bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined and Sequential Expression of p53, Rb, Ras and Bcl-2 in Bronchial Preneoplastic Lesions
Authors: Ferron Paola Elisabetta , Bagni Maria , Guidoboni Massimo , Beccati Maria Donatella , Nenci Italo 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background Several simple molecular abnormalities have been detected in bronchial preneoplastic lesions, but the simultaneous presence of these alterations has been scarcely investigated. Methods We studied, by an immunohistochemical method, the expression of p53, Rb, Ras and Bcl-2 in 65 samples from surgical specimens and diagnostic biopsies selected for the presence of preneoplastic changes in the bronchial epithelium. To perform an analysis of the combined expression of all markers in the same areas, we accurately mapped every consecutive section on which immunohistochemical reactions were performed, subdividing each specimen into 25x microscopic fields, which allowed good topographical mapping. Results It was found that the frequency of p53-positive and Rb-negative microscopic fields was directly related to the morphological grading of lesions. On the other hand, Ras expression characterized high-grade lesions not showing squamous differentiation (non-squamous Cis). Regarding Bcl-2 expression, only slight differences in positivity distribution were found between the different lesions. More interesting was the parallel evaluation of all markers in the same areas: one of the main patterns, found to be correlated with the severity of histopathological features, was characterized by combined p53 hyperexpression/Rb hypoexpression; furthermore, when Ras and Bcl-2 hyperexpression were superimposed to the above pattern, the former mainly characterized non-squamous Cis, while the latter was present only in high-grade squamous lesions. However, the most frequently encountered pattern did not show any alteration of the studied markers, suggesting that other mechanisms could be involved in bronchial carcinogenesis. Conclusions The detection of combined molecular abnormalities in bronchial preneoplasia could clarify the steps involved in lung carcinogenesis; furthermore, a simple and inexpensive method, such as immunohistochemistry, could be routinely applied also to cytologic specimens in order to detect those lesions, or patients, that are prone to progression towards lung cancer.
Cancer Mortality in Italy, 1993
Authors: Decarli Adriano , La Vecchia Carlo 
Published: April 2018

Background Data and statistics are presented on cancer death certification for 1993 in Italy, updating previous publications covering the period 1955–1992. Methods Data for 1993 subdivided into 30 cancer sites are presented in 8 tables, including age-and sex-specific absolute and percentage frequencies of cancer deaths, and crude, age-specific and age-standardized rates, at all ages and truncated for the 35–64 year age group. Results Age-adjusted death certification rates (on the world standard population) for all neoplasms declined from 189.8 in 1992 (and a peak of 199.2 in 1986) to 187.8/100, 000 males in 1993, and remained stable around 100, 000 females. The favorable trends were even larger in middle and younger age males, but not in children below age 15, whose overall age-standardized cancer mortality rates increased for the fourth subsequent year. Lung cancer was the leading site of cancer mortality, with over 30, 900 deaths. For the fifth subsequent year, its rates in males declined, to reach 56.0/100,000. The decline in lung cancer rates is now established in Italian males and is substantial in middle age, whereas the rise in female lung cancer rates seems to have leveled off over the last few years. Rates for other major cancer sites (intestines, stomach, female breast, prostate, pancreas, leukemias and lymphomas) were stable, but some decrease was apparent also in 1993 for Hodgkin's disease. Conclusions Italian cancer mortality rates in 1993 were moderately favorable in males, due to the leveling of the tobacco-related epidemic, whereas no appreciable change was registered in females. The persisting unfavorable trends in childhood cancer mortality should be investigated.
Paclitaxel Activity in Anthracycline Refractory Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Vici Patrizia , Di Lauro Luigi , Conti Francesca , Capomolla Elisabetta , Gionfra Tommaso , Amodio Antonella , Lopez Massimo 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background We investigated the efficacy and tolerability of two doses of paclitaxel, 175 mg/m2 and 135 mg/m2, over a 3-hr infusion, without prophylactic G-CSF, in heavily pretreated patients with anthracycline-resistant breast cancer. Although paclitaxel may share with anthracyclines a common mechanism of drug resistance, there is evidence that the two drugs are not completely cross resistant. Methods From July 1994 to January 1996, 42 patients were treated every 3 weeks, for a maximum of 6 cycles; paclitaxel dose was established according to pretreatment extension. Results In 41 assessable patients we observed 9 partial responses, for an overall response rate of 22% (95% CI, 10–34%). There was no difference in response rate between the two dose levels. Median duration of response was 9 months, median time to progression 5 months, and median survival 9 months. The dose-limiting toxicity was neutropenia, which was grade 3–4 in 40% (135 mg/m2) and 62% (175 mg/m2) of the patients (P = 0.28); neutropenic fever occurred in 24% of the patients, without significant differences between the two dose levels. Other toxicity was mild to moderate. Conclusions Paclitaxel at doses of 175 mg/m2 or 135 mg/m2 is active and well tolerated in advanced breast cancer patients resistant to anthracyclines. The prophylactic use of colony-stimulating factors seems appropriate in heavily pretreated patients given the higher dose level.
Increased C-MYC Oncogene Expression in Ewing's Sarcoma: Correlation with Ki67 Proliferation Index
Authors: Sollazzo Maria Rosa , Benassi Maria Serena , Magagnoli Giovanna , Gamberi Gabriella , Molendini Lara , Ragazzini Paola , Merli Mara , Ferrari Cristina , Balladelli Alba , Picci Piero 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background Ewing's sarcoma is a highly malignant musculoskeletal tumor composed of small round cells. Although important results have been achieved with surgery associated with chemotherapy, recurrent disease is still a major problem. In order to define new prognostic factors useful for therapeutic decision-making, we conducted a study on 38 Ewing's sarcoma samples in which c-myc oncogene expression and Ki67 proliferation index were correlated with clinical outcome. Methods and Study Design Nineteen patients developed metastases during follow-up and 10 of these patients died. C-myc and Ki67 protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry performed on 5 μm formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections, while the c-myc mRNA transcript was localized using in situ hybridization. Results A statistically positive correlation was found between c-myc protein and Ki67 (P = 0.001) and c-myc mRNA and Ki67 expression (P = 0.047). The 38 patients were divided into two groups using as the cutoff 50% of Ki67-positive cells. The disease-free survival and overall survival estimates were 68% and 90%, respectively, in the group of patients with a percentage of Ki67-positive cells <50%, and 25% and 50%, respectively, in the group with a percentage of Ki67-positive cells ≥50%. The difference between the survival curves was statistically significant (P <0.05 and P <0.01). Furthermore, relapsed patients had a high and uniform expression of c-myc protein and mRNA compared to disease-free patients. Conclusion These results suggest a possible role of the c-myc oncogene and Ki67 antigen in the malignant progression of Ewing's sarcoma.
Combined Malignant Hemangiopericytoma and Deep Venous Thrombosis. A Case Report
Authors: Campanella Nando , Ferretti Maurizio , Daher Walid , Pergolini Martina , De Nictolis Michele 
Published: April 2018

Malignancies, antiproliferative drug treatment, cancer-related conditions like immobilization, perioperative status and radiotherapy are risk factors for hypercoagulability. Setting aside mass or invasion-related venous thrombosis, the differential diagnosis regarding the etiopathogenesis (paraneoplastic syndrome or antiproliferative treatment) is usually problematic. The authors report a case of combined malignant hemangiopericytoma and recurrent deep venous thrombosis in the right inferior limb. Through a literature review, the following issues are discussed: 1) the criteria for cyto-histopathologic assessment; 2) the involvement of pericytes both in coagulation and platelet aggregation; 3) the importance of discriminating true paraneoplastic syndromes from other tumor-related clinical manifestations; 4) the response to external radiotherapy of malignant hemangiopericytoma as limited disease; 5) the poor results of doxorubicin-ifosfamide polychemotherapy and dacarbazine monochemotherapy in metastatic disease. Although doxorubicin-ifosfamide treatment was in progress in the reported case, the authors conclude that the recurrent deep venous thrombosis is likely to be paraneoplastic, even if such a diagnosis has not been previously reported in the literature.
A Phase I-II Trial of High-dose Ifosfamide in Patients with Ovarian Cancer Refractory or Resistant to Platinum and/or Paclitaxel-containing Chemotherapy
Authors: Scarfone Giovanna , Villa Antonella , Parazzini Fabio , Sciatta Cesarina , Polverino Giampiero , Bolis Giorgio 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background To evaluate the toxicity of high-dose ifosfamide in ovarian cancer patients refractory or resistant to platinum and/or paclitaxel-containing chemotherapy. Methods This was an open, non-randomized phase I-II trial of high-dose ifosfamide. Eligibility criteria were: patients aged 18-75 years affected by ovarian cancer with refractory or resistant disease or early relapse after first-line treatment including platinum or paclitaxel. Three patients were given escalating ifosfamide doses; if no severe adverse events occurred, the ifosfamide dose was increased. The starting dose of ifosfamide was 10 g/m2 iv and the dose increase was 1 g/m2 every four weeks for a total of five courses; 12 g/m2 was the maximum ifosfamide dose to be administered. The trial then progressed to a phase II trial, in which ifosfamide was given at the maximum tolerated dose reached during the escalating dose phase. Results A total of 36 patients entered the trial. Nine patients were involved in phase I of the study; 3 received 10 g/m2 ifosfamide, 3 11 g/m2 and 3 12 g/m2. Of the 32 evaluable patients 6 (18.8%) achieved a complete response and three (9.4%) a partial response, giving an overall response rate of 28.1% (95% CI, 15-61% based on Poisson's approximation). The median number of ifosfamide courses was five. G1, G2 and G3 neurotoxicity was reported in 3 (8%), 2 (5%) and 2 (5%) patients, respectively. Conclusion This phase I-II trial indicates that high-dose ifosfamide has some activity but also a relevant degree of toxicity in resistant or refractory platinum and paclitaxel-pretreated ovarian cancer.
Treatment of Inoperable Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma Stage IIIB and IV with Cisplatin, Epidoxorubicin, Vindesine and Lonidamine: A Phase II Study
Authors: Portatone Luigi , Lombardi Alessandra , Antilli Antonio , Cruciani Anna Rita , Magliacani Vinicio , Mugnaini Luigi , Nunziati Francesco , Perrone Nicola , Signora Mauro , Salvati Franco 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background The polychemotherapeutic regimen PEV (cisplatin, epidoxorubicin and vindesine) + lonidamine proved to be valid in terms of activity and efficacy in the treatment of patients with advanced, previously untreated non-small cell lung carcinoma. The goal of the study was to verify whether a different dose of lonidamine, together with an increase in cisplatin and epidoxorubicin compared to the standard regimen, is able to improve the activity and efficacy of PEV without increasing toxicity. Patients and Methods Thirty-one patients were treated with cisplatin (80 mg/m2/iv), epidoxorubicin (70 mg/m2/iv) and vindesine (3 mg/m2/iv) every 28 days for 6 courses in combination with lonidamine (600 mg/day on days 1 and 2 of each course followed by 450 mg/day until progression of disease or intolerance). All the patients were monitored for clinical response, median duration of response and survival and for toxicity. Results The clinical response in the 29 assessable patients was: 41.4% partial remission, 48.3% stable disease, and 10.3% progression of disease. The median duration of response was 8.5 months (range, 4-26+) and median survival was 12 months (range, 4-26+). Survival was above the median in 15 stage lIIb patients, and 2 patients were long survivors at 26+ months. The toxicity of PEV + lonidamine was mild; there were no toxic deaths nor acute toxicity of grade 4 according to the WHO scoring system. Conclusions Our polychemotherapeutic regimen proved to be valid in terms of activity and efficacy, and a further dose increase in single chemotherapeutic agents as well as lonidamine could therefore be justified.
The Prevalence of Tumors of the Breast and Female Genital Tract in Italy
Authors: Sant Milena , Barchielli Alessandro , Francisci Silvia , Canario Francesca 
Published: April 2018

Data from 10 Italian population-based cancer registries were used to estimate the prevalence of female tumors of the breast and genital tract. The total prevalence, expressed in number per 100,000, was highest for breast cancer (1,117), followed by cancer of the corpus (264) and cervix uteri (146), ovary (110), and vagina and vulva (23). For all tumors the prevalence increased with age at diagnosis. The cancer prevalence was divided into intervals from diagnosis, expressing different health needs in terms of therapy and intensity of clinical follow-up. For all tumors considered, 1-year prevalence was higher than 1-2-year prevalence, reflecting a high death risk due to perioperative mortality and to the proportion of patients diagnosed at advanced stages. The prevalence decreased in the following intervals considered. Noticeable geographic variability was observed in the prevalence across Italy, with higher proportions being registered in the northern-central regions than in the South. The two extreme 0-5-year prevalence figures (per 100,000) were: for breast cancer 568 (Genova) and 259 (Ragusa); for corpus uteri cancer 94 (Romagna) and 21 (Latina); for cervix uteri cancer 63 (Romagna) and 26 (Latina); for ovarian cancer 49 (Parma) and 21 (Latina); for cancer of the vagina and vulva 17 (Genova) and 5 (Ragusa). This variability depends mainly on incidence and on the proportion of elderly in the general population. From 1987 to 1992 there was an increase in the prevalence of tumors of the breast, ovary and vagina and vulva, especially in the elderly. The prevalence of corpus uteri cancer decreased slightly in the elderly only, whereas that of cervix uteri cancer decreased at all ages.
The Prevalence of Cancer: A Review of the Available Data
Authors: Zanetti Roberto , Micheli Andrea , Rosso Stefano , Sant Milena 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background Cancer prevalence in a population, defined as the proportion – or the number – of people who were diagnosed with a cancer during their lives and are still alive at a given date, is a crucial indicator for heath care planning and resource allocation. Long-term population-based cancer registries (CR) are the appropriate tools to produce prevalence figures, which, however, are scarcely available. This paper contains a review up to 1999 of the published data world-wide (reports and articles) on cancer prevalence: including measured and estimated figures. Materials and Methods Data on cancer prevalence from CRs are available for the Nordic countries, Connecticut, and Italy. In addition, electronic data are available for the European Union (EU). Data for the Nordic countries were first published in the mid-seventies, reporting the prevalence for 1970. The first data from Connecticut were available 10 years later. Estimates for all EU countries were published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 1997. In Italy, observed and estimated data on the prevalence of respiratory and digestive tract cancer and breast cancer have been published during the nineties, followed by a systematic analysis for all cancers in 1999. By using information obtained from CRs, cancer prevalence data were calculated directly (observed prevalence) by means of incidence and follow-up information on individual cancer patients, or indirectly (estimated prevalence) by means of mathematical models, which generally use epidemiological information at the aggregate level. Results Cancer prevalence for all cancers combined (proportions per 100,000 inhabitants) showed values of less than 700 in males and less than 800 in females in 1970 (Finland) to over 2,300 in males and over 3,000 in females in 1992 (Italian registries). With few exceptions, in each country and period considered the cancer sites contributing most to cancer prevalence are lung, colon-rectum, prostate and bladder in males, colon-rectum, breast, uterus (both cervix and corpus) and ovary in females. At present, comparison of measurements from different areas is difficult because there exists no standardized mode of presentation. Conclusions In spite of their being potentially useful for health care planning, prevalence data have been produced inconsistently and late by cancer registries, at least in comparison with the systematic availability of incidence and survival statistics. The available data can be compared only to a limited extent due to differences in completeness, in the choice of indicators, in the standard populations, and in the frequency of publication. It would be desirable that in the future data will be produced systematically, with a higher level of standardization compared to the past, and, most importantly, on the same geographic and administrative scale as health-care decision-making.
Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy for Breast Cancer: A Review of the Literature Relative to 4791 Procedures
Authors: Sandrucci Sergio , Casalegno Paola Sorba , Percivale Pierluigi , Mistrangelo Marinella , Bombardieri Emilio , Bertoglio Sergio 
Published: April 2018

The status of axillary nodes is the most important prognostic factor in breast cancer to select patient subgroups for adjuvant chemotherapy; the current standard of care for surgical management of invasive breast cancer is complete removal of the tumor by either mastectomy or lumpectomy followed by axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). The recent introduction of intraoperative lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLND) represents a major new opportunity for appropriate and less invasive surgical management of many tumors. There is an almost uniformly enthusiasm concerning the potential of this technique in breast carcinoma management, shown by published data. A peculiar attention to the so-called “sentinel node debate” in breast cancer surgery is a constant in the last years issues of the major medical journals. Even patients have become more aware about medical enthusiasm and their request of concise information on the topic and the possibilities of this approach is an increasing reality in medical practice. The aim of this paper is to review recent literature to offer an overview about the main controversial methodological aspects and a wide analysis of reported results. The most significative international literature papers from Medline were retrieved from 1993 to September 1999, and 4782 procedures were analysed. This extensive review of the literature has confirmed accuracy, feasibility and reliability of the SN detecting technique in axillary mapping. Provided a good proficiency in SN localisation and pathological evaluation, human resources and efforts should be mainly focused on its clinical validation as an alternative to ALND instead of on further phase I–-II clinical studies.
Intrahepatic Chemotherapy with Floxuridine, Leucovorin and Dexamethasone in Continuous Infusion and Mitomycin-c Bolus in Unresectable Hepatic Metastases from Colorectal Cancer: A Phase II Study
Authors: Bertuccelli Maurizio , Falcone Alfredo , Campoccia Silvana , Conti Monica , Brunetti Isa , Caramella Davide , Giulianotti PierCristoforo , Mosca Franco , Bartolozzi Carlo , Conte PierFranco 
Published: April 2018

Background Intrahepatic continuous infusion FUDR induces a 50% response rate in patients with hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer. Lower rates have been observed in pretreated patients. The combination of floxuridine plus leucovorin has obtained over 70% responses, with high hepatic toxicity. The use of dexamethasone can decrease hepatic toxicity. A randomized study reported an increase in response rate and a decrease in hepatic toxicity in a group of patients treated with floxuridine plus dexamethasone compared to a group receiving only floxuridine. Moreover, the combination of mitomycin C, carmustine and floxuridine is also effective in pretreated patients. Methods On such premises, since July 1993 we have treated 39 patients affected by unresectable hepatic metastases from colon carcinoma (26 patients) and rectal carcinoma (13 patients) with the combination continuous infusion of floxuridine (0.20 mg/kg per day) + leucovorin (7.5 mg/m2/day) + dexamethasone (20 mg on days 1 to 14) and bolus mitomycin C (10 mg/m2 on day 1) via the hepatic artery. Cycles were administered every four weeks. There were as 28 males and 11 females, with a median age of 64 years (range, 39-75) and a median PS = 0. Twenty-two patients were pretreated with systemic chemotherapy including 5-fluorouracil plus leucovorin. Total number of cycles was 189, with a median of 6 cycles per patient (range, 1-12). Results Of 39 patients 37 were assessable for response (2 patients were not assessable because they stopped chemotherapy for occlusion of the catheter after the first cycle). There were 3 complete responses (1 in a naive patient and 2 in pretreated patients), 16 partial responses (11 in pretreated patients and 5 in chemonaive patients), 4 minor responses, 4 stable disease and 10 progressive disease. The overall response rate was 51.3% (95 CI, 51.3-86.7%). Median time to progression was 6 months (range, 1-34+). Overall survival was 18 months (range, 1-34+). Of 39 patients, 36 were assessable for toxicity (WHO) (3 patients died after the first cycle for progression of disease): diarrhea and nausea-vomiting grade 3-4 occurred respectively in 15 (41%) and 3 patients (8%); hepatic toxicity was mild. Conclusions The treatment we used showed an elevated activity in liver metastases from colorectal cancer even in patients pretreated and resistant to systemic chemotherapy, although toxicity grade 3-4 diarrhea occurred in approximately 40% of the patients.