bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multidisciplinary Approach to the Treatment of Bone Metastases: Osteo-Oncology Center, a New Organizational Model
Authors: Ibrahim Toni , Flamini Emanuela , Fabbri Laura , Serra Patrizia , Mercatali Laura , Ricci Rossana , Sacanna Emanuele , Falasconi Maria Cristina , Casadei Roberto , Galassi Riccardo , Giannini Massimo , Bazzocchi Oscar , Calzolari Filippo , Nunziatini Roberta , Gaudio Michele , Maltoni Marco , Amadori Dino 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Bone metastases are responsible for high morbidity in cancer patients. The frequency of pain and other serious complications associated with such metastases depends on the site and type of lesions and preventive therapy. The present paper aims to inform the scientific community about a new organizational health care model specifically designed for patients with bone metastases, in the hope of stimulating the creation of similar initiatives whose goals are to decrease the high morbidity of this pathology, reduce the frequency of complications, limit psychophysical distress of patients, and improve quality of life. Methods In January 2005, an Osteo-Oncology Center was opened in our institute to provide multidisciplinary care (19 specialists involved) for patients with bone metastases, to train physicians, and to conduct research in the field. Results In its first three years of activity, 601 multidisciplinary team consultations were made and a total of 425 patients were seen. The most frequent primary tumor site was the lung in males and the breast in females. Upon presentation at the Center, 79% of patients reported experiencing a level of pain (median pain intensity, 3.69) that interfered with normal daily activities. An anonymous questionnaire was also completed on the quality of the service provided: 75% of patients were very satisfied, 23% were satisfied, 1% responded “I don't know”, and only 1% expressed dissatisfaction. Conclusions Our preliminary results confirm the usefulness of a multidisciplinary center for the management of patients with bone metastases, especially in terms of decreasing psychophysical suffering.
Intracellular Glycoproteins Binding Galectin-1 in Thyroid Lesions
Authors: Gaj Zuzanna , Krzeslak Anna , Pomorski Lech , Lipinska Anna 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background The increased expression of galectin-1 on the mRNA and protein level observed in malignant thyroid tumors in comparison with benign lesions suggests that this protein may be associated with malignant transformation of thyroid epithelium. Extracellular and membrane glycoproteins are the main known ligands for this galactose-binding lectin. However, immunofluorescence studies have shown that galectin-1 is found predominantly in the intracellular compartment. The aim of this study was to examine intracellular carbohydrate ligands of galectin-1 in the thyroid, with particular attention to potential differences in their expression levels between benign and malignant lesions. Methods Identification of cytosolic and nuclear glycoproteins binding galectin-1 was performed by affinoblotting after separation of proteins in 8% polyacrylamide slab gels and electrotransfer onto Immobilon-P membranes. For semiquantitative analysis of glycoproteins binding galectin-1, an enzyme-linked lectino-solid-phase assay (ELLSA) was used. Results The predominant cytosolic glycoproteins binding galectin-1 had molecular masses of 50, 55, 59, 64, 85–87, 100, and 133 kDa and nuclear glycoprotein had a molecular mass of 75 kDa. There were no evident differences in glycoprotein patterns between benign and malignant thyroid lesions. The results obtained by ELLSA did not show any significant differences in lectin binding by cytosolic and nuclear proteins of thyroid lesions either. Conclusions On the basis of these results it is tempting to suggest that interactions between galectin-1 and intracellular glycoconjugates are not critical for malignant transformation in the thyroid gland.
Assessment of Influence of Smoking, Drinking, Leukoplakia and Dental Irritation on Local Control of Early Oral Tongue Carcinoma Treated with Brachytherapy: Age and Dental Factors are Potential Prognostic Factors
Authors: Yamazaki Hideya , Inoue Takehiro , Yoshida Ken , Kotsuma Tadayuki , Yoshioka Yasuo , Koizumi Masahiko , Furukawa Souhei , Kakimoto Naoya , Shimizutani Kimishige , Nishimura Tsunehiko 
Published: February 2018

Background To examine the background characteristics of elderly patients (65 years or older) with node-negative mobile tongue cancer (T1-2N0M0) who showed worse local control than a younger group. Materials and methods We retrospectively analyzed background data for 265 patients treated with brachytherapy with or without external radiotherapy between 1967 and 1999. We examined dental factors (such as irritation by prosthesis), leukoplakia, tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption for comparisons between the elderly (age ≥65 years; n = 83) and a control group (64 years or younger; n = 182). Results The elderly patients showed a worse outcome than the control group (respectively 86% and 70% at 5 years; P <0.05). Incidence of dental factors tended to be higher for elderly patients (53%) than the control group (40%, P = 0.07). Dental factors proved to have prognostic importance for local control. Five-year local control rate was 85% for patients with and 76% for patients without dental factors (P = 0.04). The elderly group positive for dental factors showed a lower 5-year local control rate (61%) than the other three groups [(elderly without the dental factor (–) group (80%), control with the dental factor (+) group (84%), and control without the dental factor (–) group (87%)] (P <0.05). Leukoplakia was found more frequently in the control (23%) than in the elderly group (5%) (P = 0.006) but had no effect on treatment outcome. Conclusions Age and dental factors (including prosthesis irritation) are potentially important prognostic factors for local control of oral tongue cancer treated with brachytherapy, especially for elderly patients.
Quality Assurance of a Record-and-Verify System
Authors: Baiotto Barbara , Bracco Christian , Bresciani Sara , Mastantuoni Antonella , Gabriele Pietro , Stasi Michele 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background With the introduction of more complex three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy techniques in clinical practice, the use of record-and-verify systems is recommended to improve the accuracy of radiotherapy treatments. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, for a commercial record-and-verify system, the efficiency, integration with the treatment planning system, and impact of manual checking of data. The most frequent errors or misses were also evaluated. Materials and methods The development of internal protocols to systematically implement new technologies has been identified as a priority in the departmental quality assurance process. Data electronically fed into the record-and-verify system were compared with those manually recorded in the clinical paper chart over a period of almost 6 years (October 2000 to December 2006). A total of 7768 treated patients was reviewed. The check was performed by using a homemade data base in which the errors are stratified as follows: 1) general section, 2) geometric and dosimetric section, and 3) delivered dose section. Results On a total of 7768 checked patients, one or more mismatches between treatment planning system data and record-and-verify system data or paper chart data were observed for 452 patients (5.8% of total number of inspected patients). The percentage of discrepancies out of the total was: 2.2% in the general section, 3.3% in the dosimetric and geometric section, and 4.2% in the delivered-dose section. Conclusions Although record-and-verify systems assume a crucial role in the accuracy and reproducibility of radiation treatment, their inability to eradicate all the errors requires vigilance on the part of the radiation therapy and physics team.
Changes in Expression of Bile Canalicular CD10 and Sinusoidal CD105 (Endoglin) in Peritumoral Hepatic Tissue
Authors: Nakamura Toshitsugu 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Hepatic tissues, including bile canaliculi and sinusoids, around primary or metastatic tumors are destructed and regenerate associated with tumor growth, and may show some phenotypic changes. The present study was undertaken to examine the expression of CD10 in bile canaliculi [CD10(BC)] and CD105 (endoglin) along hepatic sinusoids [CD105(HS)] in peritumoral hepatic tissue (PTH). Methods Fifty samples of resected liver bearing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or metastatic carcinoma were immunostained for CD10 and CD105. The immunoreactivity for CD10(BC) and CD105(HS) in the background hepatic tissue of tumors and PTH was scored separately. Results CD10(BC) was moderately or markedly expressed in the background hepatic tissue without chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis in most of the cases, and was significantly downregulated in chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. CD105(HS) was negative or minimally positive in most of the cases of hepatic tissue bearing metastatic carcinoma, and showed a significant increase in chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Compared with the background, PTH revealed significantly decreased CD10(BC) staining irrespective of HCC or metastatic carcinoma, and showed belt-like CD105(HS) expression in 66.7% of the cases of metastatic carcinoma and in 88.6% of those with HCC. Conclusions These data indicate that the expression patterns of CD10(BC) and CD105(HS) in PTH are similar to those in chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, which may be caused by persistent injury and resultant regeneration of hepatic tissue.
Primary Peritoneal Malignant Mixed Mesodermal (Müllerian) Tumor
Authors: Hussein Mahmoud R , Hussein Saad Rezk Abudlwahed , Abd-Elwahed Ahmad Rezk 
Published: February 2018

Aims and background Malignant mixed mesodermal tumor (MMMT) is a biphasic neoplasm (carcinosarcoma) composed of both epithelial and mesenchymal elements. Extragenital MMMT, including primary peritoneal MMMT, is an extremely rare tumor with features consistent with its origin from the secondary Müllerian system. The neoplastic elements of extragenital MMMT presumably arise directly from the mesothelium or submesothelial stroma and hence parallel the biphasic pattern of the genital (uterine or ovarian) counterpart. Methods and study design Here we report on the clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical features of a case of peritoneal MMMT in a 65-year-old woman. The patient presented with abdominal fullness and pain. Gynecological examination revealed a huge pelvic abdominal mass. On histology, the tumor consisted of poorly differentiated carcinomatous and sarcomatous (rhabdomyosarcoma) components. Further immunohistochemical analysis revealed positive reactivity for both epithelial (cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen) and mesenchymal (vimentin, S-100, and desmin) markers. The patient refused treatment and died of the disease three months later. Results and conclusions Based on the present case and on previous studies, primary peritoneal MMMT seems to be a rare but highly malignant neoplasm with an aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. Its exact origin, histogenesis and molecular alterations are poorly understood.
Organization of population-based cancer control programs: Europe and the World
Authors: Otter Renée , Qiao You-Lin , Burton Robert , Samiei Massoud , Parkin Max , Trapido Edward , Weller David , Magrath Ian , Sutcliffe Simon ,   ICCC-3 Session E group
Published: February 2018

As cancer is to a large extent avoidable and treatable, a cancer control program should be able to reduce mortality and morbidity and improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their families. However, the extent to which the goals of a cancer control program can be achieved will depend on the resource constraints a country faces. Such population-based cancer control plans should prioritize effective interventions and programs that are beneficial to the largest part of the population, and should include activities devoted to prevention, screening and early detection, treatment, palliation and end-of-life care, and rehabilitation. In order to develop a successful cancer control program, leadership and the relevant stakeholders, including patient organizations, need to be identified early on in the process so that all partners can take ownership and responsibility for the program. Various tools have been developed to aid them in the planning and implementation process. However, countries developing a national cancer control program would benefit from a discussion of different models for planning and delivery of population-based cancer control in settings with differing levels of resource commitment, in order to determine how best to proceed given their current level of commitment, political engagement and resources. As the priority assigned to different components of cancer control will differ depending on available resources and the burden and pattern of cancer, it is important to consider the relative roles of prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care in a cancer control program, as well as how to align available resources to meet prioritized needs. Experiences from countries with differing levels of resources are presented and serve to illustrate the difficulties in developing and implementing cancer control programs, as well as the innovative strategies that are being used to maximize available resources and enhance the quality of care provided to cancer patients around the world.
Retrospective Long-Term Results and Prognostic Factors of Postoperative Treatment for UICC Stages II and III Rectal Cancer
Authors: Genovesi Domenico , Cèfaro Giampiero Ausili , Vinciguerra Annamaria , Augurio Antonietta , D'alessandro Marco , Borzillo Valentina , Marchese Rita , Di Nicola Marta 
Published: February 2018

Aims To retrospectively evaluate 5-year local control, disease-free survival, cancer-specific survival and overall survival rates in patients with UICC stages II and III rectal cancer treated with adjuvant therapy and especially to analyze the impact of some prognostic factors on clinical outcome at univariate and multivariate analyses. Methods and Materials We retrospectively reviewed 306 patients treated with postoperative 5-fluorouracil-based chemoradiation (278 patients) or radiotherapy alone (28 patients) after curative surgery. The following prognostic factors were considered at univariate and multivariate analyses: age, sex, tumor location, surgery procedure, pathological stage, histology, tumor grade, surgical margins and radiotherapy technique. Results The 5-year actuarial rates for local control, disease-free survival, cancer-specific survival and overall survival were respectively 89.7%, 59.7%, 68.6% and 61.4% for the 278 patients (91%) treated with postoperative chemoradiation. Univariate analysis showed that abdominal-perineal resection impacted disease-free survival and that the T4 variable had an impact on cancer-specific survival and disease-free survival. Instead, age ≥70, N2, IIIB (p T3 p N1) and IIIC (pT3 p N2) stage impacted cancer-specific survival, disease-free survival and rate of distant metastases. Multivariate analysis showed as significant variables age ≥70 years, pN1 and pN2 and extraperitoneal tumor location. Conclusions Our retrospective study showed a good 5-year local control. Factors such as individual pT4, pN1, pN2, age ≥70 years, abdominal-perineal resection, stages IIIB-IIIC versus II-IIIA and extraperitoneal tumor location negatively influenced disease-free survival, distant metastases and cancer-specific survival. Differences exist between stages II and III rectal cancer and treatment modulation and intensification are required in order to offer the most appropriate and effective adjuvant treatment and to improve survival of rectal cancer patients.
Thalidomide Improves Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Gastrointestinal Side Effects following a Modified FOLFOX7 Regimen: Results of a Prospective Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Liu Yunpeng , Zhang Jingdong , Teng Yuee , Zhang Lingyun , Yu Ping , Jin Bo , Zhao Mingfang , Shi Jing , Liu Shizhou , Song Na , Li Zhi 
Published: February 2018

Aims and Background Thalidomide was firstly evaluated for the control of chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal side effects following a modified FOLFOX7 (mFOLFOX7) regimen. Methods and Study Design Chemotherapy-naive patients with malignant tumors were randomized into two groups: A-B group (A, 0.3 mg of ramosetron plus 10 mg of dexamethasone on day 1, was given intravenously in the first cycle, and B, 0.3 mg of ramosetron plus 10 mg of dexamethasone on day 1 intravenously plus 150 mg orally twice daily of thalidomide on days 2 through 5, in the second cycle) and B-A group (those drugs were given in the reverse sequence). The primary end point was the efficacy of thalidomide in controlling delayed (days 2 through 5) chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The secondary end point was the safety of thalidomide. Results Of 52 patients enrolled, 50 patients (96%) were assessable. Complete response rates of delayed nausea (no nausea) were higher with group B than group A (52% vs 24%, P = 0.004 on day 2; 58% vs 24%, P =0.001 on day 3; and 60% vs 36%, P = 0.016 on day 4). Complete response rates of delayed emesis (no emetic episodes, no rescue therapy) for group B and A also showed significance (86% vs 66%, P = 0.019 on day 2 and 76% vs 56%, P = 0.035 on day 3). Complete response rates on anorexia for group B were higher than those for group A on days 2 through 5. More patients in group B reported sedation or dizziness than in group A (42% vs 9.6%; P = 0.000). Conclusions Thalidomide improves prevention of chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal side effects following the mFOLFOX7 regimen. It is a safe, effective antiemetic.
Brain Metastases Secondary to Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Prognosis and Evolution
Authors: Oltean Daniela , Dicu Tiberius , Eniu Dan 
Published: February 2018

Aims and Background Brain metastases confer a worse prognosis to breast cancer because they determine a severe increase in mortality. The aim of this study was to identify the early symptoms in patients with brain metastases after breast cancer treatment and to evaluate the median survival rate in women with single and operable brain lesions. Patients and Methods We examined 43 patients with brain metastases secondary to breast cancer treated in the Oncological Institute Prof I Chiricuţă, Cluj-Napoca, during the period 2000-2006. Results The median interval between the breast cancer diagnosis and detection of central nervous metastases was 21 months. The most frequent symptoms were headache, gait disturbance, nausea and vomiting. Patients with a single brain lesion had a median survival of 23 months compared to only 7 months in case of patients with multiple brain metastases. Conclusions The prognosis is worse in patients with solitary brain metastases secondary to breast cancer than in patients who present extracranial metastases. Among factors considered favorable in these patients are a single brain lesion, accessibility to surgery, and the absence of associated extracranial metastases.
Role of Glutathione S-Transferase Omega Gene Polymorphisms in Breast-Cancer Risk
Authors: Chariyalertsak Sunanta , Purisa Wichai , Sangrajrang Suleeporn 
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims Genetically influenced variations in the levels of activity and/or expression of some members of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) family have been identified as risk factors for cancer. One, GST omega (GSTO), has been found in a very limited number of studies. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of GSTO1 and GSTO2 polymorphisms on breast cancer risk. Methods DNA isolated from the blood of 101 patients with breast cancer and 151 healthy controls was investigated for GSTO1 and GSTO2 polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction-restriction-fragment length polymorphism. Results Univariate and multivariate analyses showed no association between GSTO1 and GSTO2 genotypes and the risk of breast cancer. A higher prevalence of wild-type GSTO1 (A140/A140) was significantly correlated with advanced-stage breast cancer (OR = 0.1, 95% CI, 0.01-0.77), but the presence of the genotype did not correlate with patient age at diagnosis, menopausal status, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, or estrogen-receptor status. No association was found between GSTO2 genotype and clinicopathological features. Conclusions The results of the study suggest that GSTO1 and GSTO2 variants are not associated with breast cancer risk, but that wild-type GSTO1 (A140/A140) is likely among cases at an advanced stage.
Telomerase RNA Expression and DNA Ploidy as Prognostic Markers of Prostate Carcinomas
Authors: Bantis Athanassios , Patsouris Efstratios , Gonidi Maria , Kavantzas Nikolaos , Tsipis Angelos , Athanassiadou Anna-Maria , Aggelonidou Eleni , Athanassiadou Pauline 
Published: February 2018

Aims and Background The objective of this study was to determine whether there was a correlation between telomerase RNA expression and DNA ploidy status with clinicopathological parameters and biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Study Design Telomerase RNA expression and DNA ploidy were evaluated in imprint smear samples obtained from 112 prostates after radical prostatectomy. The results were correlated with pathological stage, Gleason score and serum PSA. Results Positive telomerse RNA expression was detected in 67.8% of prostate carcinomas. The multiple linear regression model showed a statistically significance increase in telomerase RNA expression with increased Gleason score ( P <0.0001) and preoperative serum PSA values ( P = 0.0125). DNA ploidy status also varied significantly with Gleason score ( P <0.0001) and preoperative serum PSA values ( P = 0.0110). Five patients with diploid tumors and negative telomerase RNA expression developed a recurrence. However, recurrence was associated with DNA aneuploidy ( P = 0.001) as well as with high telomerase RNA overexpression ( P = 0.001). Conclusions We conclude that telomerase RNA expression and DNA ploidy could be additional markers in the field of prognosis of prostate carcinomas.
Extragonadal Yolk sac Tumor outside of the Midline of the Body: A Case Report of a Child with a Yolk Sac Tumor of the Pontocerebellar Angle
Authors: Lazzareschi Ilaria , Furfaro Ilaria Francesca , Coccia Paola , Puma Nadia , Riccardi Riccardo 
Published: February 2018

Yolk sac tumor is a rare germ cell neoplasm occurring mainly in the gonads. Extragonadal yolk sac tumor is a very rare malignancy; its main distribution is along the midline of the body at three principal sites: mediastinum, central nervous system and retroperitoneum. Most yolk sac tumors are diagnosed between seven months and three years of age. We report a case of primary yolk sac tumor in a 13-month-old child. The tumor was located in the pontocerebellar angle, an atypical location that may not have suggested a yolk sac tumor as first diagnosis. We want to highlight the importance of performing tumor marker measurements during the first year of life, also for tumors located away from the midline.