bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alkaline Phosphatase Levels as a Prognostic Factor in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treated with the FOLFOX 4 Regimen: A Monoinstitutional Retrospective Study
Authors: Maisano Roberto , Azzarello Domenico , Del Medico Pietro , Maisano Maurizio , Bottari Maria , Egitto Giovanni , Nardi Mario 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Metastatic colorectal cancer has a heterogeneous behavior, and a set of patients will have minimal response and rapid disease progression. To understand this heterogeneity, studies have evaluated biological and clinical prognostic factors. Alkaline phosphatase seems to be a key prognostic factor, so we have reviewed the outcomes of our patients with respect to alkaline phosphatase levels. Methods and study design Between January 2003 and December 2008, we treated with the FOLFOX 4 regimen 103 consecutive patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Thirty-two patients had alkaline phosphatase ≥300 U/l. Results Median time to progression was 4 months for patients with high alkaline phosphatase levels and 8 months for those with low alkaline phosphatase levels. Median overall survival was 8 and 17.5 months, respectively. Only 3 patients in the high alkaline phosphatase group obtained partial response (9.4%) compared to 3 complete responses and 24 partial responses (41.5%) in low alkaline phosphatase group. Toxicity was substantially different, with more grade 3–4 neutropenia, diarrhea and oral mucositis in the high than low alkaline phosphatase group. Conclusions Alkaline phosphatase is an uncomplicated and potent prognostic factor. Patients with high alkaline phosphatase levels had a poor prognosis. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it
Image-Guided Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kang Jin-Kyu , Cho Chul Koo , Choi Chul Won , Yoo SeongYul , Kim Mi-Sook , Yang KwangMo , Yoo HyungJun , Kim Jin Ho , Seo Young Seok , Lee Dong Han , Jo MoonKi 
Published: February 2018

Purpose We report the results of a retrospective study of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) using CyberKnife for localized prostate cancer. The study focused on the safety and feasibility of this treatment modality. Materials and methods Between October 2002 and December 2007, 44 patients suffering from localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate were treated with SBRT using CyberKnife at the Korea Cancer Center Hospital. The patients were divided into 3 groups: a low-risk group (5 patients), an intermediate-risk group (10 patients), and a high-risk group (29 patients). Five patients received 32 Gy in 4 fractions, 28 patients received 34 Gy in 4 fractions, and 11 patients received 36 Gy in 4 fractions. Results The median age of the patients was 69 years (range, 53–79 years) and the median duration of follow-up 40 months (range, 12–78 months). There were 6 acute and 3 late grade 2 urinary toxicities, and 4 acute and 5 late grade 2 rectal toxicities, but there were no grade 3 or higher treatment-related toxicities. The 5-year cause-specific survival rate and progression-free survival rate were both 100%. At last follow-up, the biochemical failure-free rate of the low-risk, intermediate-risk and high-risk patients was 100%, 100% and 90.8%, respectively. Conclusion SBRT using CyberKnife for localized prostate cancer is safe and well tolerated. We obtained promising results with 34 Gy in a 4-fraction regimen especially for the high-risk patients. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it
Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma with Stereotactic Radiotherapy: Long-Term Results of a Mono-Institutional Trial
Authors: Maranzano Ernesto , Anselmo Paola , Casale Michelina , Trippa Fabio , Carletti Sandro , Principi Massimo , Loreti Fabio , Italiani Marco , Caserta Claudia , Giorgi Cesare 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Few clinical data exist concerning normal brain tissue tolerance to re-irradiation. The present study evaluated long-term outcome of 22 recurrent glioblastoma patients re-irradiated with radiosurgery or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. Methods Twenty-two patients were treated with radiosurgery (13, 59%) or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (9, 41%) for 24 lesions of recurrent glioblastoma. The male/female ratio was 14: 8, median age 55 years (range, 27–81), and median Karnofsky performance status 90 (range, 70–100). The majority of the cases (77%) was in recursive partitioning analysis classes III or IV. Radiosurgery or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy was chosen according to lesion size and location. Results Median time between primary radiotherapy and re-irradiation was 9 months. Median doses were 17 Gy and 30 Gy, whereas median cumulative normalized total dose was 141 Gy and 98 Gy for radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy, respectively. All patients submitted to radiosurgery had a cumulative normalized total dose of more than 100 Gy, whereas only a few (44%) of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy patients had a cumulative normalized total dose exceeding 100 Gy. Median follow-up from re-irradiation was 54 months. At the time of analysis, all patients had died. After re-irradiation, 1 (4%) lesion was in partial remission, 16 (67%) lesions were stable, and the remaining 7 (29%) were in progression. Median duration of response was 6 months, and median survival from re-irradiation 11 months. Three of 13 (23%) patients submitted to radiosurgery developed asymptomatic brain radionecrosis. The cumulative normalized total dose for the 3 patients was 122 Gy, 124 Gy, and 141 Gy, respectively. In one case, the volume of the lesion was large (14 cc), and in the other 2 the interval between the first and second cycle of radiotherapy was short (5 months). Conclusions Re-irradiation with radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy is feasible and effective in recurrent glioblastoma patients. Apart from the importance of an accurate patient selection, cumulative radiotherapy dose and a correct indication for radiosurgery or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy must be taken into account to avoid brain toxicity. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it
Prognostic Significance of p53 Protein and X-ray Repair Cross-Complementing Protein 1 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Rybárová Silvia , Hodorová Ingrid , Muri Jozef , Mihalik Jozef , Adamkov Marian , Svajdler Marián , Piovarci Dalibor , Mirossay Ladislav 
Published: February 2018

Objectives p53 and XRCC1 protein expression were evaluated in 54 samples of non-small cell lung cancer. Patients and methods The immunohistochemical method was used for detection of the monitored proteins. Tissue samples were divided according to histopathological tumor type. The results were then compared with basic clinical and histopathological parameters (histopathological type, nuclear grade and TNM tumor stage IA, IB). Results Statistically significant correlations were found between histopathological type and p53 expression, since P <0.05 (P = 0.015). Comparing p53 expression with grade resulted in a strong positive correlation (P <0.0396, R2 = 0.9223). The percentage of p53-positive tumors progressively increased from 0% in grade 1 to 75% in grade 4. No correlation was found between p53 expression and tumor stage. In case of XRCC1, the highest level was found in squamous cell lung carcinoma, where 71% of samples was positive. In case of large cell carcinoma samples, it was 67%, and in adenocarcinoma 52% of samples showed XRCC1 immunoreactivity. No statistically significant correlation was found between histopathological type, grade or early stage (IA, IB) of non-small cell lung cancer and expression of XRCC1 protein profile without neoadjuvant therapy. Conclusions We found a statistically significant correlation between p53 expression and histopathological tumor type. It is possible that stabilized p53 protein plays an important role in the development of squamous and large cell carcinoma. Our findings also suggest that p53 expression cumulates with the dedifferentiation of cancer cells. It is possible that the expression of XRCC1 is not fixed and could be changed by the status of cancer cells and in relation to therapy. Relevant data about pre- versus post-chemotherapy and XRCC1 expression are needed to evaluate the influence of XRCC1 on drug resistance. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Affects the Expression of Angiogenin and Cell Proliferation in A375 Human Melanoma Cells
Authors: Zhao Jia , Yang Qiong , Yang Jianli , Wang Ji , Fan Lingling , Wang Li 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Human malignant melanoma is a very aggressive and highly angiogenesis-dependent tumor. Basic fibroblast growth factor and angiogenin are the potentially important angiogenic factors for melanoma progression and metastasis. Many studies have mainly focused on how they induce angiogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor on the expression of angiogenin and melanoma cell growth. Methods and study design Angiogenin mRNA and protein expression were investigated by means of semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay and western blotting. We analyzed cell proliferation using MTT, flow cytometry and soft agar assay. Immunofluorescence staining was applied to investigate co-localization and nuclear translocation. Results We found that basic fibroblast growth factor negatively affected the expression of angiogenin in A375 cells. The result showed that down-regulation of basic fibroblast growth factor induced decreased cell proliferation of A375 cells, and in basic fibroblast growth factor up-regulated cells, cell proliferation was increased. We demonstrated that basic fibroblast growth factor protein was co-localized with angiogenin and that it underwent nuclear translocation in A375 cells. Conclusion These findings suggest that there is a cooperation mechanism between basic fibroblast growth factor and angiogenin in A375 cells, and the cooperation mechanism affects the progress of tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it
Trends in Prostate Cancer Incidence and Mortality before and after the Introduction of PSA Testing in the Slovak and Czech Republics
Authors: Ondrusova Martina , Ondrus Dalibor , Karabinos Juraj , Muzik Jan , Kliment Jan , Gulis Gabriel 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background As two neighboring countries in central Europe with national cancer registries, the Slovak (SR) and Czech Republics (CR) are countries with a medium global rate in the occurrence of prostate cancer. This paper analyzes the incidence of prostate cancer and mortality before and after the introduction of PSA testing in the two Republics and the possible reasons for any differences discovered and compares the results with selected regions and countries of the world. Study design and results In the Slovak Republic, prostate cancer incidence (age-adjusted to the world standard population) has risen from 14.6/100, 000 in 1968 (95% CI, ±1.5772) to 36.2/100, 000 in 2005 (95% CI, ±2.0678). The estimated annual increase in the incidence during the period 1968–1991 (before nationwide PSA testing) was 0.421; from 1991 (when nationwide PSA testing began) to up to 2003 it was 0.941. Mortality rates grew from 7.3/100, 000 in 1968 to 14.9/100, 000 in 2005. In spite of the geographic proximity of the two countries, the increase in incidence occurred faster in the Czech than in the Slovak Republic, from 15.8/100, 000 in 1977 (95% CI, ±0.9748) to 59.5/100, 000 in 2005 (95% CI, ±1.7187). The estimated annual increase in incidence in the Czech Republic for the period of 1977–1991 was 0.581. From 1991 (when national PSA testing began) until 2003, it was 1.981. In the period before 1991, mortality rose more sharply in the Czech than in the Slovak Republic, whereas after the introduction of PSA testing mortality stabilized more quickly in the Czech than in the Slovak Republic. In the Slovak Republic, a significant reduction in mortality was observed after 2002 and has continued to the present and probably is not affected only by the results connected with the increase in PSA testing. Conclusions The difference in the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in the Slovak and the Czech Republics results from a difference in the intensity of PSA testing as well as from the introduction of complex, more effective treatment in advanced clinical stages.
Absence of Paxillin Gene Mutation in Lung Cancer and other Common Solid Cancers
Authors: Kim Min Sung , Yoo Nam Jin , Lee Sug Hyung 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Mounting evidence indicates that deregulated cell adhesion is involved in the mechanisms of cancer pathogenesis. A recent study showed that the paxillin gene (PXN) encoding a focal adhesion protein was somatically mutated in lung cancers. The aim of this study was to confirm the presence of PXN mutations in lung cancers as well as in other common solid cancers. Methods We analyzed somatic PXN mutations in 45 lung, 45 gastric, 45 colorectal, 45 breast, 45 liver and 45 prostate cancers by polymerase chain reaction and single-strand conformation polymorphism assay. Results Neither lung nor other cancers were found to be associated with somatic mutations of PXN. Conclusions In contrast to the previous report, our study revealed that PXN mutation was absent in lung cancers and other common solid cancers, suggesting that PXN mutation may not play a principal role in solid cancer development.
Hereditary Paraganglioma Syndrome Associated with SDHD Gene Mutations: A Patient with Multicentric Presentation Treated with Radiotherapy. Case Report
Authors: Garibaldi Elisabetta , Bresciani Sara , Panaia Rocco , Delmastro Elena , Malinverni Giuseppe , Gabriele Pietro 
Published: February 2018

Introduction Extra-adrenal paragangliomas are rare tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells. Sporadic and hereditary forms have been recognized. Among the latter, the PGL1 and PGL4 syndromes are associated with a high risk of multiple localizations. The treatment of choice for paragangliomas is surgical resection, but in some cases surgery can be difficult due to particular or multiple tumor sites or may result in severe neurological deficits. In such cases radiotherapy can be an effective alternative. In this paper we describe the case of a patient affected by hereditary paraganglioma syndrome with multicentric presentation who was treated at our center by external radiotherapy. Case report A 55-year-old man presented in April 2008 with multiple paragangliomas: one in the left pontocerebellar angle, two in the middle neck, one mediastinal paraaortic mass, and an abdominal paraaortic lesion. The left pontocerebellar and mediastinal tumors were treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) at total doses of 50.40 Gy and 55.80 Gy, respectively. The neck lesions were treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) at a total dose of 55.80 Gy. The abdominal paraaortic lesion was surgically resected. Results No severe acute or late toxicity as evaluated with the EORTC-RTOG scale was observed. Fourteen months after the end of radiotherapy a whole body CT scan showed that the tumor lesions were stable in size and in their relations to contiguous structures. The arterial pressure was controlled by medical therapy and urine catecholamine levels were within the normal range. Conclusions We believe that in patients affected by unresectable paragangliomas radiotherapy is a safe and effective alternative to surgery. The use of high-dose conformity techniques such as 3D-CRT and IMRT will allow higher local control rates with relatively few side effects thanks to the possibility of dose escalation and reduction of the amount of irradiated healthy tissues.
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 decreased after chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ertan Esra , Soydinc Hilal , Yazar Aziz , Ustuner Zeki , Tas Faruk , Yasasever Vildan 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background The aim of the study was to investigate the alteration in serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels after chemotherapy and the association between the changes in serum levels of MMP-9 and response to chemotherapy in patients with advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer. Methods and study design Twenty-eight consecutive patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and 24 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The patients were treated with cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy. After two cycles, the response was evaluated. Before and after two cycles of chemotherapy, serum samples were collected from the patients. Results Prechemotherapy MMP-9 (ng/ml) levels were significantly higher in patients with advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer than in controls (7.2 ± 2.8 vs 4.5 ± 2.1, P<0.001). Prechemotherapy MMP-9 levels were elevated compared to postchemotherapy levels as well (7.2 ± 2.8 vs 5.2 ± 3.3, P = 0.005). Prechemotherapy MMP-9 levels were significantly higher than postchemotherapy MMP-9 levels in patients with partial response (7 patients) (8.2 ± 1.8 and 3.2 ± 2.3, respectively; P = 0.018), but the pre- and postchemotherapy MMP-9 levels were no different in patients with stable disease or progressive disease (21 patients) (7 ± 3.1 and 5.9 ± 3.3, respectively; P = 0.08). Conclusions The difference between pre- and postchemotherapy MMP-9 levels in responders was more prominent than that in nonresponders. Whether the decline in serum MMP-9 levels might be used as a marker of response to chemotherapy should be investigated in larger studies.
Wall defects after abdominoperineal resection: A modified tension-free technique
Authors: Vannelli Alberto , Battaglia Luigi , Rampa Mario , Boati Paolo , Putortì Antonella , Pelleriti Daniela , Fedele Fabienne , Leo Ermanno 
Published: February 2018

Background The treatment of wall defects after abdominoperineal resection has yet to be defined. In this study we report the outcome of a modified prosthetic technique for the treatment of combined large incisional and parastomal hernia performed after abdominoperineal resection. Material and methods Between January 2005 and July 2008, 21 consecutive patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer received surgical repair for large incisional hernias with a modified mesh technique consisting of a tension-free attachment of the prosthetic material to the posterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle. The surgical outcome was assessed mainly as the recurrence rate of abdominal hernia and postoperative complications. Results Among the 21 patients we reported two minor complications: partial necrosis of the skin flap (4.8%) and a seroma (4.8%). One major complication occurred: extensive necrosis of the skin flap (4.8%). We reported one death due to stroke 20 days after surgery. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.1 days (SD, 2.3). Conclusions This study encourages the use of a tension-free modified prosthetic technique for the repair of combined wall defects after abdominoperineal resection. The technique does not lead to an increase in the incidence of complications, offering a considerable advantage to the patient.
Impact of delayed radiotherapy on local control in node-negative breast cancer patients treated with breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy without chemotherapy
Authors: Kim Kyubo , Chie Eui Kyu , Han Wonshik , Noh Dong-Young , Ha Sung W 
Published: February 2018

Aim and background To evaluate the effect of the surgery-radiotherapy interval (SRI) on local control in node-negative breast cancer patients treated with breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy without chemotherapy. Methods From February 1992 to January 2002, 171 patients with node-negative breast cancer underwent breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy without chemotherapy. The whole breast was irradiated up to 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions followed by a 10-Gy boost to the tumor bed. Forty-four patients received tamoxifen in addition to radiotherapy. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the length of SRI: <6 weeks (128 patients) versus ≥6 weeks (43 patients). The median follow-up period was 87 months (range, 22–167). Results The 8-year local control rates of patients with SRI <6 weeks and ≥6 weeks were 94.5% and 92.7%, respectively (P = 0.1140). When age, tumor size, resection margin status, combination with hormonal therapy, and SRI were incorporated into the Cox proportional hazards model, SRI <6 weeks and age at diagnosis ≥40 years were associated with increased local control (P = 0.0343 and 0.0264, respectively). In the subgroup analysis, SRI <6 weeks was correlated with a higher local control rate for patients aged <40 years (P = 0.0142). Among older patients, however, there was no statistical difference in local control according to SRI (P = 0.6655). Treatment interval had no impact on overall and distant metastasis-free survival. Conclusions Early radiotherapy within 6 weeks of breast-conserving surgery is associated with increased local control in patients with node-negative breast cancer not undergoing chemotherapy.
Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy for refractory laryngeal granuloma
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Shi Mei , Xia Yuesheng , Luo Shanquan , Fu Xuehai , Xiao Feng , Li Jianping , Deng Zhihong , Long Xiaoli 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background The etiology of laryngeal granulomas is often multifactorial and the benefit of pharmacological therapy remains unclear. Anti-reflux treatment is only effective in granulomas definitely induced by gastroesophageal reflux. Steroid inhalation has shown favorable results but it is unclear whether it shortens the healing process. Surgical excision is associated with high recurrence rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) in the treatment of refractory laryngeal granuloma. Methods and study design The study was a retrospective review including all patients presenting to the Department of Radiation Oncology at Xijing Hospital from January 2004 to March 2007. We studied a total of 15 cases of refractory laryngeal granuloma that had recurred ≥2 times. Patients had previously been managed with voice rest, corticosteroids, antibiotics, antacids, surgery and botulinum toxin. All patients accepted surgical excision and immediate adjuvant 3DCRT at a total dose of 15 Gy over 5 days. Results All patients were successfully treated with surgery and 3DCRT. There has been no granuloma recurrence in 3 years of follow-up. Conclusions 3DCRT is a safe and effective therapy for refractory laryngeal granulomas, especially when other methods have failed.