bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Radiotherapeutic Management of Operated Breast Cancer in 1999 and in 2006: A Sampling Survey on the Southeast Coast of China
Authors: Tian Ye , Li Xian-Ming , Liu Jing-Jie , Ji Yong-Ling , Wang Ber , Yu De , Zhu Ya-Qun 
Published: February 2018

Aims To obtain a better understanding of the changes in radiotherapeutic management of breast cancer patients in the more developed areas of China over the past decade. Methods Four academic radiation therapy departments located on the Southeast Coast of China were selected for the study. The survey was conducted on female breast cancer patients who received radiotherapy in 1999 and 2006. The questionnaires were designed to determine the purposes of radiotherapy and to address the postoperative radiotherapy techniques used. The data for these two years were analyzed and compared. Results The percentage of breast-conserving treatment increased from 3% in 1999 to 13% in 2006, but the percentage of patients treated with postmastectomy radiotherapy dropped from 69% in 1999 to 66% in 2006 (P <0.05). As regards the changes in techniques from 1999 to 2006, the use of special immobilization devices, treatment planning systems, and CT simulations increased from 46% to 80%, 23% to 70%, and 0% to 14%, respectively (P <0.01). From 1999 to 2006, irradiation of the chest wall following mastectomy increased from 67% to 90%, but for internal mammary irradiation it decreased from 76% to 30% and for the axilla, from 69% to 37% (P <0.01). There were no obvious differences between 1999 and 2006 on the field design, boost treatment on the tumor bed, or dose prescription. Conclusions Breast-conserving treatment was performed more frequently in China in 2006 than in 1999, but postmastectomy radiotherapy did not change a great deal and it was still an essential option. Although the international treatment guidelines have been accepted and implemented by physicians in recent years, prompt improvement in the quality of breast cancer radiotherapy is needed.
The Effectiveness of a Scalp Cooling Cap in Preventing Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia
Authors: Auvinen Päivi Kaarina , Mähönen Ulla Annikki , Soininen Kirsi Marika , Paananen Päivi Kaarina , Ranta-Koponen Päivi Helena , Saavalainen Irma Esteri , Johansson Risto Tapio 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Hair loss is one of the most unpleasant side effects associated with chemotherapy treatments. It causes emotional disturbances and constantly reminds the patient of the disease. This study analyzed the effectiveness of scalp cooling caps in preventing alopecia among 64 patients. Methods The patients were given one of the following chemotherapeutic treatments: doxorubicin 60 mg/m2, docetaxel 80 mg/m2, FEC (5-fluorouracil 600 mg/m2, epirubicin 60 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2) or the combination of three cycles of docetaxel (80 mg/m2) followed by three cycles of FEC (5-fluorouracil 600 mg/m2, epirubicin 60 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2). All the chemotherapy treatments were given in a three-weekly schedule. Patients with early stage disease were given six adjuvant chemotherapy cycles, while patients with metastatic disease were given nine chemotherapy cycles. The patients were provided with detailed instructions on how to treat the hair at home for one to three days after the chemotherapy treatment. Hair loss was evaluated after the third, sixth and final treatments. Results In the final results, major hair loss was avoided in all patients given doxorubicin treatment, in 83.3% of patients given docetaxel treatment, in 76.5% of patients given FEC treatment, and in 78% of patients given docetaxel followed by FEC. In the final evaluation, 87.5% of the patients considered the avoidance of hair loss to be important. Only 20.3% of the patients needed to use a wig. Conclusions This study shows that all the patient groups studied gained some benefit by using scalp cooling caps.
The Revised Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS-R) for Italian Cancer Patients: A Validation Study
Authors: Annunziata Maria Antonietta , Muzzatti Barbara , Mella Sara , Narciso Daniela , Giacalone Annalisa , Fratino Lucia , Tirelli Umberto 
Published: February 2018

Background and aim Fatigue is one of the most frequently reported symptoms by cancer patients. In recent years, much effort has been directed to designing fatigue measures which are psychometrically appropriate as well as easily administered. Among these, the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS-R) is widely used in assessing fatigue in cancer patients and other populations. Despite its large utilization in different national contexts and with different populations, its structure appears to vary across cultures, suggesting the need for its validation before use. The main aim of the present work was to verify the validity (i.e., dimensional structure and construct validity) and reliability (i.e., internal consistency) of an Italian translation of the PFS-R to reassure Italian oncology practitioners about its appropriate usage in practice and research. Methods and study design One-hundred ten Italian oncological inpatients were administered an Italian translation of the PFS-R together with a form for the collection of personal identification and clinical data and other fatigue and quality of life measures (POMS and EORTC QLQ-C30) already validated for Italy. Results Principal component exploratory factor analysis revealed a four-factor structure quite similar to (although not overlapping) the original described by Piper and colleagues; all four factors proved to be reliable and to correlate with one another and with previous validated measures of fatigue and quality of life. Preliminary descriptive statistics were also provided for data comparisons. Conclusions Despite the discussed limitations, PFS-R seems a valid and reliable multidimensional fatigue measure also adequate in Italian oncological settings.
Expression Analysis of Wnt-5a in Renal Epithelial Neoplasms: Distinguishing Renal Oncocytoma from a Wide Spectrum of Renal Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Rao Qiu , Liu Xiao-hong , Zhou Hang-bo , Ma Heng-hui , Lu Zhen-feng , Zhou Xiao-jun 
Published: February 2018

Objective To study the expression of a novel marker, Wnt-5a, in renal epithelial neoplasms and determine its clinicopathological significance. Methods Immunohistochemical analysis of Wnt-5a was carried out in normal human kidney samples as well as in 123 primary renal epithelial neoplasms including 37 clear cell renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), 24 papillary RCCs (15 type 1 and 9 type 2), 25 chromophobe RCCs, 11 Xp11 translocation carcinomas, 6 mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinomas, and 20 oncocytomas. Results Wnt-5a was expressed in 18.9% (7/37) of clear cell RCCs, 12.5% (3/24) of papillary RCCs, 16% (4/25) of chromophobe RCCs, 18.2% (2/11) of Xp11 translocation carcinomas, 0% (0/6) of mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinomas, and 100% (20/20) of oncocytomas. There was a significant difference in Wnt-5a immunohistochemistry between renal oncocytoma and the other subtypes of RCC (P <0.01). Conclusions Our results indicate that Wnt-5a is a potentially useful immunohistochemical marker for the complex differential diagnosis between oncocytoma and other subtypes of RCC and also suggest that Wnt-5a may be a tumor suppressor gene in RCC.
Cytoreductive Surgery and Perioperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Tentes Antonios-Apostolos K , Korakianitis Odysseas S , Kakolyris Stylianos , Kyziridis Dimitrios , Veliovits Dousan , Karagiozoglou Chrysa , Sgouridou Evanthia , Moustakas Konstantinos 
Published: February 2018

Background and aims Cytoreductive surgery with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy is another approach for recurrent ovarian cancer. The purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility and the effect of cytoreduction and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy in recurrent ovarian cancer. Patients and methods Twenty-nine women with recurrent ovarian cancer underwent cytoreductive surgery. Clinical variables were correlated to morbidity, hospital mortality, recurrences, and survival. Results Complete cytoreduction was possible in 58.6%. Extensive seeding of the small bowel and distant metastases excluded the possibility of performing complete cytoreduction. Perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy was given in 75.9%. Morbidity and hospital mortality rates were subsequently 24.1% and 3.4%. Recurrence was recorded in 48.3%. The extent of peritoneal dissemination was an independent variable of recurrence (P = 0.014). The 5-year survival rate was 30%. The extent of peritoneal dissemination and the completeness of cytoreduction were related to survival (P <05). The completeness of cytoreduction independently influenced survival (P = 0.013). Conclusions Secondary cytoreduction with intraperitoneal chemotherapy is feasible in most women with recurrent ovarian cancer with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Complete cytoreduction is not possible if distant and unresectable metastases are present or if the small bowel is extensively seeded. Long-term survivors are patients with limited peritoneal dissemination who may undergo complete cytoreduction.
Pharmacoeconomic Aspects of FOLFIRI or FOLFOX Regimens Administered with a Fully Ambulatory Pump Compared to the Day Hospital Setting
Authors: Tampellini Marco 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background The social cost of management of patients suffering from colorectal cancer has been growing dramatically in the last decade due to the high number of active antitumor agents and to the increased incidence of the tumor in western countries. The aim of the study was to explore from a pharmacoeconomic point of view a different way to administer the two most common regimens in this patient setting. Study design This was a cost-minimization study. Data were extracted from hospital registries and dedicated offices. The traditional setting (day hospital inpatient setting) and a fully ambulatory setting (CIP™ pump) were considered and compared. Results The CIP™ system resulted in higher direct costs than the day hospital setting (444.70 vs 159.00 euro/cycle). However, traditional infusion resulted in longer nursing care, with an increase in nursing costs of more than 100.00 euro/cycle. Moreover, the inpatient setting obliged patients to stay in the hospital as much as ten times longer than with the CIP™ system. This meant that with the same time span and the same resources, the CIP™ pump permitted treatment of at least five times more patients than the traditional setting. Thus, a threshold of 52.00 euro per patient for general hospital costs (ordinary and extraordinary maintenance of buildings, power supply, and housekeeping) was identified to discriminate whether the CIP™ pump is cost-saving or not. Conclusions Administration of the FOLFIRI or FOLFOX regimen in a traditional day hospital setting was less costly when considering the direct costs. However, a fully ambulatory pump permitted to better employ hospital resources and could permit cost-saving in those units in which more than five patients per day are treated and global costs are higher than 52.00 euro per patient.
Protective Effect of Tetrandrine on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Xu Meng , Sheng Lianghe , Zhu Xinhai , Zeng Shibin , Chi Dexiang , Zhang Guo-jun 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Doxorubicin (Dox) is effective in curative and adjuvant chemotherapy of malignant tumors. Cardiotoxicity is the chief toxic effect that limits the clinical use of Dox. We studied the effects of tetrandrine (Tet) on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats and its protective activity. Materials and methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following 4 groups: a control group (received only saline), Dox group (received only Dox), Tet/Dox group (received Tet plus Dox), and Tet group (received only Tet). Rats were injected intravenously with 2 mg/kg Dox once a week for 7 weeks and 50 mg/kg Tet was administered intraperitoneally weekly for 7 weeks. Measurements of cardiac contractile parameters including LSVP, +dP/dt max and -dP/dt max, and assessment of electrocardiograms were carried out. Mitochondrial oxidation and phosphorylation state 3 (S3) and state 4 (S4) respiration were measured. Respiration control rate (RCR) and the ADP/O ratio were calculated. Cardiac ultrastructure was examined by electron microscopy. Results Dox induced significant cardiotoxicity in this rat model. The values of LSVP, +dP/dt max, and -dP/dt max in the Tet/Dox group increased as compared to the Dox group (P <0.05). The cardiac contraction and relaxation improved on Tet administration. Tet inhibited the prolonged QT interval on the electrocardiogram in Dox-treated rats. Compared to the Dox group, the values of S3, RCR, and ADP/O increased by more than 28%, 48%, and 27%, respectively, in the Tet/Dox group. Significant cardiac morphological protection was observed in the Tet/Dox-treated rats. Conclusion Tet can improve the reduced cardiac function caused by Dox treatment and prevent Dox-induced mitochondrial impairment in rat cardiotoxicity.
Trends in Cervical Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania
Authors: Arbyn Marc , Antoine Jerome , Valerianova Zdravka , Mägi Margit , Stengrevics Aivars , Smailyte Giedre , Suteu Ofelia , Micheli Andrea 
Published: February 2018

Objective The burden of cervical cancer varies considerably in the European Union. In this paper, we describe trends in incidence of and mortality from this cancer in the five most affected member states. Methods Data on number of deaths from uterine cancers and the size of the female population of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Romania were extracted from the WHO mortality database. Mortality rates were corrected for inaccuracies in the death certification of not otherwise specified uterine cancer. Incidence data were obtained from the national cancer registries. Joinpoint regression was used to study the annual variation of corrected and standardized incidence and mortality rates. Changes by birth cohort were assessed for specific age groups and subsequently synthesized by computing standardized cohort incidence/mortality ratios. Results Joinpoint regression revealed rising trends of incidence (in Lithuania, Bulgaria and Romania) and of mortality (in Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Romania). In Estonia, rates were rather stable. Women born between 1940 and 1960 were at continuously increasing risk of both incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer. Conclusions Rising trends of cervical cancer in the most affected EU member states reveal a worrying pattern that warrants urgent introduction of effective preventive actions as described in the European guidelines.
Impact of Implementing a Nationwide Cervical Cancer Screening Program on Female Population Coverage by Pap-Tests in Estonia
Authors:   on behalf of the EUROCHIP Working Group, Veerus Piret , Arbyn Marc , Amati Camilla , Baili Paolo 
Published: February 2018

Background The objective of the EUROCHIP project in Estonia was to describe the organized cervical cancer screening program started in 2006 (after pilot studies in 2003–2005), to compare its performance with opportunistic screening, and to define priorities for improvement of the program. Methods Population data was retrieved from Statistics Estonia, data about performed Pap-smear tests within the screening program from the Estonian Cancer Society and from clinics and labs participating in the program, data about Pap-smear tests outside the screening program from the Estonian Health Insurance Fund, and data about cancer incidence and mortality from the Estonian Cancer Registry database. Results During the first year after implementing the nationwide cervical cancer screening program in Estonia, the number of tests outside the organized program remained high. Within the organized program, the number of Pap-tests in different age groups increased with age except for the oldest age group while population coverage with Pap-tests outside the organized screening program decreased with age. The number of cervical cancer cases at early stages increased after implementation of organized screening. The time-frame does not permit to draw any definitive conclusions. Conclusions Implementation of organized cervical cancer screening did not decrease the volume of opportunistic screening. The factors influencing attendance in the organized cervical cancer screening program in different age groups should be studied further. Moreover, a central cancer screening registry without restrictive data protection legislation would improve data collection and enable to evaluate performance of the program on a regular basis.
Modern Computer Technologies Facilitate Communication with a Young Cancer Patient
Authors: Ripamonti Carla Ida , Piccinelli Claudia , Pessi Maria Adelaide , Clerici Carlo Alfredo 
Published: February 2018

Aim The aim of this paper is to show how new technologies may help the communication process in clinical practice in a department providing supportive care to patients undergoing cancer treatment. Method Communication via Internet chat between the psychologist and a young man who sees chatting on the Internet as a natural and familiar mode of expression was shown to be useful. Results The Internet link enabled us to open a communication channel with the patient and to have a conversation that would otherwise have been impossible. Conclusions Although verbal communication is the most important way to communicate among people, Internet communications are certainly an opportunity worth exploring, because they may open up new channels for cancer patients whose ability to speak is restricted. We might imagine using this approach in pediatric oncology, with adolescents and preadolescents, and with young adults like the patient discussed here. The case discussed highlights the enormous difference between the mere transfer of information and genuine communication, the latter involving an encounter with the patient.
Characteristics of Upper Urothelial Carcinoma in an Area of Balkan Endemic Nephropathy in South Serbia. A fifty-year Retrospective Study
Authors: Cukuranovic Rade , Ignjatovic Ivan , Visnjic Milan , Velickovic Ljubinka Jankovic , Petrovic Branislav , Potic Milan , Stefanovic Vladisav 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma, a relatively rare tumor, is up to 100 times more frequent in regions with Balkan endemic nephropathy. Characteristics of transitional cell carcinoma in the endemic South Morava Region in Serbia in the previous 50 years were evaluated. Patients We analyzed 477 cases with pathologically confirmed transitional cell carcinoma who underwent surgery from 1957 to 2006: 91 from endemic, 106 from adjacent and 280 from control settlements. Cases in the study came from 10 endemic villages, 46 adjacent villages, 51 control villages and the city of Nis. Results The increase in number of transitional cell carcinoma from 1957 was followed by a peak between 1967 and 1978 (yearly incidence 21.9 per 100,000) and a slow decrease thereafter to 7.4 (1997–2006). In the control settlements, the increase was steady. Reduced kidney function at surgery was found in 58% of patients from endemic and in 20% from control settlements. Age at surgery has significantly increased from 52.3 and 51.5 (1957–1966) to 70.9 and 66.1 (1997–2006) for endemic and control settlements, respectively. The female sex was predominant in endemic and adjacent settlements and the male sex in control settlements. Transitional cell carcinoma from endemic settlements was of a lower grade in the period from 1957–1986, but in the period from 1987–2006 they were predominantly high grade. Low tumor stage (pTa-pT1) predominated in transitional cell carcinoma from the endemic and adjacent but not the control settlements in the period from 1957 to 1986. However, in the last 20 years, upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma stage increased, the highest in the period from 1997 to 2006 in all settlements studied. Conservative surgery was advocated for transitional cell carcinoma in Balkan endemic nephropathy areas up to 1996. Transitional cell carcinoma are now more malignant and more advanced than before, and a less aggressive approach is used only for absolute indications. Conclusions An increased number of transitional cell carcinoma in endemic settlements was observed, markedly decreasing in the last decade. An increasing age and a shorter survival were recorded in patients both from Balkan endemic nephropathy and control settlements. Sporadic cases upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma in settlements adjacent to endemic settlements were demonstrated. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it
Central Venous Catheter-Associated Thrombosis in the Perioperative Period: A Frequent Complication in Cancer Patients that can be Detected Early with Doppler Examination
Authors: Yilmaz Kerim Bora , Akinci Melih , Dogan Lutfi , Yologlu Zeynel , Atalay Can , Kulacoglu Hakan 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of venous thrombosis in cancer patients with central venous catheters inserted perioperatively. Methods and study design A prospective analysis was performed with 68 patients in whom central venous catheters were placed perioperatively. Cancer patients with planned central venous catheters had prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin. Patient characteristics, procedure-related complications and venous thrombosis related to central venous catheters were recorded. In order to detect the venous thrombosis, color Doppler sonography was used after removal of the central venous catheter. Results The median age of the 68 patients was 55 years (range, 24–83). The median duration of catheter placement in patients was 9 days (range, 1–24). Venous thrombosis was detected in 45 (66.2%) patients: at the superficial veins (jugular and subclavian veins) in 27 patients, stretching from superficial veins into the vena cava in 8 cases, in the vena cava in 2 cases, in the right atrium in 2 cases, and at more then one place in 6 patients. Total thrombosis was detected only in 3 patients. Conclusions Cancer patients have a high central venous catheter-related thrombosis risk perioperatively despite prophylactic anticoagulation. Color Doppler sonography is a rapid and noninvasive technique and it is accurate in the diagnosis of venous thrombosis. Early detection of venous thrombosis is important to prevent the systemic and fatal complication of the thrombosis. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it
Laparoscopic Resection of Colorectal Cancer in Elderly Patients
Authors: Fiscon Valentino , Portale Giuseppe , Migliorini Giovanni , Frigo Flavio 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Aging of the population and a longer life expectancy have led to an increased number of elderly patients presenting with colorectal cancer and searching for treatment. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of age on the outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery for cancer at a single department. Methods Perioperative outcome of patients ≥75 years old undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery between June 2005 and January 2009 for colorectal cancer were compared with findings in younger patients. Results The analysis considered 134 patients <75 years and 82 patients ≥75 years of age. There was a significant difference in perioperative risk factors, as reflected by different ASA scores and a significantly higher postoperative ‘medical’ morbidity, but ‘surgical’ morbidity was similar in the two groups and remained low. Discussion Surgical morbidity rate was not affected by age. Cardiovascular and pulmonary comorbid conditions were mainly responsible for the higher morbidity rate reported in the elderly patients, although advanced age, per se, should not be considered a contraindication to laparoscopic colorectal surgery for cancer. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it