bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase II trial of oxaliplatin plus oral capecitabine as first-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Yang Tingsong , Shen Xiaojun , Tang Xiaojun , Wei Guo , Zhang Hao , Du Chenghui , Xue Xuchao , Ma Liye , Nie Mingming , Bi Jianwei 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background The efficacy of chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer is now widely accepted. However, the survival advantage is small, and no internationally accepted standard regimen has emerged. The present study investigated the efficacy and safety of oxaliplatin plus oral capecitabine (XELOX regimen) as first-line chemotherapy in previously untreated patients with advanced gastric cancer. Methods and study design Patients received intravenous oxaliplatin (130 mg/m2 over 2 h on day 1) plus oral capecitabine (1,000 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1–14). Treatments were repeated every 3 weeks. Results Seventy-four patients were enrolled in the study, median age was 61 years (range, 32–74); median follow-up was 13.2 months (range, 2–24.5). In total, 364 cycles of chemotherapy were delivered. Overall response rate was 62.2% (95% CI, 51.2–73.2), with 3 complete and 43 partial responses; median time to progression and overall survival were 5.9 (95% CI, 4.8–7.0) and 10.8 months (95% CI, 7.9–13.7), respectively. The most common hematological adverse event was anemia (67.6% of patients). Grade 3–4 neutropenia was observed in 5 patients. The most common nonhematological toxicities were neuropathy (64.9%), nausea/vomiting (48.6%), diarrhea (28.4%), and hand-foot syndrome (39.2%). Grade 3–4 toxicities were rare. There were no treatment-related deaths. Conclusions The XELOX regimen was active and well-tolerated as first-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer.
Bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with bone metastatic, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Risk factors and prevention strategies
Authors: Bantis Athanasios , Zissimopoulos Athanasios , Sountoulides Petros , Kalaitzis Christos , Giannakopoulos Stelios , Deftereos Savas , Tsakaldimis Giorgos , Thomaidis Vasilios , Touloupidis Stavros 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Evidence from the literature suggests that osteonecrosis of the jaw is emerging as a serious complication of treatment with bisphosphonates for patients with advanced prostate cancer. Methods and study design This study is a series of 60 patients with osseous metastases from prostate cancer under complete androgen deprivation therapy. All patients also received bisphosphonates intravenously every 3 to 4 weeks. Over a period of 3 and a half years, we recorded the incidence, presenting signs and symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw among those patients and the diagnostic workup required. Results Nine of the 60 patients with metastatic prostate cancer were found to be affected with osteonecrosis of the jaw secondary to bisphosphonate administration at the Urology Department at the University Hospital of Alexandroupolis between January 2006 and August 2009. For diagnostic reasons, all 9 patients underwent computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging of the maxillary region, as well as a three-phase whole body bone scan. Conclusions There is evidence that administration of bisphosphonates in patients with advanced prostate cancer may increase the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Guidelines regarding the diagnosis and management of those patients are needed.
Importance of adherence to guidelines in breast cancer clinical practice. The Italian experience (AIOM)
Authors: Barni Sandro , Venturini Marco , Molino Annamaria , Donadio Michela , Rizzoli Sara , Maiello Evaristo , Gori Stefania 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Project RIGHT (Research for the Identification of the most effective and hIGHly accepted clinical guidelines for cancer Treatment) is promoted by the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM) to evaluate the concordance between AIOM breast cancer guidelines and clinical practice in Italy. In RIGHT-1, feasibility and the appropriateness of indicators were assessed in patients with early breast cancer. RIGHT-2 evaluated the compliance with guidelines in a nationwide program. Methods Thirty-five Italian centers participated in the RIGHT-2 survey. Ten indicators were evaluated to verify an agreement between 2005 AIOM breast cancer guidelines and practice. Patients with clinical stage I-II invasive breast cancer, age ≤70 years, who had their first visit at the oncology center between October 2005 and November 2006 were included. Results In RIGHT-2, ≥90% adherence for the diagnosis indicator and three therapy indicators were observed. The lowest degree of compliance (0%) was observed for the follow-up indicator in asymptomatic patients. Conclusions In RIGHT-2, compliance to the 2005 AIOM breast cancer guidelines was 64%. When the follow-up indicator was eliminated, overall adherence to AIOM guidelines was 71%. The results highlight the need to continue improving the already good standards of breast cancer care.
A feasibility study of zoledronic acid combined with carboplatin/nedaplatin plus paclitaxel in patients with non-small cell lung cancer with bone metastases
Authors: Ishiwata Toshiji , Hirose Takashi , Hirama Michihiro , Miura Kayo , Iwakami Shin-ichiro , Tominaga Shigeru , Adachi Mitsuru , Takahashi Kazuhisa 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Although zoledronic acid (ZOL) has been reported to inhibit bone metastasis from lung cancer, the optimum chemotherapy regimen in combination with ZOL has not yet been determined. Methods and study design Eighteen patients having non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with bone metastasis who received carboplatin/nedaplatin plus paclitaxel combined with ZOL (4 mg every 28 days) were enrolled to investigate the feasibility of this treatment. The efficacy was evaluated by the percentage of patients at 9 months who were receiving radiation therapy, the time to first radiation treatment, and quality of life. Adverse effects were also evaluated. Results Only 3 among 18 patients received radiation therapy for bone metastases during the 9 months of the study. ZOL seems to prolong the median time to the first radiation treatment and maintain the quality of life regarding pain and activity status. No patients discontinued the treatment, although grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse effects occurred in 8 patients. Conclusions ZOL combined with carboplatin/nedaplatin plus paclitaxel is an effective and tolerable treatment for NSCLC with bone metastases.
Radiation therapy is a treatment to be considered for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer after chemotherapy
Authors: Lee Shin-Wha , Park Sang-Min , Kim Yong-Man , Kim Young-Seok , Choi Eun-Kyung , Kim Dae-Yeon , Kim Jong-Hyeok , Nam Joo-Hyun , Kim Young-Tak 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Radiation therapy provides a safe and effective alternative treatment option for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer, although it has not been a treatment of choice. We evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of radiation therapy for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer after chemotherapy according to the disease status. Methods This was a retrospective study of 38 patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer treated with radiation therapy at the Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, between January 1997 and December 2007. We analyzed their clinical characteristics and the outcome of radiation therapy. Results Thirty-eight patients were treated with radiation therapy. Their median age was 51.5 years. Most patients were FIGO stage III (27/38) with serous adenocarcinoma (26/38). All patients had received at least one regimen of platinum-based chemotherapy; 24 patients were sensitive to the first chemotherapy and the others were resistant. Lymph node and abdominopelvic wall were the most common sites of radiation therapy. The response rate was 65.0% (16 complete remissions and 10 partial remissions), and the median regression rate was 78.8% (range, −66.6 to 100.0). Median progression-free survival was 7.2 months (range, 1.0–66.6). In 28 patients who had a solitary relapsed site from the radiographic finding at the time of radiation therapy, it was 10.7 months (range, 1.8–66.6). Neither hematologic nor intestinal toxicity of grade 3–4 was observed. Prognostic factors were sensitivity to platinum and the site treated with radiation therapy. Conclusions Radiation therapy is a treatment that should be considered for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer, especially in good responders to platinum or patients with solitary relapsed lesions.
Dosimetric and clinical predictors of radiation-induced lung toxicity in esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Shu-chai , Shen Wen-bin , Liu Zhi-kun , Li Juan , Su Jing-wei , Wang Yu-xiang 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Radiation-induced lung toxicity occurs frequently in patients with esophageal carcinoma. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and three-dimensional dosimetric parameters associated with lung toxicity after radiotherapy for esophageal carcinoma. Methods and study design The records of 56 patients treated for esophageal carcinoma were reviewed. The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria for grading of lung toxicity were followed. Spearman's correlation test, the chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were used for statistical analysis. Results Ten of the 56 patients developed acute toxicity. The toxicity grades were grade 2 in 7 patients and grade 3 in 3 patients; none of the patients developed grade 4 or worse toxicity. One case of toxicity occurred during radiotherapy and 9 occurred 2 weeks to 3 months after radiotherapy. The median time was 2.0 months after radiotherapy. Fourteen patients developed late irradiated lung injury, 3 after 3.5 months, 7 after 9 months, and 4 after 14 months. Radiographic imaging demonstrated patchy consolidation (n = 5), atelectasis with parenchymal distortion (n = 6), and solid consolidation (n = 3). For acute toxicity, the irradiated esophageal volume, number of fields, and most dosimetric parameters were predictive. For late toxicity, chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy and other dosimetric parameters were predictive. No obvious association between the occurrence of acute and late injury was observed. Conclusions The percent of lung tissue receiving at least 25 Gy (V25), the number of fields, and the irradiated length of the esophagus can be used as predictors of the risk of acute toxicity. Lungs V30, as well as chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy, are predictive of late lung injury.
Treatment of recurrent high-grade gliomas with GliaSite brachytherapy: A prospective mono-institutional Italian experience
Authors: Gobitti Carlo , Borsatti Eugenio , Arcicasa Mauro , Roncadin Mario , Franchin Giovanni , Minatel Emilio , Skrap Miran , Zanotti Bruno , Tuniz Francesco , Cimitan Marino , Capra Elvira , Drigo Annalisa , Trovò Mauro G 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background The present study evaluated toxicity, local control, and survival in patients with relapsed high-grade glioma after surgery and external beam radiation therapy and treated with re-operation and GliaSite brachytherapy. Methods Between 2006 and 2008, 15 patients with recurrent high-grade glioma underwent re-operation and GliaSite brachytherapy. Ten patients were males and 5 females. Median age was 40 years (range, 20–71). Karnofsky performance status was ≥70. All patients but one received GliaSite irradiation of the surgical cavity wall at the dose of 4500 cGy at a depth of 1 cm. Results No severe acute side effects were observed during GliaSite brachytherapy. Pathologically documented, symptomatic late radiation necrosis was observed in 3 patients (20%); 2 subsequently died of further complications. Two patients were alive at a median follow-up 13 months (range, 1–30). Median overall survival after GliaSite brachytherapy was 13 months. Conclusions Patients with recurrent high-grade glioma can be treated with additional surgery and GliaSite brachytherapy, delivering 4500 cGy at 1 cm depth without significant acute side effects but with a significant rate (20%) of late radiation necrosis, resulting in 13% of treatment-related deaths. Compared with the literature, survival results in our study appear to be satisfactory, but they may be related to patient selection criteria. Re-intervention followed by GliaSite brachytherapy should not be offered as a standard treatment for recurrent high-grade glioma, because of the high rate of late complications, treatment-related deaths, and high treatment costs.
Detection of somatostatin receptor subtypes 2 and 5 by somatostatin receptor scintigraphy and immunohistochemistry: Clinical implications in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Sclafani Francesco , Carnaghi Carlo , Di Tommaso Luca , Rodari Marcello , Destro Annarita , Rimassa Lorenza , Giordano Laura , Chiti Arturo , Roncalli Massimo , Santoro Armando 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) is the standard method for the detection of somatostatin receptors (SSTRs). It is commonly used in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (GEP-NET) staging, and represents the criterion of choice for treatment with somatostatin (SST) analogs. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was reported as a reliable method for the detection of SSTRs with theoretically superior sensitivity over SRS. Methods and study design We retrospectively analyzed the sensitivity and specificity of IHC in the detection of SSTRs in a cohort of consecutive patients with GEP-NETs attending our Institute from 1997 to 2007. IHC analysis was restricted to SSTR2 and SSTR5, and the results were interpreted according to two different scoring systems. SRS was used as the gold standard. Results Forty-four patients were enrolled; 24 (55%) had foregut carcinoids, 9 (20%) midgut carcinoids, 2 (5%) hindgut carcinoids, and 9 (20%) had GEP-NETs of unknown primary sites. A high concordance rate between IHC and SRS was shown, irrespective of the IHC scoring system applied (73% and 70%). The sensitivity of IHC was 89.3% and 78.6% and the specificity 43.8% and 50%, depending on the scoring system used. Conclusions Although SSTR2 was shown to be expressed by IHC in up to 50% of tumors not visualized by SRS, SRS still remains the method of choice in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of GEP-NETs. More pathological and clinical data are needed to properly understand the clinical relevance of immunohistochemical detection of SSTR expression in the absence of tumor uptake at SRS.
Preparation of anti-NYD-SP8 rabbit polyclonal antibody and its application in the analysis of NYD-SP8 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines and clinical tissues
Authors: Yang Ling-Lin , Wu Jing-Bo , Liu Zhi-Gang , Liu Li , Zeng Mu-Sheng , Yan Shan-Shan , Chan Hsiao-Chang , Xia Yun-Fei 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background NYD-SP8 is a recently identified protein, the biological characteristics of which are still unclear. The aim of this study was to prepare an anti-NYD-SP8 rabbit polyclonal antibody and investigate the expression of NYD-SP8 in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines and nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues. Methods The anti-NYD-SP8 rabbit polyclonal antibody was prepared and ELISA was performed to assess the antibody titer. With this antibody, the NYD-SP8 expression in four nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines, CNE1, CNE2, 5–8F and 6–10B, was examined by Western blot and its expression in clinical tissues was also assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results The anti-NYD-SP8 rabbit polyclonal antibody with a high titer was successfully prepared. Western blot showed higher NYD-SP8 expression in CNE2 and 6–10B cells and lower expression in CNE1 and 5–8F cells. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated overexpression of NYD-SP8 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissue while the expression in normal nasopharyngeal tissue was negligible. Conclusions Our anti-NYD-SP8 rabbit polyclonal antibody can be used both for Western blot and immunohistochemistry, and can be a valuable tool to investigate the function and distribution of NYD-SP8. The different NYD-SP8 expression in various nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines indicated its complicated functions at different biological stages. The overexpression of NYD-SP8 in clinical nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissue indicated that it could play an important role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma carcinogenesis.
MUTYH-associated colon disease: Adenomatous polyposis is only one of the possible phenotypes. A family report and literature review
Authors: Zorcolo Luigi , Fantola Giovanni , Balestrino Luisa , Restivo Angelo , Vivanet Caterina , Spina Francesca , Cabras Francesco , Ambu Rossano , Casula Giuseppe 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background The MutY human homologue gene (MUTYH) is responsible for about a quarter of attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis. Occasionally, it has been associated with hyperplastic polyps and serrated adenoma. We report a family where the same MUTYH mutation determined four different phenotypes, including a case of hyperplastic polyposis syndrome. Patients and methods A family with a history of right-sided colon cancer and multiple colonic polyposis was investigated. Genetic tests were correlated with clinical findings to define phenotypic manifestations of MUTYH mutations. The pertinent English-language literature was reviewed to evaluate the risk of malignancy of MUTYH and the role of prophylactic surgery. Results Three male siblings carried a biallelic MUTYH mutation (G382D-exon13), while the fourth was heterozygote. One developed an isolated cecal cancer at the age of 48. Another, aged 38, was diagnosed with numerous minute colonic and rectal polyps and underwent a proctocolectomy, with final pathology showing a picture of hyperplastic and lymphoid polyposis. The third biallelic brother, 46 years old, developed four hyperplastic lesions, while the heterozygote brother had a large flat serrated adenoma of the right colon removed at the age of 50. Conclusion Many aspects of MUTYH mutation still need to be clarified and one of them regards the different phenotypic expressions. Although the majority of reported cases manifested attenuated adenomatous polyposis, hyperplastic polyps and serrated adenomas appear to be more common than expected. Presenting hyperplastic polyposis syndrome is very unusual and may represent a clinical dilemma for correct management. Current evidence suggests to handle MUTYH-associated polyposis as typical FAP.
Cancer Research Performance in the European Union: A Study of Published Output from 2000 to 2008
Authors: Micheli Andrea , Di Salvo Francesca , Lombardo Claudio , Ugolini Donatella , Baili Paolo , Pierotti Marco A 
Published: February 2018

Aims and Background Although several studies have assessed cancer research performance in individual European countries, comparisons of European Union (EU27) performance with countries of similar population size are not available. Methods We compared cancer research performance in 2000–2008 between EU27 and 11 countries with over 100 million inhabitants. Performance should not have been affected by the 2007–2009 recession. We examined 143 journals considered oncology journals by Journal Citation Reports, accessing them via Scopus. Publications were attributed to countries using a published counting procedure. Results For number of publications, the USA held a clear lead in 2006–2008 (yearly averages: 10,293 USA vs 9,962 EU27), whereas the EU27 held the lead previously. EU27 was also second to the USA for total impact factor. China markedly improved its cancer publications record over the period. Compared to the USA, EU27 and Japan, the other countries (all developing) had a poor publications record. Conclusions Comparative cancer research spending data are not available. However from 2002 to 2007, gross domestic expenditure on research and development (UNESCO data) increased by 34% in North America, 161% in China and only 28% in EU27. Thus the European Union is lagging behind North America and may well be eclipsed by China in research and development spending in the near future. We suggest that these new findings should be considered by policymakers in Europe and other countries when developing policies for cancer control.
Prevention of Cutaneous Damages Induced by Radiotherapy in Breast Cancer: An Institutional Experience
Authors: Ravo Vincenzo , Calvanese Maria Grazia , Di Franco Rossella , Crisci Vincenzina , Murino Paola , Manzo Roberto , Morra Anna , Cammarota Fabrizio , Muto Paolo 
Published: February 2018

Background and Aims A minimal part of patients treated with radiotherapy on the entire breast may present an acute, subacute or chronic cutaneous damage of the healthy tissues involved in the radiation fields. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the most efficient topical hydrating treatment in the prevention of cutaneous radio-induced acute effects in breast cancer. Material and Methods From February 2009 to March 2010, 100 patients affected by breast cancer have been recruited, all of the female sex and with an average age of 47 years. The following topical treatments were compared: Pure vitamin E (Vea lipogel®), Omega-3,6,9 (Quinovit®), Betaglucan, sodium hyaluronate (Neoviderm®), Vitis vinifera A.s-I-M.t-O.dij, (Ixoderm®), natural triglycerides-fitosterols (Xderit®). All enrolled patients were subjected to breast conservative treatment (quadrantectomy with or without homolateral axillary dissection) and without prosthesis positioning, in combination or not with hormonal treatment. Evaluation of the cutaneous acute toxicity was defined according to the RTOG scale either during radiotherapy and during follow-up (3 months after radiation treatment). Results All patients completed the radiotherapy; 62% of patients presented G0-G1 cutaneous toxicity, 28% have developed G2 cutaneous toxicity, 10% have developed G3 toxicity; no patient presented G4 toxicity. Analysis of the data revealed a correlation between the topical treatment used and the incidence of cutaneous toxicity. Conclusions Of the patients who used the cutaneous hydrating creams – betaglucan, sodium hyaluronate (Neoviderm®) and Vitis vinifera A.s-I-M.t-O.dij (Ixoderm®) – during the radiation treatment, 80% developed G0-G1 toxicity and 20% G2 toxicity. The patients who used the other hydrating creams tested in the study manifested not only G1-G2 toxicity but also some G3 toxicity. Chemotherapeutic treatment with taxanes and/or anthracyclines did not result in an increased breast cutaneous toxicity induced by radiotherapy. The hormone therapy given to patients undergoing radiotherapy did not result in increased breast cutaneous toxicity. Further analysis on a larger number of patients is necessary for definitive results.