bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Signalling Pathways in Tumor Progression, Invasion and Angiogenesis
Authors: Brader Sharon , Eccles Suzanne A 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background The PI3 kinase signalling pathway is now accepted as being at least as important as the ras-MAP kinase pathway in cell survival and proliferation, and hence its potential role in cancer is of great interest1. The purpose of this review is briefly to examine evidence for an involvement of PI3K in human cancers, discuss the mechanisms by which its activation promotes tumor progression, and consider its utility as a novel target for anticancer therapy. Methods and study design A Medline review of recent literature concerning the role of PI3 kinase in tumor progression -mechanisms of action and clinical implications. Results Evidence is presented that misregulation of the PI3 kinase pathway is a feature of many common cancers, either by loss of the suppressor protein PTEN, or by constitutive activation of PI3 kinase isoforms or downstream elements such as AKT and mTOR. This activation potentiates not only cell survival and proliferation, but also cytoskeletal deformability and motility; key elements in tumor invasion. In addition the PI3K pathway is implicated in many aspects of angiogenesis, including upregulation of angiogenic cytokines due to tumor hypoxia or oncogene activation and endothelial cell responses to them. These cytokines signal though receptors such as VEGF-R, FGF-R and Tie-2 and potentiate processes essential for neoangiogenesis including cell proliferation, migration, differentiation into tubules and “invasion” of these capillary sprouts into extracellular matrix (ECM). Conclusions A more complete understanding of the role of the PI3 kinase pathway in cancer will lead the way to the development of more potent and selective inhibitors which should be a useful adjunct to conventional therapies, potentially interfering with tumor progression at several pivotal points; in particular cell survival, invasion and angiogenesis.
Percutaneous Kyphoplasty: Indications and Technique in the Treatment of Vertebral Fractures from Myeloma
Authors: Masala Salvatore , Fiori Roberto , Massari Francesco , Cantonetti Maria , Postorino Massimiliano , Simonetti Giovanni 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background The purpose of our research was to assess the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous kyphoplasty, the new method of treatment for pain deriving from vertebral compression fractures due to myeloma. Methods We treated 3 patients with pain refractory to conventional medical therapy (analgesics, bed-rest, bracing with orthopedic devices for more than 4 weeks), localized in the lumbar area, painful to the touch and in the absence of neurological signs. Results The method demonstrated a swift pain relief associated with an evident augmentation in the resistance and restoration of the vertebral body's physiological shape. Polymethylmethacrylate leaks were not observed in the epidural or foraminal area, nor were complications such as pulmonary embolism for involvement of the venous plexus or related to phenomenon of infections due to the procedure, or toxicity due to the polymethylmethacrylate. Conclusions Kyphoplasty was found to be an effective alternative, simple and safe in the treatment of vertebral collapse consequent to multiple myeloma. The same injection of polymethylmethacrylate can be done before the radiotherapy treatment, thereby synergizing its delayed analgesic action to pain, or after the failure or in the case of local recurrence.
Paclitaxel Administered Weekly in Patients with Docetaxel-Resistant Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Sawaki Masataka , Ito Yoshinori , Hashimoto Daigo , Mizunuma Nobuyuki , Takahashi Shunji , Horikoshi Noboru , Tada Keiichiro , Kasumi Fujio , Akiyama Futoshi , Sakamoto Goi , Imai Tsuneo , Nakao Akimasa , Hatake Kiyohiko 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background We evaluated retrospectively the efficacy and toxicity of paclitaxel in patients with docetaxel-resistant metastatic breast cancer. Study design Paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) was administered weekly to 44 patients who had previously received chemotherapy regimens for metastatic breast cancer. All patients had progressive disease in spite of having received docetaxel therapy. Results Treatment was repeated until there was evidence of disease progression. Objective responses were obtained in 14 of 44 assessable patients (31.8%; 95% confidence interval, 17.5–46.1). Fourteen patients had partial responses; none responded completely. Seven of 14 responders had primary resistance to docetaxel therapy. The median duration of response was 6.1 months (range, 2.1–12.7). The median time to progression was 5.0 months. Clinically severe adverse events (grade 3 or 4) included neutropenia (27.2%), leukopenia (25.0%), neuropathy-sensory (13.6%), febrile neutropenia (6.8%), anemia (2.2%), constipation (2.2%), and edema (2.2%). Treatment was generally well tolerated and could be continued on an out-patient basis. Conclusions Weekly paclitaxel is effective in patients with docetaxel-resistant metastatic breast cancer. This observation suggests partial cross-resistance between paclitaxel and docetaxel. There was no evidence for additive cumulative toxic effects of the two taxanes.
Prognostic Value of Different Factors in Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Hlupić Ljiljana , Jakić-Razumović Jasminka , Božikov Jadranka , Ćorić Marijana , Belev Borislav , Vrbanec Damir 
Published: April 2018

Introduction The aggressive biological behavior of invasive and metastatic cancer is considered to be the most insidious and life-threatening aspect for breast cancer patients. It is mostly the result of changes in many molecular characteristics of tumor cells, including alterations in the mechanisms controlling cell growth and proliferation. Aim The aim of this retrospective study was to identify predictors of aggressive biological behavior and metastatic potential in breast carcinoma among a number of intrinsic bio-markers of tumor cells such as steroid receptors and oncogene and tumor suppressor gene products. Methods Routine formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor samples were used and sections were stained immunohistochemically with the DAKO Strept ABC method to determine the expression of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PgR), HER-2/neu, bcl-2, Ki-67, p53 and nm23 in 192 consecutive breast carcinoma patients. The results of the quantitative immunohistochemical assays were correlated with clinical and histological data such as patient age, overall survival, tumor size, axillary lymph node status, hystological type, tumor grade, Nottingham prognostic index (NPI) and therapeutic regimens. Results Univariate analysis revealed that survival was significantly longer for patients with small tumors (P = 0.007), lower tumor grade (P = 0.021), negative axillary lymph nodes (P = 0.002), presence of nm23 protein (P = 0.002), and for patients treated with adjuvant hormonal therapy (P = 0.010). In multivariate analysis the independent factors positively affecting survival were absence of axillary lymph node metastases (P = 0.002), nm23 expression (P = 0.009) and hormonal therapy (P = 0.050). Among patients with positive axillary nodes there was a significantly higher survival rate in patients with nm23 expression compared with nm23-negative patients (P <0.001). Conclusion Identification of a subset of node-positive breast cancer patients with a more favorable prognosis according to nm23 expression might be clinically useful.
Raltitrexed plus Oxaliplatin in the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Cortinovis Diego , Bajetta Emilio , Di Bartolomeo Maria , Dognini Giuseppina , Beretta Elena , Ferrario Erminia , Ricotta Riccardo , Buzzoni Roberto 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background As raltitrexed and oxaliplatin (L-OHP) are both effective in the treatment of colorectal cancer but have different mechanisms of action, we studied the antitumoral activity and safety of their combined use in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Methods A 15-min intravenous infusion of raltitrexed (2.5 mg/m2) and a 180-min infusion of oxaliplatin (100 mg/m2) were administered on day 1 every three weeks for a maximum of six cycles. Results The study involved 51 patients (27 males and 24 females) with a median age of 65 years (range, 43-78); 28 were aged ≥65 years. The primary tumor site was the colon in 35 patients and the rectum in 16. Thirty-four patients had received prior chemotherapy: 20 as adjuvant treatment and 14 as pretreatment. The most frequent metastatic sites were liver (18 cases), lung (10 cases), liver + lung (8 cases) and lymph nodes (3 cases). Twenty-four patients completed the entire treatment plan. The most common toxicities were transaminitis (16 patients, grade 3-4), diarrhea (six patients, grade 3), nausea/vomiting (one patient, grade 4), and asthenia (one patient, grade 3). The treatment was stopped in one patient because of prolonged grade 4 transaminitis. The adverse event profile was similar in the patients aged >65 years and <65 years. Complete responses were observed in 2 patients, partial responses in 12, stable disease in 23, and progression in 8. Conclusions The results of the study suggest that the raltitrexed plus oxaliplatin regimen is feasible and clinically active in advanced colorectal cancer.
Cigarette Smoking as a Risk Factor for Cancer of the Thyroid in Women
Authors: Zivaljevic Vladan , Vlajinac Hristina , Marinkovic Jelena , Paunovic Ivan , Diklic Aleksandar , Dzodic Radan 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background Thyroid cancer, whose etiology is largely uncertain, has been negatively associated with cigarette smoking in a several studies. We examined the association between cigarette smoking and risk for female thyroid cancer. Methods A case-control study including 204 histologically verified female thyroid cancer patients and an equal number of hospital controls individually matched with cases by sex, age (± 2 years), place of residence and time of hospitalization was carried out during the period 1996-2000. In the analysis of data, univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression methods were applied. Results According to univariate analysis, female thyroid cancer was negatively associated with the initiation of smoking at a younger age, before the age of 20 (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.50-0.90). None of the smoking habits remained independently related to female thyroid cancer after adjustment for other factors which were significantly associated with thyroid cancer in the present study. Conclusions The results of the study do not suggest a role of cigarette smoking in the development of thyroid cancer in women.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Radiotherapy in Epidermoid Carcinoma of Anus
Authors: Chie Eui Kyu , Wu Hong Gyun , Heo Dae Seog , Bang Yung-Jue , Kim Noe Kyeong , Ha Sung W 
Published: April 2018

Aim and background The purpose of this study was to analyze the efficacy of neoadjuvant fluorouracil-cisplatin chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy for anal cancer. Methods Fourteen patients with epidermoid carcinoma of the anal canal were analyzed. Treatment consisted of three cycles of 5-fluorouracil (1000 mg/m2 bolus on days 1-5) and cisplatin (60 mg/m2 bolus on day 1) followed by 50.4 Gy to the pelvis and perineum over 5.5 weeks. Both inguinal lymphatics were irradiated with an identical dose schedule. The median follow-up was 78 months. Results Five-year overall survival rate and sphincter preservation rate was 85.1% and 85.7%, respectively. Response to chemoradiotherapy was the only significant factor with univariate analysis (P = 0.031). There were no complications of RTOG grade 3 or higher. Conclusions Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with a cisplatin-based regimen rather than concurrent regimen plus radiotherapy may decrease complications without compromising survival or sphincter preservation.
Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Different Erythropoietin Usage Strategies
Authors: Arslan Murat , Evrensel Turkkan , Kurt Ender , Demiray Mutlu , Gonullu Guzin , Kanat Ozkan , Manavoglu Osman 
Published: April 2018

Aim There is no comprehensive study that compares the different usage strategies of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) in platinum-induced anemia. In order to clarify this issue, we conducted a prospective clinical study. Material and methods Seventy-seven patients were studied in three main groups. Group 1 (n = 17) consisted of cancer patients without anemia. These patients received rHuEPO starting from the first chemotherapy cycle. Group 2 (n = 26) consisted of patients whose hemoglobin (Hb) values decreased by at least 1 g/dL after the first cycle of chemotherapy. Group 3 (n = 34) consisted of patients whose Hb values dropped below 10.5 g/dL after the second chemotherapy cycle. Groups 2 and 3 were each divided into two subgroups. In groups 1, 2A and 3A rHuEPO (5000 U/day subcutaneously three times a week) treatment was continued until three weeks after the completion of chemotherapy. In groups 2B and 3B, rHuEPO was given for 12 weeks only. Results There were no prominent differences between the Hb values of these groups throughout the chemotherapy cycles. Transfusion rates and the number of patients who became anemic were also not different between groups. Conclusion No rHuEPO usage strategies are superior to others in terms of Hb levels and transfusion requirements. The decision as to when rHuEPO is to be added to platinum-containing therapy should be tailored to the health conditions of individual patients.
Treatment of Desmoplastic Small round Cell Tumor with Image-Guided Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy as a Component of Multimodality Treatment
Authors: Jahraus Christopher D , Glisson Shawn D , Clair William H St 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background The authors report the case of a 31-year-old black male diagnosed with a pelvic desmoplastic small round-cell tumor who was treated with a unique radiotherapy approach incorporating intensity-modulated radiotherapy and daily ultrasound localization to ensure accurate tumor targeting. Desmoplastic small round-cell tumor is a very rare tumor, most commonly presenting in the abdominopelvic regions of adolescents and young adults. It has generally been associated with a very poor prognosis. Methods The patient initially underwent biopsy of the mass and omentectomy for mesenteric implants followed by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy resulted in tumor shrinkage and was followed by a second-look laparotomy. Additional omental nodules were resected, but the primary tumor was adherent to the rectum and seminal vesicles. A radiation oncology consult was obtained, and a course of image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy ensued with daily ultrasound localization. This resulted in shrinkage of local disease, but a new lesion was identified. The patient was subsequently started on further chemotherapy, which has maintained the disease in a stable state for several months. Conclusions Image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy is a feasible option in the treatment of pelvic desmoplastic small round-cell tumor. Such therapy may permit escalation of conventional radiotherapy doses and could have a favorable impact on local control of disease. Confirmation of this belief will require additional data in the form of case reports like this. Pending such confirmation, we continue to be of the impression that desmoplastic small round-cell tumor has an overall unfavorable prognosis, regardless of treatment modalities employed.
Irinotecan, Fluorouracil and Folinic ACID (FOLFIRI) as Effective Treatment Combination for Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer in Poor Clinical Condition
Authors: Beretta Elena , Di Bartolomeo Maria , Buzzoni Roberto , Ferrario Erminia , Mariani Luigi , Gevorgyan Arpine , Bajetta Emilio 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background Irinotecan (CPT-11) has been tested as a single agent in several studies, and response rates of 18-23% have been reported in first-line gastric cancer therapy. In the present study we report the safety and efficacy results combining CPT-11 with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and folinic acid (FA). Patients and Methods Thirty consecutive patients with metastatic gastric cancer, considered in poor clinical condition, were treated with CPT-11 and 5-FU/FA according to the FOLFIRI regimen. All enrolled cases were evaluable for toxicity and drug activity. Results The main grade 3-4 toxicity (according to the NCI-CTC criteria) was neutropenia (16%, grade 4 in 1 patient); nonhematological grade 3 toxicity consisted mainly in vomiting and diarrhea reported in 1 patient. No treatment-related serious adverse events were observed. Response was obtained in 12 patients (40%), stable disease in 2 patients (7%), while progression was documented in 16 patients (53%). Conclusions These results are very promising, and suggest that the combination of CPT-11 plus 5-FU/FA is active and well tolerated and can be considered as useful treatment in patients with metastatic gastric cancer in poor clinical condition.
Capecitabine and Mitomycin c May be an Effective Treatment Option for Third-line Chemotherapy in Advanced Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Scartozzi Mario , Falcone Alfredo , Pucci Francesca , Braconi Chiara , Pierantoni Chiara , Cavanna Luigi , Franciosi Vittorio , Berardi Rossana , Beretta Giordano , Masi Gianluca , Allegrini Giacomo , Zaniboni Alberto , Labianca Roberto , Cascinu Stefano 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background We evaluated the activity in terms of time to progression (TTP) of mitomycin C and capecitabine in patients with advanced colorectal cancer who progressed after 2 lines of chemotherapy. Methods Patients with advanced colorectal cancer undergoing third-line chemotherapy after failure of 5-FU with CPT-11 or oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimens were treated with capecitabine and mitomycin C. Results Sixty-one patients were enrolled in this study. The median age was 55 years (range, 26-78 years) and the male:female ratio 21: 40. We observed partial remissions in 5 patients (8%), stable disease in 25 patients (40%) and progression of disease in 31 patients (52%). Median TTP was 3 months and median survival was 6 months. Global toxicity was mild and entirely acceptable. Grade 3-4 hematological toxicity occurred in 12 patients and grade 3-4 nonhematological toxicity in 5 patients. Conclusions The combination of capecitabine and mitomycin C could represent an effective and manageable treatment option for colorectal cancer patients failing previous chemotherapy regimens.
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Larynx with Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) Protein Overexpression. A CASE Report
Authors: Bellezza Guido , Cavaliere Antonio , Del Sordo Rachele , Sidoni Angelo 
Published: April 2018

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is an uncommon lesion which mainly develops in the lung and is extremely rare in the larynx. It may be easily misinterpreted as a malignant epithelial or mesenchymal spindle cell neoplasm. Histological and clinical knowledge of this lesion is important to exclude misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. We report a case of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor arising on the right vocal cord of a 23-year-old man. The tumor was composed of a mixture of spindle cells and inflammatory elements. Immunohistochemical investigation revealed that the neoplastic cells expressed anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) protein.
Un Tumore Primitivo Epatico a Diffusione Epizootica Nella Trota Iridea di Allevamento (Salmo Irideus)
Authors: Cudkowicz Gustavo , Scolari Clemente 
Published: April 2018

Macroscopic and microscopie features, geographic distribution and incidence of a liver tumour in iridaceous trouts are described. The tumour appeared first as a sporadic one in some breeding institutions of Italy and subsequently reached a high incidence rate (more than 50 per cent). It has a hepatocellular trabecular structure with some scirrhoid patches. Cholangiomatous and cholangio-carcinomatous areas are rare. Metastases were observed in the kidney, heart, gastric wall, and so on. No parasites and no cellular inclusions were found. Attempts to transmit the tumour to animals of the same strain by transplant of fragments or by injection of acellular extracts or by living together of affected animals with normal ones gave no results. Genetic factors in some strains of iridaceous trouts bred in Italy may have played a role in the large diffusion of the tumour, through a high inbreeding. The traumatic lesion of the liver during the squeezing of the sexual product may represent an extrinsic factor realizing the carcinogenic potentiality through the nodular hyperplastic and regenerative processes produced by such manipulation.
Valutazione Dell'Attivita’ Estrogena Nel Cancro Della Mammella Dopo Ovaro-Surrenectomia (Nota preliminare)
Authors: Grattarola R. , Catania V. 
Published: April 2018

Following ovaro-adrenalectomy, oestrogens are still present in the urine; the oestrogen amount is higher in the unfavorable cases than in cases with good result after the removal of the glands. However the oestrogen amount in the urine is not sufficient to predict the course of the disease; frequently low oestrogen values (10 gamma/24 hrs), some days after the surgery, become later very high (80-90 gamma/24 hrs). With the cytological examination of the vaginal smear it is possible to have a real picture of the oestrogen activity in the organism; with a low (or absent) oestrogen activity all superficial and basal cells are disappeared in the vaginal smear, and appear particular basal cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm. In favorable cases, with low (or absent) oestrogen activity following ovaro-adrenalectomy, it was observed the presence of other cells, of the intermediate zone, with large nuclei, which are suggestive of a new hormonal activity.
I Neurilemmomi Solitari Extracranici Dell'Estremo Cefalico: (Studio anatomo-clinico su 16 casi)
Authors: Pietrantoni L. , Leonardelli G. B. 
Published: April 2018

16 cases of extracranial solitary neurilemmomas localized to the head and neck (middle ear, nose, parotid gland, lip, tongue, cheek, alveolar margin, laterocervical and frontoparietal regions) are referred. From an anatomopathological standpoint it is mainly underlined: 1) the opportunity of considering two types only (benign and malignant neurilemmoma), as the Anthoni's « B » type results to be conditioned by regressive-involutive phenomena which easily occur in classical « A » neurilemmomas with active growth; 2) the rare and aspecific palisade arrangement of the tumour elements which, however, often occurs in other neoplasms (fibromas, myomas, fibrosarcomas, ablastic sarcomas, etc.); 3) the difficult recognition of the malignant varieties which frequently show histoarchitectonic as well as histocytologic hyperdifferentiation; so the biological malignancy of the tumour is based more on clinical than on histo-cytological aspects. From a clinical standpoint, it is emphasized: 1) the seldom incidence of the extracranial solitary neurilemmoma at the level of the cephalic sector (derived from the analysis of more than 60,000 bioptical examinations); 2) the highest frequency in the 4th-5th decade of life, in female sex, and in oral and nasal regions; 3) the aspecificity of the symptomatological picture which is common to other neoplastic, dysplastic and phlogistic processes of this region, leading to difficulties of the diagnosis, which is relied upon the intraoperative microscopical observation; 4) the determinant value of an early and radical surgical treatment for a definitive clinical recovery.
Metodi Attuariali Applicabili Alla Statistica Clinica
Authors: Mustacchi P. O. , Pandolfi A. M. 
Published: April 2018

Some concepts of clinical and epidemiological statistics such as frequency, incidence and prevalence are illustrated, and their limits and significance determined. Two methods of actuarial type suitable to hospital casuistics are exposed, one for the study of the possible association of two morbid conditions and the other one for the determination of survival rates.