bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knockdown of TSPAN1 by RNA Silencing and Antisense Technique Inhibits Proliferation and Infiltration of Human Skin Squamous Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Chen Li , Zhu Yuanyuan , Li Hui , Wang Guei-Lan , Wu Yuan-Yuan , Lu Yu-Xiang , Qin Jin , Tuo Jinsheng , Wang Jian-Li , Zhu Jianwei 
Published: February 2018

Aim To explore the function of TSPAN1 in squamous cell skin carcinoma by means of TSPAN1-specific siRNA and antisense oligonucleotide techniques. Methods pU6H1-GFP-siRNA TSPAN1 and pcDNA3.1 antisense TSPAN1 were constructed and transfected into squamous cell skin carcinoma cell line A431 cells to knock down TSPAN1 gene expression. The levels of TSPAN1 mRNA and protein expression were detected by semiquantitive RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The proliferation rates of A431 cells were determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Lastly, the migration and infiltration of A431 cells were determined by the Transwell migration assay. Results Transfection with either pU6H1-GFP-siRNA TSPAN1 or pcDNA3.1 antisense TSPAN1 led to an obvious reduction of expression levels of TSPAN1 mRNA and protein in A431 cells, respectively. The proliferation, migration and infiltration of A431 cancer cells were significantly inhibited at 48 hours after transfection of plasmids harboring TSPAN1 siRNA and antisense RNA. Conclusion The TSPAN1 gene might play a role in the proliferation of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and be associated with cancer cell motility, implying a function of the gene in the development of skin cancer.
Efficacy of Surgery and Imatinib Mesylate in the Treatment of Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cirocchi Roberto , Farinella Eriberto , La Mura Francesco , Cavaliere Davide , Avenia Nicola , Verdecchia Giorgio Maria , Giustozzi Gianmario , Noya Giuseppe , Sciannameo Francesco 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background In patients with localized gastrointestinal stromal tumors, surgery remains the elective treatment. Nowadays, imatinib therapy has been standardized in advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors, showing continuous improvements in progression-free and overall survival. A combination of imatinib therapy and surgery may also be effective in a subset of patients with metastatic or unresectable gastrointestinal stromal tumors. In this review, the authors analyzed the role of imatinib mesylate associated to surgery in unresectable and/or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Methods and study design We searched for all published and unpublished randomized controlled clinical trials and controlled clinical trials. We conducted the review according to the recommendations of The Cochrane Collaboration. We used Review Manager 5 software for the statistical analysis. Results There are currently no randomized controlled clinical trials or controlled clinical trials on this issue. We performed a subgroup analysis in the patients pre-operatively treated with imatinib mesylate. This subgroup revealed a minor incidence of recurrent or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors and a greater incidence of locally unresectable gastrointestinal stromal tumors in the responsive disease group (P = 0.001). In this patient group, more complete resections were observed (P = 0.00001). Furthermore, in the same patient group we observed a more significant 12 and 24-month disease-free survival after imatinib treatment and complete resection (respectively P = 0.06 and P = 0.003) and also a better 24-month overall survival (P = 0.004). Conclusions There is actually only one ongoing European randomized study evaluating surgery of residual disease in patients with metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors responding to imatinib mesylate. Imatinib mesylate represents the standard treatment as preoperative supplement for locally unresectable and/or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and a trial to compare the approach versus surgery alone is not necessary. For patients responding to imatinib or patients with prolonged stable disease, resection of residual disease should be considered. A phase III randomized study evaluating surgery of residual disease in patients with metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor responding to imatinib mesylate, EORTC 62063, has been opened. Moreover, surgery should be considered for patients at higher risk of complications during pharmacological debulking. In advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors, the advantages of the integrated treatment are significant in the complete or partial response disease group in terms of more complete resections and better disease-free and overall survival.
Gene Analysis of Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Lymphomas in Hu-PBL/SCID Chimeras
Authors: Gan Runliang , Xie Xiaoli , He Jie , Liu Xiaomin , Hong Li , Tang Yunlian , Liu Fang , Xie Hailong 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background The mechanisms of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated tumor development are incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the gene expression of EBV-associated lymphomas in hu-PBL/SCID mice. Methods Human peripheral blood lymphocytes (hu-PBL) from EBV-seropositive donors were transplanted into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. In situ hybridization was used to detect EBV-encoded small RNA-1 (EBER1) in tumor tissues. Mutation of TP53 exons 5–8 in EBV-induced lymphomas was analyzed by PCR-SSCP. Immunohistochemical staining was used to examine EBV gene products and cellular oncoproteins. Results Twenty-one of 29 mice developed tumors. EBER1 was positive in the nuclei of almost all tumor cells. Immunohistochemistry showed positive staining of LMP1, EBNA2 and ZEBRA in a small number of tumor cells. Immunohistochemically detectable p53 protein expression was common (85.7%), but TP53 gene mutations were identified in only four cases (19.1%) of EBV-associated lymphomas. Positivity rates of C-myc, Bcl-2 and Bax expression were 100%, 95.2%, and 90.5%, respectively, in the 21 cases of EBV-associated lymphomas. Conclusions Our preliminary findings suggest that EBV-associated lymphomas in hu-PBL/SCID chimeras show EBV infection, expression of oncogenic viral genes, and overexpression of cellular oncogenes. TP53 gene mutations are rare but p53 protein is commonly expressed in EBV-associated lymphomas.
B-cell Lymphofollicular Infiltrates in Mycosis Fungoides
Authors: Ferrara Gerardo , Chiarelli Concetta , Simonetti Stefano 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background The histopathological picture of mycosis fungoides can be characterized by heavy reactive infiltrates. These are rarely composed of B lymphocytes with formation of reactive follicles. Methods and study design We collected three cases of mycosis fungoides with a reactive B-cell lymphofollicular reaction at the bottom of the epidermotropic infiltrate. Results Case 1 showed flat lesions (patches) with a CD4+ neoplastic phenotype; case 2 presented infiltrated lesions (plaques) with a CD8+ immonophenotype; case 3 was characterized by nodular lesions (tumors) with a CD4+ neoplastic component. In all three cases, no clonal gene rearrangement was found with the polymerase chain reaction technique. Conclusions Among the protean clinicopathological features which mycosis fungoides can show, we underline that a B-cell lymphofollicular component can be encountered at the base of the epidermotropic infiltrate even in clinically flat (“patchy”) lesions.
Cervical Cancer Assessment in Romania under EUROCHIP-2
Authors:   on behalf of the EUROCHIP Working Group, Apostol Iuliana , Baban Adriana , Nicula Florian , Suteu Ofelia , Coza Daniela , Amati Camilla , Baili Paolo 
Published: February 2018

Background Inside the European project EUROCHIP-2, the Romania team has ruled out an assessment study regarding cervical cancer screening programs (CCS) in Romania, in Nov 2006–March 2007. The general purpose was to be aliened to European Council recommendations that states that an organized cervical screening program should be offered in all member states, in order to reduce the specific incidence and mortality. The aim of the study was to assess cervical cancer burden and current cervical cancer screening status in Romania and in various sub-regions (DR), and also to identify problems and barriers and to propose solutions for implementing an organized cervical cancer screening program at national level. Methods The study was based on a statistical survey and a comprehensive literature review of the most important European, national and regional papers or studies completed in this field. Results Over 2000–2006, a total number of 22,830 new cases and 12,763 deaths from cervical cancer was registered in Romania. In 2005, the crude rate of incidence varied largely in the 8 DR between 17.8–31.3 and mortality varied between 12.3–21.5. The proportion of women tested by DRs on total female population varied between 3.2%-0.6%; the highest screening activity was observed in region VI, where run the only organized CCS in Romania. In 2005, there were one GP per 578 female population aged 25–65; regarding the specialists in 2007 per country we had: 3,012 women aged 25–65 per one gynecologist, 21,195 women per one oncologist and 13,258 women per one histopathologist. Discussion and conclusion There were no major changes in policy screening over 2000–2006 correlated with no major difference in specific mortality in Romania. Significant differences in incidence and mortality between DRs were observed in 2005, which impose deeper analyzes of local conditions and resources and local strategies to be adopted. The burden of cervical cancer is particularly high in Romania and is related to the absence of an organized CCS program or the ineffectiveness of the opportunistic screening programs. It is needed that European Council recommendations be implemented and quality assurance strategies to be checked and maintained at all screening levels in Romania.
Feasibility and Outcome of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Recurrent Cervical Carcinoma after Initial Surgery
Authors: Lee Yu Sun , Kim Young Seok , Kim Jong Hoon , Ahn Seung Do , Lee Sang-wook , Shin Seong Soo , Nam Joo-Hyun , Kim Young-Tak , Kim Yong-Man , Kim Jong-Hyeok , Choi Eun Kyung 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background The prognosis for recurrent cervical carcinoma following initial surgery is dismal even when aggressive radiotherapy or salvage surgery is used. We retrospectively reviewed hospital records to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of concurrent chemoradiotherapy as a salvage treatment. Methods From 1999 to 2007, 47 patients received salvage chemoradiotherapy. Involved-field irradiation was delivered at a median dose of 64.8 Gy (range, 36–100.2), including brachytherapy boost in 10 patients. Pelvic re-irradiation was performed in 4 of the 12 women who had a previous history of pelvic radiotherapy. All but one patient received cisplatin-based concomitant chemotherapy during radiotherapy. Results The median overall follow-up period was 27 months and for surviving patients was 57 months. The interval between initial surgery and recurrence was 22 months (range, 4–203), and the median recurrent mass size was 4 cm (range, 0.5–11). In 34 patients, recurrent tumors were confined to the pelvis (21 central and 13 peripheral). Grade 3–4 acute hematologic toxicity was the most frequent toxicity and was observed in 29 (62%) women. Five-year actuarial cumulative incidence of severe gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity was 13% and 7%, respectively. Thirty-three patients (70%) showed a complete response and 9 (19%) a partial response following salvage chemoradiation. Five-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 44% and 41%, respectively. Conclusions Salvage chemoradiotherapy appears to be a feasible treatment option for women with recurrent cervical carcinoma following surgery. The treatment had a high salvage rate and acceptable late complication rate, despite being associated with substantial acute toxicity.
Postoperative Gemcitabine Alone and Concurrent with Radiation Therapy in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Carcinoma
Authors: Ozkok Serdar , Demirci Senem , Yalman Deniz , Zeytunlu Murat , Nart Deniz , Yuzer Yildiray , Coker Ahmet , Goker Erdem 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background To evaluate the treatment results of gemcitabine alone and concurrent with radiotherapy after R0/R1 resection of locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Methods and study design From 1999 to 2005, 55 patients with stage II resected pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine-based radiochemotherapy were retrospectively evaluated. Initially, one cycle of induction gemcitabine was administered and followed by weekly gemcitabine concurrent with radiotherapy. After the completion of radiochemotherapy, patients received 3 additional courses of gemcitabine. Results Thirteen patients were stage IIA and 42 were stage IIB. Forty-six patients (83.6%) had R0 and 9 patients (16.4%) had R1 resection. All of the patients received induction chemotherapy and radiotherapy, all but 3 received concurrent radiochemotherapy, and 46 (84%) patients received maintenance chemotherapy. During induction, concurrent and maintenance phases of the protocol, 11%, 13.5% and 19.5% of the patients had at least one ≥grade 3 toxicity, respectively. Within a median 47 months (range, 34–105) of follow-up, 4 (7.3%) patients had isolated local recurrence, 5 (9%) patients had local recurrence and distant metastases, and 27 (49%) had only distant metastases. Median disease-free survival and overall survival were 13 (range, 4-105) and 19 months (range, 6-105), respectively. In multivariate analysis, nodal stage, AJCC stage and number of lymph nodes dissected were the significant factors affecting disease-free survival whereas Karnofsky performance status was the only significant factor for overall survival. Conclusions The prognosis for pancreatic cancer remains poor despite adjuvant radiochemotherapy. More aggressive treatments should be considered in patients with unfavorable prognostic factors.
Importance of the Circumferential Extent of Tumors and Clinical Lymph Node Status as Prognostic Factors after Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy and Surgery in Patients with Rectal Cancer
Authors: Yoon Won Sup , Park Won , Choi Doo Ho , Ahn Yong Chan , Chun Ho Kyung , Lee Woo Yong , Yun Seong Hyeon , Kang Won Ki , Lim Ho Yeong , Park Young Suk 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background To evaluate the clinical factors that influence pathological and clinical outcomes after preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with rectal cancer. Methods Between 1999 and 2004, 121 patients with cT3-4 or node-positive rectal cancer received preoperative chemoradiotherapy and surgery. Preoperative radiation therapy with 45 Gy was delivered. Fluorouracil-based chemotherapy was administered to most of the patients. Results Pathological complete remission was 14.3% after preoperative chemoradiotherapy. More than 60% tumor circumferential extent was an independent adverse factor for complete remission (P = 0.011, HR 4.643, 95% CI 1.415–15.231). Local recurrence developed in 9.9% of the cases. Serum CEA level ≥5 ng/ml (P = 0.057, HR 3.022, 95% CI 0.967–9.441) and >60% circumferential extent of tumor (P = 0.064, HR 4.232, 95% CI 0.918–19.531) were marginal adverse factors for local recurrence. Five-year disease-free survival and overall survival were 72.2% and 86.6%, respectively. Disease-free survival was poor for patients with the lymph nodes ≥1 cm in diameter (P = 0.028), cN2 stage disease (P = 0.047) and >60% circumferential extent of tumor (P = 0.058). Multivariate analysis for disease-free survival showed that the lymph node size ≥1 cm was an adverse factor (P = 0.019, HR 2.380, 95% CI 1.115–4.906). Patients with >60% circumferential extent of tumor and cN2 stage had a more unfavorable survival than the other patients (disease-free survival, P = 0.018; overall survival, P = 0.015). Patients with >60% circumferential extent of tumor and/or lymph node ≥1 cm also had an unfavorable survival (disease-free survival, P = 0.016; overall survival, P = 0.049). Conclusions In rectal cancer, circumferential extent of tumor and clinical lymph node status were important factors for preoperative chemoradiotherapy and surgery. A further prospective study is needed to confirm and expand these findings.
Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Primary Osteosarcoma – a Single Center Experience
Authors: Oertel Susanne , Blattmann Claudia , Rieken Stefan , Jensen Alexandra , Combs Stephanie E , Huber Peter E , Bischof Mark , Kulozik Andreas , Debus Jürgen , Schulz-Ertner Daniela 
Published: February 2018

Purpose To analyze our experiences concerning radiation treatment in patients with osteosarcoma. Materials and methods Since 1981, 40 patients with osteosarcoma have undergone radiotherapy in Heidelberg; 3 of them were immediately lost to follow-up. Twenty patients with metastases were treated palliatively and 17 patients were treated with a curative intent. Results Interestingly, 14 of the 17 patients treated with a curative intent were referred to our clinic during the last 8 years, whereas the number of patients referred for palliation decreased. The mean dose applied for palliation was 47 Gy (range, 26 Gy to >70 GyE), for cure was 59 Gy (range, 45 Gy to >70 GyE). Local control until death could be achieved in 15 of the 20 palliatively treated patients, with a mean survival of 7 months after radiation. Five patients experienced local failure with symptom recurrence, and 3 of them had received doses >60 Gy. At last follow-up, 3 of the 17 curatively treated patients had experienced local recurrence. Median follow-up was 32 months (range, 3-144). Estimated 5-year overall survival and local control rates were 38% and 68%, respectively. Local disease-free survival was shorter in patients treated for recurrent, inoperable or incompletely resected tumors and doses below 60 Gy. Conclusions With adequate doses, long-term local control is possible even in inoperable or incompletely resected tumors. Improvements of systemic therapy and modern radiation techniques have begun to bring the possibly curative role of radiation treatment back to the fore. However, in disseminated tumors, even doses beyond 60 Gy do not guarantee local control, suggesting an extremely low radiosensitivity of certain kinds of osteosarcoma.
Lung Cancer Mortality Trend by Birth Cohort in Men, Tuscany, 1971–2006
Authors: Gorini Giuseppe , Chellini Elisabetta , Martini Andrea , Giovannetti Lucia , Miligi Lucia , Costantini Adele Seniori 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background In Tuscany, lung cancer mortality in men has shown a decreasing geographical trend over the last 3 decades from the most industrialized north-western coastal areas (Massa-Carrara, Viareggio) to the south-eastern areas (Arezzo, Siena), following the path of the development of industrial activities. The aim of the study was to evaluate lung cancer mortality in males by birth cohort in order to verify whether there was also a decreasing birth cohort trend in male lung cancer mortality rates between north-western and south-eastern Tuscan areas. Methods Lung cancer deaths that occurred in men resident in Tuscany, 1971–2006, were analyzed by birth cohort, age group and local health authority area. Results Rates in men >65 years were significantly higher in Viareggio and Massa-Carrara than in the south-eastern areas for all generations, in particular for men born in 1896–1926. Rates for men aged 55–64 years were higher in Massa-Carrara and Viareggio than in south-eastern areas for men born before 1926, whereas for younger generations the rates leveled off. For men aged 45–54 years, rates were similar in all areas only for younger generations (men born around 1951 and 1956), whereas for men aged 35–44 years, rates were similar in all areas for all generations considered. Conclusions The higher lung cancer mortality rates in men aged >65 years and born in 1896–1926 in the north-western areas than in those born in the south-eastern areas may indicate that the tobacco epidemic spread earlier in the north-western areas of Tuscany, following the path of industrialization. However, the higher mortality rates in north-western than in south-eastern areas are at least in part attributable to the high occupational risks for lung cancer experienced by workers in these areas during the first half of 20th century. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it
Neuroblastoma in Patients over 12 Years Old: A 20-Year Experience at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan
Authors: Podda Marta Giorgia , Luksch Roberto , Polastri Daniela , Gandola Lorenza , Piva Luigi , Collini Paola , Cefalo Graziella , Terenziani Monica , Ferrari Andrea , Casanova Michela , Spreafico Filippo , Meazza Cristina , Castellani Maria Rita , Catania Serena , Schiavello Elisabetta , Marchianò Alfonso , Massimino Maura 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Neuroblastoma is the most common solid extracranial tumor in children. The median age of onset is 2 years, with more than 95% of patients younger than 10 years at diagnosis. As neuroblastoma is rare in adolescents and exceedingly rare in adults, few series are reported in the literature. In the present study, we analyzed the outcomes and clinical characteristics of a mono-institutional series. Methods We describe 27 consecutive patients over 12 years of age (range, 12–69) with previously untreated neuroblastoma treated at our Institution between 1982 and 2001. Results Overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 40% and 20%, respectively, and progression-free survival at 5 and 10 years was 18%. In the present series, there was a long interval between the onset of signs/symptoms and diagnosis, and between recurrence/progression and death. None had MYCN amplification. Conclusions The passive course of the disease in most of our patients did not reflect a more favorable outcome compared with younger patients, thus suggesting a possible genetically different subset of neuroblastoma in older patients. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it
Tumor Laterality in Early Ovarian Cancer: Influence on Left-Right Asymmetry of Pelvic Lymph Nodes
Authors: Mujezinović Faris , Takač Iztok 
Published: February 2018

Aim and background To determine whether left-right asymmetry was present in cases of early ovarian cancer and whether or not the difference between number of removed lymph nodes on both sides of the pelvis is associated with tumor laterality. Methods and study design We extracted from the medical data base cases of early ovarian cancer with lymphadenectomy who had been treated between 1994 and 2008. The sample was divided in three groups according to the left-right laterality of the tumor in the pelvis (bilateral, left sided, right sided). For each case, we subtracted the number of dissected lymph nodes on the left side from the number of dissected lymph nodes on the right side of the pelvis (NRightside - NLeftside). We used one sample t test to determine whether the mean of differences for each group was different from zero. Results We extracted 48 cases with early ovarian cancer who had undergone lymphadenectomy. The average number of dissected lymph nodes was 24 (SD, 12). In 3 cases, we confirmed the presence of lymph node metastasis (6.3%). In 2 of the up-staged cases, tumor and involved lymph nodes were on the right side of the pelvis. In the third case, the tumor was on the left side, whereas involved lymph nodes were on both sides of the pelvis. For bilateral tumors, tumors on the left, and those on the right side of the pelvis, the mean difference was −0.5 (95% CI, −9.9 to 8.9; t, −0.137; P= 0.90), 0.32 (95% CI, −3.8 to 4.5; t, 0.16; P = 0.87) and 3.5 (95% CI, 0.03 to 7.01; t, 2.09; P = 0.048), respectively. Conclusions When the tumor was on the left or on both sides of the pelvis, there was no significant difference in the number of removed lymph nodes. In contrast, when the tumor was on the right side, the number of removed lymph nodes was significantly higher on the right hemipelvis than on the left hemipelvis. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it