bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutation Analysis of the FHIT Gene in Bronchoscopic Specimens from Patients with Suspected Lung Cancer
Authors: Cecener Gulsah , Tunca Berrin , Egeli Unal , Karadag Mehmet , Vatan Ozgur , Uzaslan Esra , Tolunay Sahsine 
Published: February 2018

Aims and Background Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. However, despite recent advances in molecular biology that have revealed various genetic changes in lung cancer, the prognostic outcome of lung cancer patients has improved only minimally. This situation has changed fundamentally with the identification of molecular abnormalities that are characteristic of premalignant changes, such as changes in tumor suppressor genes, loss of heterozygosity at crucial sites, and activation of oncogenes. Inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene Fragile Histidine Triad (FHIT) is a frequent genetic change in lung cancer. The aim of this study was to identify FHIT gene alterations in bronchoscopy specimens of patients with suspected lung cancer and to determine the molecular relevance, if any, of FHIT alterations in the development of cancer. Patients and Methods Sixty-two patients with suspected lung tumors were screened for variations within exons 5-9 of the FHIT gene using intronic primer pairs and single-strand conformation polymorphism and sequencing analysis. Results FHIT gene alterations were detected in 27 out of 62 bronchoscopic specimens (43.54%). All of these alterations were identified as T to A alteration at position IVS8-17. This intronic variant also was identified in approximately half of control cases (45%). Conclusions Our findings showed that the FHIT IVS8-17 T to A alteration identified in bronchoscopy specimens from patients with clinically suspected lung cancer is a polymorphism found in the Turkish population. We think that this polymorphism does not affect gene function because it is located in the intron portion of the gene and is present in many cancer patients as well as healthy subjects. We suggest that the FHIT gene may be turned off in lung carcinogenesis via other genetic or epigenetic mechanisms rather than mutations.
Cervical Chordoma with Retropharyngeal Extension Presenting with Impaired Voice
Authors: Nicoucar Keyvan , Rausch Thierry , Becker Minerva , Dulguerov Pavel 
Published: February 2018

Aims and Background We report an extremely rare case of cervical chordoma presenting with impaired voice. Method Case report and a review of the literature concerning the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of a cervical chordoma. Results A singing teacher complaining of dysphonia was examined and surgically treated for a retropharyngeal extension of a cervical chordoma. A local recurrence was treated with proton beam therapy. Among primary malignant tumors of bone, chordomas account for 3–4% of all cases. Chordoma is typically a locally aggressive tumor with a high propensity for local recurrence. Its management involves surgery, radiotherapy, or both. Conclusion To our knowledge this is the first report in the world literature of a retropharyngeal extension of a cervical chordoma presenting with impaired voice. This case indicates that bony tumors of the spine may present first to voice-disorder clinicians. Increased awareness of this neoplasm may lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment.
Symptomatic Leptomeningeal and Intramedullary Metastases from Intracranial Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Case Report
Authors: Scoccianti Silvia , Detti Beatrice , Meattini Icro , Iannalfi Alberto , Sardaro Angela , Leonulli Barbara Grilli , Martinelli Francesco , Bordi Lorenzo , Pellicanò Gianni , Biti Giampaolo 
Published: February 2018

Background Glioblastoma multiforme infrequently metastasizes to the leptomeninges and even more rarely to the spinal cord. Moreover, very few patients with intracranial glioblastoma develop symptoms from spinal dissemination, with most patients not surviving long enough for spinal disease to become clinically evident. Case Report We present a rare case of symptomatic diffuse spinal leptomeningeal metastases simultaneously to an intramedullary lesion from an intracranial glioblastoma multiforme. After the diagnosis of spinal metastases the patient was treated with limited-field spinal radiotherapy (30 Gy in 3-Gy fractions). Results Radiotherapy on the main spinal lesions provided either relief from pain or mild improvement of neurological deficits. The patient died due to intracranial progression 4 months after diagnosis of spinal seeding and 17 months after diagnosis of the primary disease. We analyzed leptomeningeal and spinal metastases from glioblastoma multiforme with reference to the literature. Conclusions Radiotherapy for spinal disease may provide important symptom relief but the prognosis of these patients remains dramatically poor. As the local control of primary glioblastoma multiforme has improved with recent therapeutic advances, distant metastasis from high-grade gliomas is likely to become a more common clinical problem and such patients need to be included in clinical trials to evaluate new therapeutic approaches.
Gemcitabine and Carboplatin Treatment in Advanced NSCLC: A Retrospective Evaluation Including Elderly Patients
Authors: Murialdo Roberto , Boy Davide , Bertolotti Francesca , Martini Maria Cristina , Pastorino Gisella , Sogno Giorgio , Vallauri Matteo , Moraglio Lorenza , Tixi Lucia , Angelini Isabella , Saccà Vittoria , Ballestrero Alberto , Brema Fulvio 
Published: February 2018

Background Carboplatin-containing regimens are sometimes preferred for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Methods Eighty-three patients with stage III-IV non-small cell lung cancer received 3 to 4 cycles of carboplatin AUC 5 on day 2 and gemcitabine 1250 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 every 21 days. Results The overall response rate was 43.4%. Results obtained from elderly and non-elderly groups were compared using the logrank method. Median overall survival and progression-free survival were 11 and 7 months, respectively (12 and 7 months, non-elderly group; 6.5 and 5 months, elderly group, P = 0.28 and 0.25 respectively). Grade 3–4 toxicity included neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea. Incidences of grade 3–4 toxicity were similar for elderly and non-elderly patients. Conclusions Data confirm that carboplatin-gemcitabine is an active and well-tolerated regimen in advanced non-small cell lung cancer and could be investigated in elderly patients.
A Case of Ovarian Psammocarcinoma Associated with Endometrioid Cysts: A Morphological and Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Sanguedolce Francesca , Indraccolo Ugo , Tortorella Simona , Nappi Luigi , Rosenberg Piergiorgio , Greco Pantaleo , Bufo Pantaleo 
Published: February 2018

Background Psammocarcinoma of the ovary is an uncommon neoplasm, currently classified among the low-grade epithelial serous tumors. Little is known about its pathogenesis and biological behavior. Case A 35-year-old woman underwent laparotomic myomectomy and surgical removal of the right gonad after the incidental discovery of an adnexal mass. The pathological findings were consistent with serous psammocarcinoma and multiple endometrioid cysts of the ovary. Tissue specimens from the neoplasm were tested by immunohistochemistry for the p53, HER-2/neu and bcl-2 cancer-related proteins; diffuse overexpression for bcl-2 was detected, while tumor cells were negative for p53 and HER-2/neu. Conclusion Although the pathogenesis and clinical course of ovarian psammocarcinoma are still to be determined, the molecular profile of this case highlights the similarities with ovarian tumors of the serous borderline group.
Italian Performance in Cancer Research
Authors: Micheli Andrea , Di Salvo Francesca , Lombardo Claudio , Ciampichini Roberta , Ugolini Donatella , Baili Paolo , Pierotti Marco A 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Italian performance in cancer research from 2000 to 2007 was assessed and compared to that of the other 19 wealthiest countries in the world which carry out the bulk of cancer research. Methods Performance was evaluated quantitatively as the number of publications in 125 journals indexed as ‘oncological’ by Journal Citation Reports and qualitatively as the total impact factor (TIF). Number of publications and TIF were adjusted for the population and gross domestic product (GDP) of each country. The Scopus database was used as publication source. Results Italy ranked 5th, with the US ranking 1st, over the entire study period for number of cancer publications, which increased over that period. Italy ranked 4th in 2006–2007 for GDP-adjusted and 5th for population-adjusted publication number, loosing ground in the GDP-adjusted ranking and gaining ground in the population-adjusted ranking over the study period. When the quality of research publications was considered, in 2006–2007 Italy was in 5th place for crude TIF (US 1st), in 4th place for GDP-adjusted TIF (Sweden 1st), and in 6th place for population-adjusted TIF (Sweden 1st). Over the study period, Italy was stable for crude and population-adjusted TIF but declined somewhat for GDP-adjusted TIF. Conclusions Italy's performance in cancer research over the eight years to 2008 was better than expected considering its GDP and population. Nevertheless, the slight decline evidenced by the present study should induce scientists and policy makers to find ways to reverse the situation.
Outcome of Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Patients Treated by Radiotherapy plus Concomitant and Adjuvant Temozolomide: A Long-Term Analysis
Authors: Erpolat Ozge Petek , Akmansu Muge , Goksel Fatih , Bora Huseyin , Yaman Emel , Büyükberber Suleyman 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumor in adults. The standard treatment is surgery and radiotherapy. In this study, the results of radiotherapy plus concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide are reported. In addition, the efficiency of adjuvant temozolomide is evaluated. Methods and study design Forty-one patients were analyzed. All patients received radiotherapy (2 Gy daily fractionation dose, median 60 Gy total doses) and concomitant temozolomide (at a daily dose of 75 mg/m2/day, 7 days per week) after surgery. Thirty-one patients received an average of 6 cycles (range, 1–8 cycles) of adjuvant temozolomide after radiotherapy, every 28 days for 5 days at a dose of 200 mg/m2/day. The primary end point was overall survival. Results The median overall survival was 16.7 months. The overall survival significantly increased in the adjuvant temozolomide group compared to the group with no adjuvant therapy (18.9 vs 9.8 months). The difference in overall survival between adjuvant temozolomide cycles of ≤ and >3 was significant (8.7 vs 20 months). On multivariate analyses, the important prognostic factors were type of surgery and application of adjuvant temozolomide for at least 4 cycles. Grade III/IV toxicity was seen in 4% and 6.5% of patients during concomitant and adjuvant therapy, respectively. Conclusions The study confirmed the effectiveness of radiotherapy plus temozolomide in newly diagnosed glioblastoma. It was established that the application of adjuvant temozolomide for at least 4 cycles is required to obtain a benefit from adjuvant therapy. However, further studies are needed to confirm these data.
Cost-Effectiveness of Pegfilgrastim versus Six Days of Filgrastim for Preventing Febrile Neutropenia in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Danova Marco , Chiroli Silvia , Rosti Giovanni , Doan Quan V 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a major complication of chemotherapy and is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality and costs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of primary prophylaxis with pegfilgrastim versus six-day filgrastim in preventing FN in Italian patients with early-stage breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy associated with a ≥20% FN risk. Methods The pharmacoeconomic evaluation was based on a decision-analytic model taking into account the possible consequences of FN (e.g., death and reduction/delay of chemotherapy dose). Parameters included in the model were relative risk of FN with pegfilgrastim versus six-day filgrastim; direct costs (drug purchase and FN-related hospitalizations); relative risk of relative dose intensity <85% with pegfilgrastim versus filgrastim; impact on long-term survival due to relative dose intensity <85%; and impact of age on FN and relative dose intensity <85%. Results Under base-case assumptions, pegfilgrastim was cost-effective compared to six-day filgrastim in Italy. The estimated cost, life expectancy and quality-adjusted life years per person for pegfilgrastim were € 3078, 16.47 years, and 15.32; the corresponding figures for six-day filgrastim were € 3033, 16.35 years, and 15.22. The corresponding incremental cost-effectiveness ratio with pegfilgrastim was € 409 per life-year gained and € 429 per quality-adjusted life year gained. One-way sensitivity analyses showed that the results were most sensitive to the relative risk of FN for 6-day filgrastim versus pegfilgrastim. The results were moderately sensitive to the cost of pegfilgrastim and filgrastim, cost of drug administration, cost of FN hospitalization, and number of chemotherapy cycles. Pegfilgrastim remained cost-effective, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio well below the accepted limit of € 50,000 per life year gained in all one-way sensitivity analyses. A two-way sensitivity analysis on cost of drugs showed a range of pegfilgrastim dominance over six-day filgrastim. Conclusions At the current official price in Italy, primary prophylaxis with pegfilgrastim improved health outcomes with a very limited cost increase for the National Health Service payer. Even when very low prices of filgrastim and high prices of pegfilgrastim were considered in the model, the resulting incremental cost-effectiveness ratio remained well within the acceptable cost-effectiveness limit of € 50,000/quality-adjusted life year.
Kaposi's Sarcoma in Young Patients Treated with Orthovoltage Irradiation and Having a Minimum Follow-Up of Forty-Six Years
Authors: Pergolizzi Stefano , Santacaterina Anna , Gaeta Michele , Blandino Alfredo 
Published: February 2018

Purpose To describe the clinical outcome and to evaluate the role of orthovoltage radiotherapy in the treatment of young (less than 30 years old) Mediterranean men with Kaposi's sarcoma. Patients and methods We reviewed the records of 198 consecutive patients with Kaposi's sarcoma treated with orthovoltage radiation therapy at our department between January 1920 and December 1987. Result We found three young shepherds, aged less than 30 years, with an available follow-up ranging from 45 to 67 years. One patient died at the age of 84 years of chronic renal failure while suffering from cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma; two patients are still alive with recurrent Kaposi's sarcoma. Conclusions We presume that an indolent form of Kaposi's sarcoma may occur in young men. This very indolent form can be controlled for the duration of the patient's life by judiciously applied radiation therapy.
Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy, Temozolomide Chemotherapy, and High-Dose Fractionated Stereotactic Boost in a Protocol-Driven, Postoperative Treatment Schedule for High-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Pirtoli Luigi , Rubino Giovanni , Marsili Stefania , Oliveri Giuseppe , Vannini Marta , Tini Paolo , Miracco Clelia , Santoni Riccardo 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background No available scientific report deals with high-dose (≥70 Gy) radiotherapy plus temozolomide chemotherapy (TMZ CHT) in high-grade gliomas. The survival results of a protocol-driven, postoperative treatment schedule are reported here to contribute to the discussion on this issue. Methods and study design Uniform criteria were prospectively adopted for case selection during the period 1993–2006 in the management of 123 patients, and we progressively introduced three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT, 60 Gy), TMZ CHT and a high-dose (70 Gy) stereotactic boost (HDSRT) in the treatment schedule. Palliative radiotherapy was delivered by whole brain irradiation (WBI, 50 Gy) for bulky tumors, whereas radical irradiation was performed with 3D-CRT throughout the study period. Two periods of accrual are considered: 36 patients were treated before 31 December 1999 (29.25%) and 87 (70.75%) after 1 January 2000. This subdivision was due to the implementation of HDSRT hardware and TMZ CHT from January 2000. Results The median overall survival was 13 months and the 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 53%, 19.5% and 11.6%, respectively. The differences in survival related to the treatment variables were highly significant, both in univariate and multivariate analysis. The median survival and 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates in the palliative WBI group were 9.75 months and 37%, 2%, and 0%, respectively; in the 3D-CRT group 17.25 months and 64%, 34%, and 15%, respectively; in the TMZ CHT concomitant with radiotherapy group 20 months and 61%, 39%, and 21%, respectively; in the TMZ CHT concomitant with and sequential to radiotherapy group 25.75 months and 84%, 54%, and 26%, respectively, and in the HDSRT group 22 months and 72%, 48%, and 37%, respectively. No symptomatic radiation necrosis occurred in any of the groups. Conclusions The results reported here are generally better than those reported in the literature. The selection of patients on the basis of favorable prognostic factors and suitability to the currently available, aggressive postoperative treatment resources can be the mainstay for improving therapeutic results. In particular, the new treatment option reported here (HDSRT in association with TMZ CHT) proved to be safe and effective in obtaining a relatively favorable outcome.
A Fast SSP-PCR Method for Genotyping the ATP-Binding Cassette Subfamily B Member 1 Gene C3435T and G2677T Polymorphisms in Chinese Transplant Recipients
Authors: Wu Cun-Zao , Ni Xiao-jie , Zheng Shao-ling , Yang Yi-Rong , Xia Peng , Zeng Yan-Jun , Chen Bi-Cheng 
Published: February 2018

Aim P-glycoprotein, the product of the ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) gene (or the so-called multidrug resistance 1 gene), is an ATP-driven efflux pump contributing to the pharmacokinetics as well as the pharmacokinetics of drugs that are P-glycoprotein substrates, such as tacrolimus. This paper describes the development of a new method for detection of the 3435C/T and 2677G/T/A single nucleotide polymorphisms of the ABCB1 gene. The method is a simple sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR). Methods 158 Chinese health checkup examinees and 214 transplant recipients were included in the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and amplified with SSP-PCR to detect the 3435C/T and 2677G/T/A mutations in ABCB1. The SSP-PCR condition was optimized, and the PCR results were compared with those of DNA sequencing. Results In the optimized condition, the two polymorphisms could be clearly distinguished after one-step PCR and electrophoresis. The ABCB1 3435C/T and 2677G/T/A genotypes of the subjects were scanned, and allele-specific bands were successfully amplified by SSP-PCR, which were in full accordance with the results of sequencing. Conclusion As a fast, simple and inexpensive genotyping tool, the method would be practicable in large clinical studies on interindividual pharmacokinetics.
Non-Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin in Combination with Cyclophosphamide or Docetaxel as First-Line Therapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Livi Lorenzo , Meattini Icro , De Luca Cardillo Carla , Mangoni Monica , Greto Daniela , Petrucci Alessia , Rampini Andrea , Bruni Alessio , Galardi Alessandra , Cataliotti Luigi , Biti Giampaolo 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Anthracyclines such as doxorubicin play a central role in the management of advanced breast cancer. Unfortunately, the clinical benefits of anthracyclines are limited by cardiotoxicity that can lead to the development of potentially fatal congestive heart failure. In order to limit anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity, liposomal formulations of doxorubicin have been developed. This retrospective analysis evaluated the experience obtained with non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin as first-line therapy in 34 patients with metastatic breast cancer. Methods Patients received non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in combination with either cyclophosphamide (n = 14) or docetaxel (n = 20) for up to eight cycles, and efficacy and safety were assessed according to standard criteria. Results The overall response rate was 71%. The median progression-free survival was 8 months in patients receiving non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide and 13.8 months in those receiving non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin plus docetaxel (P = 0.2). The most commonly observed toxicities were grade 1–2 leucopenia, alopecia, nausea and vomiting; no grade 3–4 toxicities were observed. Overall, three patients (9%) experienced grade 1 cardiac toxicity. Conclusions Our results support the use of non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin as an alternative to conventional doxorubicin formulations in combination regimens for the first-line therapy of metastatic breast cancer.
A Pilot Study of Irinotecan Combined with 5-Fluorouracil and Leucovorin for the Treatment of Chinese Patients with Locally Advanced and Metastatic Gastric Cancer
Authors: Li Qiu , Chen Jing , Zhao Xin , Yin Xude , Mei Kai , Zhou Chengya , Cai Xiaohong 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background The FOLFIRI regimen was evaluated for its anti-tumor activity and toxicity in Chinese patients with locally advanced and metastatic gastric cancer. Methods and study design Treatment consisted of irinotecan, 180 mg/m2 (90-min infusion), leucovorin, 200 mg/m2 (2-h infusion), followed by 5-fluorouracil, 400 mg/m2 (bolus), and then 5-fluorouracil, 600 mg/m2 (22-h continuous infusion) on days 1 and 2, every 14 days. Results Twenty-six patients, of whom 17 were pretreated, were included in the study. Partial response was observed in 9 patients (37.5%). The overall disease control rate was 83.3%. Median progression-free and overall survival was 6.8 and 11.2 months, respectively. Grade 3–4 neutropenia was observed in 6 patients (23.1%) and grade 2–3 diarrhea in 5 (19.2%). No treatment-related deaths occurred. Conclusions The results demonstrate that the FOLFIRI regimen is an active regimen with acceptable toxicity for Chinese patients with advanced and metastatic gastric cancer that merits further investigation in comparative trials.
Decreased Serum Levels of Carboxylesterase-2 in Patients with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Cai Liying , Tang Xiaobo , Guo Lei , An Yuan , Wang Yuguang , Zheng Jianhua 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Carboxylesterase-2 has been identified as the key enzyme in the metabolic activation of irinotecan, a topoisomerase I inhibitor commonly used in the treatment of many solid tumors. Previous studies have shown that carboxylesterase-2 is down-regulated in colorectal cancer following progression of the disease. However, very limited information is available on carboxylesterase-2 expression in ovarian cancer. The aim of the present study was to detect the serum level and the tissue expression of carboxylesterase-2 in human ovarian cancer patients at different stages of the disease. Methods Carboxylesterase-2 levels in the serum of ovarian cancer patients were investigated by western blot and ELISA and in the tumor mass of ovarian cancer patients by western blot. Results Both the serum carboxylesterase-2 level and the expression of carboxylesterase-2 in tumor tissues were significantly different among patients at different stages of the disease (n = 40). No positive correlation was found between the serum carboxylesterase-2 level and the cancer antigen 125 level (n = 40). Serum carboxylesterase-2 is more sensitive than cancer antigen 125 in detecting the early stage patient with ovarian cancer. Conclusions Our results indicate that serum carboxylesterase-2 level might be a potential marker in the diagnosis of the early stage ovarian cancer.