bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presence of Cells with Argyrophil Granules in Normal, Hyperplastic, and Neoplastic Endometrium
Authors: Resta Leonardo , Zito Francesco Alfredo , Maiorano Eugenio , Pollice Lucio
Published: April 2018

Cells with argyrophil granules were searched for in 131 consecutive specimens obtained from endometrial curettage. Particular care was taken with the fixation methods to avoid a false positivity to the silver impregnation according to Grimelius. We did not consider the grossly argyrophilic positivity on the cellular apex or of the whole cytoplasm, which was partially reduced by diastase digestion and probably due to the presence of glycogen and secretory mucoproteins. Cells with thin argyrophilic granules similar to those observed in endocrine APUD cells were present among glandular cells and/or among stromal cells in 15 of 131 examined specimens. They concerned 5 cases of proliferative endometrium, 3 of secretive endometrium, 5 of hyperplasia, and 2 of carcinoma. In 8 of the 15 cases with argyrophilic cells, immunohistochemical studies with the PAP method showed cells with the presence of FSH, S-100 protein, somatostatin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), gastrin, and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). The significance and origin of these cells in normal and neoplastic endometrium are discussed.
Neurofibromatosis and Malignant Childhood Cancers: A Survey in Italy, 1970–83
Authors: Mosso Maria Luisa , Castello Manuel , Bellani Franca Fossati , Di Tullio Maria Teresa , Loiacono Franco , Paolucci Guido , Tamaro Paolo , Terracini Benedetto , Pastore Guido
Published: April 2018

Neural tumors, Wilms’ tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma and several types of leukemia have been previously described in association with neurofibromatosis (NF). In a nation-wide collection of cases in Italy, 15 children (0–14 years of age) with NF and cancer or leukemia were identified; 13 of them had been diagnosed with cancer between 1976–83. The expected number of children with cancer and NF in 1976–83 was 4.48. The distribution of tumor types was different from that found in the general population, with a higher proportion of tumors of neural crest origin as well as soft tissue sarcomas. In 7/15 the family history was positive for NF; in 5/7 the individuals affected included the mother and/or a maternal relative.
Undifferentiated (Embryonal) Sarcoma of the Liver in Childhood: Results of a Retrospective Italian Study
Authors: Perilongo Giorgio , Carli Modesto , Sainati Laura , Cecchetto Giovanni , Mancini Antonia , di Montezemolo Luca Cordero , Comelli Adele , Colella Roberto , Tamaro Paolo , Colleselli Paolo , Pastore Guido
Published: April 2018

The clinical features and the treatment of undifferentiated (embryonal) sarcoma of the liver in 8 patients younger than 19 years old were analyzed. AH these cases were registered in the retrospective multicentric study on childhood malignant tumors of the liver, conducted between 1983 and 1985 by the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology. The age of the patients ranged from 94 to 190 months (median = 113.5 months); all children were males. An abdominal mass was the common presenting features. Abnormalities in hemogram and common liver tests were rarely reported. Angiography revealed various degrees of vascularization in these tumors. Two patients achieved a surgical complete remission (CR) at diagnosis; one patient achieved surgical CR after primary chemotherapy with vincristine, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil, which reduced the tumor volume and permitted surgical resection. Two of these patients are still in CR at 14 and 60 months after diagnosis; the third patient died of liver failure without evidence of recurrence 6 months after diagnosis. All of the other patients, who never achieved CR, died of disease. One was lost to follow-up, and one surgical death occurred. Reports of childhood undifferentiated sarcoma are reviewed.
Cancer of the Breast in Women Born in Southern Italy and who Migrated to the City of Torino
Authors: Merletti Franco , Rosso Stefano , Terracini Benedetto , Cappa Alberto Pier Mario
Published: April 2018

Individual demographic data of 459 women living in Torino with incident breast cancer diagnosed in 1979 were compared with those of a random sample of 1800 women drawn from the list of residents in the same city. Among women aged 25–44 and 45+ years, age-adjusted odds ratios for birth in southern Italy were respectively 1.3 (95% CL, 0.1–2.1) and 0.7 (95% CL, 0.5–0.9). In women aged 45+ years, odds ratios increased with length of residence in Torino.
Young Age is not an Ominous Prognostic Factor in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Muscolino Giuseppe , Villani Corrado , Bedini Amedeo Vittorio , Luini Alberto , Salvadori Bruno
Published: April 2018

Analysis of a series of 137 women 20–30 years of age, operated for breast carcinoma, excluding patients pregnant, lactating or with inflammatory cancer, showed that disease-free survival rates were similar and not lower than those reported for a large series of 716 breast cancer patients of all ages, treated and followed at the same Institute. Ten-year disease-free survival rates for the two series of 137 young women and 716 patients of all ages were 43.7% and 47.1% respectively. Even when considering the subgroups of patients with and without nodal axillary involvement, the corresponding figures for the two series considered were 72.6% vs. 72.1% (N−) and 25.1% vs. 24.5% (N+). It can be concluded that young age cannot be considered as an unfavorable prognostic factor.
Early-Onset Diagnosis of Lung Toxicity Caused by Cyclophosphamide, Melphalan and Procarbazine Therapy
Authors: Lauta Vito Michele , Valerio Giuseppe , Greco Anna , Minutolo Marino Capece
Published: April 2018

Lung function studis were performed in 33 patients with lymphomyeloproliferative diseases (25 cases of multiple myeloma and 8 cases of Hodgkin's disease) who received cyclophosphamide, procarbazine, and melphalan therapy. Lung function was investigated by spirometric tests, indicative tests of small airways disease, and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DUCO). Indicative tests of small airways disease and other lung function tests such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEY,), vital capacity (VC), total lung capacity (TLC) etc. were markedly improved in 18 patients (55%), whereas 24 patients (73%) showed a decreased diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide. Furthermore, most of the patients (77% – 83%) showed contemporaneous involvement of spirometric tests and DUCO. The DUCO was also found more constantly impaired than other function tests because it had decreased with and without other spirometric tests. Impaired lung function tests were found to be related to a cumulative dose of antineoplastic drugs. The absence of increased lung toxicity was found to be related to several drugs administered in combination. In view of the absence of previous bronchopathies, lung involvement signs in multiple myeloma (25, 26) or lymphoma, and concomitant bronchopneumonias, the impaired functional tests could be ascibed to drug-induced lung toxicity. In the absence of clinical symptoms, roentgenographic and pathologic features, impaired lung function tests may play a role as early-onset signs of drug-induced lung toxicity.
Cardiotoxicity during Chemotherapy for Advanced Gastroenteric Tumors
Authors: Raina Alberto , Ferrante Furio , Bisol Antonietta , Fiori Giancarla , Galeone Marco
Published: April 2018

The authors report two cases of patients with advanced gastroenteric carcinoma, which developed different cardiotoxicity patterns after the administration of cytotoxic drugs. The firsts patient showed a picture of dilatative cardiomyopathy with associated symptoms of angina pectoris and congestive heart failure; the second patient presented a cardiac arrhythmia after several administrations of S-fluorouracil. The possible mechanisms of these toxic effects, as well as the drug interactions are briefly discussed. Cardiotoxicity of cytotoxic drugs should be considered by oncologists even in patients with no previous history of cardiac disease.
Secondary Acute non Lymphoid Leukemia in Patients Treated for non Hodgkin's Lymphoma: No Risk of Therapy-Related Anll after Provecip Schedule
Authors: Cimino Giuseppe , Anselmo Anna Paola , Cartoni Claudio , Guglielmi Cesare , Coco Francesco Lo , Mancini Marco , Enrici Riccardo Maurizi , Papa Giuseppe , Mandelli Franco
Published: April 2018

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the frequency, characteristics and actuarial risk of secondary acute non lymphoid leukemia (s-ANLL) in 141 patients treated for non Hodgkin's lymphoma with different modalities. One hundred and twenty-four patients received chemotherapy according to PROVECIP protocol (9). Of these, 15 also received as induction treatment a local nodal irradiation and 33 an extended field radiotherapy. Seventeen out of 141 were treated by total body irradiation. Of these, 15 relapsed and received salvage chemotherapy. Sixteen of the 124 patients treated with PROVECIP also underwent different chemotherapeutic programs as salvage treatment. Of the entire population studied, 2 patients developed an s-ANLL, 45 and 63 months after diagnosis of NHL. The type of treatment significantly affected the occurrence of s-ANLL, since both leukemias occurred in patients treated with total body irradiation, given alone or followed by chemotherapy. The actuarial risk at 8 years was 5.24% in the whole group, whereas it greatly increased in the group of patients treated with total body irradiation (24%). Conversely, no risk was found in the group treated with PROVECIP, alone, with additional chemotherapy, or with associated local or extended field radiotherapy.
Impact of Hospitalization on the Nutritional Status of Cancer Patients
Authors: Ravera Elisabetta , Bozzetti Federico , Ammatuna Mario , Radaelli Giovanni
Published: April 2018

This study was undertaken to examine the influence of hospitalization on the nutritional status of cancer patients. We examined 126 patients consecutively admitted to the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan. At admission, all patients underwent standard evaluations, including actual weight, percentage weight loss, arm circumference, triceps skinfold, serum proteins, serum albumin, total iron binding capacity, cholinesterase and peripheral lymphocytes. Finally, from all patients a 24-h dietary recall was obtained, in order to calculate calorie and protein intake. All the patients underwent another evaluation after 1 week of hospitalization; after 2 weeks only 37 of them were evaluated again, since some were operated, some were treated with radio-chemotherapy, some were discharged or had died. Results showed that after one week of hospitalization some variables were significantly altered, such as arm circumference in male patients, serum proteins, cholinesterase, total iron binding capacity, peripheral lymphocytes, calorie and protein intake. A significant weight loss was seen after 2 weeks. The reduced calorie and protein assumption was correlated with depletion of some of the nutritional variables (body weight, arm circumference in males, total iron binding capacity, serum albumin, cholinesterase, lymphocytes). Our data show that hospitalization plays an important role in deterioration of nutritional status in our patient population, and this problem is generally overlooked by the clinicians primarily involved in the care of cancer patients.
Serum Thymidine Kinase and Beta-2 Microglobulin in Monoclonal Gammopathies
Authors: Ucci Giovanni , Riccardi Alberto , Luoni Renata , Spriano Paolo , Merlini Giampaolo , Danova Marco , Cassano Enrico , Molinari Ermete , Ascari Edoardo
Published: April 2018

We evaluated the serum thymidine kinase (TK) and β-2 microglobulin (β-2) levels of 22 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and of 29 patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Both parameters were significantly lower in MGUS than in MM patients and in early (stage I+II) than in advanced (stage III) MM. TK was also lower in MGUS than in stage I MM (p < 0.025). A seven-fold increase of TK level was documented in one patient who developed a full blown picture of MM 6 years after a diagnosis of MGUS. In 3 patients with stage III MM, a sharp decrease in TK (40–77%) and in β-2 (29–53%) levels at remission was evident with respect to the levels measured at diagnosis. Patients with high levels of TK or [3-2 had a shorter survival than those with low levels; however, this was statistically significant only for β-2 levels (p < 0.02). Serum TK as well as β-2 levels appear to be of clinical value in monoclonal gammopathies and related to the course of the disease.
Clinical Study of Melatonin in Untreatable Advanced Cancer Patients
Authors: Lissoni Paolo , Barni Sandro , Tancini Gabriele , Crispino Sergio , Paolorossi Franco , Lucini Valeria , Mariani Marco , Cattaneo Giulio , Esposti Daniele , Esposti Germana , Fraschini Franco
Published: April 2018

It is known that the pineal gland has some antitumor activity. Melatonin, its most important hormone, has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, some investigations have demonstrated an altered melatonin secretion in cancer patients. Despite these interesting data, clinical trials have never been carried out to evaluate the effects of melatonin on human neoplasms. The aim of this study was to draw some preliminary conclusions on melatonin therapy in advanced human neoplasms. Nineteen patients suffering from advanced solid tumors, which did not respond to standard therapies, entered the study. Performance status (PS) was 20 or less in 9 cases, and more than 20 in the other 10. Melatonin was given intramuscularly at a daily dose of 20 mg at 3.00 p.m., followed by a maintenance period with lower doses in patients who had a remission, a stabilization of disease or an improvement in PS. Among patients with a PS higher than 20, a partial response was achieved in one case with cancer of the pancreas; moreover, 5 of 10 had stable disease, but the other 4 cases had a progression; an evident improvement of PS was obtained in 6 of the 10 cases. In contrast, among patients with a very poor PS, 7 of 9 died within the first 2 months of therapy. This preliminary study would suggest that melatonin may be of some value in treating cancer patients in whom standard antitumor therapies have failed, particularly in improving their PS and quality of life.
Pilot Study of Intravenous Administration of the Acid-Treated Salmonella Minnesota R595 (Re) in Cancer Patients
Authors: Jirillo Antonio , Disperati Alberto , Balli Mario , Bonciarelli Giorgio , Demicheli Romano , Antonaci Salvatore , Jirillo Emilio
Published: April 2018

The clinical toxicity of acetic acid-treated « Salmonella minnesota » R595 (Re) organisms was evaluated in 24 cancer patients. Bacteria were injected i.v. four times at increasing doses for a total of 6.5 μg. This therapeutic regimen was free of major side effects (one patient had fever higher than 38 °C and 10 patients complained of pruritus). Furthermore, this bacterial preparation which possesses a more exposed lipid A on its surface, exhibited immunomodulating capacities in that it normalized the inverted T helper/T suppressor ratio and enhanced natural killer activity in tumor patients. The mechanisms of the lower toxicity and immunomodulating activities of these bacteria compared to other lipid A preparations are discussed.
Phase II Trial of Mitomycin plus Cisplatin in the Treatment of Advanced Colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Demicheli Romano , Jirillo Antonio , Bonciarelli Giorgio , Lonardi Federico , Balli Mario
Published: April 2018

Cisplatinum may be synergistic if used in combination with other agents. This study was undertaken to investigate whether a mitomycin plus cisplatin in combination could show any promising data in colorectal cancer. The regimen did not show sufficient activity to encourage further trials.
Specificity of the Rearrangements of the T-Cell Receptor Gamma Gene in Human Lymphomas
Authors: Villa Anna , Cairo Gaetano , Biunno Ida , Sacco M. Grazia , Besana Carlo , Schiaflonati Luisa , Giardini Roberto , Rilke Franco , Vezzoni Paolo
Published: April 2018

The structure and function of the human T-cell rearranging gamma gene are not completely understood. Several reports have suggested that this gene rearranges specifically in normal T cells, but the pattern of rearrangement in human lymphoid neoplasms is not clear. Some authors have described the rearrangements of this gene in unmanipulated leukemias as relatively specific for T-derived tumors, whereas others were unable to observe such specificity in malignant lymphomas. The present paper reports the analysis of the structure of the gamma gene in 32 lymphoid samples of different origin, with emphasis on non-T lymphomas. Four out of four T-cell lymphomas had this gene rearranged, whereas none of the 17 cases of B-cell lymphomas, 5 of Hodgkin's disease or 6 of nonneoplastic lesions showed any alterations of the gamma gene. Therefore, our data support the relative specificity of the gamma gene rearrangements in human T-cell malignant proliferations.
Inter-Observer Variability in the Interpretation of Mammograms
Authors: Vineis Paolo , Sinistrero Giuseppe , Temporelli Aurelio , Azzoni Livio , Bigo Aldo , Burke Paolo , Ciccone Giovannino , Fasciano Fedele , Ferraris Renato , Frigerio Alfonso , Genovese Maria Grazia , Luparia Enrico , Potenzoni Francesco , Segnan Nereo
Published: April 2018

Inter-observer agreement was tested in the interpretation by 8 radiologists of mammograms from 45 women (for a total of 180 films per radiologist). The radiologists were representative of the whole range of those involved in mammography in the town of Torino, with a number of films read per year ranging from 100 to 4000. Out of the 45, 9 women were affected by breast cancer (histologically proved), 25 had benign disease (diagnosed with fine-needle aspiration) and 11 had normal breasts. Weighted kappa values were in the range 0.27–0.82 (median 0.60) for parenchymal patterns; 0.33–0.67 (0.48) for diagnosis in five categories; and 0.22–0.57 (0.38) for indications for further diagnostic tests. These values are comparable with those reported from other investigations.
Immunohistochemical Study of Ten Cases of Argyrophilic Carcinoma (Carcinoid) of the Breast
Authors: Andreola Salvatore , Di Re Emanuela , Merson Mirella , Maggiulli Lorenza , De Palma Patrizia
Published: April 2018

The significance of argyrophilia in human breast cancer is still a controversial issue. We tested immunohistochemically 10 cases of argyrophilic carcinomas of the breast and found evidence of immunoreactivity with neuroendocrine markers: chromogranin, NSE, gastrin, insulin and bombesin. Argyrophilia was demonstrated in breast cancers of the usual types and was found to be related to the secretory activity of neoplastic cells. Unfortunately, no adequate follow-up data are available to clarify the natural history of argyrophilic breast cancer. A clinical treatment different from that of conventional breast cancer is not at present justified.
Monoclonal Antibodies MBr1 and MBr8 as Predictors of Response to Oophorectomy in Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Cascinelli Natale , Greco Marco , Leo Ermanno , Agresti Roberto , Andreola Salvatore
Published: April 2018

The response to oophorectomy in 40 patients with advanced breast cancer was evaluated as a function of the presence or absence of the antigens recognized by the monoclonal antibodies MBrl, MBr8, and MOv2 on the cell surface of the primary tumor. Two groups (20 patients alive 5 years after oophorectomy and 20 patients who died within 5 years) were evaluated. These groups had a) the same distribution of lymph node status, diameter of the primary, and the presence of estrogen receptors at the time of first treatment and b) a comparable extent of the disease at the time of oophorectomy. The frequency of complete response after oophorectomy was significantly higher in patients whose tumors did not express the antigens recognized by antibodies MBrl and MBr8. Fourteen of the 22 patients with tumors not reacting with MBrl and 11 of the 18 negative to MBr8 had a complete response. There was no correlation with response and the monoclonal antibody MOv2. Both MBrl and MBr8 were present in 11 patients and both were absent in another 11. The simultaneous absence of the two antigens was related to the highest complete response rate (9 out of 11 patients).
An Uncommon Cause of Massive Intraperitoneal Bleeding: Leiomyoblastoma of the Stomach
Authors: Zerbi Alessandro , Braga Marco , Sironi Alessandro , Faravelli Agostino , Di Carlo Valerio
Published: April 2018

A large exogastric leiomyoblastoma in a 48-year-old male revealed by asymptomatic upper abdominal mass is reported. Abdominal ultrasound, computerized tomography scan and magnetic resonance showed a 20 cm cystic lesion apart from liver and pancreas of undetermined origin. During hospitalization, massive intraperitoneal bleeding due to rupture of the mass was observed. An emergency laparotomy was carried out, and excision of a large, ruptured, cystic mass involving the greater gastric curvature was performed. Microscopy revealed a gastric leiomyoblastoma. Even if infrequent, massive intraperitoneal bleeding is a very serious complication of gastric leiomyoblastoma. Considering the difficulty of an accurate preoperative diagnosis and the risk of intraperitoneal rupture, the authors suggest that similar abdominal masses should be managed by quick diagnostic investigations and early surgical procedures.
Analysis of Glutathione-Dependent Enzyme Activities in two Different Rat Hepatomas and in Normal Liver in Relation to their Role in Resistance to Oxidative Stress
Authors: Rossi Maria Armida , Dianzani Mario Umberto
Published: April 2018

The importance of some glutathione metabolic pathways was examined in two highly dedifferentiated hepatomas, Yoshida AH-130 and Morris 3924 A hepatomas, and in normal liver in relation to their role against oxidative stress. The cytosol prepared from Yoshida hepatoma cells decreased the peroxidation rate in normal liver microsomes and mitochondria, but this antioxidant property was not displayed by Morris hepatoma. Glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferases activities were extremely low in both hepatomas; glutathione reductase activity values were about half the normal liver values. The large decrease in glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferases suggests that in these two tumors only small amounts of GSH can be used in reduction or conjugation reactions, such as the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides or the conjugation of GSH with the end products of lipoperoxidation, aldehydes or ketones. The hypothesis of a more efficient GSSG reduction in hepatomas, due to the low glutathione peroxidase/glutathione reductase activity ratio, is also discussed. The described changes in glutathione related enzymes do not seem to have any correlation with the protective effect against the lipoperoxidative processes displayed by some tumors since these enzymatic activities were similar in both hepatomas whereas only Yoshida hepatoma showed antioxidant properties.
Serum Glycoconjugates in Patients with Anemia and Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Patel Prabhudas S. , Adhvaryu Siddharth G. , Balar Damodar B.
Published: April 2018

Because of carbohydrate alterations in malignant cells, serum glycoproteins have drawn considerable attention. In the current investigation we determined total sialic acid (TSA), lipid bound sialic acid (LSA), protein bound hexoses (galactose+mannose), fucose, hexosamines (galactosamine+glucosamine) and mucoid protein concentrations in the serum of patients with anemia and myeloid leukemia. The results were compared with those obtained in healthy individuals. In the leukemia patients we observed significant increases in glycoconjugates compared with the controls (P < 0.001), and in TSA and fucose levels compared with the anemia patients (P < 0.001). LSA and hexosamine levels were significantly lower in anemia patients with respect to the leukemia patients (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively), whereas levels of mucoid proteins and hexoses did not show significant differences. Except for hexosamines, all the markers tested were significantly elevated in the anemia patients compared with the controls. The present study suggests that the glycoconjugates investigated might be useful biochemical markers for differentiating anemic from leukemic conditions.
Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) as a Tumor Marker in Ewing's Sarcoma
Authors: Bacci Gaetano , Avella Maddalena , McDonald Douglas , Toni Aldo , Orlandi Maurizio , Campanacci Mario
Published: April 2018

The pretreatment serum lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) level of 246 patients with Ewing's sarcoma of bone (47 metastatic and 199 localized at presentation) was examined to evaluate the use of LDH as a tumor marker. The percentage of patients with increased serum LDH levels was significantly higher in the metastatic group than in the group of patients with localized disease (83 % vs 41 %; p < 0.01). In the latter group the relapse rate after treatment with combined therapy was significantly higher in patients with an elevated serum LDH at admission than in those with normal serum levels (68.2 % vs 39.3 %; p < 0.01). After local treatment, in 73 out of 82 patients with an elevated serum LDH at admission the enzyme level normalized whereas in 9 it fell but never reached a normal value. The rate of relapse in these two groups was respectively 64 % and 100 %. The value of serum LDH at the time of recurrence, determined in 62 patients, was elevated in 50 (80.7 %). These data demonstrate that in Ewing's sarcoma of bone pretreatment serum LDH levels have a definitive value in establishing the prognosis and could also be used in evaluating the response to therapy. A persistent elevated value of serum LDH, or an increasing value after a transient normalization, is usually followed by relapse.
HLA Antigens in Familial and Sporadic Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Rovini Dario , Pellegris Giuseppe , Cascinelli Natale , Cantoni Laura , Vaglini Maurizio , Placucci Marco , Santinami Mario , Belli Filiberto , Illeni Maria Teresa
Published: April 2018

One hundred and twenty-four subjects belonging to 25 families, 51 with familial malignant melanoma (FMM), and 186 subjects belonging to 41 families, 41 with sporadic malignant melanoma, were typed for the HLA A, B, C and DR loci of the HLA system. There was the same statistically significant difference in the frequency of the haplotype A9, B35, Cw4 between each group of patients and the respective healthy relatives (p = 0.01, p = 0.01 and p = 4 × 10−3, respectively). Moreover, the higher frequency of the haplotype A9, B35, Cw4 in the healthy members of the FMM families (42.46 %) compared with the healthy members of the SMM families (23.44 %) indicates that in the latter group other individuals are at risk for the disease. Furthermore, the different frequency of haplotypes B5, DR5 and B5, Cw1 suggests that differences exist between the two groups of healthy relatives. These observations confirm that the HLA region is involved in the etiology of malignant melanoma.
Selection of High-Risk Groups for Breast Cancer Screening. Evidence from an Italian Multicentric Case Control Study
Authors: Pari Eugenio , Del Turco Marco Rosselli , Palli Domenico , Buiatti Eva , Bruzzi Paolo , Piffanelli Adriano
Published: April 2018

In recent years techniques for the selection of risk groups for high priority breast screening have been evaluated (7, 11). We used data from a large multicentric case control study in Italy, recently published (12), to fit a reduced logistic model for predictive purposes, using variables which are easily collected. The predicted probability of being a case obtained through the logistic analysis was then used to classify the same set of data by calculating values of sensitivity and specificity at different cutoff points of the predicted probability. The results showed the low predictive power of the model. The selection of higher risk groups in a screening population program is discussed.
Bronchial Carcinoid with S-100 Positive Sustentacular Cells
Authors: Barbareschi Mattia , Ferrero Stefano , Frigo Barbara , Mariscotti Cesare , Mosca Leonardo
Published: April 2018

A case of double bronchial typical carcinoid of the central type, with a nodal metastasis and paraneoplastic Cushing syndrome is reported. The case is remarkable because both the primary tumors and nodal metastasis were composed of a duoble cell population: one was arranged in nests, was argyrophilic, immunostained with PHE-5 monoclonal antibody, and contained neurosecretory granules; the other one was neither argyrophilic nor PHE-5-immunoreactive, but was strongly immunoreactive for S-100 protein, had a stellate morphology and was at the periphery of the nests of the other cells. The S-100 immunoreactive cells were regarded as a sort of « sustentacular » or « satellite » cells, which are themselves neoplastic. Bronchial carcinoids with S-100 positive cells, although strictly related with other bronchial carcinoids, may in fact represent a group of tumors with different histogenesis and/or differentiative pattern. More work should be done to elucidate whether there is any relevant clinical difference between bronchial carcinoids with or without S-100 reactive cells.
Superficial Spreading Melanoma with a Nodular Area: Antigenic Phenotype of the Radial and Vertical Growth Areas
Authors: Brogelli Laura , Moretti Silvia , Giannotti Benvenuto
Published: April 2018

We investigated antigenic features associated with different tumor progression steps in primary melanoma, interpreted as different patterns of growth (radial and vertical) in the same and in different lesions. Thirty-eight primary melanomas were examined: 18 superficial spreading malanomas, 13 superficial spreading melanomas with a nodular area and 7 nodular melanomas. 225.28,763.74, CL.203, VF19LL209, VF19LL217, Q5.13, W6.32 and anti-HLA-DR monoclonal antibodies were used. Phenotypic differences between radial and vertical growth areas were observed but no statistical significance could be found.
Surgical Resection in the Treatment of Stages I-II of Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (SCLC)
Authors: Cataldo Ignazio , Bedini Amedeo Vittorio , Muscolino Giuseppe , Valente Maurizio , Pastorino Ugo , Bidoli Paolo , Pilotti Silvana , Ravasi Gianni
Published: April 2018

From 1981 to 1986, 17 patients with resected small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) staged as I or II according to the new TNM classification were recruited for a prospective study to evaluate the effctiveness of surgery and postoperative chemotherapy (plus locoregional radiotherapy only when a nonradical resection was accomplished) in the treatment of early stages of the disease. Six patients received full protocol chemotherapy (6 courses) and 8 a mean of 79.1% of the planned courses. Three patients received non adjuvant treatment. Locoregional radiotherapy for residual disease was administered in 2 cases. One patient died for myelosuppression due to chemotherapy and 10 for recurrences of cancer, all within the 20th postoperative month. Metastases accounted 80% of overall recurrences. Six patients were alive and tumor-free at 18, 22, 39, 44, 47 and 51 months from resection. Actuarial observed 3-year survival was 32%.
Malignant Parotid Tumors Diagnostic Considerations and Therapeutic Suggestions
Authors: Lippi Lippo , De Meester Wolfango , Norberti Alessandro , Porzio Paolo
Published: April 2018

This paper presents our experience of the problem of diagnosis and surgical treatment of malignant parotid tumors, based on a retrospective evaluation of a series of 478 parotid tumors, of which 100 were malignant. Out of 75 primaris malignant tumors of epithelial origin, 35 belonged to the « epidermoid » group (adenocarcinomas, undifferentiated carcinomas, malignant mixed tumors, squamous cell carcinoma), 20 were muco-epidermoid carcinomas, 15 adenoid cystic carcinomas and 5 were acinic cell carcinoma. Altogether, 58.7% of the treated patients do not at the moment present evidence of disease; 33.3% are dead from the disease or are alive with active disease; 5.3% are dead from other causes and 2.7% are lost to follow-up. Underlining the importance of histologic examination of the swelling by intraoperative biopsy, the authors propose a diagnostic and therapeutic protocol.
Dental Elements in Mature Teratomas of the Ovary: Scanning Electron Microscope Ultrastructure
Authors: Fedele Luigi , Marchini Maurizio , Baglioni Andrea , Arcaini Luisa , Zamberletti Daniela , Carinelli Silvestro G.
Published: April 2018

Seventy-two teeth from 10 ovarian mature teratomas and 12 unerupted and erupted teeth from subjects aged 8 to 21 years were examined at the scanning electron microscope to evaluate the morphologic and histogenetic differences. The ultrastructure of the teratomatous teeth was similar to that of the corresponding orthotopic tissues. Despite this similarity the morphology of the teratomatous teeth was much less well defined, attesting to the inductive effect of the contiguous tissues that are normally present in the oral cavity.
Differential Effect of Clofibrate on Adriamycin Cytotoxicity in P388 Murine Leukemia Cells Sensitive and Resistant to Adriamycin
Authors: Chitnis Manik , Parekh Hemant , Satyamoorthy K.
Published: April 2018

Clofibrate (CPIB), an antihyperlipidemic agent, was utilized as a drug response modulator to modify the cytotoxicity of adriamycin (ADR) in vitro in P388 murine lymphocytic leukemia cells sensitive (P388/S) and resistant (P388/ADR) to ADR. CPIB elicited concentration and time dependent DNA biosynthesis inhibition which was completely reversible up to the concentration of 0.0025 % in P388/S. However, only a partial reversibility of DNA biosynthesis inhibition was observed in P388/ADR cells treated with 0.0025 % of CPIB. In both P388/S and P388/ADR there was complete and irreversible DNA biosynthesis inhibition at CPIB concentration of 0.005%. These findings were further confirmed by tumorigenicity anaysis. CPIB was ineffective in altering ADR cytotoxicity in P388/S ceils. However, in P388/ADR, CPIB enhanced ADR cytotoxicity at the lower concentrations of ADR and decreased the cytotoxicity upon increase in ADR concentrations. The enhancement in ADR cytotoxicity by CPIB in P388/ADR was due to increased ADR accumulation which was absent in P388/S cells. The present findings suggest the utility of CPIB as a selective agent to circumvent ADR resistance and to reduce host toxicity due to the drug.
Chronic. Myeloid Leukemia with Monoclonal Gammopathy Terminating in Myeloid Crisis and Immunoblastic Lymphoma
Authors: Larocca Luigi M. , Zollino Marcella , Carbone Arnaldo , Eboli Maria Luisa , Mango Giorgio , Leone Giuseppe
Published: April 2018

A patient, with chronic myeloid leukemia and IgA monoclonal gammopathy, who contemporaneously developed myeloid blast crisis and immunoblastic lymphoma is reported. Cytogenetic studies showed complex chromosome abnormalities concerning chromosomes 8, 14 and 22, other than the Ph chromosome. A possible relationship between the emergence of immunoblasts from slow proliferating lymphoplasmacytoid cells, myeloid blasts crisis and chromosomal changes is discussed.
p29 Protein in Breast Cancer: Relation between Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors
Authors: Morà Arturo Artero , Hernandez Ana Lluch , Sanchez Antonio Cano , Cañigral Francisco Javier Bueno , Quetglas Gregorio Martin , Candel Vicente Alberola , Bru Javier Garcia-Conde
Published: April 2018

An immunoradiometric assay was used to determine the presence of p29 protein in 68 breast cancer cytosols. The p29 values ranged from 0 to 1123 U/mg, with a mean value of 127+28.7 U/mg. Using a cutoff point of 20 U/mg the frequency of p29 positive tumors was about 55%. A quantitative and qualitative relation was found between p29 and estrogen receptor (ER), but not between p29 and progesterone receptor (PR). Discordance between p29 and ER status was found in 13 out of 68 tumors. Both the frequency of p29 positive tumors and the p29 values were significantly higher in postmenopausal than in premenopausal women, in a similar way to ER but different from PR. There was no difference in p29 content between primary tumor and metastasis. We did not find any relation among p29 primary tumors content and axillary lymph nodes involvement or tumor size.
Mitomycin C and Vinblastine in Advanced Refractory Breast Cancer
Authors: Brambilla Cristina , Zambetti Milvia , Ferrari Laura , Bonadonna Gianni
Published: April 2018

A combination of mitomycin C and vinblastine was administered as salvage treatment in 44 patients with heavily pretreated refractory breast cancer. Response rate was 23% (10 of 44) including one complete response of lung metastases. The highest response rate was seen in intrathoracic localizations (45 %). Median duration of response was 6.5 months (range, 3–17). Treatment was generally well tolerated, and only 25 % of patients developed nausea and vomiting. Neurologic toxicity was represented by paresthesia (8 patients) and constipation (one patient). Mild leukopenia was observed in 30 of 172 treatment cycles, but it exceeded grade 2 in only 5 patients. Considering the good compliance of this regimen and the poor prognosis of patients with advanced refractory disease, the combination of mitomycin C plus vinblastine appears to be useful as salvage treatment for metastatic breast cancer.
Retrospective Analysis of the Cyvadic Regimen in Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Frustaci Sergio , Re Giovanni Lo , Crivellari Diana , De Paoli Antonino , Galligioni Enzo , Franchin Gianni , Tumolo Salvatore , Monfardini Silvio
Published: April 2018

We performed a retrospective review of our data obtained with the original CYVADIC regimen in 31 consecutive patients with advanced soft tissue sarcomas. The treatment consisted of cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 i.v. on day 1, vincristine 1.5 mg/m2 in days 1 and 5, doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 i.v. on day 1, and dacarbazine 250 mg/m2 i.v. from days 1 to 5, repeated every 3 weeks. An objective response was observed in 11/31 patients (35.5%). There were 2 complete remissions (6.5%) lasting 23 and 2 months respectively and 9 partial responses (median duration 7 months, range 1–23). No change was observed in 14 patients, and 6 patients showed progression after a median of 2 cycles of chemotherapy. Toxicity was similar to that already described with this regimen, with alopecia, nausea, vomiting and myelosuppression being the most important side effects. In particular, the median WBC nadir was 1,900/mm3 (range 400–3,600/mm3) whereas the platelet nadir was 181,000/mm3 (range 80,000–358,000/mm3); no patient developed congestive heart failure, and no treatment related death was observed. Still today, after 10 years of use, the CYVADIC regimen is very widely employed as a standard treatment for recurrent or metastatic soft tissue sarcomas, although the original positive results have been confirmed only by a few authors. In our retrospective analysis of a totally unselected population of patients, we too observed a lower activity which is, however, according to a recent review, similar to the mean value of responses obtained in the whole population of treated patients reported in the literature.
Malignant Testicular Germ Cell Tumor in Father and Son: A Case Report
Authors: Crispino Sergio , Lombardi Giusi , Bratina Giorgio , Lissoni Paolo , Barni Sandro , Tancini Gabriele
Published: April 2018

This is the eighteenth case of testicular tumor in a father and son reported in the literature. The father had a seminoma and the son an embryonal carcinoma. The trend favoring more malignant tumors occurring at younger ages in the sons is confirmed by this report.
Analgesia with Epidural Calcitonin in Cancer Patients
Authors: Miseria Salvatore , Torresi Umberto , Piga Andrea , Tummarello Diego , Belleggia Carla , Caputi Claudio A. , Cellerino Riccardo
Published: April 2018

We evaluated the analgesic effect of salmon calcitonin (sCT) on 14 patients with intractable cancer pain. The drug was administered by epidural infusion (4–8 bolus administrations in 48 h); the dosage was 100 IU/48 h in 5 patients and 400 IU/48 h in 9 patients. Significant, although limited, pain relief and nocturnal pain relief were obtained; the requirement for conventional analgesic drugs was substantially reduced. The treatment was well tolerated and no side effect was recorded. However, only in 3/14 patients did pain relief result in improvement of mobility, with two patients becoming able to ambulate; no patient experienced absence of pain. In general, the treatment produced only limited benefit and subsequent morphine treatment was required in all instances. Widespread use of epidural sCT in intractable cancer pain is not justified as a routine procedure and more substantial evidence is required to support the clinical utility of such an approach.
Is the Epstein-Barr Virus Involved in Hodgkin's Disease?
Authors: Boiocchi Mauro , Carbone Antonino , De Re Valli , Dolcetti Riccardo
Published: April 2018

EBV genomes, in clonal episomal form, were detected in 7 out of 17 cases of Hodgkin's disease (HD) and in a single case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma which occurred in a patient after therapeutic treatment for HD. The experimental data presented imply that a clonal cell population, harboring the EBV genome, must be present in EBV-positive HD. In light of this finding we are attempting to reconsider the abundant literature on this lymphoproliferative disorder, and suggest a reevaluation of the possibility that EBV could be etiologically involved in HD.
Lipid Peroxidation and Cancer: A Critical Reconsideration
Authors: Dianzani Mario Umberto
Published: April 2018

The author reviews the problem of the pattern of lipid peroxidation in cancer cells with special reference to a comparison between normal liver cells and hepatomas both transplanted and induced by diethylnitrosamine. It is stated that the loss of lipid peroxidation is proportional to the degree of dedifferentiation of hepatoma cells. During carcinogenesis, however, the loss is already evident at the stage of preneoplastic nodules. A common feature of all tumors, independently of the extent of the loss of peroxidation in basal conditions, is the lack of further stimulation by ADP/iron or by ascorbate/iron. As regards the reasons for the decline in lipid peroxidation, they are certainly not unique. An important cause is the low activity of the enzymes of the monooxygenase microsomal chain. Another very important one is the change in lipid composition of membranes, with a marked decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are the main substrate for lipid peroxidation. It has been shown that enrichment of membranes of hepatomas with arachidonic acid results in restoration of stimulation of peroxidation by ascorbate/iron, but not with ADP/iron. The last type of stimulation mostly reflects the behaviour of the monooxygenase chain, whereas ascorbate/ iron-induced stimulation does not require the presence of an efficient cytochrome P450-chain. Another cause for decreased lipid peroxidation in tumors is the increased rigidity of membranes, due to the large increase in cholesterol content: this prevents to some extent the influx of oxygen inside the membranes. Yet another cause is the presence of increased amounts of antioxidants in both cytosol and membranes. The main toxic product of lipid peroxidation, 4-hydroxynonenal, has been found to elicit several actions at extremely low concentrations. In fact, 4-hydroxynonenal stimulates Chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, stimulates plasma membrane adenylate cyclase, stimulates plasma membrane guanylate cyclase, and stimulates phospholipase C. The last three enzymes involve the action of G-proteins. The effect of the aldehyde is present at less than micromolar concentrations, which may occur inside the cells in certain conditions. Morever, at concentrations from 10–6 to 10–7 M, the aldehyde is able to block oncogene c-myc expression in the human erythroleukemic K562 cell line, which at the same time becomes able to express the gamma-globin gene. These facts are discussed with reference to a possible biological meaning of the loss of lipid peroxidation in tumors.
Loss of Heterozygosity of Dq Alpha Gene in Human Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Castelli Chiara , Mazzucchelli Flavia , Sensi Marialuisa , Fossati Giuseppe , Parmiani Giorgio
Published: April 2018

DNAs from human melanoma cells, used at early in vitro passage, were evaluated by Southern blot analysis for somatic loss of heterozygosity at the DQ alpha gene. A total of 7 melanomas, 3 primary and 4 metastatic derived from 5 different patients were studied; in one case (pt 665) cell lines were derived from two anatomically different subcutaneous metastasis, whereas in a second case (pt 9923) both the primary tumor and a lymph node metastasis were available. Restriction length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, performed on autologous peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) DNA digested with different enzymes, showed a pattern of bands compatible with the constitutional heterozygous typing at DQ alpha gene in 4 cases whereas 1 case revealed an homozygous typing. When melanoma DNAs were analysed, 1 out of the 4 informative cases (pt 1007) showed a loss of a diagnostic fragment for DQ alpha gene when digested with both Taq I and Bgl I enzymes. These results indicate that class II allelic losses detectable by RFLP can be found on malignant melanoma and add further complexity on the involvement of chromosome 6 whose cytogenetic abnormality are the most consistent in this human neoplasia.
Risk of Breast Cancer, Diet and Internal Migrations in Northern Italy
Authors: Toniolo Paolo , Protta Fulvia , Cappa Alberto P.M.
Published: April 2018

The protective effect of birth in southern Italy as opposed to other regions was evaluated in a population-based case-control study of diet and breast cancer among residents In the province of Vercelli. Cases were 250 women with breast cancer diagnosed during 1983-1984 and controls 499 women randomly selected from the general population. The crude relative risk of breast cancer for women born in the south was 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.43-1.3). After adjustment for dietary and other potential confounders in multivariate analyses, the protective effect of place of birth disappeared (RR 1.0; 95 % CI, 0.57-1.9). The study indicates that north-south differences in the incidence of breast cancer in Italy may in large part be attributed to different dietary habits.
Bilateral Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma of the Lungs in a 7 Year Old Girl Treated for Hodgkin's Disease
Authors: Kowalski Przemysław , Rodziewicz Bozena , Pejcz Jerzy
Published: April 2018

In a 7 year old girl who had previously been given intensive treatment for Hodgkin's disease with numerous courses of multiagent therapy including MVPP (nitrogen mustard, vinblastine, prednisone, procarbazine) and who received radiotherapy in a total dose of 32 Gy to the sternal, and 24 Gy to the cervical (left and right) and axillary (left and right) regions, an autopsy revealed bilateral bronchioloalveolar carcinoma of the lungs.