bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lymphocytosis Decline is not Responsible for Tumor Progression in Cancer Patients Chronically Treated with Interleukin-2
Authors: Lissoni Paolo , Barni Sandro , Andres Marco , Scardino Epifanio , Vigoré Luigi , Vezzo Roberto , Rescaldani Roberto , Tancini Gabriele 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background The antitumor activity of IL-2 is mediated by an increase in lymphocyte number. Moreover, our previous studies have shown that therapy for 1 week/month with low-dose subcutaneous IL-2 is sufficient to maintain high levels of lymphocytes in cancer patient who have had tumor regression or stable disease (SD) in response to IL-2 immunotherapeutic cycles. This study was performed to establish whether tumor progression in cancer patients chronically treated with IL-2 may be associated with lymphocyte number decline. Methods The study included 53 metastatic renal cell cancer patients, who were treated with 2 induction cycles of IL-2 subcutaneous immunotherapy (6 million IU/day for 5 days/week for 6 weeks, corresponding to one cycle). Tumor regression occurred in 15/53 patients, 20 patients had a SD, and the remaining 18 cases progressed. Non progressed patients (n = 35) underwent a maintenance therapy consisting of one week of therapy every month. After a median follow-up of 18 months, 26/35 patients with response or SD had progressed. The immune investigation consisted of lymphocyte, T lymphocyte, NK cell number determination and sCD25 level detection. Results The mean number of lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and NK cells observed on IL-2 maintenance therapy was significantly higher than that seen before beginning the immunotherapy. Moreover, mean number of lymphocytes and mean levels of sCD25 observed at the time of tumor progression were respectively lower and higher than those seen on maintenance therapy in the same patients, without, however, significant differences. Conclusion Despite the importance of lymphocytes in medianting the antitumor activity of IL-2, this study shows that tumor progression in cancer patients chronically treated with low-dose IL-2 after response or SD during IL-2 induction cycles is not associated with a significant decline in lymphocyte, T lymphocyte or NK cell numbers. Further studies, carried out to analyze the functional status of immune cells at the time of tumor progression, will be necessary to define the role of immunity in cancer patients progressing under IL-2 chronic therapy.
The Role of Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Survey of Clinical Practices in Lombardy, Italy, by the Airo-Lombardia Cooperative Group
Authors: Palazzi Mauro , Valdagni Riccardo , Poli Marisa , Buffoli Alberto , Leoni Mario , Vavassori Vittorio , Di Lorenzo Innocenzo , Corbella Franco , Nava Simonetta , Cazzaniga Luigi Franco , d'Affronto Caterina , Di Muzio Nadia , Borsa Giuseppe 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background The role of radiotherapy in the treatment of stage III non-small cell lung cancer is controversial. The aim of this survey was to investigate the use of this modality in current clinical practice in Lombardy, a highly industrialized region of northern Italy. Methods A questionnaire was sent to all 13 radiotherapy centers in Lombardy, covering statistical, clinical, technical and strategical aspects, and the responses were analyzed. Results A wide range of attitudes was observed among participating radiation oncologists; the percentage of cases treated with curative intent varied largely between centers (4-100%), as did the proportion of patients given to radiation only rather than combined modality treatment (5-100% vs 0-90%). Conclusions An urgent need exists for better cooperation between all clinicians involved in lung cancer treatment, pursuing the goals of a more uniform clinical practice and a more aggressive clinical research attitude.
Cytomorphologic Characterization of Cell Subsets Isolated by Density Gradient Centrifugation from Tumor Effusions of Ovarian Endometrioid Carcinoma
Authors: Bar Julia K. , Harłozińska Antonina , Sobańska Ewa , Cislo Mieczysław 
Published: April 2018

Aims Cytomorphologic characterization of tumor cell subsets, according to the stage of pathologic differentiation, and comparison of cellular composition in tumor cyst and ascitic fluids were carried out on individual patients with ovarian endometrioid carcinoma. Methods A density gradient centrifugation technique was applied to fractionate the cells from tumor effusions. Results The enrichment of cell forms representing individual stages of pathologic differentiation by gradient centrifugation facilitated their cytomorphologic characterization. According to cytomorphologic features, 5 discrete cell subpopulations were identified and catalogued. The cellular composition of tumor cyst and ascitic fluids in individual patients was similar, but the number of fractions and percentage of cell subsets differed. Conclusions The estimation of precise cytomorphologic criteria for cell forms in tumor effusions facilitated the cytologic diagnosis of ovarian endometrioid carcinoma. The possibility to concentrate poorly differentiated, frankly malignant cell subsets in low densities could significantly improve the diagnosis of tumor effusions.
The Cost of Hypertermia: Nine Years Experience at the Radiation Therapy Department of the Turin University
Authors: Gabriele Pietro , Orecchia Roberto , Madon Eugenia , Redda Maria Grazia Ruo , Sannazzari Gian Luca 
Published: April 2018

Background In this paper the authors try to quantify the expenditure for the equipment, staff, treatment per patient and research, sustained at the Radiation Therapy Department of the University of Turin for the treatment of cancer with hyperthermia Methods Two hyperthermic computerized devices are available: the SAPIC SV03 multifrequencies system (915, 434 and 2-30 MHz) for external hyperthermia, and the SACEM system. working only with the frequency of 915 MHz, for interstitial and intracavitary heating. From September 1983 to December 1991, 408 patients have been treated with hyperthermia, for a total number of treated sites of 483; 2960 heating sessions were performed, with a average of six sessions per patient. Results The overall cost of our “hyperthermia project” was about 2,000,000,000 Italian liras; the equipment cost was estimated at 1,258,650,000 Liras (839,100 US$), and the cost per treatment and per heat session at about 3,985,200 (2676 US$) and 664,200 liras (443 US$), respectively. The cost of the research program can be estimated in 175,000,000 liras (116,666 US$). The National Health System provides for a partial reimbursement of 2,000,000 liras (1,333 US$) for each course of hyperthermia. Taking into account the mean expected life expectancy and increasing purchases for replacement of equipment, these costs increase 10% each year. As regards the cost-benefit problem, using the Rees formula it varies from 1112 US$ when hyperthermia is used as elective treatment to 3380 US$ when hyperthermia is used as palliative treatment. Conclusions Hyperthermia is, in our experience, an expensive therapy.
Effect of Octreotide on Neuroenolase Levels in Patients with Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Soresi Enzo , Invernizzi Giovanni , Boffi Roberto , Borghini Umberto , Schiraldi Gianfranco , Mantellini Paolo Valerio , Gramegna Giovanni , Liuzzi Antonio 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background The somatostatin analog octreotide has an antiproliferative effect on small cell lung cancer lines in vitro and in experimental xenograft transplantation systems in vivo. Thus it is worth investigating octreotide activity in the clinical setting. Methods We studied the effect of octreotide (200 μg three times a day subcutaneously for seven days) on serum levels of the tumor marker neuroenolase in 13 patients with small cell lung cancer. Results A decrease in neuroenolase levels was observed at day 7 during octreotide treatment, with a mean ± SD of 32.6 ± 42.0 ng/ml compared to basal values of 44.4 ± 57.7 ng/ml and to washout values of 50.3 ± 65.7 ng/ml ( P < 0.03). Conclusions Our results indicate that octreotide is effective in reducing neuroenolase levels in small cell lung cancer patients. These data suggest a possible role for octreotide in the treatment of this kind of tumor.
Usefulness of the Nd:Yag Laser in Parenchyma-Sparing Resection of Pulmonary Nodular Lesions
Authors: Mineo Tommaso Claudio , Cristino Benedetto , Ambrogi Vincenzo , Natali Gian Luca , Casciani Carlo Umberto 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background The neodymium: yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser has been successfully employed in parenchyma-sparing resection of pulmonary nodular lesions. We report our experience with limited resection using a noncontact Nd: YAG laser applied through a thoracotomic approach. Methods During the period March 1987-October 1993, we performed parenchyma-sparing resections of 66 pulmonary nodular lesions with a noncontact Nd:YAG laser in 47 patients. Nodules were approached through postero-lateral thoracotomy (n= 40), median sternotomy (n= 5) or staged bilateral thoracotomy (n= 2). Fifty-two lesions were located in a peripheral position and the others (n= 14) at various depths within the parenchyma. Results Fifteen lesions were benign: hamartoma (n= 5), chronic pneumonic infiltrate (n= 3), tuberculoma (n= 3), asbestosis (n= 2), Wegener's granuloma (n= 1). Twelve lesions were attributable to primary lung cancer and 33 were metastatic lesions. Another 6 lesions turned out to be necrotic metastases following chemotherapy. There were no perioperative deaths. Pulmonary re-expansion was shortly obtained: mean drainage time was 4.31 ± 3.9 days. Only one patient presented a prolonged drainage time (11 days); in this case, the air leak was successfully treated by tissue glue sealant trans-drainage infiltration. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 96 months. No case of relapse on the resection site has been observed. Conclusions The results suggest that Nd:YAG laser resection is safe and worthwhile in patients with multiple lesions and borderline pulmonary function.
Differences in Blood Glutathione Levels of Patients with Advanced or Localized Carcinoma
Authors: Engin Atilla 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background The increased level of blood glutathione (GSH) is an important biochemical feature in animal epithelial tumor. The aim of this study was to investigate the blood GSH concentrations in well characterized cancer patients and healthy volunteers. Methods Two different groups of carcinoma cases were used. The first group consisted of 15 blood samples drawn from disseminated gastric adenocarcinoma patients, and the second group comprised 15 samples obtained from localized or locally advanced skin carcinoma cases without lymph node metastasis. GSH and hemoglobin concentrations were measured by using the method of Beutler et al. Results The mean blood GSH in patients who had advanced malignant disease was 129.13 ± 7.49 mg/dl and in patients who had localized cancer was 96.24 ± 3.90 mg/dl. These results indicate that the blood GSH level is 31% higher in localized carcinoma cases and 78% higher in metastatic disease than those of controls. Blood GSH concentrations were expressed on the basis of blood volume and also on hemoglobin content. Similar results were calculated with either mode of expression. Conclusion By comparing the two groups of patients, we found that higher blood GSH concentration was correlated with metastatic growth.
Solitary Brain Metastases from Thyroid Carcinoma: Study of 6 Cases
Authors: Salvati Maurizio , Cervoni Luigi , Celli Paolo 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background Although systemic metastases from thyroid cancer are relatively frequent, they rarely affect the nervous system and only exceptionally originate from well-differentiated carcinoma. Methods The authors describe 6 cases of solitary brain metastases from thyroid carcinoma, well-differentiated in 3 cases and anaplastic in the other 3 cases. Results Four patients were females and 2 males (M:F ratio, 1:2); average age was 51 yrs (range 48-56). On average, the interval between diagnosis of the thyroid tumor and appearance of the metastasis was 2.8 years (range 1-12 years) and was shorter in the anaplastic forms (1.2 versus 4.4 years). Average survival was 15 months (range 6-48 months); in particular, average survival was longer in patients with well-differentiated carcinoma (9 vs 21 months) as also in those who did not present other metastatic sites (6 vs 24 months). Death was due to systemic progression of the disease in 4 cases and to brain-relapse in the other 2 cases. Conclusions Surgery, radioactive iodine (where uptake is demonstrable), and radiotherapy are the main therapies available for metastases from thyroid carcinoma. However, survival of patients appears to be modified by the type of treatment performed.
Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 and Serum Cytokines in Melanoma Patients Treated with Liposomes Containing Muramyl Tripeptide
Authors: Favaro Daniela , Santarosa Manuela , Quaia Michele , Spada Antonella , Freschi Andrea , Talamini Renato , Galligioni Enzo 
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background A soluble form of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) has been recently identified in patients with malignant melanoma. It has been demonstrated that inflammatory cytokines can modulate the cellular expression of ICAM-1 and the shedding of this molecule by cells. To our knowledge, few data exist on serum sICAM-1 levels in cancer patients treated with immunomodulators. Liposomes containing muramyl tripeptide (MLV MTP-PE) can activate monocytes from cancer patients in vitro and in vivo, making them cytotoxic such as tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the levels of sICAM-1 and their possible correlation with serum inflammatory cytokine levels in melanoma patients treated with MLV MTP-PE. Methods The sera from 9 patients with metastatic melanoma treated with MLV MTP-PE, 4 mg i.v. twice a week for 12 weeks, were tested in ELISA system to detect sICAM-1, TNF-α, IL-6, Interleukin-1 β (IL- β) and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) before, and 2 and 24 h after the 1st, 12th and 24th infusion of MLV MTP-PE. Results Baseline levels of sICAM-1 were elevated in all patients (median 540 ng/ml: range 400-1030 ng/ml). Twenty-four h after the 1st infusion of MLV MTP-PE, we observed 6 increases in sICAM-1 levels, 1 decrease and 2 stable values (median 720 ng/ml: range 410-1820; P = 0.060). Twenty-four h after the 12th infusion, sICAM-1 increased in 3 patients and did not change in 4 (median 790 ng/ml: range 495-1650 ng/ml; P = 0.069). At the 24th infusion, sICAM-1 increased in 4 of 6 evaluable patients and remained stable in 2 (median 802 ng/ml: range 510-1450 ng/ml; P = 0.045). To better analyze the variations in sICAM-1, the patients were arbitrarily divided into two groups according to their clinical behavior: 4 presented stabilization (all lesions, n = 2; some lesions, n = 2) (Group A); 5 presented progressive disease (Group B). In Group A, sICAM-1 levels remained stable or showed a modest increase during treatment (except in 1 patient, who exhibited a substantial variation after the 12th infusion). In contrast, in Group B very high levels of sICAM-1 were observed at the beginning of the study therapy in 1 patient and after the 1st infusion in 3 patients; these values remained high until the 24th infusion. In most of the patients, TNF-α and IL-6 increased after the 1st infusion, but not thereafter. IFN-γ was never detected; IL-1 β was detectable in a few cases, but only before the infusions. Conclusions baseline levels of sICAM-1 were elevated in all patients and further increased during treatment only in patients with more aggressive disease. No correlation was found between sICAM-1 and inflammatory cytokines. It would therefore seem that in patients with advanced disease, higher levels and a progressive increase in sICAM-1 may be unfavorable prognostic factors.
Cardiac and Pulmonary Effects of Alpha Tumor Necrosis Factor Administered by Isolation Perfusion
Authors: Villani Fabrizio , Galimberti Milena , Mazzola Gaetano , Stifani Italo , Santinami Mario , Rizzi Maurilia , Manzi Renato 
Published: April 2018

Aims We studied cardiac and pulmunaty function in 22 patients affected by in transit metastases from cutaneous melanoma and metastases from soft tissue sarcoma of the limbs and treated with isolation perfusion in extracorporeal circulation with rTNF alpha at doses ranging from 0.5 to 4 mg/m2 in mild hyperthermia. Patients and methods All patients experienced a septic-like shock syndrome of variable severity: this feature lasted from 24 to 72 h and was controlled by the infusion of dopamine. Seventeen patients suffered from respiratory insufficiency, which required assisted ventilation (7 cases mechanical ventilation for 1 day, 8 cases for 2 days, and 2 cases synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation). Results Spirometrie parameters recorded 7-15 days after treatment did not change from baseline values. In contrast, lung transfer factor for carbon monoxide significantly declined in a dose dependent fashion. Conclusions Our data confirm that rTNF alpha administered by isolation perfusion technique induces systemic cardiovascular and pulmonary side effects. Further studies are required to better define time course and reversibility of impaired pulmunary function.
Comparative in Vitro and in Vivo Study of a Nitroxyl Derivative of 5-Fluorouracil (Magnizil) on Human Gastrointestinal Tumors
Authors: Seminare Patrizia , Bogdanov Gennadij , Codacci-Pisanelli Giovanni , Leonetti Carlo , Konovalova Nina , Diatchkovskaya Raya , Gargano Letizia , Aronne Teresa , Franchi Fabrizio 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background There is much interest in nitroxyl derivatives of cytotoxic agents. We evaluated the potential activity of magnizil, a derivative of 5-fluorouracil, on human gastrointestinal tumors in 3 different in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Methods The activities of magnizil and 5-fluorouracil were comparatively determined in vitro on the HT29 cell line by a clonogenic assay and on tumor clinical specimens by an antimetabolic assay. The activity of both the drugs against human tumors was also assessed in mice with the subrenal capsule assay. Results A similar cytotoxic activity was found for magnizil and 5-fluorouracil on the HT29 cell line. As regards human tumors, a lower activity was observed for the nitroxyl derivative than for 5-fluorouracil, with response rates of 25% and 50%, respectively, at comparable concentrations. Moreover, among the tumors transplanted in the subrenal capsule of mice, two were sensitive to magnizil and 3 to 5-fluorouracil. Conclusions Even though experimental results on human tumors indicate a somewhat lower activity for magnizil than the parent compound, its low toxicity and the possibility to clinically use high doses suggest the opportunity to further investigate the potential of this new anticancer agent on larger series of colorectal cancers in experimental systems.
Clinical Development of new Fluoropyrimidines: A Major Improvement in Colorectal Cancer Treatment?
Authors: Colleoni Marco , Nelli Patrizia , Manente Paolo 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background Colorectal cancer represents an increasing problem and is responsible for about 16,000 deaths per year in Italy. Fluorouracil represents the most widely used agent, but therapeutic responses have remained consistently discouraging. The overall response rates for fluorouracil as a single agent range from 5% to 15%, and the addition of biochemical modulators, although able to improve response rate, has not been shown conclusively to prolong survival. Methods In recent years, several new compounds characterized by a high therapeutic index, optimal absorption through the gastrointestinal tract when administered orally and selective hepatic metabolization have been synthesised. In this review we analyzed published data on new fluoropyrimidines in an attempt to better define their role and to evaluate any significant improvement over fluorouracil. Results Athough no sure advantage over fluorouracil has been detected, interesting results have been reported for fluorouracil analogs with alternative routes of administration such as oral or intra-arterial chemotherapy. Conclusions Further studies, possibly randomized, should also measure quality of life and treatment-related costs in order to define their real advantage over fluorouracil in the palliation of advanced colorectal cancer.
Trends in the Prevalence of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 3 in the District of Florence, Italy
Authors: Cecchini Silvia , Ciatto Stefano , Zappa Marco , Biggeri Annibale 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background The objective of this study was to investigate the detection rate of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade III (CIN 3) in previously unscreened women, in order to reveal trends over time in the prevalence of CIN 3 in the District of Florence, where a population-based screening for cervical cancer has been going on since 1973. Study design We considered the women, recorded in the computerized archives of CSPO, who had had no pap test for at least 10 years. Trends of CIN 3 (histologically proven) were analyzed within age groups; the effect of age, cohort and period were considered by means of a Poisson regression model. Results A total of 648 cases of histologically proven CIN 3 were detected in the study period. The detection rates of CIN 3 increased steadly within age groups over birth cohort and calendar period simultaneously. The Poisson regression analysis showed that only the model with age + time trend was statistically significant. Conclusions Although several biases should be taken into account, the analysis seemed to indicate a real increase in CIN 3 prevalence. An increase in frequency of precancerous lesions for cervical cancer in more recent birth cohorts supports the need to keep screening coverage and efficiency as high as possible.
A Feasibility Study of Screening for Endometrial Carcinoma in Postmenopausal Women by Ultrasonography
Authors: Ciatto Stefano , Cecchini Silvia , Bonardi Rita , Grazzini Grazia , Mazzotta Antonia , Zappa Marco 
Published: April 2018

Background Abnormal endometrial thickness assessed by ultrasonography has been reported as a reliable indicator for early asymptomatic endometrial carcinoma. Study design We evaluated the feasibility and the performance of screening by ultrasonography in a consecutive series of postmenopausal volunteers. Results A total of 2,025 women were screened, and 117 (5.8%) showed abnormal endometrial thickness. Ninety-eight subjects consented to be assessed by outpatient endometrial biopsy, which was not possible in 32 for cervical stenosis. Three cancers were detected among 66 assessed subjects, 34 not-assessed subjects were controlled by repeat sonography (no change), and 17 were lost to follow-up. No other cancer was recorded by the local Cancer Registry among screened subjects. The prevalence/incidence ratio was 2.65:1, and the cost per screen-detected cancer was 18,571,000 Italian lire. Conclusions Screening by endometrial sonography is feasible on a practical basis, but its efficacy needs to be proven by prospective controlled studies which would enroll large populations to ensure sufficient statistical power, considering the low incidence and the low lethality of the disease. Studies of screening for other carcinomas may be considered of higher priority.