissue on the embryonal tissue, in respect of 5-fluorouracil. The difference in intensity of effect on tumor and on foetus is mainly due to the fact that the tumor, owing to the « re-ciclization » phenomenon, retains fluorouracil prolonging its action, while the foetus eliminates it by means of the normal purinic and pyrimidinic metabolism of nucleic acids.
A Case of a Solitary, Sub-epidermic Basalioma of the Auricle
Authors: Massara Giovanni
Published: April 2018

A case of a sub-epidermic solid basaliomo of the auricle which occurred in a 78-year old woman, is described.
Experimental Study on the Introduction in the Portal Vein of a New P32 Labelled Colloidal Complex
Authors: Caldarola Leonardo , Badellino Fausto , Cavalli Adalberto , Calderini Paolo , Bellion Bartolomeo , Rosa Umberto , Sosi Saudo
Published: April 2018

A new P32 labelled colloidal complex was introduced into the main trunk of the portal vein of the rabbit in order to examine its fixation and distribution within the liver. The dispersion percentage of the radiocolloid in the organism was minimal. Measurement of the radioactivity and autoradiohistographies would indicate a high stability of the preparation even some time after (2 months). Results are of particular significance when compared to those obtained with the introduction of the same radiocolloid into the general circulation.
Lymphangiography in Metastatic Localizations of Urinary Bladder Tumors
Authors: Mattea Ettore , Galli Guido , Bono Aldo Vittorio , Arrigoni Giacomo
Published: April 2018

In order to study possible metastatic localization into the lymph nodes direct lymphangiography following the technique suggested by Kinmonth was carried out on 17 patients with cancer of the urinary bladder. A liposoluble contrast medium was used. On the basis of the reported results and of those obtained in other neoplastic diseases at the Cancer Institute of Milan and the Institute of Radiology of the University of Milan, the radiological picture which allows a diagnosis of metastatic involvement of lymph nodes is outlined. The limitations of the new method and the prospects offered in the field of urinary bladder tumors are discussed. In the authors’ opinion lymphangiography often represents a helpful procedure for the evaluation of the metastatic spread and for the choice of the surgical therapy.
Successful Cyclophosphamide Treatment in a Case of Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Di Pietro Sergio , Gennari Leandro
Published: April 2018

A case of diffuse mesothelioma of the pleura was twice successfully treated with cyclophosphamide, and is still in partial remission one year and half after the first treatment.
Clinical Appraisal of the Antineoplastic Activity of Tris-ethylene-iminobenzo-quinone
Authors: Di Pietro Sergio , Vescia Enzo
Published: April 2018

The antineoplastic activity of tris-ethylene-iminobenzoquinone was studied on 15 patients (3 reticulum-cell sarcomas, 2 Hodgkin's diseases, 2 multiple mielomas, 1 chronic lymphatic leukemia, 1 fibrosarcoma, 6 carcinomas). The drug was administered either intravenously or by mouth. In 10 cases there was a subjective improvement, while objective improvement was obtained in 7 cases, with slight side-effects and a temporary mild depression of the blood picture.
Isograft of Pituitary in the Kidney of Hamsters
Authors: Porta Giuseppe Della
Published: April 2018

Twenty female Syrian golden hamsters, 7-12 weeks old, received an isograft of a single pituitary, under the renal capsule, from adult female or male donors. One animal was lost because of cannibalism. The hypophysial graft took in 18 out of the 19 remaining animals. The average lifespan of the 18 animals was of 58.5±14 weeks, 49.6±12 from the grafting time. Histologic examination of the graft showed viable anterior pituitary tissue composed mostly by cromophobe cells. In all the 18 hamsters there was a diffuse acinar hyperplasia of mammary gland with milk secretion. No mammary tumors were seen.
Results Obtained with N-Ottil-enolic-ether of Dihydrotestosterone in Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Di Pietro Sergio , Gennari Leandro
Published: April 2018

Twenty-five women with advanced breast cancer were treated with n-ottil-enolic-ether of dihydrotestosterone. Objective regression of all lesions or of part of them was observed in 8 patients (32% of the cases), with an average duration of 5.5 months (max. 9 months). The highest incidence of regression was observed in lesions of soft tissues in patients in advanced post-climaterium. Subjective results were good, especially on pain caused by bone metastases, even in the absence of an objective regression of the neoplastic localization. There were mild side effects; a slight hypertricosis was observed in 6 patients. The authors emphasize the analogy between the incidence, type and degree of neoplastic regressions obtained with the present compound and those obtained with testosterone propionate. They conclude that the antitumoral effect of this class of steroids is not necessarily related to the degree of their androgen or gonadotropic activity.
The Effect of Adrenalectomy upon Enzymatic Activities of Sarcoma 180 in Mice
Authors: Di Re Francesco , Mascitelli-Coriandoli Ernesto
Published: April 2018

Enzymatic activities and nitrogen and DNA content were studied in ho-mogenates of Sarcoma 180 growing in adrenalectomized and intact mice. In adrenalectomized animals, the sarcoma showed a reduced rate of growth; there was a marked increase in the specific activity (referred as Units/mg DNA) of 5′-adenosine phosphatase, 5′-inosine phosphatase and adenosine deaminase and a significant decrease of nitrogen and DNA concentration and of lactic dehydrogenase and glutathione reductase activity. Cytochrome oxydase and succinic dehydrogenase activity did not show any variation. Daily injections of DOCA or aldosterone were found to prevent to a great extent these effects of adrenalectomy, while cortisol acetate and corticosterone did not show a comparable action. The possible role of mineralcorticoids on the biochemical events leading to tumor regression, is discussed.
A Method for the Search of Cancer Cells in the Blood
Authors: Bertolotti Andrea
Published: April 2018

After a review of the methods proposed for detection of cancer cells in the blood, a method based on hemolisis and filtration is described. Hemolisis is obtained by adding a few drops of a solution of saponin to the blood sample. By centrifugration of the hemolised sample, a buffy coat is obtained, which contains the leukocytes residual to hemolisis and possible cancer cells. The buffy coat is resuspended in an isotonic saline solution with addition of formalin which is then filtered through Millipore filter membranes with pores of 5 μm diameter. The cells concentrated on the surface of the filter are then fixed and stained on the filter itself, which is dehydrated in alcohol, cleared by xilene and mounted in balsam. The filters acquire a perfect transparence that makes it possible to examine microscopically the cells on their surface.
Tre Action of Daunomycin on the Metabolism of Nucleic Acids of Ehrlich Ascites Tumor Cells
Authors: Silvestrini Rosella , Gaetani Marcello
Published: April 2018

The effect of Daunomycin, a new antibiotic with antitumor activity, on the metabolism of nucleic acids of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells was studied with autoradiographic techniques. Daunomycin injected intraperitoneally at the dose of 4 mg/kg body weight did not affect the uptake of tritiated thymidine, although the mitotic index of the tumor cells was decreased. The nuclear RNA synthesis, particularly the RNA fraction which is synthetised on the chromosomes, was partially inhibited.
Study of 13 Cases of Association of Malignant Tumor and Regional Sarcoid Lymphoadenopathy
Authors: Chieco-Bianchi Luigi
Published: April 2018

In 13 of 87 cases of sarcoid lesions in regional lymph nodes a malignant tumor was found, arising in all cases but one, in the area drained by the affected lymph nodes. Twelve of the 13 tumors were carcinomas. The regional involvement of the lymph nodes, the simultaneous appearance of the tumor and of the granulomatous lymphoadenopathy as well as the lack of other etiological factors, suggest that sarcoid changes in the lymph nodes are probably due to reaction against irritant products from the tumor. The importance of the knowledge that granulomatous lesions identical to those of systemic sarcoidosis can develop in lymph nodes regional to malignant tumors, is stressed.
Seven-year Survival in a Case of Carcinoma of the Midthoracic Esophagus Surgically Treated
Authors: Rock Teo
Published: April 2018

A case of carcinoma of the midthoracic esophagus surviving 7 years after surgery is reported. The resection was performed through an anterior-IV space thoracotomy at the right side combined with supra-umbilical laparathomy and was immediately followed by esophagogastrostomy.
The Cytological Effects of Two Podophyllin Compounds on the Normal and Tumoral Cells « in vitro »
Authors: Soldati Maria , Fioretti Armanda
Published: April 2018

The activity of two podophyllin derivatives, SPI-77 and SPG-827, was studied on normal and tumoral mammalian tissue culture cells. Rat normal fibroblasts, HeLa and Helius cells were cultivated in plasma clot with fluid medium in roller tubes; HeLa and KB cells were cultivated in monolayer; rat bone marrow was suspended in a fluid medium in stationary tubes. For every tissue these drugs produced a mitotic arrest in metaphase. Rat fibroblasts were more sensitive than tumor cells. The lowest concentrations that completely blocked cleavage ranged from 0.1 μg/ml for rat fibroblasts to 0.5 μg/ml for tumor cells. A mitotic arrest was observed after 1-2 hours’ treatment and it lasted until the drugs were present in the culture medium. When this culture medium was replaced with another without substances, blocked metaphases decreased and cells with few micronuclei were noted. It therefore appears that these podophyllin derivatives may act as spindle poisons, like colchicine. In fact, spindle fibres were not visible in the blocked metaphases and the chromosomes were scattered through the cytoplasm. These drugs acted on the cytoplasm too. Cells showed few cytoplasmic extrusions. Also on the bone marrow cells the metaphases block was evident after few hours’ treatment. Substances were active in all mieloid cells. Blocked metaphases seemed like C mitoses.
Cervical Metastases as First Symptom of Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Veronesi Umberto , Cascinelli Natale , Gennari Leandro
Published: April 2018

Among 320 cases of thyroid cancer observed at the National Cancer Institute of Milan, 26 had lymph node metastases at the neck as first symptom. Histological examinations of the cervical lymph nodes revealed 24 differentiated carcinomas, either papillary (16 cases) or follicular (8 cases), one indifferentiated carcinoma and one Hürthle-cell carcinoma. In 17 patients the primary thyroid tumor was found; in two cases the histological examination of the thyroid revealed no malignancy: in one case there was a thyroid adenoma while the other showed no pathological lesions. Seven patients had no histological examination of the thyroid gland. Seventeen cases were surgically treated with emithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy with en-bloc radical neck dissection. Fifteen out of these cases are well 1 to 8 years after treatment; 2 other cases who had only palliative treatment are surviving 5 and 8 years after therapy. The best prognosis was observed in papillary carcinoma and in female patients.
Experimental Cancer Chemotherapy in Animate and Humans
Authors: Grifoni Vincenzo
Published: April 2018

In cancer chemotherapy, experiments on transplanted animal tumors usually provide the basis for clinical (human) studies. In general, the correlation in drug response between animal and human tumors can be classified as poor. However, in properly selected settings, animal tumors can be used as reliable predicting systems. Drugs which passed the «animal tumor» stage go to clinical trials. An outline of these experiments is given and their crucial importance is emphasized. Skilfully designed clinical experiments are needed if the adequate exploitation of drugs in practical cancer chemotherapy is to be achieved.
ABO Blood Groups in Intracranial Tumors of Neuroectodermal Origin
Authors: Iraci Giorgio , Carteri Alessandro
Published: April 2018

Recent reports suggest a possible link between ABO blood groups and morbidity for astrocytomas. Eight hundred and forty-four consecutive brain tumors, operated for the first time and histologically verified at the Institute of Neurosurgery of the University of Padua, have been collected for statistical analysis of the variations in the distribution of ABO blood groups among patients affected by tumors of different histological type but with a common histo-embriological derivation from the neuroectoderma. These neoplasms include therefore 565 astrocytomas, 56 tumors of the ependymal series, 63 tumors of the oligodendroglial series, 114 acoustic nerve neurinomas and 46 medulloblastomas. The results of this study are the following: a) the frequency of tumors of neuroectodermal origin does increase among individuals belonging to group A, and the overall variation appears to be of high statistical significance; b) variations observed for astrocytomas are of low value, and however not significant; c) the main differences involve acoustic nerve neurinomas and medulloblastomas: again, this variation affects mainly patients belonging to group A.
Histological and Clinical Study of 136 Cases of Melanoblastoma
Authors: Ricci Sante Basso , Guarino Michele
Published: April 2018

Out of 136 cases of malignant melanomas, 44 survived symptomless more than 5 years after therapy. There were 82 cases of pleomorphic-cell type, 31 spindle-cell, 5 mixed-cell, and 18 superficial melanoblastomas. Spindle-cell and superficial melanoblastomas had a better survival, 55 and 78 percent of the cases being alive without recurrence 5 years after therapy, while only 15 percent of the pleomorphic melanoblastomas had a 5-year survival.
A Case of Carcinoma and Sarcoma in Radiation Dermatitis
Authors: Lovo Gino Franco , Cascinelli Natale
Published: April 2018

The association of carcinoma and sarcoma in a 48-year old woman bearing a large area of radiation dermatitis on the back, is described. At 22 years of age, the patient had pulmonary tuberculosis, was treated by pneumothorax and underwent many control radioscopic examinations for two years. One year later, she developed a radiodermatitis on her back, which had a fluctuating course up to the present time. The entire area of dermatitis was surgically removed: the histological examination showed a squamous-cell carcinoma and a spindle-cell sarcoma in two non contiguous areas.
A Case of Adenolymphoma in the Thyroid Gland
Authors: Talamazzi Franco , Cascinelli Natale
Published: April 2018

A case of adenolymphoma associated to follicular adenoma in the thyroid gland of a 40-year old woman is described.
A Case of Thyrotoxicosis in Metastasizing Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Puricelli Gianpeglio , Spreafico Gianluigi , De Petra Vincenzo
Published: April 2018

A case of thyrotoxicosis in a patient bearing a thyroid carcinoma with lymph node and bone metastases is described. The I131 uptake of the thyroid was notably low (8 % at 24 hours) and was not modified by TSH. Some of the bone metastases showed a high I131 uptake; the PBI was elevated. In this case, the pathogenesis of the thyrotoxicosis is not explained by the common hypotheses; the authors suggest that it might be explained with a reduced metabolisation of the thyroid hormones.
Evaluation of the Methylene Blue Staining of the Salivary Parenchyma in Surgery of the Parotid Gland
Authors: Catania Vinicio C. , Gennari Leandro
Published: April 2018

Injection of methylene blue in the salivary parenchyma was performed in 33 cases of total parotidectomy for primary or metastatic tumors of the parotid gland. The technique of Robinson et al. was employed, with injection of 5–8 ml of a 1 percent aqueous solution of methylene blue in the Stenone's duct. The method showed its usefulness facilitating the search and isolation of the facial nerve and its branches. An improved radicality of the operation was also allowed.
Papillary Carcinoma of the Thyroglossal Duct
Authors: Veronesi Umberto , Gennari Leandro , Cascinelli Natale
Published: April 2018

A 59-year-old woman had a submental mass for 9 years. Surgical resection revealed a solid rounded tumor, 6 cm in diameter, connected with a cyst of the thyroglossal duct. The histological examination showed a non-obliterated thyroglossal duct with cystic dilation and a papillary thyroid carcinoma. This is the 20th case of carcinoma in a thyroglossal remnant described in the literature.
Combined Radiological and Endoscopic Examination in Gastric Tumors
Authors: Carnevali Giuseppe , Gennari Leandro , Uslenghi Carlo
Published: April 2018

One hundred patients, suspected to be affected with gastric cancer, were examined at first roentgenologically and afterwards with a new gastroscope, the fiberscope. A correct diagnosis was performed by the radiologist in 79 patients, by the endoscopist in 87, and with the combined examinations in 91 cases. From the results obtained in this study, it appears that gastroscopy is specially indicated when x-ray findings are uncertain or when there is not agreement between radiological conclusions and clinical signs. In addition, the gastroscopic examination may be able to reveal a neoplastic degeneration of a gastric ulcer, still unsuspected by the radiologist. Gastroscopy has no advantages in the exploration of intramural lesions, but it is sometimes useful in large tumors, already radio-logically diagnosed, in order to discover distant intraluminal metastases.
Electron Microscopy Observations on a Spontaneous Mastocytoma in a Dog
Authors: Pennelli Natale , Mazzarella Luigi , Misdorp Wim
Published: April 2018

The ultrastructure of a dog mastocytoma examined with the electron microscope after fixation in glutaraldehyde, post-fixation in osmiumtetroxide and butyl-methyl methacrylate embedding is described. The ultrastructural characteristics with particular regard to the submicroscopic morphology of specific granules were studied in details, also with the aid of comparative observations on thick sections stained by Giemsa and toluidine blue. On the basis of their observations, the authors describe the following characteristics of neoplastic mastcells: microvilli, a well-developed Golgi region, centrioles, mithocondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum and 4 different types of granules. Other mastcells, with various degree of regressive phoenomena, had almost no microvilli, multiple interruptions of plasma membrane, mithocondrial swelling as well as vacuolar and fibrillar aspect of the cytoplasm. The morphology of different types of intracytoplasmic granules is discussed also in the light of parallel observations made by other authors. Expulsions of granules were not observed. The hypothesis of the phospholipidic nature of the lamellar component of granules is suggested.
Radioisotope Hypophysectomy in the Therapy of Advanced Cancer of the Breast
Authors: Bucalossi Pietro , Buraggi Gianluigi , Catania Vinicio C. , Miserocchi Enrico
Published: April 2018

Results obtained in 102 patients give indications on the value of radiological hypophysectomy in the treatment of advanced mammary cancer. The evaluation of the radicality of hypophysectomy is obtained by dosimetric measurements: in each patient the glandular volume submitted to a dose able to produce necrosis was calculated. Hypophysectomy was considered to be total when the whole gland had received a dose of 100,000 rad. The validity of this method was checked in a group of 6 patients where the destroyed hypophyseal volume could be measured by histological methods. Measured and calculated values were found to agree. Since only 87 out of the 102 mammary cancer patients had undergone irradiation of the whole hypophysis with 100,000 rad, the results obtained in the remaining 15 patients are not considered, due to the doubtful total destruction of the gland. Improvement of symptomatology and general conditions was obtained in the 51%, and in some patients (20% of all cases) objective and manifest regressions of the neoplastic changes were observed. Best results were obtained in fertile patients with a total improvement value of the 54 % especially among those patients treated by oophorectomy and ovaro-adrenalectomy followed by hypophysectomy (61% of improvements). As concerns the localizations, the best results were obtained in cases with a single type of localization. As to the histological nature of the neoplasm, results were somewhat more favourable in patients with adenocarcinoma (54 %) than in patients with solid carcinoma (45%). A comparison of the survival curves of patients treated by hypophysectomy, by ovaro-adrenalectomy and by medical or radiological pallation showed a good increase of the survival rates in patients treated by endocrinosurgery. Complications consisted in 4 cases (out of 120 interventions) of traumatic lesions in cranial nerves, ocurred in the first patients treated by such intervention; 5 cases of meningitis which caused the death of the patients; and 32 cases of lasting diabetes insipidus. In other patients a transient occurrence of meningitis and of diabetes insipidus was noted. The conclusion is drawn that the method fulfils in over half of the cases the requisites of a palliative therapy, improving the patients’ conditions without exposing them to remarkable disturbances. On the basis of the exposed criteria, it is to suppose that the selection of patients could improve the results.
Conversion of Carcinomas into Carcino-sarcomas after Radiumtherapy
Authors: Sirtori Carlo , Pizzetti Federico
Published: April 2018

Five cases of conversion of carcinomas into carcinosarcomas, one case of conversion of carcinoma into carcinosarcoma and then into fibrosarcoma and one case of conversion of carcinoma into spindle cell sarcoma are referred; the lesions were localized in two cases in the portio uteri, in one case in the cheek mucosa and in four cases in the tongue. In all the patients the conversion of the primitive histological pattern of the tumor occurred after local radium treatment: the appearance of the carcinosarcoma took place in four cases 16, 23, 25 and 30 years after a single radium treatment, whereas in two patients submitted to repeated radium therapies the latence time of the conversion lasted 3 and 4 years and the conversion of the carcinoma into spindle cell sarcoma required 15 years. Histological and cytological evaluation allows to exclude the possibility of pseudosarcomatous aspects of epithelial nests and to affirm the malignancy of the connectival portion of the tumors.
Thyroid Function in Patients with Cancer of the Breast.
Authors: Bignazzi Angelo , d'Amico Paolo , Veronesi Umberto
Published: April 2018

In 47 patients with operable cancer of the breast the thyroid activity has been studied with the following tests: a) radioactive iodine uptake, 3 and 24 hours after the administration of 50 μc of I131; b) conversion rate; c) hormonal index, i. e. the quantity of protein bound radioiodine in 1 liter of plasma, evaluated as a percentage of the administered dose. The thyroid function was studied immediately before Halstead operation as well as one, three, and twelve months later. From the data obtained it appears that a) breast cancer patients show a thyroid radioiodine uptake higher than the controls, either at the 3rd or at the 24th hour, b) after the removal of the breast, the uptake decreases, reaching normal values 12 months after the operation, c) the conversion rate does not show any difference from the controls either before or after the operation, d) the hormonal index is considerably higher than normal values before operation, and in spite of a lowering after radical mastectomy, it is still higher one year later. The data seem to show that breast cancer patients have a higher metabolic activity of the thyroid gland, without clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. After removal of the carcerous breast the thyroid activity slowly decreases. However, the conversion rate is not modified as compared to the control patients. Further confirmation of the present preliminary results should be obtained by a comparative evaluation of the results either in patients with other types of tumors, or in patients subjected to surgical procedures for non-tumorous lesions.
Breast Cancer in Women with Cystic Disease of the Breast
Authors: Veronesi Umberto , Pizzocaro Giorgio , Bono Aldo Vittorio
Published: April 2018

From 1937 to 1960, 1051 women with cystic disease of the breast were hospitalized at the National Cancer Institute of Milan; 1008 of them were followed for a period ranging from 1 to 26 years, with an average of 8.5 years. All cases were histologically proved. Twenty-one of the patients developed a cancer of the breast; 16 in the breast with the cystic disease, 5 in the contralateral breast. In 667 cases the disease was histologically classified as «simple cystic disease »; 12 of these cases had a breast cancer. In 384 cases the disease was classififed as «hyperplastic cystic disease»; 9 of these developed a cancer of the breast. The follow-up of the 1008 cases provided 8539 person-years at risk; the number of the expected breast cases was calculated on the basis of the Dorn and Cutler data on morbidity of cancer in 10 metropolitan areas of the United States. The number of expected breast cancer was 12.2; the number of observed cases was 21, the ratio between observed and expected cases being 1.71.
A case of Myelofibrosis with Splenohepatomegaly
Authors: Monti Annamaria
Published: April 2018

A 63-year old woman affected by splenomegaly, anemia and moderate leukocytosis was submitted to splenectomy for a supposed Banti disease. Histological examinations showed splenic invasion by undifferentiated mesenchymal cells with partial myeloid differentiation and with arteriolar hyalinosis; hepatic biopsy revealed only a moderate phlogosis. Following splenectomy a rapid enlargement of the liver was observed, with increase of erythrocytes to 5.6 millions per mm3 and appearance of erythroblasts in the circulating blood; neutrophilic leukocytosis to 200,000 cells per mm3 with presence of myelocytes and metamyelocytes and of occasional atypical cells; increase of platelets to 500,000 elements per mm3 with giant thrombocytes; bone marrow showed areas of fibrosis and a normal formula. The patient died 27 months after splenectomy with a terminal period of profuse enterorrhagia and anemia; post-mortem examination of the liver showed infiltration of cells of erythroblastic type and diffuse cirrhotic fibrosis. The case has been ascribed to the myelofibrosis and defined as a « panmyelosis with fibrotic evolution », with prevailing spleno-hepatic involvement, erythro-leuko-thrombocytemia and terminal liver cirrhosis.
Surgical Procedure in Intra-arterial Treatment with Radiating Microspheres of Cancers of Tongue, Breast and Uterus
Authors: Dogliotti Achille Mario , Caldarola Leonardo , Badellino Fausto , Calderini Paolo , Ravasi Gianni
Published: April 2018

A technique for the delimitation of regional vascular supply for the intraarterial treatment of cancers of tongue, breast, and uterus with radiating microspheres is described. The injection of dyes shows the delimitation obtained on the surface as well as within the organs.
A Case of Postmastectomy Lymphangiosarcoma
Authors: Re Alberto , Zingo Lorenzo , Veronesi Umberto
Published: April 2018

A case of postmastectomy lymphangiosarcoma of the arm, arising 13 years after the operation, is described. A singular character of the case was the absence of lymphedema in the affected arm.
Cancer Chemotherapy and Autogenous Bone Marrow Transplant.
Authors: Di Pietro Sergio , Pellegris Giuseppe , Caprio Guido
Published: April 2018

Thirty patients with widespread neoplastic disease have been treated with high doses of anticancer drugs. At the end of the treatment bone marrow previously drawn from the same patients and stored at -79 °C was reinfused. Different chemotherapeutic drugs were employed, mainly cyclophosphamide (17 cases) for a total dose of 100 mg/Kg, given during 10 days. Two patients died within a month because of toxic effects due to the treatment. In 13 cases a remarkable regression of the neoplastic lesions was observed, while in 10 cases the objective improvement was slight. Three patients are still clinically free of disease more than two years after treatment. The reinfusion of autologous bone marrow seems to favour the haematologic recovery and to avoid the more dangerous toxic effects of high doses of chemotherapy. The results so far obtained do not allow any conclusion on the definite therapeutic advantage of high dosage of anti-cancer drugs over the conventional doses, although remarkable results have been obtained in few patients.
The Therapeutic Problem of Fibrosarcomas of Limbs.
Authors: Gennari Leandro
Published: April 2018

In 61 out of 170 patients with fibrosarcoma, hospitalized at the National Cancer Institute of Milan in the period between 1928 and 1960, the tumor was localized in the limbs. Forty-six cases, after surgical, radiological or radio-surgical treatment, had a total of 97 recurrences. The mean 5-year survival of the treated and untreated patients was 37.7%. In the surgical treatment, the best results were obtained by the «large muscolar resection technique» which allowed a 5-year survival of 86.5 % as compared with the 35 % obtained by the « enucleo resection technique ». In those cases where the tumor was superficial, a large resection of the cutis and of the underlying fascia seemed to be the most indicated technique.
Distribution of Stray Radiation in a Fluoroscopy Room.
Authors: Fava Giannino , Lattuada Angelo
Published: April 2018

The results of a dosimetric evaluation carried out during radioscopic observation in a room for radiological examination of the intestinal tract, are reported. On the basis of the measures obtained it has been possible to draw on the plan of the room some isoexposure curves full of recesses and enlargements. The radiation emerging from X-ray tube is not always reduced at distance from the working apparatus but on the contrary, some time can be increased. The authors point out the usefulness of adopting the indication of «hot areas» which ought to be represented by dash on the floor of the rooms where radiological examinations are made. This simple precaution would be very useful in order to improve the prophylaxis against the overexposure in radiological departments.
Some Aspects of Immunity in Tumors.
Authors: Clerici Enrico
Published: April 2018

This is a review of the main advances in the immunology of tumors. The paper starts from the researches which have led to the identification of the histocompatibility systems and to the formulation of the transplantation laws. After a hint at the different kinds of transplantable tumors, at the grafting technique and at the exceptions of the above laws, the problem of the heterologous grafting and of the so-called privileged sites is taken into consideration. Mention is made of the non-genetic factors which may influence the take of a tumor graft. Next, the actual and debated problem of the tumor specific antigens and, on the opposite side, of the antigenic semplification of tumors is illustrated. Successively, the paper deals with the immunologic reactions by which the host tissues may antagonize the taking of a tumor graft and, conversely, with those like the «enhancement» or «XYZ effect» which promote the multiplication of the neoplastic cells. The review ends with a chapter on the conditioning both of the tumor graft and of the host, i.e., on that complex of biological, chemical and physical treatments which are apt to prolong the survival of a homograft.
Anticatalase Activity « in vitro » and « in vivo » of Cysteine, Tyrosine and Some Related Compounds, and its Significance for the Anticatalase Activity of Tumors.
Authors: Ceriotti Giovanni , Spandrio Luigi , Agradi Angelo
Published: April 2018

Like cysteine and some of its derivatives, tyrosine inhibits liver catalase not only « in vitro » but also « in vivo ». Among the analogues of tyrosine tested, dihydroxyphenylalanine and dihydroxyphenethylamine possess « in vitro » the same activity as tyrosine; the activity of p-hydroxyphenylethanolamine is lower; phenylalanine is inactive. The «in vitro» activity seems to be directly correlated with the auto-oxidability of the various compounds. None of the analogues of tyrosine tested was active «in vivo». The depressing activity of cysteine and of tyrosine on liver catalase apparently has no relationship with the similar action of tumors.
A Rare Case of Intramedullary Lipoma of the Thigh Bone.
Authors: Gennari Leandro , Bozzetti Federico
Published: April 2018

Intramedullary diaphyso-epiphysary lipomas of the thigh bone are extremely rare in the literature (8 cases described). A case in a 58 years old woman is reported. The tumor was localized in the right femoral bone. The same patient had previously presented a similar tumor in the subcutis of the hip and in the parotid area.
Subcutaneous Carcinogenesis by Implants and by 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene
Authors: Tomatis Lorenzo
Published: April 2018

The effects of the combined administration of urethan or Trypan Blue to the s.c. injection of 7,12-dymethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) were investigated.

The repeated administration of Trypan Blue resulted in a marked inhibition of sarcomas arising around Teflon disc implanted s.c. It was thus confirmed, in a different strain of mice, the result of a previous experiment, where Trypan Blue was shown to exert an inhibiting action on the sarcoma production by glass fragments implanted subcutaneously. No consistent inhibiting action of Trypan Blue on the sarcoma production by DMBA could be demonstrated.

Urethan administered before, concurrently or at various time after DMBA administration had no apparent effect on the incidence of sarcomas induced by DMBA. In a previous experiment urethan was showed to enhance the incidence of sarcomas arising around Teflon films.
Combined Hormonal and Cytotoxic Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer.
Authors: Di Pietro Sergio , Salvadori Bruno
Published: April 2018

The authors refer on a clinical trial conducted on a group of 32 women with advanced breast cancer, in order to evaluate the effects of the combined hormonal and cytotoxic treatment of the disease. An androgen compound (2 α-methyl-dihydrotestosterone or n-ottil-enolic ether of dihydrotestosterone) and a cytotoxic substance (Cyclophosphamide) were administrated i. m.; the dose of Cyclophosphamide was 100 mg a day, whereas the dose of the hormonal compound was 100 mg 3 times a week. The treatment was continued over a period of time ranging from 2 to 23 months; the administration of Cyclophosphamide was discontinued for a short period only in case of marked leukopenia: in the course of the therapy the expected side-effects were noted, but they were never of great importance. An objective improvement was obtained in 18 patients; the mean duration of this improvement was of 8,5 months. In 8 women the neoplastic lesions remained unchanged, while in 6 patients a progression of the disease was noted. After a review of the most important records of the world literature on the subject, the authors come to the conclusion that this form of combined therapy may be of some use, particularly in those patients who are not responsive to endocrine ablation. Moreover, the possibility of long term treatments is emphasized, for the lack of any notable, unwanted side-effect.
Influence of Blood Platelets on Fibrinolysis in Acute and Chronic Leukemia.
Authors: Girolami Antonio
Published: April 2018

The correlation between blood platelets and blood fibrinolysis has been investigated in 129 patients with acute and chronic leukemia. The statistical analysis of the results failed to show the existance of any significant relationship between these two parameters.
A Case of Multiple Granular Cell Myoblastoma of the Tongue.
Authors: Salvadori Bruno , Cascinelli Natale
Published: April 2018

A case of multiple granular cell myoblastoma of the tongue is reported; the patient, a woman of 78 years, presented a tumor of the tongue, the characteristic of which differred very much from these of the typical granular cell myoblastoma. In fact, all the typical clinical features of granular cell myoblastoma, like lardaceous aspect, adhesion to the mucosa and absence of ulceration failed to be present. Moreover, this seems to be the only case, reported in the literature, with multiple lesions on the same organ.
Hyperfunctioning Adenoma of the Thyroid. Diagnostic Use of Radioiodine
Authors: Bertolotti Andrea
Published: April 2018

The clinical and pathological features of 8 cases of hyperfunctioning thyroid adenoma which underwent surgery are reported. All the cases were abserved in an early evolution stade. The diagnostic use of radioiodine (1131), alone or with T.S.H. stimulation or T3 inibition test, as well as histologic and radioautographic finding are described. Hyperfunctioning nodes show the histologic structure of simple or hyperplastic follicular adenoma, as well as the structure of foetal adenoma. Radioautography shows evidence of selective adenomatous tissue avidity for radioiodine, which is stored in the colloid. Adenoma arises in normal or in goitrous gland. Involution and loss of radioiodine avidity of neighbouring thyroid tissue were always found.
Biological and Morphological Characteristics of a Lymphoblastic Leukemia of CFW Mice
Authors: Di Marco Aurelio , Dorigotti Luciano , Gaetani Marcello , Scarpinato Biancamaria , Dasdia Teresa
Published: April 2018

The characteristics of a spontaneous lymphoblastic leukemia occurring in CFW inbred mice are described. This tumor develops in about 5 percent of more than 11 month-old mice, more frequently in females. It is successfully transplanted by subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection of cells suspension in animals of the same strain only. Both primary and transplanted leukemias show a varying proportion of cells with aneuploid chromosome numbers, ranging from 39 to 42. Electron microscopic observations of the leukemic cells reveal the presence of intracytoplasmic virus-particles, usually situated in the Golgi zone. The virus has two membranes; the diameter of the outer membrane is about 75 mμ. The virus is similar to the A2 particles described by Dalton. The subcutaneous injection of cell-free filtrates of leukemic cells in less than 24 hour-old CFW mice was followed by the appearance of leukemia only in a limited number of mice. A preliminary investigation of the possible cross-resistance between this leukemia and that induced with Moloney virus in C3H mice showed that pretreatment with Moloney leukemia cells in CFW mice resulted in resistance against a subsequent isograft of CFW leukemia. However, a marked resistance occurred also following the pretreatment of CFW mice with lymphoid cells of normal C3H mice.
Study on the so-called «Pseudosarcoma» Associated with Carcinoma of the Larynx
Authors: Filotico Marcello , Trabucco Mario
Published: April 2018

On the basis of two personal observations of the so-called « pseudosarcoma » associated with carcinoma of the larynx, the literature on this subject is reviewed. The clinical behaviour and pathological findings of these cases and the data emerging from literature show the existence of two types of « pseudosarcoma ». The first type is characterized by macroscopical polypoid morphology and very atypical sarcomatous pattern, in which, however, some characters of the granulation tissue are detectable; the carcinomatous component is very incospicuous and frequently in situ. The second type is characterized by a vegetant non polypoid fibrosarcoma-like stromal proliferation; transitional aspects between the epithelial cells of the squamous-cell carcinoma, and the spindle cells of stromal component are present. The first type of «pseudosarcoma» pursues comparatively benign clinical course, while the second shows clinical behaviour like usual forms of the laryngeal invasive carcinoma.
Problems of the Irradiation of the Pelvis Cancers in Obese Patients
Authors: Magno Lorenzo
Published: April 2018

The irradiation of the pelvis in obese patients meets biological and technical difficulties sometimes considered insuperable. Chiefly when it is necessary to irradiate a very large volume of tissues (for instance, in the case of the irradiation of the pelvis in uterus and ovary cancers) radiotherapy is sometimes considered unsuitable because of considerations concerning the integral dose to be reached, the acute or late reactions expected, difficulties in the choice of the irradiation technique and the execution itself of the therapy. Actually the irradiation of the pelvis in obese patients is clinically possible: it has been performed without complications by the author up to integral doses of 6 × 107 grads in 50 days. The most important problem is the correct choice of treatment technique: when Co 60 gamma rays are employed, obese patients must be irradiated by means of moving beam techniques. The author brings into evidence that obese women, bearing uterus carcinomas, can be irradiated by means of biaxial pendular techniques, employing the same parameters (field at axis, arc width, position of the axis) as in normal subjects. In effect the pelvis in obese subjects is in the center of the corporal section, as in thin subjects. The shape of isodoses in pendular axial irradiations, for Co 60, does not dipend from the dimensions of the body irradiated. The properties of high voltage moving beam radiotherapy turn to the advantage of obese patients. Technical difficulties, which are not negligible, may always be overcome with proper devise.
Scintillation Scanning of the Spleen in Diseases of the Lymphoreticuloendothelial System
Authors: Dragoni Giovanni , Boioli Faustino , Roncoroni Luigi
Published: April 2018

Considerations on the value of scintillation scanning of the spleen, using Cr51 and BMHP-Hg197 labelled red cells, in neoplastic diseases and particularly in malignant lymphomas are reported. The examination was performed in 45 patients and was found useful for the demonstration of changes in spleen size and morphology and for differential diagnosis with abdominal masses. Splenomegalies were studied also through the index of splenic surface. It was also possible the demonstration of « cold areas », corresponding to intrasplenic alterations, as neoplastic infiltration.
Intravenous Pyelography and Renography in Patients with Cervical Carcinoma
Authors: Grattaeola Renzo , Luciani Luciano , Giavelli Sandra , Roncoroni Luigi
Published: April 2018

A total of 148 patients with carcinoma of the cervix were examinated by intravenous pyelogram (I. P.) and by radiohippuran I131 renography (R); it was observed that the radioisotope renogram (R) is more sensitive than the pyelogram in demonstrating renal or ureteral disfunction in patients with carcinoma of the cervix. The distribution of patients and the incidence of urinary complication for each stage were the following. STAGE I: 53 patients examinated; 2 (3,7%) patients had an abnormal I. P. whereas 15 (28,3%) showed an abnormal excretory phase (E) and 4 (7,5%) an abnormal secretory phase (S) in the radioisotope renograms. STAGE II: 34 patients examinated; none with an abnormal I. P., 17 (50%) with an abnormal (E) and 4 (11,7%) with an abnormal (S) in the renograms. STAGE III: 61 patients examinated; 13 (22,4%) presented an abnormal I.P. (in 6 patients no visualization of one kidney, in other 7 cases hydronephrosis was observed) whereas in 44 patients (72,1%) the renograms were abnormal in (E) and in 23 patients showed impairment of function (S). It was observed that the incidence of urinary tract complications of carcinoma of the cervix, observed by the radioisotope renogram, is in agreement with the incidence of treatment failures observed at the same stage I, II and III of 615 patients treated in this Institute during the years 1948-1957 inclusive. It is proposed to use the renogram method as a necessary study for an accurate staging, to reduce the number of relatively advanced carcinomas which are wrongly classified as stage I and to perform a more convenient treatment planning.