bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of CD40 in Ovarian Cancer and Adenovirus-Mediated CD40 Ligand Therapy on Ovarian Cancer in Vitro
Authors: Jiang Enli , He Xiang , Chen Xiancheng , Sun Guojuan , Wu Hongbing , Wei Yuquan , Zhao Xia 
Published: February 2018

Aims and Background To test the expression level of CD40 on ovarian cancer tissues and its correlation to clinicopathological features of patients and to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of adenovirus-mediated CD40 ligand on ovarian cancer in vitro. Material and Methods The expression of CD40 on paraffin-embedded ovarian cancer tissues (n = 58) and normal ovarian tissues (n = 15) was tested by immunohistochemistry, and CD40 expression on ovarian cancer cells derived from fresh surgical specimens was tested by flow cytometry analysis. The apoptosis-inducing effects of adenovirus-mediated CD40 ligand therapy on ovarian cancer cells derived from fresh surgical specimens were analyzed by flow cytometry analysis and TUNEL assay. Results CD40 expression was detected in 60.3% (35/58) of paraffin-embedded ovarian cancer tissues and 73.3% (11/15) of fresh ovarian cancer tissues, but not in normal ovarian tissues (n = 15). CD40 expression was significantly correlated with FIGO stage of ovarian cancer. Adenovirus-mediated CD40 ligand therapy induced significant apoptosis effects on ovarian cancer cells derived from fresh surgical specimens in vitro compared to null adenovirus vector and phosphate-buffered saline. Conclusions Our results suggested the therapeutic potential of adenovirus-mediated CD40 ligand on ovarian cancer, especially on the late stage of ovarian cancer.
Factors Predictive of Response to Hormone Therapy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Rastelli Francesca , Crispino Sergio 
Published: February 2018

Aims and Background Approximately half of metastatic breast cancers expressing estrogen and/or progesterone receptors responds to endocrine therapy, and postoperative adjuvant endocrine therapy provides about a 50% reduction in the development of recurrent disease. A number of publications have focused on the correlation of biomarkers, in particular estrogen and progesterone receptors and HER-2/neu status as well as different gene profiles, multigene assays and genetic polymorphisms with response to hormone therapy. The purpose of this article is to review the literature to identify biological markers predictive of response to tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors. Methods A computerized literature search through Medline and ASCO abstract databases was performed, applying the words “endocrine therapy” and “predictive markers” and each of the following: early and metastatic breast cancer, estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, HER2/neu, multigene assays, polymorphisms. The last search was updated in June 2007. In the examined literature, biological markers were retrospectively assayed to establish whether such variables were predictive for endocrine therapy efficacy. Results The role of estrogen receptor content as a predictor of response to endocrine treatment was confirmed: benefit from endocrine treatment was directly proportional to estrogen receptor levels. Progesterone receptor status was only a strong time-dependent prognostic value, and it has not yet been validated as a predictive factor of tamoxifen efficacy. Retrospective clinical data from upfront and sequential studies of aromatase inhibitors were discordant regarding the degree of benefit of these drugs over tamoxifen according to progesterone receptor status. HER-2 positivity was associated with a significantly greater risk of endocrine therapy failure in metastatic and neoadjuvant settings. The current generation of genomic assays for tamoxifen sensitivity all contain a combination of prognostic information that it is difficult to integrate into clinical practice. Conclusions Available clinical data are inconclusive to support preferential use of aromatase inhibitors over tamoxifen in progesterone-receptor-negative and HER-2-positive tumors, but it was also clear that lower estrogen receptors, lower progesterone receptors, and positive HER-2 are associated with lower responsiveness to any type of endocrine therapy. Tumors overexpressing HER-2 are endocrine resistant and they require the blockage of the HER-2 pathway in addition to estrogen deprivation. Recent molecular studies have shown that endocrine responsiveness is to a large extent influenced by estrogen-receptor-related pathways. In the future, the key to the correct tailoring of hormone therapy will probably be the ability to subtype estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer.
Histopathological Parameters with Ki-67 and bcl-2 in the Prognosis of Meningiomas According to WHO 2000 Classification
Authors: Üzüm Nüket , Ataoğlu Gülen Akyol Ömür 
Published: February 2018

Aims and Background Meningiomas are classified following the WHO system of 2000 into three grades, benign (grade I), atypical (grade II), and anaplastic (grade III). We investigated the relation between tumor grade and Ki-67 and bcl-2. Methods In the present study, 246 cases of meningioma were reclassified according to the WHO 2000 system. The relationship between tumor grade and morphological parameters like pattern, mitotic index, cellularity, pleomorphism, nucleoli, small cell population with high nucleus/cytoplasmic ratio, necrosis and brain invasion was examined. Follow-up data were available for only 80 patients. Results A correlation was found between all morphologic parameters except for brain invasion. These parameters were related to a poor prognosis. There was no statistically significant difference in the prognosis between WHO grade I and grade II, whereas these two grades collectively exhibited significantly better survival than WHO grade III. Immunohistochemical staining for Ki-67 and bcl-2 was performed, and correlations between their expressions and other clinicopathological findings were investigated. Ki-67 and bcl-2 expression was correlated with tumor grade, and the higher the tumor grade, the higher the Ki-67 and bcl-2 expression. In conclusion, tumor grade appeared to be the most important parameter for a prognosis of meningiomas. Conclusions Ki-67 and bcl-2 expression might participate in carcinogenesis and when used with the grading system could provide additional benefit in assessing the biological behavior of the tumor.
Correlation between Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Histopathological Tumor Response after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Nicoletto Maria Ornella , Nitti Donato , Pescarini Luigi , Corbetti Francesco , Mencarelli Roberto , Cappetta Alessandro , Galligioni Alessandra , Pogliani Claudia , Marchet Alberto , Bozza Fernando , Ghiotto Cristina , Griggio Luciano , Zavagno Giorgio , Donach Martin Edward , Di Maggio Cosimo 
Published: February 2018

Aim To evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in assessing tumor response following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Materials and Methods Twenty-six patients entered a phase II study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, undergoing bilateral breast magnetic resonance imaging before therapy and before surgery. Tumor response was classified using RECIST criteria, using tumor size at magnetic resonance imaging. The latter was then compared to residue found at histopathological examination. Results Magnetic resonance imaging showed 6 (23%) complete responses, 17 (65%) partial responses, 3 (11.5%) disease stabilizations and no disease progressions. Twenty-three tumors (88.5%) were considered responsive and 3 (11.5%) unresponsive. Pathological tumor response was: 6 complete responses (23%), 17 partial responses (65%), 2 stable disease (8%), 1 progression (4%). When results of the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging were compared to pathological tumor response, magnetic resonance imaging overestimated tumor size in 12 cases (46%) and underestimated it in 9 (35%). However, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging failed to detect invasive tumor in 2 false-negative cases (8%), 1 of which was multifocal. Mastectomy was performed in 12 cases: 1 case of disease progression even though the neoplasm appeared smaller at magnetic resonance imaging, 3 cases with stable disease, and 4 cases with T3 or T4 disease. The 9th patient was T2N2 with initial retroareolar disease and negative magnetic resonance imaging after chemotherapy. The 10th patient, affected by lobular cancer, was in partial remission but was T3N1. The 11th patient was 57 years old but was not interested in conservative surgery. The 12th patient requested bilateral prophylactic mastectomy due to her positive family history of breast cancer. Conclusions Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast allowed conservative surgery in 54% of the patients. This low value is primarily due to overestimation of tumor size, with a negative predictive value of 67% in our population. However, surgeons were able to choose conservative surgery with relative safety in cases of small residual disease.
Gliosarcomas in the Elderly: Analysis of 7 Cases and Clinico-Pathological Remarks
Authors: Di Norcia Valerio , Piccirilli Manolo , Giangaspero Felice , Salvati Maurizio 
Published: February 2018

Aims and Background Gliosarcomas are rare malignant primary brain tumors that usually affect the fifth or sixth decades of life. The purpose of this study was to describe our experience with such lesions in elderly patients and to establish their prognosis factors. Methods Between 1993 and 2001, 7 patients over 60 years of age were treated at our institute for cerebral gliosarcomas. All patients underwent surgery for total or at least sub-total removal of a neoplastic mass. Results Owing to poor clinical conditions (Karnofsky performance score = 40), one patient was not treated postoperatively. Remaining patients were treated with whole-brain radiotherapy, whereas concomitant chemotherapy (temozolomide) was administrated only to 4 patients. Histological examination showed the prevalence of sarcomatous aspects in 3 patients; the gliomatous aspect prevailed in 4 patients. Conclusions Sarcomatous aspects and multimodality treatment (surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy) were associated with a better prognosis and showed in these elderly patients a trend similar to that of young people.
Retroperitoneal Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Prognostic Factors and Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Pacelli Fabio , Pio Tortorelli Antonio , Rosa Fausto , Papa Valerio , Bossola Maurizio , Sanchez Alejandro Martin , Ferro Alessandra , Menghi Roberta , Covino Marcello , Doglietto Giovanni Battista 
Published: February 2018

Aims and Background Retroperitoneal sarcomas are a rare group of malignant soft tissue tumors with a generally poor prognosis. The aim of the study was to assess clinical, pathological and treatment-related factors affecting prognosis in patients with retroperitoneal sarcomas. Methods and Study Design The hospital records of 73 patients who underwent surgical exploration at our unit for primary retroperitoneal sarcomas between 1984 and 2003 were reviewed. Factors influencing overall and disease-free survival were analyzed for all patients and for those who underwent complete surgical resection. Results The complete resectability rate was 69.8% (51/73). Operative mortality and morbidity rates were 2.7% and 21.9%, respectively. For patients who underwent complete resection, the 5-year survival rate was 58.3%, whereas it was 0% in cases of incomplete or no resection (P <0.001). Local recurrence rate was 37.2%. Incomplete gross surgical resection and microscopic infiltration of margins were the most important independent predictors of a poor prognosis. Conclusions The present study confirmed the importance of an aggressive surgical management for retroperitoneal sarcomas to offer these patients the best chance for long-term survival.
Serum IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and Beta2-Microglobulin in Association with International Prognostic Index in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Duletić-Načinović Antica , Štifter Sanja , Marijić Blažen , Lučin Ksenija , Valković Toni , Petranović Duška , Jonjić Nives 
Published: February 2018

Aims and Background Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma displays striking heterogeneity at clinical, genetic and molecular levels. The International Prognostic Index is useful to predict the outcome of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients. However, patients with identical International Prognostic Index values in clinical practice exhibit marked variability in survival, suggesting the presence of significant residual heterogeneity within each category. Since cytokines such as interleukin-6, -8 and -10 play important roles in the pathogenesis of lymphomas, and plasma level of beta2-microglobulin is associated with the outcome of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the aim of the present study was to determine whether these parameters combined with the International Prognostic Index would better stratify these patients to predict their prognosis. Patients and Methods The study included 46 untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients. Results All study parameters (International Prognostic Index, Ann Arbor stage, extra-nodal involvement, performance status, lactate dehydrogenase, beta2-microglobulin, interleukin-6 and -10, and response to therapy) except for patient age and serum interleukin-8 level were associated with overall survival. In addition, the International Prognostic Index was strongly correlated with beta2-microglobulin, interleukin-6, -8 and -10, and when combined these parameters significantly better stratified patients according to survival. On multivariate analysis, therapeutic response to the primary treatment, elevated interleukin-6 and -10 levels, and the International Prognostic Index were significant predictors of overall survival. Conclusions Our data imply that interleukins and beta2-microglobulin evaluation should be used in association with the International Prognostic Index to define prognostic subgroups in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients.
Cancer Mortality in Italy, 1970–2002
Authors: Malvezzi Matteo , Bosetti Cristina , Negri Eva , La Vecchia Carlo , Decarli Adriano 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background To update previous work on Italian cancer mortality. Methods WHO data were used to calculate death rates for 30 cancer sites for 2002. Trends were analyzed with joinpoint regression over the 1970–2002 period. Results Total cancer deaths for 2002 in Italy were 163,070 (93,398 men, 69,672 women). Male cancer mortality rose until 1988 and since then has had a 1.4% yearly fall. The first cause of cancer death in males was lung cancer, accounting for 28% of deaths. The decrease in mortality from male lung cancer came about the end of the 1980's (estimated annual percentage change, EAPC, −1.26 from 1989 to 1993 and −2.32 thereafter) and was the main reason for the favorable trends in total male cancer mortality, reflecting the change in smoking prevalence in Italian males. Female total cancer mortality trends have also been favorable, with an overall yearly drop of 1.1% since 1992. The most frequent causes of cancer deaths in females were breast and colorectal cancers, accounting for 16% and 14% of cancer deaths, and both showed declining trends (EAPC, −1.80 since 1992 and −1.51 from 1993 for breast and colorectal cancers, respectively). Female lung cancer has been on the rise (EAPC, 0.82 since 1987) for the last decades due to the rise in cigarette smoking since the 1970's in Italian females. Discussion Mortality from the most common cancers in Italy showed a favorable trend over recent years, the maintenance and potential improvement of which would require a strategy focusing on the control of tobacco and alcohol consumption, nutrition and diet. Early diagnosis for selected neoplasms can also have a relevant impact, together with advancements in treatments.
Diet and Melanoma Risk: Effects of Choice of Hospital versus Population Controls
Authors: Malagoli Carlotta , Vinceti Marco , Pellacani Giovanni , Sieri Sabina , Krogh Vittorio , Seidenari Stefania , Bergomi Margherita 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Hospital-referred subjects are widely used as controls in studies on the relation between diet and cancer risk. However, concern has been raised about the potential for bias of such type of referents, and few studies seem to have examined their reliability in estimating dietary habits of the underlying general population. Methods In a northern Italian setting, the differences in dietary patterns between 41 individuals referred for non-neoplastic lesions to hospital surgical outpatient units and age- and sex-matched subjects drawn from the general population were examined. The effects of such differences when carrying out a case-control study on a neoplastic disease, cutaneous melanoma, were also analyzed. Dietary intake was assessed using the EPIC food frequency questionnaire. Results Population controls showed higher intakes of energy, animal proteins and animal fats compared with sex- and age-matched hospital controls, whereas intake of carbohydrates and fiber was comparable. An excess melanoma risk associated with intake of animal proteins and fats emerged when hospital controls were used as the referent group, whereas no such relation was detected when cases were compared to population controls. Conclusions The results suggest that hospital-referred subjects may not reflect dietary habits of the underlying general population and may be unsuitable for case-control studies concerning the relation between diet and cancer risk.
Liposomal-Encapsulated Doxorubicin (Myocet™; D-99) and Vinorelbine in Previously Treated Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Poletti Paola , Bettini Anna Cecilia , Caremoli Elena Rota , Labianca Roberto , Tondini Carlo 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background We conducted a feasibility study to determine the safety and efficacy of liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin (Myocet) and vinorelbine in previously treated metastatic breast cancer patients. Patients and methods Liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin (30 mg/m2) plus vinorelbine (25 mg/m2) on days 1 and 8, every 3 weeks were given until disease progression, sever toxicity or up to 9 cycles. All patients underwent tumor assessment before enrollment. Patients with a life expectancy longer than 3 months and measurable or assessable disease were eligible. Results Twenty-one patients were included. Median number of treatment cycles was 5 (range, 3–9). No complete response was obtained. Stable disease and/or partial response was obtained in 9 patients. Fifteen patients experienced grade 3–4 leukopenia. There was no significant decline in cardiac function. Non-hematological toxicity was tolerable (grade 1–2). Conclusions The association of doxorubicin and vinorelbine has been shown to be feasible in previously treated advanced breast cancer patients. Its efficacy should be tested as first-line therapy in metastatic patients with cardiac co-morbidities.
p16 Expression in Odontogenic Tumors
Authors: Artese Luciano , Piattelli Adriano , Rubini Corrado , Goteri Gaia , Perrotti Vittoria , Iezzi Giovanna , Piccirilli Marcello , Carinci Francesco 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background The aim of the study was to examine the immunohistochemical expression of a cell-cycle-related factor (p16) in order to elucidate its role in the growth and diffusion of odontogenic tumors. Study design Thirty-six odontogenic tumors were divided into two groups according to their clinical behavior: group A and group B composed of tumors at low and high risk of recurrences, respectively. The ANOVA test was used to detect differences between the two groups. Results p16 was expressed in both groups, but with different localization. A statistically significant difference was found in p16 expression of peripheral cells, with an increase in the expression in group B compared to group A ( P <0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in p16 positive expression of the central cells of odontogenic tumors, which was high in both groups. Conclusions The present data show a correlation between p16 expression and the biological behavior of odontogenic tumors.
A Guide of the Questionnaires Used in the Measurement of Health-Related Quality of Life in Head and Neck Oncology
Authors: Kanatas Anastasios N , Rogers Simon N 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background There is a plethora of instruments which measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL), although only a fraction of these have been used in surgical studies and palliative care. Clinicians involved in the management of head and neck pathology face the difficult task of selecting the instrument most suited to the aspect of the patients’ perspective that they want to measure. The aim of this article is to guide head and neck trainees in deciding on the use of the appropriate instrument for evaluation of the patient's perspective. Methods and study design The two authors independently searched and scrutinized the literature. The ISI search engine with cross-reference using PubMed and Ovid was searched with the terms “quality of life”, “questionnaire” and specific specialty terms. Studies written in the English language were selected and the abstracts searched for evidence of patient self-completed questionnaires and HRQOL outcome. Results There are five broad category headings into which quality of life studies in head and neck oncology can be divided. These include: patient performance questionnaires, generic quality of life questionnaires, generic cancer questionnaires, head and neck cancer questionnaires, and head and neck functional questionnaires. Conclusions Patient perspective can be assessed using a number of instruments, including open interview, semi-structured interview, and the simple questionnaire. The choice of instrument depends somewhat on personal preference, the outcomes being measured, and available resources.
Radiotherapy for Perianal Paget's Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Velenik Vaneja , Šegedin Barbara , Anderluh Franc , Oblak Irena , Strojan Primož 
Published: February 2018

Background Perianal Paget's disease was first described in 1893. Since then, fewer than 300 cases have been reported in the literature. It might be associated with an underlying malignancy. Most of the patients are treated with surgical excision, which is often mutilating and of variable efficacy. In the present report, we describe the case of an 80-year-old woman with perianal Paget's disease. She was treated at our institution with radiotherapy with curative intent. The pertinent literature is reviewed, and the controversies in diagnosis and management are discussed. Conclusions Our single-case experience supports the opinion that radiotherapy is a viable treatment option with curative potential for patients with perianal Paget's disease. For the treatment of in situ disease, hypofractionated regimens to a total dose of 40–44 Gy and orthovoltage X-ray beams are recommended.