bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
pTNM Stage Distribution in Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Survey in Northern Italy
Authors: Rodella Stefania , Turazza Monica , Picoco Cosimo , Stanziai Franco , Bonetti Franco , Molino Anna Maria , Donati Luciano Fiore ,   Collaborative Group of Pathologists for Cancer Registration in Verona, Buongiorno E. , Calabrese G. , Castelli P. , Lestani M. , Marino F. , Mencarelli R. , Pelosi G. 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background The role of distribution by stage at diagnosis in breast cancer has been considered in many studies, with particular regard to evaluation of prognosis, impact of screening programs and quality of care. Nevertheless, international comparisons of descriptive data can be hampered by lack of homogeneity in staging methods. The TNM is presently the most common staging system used all over the world, although some criticism have been raised recently against its pragmatic value. The present study reports a population-based survey of pathologic TNM distribution in incident cases of female breast cancer in the Verona province, a geographical area of northern Italy covered by cancer registration. Methods All histologically proven incident cases of breast cancer were identified in the study period 1988-1990 and classified as for tumor size and nodal involvement according to the pathological TNM criteria. The type of surgical treatment was also registered for all cases diagnosed in 1990. Results one thousand two hundreds and fifty-four invasive and in situ breast cancers were observed and pT1 cases accounted for 44.4%. Nodal involvement was present in 41.5% of invasive cancers. A surgical treatment was performed in 1213 patients (96.7%). Axillary dissection was reported in 1080 cases, 820 of them (76.6%) having 10 or more lymph nodes examined. Radical mastectomy accounted for 74% of the 458 breast cancers diagnosed in 1990 and 31.6% of the eligible cases were conservatively treated. Conclusions Cancer registries should be encouraged to report data on stage distribution in breast cancer (and in other malignancies). This practice could improve international comparisons and give an essential contribution to studies on survival, screening programs and quality of care.
Dose Intensification of Chemotherapy in Advanced Breast Cancer: A Feasibility Phase II Study
Authors: Pedrazzoli Paolo , Zamagni Claudio , Martoni Angelo , Capotorto Anna Maria , Da Prada Gian Antonio , Pavesi Lorenzo , Preti Pietro , Lelli Giorgio , Pannuti Franco , Cuna Gioacchino Robustelli della 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background Dose intensification of chemotherapy is associated with increased response rates in advanced breast cancer. Achievement of dose incrementation is usually limited by drug-dependent bone marrow toxicity. The recent availability of recombinant human colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) have made it possibile to evaluate their potential in ameliorating chemoterapy-induced myelosuppression. The aim of this study was to evaluate tolerability and effectiveness of an intensified mitoxantrone, methotrexate and mitomycin-C (3M) regimen, given with G-CSF support in patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC). Study design Twenty-eight eligible patients with advanced breast cancer were treated with mitomycin -C (7 mg/sqm iv every 4 weeks), methotrexate (35 mg/sqm iv) and mitoxantrone (7 mg/sqm iv every 2 weeks) for 6 cycles. Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (r-HuG-CSF, Filgrastim) (5 μg/kg/day) was given subcutaneously from day 2 to day 12 after each chemotherapy administration to prevent leukopenia. Results Of the 27 evaluable patients, 4 had complete response and 14 achieved partial response; the overall response rate was 63% (95% Cl; 46.8%-82.2%). The median duration of response was 8 months (range, 4-13+). Chemotherapy-related toxicity was mild: only 3 out of 163 courses had to be postponed due to myelotoxicity. Conclusions The 3M regimen given at 2- week intervals is a feasible, active and well toleratel treatment in patients not previously treated for metastatic breast cancer.
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) in Low-Grade Astrocytomas: Its Prognostic Significance
Authors: Vigliani M. Claudia , Chiò Adriano , Pezzulo Tiziana , Soffietti Riccardo , Giordana Maria T. , Schiffer Davide 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background A clear line cannot be drawn between well-differentiated and anaplastic astrocytomas, and a subset of low-grade tumors, histologically indistinguishable from the others, behaves similarly to anaplastic astrocytomas. The proliferative index could aid in the identification of this subgroup, for which a different therapeutic approach would be indicated. Methods We immunohistochemically evaluated the proliferating ceil nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in 77 well-differentiated astrocytomas, since PCNA has been considered a good proliferation marker. The prognostic significance of PCNA labeling index (LI) was assessed in univariate and multivariate analysis, taking into consideration some clinical and histologic factors known to affect prognosis. Results PCNA immunostaining identified a subgroup of tumors, characterized by a LI > 5%, with a median survival close to that observed in anaplastic astrocytomas. The survival table of such a group was significantly different from that of the group with a lower LI (p = 0.0009). Multivariate analysis confirmed that PCNA-LI is an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.001). Conclusion These data suggest that PCNA immunostaining can be a useful tool to define the prognosis of low-grade astrocytomas on routine biopsy material.
Chemoprotective Action of Rasayanas against Cyclosphamide Toxicity
Authors: Praveenkumar Vayalil , Kuttan Ramadasan , Kuttan Girija 
Published: April 2018

Aims and backgrond Mylosuppression has been found to be one of the major drawbacks in cancer chemotherapy. Presently the effect of Rasayanas, an indigenous herbal drug preparation having immunomodulatory activity, in reducing myelosuppression and subseguent leukopenia was studied. Methods Animals were injected cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg b.wt. daily for 14 days) with or without Rasayanas (50 mg/animal) and total white blood cells, bone marrow cellularity and survival of the animals were determined. Results Oral administration of Brahma Rasayana (BR) and Ashwagandha/Rasayana (AR) was found to protect mice from cyclophosphamide induced leukopenia. Total white blood cell counts in BR and AR treated animals on day 12 were 3800 and 3000 cells(mm3 respectively, which was significantly high compared to that of controls (700 cells/mm3). When the treatment was stopped on day 14 the value increased to 27,000 and 26,000 cells/mm3. The bone marrow cellularity were also significantly high in BR and AR treated animals (3.45 × 106 and 2.38 × 16 cells femur respectively) compared to that of controls. (0.72 × 106 cells/femur). Conclusion The results indicate the usefulness of Rasayanas in chemotherapy induced myelosuppression and leukopenia.
Solitary Plasmacytoma of Bone and Extramedullary Plasmacytoma: Two Different Nosological Entities?
Authors: Guida Michele , Casamassima Addolorata , Abbate Ines , Paradiso Angelo , Zito Alfredo , Marzullo Franco , Lorusso Vito , Timurian Artur , Cramarossa Angelantonio , De Lena Mario 
Published: April 2018

Background The relationship between solitary plasmacytoma and multiple myeloma is still unclear, but they can be distinguished by their different clinical course. Indicators of disease activity and extension, and of a possible evolution to multiple myeloma, have not been identified as yet. Methods Two cases of solitary plasmacytoma are described: one of the mandible and one extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) of the rhinopharynx. Pathologic data included immunohistochemical staining for heavy and light Ig chains, and for the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Analysis of the peripheral immunological status and serum parameters ( β2 microglobulin, thymidine kinase, IL-2, IL-6 and soluble IL-2 receptor) was performed and correlation was made with the clinical status. Flow cytometry analysis of nuclear DNA content and S-phase cell fraction were also studied in both neoplasms. Results Solitary plasmacytoma of bone (SPB) showed important basal immunologic alterations and a marked increase in all serum parameters considered with respect to EMP. Ploidy analysis demonstrated an almost complete aneuploidy cell population for the SPB patient (80%), whereas in the EMP patient only 2% of the cells were aneuploid. The S-phase ceils were 16% and 4%, respectively. PCNA index was 60% in SPB and 10% in EMP. Conclusions Solitary plasmacytoma of the bone appeared to be a more aggressive form of plasmacellular neoplasia, distinct from EMP and similar to multiple myeloma. The study of serum parameters, together with analysis of PCNA, ploidy and S-phase fraction, can aid in better understanding disease activity, and in the choice of more adequate treatment. Moreover, serial analysis of some serum factors might be useful markers for monitoring the disease.
Biologic Charachterization of Pleural Metastases from Lung Adenocarcinoma: Description of the New DV90 Cell Line
Authors: Monti Franco , Szymczuk Stefania , Chessa Luciana , Prudente Sabrina , Nicoletti Giordano , Fattori Pier Paolo , Pini Emanuela , Desiderio Franco , Pasquini Enzo , Tison Vittorio , Ravaioli Alberto 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background The characterization of pleural metastases from lung adenocarcinoma is often limited to single biologic features. Methods The present paper describes the cellular kinetic parameters, as well as immunocytochemical, ultrastructural and genetic characteristics of the new DV90 cell line, established from the pleural effusion of a stage IV lung adenocarcinoma. Results The cell line has a diploid DNA content, a doubling time of 24 h and 7% cloning efficiency, it is tumorigenic in nude mice. Ultrastructural investigation revealed the typical features of lung adenocarcinoma; the diagnosis was confirmed by its immunohistochemical reactivity with a panel of monoclonal antibodies specifically capable of identifying adenocarcinoma cells. Genetic analysis revealed a 46 X, –Y, +8, der (6)t(6?)(q27;?) karyotype and hyperexpression of the protein codified by genes Her2/Neu and p53. Conclusion The importance of multidisciplinary biologic characterization in identifying the origin and biological behavior of pleural metastases deriving from lung adenocarcinoma is discussed.
In Vitro Synergic Effect of Interferon Gamma Combined with Liposomes Containing Muramyl Tripeptide on Human Monocyte Cytotoxicity Against Fresh Allogeneic and Autologous Tumor Cells
Authors: Galligioni Enzo , Santarosa Manuela , Favaro Daniela , Spada Antonella , Talamini Renato , Quaia Michele 
Published: April 2018

Aims The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether human recombinant interferon- γ (hrIFN - γ) can act synergically with various activators in increasing the cytotoxicity of cancer patient monocytes against fresh autologous and allogeneic tumor cells. Methods Fresh target cells were obtained by means on the mechanical and enzymatic dissociation of human renal carcinomas. A 375 and SW 626 cell lines were used as positive controls. Monocytes from renal cancer patients and normal volunteers were activated in vitro with lipopolysaccharide, muramyl tripeptide (MTP-PE) or liposomes containing MTP-PE (MTP-PE liposomes), with or without a pre-incubation with hrIFN- γ and were tested for cytotoxicity by means of a 72-hr 111indium-release assay. All of the patients were tumor free at the time of the study. Results Cancer patient peripheral blood monocytes were activated in vitro by different immunomodulators and became cytotoxic to freshly dissociated autologous or allogeneic tumor cells. A synergic effect producing maximal cytotoxicity was obtained with an appropriately scheduled combination of hrIFN- γ (10 U/ml) and MTP-PE liposomes (50 nm/ml), free lipopolysaccharide (10 μg/ml) or MTP-PE (100 μg/ml). The synergic cytotoxicity was observed against fresh allogeneic and autologous tumor cells, as well as against cultured cells. Conclusions All of these data support the possibility of a combined treatment using hrIFN- γ and MTP-PE liposomes in human studies, particularly when it is borne in mind that liposomes can prevent the direct toxicity of many immunomodulators and that the low levels of hrIFN- γ required for the synergic activation are not toxic in vivo.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Primary Liver Cancer: Implications for Cancer Registration
Authors: Donato Francesco , Rodella Stefania , Chiesa Roberta , Picoco Cosimo , Donati Luciano Fiore , Nardi Giuseppe 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background We evaluated some standardized criteria for classifying incident cases of liver cancer into either primary liver cancer (PLC) or unspecified liver cancer (ULC) on the basis of the diagnostic examinations performed and their results. Methods A pilot hospital-based study (98 cases) was carried out in Verona, northern Italy, with the main aim of assessing the feasibility of the method. The same procedures were subsequently applied in a population-based study (349 cases) in Brescia, northern Italy. Results Diagnosis was made on histologic data in 38.7% and 41.8% of the hospital based and population-based studies, respectively, with a wide variation among different hospitals. The percentage of cases classified as PLC was 78.6% in the hospital-based study and 78.8% in the population-based study. No differences in the proportion of cases attributed to PLC were found according to patients’ age and sex or hospital of admission. The repeatibility of the procedure was assessed by a cross-panel review of 198 cases, and concordance was found in 91.9% of them. Conclusions An operational method for case definition of PLC based on the results of the diagnostic examinations currently performed and some suggestions for cancer registration are proposed.
Indium-111-DTPA-octreotide Scintigraphy Modulation by Treatment with Unlabelled Somatostatin Analogue in Smali-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Soresi Enzo , Bombardieri Emilio , Chiti Arturo , Boffi Roberto , Invernizzi Giovanni , Crippa Flavio , Maffioli Lorenzo 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) tissue expresses somatostatin receptors and can be visualized by means of the indium-111-labelled somatostatin analogue DTPA-D-Pheoctreotide. The aim of the study was to investigate whether treatment with a cold somatostatin analogue can affect the imaging of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy. Methods Three patients with SCLC were treated with 200 μg of cold octreotide three times a day subcutaneously for 7 days. Whole body and planar scintigraphy was performed before and after the treatment. Results 111In-DTPA-octreotide uptake was increased in cancer lesions, whereas fixation in normal tissues (liver, spleen, kidneys) decreased. Conclusions This is the first demonstration of an enhancement of SCLC imaging following unlabelled somatostatin analogue administration. Similar results have been described by other authors in a limited number of carcinoid tumors.
Clinical Utility of Radioimmunoscintigraphy of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma with Radiolabelled LL2 Monoclonal Antibody., Lymphoscan™: Preliminary Results
Authors: Gasparini Massimo , Bombardieri Emilio , Tondini Carlo , Mattioli Lorenzo , Hughes Lynne , Buraggi Gian Luigi , Goldenberg David M. 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background Adequate clinical staging of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients is essential because only localized disease can be treated satisfactorily. Many imaging procedures are necessary to stage the disease accurately. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an anti-lymphoma antibody in the Fab’ fragment form, labelled with 99mTc, to detect malignant lesions. Methods Radioimmunodetection (RAID) with 99mTc-labelled B-cell lymphoma monoclonal antibody IMMU-LL2-Fab’ (LymphoSCAN™; Immunomedics, Morris Plain, NJ, USA) was investigated in 10 patients (5 females and 5 males; age range, 20-72 years) with histologically proved non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Of the 10 lymphomas, 7 were intermediate grade and 3 were low grade. Whole body images with multiple planar views were obtained at 30 min, 4-6 and 24 h after i.v. injection of 1 mg LL2-Fab’ labelled with 740-925 MBq of 99mTc. SPET of the chest or abdomen was performed in all patients 5-8 h after the immunoreagent injection. Results No adverse reactions were observed in any patient after Mab infusion, and no appreciable changes were seen in the blood counts, renal or liver function tests. A total of 18 of 21 (85.7%) lymphoma lesions were detected by RAID. All the tumor localizations were confirmed by clinical examination and with other imaging techniques, such as CT scan, MRI or gallium scan. In this series of patients no false-positive results were noted. As regards the biodistribution of the immunoreagent, no appreciable bone marrow activity was seen; splenic targeting was demonstrated in all patients; the tumor-to-non-tumor ratios ranged from 1.2 to 2.8 ad measured by the ROI technique; no difference in uptake was noted for different tumor grades. The images obtained 24 h after injection did not reveal new lesions, but areas of doubtful uptake were seen as positive focal areas in the delayed scan. Conclusions LymphoSCAN™ seems to be useful for detection, staging and follow-up of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients.
Bone Hemangioendothelioma: An Immunohistochemical Study Related to Histological Malignancy and Proliferative Activity (NORs)
Authors: Benassi Maria Serena , Gamberi Gabriella , Ragazzini Paola , Sollazzo Maria Rosa , Ferrari Cristina , Sangiorgi Luca , Treré Davide , Derenzini Massimo , Picei Piero 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background Forty-four bone hemangioendotheliomas (HEs) of different histological grades were studied to evaluate the expression and distribution of laminin, type IV collagen, cathepsin G and cathepsin D in cell differentiation and malignancy. Results In poorly-differentiated HEs the discontinuous distribution of laminin and type IV collagen around angioblastic cords, tubes and cavities revealed an irregular and disorganized basement membrane (BM) architecture corresponding to an increased cell proliferation and secretion of cathepsin D and cathepsin G by tumor cells. Conclusions The mean nucleolar organizer region (NOR) area, as a measure of cell proliferation, was significantly higher in grade 4 malignancies than in lower grades, revealing novel prognostic parameters.
Pain at Tumor Site after Vinorelbine Injection: Description of an Unexpected Side Effect
Authors: Colleoni Marco , Gaion Fernando , Vicario Giovanni , Nelli Patrizia , Pancheri Francesca , Sgarbossa Gigliola , Manente Paolo 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background Vinorelbine is a new semisynthetic vinka alkaloid that has demonstrated good tolerability and interesting activity in a large spectrum of solid tumors. It was the aim of this paper to report the presence of a rarely documented side effect. Methods In our experience, 135 patients were treated with vinorelbine during the period 10/92 to 11/94 for a total of 1080 cycles. In 26% of the cycles, vinorelbine was administered in monochemotherapy and in 74% in polychemotherapy regimens. The dose of vinorelbine, administered in a weekly schedule, was 25 mg/m2 in 109 patients and 30 mg/m2 in 26 patients. In general, no analgesic premedication was used. Sixty-five patients had lung cancer, 45 had breast cancer, and 25 miscellaneous cancer. Only 4 patients had a previous history of neurotoxicity. Results Ten patients (7%) had pain in the tumor site within a few minutes of the vinorelbine injection. According to WHO grade, 5 cases had moderate and 5 severe pain. Pain was always reversible. In 5 cases ketorolac was administered after pain detection with resolution of the symptoms; in 4 cases it was necessary to deliver buprenorphine. One patient was admitted to the coronary unit because a myocardial infarction was suspected after retrosternal pain and required i.v. morphine. Seven cases refused to continue the treatment, and 3 cases had no further problem after ketorolac premedication. Conclusions Although rare, the presence of severe pain after vinorelbine injection may adversely affect the treatment course. Such data are helpful in the recognition and management of this reversible side effect.
Alpha Interferon as Initial Treatment of Essential Thrombocythemia. Analysis after Two Years of Follow-Up
Authors: Pogliani Enrico Maria , Rossini Fausto , Miccolis Isabella , Ferrarlo Alessandra , Perego Daniele , Casaroli Ivana , Bolis Silvia , Fagnani Daniele , Brambilla Milena , Corneo Gianmarco 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background Recombinant alpha-interferon has been shown to be effective in essential thrombocythemia and in thrombocytosis associated with other myeloproliferative disorders. Patients and methods Twenty-five untreated patients were enrolled in our study from May 1989 to April 1992. Recombinant alpha interferon-2b was administered at an initial dose of 2 megaunits (MU)/m2 three times a week at escalating doses to 5 MU/m2 or the maximum tolerated dose. The mean follow-up for patients still in treatment at the time of this report was 35.9 months (range, 24-63). Results Fourteen patients (56%) had achieved a complete remission by a mean time of 152 days; 6 patients (24%) had achieved a good partial remission by a mean of 180 days. In addition to the favorable effect on platelet count, a marked improvement in clinical symptoms was observed. Treatment had to be discontinued in 9 patients (36%), 5 for toxicity (3 neurologic, 1 anemia and 1 severe hypertriglyceridemia) at a median of 155 days from the beginning of therapy (range, 30-400). Four patients refused to continue therapy because of low tolerance (flu-like syndrome) at mean of 160 days from the beginning of therapy (range, 34-301). Conclusions In our study, lower doses were administered compared with previous short-time trials. The present data show that interferon is an effective alternative to cytostatic agents in long-term treatment of patients with essential thrombocythemia, even when used at lower dosages.
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen Immunoreaction in Adrenal Tumors
Authors: Damiani Durval , Manna Tais Della , Aquino Luz G.W. , Dichtchekenian Vaê , Alves Venâncio Avancini Ferreira , Filho Adhemar Longatto , Kanamura Cristina Takami , Setian Nuvarte 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background We studied, retrospectively, 33 cases of adrenal tumors of children at the Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Children's Institute, São Paulo State University Medical School, from 1975 to 1993. All patients had at least 2 years of follow-up with a few exceptions. Methods Clinical follow-up data were correlated with histopathologic review, laboratory data and cell kinetic evaluation (based on detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigens). Results With one exception, all the patients had presented signs of androgen production and had high levels of dehydro-epiandrosterone-sulfate. Tumor weight evaluation represented a good parameter of neoplasm evolution: of 19 cases weighing less than 250 g, 17 had no evidence of disease after surgery, and 2 had an unfavorable prognosis. Of 14 cases weighing more than 250 g, only 1 had no evidence of disease and 13 had an unfavorable evolution. Conclusions Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was not helpful to evaluate adrenal neoplasm evolution: our study did not show any correlation between PCNA score and prognosis.