bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative Hyperthermic Tissue Ablation in Pulmonary Metastases: A Case Report
Authors: Zanon Claudio , Bortolini Massimiliano , Simone Paolo , Bruno Francesco , Clara Renzo , Deriu Leonarda , Cornaglia Silvia 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background The surgical removal of lung metastases is controversial: some authors have reported good results in terms of prognosis and disease-free interval in patients affected by multiple metastases. Recently, percutaneous hyperthermic tissue ablation (HTA) has been used under CT guidance in solitary peripheral pulmonary tumors attached or close to the parietal pleura. Methods and study design We report the first intraoperative HTA of a lung metastasis from colorectal carcinoma, which might pave the way for possible future application of the procedure in patients with multiple pulmonary metastases. A 64-year-old patient affected by a rectal cancer was treated by abdominal perineal amputation followed by two lines of chemotherapy. After two years two lesions appeared in the lower left pulmonary lobe and another in the lower right lobe. The patient was monitored by three-monthly thoracic and abdominal CT. The lesions were stable for one year, but in the last two months one of the suspected metastases in the left lung increased from 1 to 2 cm. This was an indication for surgical removal. A mini posterolateral thoracotomy was performed. Thanks to complete collapse of the lung with manual squeezing of the parenchyma, ultrasonography provided satisfactory visualization of the two lesions. A frozen biopsy of the larger lesion was obtained which confirmed its metastatic nature. Ultrasound-guided HTA of the larger metastasis (2 cm) was performed. Final US demonstrated the change in the metastatic pattern. The two lesions were eventually removed by wedge resection using a TA 90 stapler. Histological examination of the two lesions confirmed the coagulative necrosis of the treated metastasis. No morbidity or pulmonary problems were recorded.
45th Annual Meeting of the Italian Cancer Society Bergamo, 9-12 November 2003
Authors: Giavazzi Raffaella , Aglietta Massimo , Astolfi Annalisa , Falanga Anna , Fusco Alfredo , Labianca Roberto , Lollini Pier Luigi , Lombardo Claudio , Natali Pier Giorgio , Pierotti Marco A , Presta Marco , Santoro Massimo , Taraboletti Giulia , Zupi Gabriella , Vecchio Giancarlo 
Published: April 2018

The 45th Annual Meeting of the Italian Cancer Society (SIC), held at the Centro Congressi Giovanni XXIII in Bergamo, Italy on 9-12 November, 2003, attracted almost 400 participants. The Scientific Committee chaired by R Giavazzi (Mario Negri Institute, Bergamo) and the board of the Italian Cancer Society produced a packed and varied program. Plenary sessions with keynote speakers (24 lectures) were combined with oral proffered papers (20 selected presentations), providing a platform from laboratory science to clinical interventions. Two hundred and sixty-one abstracts were submitted to the conference and presented in poster and poster discussion sessions, providing a stimulating ground for discussion and a network of interactive collaboration among young investigators. The venue of Bergamo offered exceptional hospitality with social events in the beautiful old town and at the Modern Art Museum. We hope that the following report gives an idea of the event and will encourage the reader to attend the 46th meeting of the SIC, 24-26 October, 2004 in Pisa.
T1-T2 Breast Cancer with Four or More Positive Axillary Lymph Nodes: Adjuvant Locoregional Radiotherapy with High-Dose or Standard-Dose Chemotherapy. Results of an Observational Study
Authors: Perrucci Elisabetta , Aristei Cynthia , De Angelis Verena , Anselmo Paola , Mascioni Francesca , Gori Stefania , Frattegiani Alessandro , Latini Paolo 
Published: April 2018

Aim and background The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of postoperative locoregional radiotherapy in patients with T1-T2 breast cancer and four or more positive axillary lymph nodes submitted to mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery followed by standard-dose or high-dose adjuvant chemotherapy. The incidence of locoregional relapses and the survival correlated with the number of positive nodes were recorded for each treatment arm. Patients and methods From August 1992 to August 1999 86 breast cancer patients (median age, 54 years, T1-T2, N+ >4) submitted to surgery were treated. Sixty-three patients received standard-dose chemotherapy while 23 patients with 10 or more positive nodes received high-dose chemotherapy. After four courses of standard-dose anthracycline-based chemotherapy peripheral blood stem cells were mobilized with cyclophosphamide (7g/m2) and G-CSF (10-16 μg/kg/day/sc). High-dose chemotherapy consisted of etoposide 1000 mg/m2, thiotepa 500 mg/m2 and carboplatin 800 mg/m2. Hormone receptor-positive patients underwent hormone therapy. Following chemotherapy all 86 patients were given conventional radiotherapy to the breast or the chest wall and the supraclavicular fossa. The high-dose subgroup received radiotherapy to the internal mammary nodes ± axilla. Results: The median follow-up from the start of radiotherapy was 36.5 months. Locoregional relapses occurred in nine patients (10.4%); in four of them they were isolated (4.6%). Local relapses were four (4.6%) and regional relapses six (6.9%). Twenty-five patients (29%) had distant metastases. The five-year and eight-year overall actuarial survival rates were 82.6% ± 4.8 and 60.1% ± 8.8, respectively. No statistical differences were found when the number of positive nodes or the type of treatment of N+ 10 patients was included in the analysis. Conclusions Breast cancer patients with four or more positive axillary lymph nodes are at high risk of developing locoregional and distant relapses. The results reported here demonstrate the efficacy of radiotherapy in the reduction of locoregional failure; no differences in survival and locoregional control in relation to treatment arm and number of positive nodes were found.
Effects of Interferon-α-2a on Th3 Cytokine Response in Multiple Myeloma Patients
Authors: Sonmez Mehmet , Sonmez Bircan , Eren Necmi , Yilmaz Mustafa , Karti S Sami , Ovali Ercument 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background Multiple myeloma cells increase Th3 cytokine response by secreting TGF-β, which causes defective Th1 and Th2 cytokine responses. Therefore, a significant suppression of the immune system is seen in multiple myeloma. Interferon-α (IFN-α) is used in the treatment of multiple myeloma due to its immunomodulatory and anti-tumoral effects. We attempted to define the characteristics of immune cytokine responses and the effects of IFN-α-2a on the immune response in multiple myeloma. Methods Fifteen patients with multiple myeloma and 15 healthy controls were enrolled. IFN-α-2a, 3 million units/day x 3 times/week, was administered subcutaneously to the patients for 2 weeks. Cytokines (TGF-β, IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ) were assessed by the ELISA method in sera of the patients in pretreatment and posttreatment periods and in the sera of the controls. Results IL-2 and IL-4 levels in patients, before IFN-α-2a, were lower than the controls, whereas TGF-β levels were higher than the controls. In other words, Th3 cytokine response was increased and Th1 and Th2 cytokine responses were decreased in patients. A short course of IFN-α-2a increased IL-2 levels. Conclusions These findings suggest IFN-α-2a may enhance nonTh3 cytokine responses in multiple myeloma patients.
Safety and Efficacy of Enoxaparin Treatment in Venous Thromboembolic Disease during Acute Leukemia
Authors: Imberti Davide , Vallisa Daniele , Anselmi Elisa , Moroni Carlo Filippo , Bertè Raffaella , Lazzaro Antonio , Bernuzzi Patrizia , Arcari Anna Lisa , Cavanna Luigi 
Published: April 2018

Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a quite common complication in acute leukemia, although its real incidence is unknown. The best treatment of this complication is still a matter of debate due to the very high risk of hemorrhage in this group of patients. Patients and methods From December 2000 to December 2002 four Caucasian patients with acute leukemia developed VTE complications. The patients were three men and one woman, mean age 55.7 years (range, 27-77). Two patients with acute lymphoid leukemia (L1 and L2 according to the FAB classification) developed deep venous thrombosis during the administration of chemotherapy; one patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML, M2 according to the FAB classification) had pulmonary thromboembolism at diagnosis, while another AML patient (M4 according to FAB) showed deep venous thrombosis as the first symptom of leukemia. The clinical diagnosis of symptomatic VTE was confirmed by objective imaging procedures including lower limb venous color Doppler imaging in all cases and a ventilation-perfusion lung scan in one case. All patients were treated with enoxaparin 100 IU/kg subcutaneously twice daily for one month, followed by 150 IU/kg once daily for at least five months. When the platelet count was below 20,000 × 109/L, the dose was reduced by 50%. Results During antithrombotic treatment neither VTE recurrences nor hemorrhagic complications or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia occurred. The platelet count at the beginning of enoxaparin treatment was very low (mean, 55,750 × 109/L; range, 12,000-121,000 × 109/L) and treatment did not affect platelet recovery. Conclusions Enoxaparin proved to be efficacious and safe in the management of deep venous thrombosis with or without pulmonary embolism in patients affected by acute leukemia. Enoxaparin cured acute venous thrombosis, prevented recurrences and did not cause any hemorrhagic complications despite prolonged severe thrombocytopenia.
Clinical Experience with Psychological Aspects in Pediatric Patients Amputated for Malignancies
Authors: Clerici Carlo Alfredo , Ferrari Andrea , Luksch Roberto , Casanova Michela , Massimino Maura , Cefalo Graziella , Terenziani Monica , Spreafico Filippo , Polastri Daniela , Mapelli Sergio , Daolio Primo , Bellani Franca Fossati 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background Amputation surgery in pediatric patients suffering from malignant tumors is less common than in the past, but has a great emotional impact on patients and their families as well as on the medical team. Studies addressing the psychological aspects of limb amputation in childhood cancer are still relatively limited, and the results have sometimes been contradictory. Methods At the Pediatric Oncology Unit of the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan psychological support was provided to candidates for amputation and their families, involving medical oncologists, a clinical psychologist, and social assistants. Twenty-two patients were analyzed and 16 underwent mutilating surgery. Results Different emotional reactions were observed. Surgery proved to be easier to accept when the tumor caused pain and functional loss. Specialist medical psychological support was needed in case of defense mechanisms (eg, splitting and projection) and depressive reactions evolving into isolation or intolerance. Conclusions The reported experience could be helpful in providing adequate support to children with tumors requiring mutilating surgery.
Quality of Life Assessment of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Panzini Ilaria , Fioritti Angelo , Gianni Lorenzo , Tassinari Davide , Canuti Debora , Fabbri Carla , Rudnas Britt , Desiderio Franco , Ravaioli Alberto 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background According to the USA Food and Drug Administration, quality of life (QOL) and/or survival are a priority for new anticancer drug approval. This study was performed to review approaches to QOL in randomized controlled clinical trials (RCCTs) and to survey the use of such measures in trials. Material and Methods A literature survey was carried out using the Medline/Medscape, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Ovid databases. Included in the survey were all publications in the set period (from 1966 to June 2005) with “quality of life” in the title or in the abstract in the field of “randomized, controlled clinical trials”. Each trial was evaluated according to the level of importance of QOL as a measure of outcome (primary, important and secondary) and was analyzed using the quality scoring system reported by Nicolucci et al. with some items regarding QOL. Results Four hundred and five RCCT articles in the oncology setting were found. Fifty-six of the 405 (13.8%) publications had QOL as primary end point. The overall quality score of these trials ranged from 40% to 100%, with a median overall score of 80%. The overall score was correlated with the year of publication (P = 0.007), the type of journal (P = 0.05), the presence of a biostatistician among the authors (P = 0.001), and the number of participating institutions (P = 0.009). Conclusions More attention to QOL in all components of RCCTs (design, choice of instruments, data management and processing) is required from both clinicians and statisticians.
Primary Glioblastoma Multiforme in Younger Patients: A Single-institution Experience
Authors: Ulutin Cüneyt , Fayda Merdan , Aksu Gorkem , Cetinayak Oguz , Kuzhan Okan , Ors Fatih , Beyzadeoglu Murat 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background To report our experience of patients with primary glioblastoma multiforme of young age by evaluating the characteristics, prognostic factors, and treatment outcomes. Patients and Methods Seventy patients with primary glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treated at our department between 1996 and 2004 were studied. The male-female ratio was 2.6:1. The median age was 53 (16-74). Sixty-eight patients (97%) were operated on before radiotherapy and 2 patients (3%) underwent only stereotactic biopsy. All patients received radiotherapy. Postoperative chemotherapy as an adjuvant to radiotherapy was given to 9 patients (12%). The patients were divided into 2 groups according to their age (group A ≤35 years, n = 21 vs group B >35 years, n = 49). Survival was determined with the Kaplan-Meier method and differences were compared using the log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify the independent prognostic factors. Karnofsky performance status (≥70 vs <70), age (≤35 vs >35 years), gender, tumor size (≤4 vs >4 cm), number of involved brain lobes (1 vs more than 1), type of surgery (total vs subtotal), preoperative seizure history (present vs absent), radiotherapy field (total cranium vs partial), total radiotherapy dose (60 vs 66 Gy), and adjuvant chemotherapy (present vs absent) were evaluated in univariate analysis. Results The median survival was 10.3 months in the whole group, 19.5 months in the younger age group and 5.7 months in the older age group. During follow-up re-craniotomy was performed in 2 patients (3%), and 1 patient (1%) developed spinal seeding metastases and was given spinal radiotherapy. In univariate analysis younger age vs older age: median 19.5 months vs 5.27 months (P = 0.0012); Karnofsky performance status ≥70 vs <70: median 15.3 months vs 2.67 months (P <0.0001), and external radiotherapy dose 60 Gy vs 66 Gy: median 11.6 months vs 3 months (P = 0.02) were found as significant prognostic factors for survival. In regression analysis a worse performance status (KPS <70) was found to be the only independent factor for survival (P = 0.014, 95% CI HR = 0.0043 [0.0001-0.15]). Conclusions Younger patients with primary glioblastoma multiforme had a relatively long survival (median, 19.5 months, with a 2-year survival rate of 30%) compared to older patients. This was due particularly to their better performance status.
Coexpression of HER-2/neu and p53 in Breast Cancer Identifies a Subset with an Aggressive Biopathological Profile
Authors: Sidoni Angelo , Cavaliere Antonio , Bellezza Guido , Del Sordo Rachele , Angiero Francesca , Gori Stefania , Rulli Antonio , Bucciarelli Emilio 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background Amplification/overexpression of HER-2/neu and inactivation of p53 may be reliable parameters for the prognostic assessment of breast carcinomas. Several studies have addressed the prognostic significance of simultaneous expression of these gene abnormalities with controversial results. Methods In this study we analyzed the biopathological profile of 45 breast cancers with both HER-2/neu and p53 overexpression and compared their features with those of 45 randomly selected cases negative for these gene products. Results Tumors with HER-2/neu and p53 coexpression were found in younger patients, were more often multifocal and/or multicentric, were poorly differentiated in 55% of cases and lymph node-positive in 57%, showing a statistically significant difference compared to tumors with neither alteration (11% and 28%, respectively). Moreover, they were prevalently negative for estrogen (71% vs 22%) and progesterone receptors (78% vs 40%) and showed a higher proliferative activity. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that the coexpression of p53 and HER-2/neu is an additive effect in terms of genetic instability reflected by both morphological and biological adverse features; patients with such coexpression should be assigned to specific therapeutic and follow-up protocols.
Diagnostic Imaging of Lung Cancer after Heart Transplantation
Authors: La Fianza Alfredo , Pellegrini Carlo , Berton Francesca , Rinaldi Mauro , Ippoliti Giovanbattista , Gorone Maria Sole Prevedoni , Viganò Mario 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background In heart transplant recipients pulmonary neoplasms are among the most frequent solid tumors; they have a rapid and aggressive course, and therefore require an early diagnosis. We describe the role that diagnostic imaging plays in different diagnostic moments of this disease. Methods We evaluated the incidence and diagnosis of lung cancer in patients who underwent heart transplants at our institution. Taking into account the few different diagnostic imaging techniques (chest X-ray, high-resolution computed tomography [CT], staging CT and CT-guided biopsy) used in standard surveillance protocols or indicated by clinical symptoms, we evaluated their diagnostic accuracy, their efficacy in tumor staging, and their impact on the therapeutic choices. Results Seventeen neoplasms in a total of 712 patients were diagnosed (2.4%). In 16 of these 17 cases chest X-ray (routinely performed as follow-up in 11 cases, indicated by symptoms in 5 cases) was diagnostic. In another 11 cases chest X-ray was false positive. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of chest X-ray was 98%, 91%, 98%, 50%, and 99%, respectively. Total-body CT correctly staged the tumors and provided information as to whether surgery was indicated or not (stage II or advanced). Conclusions Chest X-ray is still the surveillance radiological technique in heart transplant recipients. Considering its low specificity and sensitivity, we propose high-resolution CT imaging during follow-up to identify pulmonary lesions as soon as possible and enable a differential diagnosis with parenchymal inflammation. The use of CT-guided fine-needle biopsy and culture examinations permits to differentiate neoplastic from inflammatory parenchymal opacities. Use of CT in cancer staging is effective for subsequent treatment choices.
Tumori in Diverse Specie Del Genere Drosophila
Authors: Brncic Danko , Koref Susie 
Published: April 2018

Melanotic bodies, in all similar to the tumors described in Drosophila melanogaster, were found in natural populations of the following species of the genus Drosophila: D. campestris, D. bainderantorum, D. bocainensis. D. griseolineata, D. guaramunú, D. immigrans, D. mediostriata, D. mediopunctata, D. nebulosa, D. repleta, D. simulans, D. sturtevanti, D. virilis, D. willstoni. In stocks maintained in the laboratory for a long time, it was determined that the frequency of tumors varied from 0 to 5‰, with a mean value of 1-2‰. The highest percentage was found in the D. sturtevanti - Belem strain (2.08%). Different strains from a same species had different tumor frequencies. The study of the offspring of tumor bearing flies, and the cross of strains selected for a high frequency of tumors, reveled that these were inherited through rcessive genes of incomplete penetrance. As in D. melanogaster, the tumors appear in the larval stage and regress at the end of this period loading themeselves with melanic pigments. These melanized tumor rests persist in the pupae and adults’ as foreing bodies which apparently produce no important alterations to their bearers.
La Radiumterapia Delle Recidive E Delle Metastasi Cutanee E Linfoghiandolari Regionali Del Carcinoma Della Mammella Operato. Risultati Conseguiti in 332 Casi Nel Decennio 1939 - 1948
Authors: Fossati Franco 
Published: April 2018

The following results were obtained by radiumtherapy in 332 cases of recurrences and metastases of the skin and regional lymph nodes treated from 1939 to 1948 in the Radiological Department of the Cancer Institute in Milan. Survival cases after 5 years: 14,8 per cent in cases of recurrences or gangliar metastases treated by combined surgery and radiumtherapy; 13,5 per cent in cases of gangliar metastases treated by radiumtherapy alone; 12,5 per cent in cases of recurrences and regional skin metastases treated by radiumtherapy alone. A 7,6 per cent of survival was obtained by radiumtherapy alone in cases of recurrences or skin metastases with regional metastasized lymph nodes.
RICERCHE BIOMETRICHE SULLA CANCEROGENESI CUTANEA. III. AZIONE DELL'OLIO DI CROTON SULL'EPIDERMIDE IRRADIATA CON RAGGI X MOLLI.
Authors: Biagini Carissimo , Castellani Amleto , Severi Clara 
Published: April 2018

1) 350 mice of a genetically pure strain were irradiated on the skin with 1000 r of soft X rays. On a half of such animals a treatment with croton oil was undertaken, lasting 3 months; the other half was left without any further treatment. No neoplastic growth was observed. 2) A biometric analysis of the skin at different times has shown a thickening of the epidermis in both sets of animals but with different characters: in the solely irradiated epidermis a swelling of the cytoplasms is observed, whereas in the irradiated and croton-oil treated epidermis an increase of the nuclear bulk (besides the swelling of cytoplasm) and an increase in the number of cells are observed. The increase of the nuclear bulk appears as a rythmic growth. 3) The causes of the lack of the co-carcinogenic effect are discussed.
« Azione Colchicino-Simile di un Derivato Acridinico e Azione Combinata di Tale Composto e di Colchicina Sopra le Cellule Emopoietiche Dell'Embrione di Pollo »
Authors: Monesi Valerio 
Published: April 2018

The antimitotic action of an acridine derivative (Italchina Farmitalia = Atebrin = 6-chloro-2-methoxy-9-α-diethylamino-δ-pentilaminoacridine) administered alone and in association with Colchicine has been studied on basophil megaloblasts of chick embryos. In comparison to the controls, the following results have been obtained in the embryos treated with Italchina: 1) A marked decrease of mitotic index. 2) A high percentage increase of metaphases and significant percentage diminution of pro-, ana- and telophases. 3) Degenerative cytolytic lesions of interphasic nuclei and mitotic lesions: sticking of chromosomes, anaphase bridges, chromosomes breaking, irregular and often picnotic metaphases. On the basis of the obtained results it is stated that Italchina exerts a double mitostatic action: a pre-prophasic action (radiomimetic) and a statmokinetic one (colchicine-like). The combined treatment Italchina + Colchicine shows that Italchina enhances the action of Colchicine. The conclusions obtained by Rondoni and Necco on the in vitro fibroblasts of chick embryos are confirmed.