bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Report on 42 Cases of Postirradiation Lesions of the Brachial Plexus and Their Treatment
Authors: Basso-Ricci Sante , della Costa Chiara , Viganotti Giovanni , Ventafridda Vittorio , Zanolla Rita
Published: April 2018

Here we report 42 cases of postirradiation lesions of the brachial nerve plexus in patients treated with radiotherapy after radical mastectomy. These lesions usually appeared at least 1 year after treatment, and motorial disturbances always developed, even if initially they may have been absent. A comparison of the case material indicates that a reduction in the dose administered to the supraclavicular region and exclusion of the axillary region from the treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the incidence of these lesions. In fact, in a group of 490 patients treated by the old radiotherapy method at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan (i.e., administration of 6000 rad to the brachial nerve plexus), 16 cases of lesions at this plexus were observed. In a group of 200 patients treated instead with a new method (i.e., administration of 4900 rad to the brachial nerve plexus and exclusion of the axillary region), no nerve lesions were observed, with significance levels, according to Fisher's test, less than 0.9 %. Since radiolesions at the brachial nerve plexus have a very bad prognosis with regard to functioning of the limb and physiotherapy is of little help, this new therapeutic method is very useful, and it is not accompanied by an increase in the number of local recurrences as compared to the old method.
Cytologic Screening for Cervical Cancer in the Florence District
Authors: Cecchini Silvia , Cianciosi Clara , Galanti Laura
Published: April 2018

During the years 1970–1978, 213,575 women living in the Florence District had at least one cytologic smear. The overall incidence ratios were: dysplasia 1.09 ±, carcinoma «in situ » 1.25 ±, invasive carcinoma 1.01 ±. Age of the women attending the service, and incidence ratios according to age groups are examined. Incidence ratios in women who had previous negative smears are calculated; these values seem to fit well with a «false negative model». These results are compared with those reported by other authors, and indications for a new kind of program are suggested.
Hormone Synthesis by Primary Breast Carcinomas and Prognosis in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Di Martino Luciano , Tarquini Achille , Mitchell Irene , Deshpande Nagesh
Published: April 2018

The ability of human breast carcinomas to convert pregnenolone to progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone to Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione (Δ4) was investigated as a potential aid for prognosis, and the following observations were recorded. 1. Neither the amounts of progesterone or Δ4 synthesized nor Δ4/progesterone ratios correlated with tumour size or lymph node involvement. 2. Δ4 synthesis was lower in carcinomas from patients who had recurrences within 2 years of mastectomy than in carcinomas from those who remained free of metastases. 3. Life table analysis of the results indicated that these parameters appeared unlikely to be useful aids for prognosis.
Medical Treatment of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Tirelli Umberto , Frustaci Sergio , Galligioni Enzo , Veronesi Andrea , Trovò Mauro G. , Magri Donatella M. , Crivellari Diana , Roncadin Mario , Tumolo Salvatore , Grigoletto Eligio
Published: April 2018

Thirty five patients with metastatic RCC were observed over a 57 months period in our Division of Radiotherapy and Medical Oncology, and 30 are evaluable for this analysis. MPA was selected as primary treatment agent in 23 patients, VLB singly, in combination with MPA or in combination with CCNU was used in 1.4 and 2 patients. With MPA the TR rate was 3/23 (1 CR and 2 PR). Duration of response for the patient with CR was 6 months whereas for the patients with PR was 21 and 14 months respectively. 4 additional patients showed NC. With VLB-MPA the TR rate was 1/4 (1 PR). Duration of PR was 3 months. The median duration of survival for the 11 patients with CR, PR and NC was 14 months whereas for the 19 patients with NR was 7 months (p < 0.01). TES and TAM showed no or minimal activity as second treatment agents.
Mesothelioma of the Pericardium: Report of a Case
Authors: Cusumano Fabio , De Lellis Riccardo , Piotti Patrizia
Published: April 2018

One case of cardiac tamponade from malignant mesothelioma of the pericardium is reported. The tumor was diagnosed by cytology of the fluid drained by pericardial centesis. Necroscopy and histology confirmed the diagnosis.
Histopathology of Carcinomas of the Liver in Mice FED Perthane
Authors: Reuber Melvin D.
Published: April 2018

B6C3F1 female mice fed an average dose of 3,000 ppm of perthane for 2 years developed a highly significant incidence of hepatocellular carcinomas of the liver. Male mice fed 2,500 ppm perthane had a slight increase of carcinoma of the liver. Some of the carcinomas were well-differentiated; however, most were poorly differentiated or undifferentiated. Perthane-treated mice also had well and poorly differentiated cholangiocarcinomas and carcinosarcomas, neoplasms not seen in control mice.
Effect of Vincristine on the Bone Marrow Cells of Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Cytomorphologic Study
Authors: Riccardi Alberto , Montecucco Carlomaurizio , Cresci Roberto , Traversi Egidio , Perugini Sergio
Published: April 2018

The cytologic changes induced by vincristine (VCR) on the erythroblasts, the myeloid cells and the neoplastic plasma cells were studied on the bone marrow of 5 patients with plasma cell malignancies. Nine hours after the administration of the drug, the cytocidal effect on the 3 cell types was proportional to the magnitude of the stathmokinetic effect induced in them: marked on the erythroblasts (whose percentage incidence was sharply reduced), more modest on the myeloid cells, and still lower on the plasma cells. Nine days later the plasmocytomatous infiltrate was reduced as compared to before therapy, while the aliquot of hemopoietic cells was restored. At this time the mitotic index of plasma cells, but not that of the hemopoietic cells, was higher than before VCR administration. These findings suggest that the tumor mass reduction by VCR is followed by plasma cell recruitment, which is in progress 9 days after the drug administration. On the contrary, the regeneration of the hemopoietic cells has repopulated the bone marrow and is already exhausted in this lag time. It is hypothesized that VCR administrations given at about 9 day intervals are more and more effective on the recruited plasma cells, owing to the phase S-specificity of the drug. The regeneration of the hemopoietic cells is protected by this time interval.
Gastric Carcinoma: Preliminary Data of a Cooperative Program for Early Diagnosis
Authors: Maltoni Giancarlo , Pacini Franco , Moriani Massimo , Amadori Dino , Ravaioli Angelo , Santi Leonardo , Aste Hugo , Nicolò Guido
Published: April 2018

The results of a program of early gastric cancer detection, carried out in the Oncologic Institutes of Genoa, Forlì and Florence, are evaluated. General practitioners screened subjects, according to possible anamnestic and clinical risk indicators (age, family history, previous gastric lesions, digestive complaints, etc.). The diagnostic procedure consisted of medical examinations, endoscopy with cytology and/or directed biopsy, and possibly air contrast barium X-ray. Of 3,180 subjects examined, 224 had gastric cancers (7 %), 29 of which were early cancers, and 688 had high risk lesions; 1,478 cases of other pathology were detected. The authors stress that the proportion of early cancer is clearly higher than that found in routine diagnosis, yet still lower compared to the results of screening programs carried on the general population. Moreover, the high diagnostic sensitivity of each method in early gastric cancer detection and, on the other hand, the difficulties in the detection of high risk lesions, which require systematic multiple biopsies, are emphasized.
Ultrastructural Observations on Two Parathyroid Adenomas
Authors: Spagnoli Luigi G. , Villaschi Sergio , Oddi Giuseppina , Cocchieri Giovanni
Published: April 2018

The electron microscopic observation of 2 parathyroid adenomas led to detection, in addition to elements which can also be found in nonneoplastic cells and related to the functional state, of organelles more characteristically associated with neoplastic cells. Indeed, intracytoplasmic cilia and annulate lamellae are commonly (regarded as an expression of cellular atypia rather then distinctive of the adenoma cell. Moreover, our study seems to show that annulate lamellae are correlated with the hormonal synthesis more than with the rate of growth of the neoplastic tissue.
Long-Term Evolution of the Main Changes Induced by Thioacetamide on Hepatocytes
Authors: Pollera Maria , Malvaldi Gino
Published: April 2018

The results of an electron microscopic study of the changes in hepatocytes induced by chronic intoxication with thioacetamide are reported. During the poisoning aspecific toxic changes are intermingled with progressive, preneoplastic ones. The main cell sub-populations identified are: 1) large hepatocytes with smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) hypertrophy, with or without rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) neoformation and glycogen storage, which is starvation resistant; 2) smaller hepatocytes, where RER hypertrophy and ribosome accumulation are the prominent features. Such a pattern persists for months. After the withdrawal of the drug most of the cell changes disappear. However, during this time a simplification of the liver structure and cell composition takes place, allowing a sequence of cell events which seem relevant for establishment of neoplastic progression. The SER-hypertrophied cell appears first and gives rise, via several intermediate stages, to the RER-hypertrophied one, which is believed to play a key role as the ultimate precursor of cancer cells.
Gangliocytic Paraganglioma of the Duodenum: Case Report
Authors: Beltrami Carlo Alberto , Montironi Rodolfo , Cinti Saverio
Published: April 2018

A case of gangliocytic paraganglioma of the duodenum, the 25th in world medical literature, is reported. The histologic appearance consists of epithelioid cell nests resembling « Zellballen » of carotid body tumors, together with gangliocyte-like elements. Ultramicroscopically, the cytoplasm of the cells contains round electron-dense granules or a large number of filaments. Occasional cells contain both granules and filaments.
Relationship between the Effect on Calcium Turnover and Early Cardiotoxicity of Doxorubicin and 4'-EPI-Doxorubicin in Guinea Pig Heart Muscle
Authors: Villani Fabrizio , Favalli Luigia , Piccinini Francesco
Published: April 2018

Doxorubicin and 4'-epi-doxorubicin, two anthracycline derivatives with different cardiotoxic effects in experimental models, were found to decrease myocardial contractility in isolated guinea pig atria by significantly modifying calcium turnover. This effect seems to be mainly localized on the fast exchanging membrane-bound calcium, while these drugs do not significantly influence the intracellular stores of calcium. 4'-epi-doxorubicin, which induces a less negative inotropic effect than doxorubicin, produces a smaller inhibition of calcium turnover. This supports the hypothesis that the inhibition of calcium turnover and particularly of the fast exchanging calcium compartment is a general mechanism involved in the early anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.
Lithium Carbonate in the Treatment of Drug-Induced Leukopenia in Patients with Solid Tumors
Authors: Scanni Alberto , Tomirotti Maurizio , Berra Sergio , Licciardello Luciano , Felicetta Irene , Bertolini Germana , Bregni Marco
Published: April 2018

The authors report on the first part of an ongoing: controlled trial (52 cases) on the evaluation of the effectiveness of Li2CO3 treatment of drug-induced leukopenia in patients with solid tumors. The results indicate that treatment with 750 mg/day per os of Li2CO3 for 7 days is capable of raising the leukocyte count to a highly significant extent, without serious side effects. The leukocytosis is due to an increase in neutrophil granulocytes.
A Pathologic Study of Malignant Gliomas Operated after Radio- and Chemotherapy
Authors: Schiffer Davide , Giordana Maria Teresa , Soffietti Riccardo , Tarenzi Luisella
Published: April 2018

Fifteen biopsies of malignant gliomas, treated before surgery by radio- and chemotherapy, have been studied. The aim of the study was to ascertain if the tissue changes, which hawe already been observed in autopsy samples and are related to the above mentioned treatments, occur also in biopsy samples. Even taking into due account the limitations imposed by the small number of cases, a positive correlation was found between macrophages, vessel degenerations, endothelial proliferations and radiation therapy as well as between monster cell increase and chemotherapy. These findings are consistent with those obtained with autopsy material and demonstrate that tumors after radio- and chemotherapy are more quiescent and contained.
Breast Cancer: Primary Tumor Characteristics Related to Lymph Node Involvement
Authors: Rasponi Alessandro , Costa Alberto , Bufalino Rosaria , Morabito Alberto , Nava Maurizio , Marolda Raffaele , Cascinelli Natale
Published: April 2018

From November 1st 1977 to August 31st 1978, 842 consecutive patients with operable breast cancer were observed at the National Cancer Institute of Milan. Characteristics of the primary tumor and the status of regional lymph nodes were evaluated at clinical and postsurgical examination: it was found that qualitative characteristics of the primary were properly defined by clinicians, who usually overestimated maximum diameter of the primary. The status of regional lymph nodes is not reliable at clinical examination: 34.5 % of clinically uninvolved nodes were found to contain metastatic growth at histologic examination. Age of patients, maximum diameter of the primary, histologic type and quadrant of origin of the primary tumor were significantly related to the frequency of regional node metastases. Multifactorial analysis showed that the last three factors were independent variables, while age, which is significant by itself, loses importance when adjusted by at least one of the other three factors. Frequency of extension of node metastases beyond the lymph node capsule was found to be related to the number of involved nodes: maximum diameter, histologic type and site of origin are significantly related to the frequency of extracapsular invasion. This study confirms that the evaluation of the status of regional lymph nodes is not reliable at clinical examination and indicates that characteristics of the primary may be useful in predicting regional lymph node involvement. The direct correlation between the number of involved nodes and the frequency of infiltration beyond the capsule suggests that prognosis of patients with positive nodes depends more on this factor than on the number of involved nodes.
Liver Assessment in Women Receiving Adjuvant CMF Chemotherapy
Authors: Bajetta Emilio , Buzzoni Roberto , Giardini Roberto , Bonadonna Gianni
Published: April 2018

The medical records of women taking part in the first 2 prospective adjuvant CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, fluorouracil) programs were reviewed to evaluate the incidence of liver damage which could be attributable to prolonged methotrexate administration. In 802 evaluable patients abnormal liver studies occurred in 7 of 170 controls (4.1 %) and 20 of 632 CMF-treated patients (3.2 %). In 22 of 27 patients they were reversible, while the persistence of enzyme abnormalities in 2 patients treated with 12 CMF cycles was followed by the occurrence of viral hepatitis and osseous metastases, respectively. Adjuvant CMF was never discontinued in the presence of liver function abnormalities. In 22 women liver biopsies through laparoscopy were performed for various diagnostic purposes. They yielded an incidence of aspecific histologic changes (fatty metamorphosis, subcapsular fibrosis) which was similar between controls and CMF-treated patients. Present analysis failed to demonstrate a higher incidence of acute and/or chronic liver changes in patients treated with cyclical CMF compared to controls treated with surgery alone.
Criteria of Clinical and Radiological Diagnosis in Nonpuerperal Acute Phlogistic-Like Processes of the Breast: Considerations on 97 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Cardona Gaetano , Ciatto Stefano
Published: April 2018

The authors report a series of 97 cases of phlogistic-like process of the breast. Clinical and radiological signs and criteria of differential diagnosis between benign phlogosis and cancer are investigated. The location in the areolar/periareolar region, the presence of fever, and the radiological evidence of limited skin thickening were the features more significantly correlated with benign phlogosis, while cancer should be suspected in the case of lesions located in the upper-outer quadrant and in presence of a diffuse skin thickening at radiological examination. These diagnostic criteria seem particularly useful since the typical clinical or radiological signs of cancer are present only in 50 % of cancer cases. The cytological examination of nipple discharge or needle aspiration fluid is of particular help: no false positive or negative cases were observed in a series of 42 examined patients.
Usefulness of Chest and Skeletal Survey to Assess the Time of Relapse in Breast Cancer
Authors: Tesoro-Tess John David , Valagussa Pinuccia , Gardani Gianstefano , Rossi Anna , Tancini Gabriele , Bajetta Emilio , Marchini Silvana , Uslenghi Carlo
Published: April 2018

The pertinent radiographs of 151 patients treated with radical mastectomy who showed relapse in the chest and/or in the skeleton as first site were reevaluated. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated by comparing the first examination considered as positive with the previous ones reported as negative. For chest lesions the accuracy was 80 % (70 % for parenchymal nodular densities), with no difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. For bone metastases retrospective evaluation confirmed the radiological report (i.e., the time of relapse), in 73.8 %, with a value of 89.7 % in symptomatic and 53.4 % in asymptomatic patients. The site of involvement and morphological characteristics of the lesions did not influence the diagnostic accuracy. Therefore chest examination and, for symptomatic patients, radiographic bone survey still represent a useful modality to assess the diffusion of breast cancer. For asymptomatic patients other modalities, such as bone scan and biochemical tests, should be utilized.
A Two-Stage Immmunocytochemical Method for Oestrogen Receptor Analysis: Correlation with Morphological Parameters of Breast Carcinomas
Authors: Eusebi Vincenzo , Cerasoli Pier Tito , Guidelli-Guidi Simonetta , Grilli Sandro , Bussolati Gianni , Azzopardi John G.
Published: April 2018

An immunocytochemical method for oestrogen receptor (ER) analysis of breast carcinomas is described and compared with the dextran-coated charcoal (DCC) assay and a cytochemical method. The method described is superior to the purely cytochemical, especially in terms of sensitivity, demonstration of nuclear receptors and correlation with the DCC assay. The DCC assay is reliable except in the case of poorly cellular tumours: in these the immunocytochemical method is far superior, being independent of tumour cellularity. With this new method, lobular carcinomas are shown to be ER-rich compared with their ductal counterparts, a conclusion currently disputed, largely because methods employed mostly fail to take account of tumour cellularity. A combination of the DCC assay and the immunocytochemical method here described gives the maximum information about the ER-status of a particular carcinoma.
Sarcomatous Variant of Wilms’ Tumor. A Light and Immunohistochemical Study of Four Cases
Authors: Giangaspero Felice , Zanetti Gianfranco , Mancini Antonia , Rosito Pasquale
Published: April 2018

Four cases of infantile sarcomatous renal tumors are reported. Rhabdomyoblastic differentiation was investigated in these tumors by the immunoperoxidase method using antimyoglobin sera. Rhabdomyoblastic cells were found in 2 cases and in a metastasis of one case in which the primary tumor was composed by undifferentiated cells negative for myoglobin stain. The histogenesis of these neoplasias is discussed, and it is suggested that they are a sarcomatous variant of Wilms’ tumor.
Defective Function of Granulocytes in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Garelli Sebastiano , Valbonesi Mauro , Schieppati Giuseppe , Banfi Luciano
Published: April 2018

Mobilization of granulocytes into a serum-filled chamber, histochemical nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction tests, and phagocytosis were performed in 11 patients with solid tumors treated with surgical excision and chemotherapy and in 22 untreated or surgically treated patients. The results revealed a decreased mobilization (p < 0.001) and an impaired capability of neutrophils to reduce NBT after stimulation (p < 0.05) in both groups of patients. The decrease in the values in the stimulated reduction of NBT was more pronounced in untreated patients than in treated ones. At the same time the phagocytic activity of neutrophils on Candida albicans, which was decreased (p < 0.01) in untreated patients, was normal in those who had been treated with chemotherapy. There were no distinctive correlations between circulating immune complexes and granulocyte function. We propose that this newly demostrated defect in neutrophil mobilization and low median C. albicans-stimulated NBT reduction contributes more in the evolution of the tumor than in the pathogenesis of infections and that chemotherapy seems to restore a better granulocyte function.
Cardiomyopathy of Doxorubicin in Experimental Animals. Factors Affecting the Severity, Distribution and Evolution of Myocardial Lesions
Authors: Solcia Enrico , Ballerini Luciano , Bellini Ornella , Magrini Umberto , Bertazzoli Cesare , Tosana Giovanna , Sala Luisa , Balconi Florindo , Rallo Francesco
Published: April 2018

Heart lesions induced in mice, rats, rabbits and dogs by Doxorubicin administered i.v. according to various schedules were studied by light and electron microscopy. Vacuolization of myocardial cytoplasm due to distention of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, the T-tubule system and the Golgi vesicles was one of the most common findings. Myocytolysis, clumping and loss of fibrils, fragmentation of sarcomeres, swelling of mitochondria and an increase in lysosomes and residual bodies were also observed. The severity of the cardiomyopathy, quantitatively evaluated by a score system, proved to be dose-dependent. Cardiomyopathy was more severe when the treatment was given in a short period by administration of high doses than when the same cumulative dose was administered as low doses repeated for a long period. The left atrium was more severely affected than the ventricles when high doses were given, whereas it was less affected in animals given low doses. The cardiomyopathy was less severe in animals receiving the same dose in a high volume of solvent and during a long perfusion time. Threshold doses were needed both to induce the cardiomyopathy and to establish it as a progressive disease.
Atypical Reserve Cell Hyperplasia of Cervical Glands, Simulating Adenocarcinoma. An Undescribed Reversible Lesion in a Woman Taking Oral Contraceptives
Authors: Filotico Marcello , Grasso Silvana
Published: April 2018

On the basis of a characteristic lesion of the endocervical mucosa in a woman who had taken contraceptives for 4 years, the authors review the problem of these alterations, also in light of their personal experience.
Histological Typing of Breast Tumors
Authors:   World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland, Azzopardi J.G. , Chepick O.F. , Hartman W.H. , Jafarey N.A. , Llombard-Bosch A. , Ozzello L. , Rilke F. , Sasano N. , Sobin L.H. , Sommers S.C. , Stalsberg H. , Sugar J. , Williams A.O.
Published: April 2018

The WHO Histological Classification of Breast Tumors, published in 1968 has been completely revised. This second edition provides a recommended nomenclature, definitions and code numbers for both tumors and tumor-like lesions. It aims at promoting uniformity in recording and reporting diagnoses in order to facilitate international and other comparisons.
Behavior of Antithrombin III, Determined as Protein Concentration and Biologic Activity, in Subjects with Neoplastic Disease
Authors: Pengo Vittorio , Guerra Cosimo , Cartei Giuseppe , Fiorentino Mario
Published: April 2018

Antithrombin III (AT III), the primary inhibitor of plasma protease coagulation proteins, was evaluated in groups of patients with different neoplastic disease. When compared with that of 25 healthy subjects, the mean value of AT III biologic activity was elevated in all groups, significantly in gastrointestinal (p < 0.02) and lung (p < 0.001) tumors, lymphoma (p < 0.02) and in the group with various primary cancers (p < 0.05). No difference was found between 46 patients tested under chemoradiotherapy and 216 patients who had not undergone therapy for at least 1 month. Four patients with clinical thrombosis had normal AT III biologic activity. Of the 262 patients studied, 14 had low AT III biologic activity without clinical thrombosis and normal protein concentration. In 71 patients (27%) an excess of immunoassayable protein of 20% or more over biologic activity was found. Double immunoelectrophoresis performed in 5 of these showed for 3 patients an enlarged second arc of precipitation. Moreover, no correlation was observed between the activity and protein AT III concentration (r = 0.05). The likelihood of the presence of circulating AT III-protease complexes is discussed.
Oophorectomy in Advanced Breast Cancer: Clinical Radiologic Correlations
Authors: Severini Aldo , Tesoro-Tess John David , Oriana Saro , Preda Ferdinando , Gardani Gianstefano , Cozzi Guido
Published: April 2018

The radiograms of the chest and skeleton of 49 patients with advanced breast cancer treated with bilateral ovariectomy were reviewed. The modifications in the secondary localizations and/or their appearance after castration were compared with the findings of the clinical examination. Appearance or progression of intrathoracic lesions, like the appearance or progression of osteolytic lesions, corresponded to a progression of the disease in other sites. Osteoblastic evolution of osteolytic lesions and the appearance of osteoblastic lesions in bones undamaged before ovariectomy were signs of a favorable response to therapy. The response of chest and bone metastases is usually rather early, and the first radiographic survey should be performed about 3 months after ovariectomy.
Early Gastric Cancer: A Morphologic Study of 41 Cases
Authors: Bearzi Italo , Ranaldi Renzo
Published: April 2018

The incidence as well as the morphologic features of early gastric cancer observed in 41 cases during the last 5 years are reported. The incidence of early gastric cancer was 9.11% among the total gastric carcinomas seen during the above period. As regards age and sex, the patients suffering with early as well as advanced gastric cancer revealed insignificant variation. With gastric biopsies, the diagnostic accuracy was 88.5%. There were multifocal lesions in 29.2% of cases with a total of 85 foci. Type IIc was the predominant macroscopic lesion, followed by type III. The antrum and the angularis of the lesser curvature were the main sites for early gastric cancer. The intestinal and well-differentiated types of early gastric cancer were the main histologic features seen. Diffuse type and submucosal lesions were more frequent in 6 (14.6%) cases observed with regional lymph node metastases. Our study revealed that there has been a gradual increase in the number of gastric biopsies, early gastric cancer, and the early: advanced gastric cancer ratio.
Standard Chest X-Ray and Whole-Lung Tomography for the Search of Metastases from Bone and Soft Tissues Sarcomas. An Experience on 132 Consecutive Cases.
Authors: Guzzon Adalgiso , Gardani Gianstefano , Bergonzi Silvana , Yiganotti Giovanni , Bellomo Angelo Maria , Macchi e Isabella
Published: April 2018

In recent years whole lung tomography (WLT) has been considered mandatory in the staging of some neoplastic diseases, particularly of soft tissues and bone tumors. Since WLT is an exacting roentgen examination, its usefulness was evaluated by analysing 132 consecutive patients submitted to orthogonal chest roentgenograms and WLT, from January 1979 to October 1981 at the National Cancer Institute of Milan. A comparison between WLT and traditional chest X-ray examination was performed in order to evaluate how much tomography is significantly useful in improving diagnosis of lung metastases. From this analysis, the authors conclude that WLT is generally unnecessary when chest roentgenograms are negative, whereas it is useful when single or multiple lung metastases are already evident by traditional X-ray examination. In these cases WLT allows a more accurate identification of the metastases from the point of view of their number and site, which is important not only for the treatment choice but also for the check of its effectiveness.
Studies on Hemopoietic Stem Cells in Mice Treated with Testosterone Propionate and Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Bogliolo G. , Massa G. , Sobrero A. , Pannacciulli I.
Published: April 2018

The alleged possibility that testosterone propionate (TP) has a protective effect on hemopoietic cells submitted to the damaging effect of antitumoral drugs was studied. The bone marrow content and the proliferating fraction of CFUs were determined following a single dose of 450 mg/kg of TP. At selected times after TP injection (2 and 4 days), TP-treated mice received a single dose of azathioprine, hydroxyurea, vinblastine, cyclophosphamide, BCNU and doxorubicin. The bone marrow CFUs were determined 24 h after drug administration. The CFUs-surviving fraction in all cases appeared similar to or lower than that found in controls not treated with TP. It seems therefore that in this experimental setting TP does not reduce the toxic effect of anticancer drugs on hemopoietic pluripotent stem cells. However, this finding does not exclude a possible protective effect of TP at different levels of hemopoiesis or when the steroid is administered with a different schedule.
Evaluation of Doxorubicin Cardiotoxicity in Patients Treated Intermittently with Beta-Methyldigoxin
Authors: Villani Fabrizio , Comazzi Roberto , Di Fronzo Giovanni , Bertuzzi Armando , Guindani Antonio
Published: April 2018

Twenty-one patients with various advanced neoplasms were treated with 60 to 75 mg/m2 of doxorubicin every 3 to 4 weeks and monitored by ECG and systolic time intervals (PEP/LVET) with the aim to establish whether a pretreatment with beta-methyldigoxin, administered intermittently, could prevent doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. It was found that until patients received digitalis pretreatment the PEP/LVET ratio did not change significantly from mean basal values even after the highest cumulative dosages of doxorubicin. However, after interruption of the therapy with both drugs, PEP/LVET increased reaching a value not significantly different from that observed in a comparable group of patients treated only with doxorubicin. Moreover, of 9 patients who reached the cumulative limiting dose, 2 developed congestive heart failure. These results question the possibility that digitalis administered according to an intermittent treatment scheme may prevent doxorubicin cardiomyopathy.
Methodologic Problems Encountered in the Assay of Proteinases in Lewis Lung Carcinoma, a Mouse Metastasizing Tumor
Authors: Giraldi Tullio , Sava Gianni , Kopitar Marija , Suhar Alois , Turk Vito , Baici Antonio
Published: April 2018

The proteolytic activity in homogenates and extracts of subcellular fractions prepared from subcutaneous Lewis lung carcinoma was determined using proteins and synthetic peptides as substrates. The presence of cathepsin D, plasminogen activator, cathepsin B-, cathepsin G-and elastase-like enzymes was observed. No difference was revealed between the proteolytic activity in homogenates of Lewis lung carcinoma, at the growth stage examined, and in homogenates of normal lung. High specific activities were found in the lysosomal extract, whereas decreasing activities were found in the nuclear extract, the homogenate and the post-lysosomal mitochondrial supernatant; no active or trypsin-activatable collagenase activity was detected. The presence in the tumor tissue of these enzymatic activities is in agreement with their proposed role in the process of metastasis. The lack of differences between homogenates of tumor and normal lung tissue suggests that the use of whole cells is required to selectively study tumor proteinases specifically involved in tumor malignancy.
Problems in Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy Cytology of Clinically or Mammographically Uncertain Breast Tumors
Authors: Pilotti Silvana , Rilke Franco , Delpiano Chiara , Di Pietro Sergio , Guzzon Adalgiso
Published: April 2018

From June 1978 to December 1980 at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milano, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed on each of 4834 cases of palpable mammary nodules, the large majority of which were clinically and mammographically suspicious for cancer and only a small part clinically definitely positive. Of these, 1173 underwent surgery at this institution, and 534 (45.5%) had a histologically proven carcinoma. The aspirations were performed by individuals different from those who read the cytologic smears. The aspirations were never repeated, and methods for the retrieval of cells were never applied. Under the circumstances, sensitivity was 0.67, specificity 0.98, and the predictive value for positive results 0.97. The high percentage of inadequate samples (25.5%) influenced the low sensitivity. The few false-positive results occurred exclusively during the first year. Frozen sections can be avoided in those cases (about 50%) with definitely positive cytologic diagnosis by the application of strict criteria. The intrinsc incapability of cytology to yield any information on the extent and the invasiveness of a malignant lesion does not seem to effect its pre-operatory conclusiveness.
Pharmacological Data and Technical Feasibility of Intraperitoneal 5-Fluorouracil Administration
Authors: Demicheli Romano , Jirillo Antonio , Bonciarelli Giorgio , Bellini Anna , Petrosino Luigi , Bigi Leonardo , Garusi Gian Franco
Published: April 2018

Via a surgically implanted Tenckhoff catheter, 5-fluorouracil was intraperitoneally administered to patients with malignant disease confined to abdominal space. Treatment was well tolerated without local complications. Peritoneal and plasmatic drug levels were measured, showing that: 1) peritoneal drug levels declined as a first order function; 2) plasmatic levels were very close to those reported for continuous i.v. administration, but peritoneal concentrations were much higher (log 1 to 3); 3) concentration × time product had a peritoneum: plasma ratio ranging from 120 to 1350. The hypothesized role of intraperitoneal 5-fluorouracil administration and the questions still to be answered are summarized.
Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage in Malignant Obstructive Jaundice
Authors: Severini Aldo , Cozzi Guido , Bellomi Massimo , Castoldi Maria Chiara , Doci Roberto
Published: April 2018

Results obtained in 70 patients with neoplastic (primary or metastatic) biliary obstruction and submitted to percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage indicate the effectiveness of the technique in relieving jaundice, improving general conditions and restoring liver function. In 25.4% of cases, the drainage allowed the patients to undergo surgical treatment of the neoplasm. In 74.6%, the drainage was left in place as definitive palliation. The complication rate was very low and similar to that described in the literature. At this time it is difficult to identify prognostic factors and foresee the results of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, but the procedure is always indicated in patients at high operative risk or inoperable.
Effect of Retinoic Acid on Bone-Marrow Committed Stem Cells (Cfu-c) from Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients
Authors: Nadkarni Kanchan S. , Joshi Kalpana S. , Kothari Vandana C. , Advani Suresh H. , Rao S.G. Ananda
Published: April 2018

The effect of retinolc acid (all-trans) on the clonal growth of chronic myeloid leukemia marrow was studied. The results indicate that 3 × 10−5 M, 3 × 10−6 M, 3 × 10−7 M and 3 × 10−8 M of retinolc acid inhibits the colony stimulating activity of placental conditioned medium.
Heterogeneity in the Phenotypic Profile of Cerebriform Cells from a Patient with Sézary Syndrome
Authors: Fattorossi Andrea , Palermo Alessandro , Quercetani Roberto , Reali Umberto Maria , Battini Maria Luisa , Giannotti Benvenuto
Published: April 2018

This paper reports the results of a series of light and electron microscopic, cytochemical, immunologic and cytogenetic investigations performed in a patient with Sézary syndrome. Fifty-two percent of the cerebriform cells were OKIa-1 positive and 55 % were acid alpha-naphthylacetate esterase (ANAE) negative. Since activated T-lymphocytes are known to lose their peculiar ANAE activity while acquiring la-like antigens, it is conceivable that the ANAE-negative and OKIa-1-positive cells represent an in vivo activated subset. Thus, it appears that a typical Sézary cell population from a given individual can exhibit heterogeneous phenotypic profiles.
Circulating Levels and Breast Cyst Fluid Concentrations of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Progesterone and Testosterone in Women with Gross Cystic Breast Disease
Authors: Secreto Giorgio , Recchione Camilla , Fariselli Giuseppe , Grignolio Egle , Di Pietro Sergio
Published: April 2018

Circulating levels and cyst fluid concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin, progesterone and testosterone were measured in 30 premenopausal women with gross cystic breast disease. Specific radioimmunoassay procedures were used. Amounts of human chorionic gonadotropin exceeding 5.0 mIU/ml were found in cyst fluid of many patients, but not in serum. Progesterone and testosterone concentrations in breast cyst fluid were significantly higher than in serum (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively).
Trends in Cancer Mortality in Italy, 1955-1978
Authors: La Vecchia Carlo , Decarli Adriano
Published: April 2018

Trends in age-specific and age-standardized cancer death certification rates in Italy from 1955 to 1978 were analyzed. In males total cancer mortality rates increased in all age groups. However, when respiratory and other tobacco-related neoplasms were excluded, death certification rates were roughly stable up to age 64. Moderate decreases in overall cancer mortality have been apparent at younger ages (35-44) since the early 1970′s. In females, all the age-specific and the age standardized, under-65 death certification rates decreased; the downward trends were more pronounced (–18.5 %) in the younger age group considered (35-44 years). Respiratory cancer mortality increased sharply in males: lung cancer death rates reached a plateau in the early 1970′s in the 35-44-year age group, but increased at all subsequent ages. In females, the increase in lung cancer mortality was about 50 % in the 45-54 and 55-64-year age groups, but no upward trend was evident in younger women. Other tobacco-related cancers (mouth or pharynx, larynx, esophagus, pancreas, kidney and bladder) also rose considerably. In both sexes, gastric cancer mortality dropped about 50 % below age 65, but mortality rates from cancer of the stomach were still considerably higher than in other Western countries. Likewise, mortality from cancer of the (cervix) uteri decreased markedly, mostly in younger age groups. Upward trends in death certification rates were evident for cancers of the bowel (colon and rectum, about 50 % in males, and 35 % in females below age 65), and of the breast in females. However, these trends have levelled off since the late 1960′s, at least in the younger age groups. Certified death rates from cancer of the skin (melanoma) increased over all the periods considered in the young of both sexes. Cancer mortality rates showed marked increases in older (≥ 65) males, but this can be partially explained in terms of better case ascertainment and more accurate death certification.
Role of Delayed Cutaneous Hypersensitivity Reaction in Classifying Patients with Bronchial Carcinoma
Authors: Modini Claudio , Ziparo Vincenzo , Cicconetti Franco , Cristiani Renzo , Caterino Salvatore , Tirindelli-Danesi Donatella , Aschelter Anna Maria , Stipa Sergio
Published: April 2018

Cell-mediated immune response was evaluated in 150 patients with histologically confirmed bronchopulmonary carcinoma using bacterial and fungal recall antigens injected intradermally (PFD, candidina, trichophyton). In the study group negative skin test reaction was found in 51 of 150 patients (34.0 %), whereas in the control population it was found in 5 of 33 cases (15.1 %) (p < 0.05). Histologic cell type and stage of disease were defined for each patient. It was possible to calculate the growth rate of the primary tumor only in 68 of 150 patients, and it was recorded as doubling time. Evaluation of the skin test reaction in each prognostic subgroup showed no statistically significant differences. The only statistically significant differences were found when each prognostic subgroup was compared with the control population according to the frequency of a negative response to the skin test, particularly in stage III M1 (p < 0.05) and stage III M0 (p < 0.02). The delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity studied with recall antigen stimulation was mainly correlated with the stage of disease, and it should not be considered as an independent prognostic factor.
Immunoblastic Lymphoma: A Clinicopathologic Study with Emphasis on the cases Intervening during or following other Disorders
Authors: Brusamolino Ercole , Magrini Umberto , Castelli Guglielmo , Pagnucco Guido , Isernia Paola , Lazzarino Mario , Bernasconi Carlo
Published: April 2018

Fifty-eight patients with immunoblastic lymphoma (IBL) were the object of this study. Fifteen of them (26 %) developed IBL during or after other diseases, either immunologic or neoplastic, including angio-immunoblastic lymphadenopathy, autoimmune disorders, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Waldenström's disease, lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease (subsequent IBL). The comparison between de novo and subsequent IBL revealed a significantly higher incidence of bone marrow involvement and bulky abdominal disease in the latter group, with a lower response rate to chemotherapy. The favorable primary extranodal disease of Waldeyer's ring exclusively belonged to de novo IBL, whereas the frequency of immunoglobulin abnormalities was higher in the subsequent IBL group (67 %). The stage of disease, systemic symptoms at diagnosis and response to therapy were predictive of survival. The overall complete remission (CR) rate in the whole series was 37 % and the median overall survival 14 months. Complete remitters have a median survival in excess of 60 months; all relapses occurred within the first 12 months of CR. No CNS relapse terminated the CR, and CNS prophylaxis seems unnecessary in IBL. The analysis of subsequent IBL may provide information on the pathogenesis of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas; the still poor prognosis of IBL deserves new therapeutic attempts to improve on the standard regimens.
Feminizing Sertoli Cell Tumor Associated with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (Histologic and ultrastructural study)
Authors: Ceccamea Alberto , Cozzi Francesco , Farragiana Tullio , Boscherini Brunetto , Pierro Agostino
Published: April 2018

A case of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome associated with Sertoli cell tumor of the testis and bilateral gynecomasty in an 8-year-old boy is described. The authors emphasize the unusual histologic and ultrastructural features of the tumor and discuss the physiopathologic aspects of the present case.
Osteogenic Osteosarcoma of the Calvaria following Radiotherapy for Cerebellar Astrocytoma: Report of a Case in Childhood
Authors: Casentini Leopoldo , Visonà Alfonso , Colombo Federico , Pansa Vincenzo Stracca , Pozza Franco , Benedetti Antonio
Published: April 2018

Sarcoma as a second malignant neoplasm following radiotherapy is a rare occurrence in childhood. A case of osteogenic osteosarcoma of temporoparietal bone that developed 56 months after irradiation for a cerebellar astrocytoma in a 10-year-old child is reported and the pertinent literature is briefly reviewed. The possibility of an association (in the same patient) between these two rather uncommon lesions is extremely unlikely. Therefore, it is possible that radiotherapy played a role in the induction of the sarcoma. The indolent course of the latter is stressed.
Relationship between Smooth Muscle and Cytoskeleton Antibodies in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Zauli Daniela , Crespi Cristina , Mancini Antonia F. , Zerbini Marialuisa , Bianchi Francesco B. , Pisi Emilio
Published: April 2018

The previously reported high prevalence of smooth muscle antibodies in neuroblastoma has been found to be associated with a similarly elevated prevalence of anti-cytoskeleton antibodies. The most relevant finding is related to anti-microfilaments (anti-actin) and anti-microtubules antibodies, which were detected with highly significantly different prevalences when compared with a disease control group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.000001, respectively). The correspondence between smooth muscle antibodies and anti-cytoskeleton antibodies is incomplete, and it is more relevant for anti-microfilaments. It is concluded that antigen specificities of smooth muscle antibodies in neuroblastoma are as complex as documented in other diseases. Possible pathogenetic and clinical implications emerging from these data are discussed.
Patients’ Assessment of Quality of Care: A Survey of a Group of Breast Cancer Patients in Italy
Authors: Liberati Alessandro , Confalonieri Carlo , Martino Gemma , Talamini Renato , Tamburini Marcello , Viola Paola , Tognoni Gianni
Published: April 2018

Patients’ assessment of quality of care was investigated in 825 women with breast cancer treated in a group of specialized and non-specialized institutions in Italy. A 10-page mail questionnaire explored patients’ adjustment to the disease, satisfaction with care, and quality of the information on diagnosis and treatment. Most of the 428 (52 %) responders reported good or acceptable adjustment to the disease (as reflected by acceptable performance in some daily living activities), and favorable judgment about care providers, but many women complained of hospital organizational deficiencies. A contradictory picture emerged regarding the quality of information. Completeness and thoroughness appeared seriously deficient when examined objectively using a series of explicit predefined criteria, but patients’ assessments showed in most cases moderate or high satisfaction. The paper presents these results and discusses pros and cons in the use of patients’ opinions for evaluation of quality of care.
Primary Adenocarcinoma of Terminal Ileum with Clinical and Gross Morphologic Features Simulating Crohn's Disease. A Case Report
Authors: Bonacina Edgardo , Barbano Pier Remigio , Barberis Massimo , Rossi Marco Vittorio
Published: April 2018

We report a case of primary adenocarcinoma of the terminal ileum, which presented with clinical, radiologic and surgical findings indistinguishable from Crohn's disease. The age of the patient and the rapidly progressing symptoms were the only preoperative clues to the diagnosis of an occult malignancy. Frozen sections of an intraoperative biopsy established the correct diagnosis and led to a radical change in the treatment. This is the third report of adenocarcinoma of the small bowel simulating Crohn's disease.