bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Action of Progestins in the Treatment of Hormone-dependent Breast Cancer.
Authors: Di Carlo Francesco , Pacilio Giovanni , Conti Giuseppe
Published: April 2018

The in vitro interference of some gestagens with the binding of 3H-17 β-oestradiol to cytosol specific receptors was investigated with a view to elucidating the mechanism of action of progestins in the treatment of human hormone-dependent breast cancer. A decrease (up to 85 %) of oestradiol binding capacity was observed with high concentrations of progesterone, clogestone and medrogestone. These findings are in good agreement with those previously obtained by the same progestins in our laboratory on rat uterine estrogen receptors in vitro or in vivo. These results provide support for the hypothesis that the mode of action of progestins in the therapy of mammary and perhaps uterine carcinomas is to some extent related to the inhibition of oestradiol binding to cytosol specific receptors.
Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia in the Course of Lymphoproliferative Disorders.
Authors: Fagiolo Enzo
Published: April 2018

The results of an investigation on platelet antibodies by thromboagglutination and antiglobulin consumption test (AGCT) in 51 patients with different types of hemoblastoses (acute and chronic leukemias, Hodgkin disease, lymphosarcoma) are reported. Complete and/or incomplete antibodies were found in 50,9 % of the cases, with lymphoid forms showing the highest frequency. Although a constant relation between thrombocytopenia and platelet antibodies is by no means demonstrable, four fully described cases clearly show the onset of autoimmune thrombocytopenia in the course of hemoblastoses. Two chronic myeloid leukemia cases treated with Myleran and one chronic lymphoid leukemia case presented thrombocytopenic purpura and normal number of megakaryocytes. One case of lymphosarcoma presented thrombocytopenia and autoimmune hemolytic anemia with bone marrow aplasia. Steroid therapy had been partially effective only in two cases. The pathogenetic relationship between platelet immunization and hemoblastoses and cytostatic therapy is discussed.
Histological and Immunological Study of Patients with Lung and Digestive Tract Tumors. Analysis of T and B Lymphocytes from the Peripheral Blood and from the Lymph Nodes Draining the Tumor.
Authors: Franchi F. , Colizza S. , D'Amelio R. , Corelli G. , Bigliocchi S. , Indinnimeo M. , Aiuti F.
Published: April 2018

The nature of the immune response to the tumor cell is complex and has yet to be clearly defined. Although past research has focused on the cytotoxic effect of T lymphocytes versus tumor cells, it has been shown in animal studies that B lymphocytes may also be implicated. Lymphocytes from patients with respiratory and digestive tract tumors were studied. B and T lymphocytes of peripheral blood and of draining lymph node tumors were studied using the following techniques: E rosettes (marker for T cells); membrane Ig, EAC rosettes, aggregated-Ig (marker for B lymphocytes); PHA and PKW in vitro response of lymphocytes using tritiated thymidine incorporation. It was observed that both groups of patients had normal or depressed B and T populations. PHA response was depressed in the majority of the cases with lung tumor. No difference was observed between lymphocytes from peripheral blood and from lymph node suspensions. As in normal lymph nodes the EAC rosettes were constantly observed in the cortical area of lymph node draining tumors. The immune defect observed in part of these cases is discussed in relation to the local and general immunological factors probably responsible for this defect.
Chemoresistance and Hormone-Dependence in a Case of Breast Cancer.
Authors: Di Pietro Sergio , Rovini Dario
Published: April 2018

A case of breast cancer was treated with mastectomy followed by cyclical combination chemotherapy with CMF for a year. In the course of chemotherapy cancer developed in the contralateral breast. Mastectomy was followed within two months by lung metastases. After ovariectomy the lung metastases cleared almost completely. The case shows how the hormone dependence of a breast cancer can remain unimpaired even after prolonged chemotherapy and notwithstanding its failure and secondly that amenorrhea due to chemotherapy need not mean endocrine failure of the ovary.
In Vitro Development of Macrophages from PHA-stimulated Blood Cultures in Hodgkin's Disease and in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia.
Authors: Navone Roberto , Tosto Mauro , Poggio Ester
Published: April 2018

Blood was cultured from 17 normal subjects, 28 cases of untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and 41 cases of Hodgkin's disease. Macrophages were not observed in PHA-stimulated cultures of normal subjects, of CLL or of 18 cases of Hodgkin's disease. The latter had an almost normal rate of lymphocyte blast transformation (70,2 ± 7,2%). On the other hand, macrophages were numerous in PHA-stimulated cultures of 23 cases of Hodgkin's disease with a low blast transformation (28,4 ± 13,7%). In Hodgkin's disease the development of macrophages in PHA cultures may be related to the lower blast transformation and cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes. In CLL the dilution of lymphocytes and monocytes by leukaemic B cells may account both for PHA unresponsiveness and low yield of macrophages in culture.
Early Glial Tumor Metastases through a Ventriculo-Atrial Shunt
Authors: Mosca Leonardo , Baldini Mario
Published: April 2018

A girl of 12 with a pontine polymorphous astrocytoma diffusely metastasizing to the spinal cord leptomeninges suddenly died 20 hours after the insertion of a right ventriculo–atrial shunt. Many severely damaged glial neoplastic cells were found in the blood vessels of the lung and liver.
Radiological Study of Complications and Recurrences of Esophageal Carcinoma after Surgery
Authors: Guzzon Adalgiso , Mauri Maurizio , Viganotti Giovanni , Ravasi Gianni , Fontana Franco
Published: April 2018

256 esophageal carcinoma patients subject to various surgical procedures were examined with a view to identifying as early as possible the complications and possible tumoral recurrences, early or late, at anastomosis level. The most caracteristic and frequent radiological features, especially of neoplastic recurrences are presented; the various morphological types are described and discussed and for the first time a radiographic classification is proposed, followed by a discussion of the criteria of differential diagnosis of these lesions, especially from postoperative perivisceritis. Correct identification and precise radiographic description of the early signs of neoplastic recurrence in the esophagogastric anastomoses make it possible to reoperate, at least in some patients.
Antitumoral Activity of Calusterone in Advanced Mammary Carcinoma.
Authors: Rosso Riccardo , Brema Fulvio , Porcile Gian Franco , Santi Leonardo
Published: April 2018

Thirty-one post-menopausal patients with advanced mammary carcinoma were treated with calusterone (7-beta, 17-alpha-dimethyl-testosterone), 200 mg daily per os for at least three months. Twenty-seven patients were evaluable. Eight patients (29%) had an objective response; two patients had a complete remission, maintained for more than eighteen months by repeated three-month courses of therapy. In eight patients (29%), calusterone produced no objective response, without disease progression. The main side effects have been hirsutism, acne and gastro-intestinal distress; no libido modification was observed. Increased BSP retention was observed in one third of patients.
Evaluation of 178 Mediastinoscopies.
Authors: Pizzocaro Giorgio , Vaglini Maurizio , Ravasi Gianni
Published: April 2018

Of the 178 consecutive mediastinoscopies performed at the Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori of Milan from 1967 to 1974 145 were performed for diagnostic purposes and 33 for the pre-operative evaluation of resectability in cases of proven lung carcinoma. Mediastinoscopy is a very useful procedure for obtaining a definite pathological diagnosis in indeterminate mediastinal and pulmonary lesions. In such cases, mediastinoscopy should precede any attempt at therapy, as 1/3 primary mediastinal lymph node lesions are benign and about 30% of suspected mediastinal tumors or lymphomas are actually misdiagnosed lung cancers (mainly oat-cell carcinomas). As to the role of mediastinoscopy in the assessment of lung cancer resectability, the current view is that it plays a part together with tomography and bronchoscopy in the clinical staging of this neoplasm, but it is no longer relied upon alone. It is mandatory in every case of suspected or probable mediastinal invasion and the criteria for inoperability are the following: spread to high paratracheal or contralateral nodes, direct invasion of the mediastinal fat, fixity of the neoplasm to the trachea or vertebral bodies. In such cases mediastinoscopy will prevent a useless exploratory thoracotomy.
Effect of Sulpiride on Mammary Tumor Growth
Authors: Anton Elsa B. , Rozados Ricardo
Published: April 2018

The daily subcutaneous injection of sulpiride produced increase tumor growth and decrease of survival in DBA/2 mice bearing a transplanted mammary gland tumor. It is proposed that sulpiride effect may be mediated by the augment of prolactin level in serum.
Evaluation of the Risk of Multiple Primaries in Malignant Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Veronesi Umberto , Cascinelli Natale , Bufalino Rosaria
Published: April 2018

The evaluation of the risk of a second primary melanoma has been done on a series of 521 cases of malignant melanoma observed at the National Cancer Institute of Milan from September 1967 to December 1974. It has been found that a malignant melanoma patient is about 900 times more likely to have a second primary than an individual in the general population is likely to contract the disease. The risk is age and sex dependent.
Treatment with 32P of Carcinoma of the Prostate
Authors: Vangelista Riccardo , Fiorentino Mario , Pizzi Giambeppi , Grigoletto Eligio , Maluta Sergio
Published: April 2018

Twenty-eight patients affected with disseminated prostate cancer, which proved hormone resistant (after castration and oestrogen administration), have undergone combined treatment with Testosterone (for 13 days) and 32P (for the last 7 days of the Testosterone treatment). During the initial fase of the treatment (Testosterone only), 14 patients experienced pain exacerbation and/or fever and one experienced immediate improvement. The exacerbation quickly disappeared following 32P administration, and 26 of the patients had distinct improvement at some time during or after treatment, with a mean remission duration of 3 months and mean survival rate of 7 months. No lytic or soft part deposit showed improvement; improvement was noticeable only in the mixed type or osteo-sclerotic metastases. This observation suggests that the androgen stimulates uptake of the isotope not inside the tumor cells but in the bone matrix around the tumoral deposit. The patient who showed very early improvement had a subsequent relapse on oestrogens, but later responded to the androgen alone.
Reliability of Cytologic Examination in the Diagnosis of Laryngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Urbano Ugo , Ghilardi Pier Luigi
Published: April 2018

Cytologic examination has been performed as systematic surrey, with drawing by plug in direct laryngoscopy, on 96 patients with intrinsic and extrinsic laryngeal lesions and, as control, on 22 patients with oro- and rhinopharyngeal lesions. The reliability of cytologic diagnosis in relation to the type of the lesion (histologically controlled), to the site of the lesion and to the staining method is evaluated.
Correlation between Histopathologic and Scintigraphic Findings (Employing 67Ga) in Relation to the Surgical Indication for Bronchial Carcinoma
Authors: Cellerino Alessandro , Salizzoni Mauro , Rapellino Marco , Chiantaretto Alberto
Published: April 2018

Following the investigation on the correlation between scintigraphic pictures and histopathologic findings in 66 patients with suspected bronchial carcinoma, 84% of the scannings were positive and the data relative to the so-called « false negative » cases was analyzed. The presence of hilar or mediastinal lymph node metastases, histologically ascertained in about one-third of the patients, appeared significant; and a restricted accumulation of the radio-element was evident in 70.5% of the cases. In 10 of the cases with negative scintigraphic findings, pictures of reactive or hyperplastic lymphadenitis (almost all radiologically relievable) were obtained. Therefore, if it cannot be logically concluded that the negative scintigraphic findings at the mediastinal level indicate the absence of metastases in the lymph nodes, thus indicating surgery (or preventive mediastinoscopy), positive finding seem to be synonymous with extrapulmonary diffusion of the neoplastic process, with direct implication in determining the operability of the patient.
Cytotoxic Activity of in Vitro Activated Cyclophosphamide on Tumors in Primary Culture
Authors: Martini Alfredo , Donelli Maria Grazia , Erba Eugenio , Morasca Luciano , Dolfini Ersilia
Published: April 2018

An in vitro method for testing the cytotoxic activity of compounds active through the formation of metabolites is described, and cyclophosphamide (CPA) has been chosen as a « model » substance. A tumor primary explant, cultured in a Rose chamber, was treated for 90 min at 37 °C with CPA in the presence of microsomal enzymes (105,000 × g liver fraction) and their cofactors. At the end of the incubation, the medium was removed and changed. Appropriate controls are concurrently carried out through the procedure. The cytotoxic effect of CPA is evaluated 24 h after the treatment. Primary explants from both mammary tumors of (C3H × O20)F1 mice and human ovary tumors were sensitive to CPA under our experimental conditions. The significance of this procedure for in vitro characterization of tumor sensitivity to antineoplastic agents which requires hepatic biotransformation is emphasized.
A Specific Spontaneous Leucocyte Cycle in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Mastrangelo Renato , Stabile Achille , Parenti Dante , Cimatti Guido , Pesaresi M. Assunta , Arpaia Enzo , Serra Angelo
Published: April 2018

Cyclic leukocytosis has been previously described in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The purpose of this report is to call attention to the possibility of a specific long-term cycle of approximately two months in CML, on the basis of the reported patients studied prospectively with no treatment and to describe an additional case with similar changes. Kinetic studies suggest that the leucocyte oscillation observed would reflect variation in cell production. Implications of the findings with regard to pathogenesis and therapy of the disease are discussed. A long-term cycle of the neutrophil count, showing a period of approximately two months, was also found in eight children with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in remission, analyzed retrospectively.
Pleural Mesothelioma among Dockyard Workers in Genoa
Authors: Puntoni Riccardo , Valerio Federico , Santi Leonardo
Published: April 2018

A case-control study of 60 subjects who succumbed to pleural mesothelioma and a control group of 120 subjects, dead from other causes, was carried out to determine how many dockyard workers were present in each group, and to study the effect of cigarette smoking. Accurate data was obtained on the working and smoking habits for 68.3% of the subjects. The connection between pleural mesothelioma and dockyard work was confirmed (relative risk 13.06%) while no relation was found between smoking and incidence of pleural mesothelioma when professional exposure to asbestos was evaluated.
The Effect of High Molecular Dextran on Coagulation and Metastases
Authors: Agostino Domenico
Published: April 2018

The intravenous injection of high molecular dextran (HMD), increased pulmonary metastases of the carcinosarcoma of Walker 256, from 35 percent of the control animals to 64 percent of the animals treated with HMD. A significant prolongation of the clotting time and prothrombin; and a decrease in fibrinogen levels platelets, hematocrit and factors II, V, VII and VIII were observed following the infusion of HMD. There was no obvious untoward side effect of HMD in any of the animals studies.
Cobalt Therapy in the Treatment of Carcinoma of the Oropharynx
Authors: Uslenghi Carlo , Volterrani Fabio , Chiesa Fausto , Cozzi Guido , Lombardi Fabrizio , Kenda Rado , Bulgheroni Antonio
Published: April 2018

A clinical retrospective evaluation of 177 cases of carcinoma of the oropharynx treated with Cobalt therapy from 1959 to 1965 has been made. The analysis of long term results has shown that Cobalt therapy alone does not satisfactorily control carcinomas of oropharynx. In fact, less than 30% of the patients is still alive after 3 years. Survival is directly affected by the local extent of disease since, while the 5-year survival of Tl and T2 cases is respectively 26.8% and 21.5%, only 6.5% of patients with T3 carcinomas is still alive after 5 years. Particularly disappointing is the survival rate in cases with mono- or bilateral involvement of neck nodes, since none of these cases are alive 2 years after the initial therapy. In 69.4% of the cases, treatment failure has to be attributed to minimal response or early recurrence of primary tumor, while lymph node relapses have been observed in more than 25% of the cases. To allow a detailed clinical evaluation of the results, the different regions of the oropharynx should be considered separatly, since differences in clinical evolution of various carcinomas would call for a different therapeutic approach. The results of this study in oropharyngeal carcinomas, indicate that improvement of long term results may only be obtained through a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach.
Behavior of A Cell Line Derived from A Mouse Submaxillary Adenocarcinoma during the Initial 480 Days in Vitro
Authors: Blotta Ida , Meo Pacifico , Giuliano M. Cristina , Bellocci Marinella , Ritrovato Rosella , Bellocchi Rita , Muller Antonio , Neri Giovanni , Castelli Leone
Published: April 2018

A cell line was established from a transplantable adenocarcinoma, containing viral particles of the A and B type, derived from a tumor appearing spontaneously in the submaxillary region of a male mouse of the C3H/He strain. This line, after 480 days in vitro, did not change the original epithelial-like morphology, the viral expression, the membrane immunofluorescence and the degree of agglutination by various plant lectins. After 208 days of culture, the presence of up to 3 pairs of metacentric chromosomes appeared in about 55% of the cells. However, this change in the chromosomal pattern was not sufficient, at least within the limits of our observation, to modify significantly the other parameters investigated, with the possible exception of the oncogenicity, which showed a modest decrease after 296 days of culture.
Ultrastructural Alterations of Atrial Myocardium Induced by Adriamycin in Chronically Treated Animals
Authors: Lambertenghi-Deliliers Giorgio , Zanon Paola L. , Pozzoli Ermanno F. , Bellini Ornella , Praga Claudio
Published: April 2018

The clinical use of adriamycin (AM) is limited by a possible dose-dependent myocardiopathy. Severe lesions of ventricular myocardium widely described by electron microscopy have been correlated to irreversible congestive heart failure. On the other hand, the atrial contractile elements which differ from the ventricular ones because of the presence of the so-called specific granules have rarely been considered. In the work described in this paper, adriamycin was injected into rabbits and mice according to schedules of chronic toxicity. At the end of the treatment the atrial myocells presented diffuse ultrastructural lesions of mitochondria, sarcoplasmic reticulum and myofibrillar bundles. These alterations might be caused by the ribonucleoprotein synthesis inhibition, by a direct drug toxicity or by an energetic crisis due to early mitochondrial lesions. Besides, adriamycin produces a decrease of the specific atrial granules that play a hypothetic role in the metabolism of myocardial cells. However, lack of information about the contents and the exact function of atrial granules does not allow us to conclude that their decrease in treated animals has a pathogenetic significance in myocardiopathy induced by adriamycin.
Malignant Ovarian Neoplasms in Childhood
Authors: De Palo Giuseppe M. , Doci Roberto , Gasparini Marco , Fossati-Bellani Franca
Published: April 2018

From 1962 to 1976, 15 children up to the age of 15 years with malignant neoplasms of the ovary were observed at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan. 13 patients had a germ cell tumor and 2 a stromal tumor. Natural history and treatment results are reported. Out of 7 patients with dysgerminoma, 3 at stage IA, 2 at stage III retroperitoneal and 1 with recurrent disease are alive and disease free 38+, 20+, 36+, 16+, 23+, 156+ months after the histologic diagnosis; the last case with stage III peritoneal disease died 2 months after the diagnosis. Four children had immature malignant teratoma: 2 patients are alive and disease free 19+ and 51+ months, 1 is alive with disease 20+ months and 1 died 16 months after histologic diagnosis. Two patients with extra-embryonal teratoma died 7 and 12 months after diagnosis. One patient, treated by surgery plus chemotherapy for granulosa cell tumor at stage III, is alive 43+ months later. The child with arrhenoblastoma at stage III treated by surgery plus radiochemotherapy died 6 months after diagnosis. Through a close scrutiny of the literature and by drawing on experience gained in the treatment of the same tumors in adults, a rational approach to the diagnosis and treatment of each childhood ovarian tumor histotype is worked out.
The Diagnostic Value of Serum Copper Levels and other Hematochemical Parameters in Malignancies
Authors: Pizzolo Giovanni , Savarin Tania , Molino Anna Maria , Ambrosetti Achille , Todeschini Giuseppe , Vettore Luciano
Published: April 2018

An increase in the serum copper (Cu++) level has been described as a sensitive index of disease activity in several hematologic and nonhematologic malignancies. In order to explore the diagnostic value of Cu++ compared to other hematochemical parameters frequently abnormal in malignancies, Cu++, serum α2 globulin (α2), plasmatic fibrinogen (Fibr), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and serum iron (Fe++) have been detected and evaluated in 267 patients affected with the following diseases: Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas (NHL), Acute Leukemias (AL), Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Myeloma (MM), and Breast Cancer (BC). The best correlation between Cu++ increase and disease activity has been found in HL, NHL, AL, and BC. In these diseases, when the considered parameters were compared, Cu++ and ESR showed a similar pattern, i.e., a high frequency of abnormalities in active disease. It is concluded that Cu++ represents a good complement to some other aspecific parameters in evaluating the activity and diffusion of neoplasias and the therapeutic results, particulary in HL, NHL, AL and BC.
Enhancement of the Antitumor Activity of Adriamycin by Tween 80
Authors: Casazza Anna Maria , Pratesi Graziella , Giuliani Fernando , Formelli Franca , Di Marco Aurelio
Published: April 2018

This paper describes the effect of Tween 80 on the antitumor activity and on the distribution of adriamycin in mice. The dilution of adriamycin in a 10% water solution of Tween 80 produced a significant increase of the antitumor activity in mice against ascites tumors (L1210 leukemia), disseminated leukemias (transplanted leukemias originally induced by Gross leukemia virus and Moloney leukemia virus), and solid tumors (Sarcoma 180, MS-2 sarcoma). In all these experiments the drug was administered i.v., according to different schedules. Higher antitumor activity at the optimal dose and an increase of activity at lower doses were observed in different experimental systems. Toxicity was also slightly enhanced. Tissue distribution was studied in normal mice and in tumor-bearing mice (Gross leukemia and MS-2 sarcoma). In animals given i.v. adriamycin diluted in 10% Tween 80 there was a higher drug concentration in spleen, lung and kidney than there was in mice given the drug in a water solution. In all the other organs examined (heart, liver, small intestine) and in the MS-2 tumor tissue, no significant increase was observed. In L1210 leukemia-bearing mice, i.p. treatment with adriamycin diluted in 10% Tween 80 resulted in a significantly higher toxicity than that which resulted from treatment with adriamycin in a water solution; no increase of antitumor activity was observed.
Estrogen Receptors and Post-Receptor Markers in Human Breast Cancer: A Reappraisal
Authors: Nenci Italo , Beccati M. Donatella , Pagnini Carla Arslan
Published: April 2018

Several major defects in the estrogen receptor pathway have been evidenced in most human breast cancers by an immunofluorescence tracing of estradiol receptor complexes at the single cell level. Endogenous peroxidase seems a reliable postreceptor marker for estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells. Since almost all human breast cancers appear to include both hormone-sensitive and autonomous cell populations, a combined use of endocrine and cytotoxic regimens is urged. The hormonal regulation of tumor growth parameters could be exploited in order to achieve a maximum recruitment of synchronized tumor cells at risk to chemotherapy.
Cytopathologic Manifestation of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma. Case Report
Authors: Pilotti Silvana , Alasio Loredana
Published: April 2018

The presence of malignant tumor cells in a vaginal and cervical smear of a 53-year-old female with vaginal bleeding and with subsequent negative histology of the scraping material could be later correlated with a leiomyosarcoma of the myometrium that produced deep local invasion and pulmonary metastases. The findings that favor the cytologic diagnosis of this neoplasm are the presence of isolated cells or the side-by-side arrangement of the tumor cells, the elongated shape of the cytoplasm, and the ovoidal cigar-shaped nuclei with sparse, coarse chromocenters. Cytologic differential diagnosis of other malignant neoplasms capable of cellular exfoliation into the vagina is discussed.
Bacillus of Calmette and Guérin and 7,12-Dimethylbenz(α)-Anthracene Carcinogenesis in Mice
Authors: Scelsi Roberto , Scelsi Mario , Poggi Paola , Mosca Leonardo
Published: April 2018

The effects of single or repeated Bacillus of Calmette and Guérin (BCG) treatment on the onset of tumors induced by the carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz (α) anthracene (DMBA) injected at birth into Swiss mice were studied. Multiple doses of BCG, given at regular intervals significantly lowered the incidence of carcinogen-induced tumors. The DMBA–induced lung adenomas did not differ morphologically from the ones that appeared in mice simultaneously treated with both DMBA and BCG.
Morphological and Cytogenetical Changes in HR-18 Rat Ascites Cells after in Vitro 3-[BIS(2-Chloroethyl)Amino]-4-Methylbenzoic ACID (NSC-146171; IOB-82) Administration
Authors: Dumitrescu Lucia , Cioloca Lidia , Encut Ion
Published: April 2018

A bifunctional alkylating agent, 3-[Bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]-4-methylbenzoic acid (NSC-146171; IOB-82) was administered in HR-18 rat ascites cell cultures (which presented 2 morphologic cellular types: A and B type cells, genetically, 2 cellular populations having 41-45 and 85–86 chromosomes and cells with high ploidy), and the morphological and cytogenetical effects were related to the compound concentration. Thus, 24 h after IOB-82 administration in small doses (3.62×10−4 μM/ml), important morphological changes were observed: nuclear changes (denuded nuclei, pyknosis) and cytoplasmic alterations (breaks at the exoplasm level, followed by cytoplasmic extrusions in extracellular spaces, cytoplasmic vacuolization). In addition to these changes, other abnormalities were observed when IOB-82 was administered in large doses (3.62 × 10−3 μM/ml), i.e., nuclear changes (nuclear residues, granulation of the nuclear material and spreading of the nuclear content into cytoplasm) and cytoplasmic alterations (cytoplasmic shades and accentuated cytoplasmic vacuolization). Generally, the large A-type cells were more affected. Twenty-four h after IOB-82 treatment (with small or large doses), the chromatid and chromosome aberrations (gaps, breaks, deletions, fragments) were also observed. These aberrations were more numerous when IOB-82 was administered in large doses. Both morphological and cytogenetical changes indicate that the effect of IOB-82 could be radiomimetic. Changes produced and their incidence appear to depend on the concentration of IOB-82 employed and the morphological type of ascites cells. These are expressed in terms of multiple abnormality production in these cells. IOB-82 treatment produced changes in chromosome numbers and especially the disappearance of polyploid cells and cell populations with 85–86 chromosomes. These results indicate a possible correlation between the increased sensitivity of HR-18 rat ascites cells and changes in ploidy.
In Vivo Resistance and in Vitro Cellular Reactivity against Lymphosarcoma Cells in Immunized Mice
Authors: Colnaghi Maria I. , Ménard Sylvie , Pierotti Marco A.
Published: April 2018

In an earlier report we have shown that an allogeneic but not a syngeneic immunization of mice with lymphoma cells evoked a humoral complement-dependent cytotoxic response against lymphoma cells syngeneic with the serum. Here we report the results of an investigation, using the same experimental model, on the cellular antitumor response in vitro and the in vivo tumor resistance. Both the allogeneic and the syngeneic antitumor immunizations induced a cellular immune response that was detectable in vitro and that was not inhibited by the correspondent antiserum that was obtained with the same type of immunization. The humoral and cellular immune responses evoked in our system seem, therefore, directed against different antigenic determinants. In the in vivo experiments the maximal antitumor protection was obtained in mice immunized syngeneically, whereas the allogeneic immunization gave a protection that was similar to that obtained in mice immunized with normal allogeneic thymus cells. However, mitomycin-C-blocked thymus cells were unable to induce any protection against the tumor challenge, whereas blocked allogeneic tumor cells conferred the same degree of protection as that obtained with untreated cells. The in vivo transfer in untreated mice of sera obtained with syngeneic or allogeneic antitumor immunization did not give any protection against the tumor challenge.
Contribution of Cytology, Colposcopy, Target Biopsy and Conization to the Early Diagnosis of Precancerous and Cancerous Lesions of the Cervix Uteri
Authors: Cecchini Silvia , Bonardi Lucia , Cipparrone Gioia , Ottaviano Mario , Pieroni Gabriella
Published: April 2018

The study is based on. 334 cytologic suspect or positive women observed in the area of Florence. Cytologic diagnoses of dysplasia, carcinoma in situ (CIS), and invasive carcinoma are related to the histologic reports. To the same histologic reports are related the colposcopic aspects. Lastly, diagnoses made by target biopsy are compared with the final diagnoses made by cone biopsy. The 3 diagnostic methods and their diagnostic accuracy are then compared. As regards dysplasia, the diagnostic precision of cytology is 40.2% and for target biopsy is 76.9%. In the diagnosis of CIS, cytology shows a diagnostic accuracy (77.7%) that is a little lower than that of target biopsy (81.7%). In invasive carcinoma, cytology has a good diagnostic precision (88.2%), which becomes 100% if the diagnosis is made by target biopsy. The correlation between colposcopic aspects and histologic reports is not very reliable. We conclude that cytology is a valid test in an extensive mass screening, that colposcopy is essential to execute target biopsy, and that the latter is useful in defining dysplasia and invasive carcinoma diagnoses. On the contrary, in the case of CIS, target biopsy does not greatly increase cytology diagnostic precision.
Gross Body Composition Changes in Patients with Cancer of the Uterine Cervix Treated with Irradiation
Authors: Marczynska Antonina , Adamczyk Bogumil , Medvey Wojciech
Published: April 2018

Gross body composition studies done on a group of 11 women with cervical cancer before and after completion of radiotherapy revealed moderate compositional changes. There was after irradiation a tendency towards weight loss, connected with some increase of relative total body water content and also of its extracellular fraction. The weight loss was due to a decrease of body fat and cell mass, whereas extracellular spaces tended to increase. There was a tendency towards a drop in plasma sodium concentration and an increase of its total content in extracellular water. A significant drop of the potassium serum concentration was observed.
Gastroscopy and Directed Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Primary Gastric Lymphomas. Report of 16 Personal Cases
Authors: Russo Antonio , Grasso Giuseppe , Sanfilippo Giuseppe , Giannone Giorgio , Guerrera Giovanna
Published: April 2018

The results of an endoscopic bioptic study of 16 cases of primary gastric malignant lymphoma are reported. Endoscopic observation suggested a diagnosis of malignant lymphoma in 50% of the cases, while directed biopsy gave a similar diagnosis in 75% of the cases. A correlation of the endoscopic and the histologic results gave a diagnostic reliability of 87.5% (14 of 16 cases). In order to obtain also in this group of neoplasms the diagnostic positivity already obtained in the epithelial forms, both improvement in the bioptic sampling technique and a better knowledge of the endoscopic morphology of the lesions must be achieved.
Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma in Trieste. A Survey Based on Autopsy Cases
Authors: Bianchi Claudio , Grandi Giorgio , Di Bonito Luigi
Published: April 2018

Records of necropsies performed at the Institute of Pathological Anatomy and Histology of the University of Trieste during the period December 1 1971-December 31 1977 have been reviewed. Cases with a necropsy diagnosis of pleural tumor or lung sarcoma were reexamined. Twenty-six cases were accepted as definite diffuse pleural mesothelioma. Occupational history was indicative of asbestos exposure in 22 cases, with 12 patients having worked in shipyards. The high incidence of diffuse pleural mesothelioma in the Province of Trieste is emphasized.
Carcinomas of the Liver in Osborne-Mendel Rats Ingesting DDT
Authors: Reuber Melvin D.
Published: April 2018

Osborne-Mendel male and female rats ingested 200, 400, 600, or 800 ppm DDT composed of 81.8% p,p isomer and 18.2% o,p isomer for periods up to 2 years. Male and female rats developed higly significant incidences of hepatocellular carcinomas. The carcinomas varied from well-differentiated to undifferentiated. There was a highly significant increase in carcinomas of the ovary in treated female rats. Lymphosarcomas were also increased in DDT-treated male rats.
Fc Receptor-Like Structures on in Vitro-Cultured Human Ovarian Tumor Cells
Authors: Colnaghi Maria I. , Regazzoni Mario , Boiocchi Mauro , Galante Emanuele , Di Re Franco
Published: April 2018

Four ovarian cystadenocarcinomas cultured in vitro were tested by a radioisotopic method with sera from cancer patients or healthy donors to search for a possible specific antitumor immune response of patients bearing ovarian tumors. However, the ovarian tumor cells were found to bear on their membrane surface structures able to bind immunoglobulins from any tested serum, thus making impossible the detection of a hypothetical specific antitumor antibody. These structures were demonstrated to bind the Fc portion of the Ig and were therefore similar to the Fc receptors described on various normal cells, particularly of the immunocompetent compartment.
T and B Cell Populations in Platelet Donors
Authors: Lichtiger B. , Trujillo J. M. , Fischer H. E. , Cox I. S.
Published: April 2018

T and B lymphocyte populations were monitored in the peripheral blood of two long-term plateletpheresis donors. The studies showed minimal fluctuation of both populations compared to the normal controls. The evidence so far accumulated seems to indicate that long-term manual plateletpheresis has no appreciable effect on the level of the T and B cell population of the peripheral blood. Further studies are needed to evaluate larger donor pools.
Comprehensive Radiotherapy for Advanced Hodgkin's Disease Refractory to Chemotherapy
Authors: Heusinkveld Robert S. , Feen Alan E. , Jones Stephen E.
Published: April 2018

Seven patients with advanced nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's disease who relapsed after initial intensive combination chemotherapy were selected for individualized pathologic restaging and comprehensive radiotherapy. One patient failed to respond completely to mantle-field irradiation and no further staging or radiotherapy was undertaken. Six other patients underwent staging laparotomy and received total nodal irradiation including prophylactic lung irradiation (5 cases) and hepatic irradiation (3 cases). Irradiation was well tolerated. Complete remission was achieved by 5 patients and 2 continue in remission 29+ and 32+ months after beginning of irradiation. Five of the 7 patients remain alive. This study indicates that comprehensive irradiation is a relatively well tolerated and effective treatment for carefully selected patients with advanced Hodgkin's disease who have relapsed after combination chemotherapy. For selected patients, pathologic restaging and comprehensive radiotherapy can be considered as an alternative to further chemotherapy.
Malignant Lymphoma, Burkitt's Type: Histologic Report of Two Cases in Italy
Authors: Porrazzi Luigi Coscia , Quarto Ferdinando , De Gregorio Antonino
Published: April 2018

Two cases of undifferentiated Burkitt's type malignant lymphoma with prevalent ovarian localization and observed in Italy are described histologically. Some brief considerations about the extra African diffusion of this lymphoma are pointed out.
The Role of Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Metastases at the Tracheostoma in Cancer of the Larynx
Authors: Morrica Brunello , Perani Pier Carlo
Published: April 2018

The effects of radiotherapy on metastases of the tracheostoma in cancer of the larynx are described. A group of 42 patients with tracheostoma metastases was considered; radiotherapy appeared to have some effect on the local cure of the lesion. A slight correlation was found between total dose delivered and survival time. A survival of 18.5 months corresponded to a total dose of 6000 rad. However, metastases at the tracheostoma should be considered a symptom of wider involvement. Integrated therapeutic procedures such as surgery+radiotherapy + chemotherapy, may be more effective in this disease.
Natural Antilymphoma Antibodies in C3Hf Mice Serum: Lack of Identity with Autoimmune and anti Murine Leukemia Virus Antibodies
Authors: Boiocchi Mauro , Pierotti Marco A. , Ménard Sylvie , Miotti Silvia , Colnaghi Maria I.
Published: April 2018

Absorption experiments on C3Hf normal mouse sera followed by cytotoxic tests on EL4 lymphoma cells were done to investigate a possible identity between natural antilymphoma antibodies (NAA) and various types of autoantibodies known to be present in normal mouse sera. Single C3Hf normal sera were also tested both by cytotoxicity on EL4 cells and by radioimmune precipitation assay (RIP) on 125I-labelled AKR ecotropic virus to ascertain whether or not viral antigen are the target structures of the NAA activity. The study provides evidence that NAA coexist with autoanticorpal and antiviral activities although they are distinct entities.
Malignant Lymphoma Present Almost Simultaneously in Two Brothers
Authors: Scolozzi Rosario , Boccafogli Arrigo , Careri Carmela , Cavicchi Gaetano , Marchetti Augusto , Fabris Guidalberto
Published: April 2018

A diagnosis of poorly differentiated, nodular, lymphocytic malignant lymphoma was made in two brothers. One had been operated 10 years earlier for an adenocarcinoma of the descending colon. In addition, another brother had died from a primary tumor of the liver. Although a genetic factor is not proved, the case is suggestive.
5-Fuorouracil Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Villani Fabrizio , Guindani Antonio , Pagnoni Annamaria
Published: April 2018

Two cases of 5-fluorouracil cardiotoxicity, resulting in one patient in myocardial infarction, are described. A review of the literature confirms that cardiotoxicity is a rare but genuine complication of 5-fluorouracil treatment; the cardiotoxic effect seems to range from mild angina without persistent electrocardiographic changes to severe myocardial infarction. No factors predictive of this complication were identified. The authors therefore feel it is advisable to stop 5-fluorouracil treatment when precordial pain occurs, even if the ECG (after angina) is normal, since angina can in some cases result in myocardial infarction.
Topography and Clinical Characteristics of Malignant Tumors of the Urachus
Authors: Oriana Saro , Zingo Lorenzo , Cogliati Ivana , Clemente Claudio
Published: April 2018

Nine patients with urachal tumors have been reevaluated. There were 5 men and 4 women, whose ages ranged from 6 to 72 years. Surgery was performed in 4 cases, radiotherapy was used in 2 cases, and the remaining 3 cases were judged to be beyond therapeutic help. Three years after treatment, also all cases subjected to therapy were dead. The diagnostic delay, the inadequacy of treatment, and therefore the absolutely unfavorable prognosis of these tumors are discussed.
The Value of Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Vaginal Carcinoma
Authors: Vona Stefania , Sigurtà Davide , Gardani Gianstefano , Volterrani Fabio
Published: April 2018

Herein we report the retrospective survey of 48 consecutive unselected cases of vaginal carcinoma, mainly treated with radiotherapy in our Institute from 1959 to 1970. In this series irradiation was delivered almost always with a single and continuous application of sources of radium 226. Radiumtherapy treatment varied according to the extension in surface of the neoplasm, the clinical stage and especially the vaginal step involvement, considering the length of the organ. Despite the very good immediate response, failures of treatment locally or in paravaginal and pelvic areas were frequently observed, and success of the treatment after a brief follow-up was poor. The actuarial survival was 41.6% and 33.3% at 3 and 5 years, respectively. Stage I cases showed at the follow-up better therapeutic results (48.6% survival at 5 years) than stage II and III cases (28.3%). The poorest results were observed in neoplasms extended to the whole vagina, and all these patients died within 4 years of the beginning of treatment. This report stresses that radiotherapy of vaginal carcinomas demands individualization and a properly planned therapeutic program that combines external irradiation with renewed techniques of low dose rate and continuous irradiation with radioactive sources.
Standardization of the Alkaline Elution Procedure Using X-Ray-Damaged Nuclear DNA
Authors: Bolognesi Claudia , Cesarone Carmelo Federico , Santi Leonardo
Published: April 2018

Structural modifications of DNA were induced by X-irradiation of crude hepatic nuclei at various dose ranges to standardize DNA damage evaluated by the alkaline elution technique. This quantitative assay can be used as reference for DNA damage induced by the in vivo administration of mutagens and/or carcinogens involved in the environment.
Early Detection of Ductal Breast Cancer: The Diagnostic Procedure for Pathological Discharge from the Nipple
Authors: Kindermann Günther , Paterok Eberhard , Weishaar Julius , Egger Herwig , Rummel Wulf , Kleissl Hans-Peter , Ober Karl Günther
Published: April 2018

Pathologic discharge from the nipple may be the only symptom of an early stage of carcinoma. Galactography is then the diagnostic method of choice to locate intraductal, nonpalpable lesions. The technique of galactography, the adequate surgical approach of pathologic galactographs (milk-duct segment resection), and the appropriate histological work-up of the surgical specimen are demonstrated. We report on 1918 galactographies in 1363 women with pathological discharge. In only 427 cases was a milk duct segment resection necessary (31.4%). In 8.5%, we found invasive intraductal cancer and in 2.9% ductal carcinomata in situ. Only 1 patient with breast cancer had axillary metastases. Extensive intraductal solid, papillary or adenomatous proliferations were found in 11.9% of the patients with excision. In 46.7% of the patients, papillomas were excised, a definitive treatment for this process. The supposition for success in the early diagnosis of cancer is close teamwork among the radiology, surgery and pathology services: the diagnostic result depends upon this. We attribute our yield of exact diagnosis to a very sophisticated histological work-up. We believe that this is necessary to avoid diagnostic failures.
High-Dose Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA) Treatment in Advanced Breast Cancer. A Review
Authors: Ganzina Fabrizio
Published: April 2018

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) when employed at high doses ≥ 500 ≤ 1000 mg/day i.m.) can produce objective remission with improved survival in about 30% of postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer resistant to cytotoxic drugs and endocrine therapies. When administered to women not previously treated with chemotherapy, the objective remission response rate reached 40%. From available evidence, high dose MPA can be considered a useful agent in the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with soft tissue, pulmonary, pleural or osseous involvement even when patients have become refractory to prior hormone and cytotoxic therapies. Early results suggest that the response rate can be increased in patients with estrogen and/or progesterone-positive receptors. It is note worthy that in a study conducted on postmenopausal women resistant to cytotoxic and/or hormonal drugs, the median duration of survival was 13.5 months, while CRs plus PRs did not reach the median at 24 months after starting MPA treatment. High dose MPA is essentially devoid of major side effects. Relief of pain, increase in appetite and body weight, and sense of well being are characteristic features of the improved quality of life under MPA treatment. However, a gluteal abscess (from 2% to 20% dose related) is the most frequent side effect. A promising area for future studies is combined therapy using hormonal and cytotoxic agents or alternating sequential combinations. Well-designed studies are needed to develop means for increasing the complete response rate and therefore survival. Recent studies of combined chemo-and hormonal (MPA) therapy have yielded objective tumor regressions of 53 to 80% with an increased rate of complete remissions and duration of response.