bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histologic and Cytologic Liver Changes in 120 Patients with Malignant Lymphomas
Authors: Roth Anton , Kolarić Krsto , Dominis Mara
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of liver involvement in malignant lymphomas. Non-specific liver changes were also registered. Percutaneous liver biopsy was performed on 120 patients with untreated malignant lymphomas. There were 38 patients with Hodgkin's disease, 42 with histiocytic and 40 with lymphocytic lymphomas. AH the biopsy specimens were histologically and cytologically analyzed. Positive liver findings (lymphomatous infiltration) were observed in 27.5% of patients with lymphocytic, 23.8% with histiocytic lymphomas, and 7.8% with Hodgkin's disease. Liver involvement in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas was significantly higher (P < 0.025) than in Hodgkin's disease. In the whole group of patients, there were non-specific liver changes: 23 chronic persistent hepatitis, 5 aggressive hepatitis, 9 liver steatosis and 4 liver hemosiderosis. Based on these results, it can be concluded that liver involvement with lymphomatous tissue is more common in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Knowledge of this is relevant for clinical staging and the treatment program. These findings also confirm that percutaneous liver biopsy is a valuable diagnostic procedure in the staging of malignant lymphomas.
Lymphangiomyoma of the Thoracic Duct with Previously Undescribed Epithelial Tubules
Authors: Teglbjærg Peter Stubbe , Svendsen Valborg
Published: April 2018

A case of mediastinal lymphangiomyoma with tubules covered with epithelium is reported. The epithelium of these tubules is morphologically identical to that of the bronchi. It is the first time that epithelial, presumably pulmonary, elements have been described in an extrapulmonary lymphangiomyoma. It is concluded that the present case of a mediastinal lymphangiomyoma suggests a hamartomatous malformation. Whether this applies in general to lymphangiomyomatosis still remains a matter of discussion.
High Dose Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA) Treatment in Metastatic Carcinoma of the Breast: A Dose-Response Evaluation
Authors: Della Cuna Gioacchino Robustelli , Calciati Alessandro , Bernardo Strada Maria Rosa , Bumma Cesare , Campio Luigi
Published: April 2018

The results of a controlled clinical trial that used high doses of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer are reported. Two treatment regimens were used: regimen A, 500 mg daily with a total dose of 30 g; regimen B, 1,000 mg daily with a total dose of 60 g. The overall response rates were similar, with no statistically significant difference between the two treated groups. Regimen A (lower dosage group) reached a remission rate of 44%, whereas regimen B (higher dosage group) had a remission rate of 41%. The mean duration of response was 8 months with regimen A and 9 months with regimen B. The advantages of the lower dosage regimen as opposed to the higher dosage regimen of MPA in the treatment of advanced breast cancer are discussed.
Clinical Results of Lymphography in Cancer of the Uterine Cervix. A Retrospective Study of 542 Consecutive, Unselected Patients
Authors: Vona Stefania , Bergonzi Luigi , Musumeci Renato , Volterrani Fabio
Published: April 2018

From 1961 to 1976, 542 patients were evaluated with foot lymphography for cancer of the cervix at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan. A group of 341 patients had lymphangiography as part of the initial diagnostic work-up. The overall incidence of positive examinations was 25% (9% stage I, 29% stage II, 46% stage III, 50% stage IV). In the 115 patients who had pelvic surgery the overall diagnostic accuracy of lymphography was 88%, with 2 false positive and 12 false negative reports. A second group of 90 patients was evaluated in the follow-up without clinical evidence of disease, and the incidence of metastases was 17%. Finally, a group of 111 patients was studied for recurrence, and in this group the incidence of metastases was 51%. As regards site of involvement, the external iliac chains were involved in 93 to 96% of the cases, the common iliac in 34 to 79%, and the para-aortic in 17 to 36% in the different clinical conditions. The highest incidence of para-aortic metastases was found in the clinically initial stages (I and II) and in the recurrences. The lymphographic involvement of the retroperitoneal nodes was usually limited to a single region (41%) or two regions (37%). Only in 22% of the positive cases was a diffuse involvement of the retroperitoneal node chains evident.
Role of Operative Trauma: Explosive Metastases of Similar Size following Amputation of the Primary Leg Tumor
Authors: Agostino Domenico , Agostino Nicodemo
Published: April 2018

Trauma produced by amputation of a limb bearing the primary tumor influenced pulmonary metastases of the Carcinosarcoma of Walker 256 of the rat. This enhancement was present in 38% of the animals following the removal of a limb bearing the primary tumor; and in 29% of those in which the controlateral limb without tumor was amputated. A significant prolongation of the clotting time, an elevation of fibrinogen factor II and VII and a rapid consumption of factor VIII present soon after trauma may have been the parameter responsible for the increase of pulmonary metastases seen in this tudy.
Early Detection of Ductal Breast Cancer: The Diagnostic Procedure for Grouped Microcalcifications
Authors: Kindermann Günther , Rummel Wulf , Bischoff Jürgen , Paterok Eberhard , Weishaar Julius , Willgeroth Fritz , Ober Karl Günther
Published: April 2018

Mammography and xeroradiography for grouped microcalcifications are considered the most effective diagnostic methods to detect occult breast carcinoma. Radiography must direct the surgeon to excise the nonpalpable area. The removal of the tissue with grouped microcalcifications must be confirmed by intraoperative radiological control. The histologic preparation must be guided by radiographic controls. Tissue with calcific deposits is examined by step sections. The diagnostic success depends upon the cooperation between the radiologist, the surgeon, and the pathologist. Our results from 1964 to 1977 have shown a frequency of 14.4 % of occult carcinoma. Ductal or lobular carcinomata in situ have been diagnosed in 8.9%. In 9.9% of the patients, cystic disease with severe and atypical proliferations has been encountered.
Unusual Morphologic Features of a Primary Liver Neoplasm
Authors: Schmid Corrado , Lombardi Luciano , Giordano Ferdinando , Delgrossi Secondo
Published: April 2018

Light and electron microscopy study of an unusual primary liver neoplasm observed in a 36-year-old woman. By light microscopy the tumor, initially detected by a needle biopsy and later surgically removed, was mainly composed of spindle-shaped and multinucleated cells which were similar to rhabdomyoblasts. These cells, however, showed ultrastructural features of hepatocytes.
Non-Specifically Bound Immunoglobulins on Mouse Placental Cells
Authors: Bellelli Luciano , Sezzi Maria Luisa
Published: April 2018

There seem to be some similarities between escape mechanisms employed by embryos and cancer cells from the maternal or tumor bearer's immune system. In the present study, we investigated the presence of hemagglutinins on placental cells and their relationship to circulating antibodies in mice immunized against sheep erythrocytes before mating. The results obtained demonstrated that placental cells may fix large quantities of maternal immunoglobulins. The hemagglutinins are probably fixed on placental cells by the Fc, since the combining sites of the antibody were free and able to react with the antigen in the « rosette » test. It was also demonstrated that placental tissue may fix up to 1/4 of the maternal circulating antibodies, while only 1/200 of them were transmitted to the fetuses. Some theoretical implications of the presence in the placenta of antibodies not directed against feto-placental antigens are also discussed.
Selective Mitochondrial Alterations Induced by a Single Dose of Daunorubicin or 4-Demethoxydaunorubicin in Mouse Ventricular Myocardium
Authors: Zanon Paola L. , Lambertenghi-Deliliers Giorgio , Pozzoli Ermanno F. , Nava Mariateresa , Soligo Davide A. , Praga Claudio , Di Marco Aurelio
Published: April 2018

The ventricular myocardium of CD1 mice given a single high dose (LD50) of daunorubicin (DNR) or its derivative, 4-demethoxydaunorubicin (4DD), was studied under the electron microscope. Severe degenerative alterations were observed, but only in the mitochondria in myocardial tissue samples taken 3 and 7 days after treatment. This suggests that mitochondrial lesions might play an important role in the pathogenesis of anthracycline myocardiopathy. Furthermore, the nucleolar segregation phenomenon, already described in experimental doxorubicin myocardiopathy, was not observed in the myocardial samples taken 1 and 3 h after DNR or 4DD injection: this fact may be interpreted, without excluding a possible DNA-mediated toxic mechanism, as the result of different kinetic behaviour of DNR and 4DD compared to doxorubicin.
Hla Antigens in Malignant Melanoma Patients
Authors: Pellegris Giuseppe , Illeni Maria Teresa , Vaglini Maurizio , Rovini Dario , Cascinelli Natale , Masserini Cinzia
Published: April 2018

One hundred and forty melanoma patients, divided in 2 groups, i.e., patients with clinical evidence of melanoma and patients with no clinical evidence of melanoma, were typed for HLA-A, -B and -C antigens and compared with 340 to 905 (according to each HLA antigen examined) healthy adult blood donors. Overall, a highly significant increase in HLA-B40 antigen (p = 5.6 × 10−7) and a decrease in HLA-BW35 (p = 1.6 × 10−4) was observed. No relevant difference was found between the 2 groups. Moreover, an unexpected excess of HLA blanks was observed at both A and B loci in the first group (p = 1.3 × 10−2 and p = 3.3 × 10−6, respectively) and only at the B locus in the second (p = 1.2 × 10−2), when the patients were compared to 288 healthy individuals HLA typed at the same time and with the same HLA antisera as the patients. The increase in HLA blanks in melanoma patients deserves further investigation to ascertain whether it may be due to the tumor not yet surgically removed or may be referred to technical pitfalls.
Radiotherapy Alone and Radiotherapy Followed by Radical Mastectomy in T2 Breast Cancer
Authors: Zucali Roberto , Volterrani Fabio , Kenda Rado , Uslenghi Carlo
Published: April 2018

Ninety-four patients with T2 NO, N1a, N1b, MO were treated with primary radiotherapy (RT) because of old age or poor general conditions. In 32 patients (34 %), younger in age and in better general conditions, Halsted radical mastectomy could be performed 5–8 months from starting RT; surgery was not done at random, but decided case by case on the basis of a good response to RT and an improvement of general status. Relapse was documented in 42 patients. Relapse rate was 50 % in the group treated with RT alone (high incidence of breast recurrences) and 33 % in the group operated on after RT. Distant metastases had the same incidence in the 2 groups, with a median free interval of 14 months. Overall disease-free survival rates at 5 to 10 years were 46 % and 35 %, respectively; these results are not particularly different from the data of historical series of T2 breast cancer treated with surgery alone. The patients operated on after RT had a significantly better survival, but the results were clearly influenced by the selection of patients. For the future, a safe policy could be a conservative combined treatment consisting of tumorectomy followed by curative RT; adjuvant medical therapy could be scheduled for high-risk patients (N1b).
Enhancement of Pulmonary Metastases following the Intravenous Infusion of a Suspension of Ellagic Acid in Traumatized Rats
Authors: Agostino Domenico , Agostino Nicodemo
Published: April 2018

A significant shortening of the silicone and glass clotting times and a reduction of oozing from the exposed femoral veins was observed following the infusion of EA. Ellagic acid significantly enhanced metastases formation; and in traumatized animals its effect was more pronounced. No definite explanation on the combined effect of trauma and EA can be offered at this time; however several possibilities are discussed. There was no obvious untoward side effect of EA in any of the animals studied.
Interazioni Tra Epidemiologia Dei Tumori e Cancerogenesi Sperimentale
Authors: Terracini Benedetto , Vineis Paolo
Published: April 2018

Vengono descritti, con esempi, i criteri scientifici comunemente utilizzati per il riconoscimento di specifiche sostanze o miscele capaci di produrre tumori nella specie umana. Si presentano inoltre i limiti e le potenzialità dei comuni strumenti della ricerca epidemiologica (studi-caso controllo e di coorte) per la dimostrazione della cancerogenicità di specifiche sostanze. Vengono elencate le condizioni necessarie affinché - sul piano del rigore scientifico - le ricerche epidemiologiche siano in grado di portare alla dimostrazione della cancerogenicità per l'uomo di uno specifico composto. La difficoltà della realizzazione di tali condizioni spiega la modestia del numero di sostanze riconosciute cancerogene per l'uomo. Pertanto, la predizione del rischio di cancerogenicità di un composto deve spesso appoggiarsi soltanto sui risultati di ricerche sperimentali.
Valutazione Dello Stato di Nutrizione di Pazienti Portatori di Carcinoma Dell'Esofago, Sottoposti a Nutrizione Parenterale Totale
Authors: Mulieri Massimo , Cetorelli Luigi , Migliaccio Pietro Antonio , Sorrentino Donatella , Ticca Marcello
Published: April 2018

Six patients with carcinoma of the esophagus (proximal and middle one-third) underwent intravenous artificial nutrition (TPN) both during preoperative radiation therapy and during the periods preceding radical surgery. From admission on, their conditions were evaluated and followed according to an established pattern of assessment of the nutritional state. Besides a certain improvement of the nutritional state at the level both of the muscular and adipose tissues, the results showed the reliability and the reproducibility of the serial anthropometric indexes adopted. With regard to the biochemical indexes most commonly utilized for evaluating the nutritional state, the results confirmed the doubts already casted about the reliability of a great part of these indexes when applied to this specific kind of patients.
Cefuroxime-tobramycin Therapy in Cancer Patients with Bacterial Infections
Authors: Azzoni Paolo
Published: April 2018

Twenty-five patients with different metastatic tumors, and often with other diseases which may have further compromised their organic defenses (such as diabetes, anemia and neutropenia), had a simultaneous bacterial complication. This was regarded as documented (i.e., proved by positive culture) in 12 of 25 patients, and probable if subjective and objective symptoms, X-ray, laboratory tests and the clinical picture agreed with bacterial infection in progress, even though the culture was negative, in 13 of 25 patients. Antibiotic therapy with cefuroxime-tobramycin gave good results in 19 of 25 patients, i.e., in 10 of 12 with a documented infection and in 9 of 13 with a probable infection. Fever of unknow origin and urinary infections were the most responsive to the therapy. Three of 25 patients had nephrotoxicity, with a very small rise in BUN and creatinine, which was easily reversible. According to our experience, antibiotic therapy with cefuroxime-tobramycin would be useful in cancer patients with bacterial complications because of its effectiveness and tolerability.
Reed-Sternberg Cell Leukaemia
Authors: Cavalli Paola , Cazzola Mario , Gobbi Paolo G. , Gorini Maurizio , Malfitano Antonello , Riccardi Alberto , Ascari Edoardo
Published: April 2018

A case of Reed-Sternberg (R-S) leukaemia is described, and the results of the morphological, cytochemical and cytokinetic studies on the circulating neoplastic cells are reported. Detailed data are given for each of the 3 types of abnormal circulating cells: abnormal mononuclear (AM) cells, Hodgkin's (H) cells and R-S cells. Our results cannot discriminate whether R-S cells derive from monocyte-macrophages or from B-cell lineage. However, some data suggest that H and R-S cells may likely originate from AM cells. The unfavourable clinical significance of the appearance of circulating R-S cells is discussed taking into account the other few cases reported in literature.
Postmastectomy Angiosarcoma: Ultrastructural Study of a Case
Authors: Govoni Edmondo , Pileri Stefano , Bazzocchi Floriano , Severi Bruno , Martinelli Giuseppe
Published: April 2018

The ultrastructural findings of a case of Stewart-Treves syndrome are reported. The authors believe that some features, never described before, confirm the truly vascular nature of this neoplasm.
Correlation between the Presence of Natural Antitumor Antibodies and Activation of Mulv Endogenous Virus in Balb/C Mice
Authors: Ménard Sylvie , Colnaghi Maria I. , Tagliabile Elda
Published: April 2018

Individual 3-month-old or 12-month-old BALB/c mice, as well as 5-month-old nu/nu or nu/ + BALB/c mice, showed a direct correlation between the serum level of natural antitumor cytotoxic antibodies and the capacity of spleen cells to infect SC-1 cells permissive for murine ecotropic viruses. Pooled or individual sera from 3-month-old BALB/c mice, negative for the presence of natural antitumor cytotoxic antibodies and whose spleen cells were unable to infect the SC-1 cells, were negative both for SC-1 cells and SC-1 cells infected by MuLV. On the contrary, pooled or individual sera from 15-month-old BALB/c mice, positive for the presence of natural antitumor antibodies and with infecting spleen cells, were cytotoxic for infected SC-1 cells but not for the uninfected ones. The infection of SC-1 cells by MuLV could be inhibited by 3-month-old spleen cells, and this effect was suppressed by depriving the inhibiting spleen cells of T cells by means of an anti-Thy-1 antibody plus complement. The cells with infectious capacity did not belong to the T-cell compartment, as demonstrated by the lack of infection after passing the infecting spleen cells through an anti-Ig column, whereas T-deprivation did not modify the infectious capacity. A natural anti-gp70 monoclonal antibody, which exerted a complement-dependent cytotoxic effect on tumor cells, stronghly inhibited the infection of the permissive SC-1 cells by MuLV.
A Differential Interaction of Doxorubicin and Daunorubicin with Human Serum Proteins
Authors: Zunino Franco , Gambetta Romolo A. , Zaccara Adriano , Carsana Roberto
Published: April 2018

The results of a comparative investigation on the interaction of doxorubicin (adriamycin) and daunorubicin with serum proteins are reported. Whereas a strong interaction occurs in vitro between doxorubicin and human serum proteins, no appreciable binding to proteins could be detected for daunorubicin under similar experimental conditions. Since the protein-bound drug is only partially dissociated by physical procedures including gel-electrophoresis, column-chromatography and solvent extraction, the formation of a covalent bond is suggested. The doxorubicin binding to serum proteins is apparently nonselective for a class of proteins; it is strongly reduced in acid conditions and slightly dependent on the ionic strenght. Two tentative reaction mechanisms have been considered.
T-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Gopal R. , Advani S.H. , Nair C.N. , Dinshaw K.A. , Nadkarni J.J. , Satam M.N. , Gawande S.R. , Sirsat S.M.
Published: April 2018

A case of T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (T-CLL) is reported. The surface receptor for sheep erythrocytes and acid phosphatase staining confirmed the diagnosis of T-CLL. This report provides evidence that T-CLL, a rare variant of CLL, is an aggressive disease with relative resistance to therapy and short survival.
Serum Sulfhydryl Concentrations in Patients with Malignant Lymphoma
Authors: Grimaldi Mario G. , Caprio Guido
Published: April 2018

The total concentration of protein suifhydryl (SH) groups was determined in the sera of 15 patients with untreated malignant lymphoma (4 patients with Hodgkin's disease and 11 with non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphoma) using 5,5'-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB). Serum SH total concentration in all patients was markedly depressed and significantly lower than that observed in the sera of healty controls matched for sex and age.
Malignant Mixed Müllerian Tumors of the Uterus. A Clinical and Pathologic Study of 34 Cases
Authors: Martinelli Giuseppe , Bazzocchi Floriano , Pileri Stefano , Mancuso Antonino , Bernardi Luciano , Franchina Michele
Published: April 2018

The clinical and pathologic findings of 34 patients with malignant mixed Müllerian tumor of the uterus (15 of the homologous type and 19 of the heterologous one) are analyzed. Tumor extent at the time of diagnosis appears to be the main prognostic factor: 63.6% of the patients in stage I are alive and well from 9 years to 6 months after diagnosis, as compared to 4.3% of the patients in all the other stages. No other factor seems to be of any essential importance for survival.
Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine and DTIC in Advanced Diffuse Lymphocytic Poorly Differentiated Lymphoma
Authors: Grigoletto Eligio , Tirelli Umberto , Tumolo Salvatore , Galligioni Enzo , Veronesi Andrea , Trovò Mauro G. , Franchin Giovanni , De Paoli Antonino , Volpe Rachele , Carbone Antonino
Published: April 2018

From January 1975 to December 1979, 14 consecutive patients with advanced (stage III-IV) diffuse lymphocytic, poorly differentiated lymphoma (DLPD) were treated with adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and DTIC (ABVD). Either maintenance combination chemotherapy with CVP or radiotherapy over bulky disease was added in the cases with complete response (CR). Fifty per cent of the patients achieved CR and 80% achieved objective responses. Among CRs, 100% were alive at 2 years, 70% of them without evidence of disease. Overall, 75% of the patients were alive at 2 years, 30% without evidence of disease. Toxicity was acceptable and no drug-related deaths occurred. ABVD is not the ideal combination for DLPD, but it should be taken into consideration in patients with advanced DLPD in which first line combination chemotherapy regimens are not successful.
Characterization of Dualtropic Type C Retroviruses Isolated from Spontaneous Non-T Lymphomas of SJL/J(v+) MICE
Authors: De Rossi Anita , D'Andrea Emma , Chieco-Bianchi Luigi
Published: April 2018

Endogenous XC− viruses were isolated from non-T spontaneous lymphomas of SJL/J(v+) mice. These isolates were cloned by limiting dilution procedure and characterized for biological and immunological properties. At the electron microscope these isolates showed typical retrovirus type C morphology. Reverse transcriptase and immunofluorescence assays showed that these viruses were infectious for mouse and heterologous cell lines. Since some of the isolates induced cytopathic foci in mink lung cultures, they had properties similar to those described for other recombinant dualtropic viruses. Using a panel of monoclonal antibodies against gp 70 and p 15 (E) viral proteins, it was observed that the dualtropic XC− viral isolates had an antigenic profile different from that of SJL ecotropic XC+ virus.
Cavernous Hemangioma of the Colon and Rectum: A Case Report
Authors: Grasso Giuseppe , Greco Paolo , Tricoli Dario , Carullo Franco
Published: April 2018

A case of cavernous hemangioma of the colon and rectum in a 21-year-old male is described. Histology showed an extensive vascular hamartoma. Intestinal hemangiomas may be difficult to diagnose mainly because of their rarity, but they are an important cause of bleeding.
Meningeal Leukemia following Lymphoid Blast Crisis in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Cazzola Mario , Nalli Giulio , Brusamolino Ercole , Daccò Maurizio , Ghizzi Angela , Molinari Ermete , Tagliabue Anna
Published: April 2018

Five of 40 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) had lymphoid blast crisis and 4 of them achieved complete remission of metamorphosis with vincristine and prednisone. While in hematologic remission, two of these subjects developed meningeal leukemia. Clinical and biologic data indicated that the course of the disease after lymphoid blast crisis was very similar to that of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is suggested that patients with CML who develop lymphoid blast crisis should be treated with an intensive therapeutic protocol including early prevention of meningeal leukemia.
A Retrospective Analysis of 53 Patients with Pathologic Stage II and III Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: De Palo Giuseppe , Kenda Rado , Andreola Salvatore , Bandieramonte Gaetano , Luciani Luciano , Stefanon Bernardina
Published: April 2018

From 1969 to 1977, 53 patients with surgical-pathologic stages II and III endometrial carcinoma were seen at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan. The treatment was individualized. The 5-year survival was 68.8% in stage II and 75.3% in stage III. The relapse-free survival was 68.9% and 69.4%, respectively. Adjuvant type of radiotherapy, degree of differentiation, depth of myometrial invasion, and especially sites of disease were the factors influencing survival.
Pulmonary Localization of Phosphate Bone Agents in a Case of Metastatic Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Scarpellini Magda , Trotti Giovanni , Tosi Francesco , Branchini Luciano
Published: April 2018

A case of breast carcinoma with bone and cartilaginous metaplasia is reported. Metastatic pulmonary localizations were revealed through routine bone scan. Histologic rarity but, above all, the uncommon bone scan findings are emphasized.
Proposal for a Clinical Classification of Liver Metastases
Authors: Gennar Leandro , Doci Roberto , Bozzetti Federico , Veronesi Umberto
Published: April 2018

The lack of a worldwide-accepted classification of liver metastases makes it difficult to compare data on natural history and results from different treatments. The increasing interest in aggressive multimodal therapies for hepatic metastases prompted us to review the chief prognostic factors and the main published classifications in order to propose a new clinical classification, whose principal application concerns metastases from colorectal adenocarcinomas. Following the general rules of the TNM classification, liver metastases are classified by expressing with letters and numbers the parameters selected for their prognostic importance, clinical applicability and objectivity. H (hepatic) is the letter that indicates the liver is the site of metastasis. Synchronous metastases are indicated by H, metachronous by rH (r = recurrent). The extent of liver involvement is defined: H1, liver involvement less than 25%; H2, from 25 to 50%; H3, more than 50%. Site of metastases is defined by s (single), m (multiple to one surgical lobe), b (to both lobes), i (infiltration of important structures). The alteration of liver functions is indicated by F. The presence of cirrhosis is noted by C.
Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Skin Metastatic to Bone
Authors: Rugge Massimo , Cecchetto Attilio , Tommasini Antonio , Cagnoni Giulio
Published: April 2018

A case of basal cell carcinoma of the scalp with rib metastasis is described. Modalities of neoplastic dissemination are discussed.
Clinical Relevance of Bone Marrow Biopsy in Staging and Follow-Up of Breast Cancer
Authors: Cruciani Giorgio , Fiorentini Gian Maria , Rosti Giovanni , Tienghi Amelia , Bardella Daniele , Magni Ettore , Marangolo Maurizio
Published: April 2018

Bone marrow biopsies by Jamshidi needle were performed in 106 breast cancer female patients. Sixty-four of them were in follow-up after mastectomy, and neoplastic involvement of marrow was found in 21 patients (32.8%). Among the 42 women undergoing staging before mastectomy, the incidence of marrow involvement was 11.9% (5 women, all with radiographic positivity). Of the 37 women, either in follow-up or in the staging phase, with bone metastases detected by roentgenographic and isotopic examination, the bone biopsy was positive in 23 (62.1%), and 7 histologically had micrometastases. Three women, without any radiographic or isotopic sign of metastases, had positive biopsies. A good correlation was found between the hydroxyproline:creatinine ratio and neoplastic involvement of bone marrow.
Spontaneous and Urethan-Induced Tumor Incidence in B6C3F1 versus B6Cf1 Mice
Authors: Dragani Tommaso A. , Sozzi Gabriella , Porta Giuseppe Della
Published: April 2018

The incidences of spontaneous tumors of the murine hybrids (C57BL/6J x C3Hf)Fl (B6C3F1) and (C57BL/6J x BALB/c)Fl (B6CF1) were compared in untreated mice kept until 110 weeks of age. Male B6C3F1 and B6CF1 mice had respectively 16 % and 20 % incidence of lymphomas, 26 % and 4 % of liver tumors and 12 % and 22 % of lung tumors. Among B6C3F1 and B6CF1 females, a 36 % and 12 % incidence of lymphomas, a 6 % and zero incidence of liver tumors, and a 4 % and 16 % of lung tumors were observed. A few other tumors were seen in both hybrids. Groups of male and female mice of the 2 hybrids received 5 i.p. injections of 1000 mg/kg urethan once every other day starting at 10 days of age, and were kept under observation until 65–80 weeks of age. Treated B6C3F1 mice had an earlier mortality than B6CF1 mice due to tumor development. The statistical analysis, allowing for survival, showed a significantly higher lymphoma incidence in male and female B6C3F1 than B6CF1 mice, which had instead a higher incidence of lung tumors. Hepatocellular tumors were seen in both sexes of the 2 hybrids, with a higher frequency in B6C3F1 mice. Male mice of both hybrids had a higher incidence of liver tumors than females.
Pharmacokinetics of Nitrosoureas: Comparison of 1,3-Bis-(2-Chloroethyl)-1-Nitrosourea (Bcnu) and 1-(2-Chloroethyl)-3-Cyclohexyl-1-Nitrosourea (Ccnu) after Oral and Intravenous Administration to Rats
Authors: Russo Raimondo G. , Cattaneo Maria Teresa , Bartošek Ivan
Published: April 2018

Differential pulse Polarographic assay of intact nitrosoureas revealed the lower bioavailability of CCNU (1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea) in stomach and liver after oral administration to rats in comparison to BCNU (1,3-bis-(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea); blood levels of CCNU were below the detection limit of the method (20 ng). After i.v. bolus the CCNU concentration in plasma fell faster than that of BCNU. The rate of CCNU decomposition during incubation with blood at 37 °C was 3 times lower than that of BCNU.
Role of Hypoxia in Photodynamic Therapy of Tumors
Authors: Freitas Isabel
Published: April 2018

The photodynamic therapy of tumors is based on a photosensitization reaction that produces oxygen-derived cytotoxic species. The availability of oxygen is therefore a necessary condition to obtain the desired effect. However, most tumors develop regions that have outgrown their vascular supply, and therefore present severe hypoxia. In many hypoxic, yet viable areas, oxygen partial pressures almost two orders of magnitude lower that in normal tissues have been measured by other authors. It is here suggested that hypoxic cells are resistant to the therapy and hence are a source of postirradiation recurrence of the tumors. Methods are reviewed and discussed that can be used to: (a) improve the tumor oxygenation status prior to, or during irradiation; (b) destroy hypoxic cells; and, (c) allow the reoxygenation of the tumor by using fractionated irradiation protocols which increase tumor photosensitivity. Hyperthermia, a therapy to which hypoxic cells are particularly sensitive, is discussed. Cellular and vascular parameters that should be considered when discussing the synergism between hyperthermia and photodynamic therapy are listed. The new research field of hypoxia mapping by nondestructive, noninvasive, imaging techniques is briefly discussed.
Accuracy of the Double Contrast Enema in Evaluation of the Abdominal Diffusion of Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Cozzi Guido , Balzarmi Luca , Bellomi Massimo , Castoldi Maria Chiara , Pizzetti Paolo , Zambetti Milvia , Severini Aldo
Published: April 2018

The results of 103 double contrast enemas in 72 patients with ovarian carcinoma (stage III and IV) were compared with laparoscopic and/or laparotomic findings at comparable times. The evaluation of the validity of radiology in detecting the presence of abdominal disease showed an 84 % overall accuracy, 75 % specifity and 86 % sensitivity. The accuracy in detecting signs of adhesion and parietal infiltration of the large bowel was 76.3 %, due to the limited size of most of the lesions. Forty-seven of the 72 patients underwent a double contrast enema and laparoscopy during presurgical staging: accuracy in detecting lesions was the same for both examinations (80.4 %). When double contrast enema and laparoscopy were used together in the evaluation of abdominal extension of the disease, the diagnostic accuracy rose to 93.6 %.
Studies on Granulocyte Functions in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Anklesaria Pervin N. , Advani Suresh H. , Bhisey Avinash N.
Published: April 2018

Granulcoyte functions, viz. endocytosis, NADPH oxidase activity and iodination by leukocytes, were studied in granulocytes isolated from 17 chronic myeloid leukemia (CIVIL) patients at initial diagnosis (stage I), from 10 patients in relapse (stage II), and 10 patients in acute blastic crisis (stage III). The mean phagocytic index of granulocytes from CML patients was similar to the normal value. NADPH activity decreased as the disease progressed. Thus, the amount of formazan produced was lower in granulocytes from patients in stage II (P < 0.05) and stage III (P < 0.01) than that produced by normal granulocytes. H2O2-Myeloperoxidase-dependent iodination was found to be significantly reduced in granulocytes from all stages of the disease compared to that of normal, stage I (P < 0.01), stage II (P < 0.05) and stage III (P < 0.01). It thus seems that granulocyte function becomes less efficient as the disease progresses towards acute blastic crisis. Immature cells from the same patients carried out these functions at a more reduced level than did their mature counterparts.
Failure of Second-Line Therapy to Modify Survival in Relapsed Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Merlano Marco , Grimaldi Andrea , Bonelli Luigina , Tatarek Rita , Rosso Riccardo
Published: April 2018

Between August 1979 and August 1984, 47 consecutive patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck entered one of three consecutive second-line treatments. Response rates with each treatment were very different (70 % vs 5.9 % vs 75 %), but there was no statistical difference in actuarial survival (survival: 30 % vs 29 % vs 20 %, respectively, at 260 days). In light of this observation, the efficacy of the second-line therapy appears doubtful and the survival of relapsing patients seems unrelated to the response achieved.
Correlations between Cancer Mortality Rates from Various Italian Regions
Authors: La Vecchia Carlo , Decarli Adriano
Published: April 2018

Death certification rates from 17 non-sexual and 4 sexual cancers were used to examine patterns of correlation between various cancers within the 20 Italian regions. A large number of strongly positive correlations emerged, reflecting the geographical distribution of cancer mortality in Italy which shows substantially higher rates for several common sites in northern areas. The most notable findings were the high positive correlations between various tobacco-related cancers in both sexes (however somewhat higher in males), the positive correlations between most intestinal sites and between a well defined group of other cancers including intestines in both sexes, breast and ovary in females and prostate in males, previously described in several widely heterogeneous populations. Various alcohol-related cancers showed high positive coefficients in males but not in females. Several suggestions which emerged from previous correlation studies but which generally lacked convincing biological or epidemiological consistency were not confirmed by the present data. Conversely, a few strong correlations emerged in the present study which are not explainable in terms of available knowledge of the causes of cancer, or obvious confounding. Though probably incidental, the existence of these correlations between cancers with widely heterogeneous or largely undefined etiology is still an indirect indication that these neoplasms are largely avoidable, since it is unlikely that the same genetic determinants are strongly associated with such different malignancies.
Adriamycin and Epirubicin Treatment Monitored by Radionuclide Ejection Fraction during Therapy and Follow-Up
Authors: Crippa Flavio , Villani Fabrizio , Bombardieri Emilio , Buraggi Gian Luigi
Published: April 2018

Twenty-four patients with advanced breast cancer were studied with serial determinations of the radionuclide ejection fraction at rest (RST-LVEF) during anthracycline chemotherapy (CT) and with a mean follow-up (FU) of 8 months. We had 2 cases of anthracycline congestive heart failure (CHF) during FU, 3 and 12 months respectively after the end of CT. The RST-LVEF changes observed during CT were not able to predict which patients were to develop a symptomatic cardiomyopathy. The type of RST-LVEF change that is generally considered a worsening of cardiac performance is a decline ≥ 15 %. We had this type of RST-LVEF change, in addition to the 2 CHF, in 5 other patients without symptomatic cardiomyopathy. Nevertheless none of these 5 patients attained pathological values of RST-LVEF, while the 2 CHF showed symptomatic cardiomyopathy only when RST-LVEF became clearly pathologic (≤ 46 %). Therefore, although in our study the RST-LVEF changes during CT did not have predictive value for CHF, the method may give a notable clinical contribution all the same. In fact, by submitting the patients with a RST-LVEF fall ≥ 15 % to frequent sequential RST-LVEF determinations and stopping the CT if the RST-LVEF becomes pathologic it is possible to avoid severe and irreversible CHF.
Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors in Breast Carcinoma and in Nonmalignant Breast Tissue
Authors: Gion Massimo , Mione Riccardo , Dittadi Ruggero , Griggio Luciano , Munegato Gabriele , Valescchi Marco , Del Maschio Orfeo , Fasan Stefano , Bruscagnin Giuliano
Published: April 2018

Since 1983 we have studied the relationship, in the same patient, between receptor status in breast carcinoma and in nonmalignant breast tissue. Fifty patients have been evaluated to date. The total unoccupied cytosol estrogen and progesterone receptors were determined by a dextran-coated charcoal method. In nonmalignant breast tissue we found a measurable receptor concentration above the sensitivity of the method in 62 % of cases for estrogen receptors and in 44 % of cases for progesterone receptors. No relationships were found between the receptor level of each tumor and that of the corresponding benign tissue. The data suggest that the levels of the receptors in the tumor and in the nonmalignant tissue are totally independent.
Phase II Trial of Oral VP 16-213 (Etoposide) in Patients with Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Crivellari Diana , Veronesi Andrea , Magri M. Donatella , Tirelli Umberto , Comoretto Roberto , Barzan Luigi , Caruso Giuseppe , Carbone Antonino , Grigoletto Eligio
Published: April 2018

We tested VP 16-213 in 16 patients with advanced head and neck cancer after conventional treatments. VP 16-213 was administered orally at the dosage of 100 mg/mq for 5 consecutive days every 3 weeks. No patient achieved an objective response. Toxicity was mild. VP 16-213 given at this dose and schedule revealed no activity in pretreated patients with head and neck cancer.
Myelofibrosis and True Histiocytic Lymphoma
Authors: Shah-Reddy Ila , Subramanian Latha , Narang Sudha
Published: April 2018

A 60-year-old female presented with a history of progressive shortness of breath, fever, and weight loss of 55 pounds. The work-up consisting of computerized axial tomography (CT) scan of thorax and abdomen, mediastinoscopy, and bilateral bone marrow aspiration and biopsy revealed a large-cell or histiocytic lymphoma involving bone marrow with myelofibrosis. Further immunologic and ultrastructural investigation confirmed the true histiocytic origin of the tumor. The patient was treated with 12 courses of intravenous cyclophosphamide, onconvin, doxorubicin, and prednisone and achieved a complete remission with disappearance of clinical symptoms, normal CT scan of thorax and abdomen, and normal bone marrow with disappearance of myelofibrosis from the same site as the previous bone marrow test. At present the patient is in complete remission. We present this case because of the previously unreported association between histiocytic lymphoma and myelofibrosis, and the unusually good response to chemotherapy and the disappearance of fibrosis from the marrow.
Serum Deoxyribonuclease and Ribonuclease in Pancreatic Cancer and Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Basso Daniela , Fabris Carlo , Meani Aldo , Del Favero Giuseppe , Panucci Aldo , Vianello Daniela , Piccoli Antonio , Naccarato Remo
Published: April 2018

Serum ribonuclease (RNase) and deoxyribonuclease (DNase) were investigated in 18 control subjects, and in 22 patients with pancreatic cancer, 13 with chronic pancreatitis and 29 with extrapancreatic diseases in order to assess their clinical usefulness in pancreatic cancer diagnosis and to evaluate whether modifications were consensual and/or age-related. Increased DNase and RNase values were found not only in a notable proportion of pancreatic cancer, but also in chronic pancreatitis and extra-pancreatic diseases. Thus the clinical value of both enzymes in pancreatic cancer diagnosis is negligible. DNase does not seem to be strictly age-dependent, whereas serum RNase does. Elevated levels of the two enzymes, when present, were consensual, suggesting that factors involved in such an increase were partially common to both.
Peptichemio, Vincristine, Prednisone Induction Treatment in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Merlini Giampaolo , Riccardi Alberto , Riccardi Pier Giorgio , Montecucco Carlo Maurizio , Pavesi Franco , Ascari Edoardo
Published: April 2018

Twenty-nine patients with multiple myeloma, 16 untreated and 13 relapsing after treatment with melphalan and/or cyclophosphamide, were treated with Peptichemio (PTC), vincristine (VCR) and prednisone (PRD). The treatment was well tolerated and produced rapid resolution of bone pain and improved performance status in symptomatic patients. Rapid and marked monoclonal component reduction (> 50 per cent) was noted in 50 % of previously untreated and 31 % of previously treated patients. The median survival of previously untreated patients was 27 months, 19 months for stage III patients. Four patients resistant to common alkylating agents responded to PTC-VCR-PRD treatment and achieved long remissions (from 18 to 38 months). The therapeutic results suggest that the present combination regimen may be indicated for induction treatment of multiple myeloma patients in an advanced stage of the disease, and for treatment of myeloma patients refractory or resistant to melphalan and/or cyclophosphamide.
Quality Control for Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor Assay in Human Breast Cancer: The Influence of Computation Methods on Intra and Interlaboratory Variability
Authors: Agrimonti F. , Berruto G.P. , Fornaro D. , De Bortoli M. , Fumero S. , Frairia R. , Pelizzola D. , Giovannini G. , Piffanelli A. , Agrimonti F. , Frairia R. , Perona M. , Mangione M. , Di Carlo F. , Conti G. , Fumero S. , Orlando A. , Robustelli Della Cuna G. , Zibera C. , Fortunati D. , Di Fronzo G. , Ronchi E. , Vignati G. , Ros A. , Adami L. , Bruscagnin G. , Gion M. , De Biasi F. , Costantini M. , Marroni P. , Bardi G.P. , Marugo M. , Fazzuoli L. , Bozzetti C. , Naldi N. , Piffanelli A. , Giovannini G. , Grilli S. , Buttazzi C. , Sica G. , Natoli V. , Amadori D. , Roccobon A. , Zoli W. , Messeri G. , Aristei C. , Sabatini M. , Concolino G. , Marocchi A. , Gulina A. , Vacca A. , Carbone A. , Jacobelli S. , Toppi A. , Sica V. , Masucci A. , Camuzzini G.F. , Aragno M.G. , Romano M. , Cerra M. , Di Lorenzo D. , Beccati D. , Degli Azzi I. , Grilli N. , Leo G. , Angiulli A. , Vigneri N.R. , Belfiore A. , Giuffrida D. , Antico A. , Castagnetta L. , Lo Casto M. , Sanguedolce R. , D'Alessandro N.
Published: April 2018

The importance of evaluating receptors for estrogen and progestin in human breast cancer has been pointed out by many authors. In the absence of a reference standard, receptor assays must be controlled by intra and interlaboratory quality control programs. Much interlaboratory variability exists due to non-uniform analytical protocols, non-uniform ligands, intrinsic errors and also errors in computation methods. The goals of our Italian Qualtiy Control Program on Multicenter Trials are to standardize the anaytical procedures and computation methods. Twenty Italian laboratories participated in the Quality Control Program. Each specimen was assayed for steroid receptor content according to the standardized dextran-coated-charcoal method. Data were subjected to computerized analyses by 5 different methods of calculation (Scatchard plot, direct plot, Lineweaver-Burk method, Brunauer-Emmet-Teller analysis, single-point approach). The results were than evaluated to identify intra- and inter-assay variation coefficients and to define other statistical parameters. The authors suggest different calculation methods depending on the specific experimental and/or physiopathological conditions.
Antiemetic Activity of Metoclopramide versus Alizapride during Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Zambetti Milvia , Bajetta Emilio , Bidoli Paolo , Verusio Claudio
Published: April 2018

A prospective randomized study was conducted to compare the antiemetic efficacy of metoclopramide (MCP) versus its recent derivative alizapride (ALZ) in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy. Both drugs were given at a dose of 2 mg/kg i.v. push for 5 doses. A positive response was defined as absence of nausea or emesis, or moderate nausea with one or two emeses per day. Eighty-two patients were evaluable. Forty-two received MCP and 40 received ALZ. A positive response was observed in 54 % MCP-treated and 41 % ALZ-treated patients. Neurologic toxicity, mainly extrapyramidal disturbances, was the most remarkable adverse side effect; it occurred more frequently in the MCP-treated group (31 %) than in the ALZ-treated group (17 %). Both drugs were found to be more effective in previously untreated patients and when employed together with steroids. MCP was more effective (52 % positive response) than ALZ (41 % positive response) in cisplatin-treated patients. To better control drug-induced vomiting, we believe that future trials should evaluate slow i.v. infusion of antiemetic agents and their combination with dexamethasone.