bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-Agent Irinotecan as Second-Line Treatment for Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kanat Ozkan , Evrensel Turkkan , Manavoglu Osman , Demiray Mutlu , Kurt Ender , Gonullu Guzin , Kiyici Murat , Arslan Murat
Published: April 2018

Aim

To investigate the activity and toxicity of irinotecan (CPT-11) as a single agent in patients with advanced gastric cancer after failure of previous 5-fluorouracil-based combination chemotherapy.

Patients and methods

Sixteen patients with advanced gastric received CPT-11, 350 mg/m2 every 21 days. The median age of the patients was 54.6 years; ECOG performance status was 0-1 in 14 patients and 2 in 2 patients. Dominant metastatic sites included liver, lung, lymph nodes and peritoneum.

Results

No complete response was observed. Two patients (12.5%) achieved a partial response to treatment. One patient (6.25%) had a minor response. Ten patients (62.5%) had progressive disease on therapy, and 3 patients (18.75%) had stable disease. The median survival of all 16 patients was 5 months. Grade 3 neutropenia was observed in 3 patients (18.75%), grade 4 thrombocytopenia in 1 patient (6.25%), and grade 3 anemia in 1 patient (6.25%). Three patients (18.75%) suffered from grade 3 diarrhea.

Conclusions

CPT-11 is moderately active and a well-tolerated regimen for selected advanced gastric cancer patients who experience disease progression after receiving first-line treatment.
Case Report: Incidental Primary Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Prostate Treated with Transurethral Prostatectomy Only
Authors: Tan M Özgür , Tuncel Altuğ , Deniz Nuri , Üzüm Nüket , Dursun Ayşe , Bozkırlı Ibrahim
Published: April 2018

A 65-year-old man presented with a history of painless gross hematuria and severe obstructive symptoms. Abdominal ultrasonography and intravenous urogram revealed the absence of any disease in the urinary tract except benign prostatic hyperplasia. He underwent a transurethral resection of the prostate and was found to have incidental primary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostatic ducts localized to the gland. Radical cystoprostatectomy was offered but the patient was hypertensive, had a history of cerebrovascular accident and refused another major operation. Since also his general condition was not good enough for further therapy, he was treated with transurethral prostatectomy only. After 16 months he is still alive and free of disease.
Diet in the Italian Epic Cohorts: Presentation of Data and Methodological Issues
Authors: Pala Valeria , Sieri Sabina , Palli Domenico , Salvini Simonetta , Berrino Franco , Bellegotti Manuela , Frasca Graziella , Tumino Rosario , Sacerdote Carlotta , Fiorini Laura , Celentano Egidio , Galasso Rocco , Krogh Vittorio
Published: April 2018

One of the aims of the EPIC study is to produce accurate descriptions of the dietary habits of the participants recruited in the 27 EPIC centers of 10 European countries. To do this, different dietary assessment instruments were developed and applied to capture the wide range of diets characterizing the different European populations. Three different food frequency questionnaires were developed for Italy: one for the centers of Varese, Turin and Florence, one for Ragusa and one for Naples. These inquired about eating habits over the previous year and were completed by 46,839 Italian EPIC participants. Specially developed software analyzed the responses and linked them to food composition tables in order to provide a nutritional breakdown of individual and collective diets. A further aim of EPIC was to develop a method of rendering data from different dietary questionnaires comparable. To do this, dietary data were collected from a sample of about 8% of the Italian EPIC cohort, using a standardized computer-driven 24-hour dietary recall interview, and then compared with the dietary data collected by the questionnaires.

This paper provides an extensive description of the technical features and performance of the food frequency questionnaires and the 24-hour recall interview, including a comparison of estimates of the intake of different food groups provided by the two instruments. From this comparison, the repeatability and reliability of consumption estimates was assessed, resulting in indications for improving data comparability. The paper also presents food frequency questionnaire estimates of the daily intake of foods and nutrients by center, sex and age group, as well as information on dietary habits such as place and time of intake, and food preparation and preservation methods as provided by the 24-hour recall interview.

The picture that emerged is that Italian eating habits are undergoing marked changes, with a tendency to less healthy eating. Documentation of these changes in relation to age, sex and region provides an essential starting point for investigating the influence of diet on the development of cancer and other chronic diseases.
Urinary 1-Hydroxypyrene and t, t-Muconic ACID as Biomarkers of Exposure to Environmental Pollutants in Two Areas in Italy (Epic-Florence and Ragusa)
Authors: Saieva Calogero , Tumino Rosario , Masala Giovanna , Frasca Graziella , Salvini Simonetta , Giurdanella Maria Concetta , Cerati Marco , Perico Andrea , Zanna Ines , Cordopatri Giovanna , Bevazzano Paolo , Palli Domenico
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

Several chemical compounds included in the group of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and benzene are well-known human carcinogens present in the atmosphere of polluted urban areas. Major sources include vehicle traffic and industrial emissions, but also cigarette smoke. Genotoxic damage derived from exposure to PAHs can be measured in healthy adults by specific assays as PAH-DNA adducts. In the frame of EPIC-Italy, we recently carried out a cross-sectional study in different areas of the country (Palli et al., Int J Cancer, 87: 444-451, 2000) and showed that mean DNA adduct levels varied considerably among different centers, being highest in Florence (a large metropolitan area in Tuscany) and lowest in Ragusa (a small town in Sicily).

Methods

A subgroup of EPIC volunteers, representative of these two local cohorts, agreed to collect 24-h urine samples, and we measured the excretion of two potential biomarkers of exposure to environmental pollutants: t,t-muconic acid (MA), a metabolite of benzene, and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), a metabolite of pyrene. Overall, 69 24-h urine samples were available for analyses.

Results

The absolute amounts of 1-OHP and MA excreted in the 24-h urine samples were 169.6 ng and 33.8 μg, respectively. Urinary excretion of both metabolites did not vary according to age or area of residence. Strongly significant differences emerged when current smokers were compared to non-smokers for 1-OHP (P = 0.0001) and MA (P = 0.01), thus confirming that smokers are directly exposed to PAHs and benzene from tobacco smoke, with a dose-dependent effect particularly evident for MA. Multivariate analyses showed positive associations of 1-OHP excretion with male sex, low education and being overweight but not with residence in two areas with contrasting levels of urban pollution; MA excretion tended to be higher in Florence.

Conclusions

These two urinary metabolites are strongly related to tobacco smoke and do not appear to represent reliable biomarkers of exposure to environmental pollutants in the general population.
Conservative Treatment in Noninvasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Rodríguez Nuria , Sanz Xavier , Algara Manuel , Foro Palmira , Auñón Carmen , Morilla Idoia , Reig Anna , Ferrer Ferran
Published: April 2018

Background

The elective treatment for noninvasive breast carcinoma has not yet been established. As a result of mammographic screening programs, the incidence of noninvasive tumors has increased and has lead to the same controversy already present had with invasive carcinomas: mastectomy or conserving therapy.

Methods

Since 1990, 101 patients with noninvasive breast cancer were treated with irradiation following breast-conserving surgery. All the patients had irradiation of the whole breast (mean dose, 47.6 ± 1.2 Gy). The radiation dose boost to the tumor bed was delivered in 28.7% of the cases (mean dose, 21.03 ± 3.06 Gy), and in 71.3%, the boost was not administered.

Results

With a median follow-up of 34 months, survival is 100%. The disease-free survival at 5 years by the Kaplan-Meier method is 93.6 ± 8.65.

Conclusions

The conserving treatment is a valid option for treatment of patients with ductal carcinoma in situ.
External Beam Irradiation in the Palliation of Bone Metastases: A Practice Analysis among Sicilian Departments of Radiation Oncology
Authors: Pergolizzi Stefano , Pontoriero Antonio , Delia Pietro , Santacaterina Anna
Published: April 2018

Background

In the treatment of bone metastases, the choice of radiation fractionation, total radiation dose, delivery technique, and imaging studies before treatment varies among radiation oncologists. Surveys on this issue, using case scenarios, have been published by groups from Europe, North America, and Australia-New Zealand. Our objective was to analyze retrospectively the “real” practice in nine radiotherapy centers located in Sicily.

Method

A questionnaire including 17 items was distributed to 30 practicing radiation oncologists working in seven departments of four Sicilian cities (Messina, Catania, Ragusa and Palermo) during a meeting of the Sicilian Division of the Associazione Italians Radioterapia Oncologica (AIRO). Participants were asked to answer the questions using a card for every patient treated with external beam irradiation from 1 January to 31 December, 2000.

Results

Six centers returned the questionnaires; 332 cards were valuable for a total of 5644 responses. All six responding departments used linear accelerators for treatment delivery. The most common dose fractionation was 30 Gy in 10 fractions and the most common technique used was opposed parallel local fields. Before the start of irradiation a bone scan was performed in 325 of the 332 (98%) patients treated and CT and/or MRI was performed in 320 (96%); surprisingly, standard roentgenograms were used in only 142 of 332 patients (42.8%).

Conclusion

The “real” radiation practice for bone metastases in the region of Sicily confirms the results of the previously reported international surveys: there is a clear preference for fractionated treatment and local field therapy. The results of randomized studies, which demonstrated both the efficacy and the feasibility of a single 6–8 Gy fraction in the palliation of bone metastases, have little or no impact on the pattern of practice.
Opioid Consumption in Hospitals of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region: A Four-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Bortolussi Roberto , Spazzapan Simon , Lombardi Davide , Colussi Anna Maria , Veronesi Andrea , Matovic Mira , De Cicco Marcello
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

Opioid consumption for analgesic purposes is considered an important indicator of the quality of cancer pain treatment. Italy's consumption ranks among the lowest in economically developed countries. A lack of systematic education of health care professionals regarding pain control and a sort of “opiophobia” induced by measures designed to control the improper use of drugs have been indicated as possible reasons for this trend. The aim of this study was firstly to evaluate the level of opioid consumption at inpatient institutions (where opioid prescription rules have never been subjected to any restriction) and secondly to survey the attitude of the physicians working in general hospitals and specialized oncology institutions (oncology centers and hospices) towards opioid administration.

Methods

The authors performed a four-year survey (1996–1999) on the consumption of major opioids (morphine, meperidine, buprenorphine, transdermal fentanyl) among all the inpatient institutions (six regional/provincial hospitals, eleven district hospitals, the Aviano Oncology Institute and two hospices) of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in North-Eastern Italy. To facilitate data interpretation, all the opioids were converted to milligrams equivalent of oral morphine (mg OME). Data on the number of days of hospitalization of oncological patients in every institution were also collected.

Results

The overall consumption of opioids was 9,299,177 mg OME (83.3%) and 1,845,060 mg OME (16.7%) in general hospitals and specialized oncology institutions, respectively. Overall, the number of days of hospitalization of oncological patients was 1,121,142 (87%) and 167,665 (13%) in general hospitals and specialized oncology institutions, respectively. The ratio between the total dosage of mg OME administered and the total number of hospitalization days in general hospitals and specialized oncology institutions was 8.29 mg OME/day and 11 mg OME/day, respectively.

Conclusions

Our data show that in specialized oncology institutions, opioid consumption was proportionally higher than in general hospitals. This result indicates the attitude of the physicians of these institutions towards opioid administration, probably due to the training received on cancer pain treatment, and emphasizes the need to educate all health care workers involved in the management of cancer patients.
Micro-Melanoma Detection. A Clinical Study on 22 Cases of Melanoma with a Diameter Equal to or Less than 3 MM
Authors: Bono Aldo , Bartoli Cesare , Baldi Marzia , Moglia Daniele , Tomatis Stefano , Tragni Gabrina , Cascinelli Natale , Santinami Mario
Published: April 2018

Background and aims

Very small pigmented lesions may represent an extreme diagnostic challenge to the clinician. Our aim was to describe the clinical and dermoscopic features in a series of cutaneous melanomas with a maximum clinical diameter of 3 mm.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of the 924 primary melanomas seen and treated during a period of five years at the Unit for Melanoma Detection of the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan, Italy. The size characteristics of the considered lesions allowed the identification of 22 (2.4%) cases of micro-melanoma (clinical diameter of 3 mm or less). Sixteen of these cases were subjected to dermoscopy. The clinical and dermoscopic features as well as the corresponding diagnoses were recorded.

Results

The typical lesion presents as a small, dark, often black macule, generally evenly colored, with well-defined borders; it may be asymmetric or symmetric in shape. These features prompted a correct clinical diagnosis in nearly half of the cases. Dermoscopy lead to a correct diagnosis in all cases subjected to the technique.

Conclusion

Dermoscopy appears to be an efficient aid to the diagnosis of micro-melanomas, provided that clinicians are aware of this type of lesion and maintain the index of suspicion at a high level.
The Development of Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma in a Patient with Job's Syndrome, A Rare Immunodeficiency Condition
Authors: Oztop Ilhan , Demirkan Binnaz , Tarhan Oktay , Kayahan Hasan , Yilmaz Ugur , Kargı Aydanur , Alakavuklar Mehmet
Published: April 2018

The hyperimmunoglobulin E (HIE) (Job's) syndrome often has it onset in childhood and is characterized by markedly elevated serum IgE levels, chronic dermatitis and recurrent pyogenic infections. Lymphoid malignancies have most commonly been associated with this syndrome while the first case in the literature of carcinoma associated with HIE syndrome was a squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva, described by Clark et al. in 1998. We observed a male patient with Job's syndrome diagnosed at age three who presented with bone pain and a metastatic epithelial tumor of the bone revealed by biopsy. Diagnostic procedures aimed at detecting the primary site showed multiple mediastinal lymph nodes with lung and liver metastases on computed tomography scans and an extradural spinal metastasis at the upper thoracic level on magnetic resonance imaging. Although the patient refused a bronchoscopic procedure, a diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma was established on the basis of sputum cytology and the clinical aspects of tumor extent. Intravenous corticosteroids and palliative radiotherapy were given for the spinal metastasis. Palliative chemotherapy could not be started because of the patient's poor performance status as well as nosocomial fungal pneumonia and pseudomonal urogenital infection with bacteremia. Despite the antifungal and broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatments, the patient died of pseudomonal sepsis.
Primary Pure Ovarian Choriocarcinoma Mimicking Ectopic Pregnancy: A Report of Fulminant Progression
Authors: Balat Ozcan , Kutlar Irfan , Ozkur Ayhan , Bakir Kemal , Aksoy Fuat , Ugur Mete Gurol
Published: April 2018

Nongestational choriocarcinoma of the ovary is a germ cell tumor with a worse prognosis than gestational choriocarcinoma. In this report we present a nongestational choriocarcinoma that was referred to our hospital as an ectopic pregnancy. The clinical features, management, and outcome are discussed.
Spontaneous Splenic Rupture after the Start of Lung Cancer Chemotherapy. A Case Report
Authors: Ballardini Pierluigi , Incasa Elena , Del Noce Antonio , Cavazzini Luigi , Martoni Andrea , Piana Edera
Published: April 2018

Hamartoma of the spleen, first described by Rokitansky in 1861 under the name of “splenoma”, is a rare benign lesion that is nearly always asymptomatic. Apart from the congenital forms there are also acquired forms of splenoma that are frequently associated with hematological diseases or solid tumors. We describe the case of a man suffering from splenoma who had a spontaneous rupture of the spleen with serious hemoperitoneum a few hours after the start of polychemotherapy for squamous cell lung cancer. The close temporal relationship with the event led us to suspect that the drugs used (cisplatin, vinorelbine and corticosteroids) could have played a causal role. From a review of the literature this seems to be the third case reported of spontaneous rupture of the spleen with hamartoma, and the first with the concomitant occurrence of lung cancer.
Non-Occupational Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer a Case-Control Study
Authors: Radosavljević Vladan , Janković Slavenka , Marinković Jelena , Dokić Milan
Published: April 2018

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine non-occupational risk factors for bladder cancer in Serbia.

Methods and design

A hospital-based, case-control study included 130 newly diagnosed bladder cancer patients and the same number of individually matched controls with respect to sex, age (± 2 years) and type of residence (rural or urban), from the Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade and from the Clinical Center in Kragujevac in central Serbia. The study took place from June 1997 to March 1999.

Results

According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, there was an association between: frequency of daily urination (OR = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.08-0.39); consumption of liver (OR = 13.81; 95% CI = 2.49-76.69), canned meat (OR = 8.38; 95% CI = 1.74-40.36), fruit juices (OR = 0.08; 95% CI = 0.01-0.56); the highest fertile of pork (OR = 4.55; 95% CI = 1.30-15.93), cabbage (OR = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.06-1.01) and vinegar (OR = 4.41; 95% CI = 1.18-16.50) intake and risk for bladder cancer.

Conclusions

Consumption of liver, canned meat, pork (h vs I tertile) and vinegar (m vs I tertile) was indicated as a risk factor for bladder cancer, whereas frequent daily urination, consumption of fruit juices and cabbage (h vs I fertile) were indicated as protective factors.
Lung Cancer Mortality in a District of La Spezia (Italy) Exposed to Air Pollution from Industrial Plants
Authors: Parodi Stefano , Baldi Roberta , Benco Claudia , Franchini Michela , Garrone Elsa , Vercelli Marina , Pensa Floriana , Puntoni Riccardo , Fontana Vincenzo
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

In the last decades, many epidemiological studies have implicated outdoor environmental carcinogens in the onset of lung cancer. The present investigation evaluated lung cancer mortality in two areas of the Province of La Spezia (Northern Italy) exposed to environmental pollution emitted by a coal-fired power station and other industrial sources, including a waste incinerator.

Methods

In the two exposed areas, lung cancer mortality risk for the 1988-1996 calendar period was evaluated using the whole Province population as referent. The corresponding relative risks (RR) were estimated after controlling for age structure, urban/rural gradient and deprivation factors (occupation, education, home ownership, housing conditions and family structure) by a Poisson regression modeling. The geographic pattern of risk for the whole province was evaluated via the Besag, York and Mollié (BYM) bayesian model.

Results

Persons living in urban areas showed the highest rates in both sexes. No statistically significant risk excess was found in the two exposed areas among males, after excluding rural and semi-rural zones from the analyses (RR = 1.03 and RR = 0.77). In contrast, a risk excess was observed for females in both exposed areas, which remained elevated and statistically significant (P <0.05) after restriction to urban/semi-urban municipalities and after controlling for deprivation factors (RR = 1.54 and RR = 2.14, respectively). Bayesian mapping confirmed the rural/urban gradient and the risk excess observed in females near the industrial sites.

Conclusions

The risk observed among females is consistent with pollution measurements and with other epidemiologic findings, whereas a strong confounding from occupational exposures and smoking habit could account for the lack of an excess risk in males. However, the ecologic nature of this investigation prevented drawing a causal inference. The pollution-related risk observed in the female gender is an important clue that deserves further epidemiologic attention.
Treatment of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer with a Combination of Gemcitabine and 5-Fluorouracil: A Single Center Phase II Study
Authors: Kanat Ozkan , Evrensel Turkkan , Kurt Ender , Demiray Mutlu , Gonullu Guzin , Arslan Murat , Manavoglu Osman
Published: April 2018

Aim

To determine the activity and toxicity of a combination of weekly gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil bolus intravenously in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Patients and methods

Twenty-one patients with previously untreated metastatic pancreatic cancer were included in this phase II study. The schedule was gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2 iv) and 5-fluorouracil (500 mg/m2 bolus iv) weekly for 3 weeks every month.

Results

Four patients (19%) achieved a partial response and three stable disease. A clinical benefit was obtained in 7 patients (33%). Median survival for all the patients was 6 months. The treatment was well tolerated and toxicity was mild. WHO grade 3 leukopenia occurred in 2 (9.5%) patients, grade 3 anemia in 4 (19%) patients, grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia in 4 (19%) patients, grade 1 diarrhea in 1 (4.7%) patient and grade 1 mucositis in 3 (14.2%) patients.

Conclusion

The weekly administration of gemcitabine combined with 5-fluorouracil bolus iv is an active and well-tolerated regimen in metastatic pancreatic cancer. However, its efficacy is relatively limited.
Serum Interleukin-6 Levels Correlate with Malnutrition and Survival in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Songür Necla , Kuru Bekir , Kalkan Faruk , Özdilekcan Çiğdem , Çakmak Hüseyin , Hızel Nedret
Published: April 2018

Aim

To investigate the level of interleukin-6 in advanced non-small cell lung cancer and to analyze the relationship with malnutrition and survival.

Methods and study design

Seventy-one newly diagnosed advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients were enrolled in this prospective study. Malnutrition was defined by using subjective global assessment. Performance status was assessed by the Karnofsky scale. Serum levels of albumin, transferrin, C-reactive protein, lymphocytes/mm3, lactate dehydrogenase and growth hormone were determined before treatment. The patients were followed, and the factors affecting survival were analyzed.

Results

The mean follow-up after diagnosis was 180 days. IL-6 levels increased in 48 (68%) of 71 patients. According to the subjective global assessment, 28 (39%) patients were well nourished and 43 (61%) were malnourished. Of the 43 malnourished patients, 29 (41%) were moderately malnourished or suspected of being malnourished and 14 (20%) were severely malnourished. The IL-6 level was related to impaired performance status (P = 0.0001), severe malnutrition (P = 0.004), increased C-reactive protein (P = 0.013), higher growth hormone (P = 0.025) and transferrin (P = 0.03) levels. On univariate analysis, impaired performance status, moderate and severe malnutrition, decreased serum albumin and transferrin, a raised IL-6 and lactate dehydrogenase levels were the significant prognostic factors for survival. Multivariate analysis indicated that a raised IL-6, severe malnutrition and a low serum level of albumin were independent prognostic factors for survival in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Conclusions

IL-6 secretion may play a role in the pathophysiology of malnutrition in advanced lung cancer. Results show a relation between elevated IL-6 serum levels and malnutrition, poor performance status, acute phase response and shorter survival in patients affected by advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Postoperative Adjuvant Radio(Chemo)Therapy for Rectal Cancer: An Appraisal
Authors: Scandolaro Luciano , Cazzaniga Luigi Franco , Bianchi Ernestina , Cagna Emanuela , Prina Morena , Valli Maria Carla , Barsacchi Lucia , Frigerio Milena
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

Rectal cancer can be considered a broad-spectrum disease, where the surgeon, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist have a peculiar and specific place in order to work harmoniously as a good orchestra. The reality in common general hospitals is far from that of comprehensive cancer centers, particularly for postoperative approaches. The adjuvant therapy of rectal cancer is not codified worldwide, and it is strongly dependent on preoperative staging procedures, surgeon's acts and pathologist's decisions. Starting from our 10-year experience, we analyzed the various steps of postoperative approaches, defining possible decision errors, the incongruity of some attitudes, and the lack of knowledge of recent achievements of science in this disease.

Methods

A total of 194 patients with advanced surgically removed rectal cancer (pT3-4 pNO - any pT pN+) treated with postoperative radio(chemo)therapy was reviewed retrospectively. Anterior resection was performed in 126, abdominoperineal resection in 48, and other surgical procedures in 20 patients. Irradiation was conducted with a single daily fraction of 1.8 Gy until 45 Gy, and chemotherapy consisted of the combination of 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid (Machover schedule): 47% of patients with positive nodes did not receive chemotherapy.

Results

Five-year overall survival was 60.6% and relapse-free survival was 55.5%. The main prognostic factors were pathological T and N stages. The principal route of progression was distant metastases. Acute toxicity was severe in 1 case (drug toxic hepatitis) and very severe in 16 patients, and late severe sequelae appeared in 13 patients.

Conclusions

The outcome of rectal cancer patients has not changed during the last decade, and this was confirmed in our study. The improvement of radiotherapy techniques has reduced the adverse acute and late toxicity. The best postsurgical approach for pT3pN0 cancer remains unsolved, as the good chemotherapy combination and the real solution could be the application of a new Consensus Conference.
Postoperative Radiochemotherapy in Rectal Cancer Comparison of two Combination Schemes: Alternating versus Concomitant
Authors: Valencia Javier , Escó Ricardo , Polo Sofía , Bascón Natividad , Escudero Pilar , Alonso Vicente
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

To compare the results on disease control and toxicity of two different schedules of adjuvant combined treatment in advanced rectal cancer.

Methods

From January 1995 to September 1998, 127 patients with stage B2-C rectal cancer were treated with postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy with two different schemes: three cycles of 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin followed by pelvic radiotherapy and three weeks after radiation therapy was completed, another three cycles of chemotherapy were administered (alternating arm), or two cycles of 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin followed by concurrent radiochemotherapy and three weeks after ending another two cycles of 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin were administered (concomitant arm).

Results

Grade 3 acute toxicity was more frequent in the concomitant schedule group (33% vs 13%, P = 0.014). In the alternating schedule group, the acute adverse effects were observed after an average radiation dose of 28.4 Gy and in the concomitant schedule group after an average dose of 22.7 Gy (P = 0.012). In the arm of concomitant treatment, 37.8% of patients had to interrupt the irradiation for severe toxicity compared to 10.4% in the arm of alternating treatment (P = 0.001). There was no difference in the rate of late toxicity. The actuarial overall survival rates at 3 and 5 years were, respectively, 68.8% and 56.6% in the alternating arm and 75.5% and 61.8% in the concomitant arm (P = 0.4599). There were no differences between the two arms in the 5-year actuarial rates of overall recurrence (47% vs 51.3%, P= 0.722), local recurrence (34.6% vs 35.7%, P = 0.935) or distant recurrence (32.7% vs 31.8%, P = 0.983).

Conclusions

For patients with B2-C rectal cancer, postoperative treatment with an alternating scheme of chemoradiotherapy is as effective as a concomitant scheme in control of the disease. The concomitant scheme had a higher incidence, earlier appearance and higher severity of intestinal acute toxicity than the alternating scheme, with a lower completion rate of chemoradiotherapy but without any influence on late toxicity incidence.
An Unusual Mesenteric Paraganglioma Producing Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Authors: Canda Aras Emre , Sis Banu , Sökmen Selman , Füzün Mehmet , Canda M Serefettin
Published: April 2018

Adrenal and extra-adrenal paragangliomas are uncommon neoplasms arising from the parenchymal cells of paraganglia. The presenting symptoms are mostly due to excess catecholamine secretion. Extra-adrenal paragangliomas are mostly localized in the superior para-aortic region of the abdomen. Mesenteric paragangliomas are very rare. We report an unusual case of mesenteric paraganglioma producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing hCG secretion in an extra-adrenal paraganglioma.
Feasibility and Results of a Multimodality Approach in Elderly Patients with Localized Intermediate to High-Grade Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas
Authors: De Sanctis Vitaliana , Martelli Maurizio , Osti Mattia F , Donato Vittorio , Grapulin Lavinia , Monello Stefania , De Renzi Filippo , Mandelli Franco , Enrici Riccardo Maurizi
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

A prospective clinical study to determine efficacy and feasibility of a brief course or standard course of anthracycline-based chemotherapy and consolidation radiation therapy in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients over 60 years of age.

Methods

Twenty-five consecutive patients with stage I-IE intermediate to high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma aged 60 and older were treated in an outpatient setting in the Radiotherapy Oncology and Hematology units. All patients had a performance status of 0-1 according to WHO criteria. The survival end points, ie, overall survival, disease-free survival and event-free survival, were considered. Lactate dehydrogenase value, nodal versus extranodal localization and dose intensity were assessed as risk factors for disease-free and overall survival. A comparison using logrank analysis with a wellmatched group of stage I-IE non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients aged less than 60 years was performed.

Results

The 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 90% and 86%, respectively. There was no statistical difference with respect to the younger population regarding these survival end points. Finally, the 5-year event-free survival was 85% and 86% for elderly and younger patients, respectively, without statistical difference (P = 0.41). Neither acute nor late toxicity (G3-G4) was observed during chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment and the follow-up in the elderly group.

Conclusions

We confirm the efficacy and feasibility of a full-dose combined chemoradiotherapy in elderly patients with a good performance status with localized I-IE intermediate to high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Hyperfractionated Radiotherapy for T2N0 Glottic Carcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis at 10 Years Follow-up in a Series of 60 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Bignardi Mario , Antognoni Paolo , Sanguineti Giuseppe , Magli Alessandro , Molteni Marinella , Merlotti Anna , Richetti Antonella , Tordiglione Michele , Conte Leopoldo , Magno Lorenzo
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

To report results of hyperfractionated radiotherapy for T2N0 glottic carcinoma at a single institution after extended follow-up.

Methods

Between 1980 and 1988 at Varese University Hospital, 60 consecutive patients with T2N0 glottic carcinoma received exclusive radiotherapy consisting of 1.5 Gy/fraction twice a day. Treatment gaps during the radiotherapy course were allowed according to individual tolerance. This policy resulted in a wide range of elapsed treatment time: median, 5.7 weeks; range, 3.7-8.9. Median follow-up is 9.8 years.

Results

As a result of dose/time distribution, 16, 20 and 24 patients received an average weekly dose rate of <10 Gy/week, equal to 10 Gy/week or >10 Gy/week, respectively. Mean total dose for each group was 62.8 Gy, 63.7 Gy and 63.8 Gy, respectively. Five-year local-regional control was 69 ± 6% (95% Cl); ultimate local-regional control, including salvage surgery, was 78 ± 5%. All failures were at the primary site, and no patient developed neck recurrence as first site of failure. The actuarial incidence of grade 2-3 late reactions at 5 years was 42 ± 6%. Most late toxicity events were grade 2: only 2 patients developed grade 3 reactions and none grade 4. None of the several clinical and treatment-related variables showed any statistically significant impact on local-regional control or late toxicity at univariate and multivariate analysis. In particular, 3-year local-regional control rates were 73 ± 11%, 84 ± 8% and 69 ± 10% for an average weekly dose rate of <10 Gy/week, equal to 10 Gy/week and >10 Gy/week, respectively (not significantly different).

Conclusions

At a very long follow-up, the hyperfractionated regimen tested in the study was shown to be effective and devoid of major complications, provided individual patient acute tolerance is carefully taken into account. Also, time factor did not affect outcome in this series.
Free to Total Psa Ratio is not a Reliable Predictor of Prostate Biopsy Outcome
Authors: Ciatto Stefano , Rubeca Tiziana , Confortini Massimo , Pontenani Giovanni , Lombardi Claudio , Zendron Paola , Di Lollo Simonetta , Crocetti Emanuele
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

The aim of this study was to assess the validity of predictors of prostate biopsy outcome in order to improve their positive predictive value.

Material and methods

The study material consisted of a consecutive series of 410 prostate biopsies performed during 2003. The variables tested as possible predictors were age, findings at palpation (DRE) and ultrasonography (TRUS), total prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and free-to-total prostate-specific antigen (F/T) ratio. The association with biopsy outcome (cancer vs non-cancer) was investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

All tested variables showed a statistically significant and independent association with biopsy outcome both in univariate and multivariate analysis. Nevertheless, no variable had good performance as a biopsy indicator: depending on the considered variable, three to nine cancer biopsies would be delayed in order to avoid ten benign biopsies. Using 0.12, 0.15 and 0.20 as the cutoff for F/T would avoid 77.3%, 64.4% and 43.1% of benign biopsies but would delay 54.0%, 35.6% and 21.0% of cancer biopsies, respectively.

Conclusion

Although it may contribute to diagnostic suspicion, F/T should never exclude a biopsy indicated because of suspicion arising from other diagnostic tests.
Adenomyoepithelioma of the Breast, Presenting as a Cancer
Authors: Gatti Giovanna , Viale Giuseppe , Simsek Serife , Zurrida Stefano , Intra Mattia , Caldarella Pietro , Luini Alberto
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

Adenomyoepithelioma is a rare lesion that can involve the breast tissue. The diagnostic appearance of the lesion can give raise to a difficult differential diagnosis with breast carcinoma.

Patients and methods

We report our experience with a case of adenomyoepithelioma whose differential diagnosis with a breast carcinoma was particularly difficult, leading to surgery for definitive histology.

Discussion

Few papers are available with evidence about adenomyoepithelioma. The difficult differential diagnosis and the potentiality of malignant evolution of this lesion could in principle justify a conservative surgical approach for final histology.
Intraoperative Hyperthermic Tissue Ablation in Pulmonary Metastases: A Case Report
Authors: Zanon Claudio , Bortolini Massimiliano , Simone Paolo , Bruno Francesco , Clara Renzo , Deriu Leonarda , Cornaglia Silvia
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

The surgical removal of lung metastases is controversial: some authors have reported good results in terms of prognosis and disease-free interval in patients affected by multiple metastases. Recently, percutaneous hyperthermic tissue ablation (HTA) has been used under CT guidance in solitary peripheral pulmonary tumors attached or close to the parietal pleura.

Methods and study design

We report the first intraoperative HTA of a lung metastasis from colorectal carcinoma, which might pave the way for possible future application of the procedure in patients with multiple pulmonary metastases. A 64-year-old patient affected by a rectal cancer was treated by abdominal perineal amputation followed by two lines of chemotherapy. After two years two lesions appeared in the lower left pulmonary lobe and another in the lower right lobe. The patient was monitored by three-monthly thoracic and abdominal CT. The lesions were stable for one year, but in the last two months one of the suspected metastases in the left lung increased from 1 to 2 cm. This was an indication for surgical removal. A mini posterolateral thoracotomy was performed. Thanks to complete collapse of the lung with manual squeezing of the parenchyma, ultrasonography provided satisfactory visualization of the two lesions. A frozen biopsy of the larger lesion was obtained which confirmed its metastatic nature. Ultrasound-guided HTA of the larger metastasis (2 cm) was performed. Final US demonstrated the change in the metastatic pattern. The two lesions were eventually removed by wedge resection using a TA 90 stapler. Histological examination of the two lesions confirmed the coagulative necrosis of the treated metastasis. No morbidity or pulmonary problems were recorded.
Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma to the Heart: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Masci Giovanna , Magagnoli Massimo , Grimaldi Andrea , Covini Giovanni , Carnaghi Carlo , Rimassa Lorenza , Santoro Armando
Published: April 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with extension or metastasis to the right atrium is an uncommon form of cardiac malignancy. This report describes a rare case of right intraventricular metastasis from HCC in a patient who had undergone a partial hepatectomy for HCC more than two years earlier. Open heart surgery was performed and the mass was partially excised. Symptoms (dyspnea, edema of the lower extremities, palpitations) improved after surgery. Two months later a recurrence of the ventricular mass was observed. Systemic chemotherapy with cisplatin and doxorubicin resulted in significant tumor reduction. The patient died of progressive hepatic failure six months later. In addition to this case report, a review of the literature on heart involvement from HCC is presented.
45th Annual Meeting of the Italian Cancer Society Bergamo, 9-12 November 2003
Authors: Giavazzi Raffaella , Aglietta Massimo , Astolfi Annalisa , Falanga Anna , Fusco Alfredo , Labianca Roberto , Lollini Pier Luigi , Lombardo Claudio , Natali Pier Giorgio , Pierotti Marco A , Presta Marco , Santoro Massimo , Taraboletti Giulia , Zupi Gabriella , Vecchio Giancarlo
Published: April 2018

The 45th Annual Meeting of the Italian Cancer Society (SIC), held at the Centro Congressi Giovanni XXIII in Bergamo, Italy on 9-12 November, 2003, attracted almost 400 participants. The Scientific Committee chaired by R Giavazzi (Mario Negri Institute, Bergamo) and the board of the Italian Cancer Society produced a packed and varied program. Plenary sessions with keynote speakers (24 lectures) were combined with oral proffered papers (20 selected presentations), providing a platform from laboratory science to clinical interventions. Two hundred and sixty-one abstracts were submitted to the conference and presented in poster and poster discussion sessions, providing a stimulating ground for discussion and a network of interactive collaboration among young investigators.

The venue of Bergamo offered exceptional hospitality with social events in the beautiful old town and at the Modern Art Museum. We hope that the following report gives an idea of the event and will encourage the reader to attend the 46th meeting of the SIC, 24-26 October, 2004 in Pisa.
T1-T2 Breast Cancer with Four or More Positive Axillary Lymph Nodes: Adjuvant Locoregional Radiotherapy with High-Dose or Standard-Dose Chemotherapy. Results of an Observational Study
Authors: Perrucci Elisabetta , Aristei Cynthia , De Angelis Verena , Anselmo Paola , Mascioni Francesca , Gori Stefania , Frattegiani Alessandro , Latini Paolo
Published: April 2018

Aim and background

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of postoperative locoregional radiotherapy in patients with T1-T2 breast cancer and four or more positive axillary lymph nodes submitted to mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery followed by standard-dose or high-dose adjuvant chemotherapy. The incidence of locoregional relapses and the survival correlated with the number of positive nodes were recorded for each treatment arm.

Patients and methods

From August 1992 to August 1999 86 breast cancer patients (median age, 54 years, T1-T2, N+ >4) submitted to surgery were treated. Sixty-three patients received standard-dose chemotherapy while 23 patients with 10 or more positive nodes received high-dose chemotherapy. After four courses of standard-dose anthracycline-based chemotherapy peripheral blood stem cells were mobilized with cyclophosphamide (7g/m2) and G-CSF (10-16 μg/kg/day/sc). High-dose chemotherapy consisted of etoposide 1000 mg/m2, thiotepa 500 mg/m2 and carboplatin 800 mg/m2. Hormone receptor-positive patients underwent hormone therapy. Following chemotherapy all 86 patients were given conventional radiotherapy to the breast or the chest wall and the supraclavicular fossa. The high-dose subgroup received radiotherapy to the internal mammary nodes ± axilla. Results: The median follow-up from the start of radiotherapy was 36.5 months. Locoregional relapses occurred in nine patients (10.4%); in four of them they were isolated (4.6%). Local relapses were four (4.6%) and regional relapses six (6.9%). Twenty-five patients (29%) had distant metastases. The five-year and eight-year overall actuarial survival rates were 82.6% ± 4.8 and 60.1% ± 8.8, respectively. No statistical differences were found when the number of positive nodes or the type of treatment of N+ 10 patients was included in the analysis.

Conclusions

Breast cancer patients with four or more positive axillary lymph nodes are at high risk of developing locoregional and distant relapses. The results reported here demonstrate the efficacy of radiotherapy in the reduction of locoregional failure; no differences in survival and locoregional control in relation to treatment arm and number of positive nodes were found.
Effects of Interferon-α-2a on Th3 Cytokine Response in Multiple Myeloma Patients
Authors: Sonmez Mehmet , Sonmez Bircan , Eren Necmi , Yilmaz Mustafa , Karti S Sami , Ovali Ercument
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

Multiple myeloma cells increase Th3 cytokine response by secreting TGF-β, which causes defective Th1 and Th2 cytokine responses. Therefore, a significant suppression of the immune system is seen in multiple myeloma. Interferon-α (IFN-α) is used in the treatment of multiple myeloma due to its immunomodulatory and anti-tumoral effects. We attempted to define the characteristics of immune cytokine responses and the effects of IFN-α-2a on the immune response in multiple myeloma.

Methods

Fifteen patients with multiple myeloma and 15 healthy controls were enrolled. IFN-α-2a, 3 million units/day x 3 times/week, was administered subcutaneously to the patients for 2 weeks. Cytokines (TGF-β, IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ) were assessed by the ELISA method in sera of the patients in pretreatment and posttreatment periods and in the sera of the controls.

Results

IL-2 and IL-4 levels in patients, before IFN-α-2a, were lower than the controls, whereas TGF-β levels were higher than the controls. In other words, Th3 cytokine response was increased and Th1 and Th2 cytokine responses were decreased in patients. A short course of IFN-α-2a increased IL-2 levels.

Conclusions

These findings suggest IFN-α-2a may enhance nonTh3 cytokine responses in multiple myeloma patients.
Safety and Efficacy of Enoxaparin Treatment in Venous Thromboembolic Disease during Acute Leukemia
Authors: Imberti Davide , Vallisa Daniele , Anselmi Elisa , Moroni Carlo Filippo , Bertè Raffaella , Lazzaro Antonio , Bernuzzi Patrizia , Arcari Anna Lisa , Cavanna Luigi
Published: April 2018

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a quite common complication in acute leukemia, although its real incidence is unknown. The best treatment of this complication is still a matter of debate due to the very high risk of hemorrhage in this group of patients.

Patients and methods

From December 2000 to December 2002 four Caucasian patients with acute leukemia developed VTE complications. The patients were three men and one woman, mean age 55.7 years (range, 27-77). Two patients with acute lymphoid leukemia (L1 and L2 according to the FAB classification) developed deep venous thrombosis during the administration of chemotherapy; one patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML, M2 according to the FAB classification) had pulmonary thromboembolism at diagnosis, while another AML patient (M4 according to FAB) showed deep venous thrombosis as the first symptom of leukemia. The clinical diagnosis of symptomatic VTE was confirmed by objective imaging procedures including lower limb venous color Doppler imaging in all cases and a ventilation-perfusion lung scan in one case. All patients were treated with enoxaparin 100 IU/kg subcutaneously twice daily for one month, followed by 150 IU/kg once daily for at least five months. When the platelet count was below 20,000 × 109/L, the dose was reduced by 50%.

Results

During antithrombotic treatment neither VTE recurrences nor hemorrhagic complications or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia occurred. The platelet count at the beginning of enoxaparin treatment was very low (mean, 55,750 × 109/L; range, 12,000-121,000 × 109/L) and treatment did not affect platelet recovery.

Conclusions

Enoxaparin proved to be efficacious and safe in the management of deep venous thrombosis with or without pulmonary embolism in patients affected by acute leukemia. Enoxaparin cured acute venous thrombosis, prevented recurrences and did not cause any hemorrhagic complications despite prolonged severe thrombocytopenia.