bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy to Spare the Kidney in a Patient with Seminoma and a Solitary Kidney: A Case Report
Authors: Choi Mehee , Hayes John P , Mehta Minesh P , Swisher Andrew , Small William , Mittal Bharat B , MacVicar Gary R , Kalapurakal John A , Sejpal Samir V
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

Radiotherapy-related kidney injury is multifactorial and influenced by radiation dose-volume distributions, patient-related factors, and chemotherapy. Traditional radiation parameters for the kidney are based on pre-intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) data and focus on limiting the volume receiving high dose. We report a case of testicular seminoma with paraaortic adenopathy in a patient with a solitary kidney treated with radiotherapy.

Methods

A comparison was performed for IMRT and two 3D-conformal techniques. In our case, IMRT reduced the volume of kidney receiving high dose but increased the volume receiving low dose.

Results

Given the lack of data for suggesting that large renal volumes treated to low doses would cause excess toxicity, the consensus opinion was to proceed with IMRT. The patient tolerated treatment well without evidence of radiotherapy-related kidney injury.

Conclusions

As patients are treated with increasingly complex techniques such as IMRT, understanding low dose effects and monitoring low dose parameters may become clinically important.
A Major Response to Trabectedin in Metastatic Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of the Vertebra: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sereno María , Merino María , Aguayo Cristina , Hernández Susana , Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Gerardo , Tévar Francisco Zambrana , López-Gómez Miriam , Raposo César Gómez , Casado-Sáenz Enrique
Published: February 2018

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma is an aggressive tumor, the most common soft-tissue sarcoma of adult age. It is usually located in the extremities and retroperitoneum, and very rarely there is skeletal involvement. Surgery is the preferred treatment in early disease; in advanced disease, chemotherapy is the main therapeutic strategy. We present a 25-year-old female patient diagnosed with a vertebral mass in T5 with a severely compromised spinal cord. She underwent surgical decompression and the pathological findings were consistent with malignant fibrous histiocytoma. After several surgical treatments she had pulmonary progression and was therefore started on chemotherapy. She had a very poor response to most of the administered regimens until she initiated trabectedin 1 mg/m2 every three weeks. She showed a significant improvement with a major response of the lung metastases. This report indicates that trabectedin is an active drug in advanced, previously treated metastatic malignant fibrous histiocytoma.
A Case Report of a Patient with Advanced Acinar Cell Carcinoma of the Pancreas: Long-Term Survival with Regional, Systemic and Targeted Therapy
Authors: Ang Celina , Herran Luis A , Lagunes Diane Reidy , Klimstra David S , Kemeny Nancy E
Published: February 2018

Acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas is an uncommon malignancy for which there are no prospective, randomized data to guide therapy. We describe the clinical course and management of a patient with advanced pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma who is alive seven years after diagnosis using systemic and regional chemotherapies as well as molecularly targeted agents.
Intraabdominal Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma: A Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Urun Yuksel , Kankaya Duygu , Koral Lokman , Yalcin Bulent , Karabork Ayca , Ceyhan Koray , Boruban Melih Cem , Utkan Gungor , Demirkazik Ahmet
Published: February 2018

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is a rare neoplasm that originates from follicular dendritic cells in lymphoid follicles. FDCS has been increasingly reported in recent years. However, data on FDCS are mostly based on single case reports or case series and its natural history and standard treatment are not clear. To increase the understanding of this rare disease, we report our experience of three cases of FDCS with an analysis of the morphological and immunophenotypic characteristics, clinical course, treatment options and response to treatment. In addition, we reviewed the literature on FDCS.
Etoposide and Temozolomide in Combination for the Treatment of Progressive Small-Cell Lung Cancer Central Nervous System Metastases: Two Cases
Authors: Lukas Rimas V , Vigneswaran Janani , Salgia Ravi
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Progression of central nervous system (CNS) metastases from small cell lung cancer (SCLC) after radiation therapy is associated with a poor prognosis.

Case reports

We present two cases of patients with progressive CNS metastases from SCLC treated with oral temozolomide and etoposide. Sustained clinical responses and radiographic stability were demonstrated. The palliative chemotherapy regimen was well tolerated.

Discussion

A regimen of oral temozolomide and etoposide for progressive CNS metastases from SCLC is well tolerated and may be associated with sustained stability of disease.
Combined chemoradiation for head and neck region myxofibrosarcoma of the maxillary sinus
Authors: Cante Domenico , Franco Pierfrancesco , Sciacero Piera , Girelli Giuseppe Franco , Borca Valeria Casanova , Pasquino Massimo , Tofani Santi , Bombaci Sebastiano , Migliaccio Fernanda , Marra Annamaria , Numico Gianmauro , La Porta Maria Rosa , Ricardi Umberto
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

Adult sarcomas of the head and neck region (HNSs) are considered a rare clinicopathological entity. They account for only 2–15% of all adult sarcomas and for less than 1% of all head and neck malignancies. The preferred initial treatment option is wide surgical excision. Whenever surgery is considered infeasible, a frontline combined-modality approach including radiotherapy and chemotherapy might be proposed. We here report on a case of localized sarcoma of the maxillary sinus treated with induction chemotherapy and subsequent intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), achieving a persistent complete remission status.

Methods

A 66-year-old man was referred to our institution hospital for left-sided facial pain with swollen left cheek and ipsilateral facial palsy. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass within the left maxillary sinus extending to the orbital floor and adjacent alveolar bones. Histological examination of the biopsy specimen demonstrated a myxofibrosarcoma. The patient underwent induction chemotherapy with gemcitabine 900 mg/m2 (days 1–8) and taxotere 80 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for 3 cycles and sequential simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) IMRT up to a total dose of 70 Gy/35 fractions to the macroscopic disease with 59.5 Gy/35 fractions to the level IB-II lymph nodes in the left neck.

Results

Treatment was well tolerated with mild acute toxicity. Complete remission was achieved at restaging MRI 6 months after the end of the combined modality approach. The patient remains in complete, unmaintained clinical and instrumental complete remission 18 months after treatment, with no late side effects.

Conclusion

Combination therapy with induction chemotherapy and sequential SIB-IMRT could therefore be a promising modality for head and neck sarcomas, allowing for simultaneous tumor control and normal tissue sparing.
Cancer estimates up to 2015 in Friuli Venezia Giulia
Authors: Zucchetto Antonella , Serraino Diego , Maso Luigino Dal , Birri Silvia , Francisci Silvia , Zigon Giulia , De Angelis Roberta
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

This analysis intended to estimate the incidence, mortality and prevalence time trends for the major cancer sites up to 2015 in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, northeastern Italy, where a population-based cancer registry has been covering the whole area since 1995.

Methods

The MIAMOD method, a statistical back-calculation approach, was applied to estimate incidence, mortality and prevalence figures, in the period 1970—2015, using mortality data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics and relative survival data from Italian cancer registries.

Results

We estimated that the cancer sites with the highest incidence rates in the forthcoming years will be breast in women (with an age-standardized incidence rate of 130 per 100,000 in 2015), prostate in men (97 per 100,000) and colon-rectum in both sexes (85 and 42 per 100,000 in men and women, respectively). The incidence rates for lung cancer will continue to decrease only in men (down to 43 per 100,000 in 2015). Although the decline in the mortality rates of lung, breast and colorectal cancers is likely to persist, these tumors will remain the big killers in the near future. The number of people living in Friuli Venezia Giulia after a cancer diagnosis is expected to continue to rise in particular for breast cancer (with a crude prevalence of 3,000 per 100,000 women in 2015), prostate cancer (1,700 per 100,000 men) and colorectal cancer (1,100 and 800 per 100,000 in men and women, respectively).

Conclusion

These estimates confirmed the epidemiological patterns in time trends of major cancer sites recorded in Friuli Venezia Giulia. They highlighted in particular the increasing number of people living after a cancer diagnosis as a result of population aging, earlier diagnosis and better prognosis, which warrants adequate public health policies.
Estimates of cancer burden in Emilia-Romagna
Authors: Falcini Fabio , Mancini Silvia , Ravaioli Alessandra , Vattiato Rosa , Bucchi Lauro , Ferretti Stefano , Michiara Maria , Federico Massimo , de Leon Maurizio Ponz , Mangone Lucia , Rossi Silvia , Foschi Roberto
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of midterm epidemiological trends for the major cancer sites in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy (population 4,400,000).

Methods

The MIAMOD method, a back-calculation approach to estimate and project the incidence of chronic diseases from mortality and patient survival, was used for the estimation of incidence and prevalence by calendar year (from 1970 to 2015) and age (from 0 to 99). Survival estimates were taken from cancer registries of northeastern Italy.

Results

The estimated incidence of stomach cancer decreased by approximately 75% for both sexes. Trends in incidence of colorectal cancer differed between males and females. For females, the rate increased moderately until the year 2000 with a slow decrease thereafter, whereas the male colorectal cancer incidence showed a regular increase until 2010 followed by a substantial leveling off. Among males the lung cancer incidence and mortality rates showed a steep increase until the late 1980s and a rapid decrease thereafter. Among females, the trends were increasing over the entire study period. The estimated incidence of female breast cancer rose sharply between 1970 and 2001, but from that year onwards a slightly decreasing trend was observed. Mortality peaked in 1988 and has fallen since. The incidence of prostate cancer showed a 3-fold increase. After 2005, the rate is expected to stabilize. Among females, the estimated prevalence increased for breast cancer (52,700 cases expected in 2015), colorectal cancer, lung cancer and melanoma, while decreasing for stomach cancer and cervical cancer. Among males, the estimates showed an upward trend for prostate cancer (32,100 cases expected in 2015) and colorectal cancer, and a leveling off for lung cancer after 2010.

Conclusion

The estimates were fairly consistent with previous data from several epidemiological sources. The MIAMOD method provided a picture of the impressive increase in the prevalence of breast cancer and prostate cancer over the 45-year period studied.
Estimates of cancer burden in Puglia
Authors: Galise Ida , Rashid Ivan , Cuccaro Francesco , Bisceglia Lucia , Coviello Vincenzo , Melcarne Anna , Minerba Sante , Mincuzzi Antonia , Assennato Giorgio , Foschi Roberto , Rossi Silvia , Gatta Gemma
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

A regional population-based cancer registry that provides incidence and survival data has become active only recently. Since it is important to know the time trends of basic epidemiological indicators to understand the cancer burden in the region, this paper will provide incidence, prevalence and mortality estimates in the region for seven major cancers for the period 1970—2015.

Methods

The estimates were obtained by applying the MIAMOD method, a statistical back-calculation approach to derive incidence and prevalence figures starting from mortality and relative survival data. Survival was modeled on the basis of published data from the Italian cancer registries.

Results

The incidence rates are estimated to be still increasing for female breast cancer, colorectal cancer in men and skin melanoma in both sexes. By contrast, the incidence rates indicate a decreasing trend for cervix uteri cancer and stomach cancer, the latter both in men and women. For these cancers an analogous trend is observed for mortality, confirming the reduction of the risk factors related to these cancer types. The incidence rates for lung cancer and prostate cancer in men were estimated to rise, reach a peak, and then decrease in the last part of the considered period. Prevalence increased for all the considered cancers except cervix cancer. The increase was striking for breast cancer and less pronounced for stomach cancer in both genders.

Conclusion

This paper provides a description of the burden of the major cancers until 2015. The results highlight the need to reinforce effective preventive measures to contrast cancers related to an unhealthy lifestyle and to increase the compliance with organized screening programs to reduce the colorectal and breast cancer burden.
Estimates of cancer burden in Sardinia
Authors: Budroni Mario , Sechi Ornelia , Cossu Antonio , Palmieri Giuseppe , Tanda Francesco , Foschi Roberto , Rossi Silvia
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

Cancer registration in Sardinia covers 43% of the population and started in 1992 in the Sassari province. The aim of this paper is to provide estimates of the incidence, mortality and prevalence of seven major cancers for the entire region in the period 1970—2015.

Methods

The estimates were obtained by applying the MIAMOD method, a statistical back-calculation approach to derive incidence and prevalence figures starting from mortality and relative survival data. Estimates were compared with the available observed data.

Results

In 2012 the lowest incidence was estimated for stomach cancer and melanoma among men, with 140 and 74 new cases, respectively, per 100,000. The mortality rates were highest for lung cancer and were very close to the incidence rates (77 and 95 per 100,000, respectively). In women, breast was by far the most frequent cancer site both in terms of incidence (1,512 new cases) and mortality (295 deaths), followed by colon-rectum (493 cases and 201 deaths), lung (205 cases and 167 deaths), melanoma (106 cases and 15 deaths), stomach (82 cases and 61 deaths), and uterine cervix (36 cases and 19 deaths). The highest prevalence was estimated for breast cancer (15,180 cases), followed by colorectal cancer with about 7,300 prevalent cases in both sexes.

Conclusion

This paper provides a description of the burden of the major cancers in Sardinia until 2015. The comparisons between the estimated age-standardized incidence rates and those observed in the Sassari registry indicate good agreement. The estimates show a general decrease in cancer mortality, with the exception of female lung cancer. By contrast, the prevalence is steeply increasing for all considered cancers (with the only exception of cancer of the uterine cervix). This points to the need for more strongly supporting evidence-based prevention campaigns focused on contrasting female smoking, unhealthy nutrition and sun exposure.
Ewing's Sarcoma/Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor Arising from the Adrenal Gland: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Sasaki Takeshi , Onishi Takehisa , Yabana Tadashi , Hoshina Akira
Published: February 2018

We report a rare case of Ewing's sarcoma (ES)/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) arising from the adrenal gland. A 17-year-old Japanese woman presented with left upper abdominal pain and high fever. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 15×10 cm tumor replacing the adrenal gland. Preoperative diagnosis was an adrenocortical carcinoma. Resection of the tumor was performed. We obtained the final diagnosis of ES/PNET by immunohistochemical molecular study with positive staining for the MIC2 gene product (CD99) and a Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1) gene rearrangement. Local recurrence was observed one month after the surgery. The patient was then treated with systemic chemotherapy and localized radiotherapy.
Metastases to the thyroid gland from renal cancer
Authors: Cesaretti Manuela , Trotta Manuela , Varaldo Emanuela , Ansaldo Gianluca , Leale Irene , Borgonovo Giacomo
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

Metastases to the thyroid gland from renal cancer pose a challenge to physicians, due in part to the rarity of the phenomenon, the prolonged time interval between removal of the primary renal cancer and the appearance of metastases, the difficulty in diagnosis, and the uncertainty regarding long-term prognosis. We report our experience with diagnosis and management of patients affected by thyroid metastases from renal clear cell carcinoma.

Study design

We report herein three clinical cases of thyroid metastases from renal clear cell carcinoma. We also present a review of the literature and examine common features of clinical presentation and management recommendations.

Results

Over the past 17 years, 918 patients underewent surgery for thyroid cancer in our institution. Histological examination demonstrated a thyroid secondary malignancy from kidney cancer in 3 cases. Two patients underwent total thyroidectomy, whereas in the third patient a palliative right lobectomy with homolateral latero-cervical lymphoadenectomy was performed. At a 5-year follow-up, only one patient survived and was disease-free.

Conclusions

Thyroid metastases from renal clear cell carcinoma are a rare occurrence but should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of a thyroid nodule. Preoperative diagnosis is often difficult. Nevertheless, an extensive diagnostic workup is recommended because the subsequent therapy must be tailored on the basis of the local extension of metastases. Surgical treatment of solitary thyroid metastases is recommended. However, patients with disseminated disease have a poor prognosis, and palliative care is the indicated recommendation. In these patients and in surgically untreatable patients, prolonged survival may be achieved by adjuvant medical therapy.
The case of a patient affected by primary gliosarcoma and neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer with prolonged survival
Authors: Trignani Marianna , Taraborrelli Maria , Cefaro Giampiero Ausili
Published: February 2018

Primary gliosarcoma (PGS) is a rare neoplasm with a poor prognosis. It is considered as a variant of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and as a grade IV neoplasm. There is little evidence on the optimal therapy for this disease: treatment of PGS includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and often the same treatment used for GBM is employed for PGS. Several studies have demonstrated that somatostatin receptors are overexpressed in gliomas; somatostatin analogues could therefore also be employed in this mixed form but to date the experience reported in the literature is unclear and there are no studies about the use of these agents in PGS. We present the case of a patient affected by both PGS and neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer. The case is interesting for the prolonged survival and for the stabilization of disease obtained during therapy with somatostatin analogues.
Volumetric-Modulated arc Therapy for a Pelvic Lymph Node Metastasis from Prostate Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: von Eyben Finn Edler , Kangasmäki Aki , Kiljunen Timo , Joensuu Timo
Published: February 2018

A 50-year-old patient had an early biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy and androgen deprivation therapy and castration. An anti-1-amino-3-[18F] fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan showed a single pelvic lymph node metastasis. The patient was given volume-modulated arc therapy with a cumulative dose of 50 Gy for the volume with pelvic lymph nodes and 78 Gy to the boost volume for the lymph node metastasis. He experienced only a transitory mild toxicity from the rectum and the urinary bladder and had a partial remission for 16 months.
Unusual long-lasting cutaneous complete response to lapatinib and capecitabine in a heavily pretreated HER2-positive plurimetastatic breast cancer patient
Authors: Pizzuti Laura , Sergi Domenico , Barba Maddalena , Vici Patrizia
Published: February 2018

Lapatinib, in combination with capecitabine, has shown clinical activity in both first-line and refractory disease in patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer. Herein we describe the case of a plurimetastatic, heavily pretreated, HER2-positive breast cancer patient who experienced multiple cutaneous metastases successfully treated with lapatinib and capecitabine. An early complete response was obtained on all skin lesions, and no evidence of disease progression at other metastatic sites was observed for 22 months. The treatment was well tolerated, without dose-reductions or delays. In advanced breast cancer patients with skin metastases overexpressing HER2, previously treated with anthracyclines, taxanes and trastuzumab, lapatinib and capecitabine may represent a very active, safe and well-tolerated treatment option.
Long-term disease control with lapatinib and capecitabine in a patient with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer pretreated with trastuzumab and trastuzumab-emtansine
Authors: De Angelis Carmine , Milano Monica , Gargiulo Piera , Stanzione Brigida , Forestieri Valeria , Lauria Rossella , Pensabene Matilde , D'Arco Felice , De Placido Sabino , Arpino Grazia
Published: February 2018

We describe the case of a woman who has been undergoing treatment for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer since 2002. She presented liver metastasis at diagnosis in February 2002. Combination therapy with docetaxel and trastuzumab was administered as first-line treatment, and a complete response of the hepatic lesion and a partial response at the breast primary cancer site were achieved. After 6 cycles of therapy, the patient underwent surgical excision of the breast and then received trastuzumab alone until progression, which occurred in March 2010 with the development of a right chest wall lesion. The patient progressed after therapy with trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) received as second-line treatment. Subsequently, a combination of lapatinib and capecitabine was started in April 2011. At this writing, the patient is still receiving treatment (24 months) and is showing a long-lasting response with a favorable safety profile.
Lung cancer survival and deletion of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes. A case-series from Spain
Authors: Ruano-Ravina Alberto , García-Basteiro Alberto L , Pérez-Ríos Mónica , Gómez-Mosquera Antón , Cerdeira-Caramés Sara , Barros-Dios Juan Miguel
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

Lung cancer has a high incidence, and only 15% of all cases are alive 5 years after the diagnosis. Identifying the role of the genes implicated in the success of chemotherapy agents is crucial to predict survival. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletion on lung cancer survival.

Methods and study design

A consecutive sampling of lung cancer cases was performed in 1999–2000 at the University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes were genotyped. The effect of GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletion on survival was analyzed with the logrank test and with Cox regression.

Results

A total of 132 individuals were included, and more than half of them had stage IV lung cancer at diagnosis. Survival was similar irrespective of the presence or absence of the GSTM1 gene, whereas those with deleted GSTT1 had a significantly shorter survival. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, no significant effect was observed for the deletion of any of the genes, although there was a tendency towards a worse survival for those with deletion of GSTT1. The main limitation was that stage at diagnosis could not be considered in the analysis since most of the patients were diagnosed at stage IV.

Conclusions

GSTT1 appears to influence lung cancer survival whereas GSTM1 seems to have no effect.
Abortion and Breast Cancer: Case-Control Study
Authors: Ilic Milena , Vlajinac Hristina , Marinkovic Jelena , Sipetic-Grujicic Sandra
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

The aim of the present study was to examine if certain aspects of a woman's experience of abortion might be associated with the risk of breast cancer.

Methods and study design

The case-control study was conducted in Kragujevac (Serbia) during the period 2004–2005. The case group (191 women) consisted of patients with newly diagnosed first primary breast cancer, which was histologically confirmed. The control group (191 women), individually matched by age (± 2 years), hospital admittance and place of residence (rural/urban) to the respective cases, was selected from female patients admitted for other diseases. The analysis was restricted to parous women (168 cases and 171 controls).

Results

Breast cancer risk was reduced among women who had a history of any abortion (adjusted OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.24–0.88). The protective effect was found for both induced abortion (adjusted OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.25–0.90) and spontaneous abortion (adjusted OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.10–0.98). It seems that these associations did not depend on the number of abortions, age at first abortion, or gestational age at first aborted pregnancy.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that even short pregnancies ending in abortion add to the protection against breast cancer.
Risk factors for well-differentiated thyroid cancer in men
Authors: Zivaljevic Vladan , Slijepcevic Nikola , Sipetic Sandra , Paunovic Ivan , Diklic Aleksandar , Zoric Goran , Kalezic Nevena
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

Thyroid cancers are relatively rare tumors that appear more frequently in women than in men. Accordingly, most studies focus on studying risk factors for thyroid cancer in women and consequently on various hormonal or reproductive factors that are specific for women. The aim of our study was to examine risk factors for developing well-differentiated thyroid cancer in men. Heretofore, we did not encounter in the literature a study that was solely focused on studying risk factors for well-differentiated thyroid cancer in men.

Methods

A case-control study was performed from 2005 to 2010. The case group included 204 consecutive well-differentiated thyroid cancers in male patients (180 papillary and 24 follicular including Hürthle cell). The control group comprised the same number of cases. Patients were individually matched by gender, age and place of residence. Statistical analysis included conditional univariate and multivariate logistic regression Methods.

Results

According to univariate logistic regression, well-differentiated thyroid cancer in men was significantly related to smoking status, duration of smoking, number of cigarettes smoked per day, history of goiter or thyroid nodules, history of non-thyroid cancer, diabetes mellitus, radiotherapy of the head and neck, and history of malignant tumors. According to multivariate logistic regression, it was independently related to smoking status (OR = 0.36; 95% CI, 0.19–0.69), history of goiter or thyroid nodules (OR = 9.19; 95% CI, 1.25–64.58), and a history of malignant tumors (OR = 2.11; 95% CI, 1.19–7.33).

Conclusions

Risk factors for well-differentiated thyroid cancer in men were goiter or thyroid nodules and family history of malignant tumors. Cigarette smoking was negatively associated with the disease.
Hypofractionated Intensity-Modulated Simultaneous Integrated Boost and Image-Guided Radiotherapy in the Treatment of High-Risk Prostate Cancer Patients: A Preliminary Report on Acute Toxicity
Authors: Valeriani Maurizio , Carnevale Alessia , Osti Mattia Falchetto , Minniti Giuseppe , De Sanctis Vitaliana , Agolli Linda , Bracci Stefano , Enrici Riccardo Maurizi
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

To evaluate acute toxicity of hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost and image-guided radiotherapy in the treatment of high-risk prostate cancer patients.

Methods

Between November 2009 and March 2012, 59 patients with high-risk prostate cancer were enrolled. The eclipse inverse planning system (Varian) was used to calculate an IMRT plan with simultaneous integrated boost, delivering 68.75 Gy (2.75 Gy per fraction) to the prostate, 55 Gy (2.2 Gy per fraction) to the seminal vesicles and positive nodes, and 45 Gy (1.8 Gy per fraction) to the pelvis, 4 fractions per week, 25 fractions. Prior to each treatment, patients underwent a kilo-voltage cone-beam CT performing an image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). All patients were submitted to neoadjuvant, concomitant and adjuvant hormone therapy.

Results

The median follow-up for all patients was 13 months (range, 3–28). At the last follow-up, no grade 3 or 4 side effect was observed. Toxicity occurred as follows during the treatment: grade 1 and 2 gastrointestinal toxicity 5.2% and 6.9%, respectively; grade 1 and 2 genitourinary toxicity 24.1% and 1.7%, respectively. Only 1.7% of the patients developed grade 3 genitourinary toxicity. No grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicity was observed.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that 4/w hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost and image-guided radiotherapy in patients with high-risk prostate cancer is feasible and safe. Low acute toxicity rates were verified. Longer follow-up is needed to evaluate the outcomes in terms of late toxicity and survival.
Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery: Oncological and Functional Results
Authors: Checcoli Emanuele , Bianchini Chiara , Ciorba Andrea , Candiani Marco , Riberti Carlo , Pelucchi Stefano , Pastore Antonio
Published: February 2018

Aims

The aim of this retrospective study is to review the experience in performing head and neck reconstruction surgery between 1989 and 2009 at the ENT Department of the University Hospital of Ferrara, Italy, considering the oncological as well as the functional and psychological outcome.

Methods and study design

Thirty-three consecutive patients were enrolled. Patients underwent flap reconstruction following primary or salvage surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity or oropharynx. Oncological results in terms of survival rate and disease-free interval, as well as functional and psychological results were evaluated.

Results

The oncological results, i.e. survival rate related to cancer stage and disease-free interval, were in agreement with those of the literature. Functional assessment, swallowing function and speech intelligibility were statistically poorer in patients affected by oropharyngeal malignancies than in patients affected by oral cancer. Quality of life was compromised in terms of reduced relationships and onset of depression or irritability.

Conclusions

Reconstructive surgery can be considered a relatively standard procedure in the treatment of head and neck cancer. The main drawback is still related to the major impact on patients' quality of life and functional status.
Radicality effect of adding an interpectoral to a subpectoral approach for dissection of level III axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer
Authors: SD Barros Alfredo Carlos , Andrade Felipe Eduardo M , Bevilacqua José Luiz B , Barros Maria Aparecida C , Piato José Roberto , Santos Donizeti R , Filassi José Roberto , Nimir Cristiane CBA
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

The extent of axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer treatment is tailored to each patient. When the surgeon assumes that full dissection, including level III, is needed, there are basically two ways for reaching the apical nodes while preserving the pectoralis muscles: a subpectoral approach, below the joined pectoralis muscles, and another that includes an additional interpectoral dissection between the muscles. We conducted a study to evaluate the radicality of dissection using these two approaches.

Methods

To determine whether the harvest of level III axillary lymph nodes is equivalent with the different approaches, we prospectively studied 75 patients with breast cancer. Careful axillary lymph node dissection was done to as radical an extent as possible, first below the lateral edge of the joined pectoralis muscles (subpectoral approach) and sequentially after opening the space between the muscles (additional interpectoral approach). The number of patients with extra level III nodes retrieved by the addition of an interpectoral dissection as well as the number of complementary nodes obtained in such patients were determined.

Results

We excised 1701 axillary lymph nodes in 75 patients (mean, 22.7). Using first the subpectoral approach, we resected 259 level III nodes in 68 patients (mean, 3.8); in 56 patients, we removed 132 additional level III nodes using the supplementary interpectoral approach (mean, 2.4). In 7 patients (9.3%), we found at least one metastatic node with the interpectoral approach. Two of these patients had positive level III nodes that were discovered only by addition of the interpectoral dissection.

Conclusions

The dissection of level III axillary nodes is more radical when an additional interpectoral dissection is performed after a subpectoral approach has been used. The exclusive subpectoral approach frequently leaves residual nodes at the apex of the axilla.
Thoracoscopic Lobectomy: Comparison of Intraoperative and Postoperative Outcomes between 3 and 4 Incision Accesses
Authors: Billè Andrea , Okiror Lawrence , Draaisma Werner , Choudhuri Debajeet , Harrison-Phipps Karen , Routledge Tom
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

Several techniques have been proposed to perform a video-assisted thoracic lobectomy. We compared the results of a 3 versus 4-port procedure, analyzing intraoperative data, morbidity, and mortality.

Methods

Prospective analysis of 30 consecutive patients who underwent a 4-port approach video-assisted thoracic lobectomy (group A) and comparison with a historical series with 30 patients who had a 3-port video-assisted thoracic lobectomy (group B).

Results

The groups were comparable for clinical characteristics and pathological staging. There was no difference in operating time: median, 128 min for group A versus 129 min for group B (P = 0.9). There was a significant difference in rate of conversion to thoracotomy: 1 of 30 (3.3%) in group A and 7 of 30 (23.3%) in group B (3 ports) (P = 0.02). In group A, 11 patients (36.7%) experienced postoperative complications and in group B, 13 patients (43.3%; P = 0.6). The difference in median time to drain removal and median length of hospital stay between the two groups was not significant. There was a significant difference in persistent pain between group A and group B: 6 patients (20%) in group B presented with persistent neuropathic pain on regular medication (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Our study showed that the 4-port approach was similar in operative time, length of drain and hospital stay but showed a statistically significant lower conversion rate and lower rate of persistent pain than the 3-port access.
Gastric remnant cancer patients had a better prognosis than upper-third gastric cancer patients in a case-control study after surgical treatment
Authors: Li Fangxuan , Zhang Rupeng , Liang Han , Quan Jichuan , Liu Hui , Zhang Hui
Published: February 2018

Background

The aim was to compare the clinicopathological features and prognostic outcomes of gastric remnant carcinoma patients with those of patients with upper-third gastric cancer.

Methods

Clinical data extracted from 112 gastric remnant carcinomas and 367 upper-third gastric cancer patients were analyzed to explore the clinicopathologic differences between two groups. After radical resection, prognostic difference between them was evaluated through a 1:2 matched case-control study.

Results

The pattern of gastric remnant carcinomas showed a male predominance. Undifferentiated type histology, depth at T4 stage and distant metastases were more frequent in gastric remnant carcinomas than in upper-third gastric cancers (P <0.05). The radical resectability of gastric remnant carcinomas was lower and the multi-visceral resectabilitiy was relatively higher than the other group (P = 0.00). Gastric remnant carcinomas trended to have a higher incidence of metastases to either mesojejunum or lower mediastinal lymph nodes than upper-third gastric cancers, but patient survival was not significantly different. In the case-control study, gastric remnant carcinomas had a better prognosis than upper-third gastric cancers after radical resection when the clinicopathologic features and surgical treatment were matched.

Conclusions

Although there was no significant prognostic distinction between gastric remnant carcinomas and upper-third gastric cancer, after radical surgical treatment, patients with the former had an even better prognosis.
Prognostic Role of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Advanced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Impact of Baseline Fluctuation and Changes during Chemotherapy
Authors: Teo MinYuen , Sharial Mohd Syahizul Nuhairy Mohd , McDonnell Felicity , Conlon Kevin C , Ridgway Paul F , McDermott Ray S
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

Inflammation has been implicated in carcinogenesis and progression of pancreatic cancer. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is an index of systemic inflammation. We examined the prognostic role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio at baseline and the significance of intrapersonal variability of the ratio before and during chemotherapy.

Methods and study design

Advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients who had received chemotherapy were included. Baseline clinical and biochemical parameters, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, were extracted and analyzed. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio threshold was determined via recursive partitioning and assessed at diagnosis, prior to chemotherapy and during treatment. Overall survival was estimated via the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between groups with the logrank test.

Results

Between 2005 and 2011, 85 patients with locally advanced (n = 38) and metastatic disease were identified: 68% with a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio >3 had shorter median overall survival than patients with a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio <3 (3.4 vs 9.4 months, P = 0.001). Pretreatment, 35% of repeat neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios crossed the threshold of 3. A persistently elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio >3 suggested a worse overall survival than in patients with a decreasing, increasing or persistently low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (1.9 vs 8.2, 12.3 and 11.7 months, respectively, P <0.001). Twenty-three percent of patients had a >50% decrease in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio following 4 weeks of chemotherapy, with a trend towards improvement in overall survival (12.5 vs 5.0 mo, P = 0.068).

Conclusions

The baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a validated marker for a poor prognosis. Multiple assessments of the pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio might be required. Reduction in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio during chemotherapy may be associated with improved survival.
Clinical application of serum alpha-fetoprotein-IgM complexes on the diagnosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma in Kazakh and Han populations
Authors: Wu Jun , Zou Han , Jiang Jing-Ting , Li Xiao-Dong , Zhao Xue-Mei , Jar Ken , Wang Hong , Xu Bin , Wu Chang-Ping
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

We detected serum AFP-IgM levels in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma in Kazakh and Han populations to investigate the clinical significance of AFP-IgM in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods and study design

Serum AFP-IgM levels were examined in 28 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and 164 controls in the Kazakh population and in 85 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and 187 controls in the Han population. AFP-IgM was detected with the ELISA assay.

Results

In general, serum AFP-IgM levels of hepatocellular carcinoma patients in the Han population and hepatocellular carcinoma patients in the Kazakh population were statistically higher than those of controls, but there was no statistical significance between hepatocellular carcinoma patients in the Han and hepatocellular carcinoma patients in the Kazakh population.

Conclusions

AFP-IgM is an encouraging serological marker and may be useful in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Increased expression of biological markers as potential therapeutic targets in Saudi women with triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Sayed-Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed , Hafez Mohamed Mahmoud , Al-Shabanah Othman Abdualla , Al-Rejaie Salim Salih , Aleisa Abdulaziz Mohamed , Al-Yahya Abdulaziz Abdulrhman , Alsheikh Abdulmalik , Diab Abdurrahman Ibrahim Al , Al-Akeely Mohammad Hamad
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that lacks the expression of hormone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Although TNBC represents only 15% of all types of breast cancer, it accounts for a large number of metastatic cases and deaths. Because of the high metastatic rate and both local and systemic recurrence associated with TNBC, extensive research efforts are actively looking for target therapies to effectively treat this aggressive disease. Accordingly, this study has been initiated to investigate the differential expression of biological markers in TNBC and non-TNBC Saudi women that might be utilized as potential targeted therapy and/or predict the sensitivity to currently available therapeutic regimens.

Methods and study design

Two hundred formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast cancer tissues were selected and divided into 3 groups: benign breast tissues (20), TNBC tissues (80) and non-TNBC tissues (100). Expression of mRNA in FFPE tissues was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the following genes: poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1), topoisomerase 2A (TOPO-2A), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), C-MYC, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), human epidermal growth factor 1 (HER1) and multidrug resistance (MDR) genes.

Results

In the TNBC group, expression of PARP-1, TOPO-2A, HER1, C-MYC, VEGF, bFGF and MMP-2 showed a highly significant increase compared to the non-TNBC group.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that (1) TNBC patients will benefit more from TOPO-2A inhibitors as well as antiangiogenic and antimetastatic therapies; (2) inhibition of these target genes is emerging as one of the most exciting and promising targeted therapeutic strategies to treat TNBC in which the intended targets are DNA repair, tumor angiogenesis and metastasis.
Recurrence Due to Neoplastic Seeding in Head and Neck Cancer: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Nisa Lluïs , Khanfir Kaouthar , Giger Roland
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

Tumor progression due to seeding of tumor cells after definitive treatment for squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck is an uncommon condition that can considerably worsen the outcome of patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods and study design

We report two cases of recurrence due to neoplastic seeding from oropharyngeal and oral cancer, respectively. We performed a literature review with MEDLINE as the main search engine.

Results

Seeding was found to occur most often in tracheotomy scars and gastrostomy sites. The oral cavity, hypopharynx and oropharynx were the primary sites in most cases, and advanced tumor stage seemed to be a risk factor for seeding. Treatment options include salvage surgery, which requires thorough resections, radiotherapy when possible, and palliative management. The prognosis of such events is poor.

Conclusion

Although neoplastic seeding is a well-known phenomenon in cancer surgery, many questions remain unanswered, especially regarding preventive measures and management strategies.
A case of NUT midline carcinoma with no HPV infection, slight EWSR1rearrangement and strong expression of EGFR
Authors: Maffini Fausto , French Christopher Alexander , Cameron Michael James , Stufano Viviana , Barberis Massimo , Pisa Eleonora , Manzotti Michela , Cattaneo Augusto , De Fiori Elvio , Viale Giuseppe
Published: February 2018

NUT midline carcinoma (NMC) is a rare neoplasm with a poor prognosis and involving mostly young patients. Here we describe a classic NMC with a BRD4-NUT fusion gene in a middle-aged woman. We also analyzed some biological features that could potentially influence its clinical behavior such as HPV infection, EWSR1 rearrangement, and the status of the EGFR gene.
Compliance with Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Programs in Women: Results from a Population-Based Study
Authors: Berardi Rossana , Nacciarriti Dania , Tamburrano Tiziana , Carbonari Giovanna , Romagnoli Emanuela , Duca Monia , Burattini Michela , Silva Rosa Rita , Cellerino Riccardo , Cascinu Stefano
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

Women's adherence to mammography and PAP test screening guidelines is a fundamental topic regarding women's health. The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge and compliance to breast and cervical cancer screening programs in women living in three Italian towns, where a public screening program, consisting of free mammography every two years and free PAP test every three years, is ongoing.

Methods

An anonymous survey was mailed to a random sample of women. Eight 120-min focus discussions with groups of women exploring perceptions, knowledge and practices were carried out after analysis of the returned surveys.

Results

Replies were received from 1345 women (response rate, 27%). Almost every woman knew of the screening program, but women's practice of mammography was age-dependent: up to 72% of the women performed it before the age of 50. Conversely, the age of the first PAP test was rather late: up to 70% of the women performed it at over 30 years of age. Women with a lower educational level reported being screened less than those with a higher level. During the group discussions, women's perceptions, knowledge and beliefs regarding cancer and screening, together with aspects of the health care system, appeared to strongly influence the preventive practices. Many women deplored being infrequently instructed by health professionals.

Conclusions

Despite the limitations of the study due to the low response rate, we believe that health professionals should invest on encouraging factors and reduce the deterring factors to optimize screening practices.
Bevacizumab Alone at 5 mg/kg in an Every-3-Week Schedule for Patients with Recurrent Glioblastomas: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Kaloshi Gentian , Brace Gramoz , Rroji Arben , Bushati Teona , Roci Ermir , Hoxha Mehmet , Fejzo Geldon , Petrela Mentor
Published: February 2018

The use of bevacizumab is increasingly reported in neuro-oncology. The most common schedule is 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks. We retrospectively investigated the efficacy of a 3-week schedule of 5 mg/kg bevacizumab in patients with recurrent glioblastomas. Fourteen patients (median age, 46 years) were included in the study. The median number of bevacizumab cycles was 4 (range, 2–8). Five patients (36%) had a partial response, 7 (50%) had stable disease, and 2 (14%) had progressive disease. No grade III-IV toxicities were observed. The median progression-free and overall survival were 3.6 months and 6.4 months, respectively. Every-3-week low-dose single-agent bevacizumab showed substantial activity and a safe profile in patients with recurrent glioblastoma.