bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caveolin-1 and VEGF-C promote Lymph Node Metastasis in the Absence of Intratumoral Lymphangiogenesis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Minhua , Chen Honglei , Diao Luming , Zhang Yuxia , Xia Cong , Yang Fei 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Caveolin-1 is a key component of membrane caveolae which plays an important role in cell transformation, cell migration, metastasis and angiogenesis. The mechanism of caveolin-1 and VEGF-C in lymphatic metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still unclear. This study aimed to define the caveolin-1 and VEGF-C expression and lymph vessel density in NSCLC and look for correlations with clinicopathological features in NSCLC. Methods Caveolin-1, VEGF-C, and D2–40 protein expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray constructed from 70 NSCLCs and 12 normal lungs. Results Caveolin-1 expression was detected in 31 of 70 (44.3%) NSCLCs, which was significantly lower than its expression in normal lungs (9 of 12, 75%; P = 0.049). Expression of VEGF-C was detected in 49 of 70 (70%) NSCLCs and 4 of 12 (33.3%) normal lungs (P = 0.022). Both caveolin-1 and VEGF-C expression were correlated with lymph node metastasis of NSCLC (P = 0.001; P = 0.028). Moreover, caveolin-1 expression was correlated with tumor stage, histological type, and differentiation grade (P = 0.012; P = 0.038; P = 0.002). VEGF-C expression was correlated only with histological type (P = 0.020). There was no correlation between intratumoral lymph vessel density and any clinicopathological parameters including lymph node status. Furthermore, there was no correlation between caveolin-1 expression, VEGF-C expression, and lymph vessel density. Conclusions These findings indicated a reduction of caveolin-1 expression in NSCLC and suggested that caveolin-1 as well as VEGF-C might be involved in lymph node metastasis of NSCLC. The role of caveolin-1 in lymphatic metastasis and intratumoral lymphangiogenesis in NSCLC needs further study. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it
Suppression of TSPAN1 by RNA Interference Inhibits Proliferation and Invasion of Colon Cancer Cells in Vitro
Authors: Chen Li , Yuan Daiyue , Zhao Ren , Li Hui , Zhu Jianwei 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background To investigate effect of TSPAN1 downregulation by RNA interference (RNAi) on proliferation and invasion of human colon cancer cells in vitro. Methods and study design RNAi was performed using the vector (pU6H1-GFP)-based small-interfering RNA (siRNA) plasmid gene silencing system to specifically knock down TSPAN1 expression in a colon cancer cell line, HCT-8. The expression of TSPAN1 mRNA was detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. TSPAN1 protein expression was observed using Western blots and immunofluorescent microscopy. Cell proliferation and cell cycle assay were measured using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and flow cytometry, respectively. The invasive ability of HCT-8 cells was examined using a duel culture chamber separated by polycarbonate membranes coated with Matrigel (8.0-μm pore size). Results After transfection with the TSPAN1 siRNA plasmid, TSPAN1 mRNA and protein expression was significantly decreased. The decrease in mRNA and protein was associated with a significant decrease in TSPAN1 fluorescent staining and a decrease in cell proliferation due to cell cycle arrest in the G1/G0 phase. A significant decrease in the number of invading HCT-8 cells was associated with these changes. Conclusion RNAi-mediated downregulation of TSPAN1 expression significantly inhibits the proliferation and invasion of colon cancer cells in vitro. This finding suggests that TSPAN1 plays an important role in colon cancer progression, and RNAi targeting of TSPAN1 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of colon cancer. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it
Lung Cancer Risk and Residence in the Neighborhood of a Sewage Plant in Italy. A Case-Control Study
Authors: Pizzo Anna Maria , Chellini Elisabetta , Costantini Adele Seniori 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Environmental pollution originating in sewage and industrial plants can be associated with lung cancer risk, as ecological and case-control studies have indicated. In the present study, the association between lung cancer occurrence and residence near a sewage plant in Prato (Italy) was investigated. A previous geographic study in the same area had shown an increasing trend of lung cancer mortality and incidence with propinquity to the plant. Methods A case-control study was carried out in the male population of Prato. Incident cases in the period 1987–1997 were identified from the Tuscan Cancer Registry (no. 918). Controls were randomly extracted from the Registry Office of the Municipality of Prato (no. 1852). For all subjects, the residential history was reconstructed. A weighted average distance from the plant was computed and used as a proxy variable of exposure. Two analyses were performed: on the whole data set and on a subset of subjects for whom information on tobacco exposure and education was obtained through a postal questionnaire (response rate, 41.1%). Logistic regression models were applied to estimate odds ratios and 95% CI. Results Both analyses showed a significantly elevated lung cancer risk for subjects living within 1.5 km (ORwhole = 1.56, 1.06–2.28; ORsubset = 2.28, 1.06–4.86) and suggested a risk increase with a decrease of weighted average distance from the plant. Conclusions The findings highlight a possible role, in lung cancer occurrence, for environmental pollution spread from the plant. Due to drawbacks of the study, further analyses are needed to evidence a noncontroversial etiological conclusion. When environmental data are not available, results of epidemiological studies using residential histories may be useful in preventive policies regarding point source emissions. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it
Is Cancer Overtaking Cardiovascular Diseases as the Killer Number one in Men in Tuscany?
Authors: Giovannetti Lucia , Gorini Giuseppe , Martini Andrea , Chellini Elisabetta , Fornai Maria Grazia , Sorso Brunella , Seniori-Costantini Adele 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background For the first time in 2006, cancer became the main cause of death in men in Italy, exceeding cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study was to verify whether the overtaking of cancer male mortality occurred also in Tuscany or in some of its 12 subregional areas and whether there was a geographical trend. Methods Age-standardized mortality rates from the Tuscan Regional Mortality Registry, 1987–2008, were calculated for neoplasms, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases, considering the whole region and its 12 areas. Joinpoint analyses were carried out to study temporal trend. Results Up to 2008, the number of male deaths for neoplasms (6,786) in Tuscany did not exceed deaths from cardiovascular disease (7,065). Instead, overtaking occurred in some subregional areas from 2004 onwards. When we compared age-standardized mortality rates, cancer became the first cause of death in Tuscany from 2004 onwards (age-standardized mortality rates for cancer 236.5 per 100,000; for cardiovascular disease 227.8 per 100,000). Age-standardized mortality rates for cardiovascular disease recorded an annual 2.4% decrease until 1998, then a 3.5% decrease. Age- standardized mortality rates for all cancers recorded an annual 1.6% decrease in the whole period. Conclusions Our study confirmed a geographical trend in cancer overtaking as the main cause of death in males: from the more urbanized areas in northern Tuscany, where the phenomenon occurred earlier, to the southern part. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it
Targeted Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Bianchini Chiara , Ciorba Andrea , Pelucchi Stefano , Piva Roberta , Pastore Antonio 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms at the basis of cancer initiation and progression in the head and neck and also discusses the possible development of targeted cellular strategies. Intrinsic and acquired resistance of cancer cells to current conventional treatments, as well as recurrence, represent a major challenge in treating and curing the most aggressive and metastatic tumors also in the head and neck. Even though in some hematologic malignancies (i.e., non-Hodgkin's lymphomas) antibodies specifically designed to target tumor-specific cells have already been introduced, in solid tumors molecular targeted therapy is now entering clinical practice. Methods A Pub Med database systematic review. Results and conclusions Molecular targeting could achieve specific damage to cancer cells, at the same time preserving functionally important tissues. This could offer new prospectives in primary and adjuvant treatment also of head and neck tumors.
Do Pre-Diagnostic Drinking Habits Influence Breast Cancer Survival?
Authors: Allemani Claudia , Berrino Franco , Krogh Vittorio , Sieri Sabina , Pupa Serenella M , Tagliabue Elda , Tagliabue Giovanna , Sant Milena 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing breast cancer and may also be associated with late diagnosis, recurrence, distant metastases and death. Many studies have examined the role of alcohol as a risk factor for the development of breast cancer, but very few studies have addressed the role of alcohol as a prognostic factor for survival among women diagnosed with breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the survival of women with breast cancer in relation to pre-diagnostic alcohol intake and other factors known to influence prognosis. Methods We analyzed data for 264 women in the EUROCARE and ORDET studies who were diagnosed with breast cancer from 1987 up to 31 December 2001 and for whom information was available on follow-up, stage at diagnosis, HER-2 and hormone receptor status, and pre-diagnostic dietary alcohol intake, categorized as zero (0 g/day, non-drinkers), moderate (up to 13 g/day, about 1 serving) and high (>13 g/day). Ten-year relative survival was estimated using the maximum-likelihood approach. The excess risk of death within 10 years of diagnosis was modeled by level of alcohol intake, adjusting separately for age, stage, body mass index and tumor subtype. Results Ten-year relative survival was lowerin women who drank more than 13g/day (65%; 95% CI, 47–78) than in non-drinkers (88%; 95% CI, 75–95). The excess risk of death within 10 years was significantly higher in women who drank more than 13 g/day than non-drinkers (relative excess risk, 4.13; 95% CI, 1.69–10.10) and was not altered by adjustment for other prognostic factors. The excess risk within 10 years was higher for women with a body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or higher (relative excess risk, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.01–4.70) and higher for those with more advanced disease. Conclusions Women who drank more than 13 g alcohol per day had lower survival than non-drinkers. The excess risk of death within 10 years of diagnosis was unaffected by other known risk factors. High alcohol consumption may be an adverse prognostic factor for breast cancer.
Malignant Mesothelioma of the Pleura in Nonagenarian Patients
Authors: Bianchi Claudio , Bianchi Tommaso , Bucconi Sergio 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Malignant mesothelioma developing at very old ages is a rare event. The reasons for such late development were investigated. Methods A series of 811 malignant mesothelioma of the pleura, diagnosed at the Trieste and Monfalcone Hospitals, in northeastern Italy, in the period 1968–2008 were reviewed. Eight cases regarding patients aged 90 years or more were selected. In such cases, occupational histories were re-examined, and additional data could be obtained from the patients' relatives. Routine lung sections obtained at necropsy were examined for asbestos bodies. In 2 cases, asbestos bodies had been isolated after chemical digestion of lung tissue. Results The group included 7 men and one woman, aged between 90 and 93 years. All 8 patients had long-term histories of occupational exposure to asbestos, mostly in shipyards. Latency periods, elapsed between first exposure to asbestos and tumor manifestation, ranged between 64 and 75 years. Asbestos bodies were found on routine lung sections in 6 cases. Isolation of lung asbestos bodies showed 72, 000 bodies per gram of dried tissue in a90-year-old man, who had worked in the shipyards for 34 years, and 150 bodies per gram in a 93-year-old woman, who had worked in the shipyards for 23 years. Conclusions In this group of cases, the late development of mesothelioma can not be attributed to mild exposure to asbestos or to unusually late exposures. Very long latency periods even in people heavily exposed suggest an individual resistance to the oncogenic effects of asbestos.
From Clinical Trials to Clinical Practice: Predictors of Response to Erlotinib in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Pretreated with Chemotherapy
Authors: Mazzoni Francesca , Rotella Virginia , Pratesi Nicola , Boni Luca , Simi Lisa , Orlando Claudio , Comin Camilla Eva , Maddau Cristina , Di Costanzo Francesco 
Published: February 2018

Background Inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor pathway with tyro-sine kinase inhibitors can improve outcome of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer after first-line chemotherapy. The use of clinical characteristics and molecular markers may permit the identification of patients who are more likely to benefit from erlotinib. Patients and methods Retrospective analysis of unselected patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who had previously failed on at least one line of chemotherapy and treated at our institution with erlotinib (150 mg/day orally) until disease progression. Mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor (exon 19–21) and KRAS (codon 12–13) genes were screened with high-resolution melting analysis and identified with direct sequencing. Results Fifty-three patients were included in the study. The disease control rate was 38%. Median progression-free survival and median overall survival were 4 and 15 months, respectively. Skin rash, diarrhea and mucositis were the most common toxicities of erlotinib. In 19 patients, erlotinib dose was reduced for toxicity. The disease control rate and progression-free survival were significantly better in non-smokers, responders to chemotherapy and patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations. Overall survival was longer in patients with skin toxicity and epidermal growth factor receptor mutations. Conclusions In our experience, epidermal growth factor receptor mutations, response to previous chemotherapy and non-smoking status were predictors of higher disease control rate and longer progression-free survival. Overall survival was significantly longer in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations and skin toxicity.
AKT Signaling Pathway in Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast: Correlation with ERα, ERβ and HER-2 Expression
Authors: Wang Xiuling , Yi Lina , Zhu Yan , Zou Jue , Hong Yuelin , Zheng Weiqiang 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Estradiol exerts most of its effects by direct binding to the estrogen receptor in breast carcinoma, ERβ expression is a useful biomarker for breast cancer in a manner that is independent of ERα expression. However, studies evaluating ERβ expression with certain tumor variables, such as tumor grade and disease-free survival, had produced conflicting results. The Akt signaling pathway currently attracts considerable attention as a new target for effective therapeutic strategies. The current study attempted to compare the relative associations of variables including ERα, ERβ, HER-2/neu and AKT staining with the presence of metastases or survival. Methods and study design Immunohistochemical staining was employed to determine the expression of ERα, ERβ, pAkt and HER-2/neu in 110 cases of primary breast carcinoma. Results Positive ERα, ERβ, pAkt and HER-2/neu expressions were respectively observed in 46.4% (51/110), 59.1% (65/110), 40.9% (45/110) and 31.8% (35/110) of the tumors. pAkt was significantly associated with HER-2/neu overexpression (P <0.005) and axillary lymph node metastasis (P <0.05). However, there was no significant relationship between pAkt and ERα, ERβ, p53 (P >0.05) expressions. Survival analysis showed that pAkt positivity was associated with poor disease-free survival of the patients. Conclusions The current study suggested that activity of the Akt signaling pathway may indicate a poor prognosis in patients with breast carcinoma. The results implied that estrogen can activate the PI3K-Akt pathway through ERα and ERβ-independent mechanisms in breast cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Umbilicus: Management of an Unusual Localization
Authors: Macripò Giuseppe , Caliendo Virginia , Grassi Marcella , Lista Patrizia , Ribero Simone , Giacone Elena , Milanese Enrica , Ciuffreda Libero 
Published: February 2018

We describe the case of a squamous cell carcinoma spreading to the skin and regional lymph nodes from the umbilicus. Bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy and a session of electrochemotherapy with bleomycin 15 mg/m2 were performed. However, because of the development of new cutaneous nodules in the abdominopelvic region, we performed targeted palliative therapy with erlotinib 150 mg/day. Targeted adjuvant therapy was preferred to the use of a major cytotoxic agent because of the high risk of superinfection and heart failure. Erlotinib produced a partial clinical response with reduction of the number and size of the skin nodules. CT scan performed after 60 days of treatment did not show any new lesions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an umbilical metastatic squamous cell carcinoma treated with modern targeted therapy. This therapeutic strategy can be considered a valid palliative option in the management of metastatic cutaneous nodules of this rare primary site.
Single-dose palonosetron and dexamethasone in preventing nausea and vomiting induced by moderately emetogenic chemotherapy in breast and colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Brugnatelli Silvia , Gattoni Elisabetta , Grasso Donatella , Rossetti Franca , Perrone Tania , Danova Marco 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Palonosetron, a unique second-generation 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, has been demonstrated to control emesis related to chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of palonosetron followed by a single dose of dexamethasone in patients with breast cancer (BC) or colorectal cancer (CRC) receiving moderate emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC). Methods and study design Chemotherapy-naive BC and CRC patients were given MEC as adjuvant or first-line treatment. Palonosetron (0.25 mg IV) and dexamethasone (8 mg IV) were administered before chemotherapy on day 1. The primary endpoint was complete response (CR; no vomiting and no use of rescue medication) during the overall study period (days 1–5). The antiemetic response was evaluated during the acute (day 1) and delayed (days 2–5) phases. Results Sixty-eight patients were enrolled (median age 61 years, 56 females; BC = 40, CRC = 28). CR was observed in 46 of 68 patients (67.6%), while CR during the acute and delayed phases was 75.0% in each cancer group. The antiemetic regimen was well tolerated. Conclusions A single administration of palonosetron and dexamethasone on day 1 in BC and CRC patients adequately controls CINV during the entire period of emetic risk.
Smoking in young and adult population, Italy 2009
Authors: Tramacere Irene , Gallus Silvano , Pacifici Roberta , Zuccaro Piergiorgio , Colombo Paolo , La Vecchia Carlo 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background To monitor smoking prevalence and trends of young and adult populations in Italy. Method and study design A survey on smoking was conducted during March-April 2009 on a sample of 3213 participants (1546 men and 1667 women), representative of the Italian population aged 15 years or over. Data from a simplified questionnaire were collected in an over-sample of 1010 young individuals, reaching a total of 1390 participants aged 15–24 years (713 males and 677 females). Results In 2009, 25.4% of Italians described themselves as current cigarette smokers (28.9% of men and 22.3% of women). Among young people, male smoking prevalence steadily declined from 38% in 2001 to 29% in 2009. Smoking prevalence in young females decreased from 30% in 2001 to 19% in 2008, but increased to 23% in 2009. Among both males and females aged 15–17 years, smoking prevalence was around 10%. This increased in the 18–24 year age group, with 37.6% of current smokers among males and 28.9% among females. Among young current smokers, 45.5% reported that they would reduce the number of cigarettes smoked per day, 11.1% would quit smoking, and 4.3% would switch to hand-rolled cigarettes, assuming that the minimum price of a pack of cigarettes increased to €5. Conclusions Our findings indicate that smoking prevalence has decreased over recent years, particularly in the young. Still, over one-fourth of Italian adults are smokers. An increase in cigarette price represents an effective strategy to control tobacco, particularly in the young.
Using administrative data to identify and stage breast cancer cases: Implications for assessing quality of care
Authors: Yuen Elaine , Louis Daniel , Cisbani Luca , Rabinowitz Carol , De Palma Rossana , Maio Vittorio , Leoni Maurizio , Grilli Roberto 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background The study evaluated the use of Italian hospital discharge data (SDO, scheda di dimissione ospedaliera) for identifying women with incident breast cancer, determining stage at diagnosis and assessing quality of care. Study design Women aged 20+ years residing in the Regione Emilia-Romagna, Italy, between 2002 and 2005 were studied. Case identification using algorithms based on ICD-9-CM codes on hospital discharge data were compared with AIRTUM-accredited cancer registry data. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value were computed overall, by age and cancer stage. Compliance with guidelines for radiation therapy using registry and hospital data were compared. Results A total of 11,615 women was identified by AIRTUM-accredited cancer registries as incident cases, whereas 10,876 women were identified by the SDO algorithm. Sensitivity was 84.8%, specificity was 99.9%, and the positive predictive value was 90.6%. Of the 1,022 who were false positives, 363 (35.5%) were women identified in registry data as having an incident case prior to 2002 and therefore were not included in the analysis. There were 1,761 false negatives; nearly 50% were over 70 years of age or did not undergo a surgical procedure and therefore were not included in our SDO-based case finding. Sensitivity declined as the patient population became older. However, we observed relatively good positive predictive value for all age groups. Algorithms using the SDO data did not clearly identify specific cancer stages. However, the algorithm may have utility where stages are grouped together for use in quality measures. Conclusions Cases were identified with good sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value with SDO data, with better rates than similar previously published algorithms based on Italian data. These hospital claims-based algorithms facilitate quality of care analyses for large populations when registry data are not available by identifying individual women and their subsequent use of health care services.