bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neoadjuvant Moderately High-Dose Chemotherapy with rh-G-CSF in Locally Advanced Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Fornasiero Adriano , Ghiotto Cristina , Daniele Otello , Favaretto Adolfo G , D'Amanzo Paola , Ziade Azzam 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background The poor results of local treatment for locally advanced breast carcinoma (LABC) justify the use of chemotherapy as primary treatment. Retrospective studies have shown a positive correlation between dose and response rate in advanced breast cancer. G-CSF has shown efficacy in achieving optimal dose intensity and ameliorating chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of a moderately high-dose chemotherapy regimen in terms of response rate, disease-free and overall survival and to assess the role of G-CSF in induced neutropenia. Methods Inclusion criteria were the following: age <65 years, WHO performance status <2, histologically proven breast carcinoma, adequate hematologic, renal and hepatic function, stage IIIA or IIIB disease, and no metastatic disease. No prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy was allowed. Three cycles of the following chemotherapy were used preoperatively: epirubicin (100 mg/m2 on day 1), cyclophosphamide (400 mg/m2 for 3 consecutive days) and rh-G-CSF (5 μg/kg/die from day 4 to day 12 every 14 days). After mastectomy or quadrantectomy plus radiotherapy, all patients were treated with 4 courses of adjuvant chemotherapy according to the CMF 1-8 schedule (methotrexate, 40 mg/m2; cyclophosphamide, 600 mg/m2; fluorouracil, 600 mg/m2; all on days 1 and 8, with recycle every 4 weeks). Results From May 1992 to June 1996, 57 patients with histologically proven LABC were preoperatively treated. Forty-four patients were premenopausal and 13 postmenopausal; the median age was 45 years (range, 29-64). Thirty-five patients had stage IIIA and 22 patients stage IIIB disease (7 with inflammatory disease). Forty-seven patients underwent radical mastectomy and 10 conservative surgery. A clinical response was noted in 93% (95% confidence interval, 83-98%) of patients (12% complete responses and 81% partial responses); 2 pathological complete remissions (3.5%) were obtained. No toxic deaths were observed. All patients had a follow-up of at least 42 months. The overall 5-year survival rate was 76% (standard error - SE), 6%) and the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 68% (SE, 6.3%). Conclusions The 14-day regimen was well tolerated and effective in LABC patients, although not superior to standard-dose chemotherapy. To improve results the use of new drugs in controlled clinical trials seems warranted.
Mammary Fetal Gland: Identification of New Oncofetal Antigens by Monoclonal Antibodies B72.3, MM1.80 and 4.36
Authors: Pistolesi Sabina , Nuti Marianna , Castagna Maura , Pingitore Raffaele 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background The B72.3, MM1.80 and 4.63 monoclonal antibodies directed against tumor-associated antigens react in human breast also with metaplastic, preneoplastic and metastatic cells, whereas they do not react with normal adult mammary tissue. The aim of our study was to point out the expression of these antigens during mammary gland development, since tumor-associated antigens are known to represent antigens of differentiation. Study design Fifty female fetal breasts between 20 and 40 weeks of gestational age were studied. Results Mammary tissue was identified only in 15 cases. B72.3, MM1.80 and 4.36 monoclonal antibodies reacted with epithelial antigens and maintained the same location and intensity in the various gestational ages. Immunoreactivity was weak, cytoplasmic and widespread for the 4.36 monoclonal antibody, intense and cytoplasmatic in a large number of cells for the B72.3 monoclonal antibody, and intense and luminal for the MM1.80 monoclonal antibody. Conclusions Such data further support the hypothesis that the normal process of development and differentiation can occur during tumor progression processes. Identification of these new oncofetal markers could offer a new perspective able to recognize the different phases of neoplastic progression and could be useful for prevention.
Impaired Perforin-Dependent NK Cell Cytotoxicity and Proliferative Activity of Peripheral Blood T Cells is Associated with Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Jović Victor , Konjevic Gordana , Radulović Sinisa , Jelić Svetislav , Spuzić Ivan 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background Patients with metastatic melanoma often have defects in the percentage and function of peripheral blood NK cells, which are involved in the non-specific innate antitumor immune response, and T cells, which participate in the specific acquired antitumor immune response. The aim of this study was to investigate in more detail not only the percentage but also the activation status and function of NK and T cells in patients with metastatic melanoma prior to therapy. Methods The percentage of peripheral blood CD56+ NK cells, CD3+ T cells and their CD4+ and CD8+ subsets, as well as the expression of the activation antigens CD69, CD38 and HLA-DR were analyzed by flow cytometry. The functional capacity of NK cells was evaluated by the 51-chromium release cytotoxicity assay, while the proliferative activity of T cells was estimated by the lymphocyte transformation test to mitogen phytohemagglutinin. Results The results obtained in this study have revealed a new aspect of NK and T cell dysfunction that is not, as commonly reported, associated with a decrease in their percentage. Moreover, a significant number of the investigated patients had a higher percentage of NK cells that did not lead to improved NK ceil cytotoxicity as a result of the detected defect in the NK cell perforin-mediated cytotoxic mechanism of tumor cell lysis. The impaired proliferative response of T cells was associated with a decreased expression of the activation antigen HLA-DR. Conclusion The novel finding in this study of melanoma patients with metastatic disease is the impaired perforin-depen-dent NK cell cytotoxic mechanism, which was recently shown to be primarily responsible for preventing metastasis. Another interesting finding was the generally hyporeactive status of T cells, possibly resulting from persistent antigenic stimulation. The observed dysfunction of NK and T cells in patients with metastatic melanoma prior to therapy point to the need to supplement chemotherapy with appropriate immunotherapeutic agents in order to overcome the immunosuppression associated with advanced malignancy.
Brain Metastases from Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Zorrilla Miriam , Alonso Vicente , Herrero Ana , Corral Mónica , Puértolas Teresa , Trufero Javier Martínez , Artal Angel , Antón Antonio 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background Brain metastases are an unusual finding in patients with colorectal carcinoma. We wished to determine the clinical presentation, the time interval between the diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma and the appearance of brain metastases, and the overall survival. Patient characteristics The median age of our patients was 61 years. Brain metastases developed subsequently to the diagnosis of colorectal cancer in nine patients. All patients had neurologic symptoms. All patients had progressing systemic disease at the moment of intracranial presentation. Four patients received whole brain radiation therapy. The median survival was 11 weeks. Discussion The development of brain metastasis is a late event in the course of colorectal carcinoma and occurs most often in patients with extensive systemic disease that contraindi-cates surgical resection. Radiotherapy can improve the survival of this group of patients whereas the role of chemotherapy is still unclear due to the low frequency of such cases.
Irinotecan Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy for Hepatic Metastases from Colorectal Cancer: Results of a Phase I Clinical Study
Authors: Fiorentini Giammaria , Lucchi Silvia Ricci , Giovanis Petros , Cantore Maurizio , Guadagni Stefano , Papiani Giorgio 
Published: April 2018

Background Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy is a promising approach in liver metastases from colorectal cancer, but chemical hepatitis, biliary sclerosis, arterial thrombosis and right upper quadrant pain are limiting factors. Irinotecan (CPT-11) is an active drug in colorectal cancer. We planned a short hepatic arterial infusion of CPT-11 to describe the toxicity, to determine the dose-limiting toxicity, and to define the doses of CPT-11 to be recommended for phase II studies. Patients and Methods Fourteen patients with a median liver substitution of 30% (10-60%) were enrolled. All patients received hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with CPT-11 on an outpatient basis every 3 weeks as a short, 30-min infusion. Results At 240 mg/m2, 2 of 4 patients experienced grade 4 diarrhea and neutropenia, and 3 of them also reported grade 4 abdominal pain of the right upper quadrant. The maximum tolerated dose was reached at 240 mg/m2. The recommended doses of CPT-11 for phase II studies is 200 mg/m2, given every 3 weeks. Conclusions CPT-11 presents a low hepatic toxic profile and could be considered a new active drug, suitable for hepatic arterial infusion in liver metastases from colorectal cancer.
Cd40 Activation as Potential Tool in Malignant Neoplasms
Authors: Ottaiano Alessandro , Pisano Carmela , De Chiara Anna , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Botti Gerardo , Barletta Emiddio , Apice Gaetano , Gridelli Cesare , Iaffaioli Vincenzo Rosario 
Published: April 2018

Background CD40, a cell surface molecule, is expressed on B-cell malignancies and many different solid tumors. It is capable of mediating diverse biological phenomena such as the induction of apoptosis in tumors and stimulation of the immune response. It has thus been studied as a possible target for antitumor therapy. The general aim of this review is to focus the attention of clinical oncologists on the involvement of CD40 in tumors and the rationale of CD40-activation-based therapies in new, biologically oriented antitumor protocols. Methods A Medline review of published papers about the role of CD40 activation in cancer therapy. Results Many authors have shown that CD40 activation promotes apoptotic death of tumor cells and that the presence of the molecule on the surface of carcinoma lines is an important factor in the generation of tumor-specific T-cell responses that contribute to tumor cell elimination. The CD40 ligand (CD40L) is the natural ligand for CD40; it is expressed primarily on the surface of activated T lymphocytes. Preclinical studies suggest that CD40-CD40L interaction could be useful for cytotoxicity against CD40-expressing tumors and for immune stimulation. Tumor inhibition was observed when tumor cells were treated with agonistic anti-CD40 monoclonal antibodies or with the soluble form of CD40L. The results of the first phase I clinical trial to treat cancer patients with subcutaneous injection of recombinant human CD40L have been recently reported. Immunohistochemical studies have revealed that detection of CD40 in primary cutaneous malignant melanoma and lung cancer may have a negative prognostic value. Interestingly, up-regulation of CD40 was observed in the tumor vessels of renal carcinomas and Kaposi's sarcoma, suggesting possible involvement of CD40 in tumor angiogenesis. Recently, it has also been shown that CD40 engagement on endothelial cells induces in vitro tubule formation and expression of matrix metalloproteinases, two processes involved in the neovascularization and progression of tumors. Conclusions CD40 activation represents an exciting target for hematological malignancies and solid tumors expressing the molecule, but its functional role in cancer development still remains unclear and controversial.
Comparison of Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis Scoring Systems
Authors: Etiz Durmuş , Orhan Bülent , Demirüstü Canan , Özdamar Kazim , Çakmak Ahmet 
Published: April 2018

Background A number of oral toxicity scoring systems have been described, but their direct comparison has rarely been undertaken and little data exists. An impediment to mucositis research has been the lack of an accepted, validated scoring system. The objective of this study was to design a test and validation of scoring systems. Materials and methods Forty-three patients with head and neck malignancies who had been irradiated were evaluated. Five different mucositis scoring systems (World Health Organization, Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, “Hickey”, “Van der Schueren” and “Makkonen”) were compared with each other. Results Daily mucositis scores demonstrated a high correlation among scoring systems (P <0.05 and coefficient of correlation κ and r = 0.5 - 0.95). Objective mucositis scores demonstrated a strong correlation with symptoms. Conclusions All scoring systems were equally valid. The exact grading of mucositis is achieved by combining clinical information about pain and nutritional status with oral mucosal reactions.
Radiation Therapy Combined with Photofrin or 5-Ala: Effect on Lewis Sarcoma Tumor Lines Implanted in Mice. Preliminary Results
Authors: Schaffer Moshe , Schaffer Pamela M , Jori Giulio , Corti Luigi , Sotti Guido , Hofstetter Alfons , Dühmke Eckhart 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background Ionizing irradiation is a well-established therapeutic modality for cancer. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), especially with 5-ALA and Photofrin, is highly effective in some tumor types. Chemical modifiers, so-called radiosensitizers, are used in order to increase the efficacy of radiotherapy. Most of the known and routinely used radiosensitizers are not tumor selective, so that the normal tissue reaction toxicity is also increased. In the present study we investigated whether a porphyrin derivative that is currently used as a tumor-photosensitizing agent in photodynamic therapy (PDT) may also act as a tumor-specific radiosensitizer. Materials and methods For our investigation we used Balb/c mice implanted with Lewis sarcoma and irradiated with 3 Gy combined with injection of 5-ALA or Photofrin at various concentrations before irradiation. Results 5-ALA had no effect as a radiosensitizer at any of the concentrations examined. Photofrin at a concentration of 5 mg/kg proved to be a chemical modifier of ionizing radiation, delaying tumor growth and reducing the overall tumor volume by about 50% after six days. Conclusion Photofrin has marked efficacy as a radiosensitizer and can be used in the future as a selective tumor radiosensitizer.
Third-Line Hormonal Treatment with Exemestane in Postmenopausal Patients with Advanced Breast Cancer Progressing on Letrozole or Anastrozole. A Phase II Trial Conducted by the Hellenic Group of Oncology (HELGO)
Authors: Gennatas Constantine , Michalaki Vasiliki , Carvounis Eleni , Psychogios John , Poulakaki Nikiforita , Katsiamis George , Voros Dionysios , Kouloulias Vasilis , Mouratidou Despina , Tsavaris Nikolaos 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background The understanding of hormonal therapies in postmenopausal women with metastatic breast cancer has advanced greatly in the past several decades. With the introduction of orally active, potent and selective third-generation aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane), approaches to the treatment of hormone-sensitive advanced breast cancer are undergoing reevaluation. For treatment of advanced or metastatic disease that has progressed on tamoxifen, all three agents are active. The purpose of the study was to assess the antitumor efficacy and tolerance of exemestane administered as third-line hormonal therapy to postmenopausal women with metastatic breast cancer refractory to letrozole and anastrozole. Study design Sixty postmenopausal women with stage IV hormone receptor-positive carcinoma of the breast were enrolled in the study. All patients had received two prior hormonal manipulations and had measurable or assessable disease. All adverse events were monitored. Results Objective tumor response was achieved in 12 (20%) patients (95% CI, 9.6-30.4). The overall clinical benefit was 38.3% (95% CI, 21.2-49.3), and the median duration of objective tumor response was 20 months (range, 9-26). The median time to death was 17.4 months (95% CI, 16.14-18.66). Conclusions Exemestane represents an active and well-tolerated treatment option in pretreated patients with advanced breast cancer who have received standard first- and second-line hormonal therapies. By extending the sequence of hormonal therapy, disease progression and the need for chemotherapy may be significantly delayed.
Long-Term Consequences of Total Gastrectomy: Quality of Life, Nutritional Status, Bacterial Overgrowth and Adaptive Changes in Esophagojejunostomic Mucosa
Authors: Murawa Dawid , Murawa Pawel , Oszkinis Grzegorz , Biczysko Wiesłtawa 
Published: April 2018

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate long-term quality of life and adaptive changes in the mucosa of the proximal section of the small intestine used for esophagojejunostomy reconstruction in stomach cancer patients after total gastrectomy. Material and methods Thirty-one patients who had undergone stomach cancer-related total gastrectomy were included in the study, which spanned a period of 48 to 127 months (79.6 months on the average) after the surgery. The analysis included: a) evaluation of selected biochemical parameters; b) microbiological evaluation of esophagojejunostomic area; c) evaluation of adaptive changes in esophagojejunostomic mucosa using light and electron microscopy; d) quality of life evaluation with a Troidl questionnaire. Results Quality of life was subjectively rated as good or very good by almost all subjects. The analyzed biochemical parameters were within the range of normal values in all the subjects with the exception of mild abnormalities in alkaline phosphatase and vitamin B12 levels in some patients. Microbiological examination of mucosal specimens from below the esophagojejunostomy revealed significant bacterial flora overgrowth in all the patients, with streptococci being the most abundant species. Light and electron microscopy examination of the epithelium confirmed it was normal and characteristic of a healthy small intestine. Conclusions Long-term quality of life in patients after complete stomach resection is considered good or very good, irrespective of the reconstruction method used, and the esophagojejunostomic mucosa of the reconstructed area is normal and typical for a healthy small intestine.
Two Exercise Schemes in Postoperative Breast Cancer: Comparison of Effects on Shoulder Movement and Lymphatic Disturbance
Authors: de Rezende Laura Ferreira , Franco Ricardo Laier , de Rezende Mariana Ferreira , Beletti Patrícia Odila , Morais Sirlei Siani , Gurgel Maria Salete Costa 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background We attempted to determine the best method of performing the exercises in rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery and their influence on postoperative complications. Currently, there are no guidelines for these exercises. The scope of this study was to evaluate the effect of two schemes of physiotherapy exercises (directed or free) on shoulder function and lymphatic disturbance in postoperative rehabilitation. Subjects Sixty women who underwent a modified radical mastectomy or quadrantectomy with axillary dissection were randomized into two groups. Methods The physiotherapy technique used was kinesiothera-py. The directed group performed physiotherapy following a regimen of 19 exercises. The free group performed the exercises following the biomechanical physiological movements of the shoulder without a previously defined sequence or number of repetitions. Results The averages of the flexion, abduction and external rotational movements of the shoulder showed better recovery with statistical significance in the directed group compared to the free group. There was no significant difference between the groups in lymphatic disturbance. Conclusion At the end of 42 days of follow-up, the movements of flexion, extension, abduction and external rotation of the shoulder were better rehabilitated in the directed group. The two schemes of exercises were not different with regard to lymphatic disturbance.
Report on a Case of Pure Cribriform Carcinoma of the Breast with Internal Mammary Node Metastasis: Description of the Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Gatti Giovanna , Pruneri Giancarlo , Gilardi Daniela , Brenelli Fabricio , Bassani Guillermo , Luini Alberto 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background Pure ductal invasive carcinoma of the breast is more frequently associated with lymphatic invasion, lymph node involvement and high malignant histological grade than combined forms of breast carcinoma. Internal mammary node metastases are not frequently detected when the axillary nodes are negative. Patients and methods We report our experience of a case of pure cribriform carcinoma, associated with an intraductal cribriform component, in which the sentinel axillary nodes were negative, while nodal and perinodal metastasis was detected in one internal mammary lymph node. Conclusions Data from the literature show that positive internal mammary nodes are an unusual finding when the axillary sentinel node is negative, especially in cases of cancer with a relatively good prognosis, such as cribriform cases.
Valore E Limiti Del Circolo Patologico Nella Diagnosi Angiografica Di Natura Dei Tumori Cerebrali
Authors: Porta C. , Gattoni A. 
Published: April 2018

180 cases of brain neoplasms were surgically and histologically investigated. Basing on the morphological characteristics of the pathological circulation (observed in 80 cases, or the 44.4 per cent), the possibility of an angiographic diagnosis of benignity, malignancy and histological type is discussed. It is stated that in glioblastomas, meningiomas and metastases a rather uniform angiographic picture of the pathological circulation exists, on which a radiological diagnosis may be established. The causes of error and the limitations in the differential diagnosis for the various tumour types are indicated; a thorough analysis of all data derived from angiographic, craniographic and clinical observations is advised. Following the exposed procedure, a precise diagnosis of the tumour type has been possible in the 50 per cent about of the cases.
Azione Tossica Delle Diverse Frazioni Endocellulari Del Sarcoma Galliera Iniettate Nel Coniglio a Scopo Immunizzante
Authors: Zinnari A. 
Published: April 2018

6 groups of rabbits have been submitted to immunizing treatment with mitochondria from rat liver or with horse serum (controls), and with mitochondria, nuclei and supernatant from Galliera sarcoma. The doses of antigen were equivalent as total nitrogen, and the experimental conditions were the same for all animals. Whereas normal endocellular fractions, horse serum and supernatant from Galliera sarcoma did not give significant results, the tumour mitochondria and nuclei were demonstrated to exert a very high toxic action in the rabbit, causing, in particular, a diminution of total proteins, and especially of globulins. Following the treatment with the antigens, two different immunitary reactions have been observed, one of which was characterized by an increase in total nitrogen and globulins (especially beta-2 and gamma), and the other by a decrease of the same substances.