bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CEA in Evaluation of Adnexal Mass: Retrospective Cohort Analysis and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sagi-Dain Lena , Lavie Ofer , Auslander Ron , Sagi Shlomi 
Published: June 2015

Background The aim of this study was to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in conjunction with Ca125 in the triage of adnexal masses. Methods This retrospective cohort study was carried out in 495 patients referred to the Gynecology Department at Carmel Medical Center due to adnexal mass, between 2005 and 2012. All patients underwent surgery with histopathologically confirmed diagnosis and preoperative measurements of serum Ca125 and CEA. For each marker, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and risk ratio were calculated. Results Combination of CEA with Ca125, compared with Ca125 levels alone, yielded a nonsignificant effect on sensitivity (87.4% vs. 88.9%, respectively, p = 0.64) and specificity (79.3% vs. 74.3%, p = 0.18) in differentiating malignant from benign adnexal masses. CEA levels were higher in mucinous histological types, but were not helpful in detection of borderline tumors. Significantly higher CEA (21.4 ± 53.6 vs. 3.2 ± 11.9 ng/mL, p = 0.0002) and lower Ca125 values (103.9 ± 84.9 vs. 796 ± 1,331.5 U/mL, p = 0.0338) were demonstrated in the 17 metastatic cases compared with 181 primary ovarian malignancies. Conclusions The combination of the tumor markers CEA and Ca125 did not contribute significantly to the detection of malignant adnexal masses compared with Ca125 alone. As our results suggest that higher CEA levels could be useful in differentiating metastatic tumors from primary ovarian malignancy and in diagnosis of mucinous histology, this issue should be investigated in large, well-designed, prospective cohort trials.
Scoring of Endometriosis: Relation to Nerve Fiber Density in Endometrial Biopsy
Authors: Hemeda Hosam M. , El-Shourbagy Mahmoud A. , Nasr-addin Mohammed A. , El-Refaee Tamer A. , Ahmed Amal A. , Awad Nahla M. 
Published: June 2015

Background The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of nerve fiber density (NFD) in endometrial biopsy as a diagnostic method for endometriosis and to detect its relationship to pain intensity and endometriosis staging by revised American Fertility Society (r-AFS, 1985) criteria. Methods Endometrial biopsies were taken from 50 women (25 women with laparoscopically diagnosed endometriosis compared with 25 women laparoscopically excluded endometriosis), and then detection of NFD in endometrial biopsies was attempted using immunohistochemical test protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5). Results In women with laparoscopically diagnosed endometriosis (n = 25), the median NFD in the functional layer in the endometrial biopsy was 5 nerve fibers/mm2 (range 2-13 nerve fibers/mm2). No nerve fibers were detected in endometrial biopsies in any of the woman in group 2 (control group; n = 25). There was a significant positive correlation between NFD in endometrial biopsy and endometriosis r-AFS staging (p = 0.005). No significant correlation was found between NFD and pain intensity (p = 0.381). Conclusions NFD in endometrial biopsy can be used as a less invasive method for diagnosis and staging of endometriosis.
Long-Term Administration of Dienogest Reduces Recurrence after Excision of Endometrioma
Authors: Ota Yoshiaki , Andou Masaaki , Yanai Shiori , Nakajima Saori , Fukuda Mika , Takano Mizuki , Kurotsuchi Shozo , Ebisawa Keiko , Hada Tomonori , Ota Ikuko 
Published: June 2015

Background Pain-relieving effects of dienogest against endometriosis are comparable to leuprolide acetate for 24 weeks. We assessed whether long-term dienogest administration reduces recurrence after endometrioma excision. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, 568 women with MRI-based diagnosis of ovarian endometrioma, who underwent laparoscopic stripping between 2008 and 2013, were studied. Recurrence rates and side effects over 5 years were investigated in 417 without postoperative medication and 151 who received dienogest postoperatively at 2 mg. Transvaginal sonography was performed every 3 months, and when cystic lesions ≥2 cm were observed, diagnostic MRI was conducted. Recurrence was defined as a lesion previously diagnosed as endometrioma by MRI, equal in size or larger 3 months later on ultrasonography. Cumulative recurrence rates were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and group comparison involved log-rank tests. Blood examinations were completed every 3 months, and bone mineral density was measured with DEXA every 6 months. Results Cumulative recurrence rates at the 5th postoperative year in the no-postoperative-medication and 2-mg dienogest groups were 69 and 4%, respectively, showing significant decreases (odd ratio [OR] = 0.09, 95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.26). Anemia occurred in 4% due to metrorrhagia directly after administration, metrorrhagia including spotting was observed in 20% at 1 year and decreases in bone mineral density and depression were observed in 4 and 2.6%, respectively, in the dienogest group. Conclusions Dienogest significantly prevented postoperative endometrioma recurrence. However, side effects such as metrorrhagia and a decreased bone mineral density were observed. Therefore, careful long-term follow-up is necessary.
Early Cannulation Grafts for Haemodialysis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Al Shakarchi Julien , Houston Graeme , Inston Nicholas 
Published: June 2015

Purpose Arteriovenous grafts have advantages compared with central venous catheters for dialysis access and guidelines suggest their use as second choice after arteriovenous fistulas. Standard practice with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts has been to avoid cannulation for 2 weeks following placement, but new generation grafts have been marketed for their early cannulation properties allowing use as an alternative to central venous catheters for prompt access. The aim of this review is to search the current literature for evidence of early cannulation of new generation grafts and to assess their patency and complication rates. Methods Electronic databases were searched for studies assessing the use of early cannulation grafts for dialysis in accordance with PRISMA. The primary outcomes for this study were primary patency rate, primary-assisted patency rate and secondary patency rate. Secondary outcomes were timing of first cannulation, rates of access thrombosis, steal syndrome, pseudo-aneurysm and infection. Results Following strict inclusion/exclusion criteria by two reviewers, 15 studies were included in our review and divided into the different types of graft. Flixene, Avflo, Rapidax and Acuseal grafts showed that early cannulation within 72 h was possible; there was no evidence of the use of Vectra within 2 weeks of placement. All grafts showed similar patency and complication rates as previously published data on standard ePTFE grafts. Conclusion Our review showed that early cannulation is possible without detriment, but data did not allow specific graft recommendations. Therefore, we feel that a multicentre, randomised controlled trial is necessary to compare early cannulation grafts.
Cephalic Vein and Radial Artery Diameter in Formation of Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistula: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kordzadeh Ali , Chung Jameson , Panayiotopoulos Yiannis P. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose The aim of this study is to determine the optimal range of cephalic vein and radial artery diameter following preoperative duplex imaging to enhance maturation and primary patency of Brescia-Cimino radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula. Methods A systematic review and meta-aggregation of literature from 1966 to January 2015 in English language and adult subjects in Pubmed, OVID, CINHAL and Cochrane database was conducted. Results This search produced a total of thirty-six (n = 36) articles. Following the application of recruitment criteria, only twelve articles (n = 12) were found eligible. Their quality was assessed by Oxford Critical Appraisal skills Programme (CASP) and their recommendation for practice was examined through National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Conclusions The current literature suggests that the optimal range of radial artery for maximum performance (maturation and primary patency) of RCAVF is at least 2 mm (level 2, grade a). The cephalic vein diameter of at least 2 mm (non-augmented) can result in best maturation and primary patency outcomes (level 2, grade a) and threshold below 1.5 mm is not advocated (level 2, grade b).
Nausea and Vomiting during the First 3 Intercycle Periods in Chemo-naive Cancer Patients Receiving Moderately/Highly Emetogenic Therapy
Authors: Pessi Maria Adelaide , Necchi Andrea , Bossi Paolo , Resteghini Carlo , Giannatempo Patrizia , Ferrari Laura , Zilembo Nicoletta , Ripamonti Carla Ida 
Published: June 2015

Aims and Background There is a paucity of data regarding the incidence, intensity, and treatment of nausea and vomiting during the intercycle periods of chemotherapy (CHT). The aims of the study were to assess the incidence and intensity of intercycle nausea and vomiting, to assess the use of rescue antiemetic medications, and to define the more uncomfortable symptom between nausea and vomiting. Methods In a prospective study, 108 chemotherapy-naive patients treated with highly or moderately emetogenic CHT for different primary cancers were enrolled. All patients filled out the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System tool before the first cycle of CHT (T0) and on 14-16 days thereafter for the first 3 cycles of CHT (i.e., T1, T2, T3). Results Sixty-seven patients completed the study. During CHT administration, all patients received antiemetics according to international guidelines. During the intercycle periods, nausea was reported in 6.0% of patients at T0, 10.5% at T1, and 26.9% at T2 and T3, respectively. The intensity of nausea was mild for 6.0%, 21%, and 18% of patients at T1, T2, and T3, respectively; moderate for 1.5%, 3.0%, and 6.0% at T1 to T3; and severe in only 3.0% of patients at any time. Vomiting was present in 1.5% and 10.5% of patients at T2 and T3. Rescue antiemetic medication was required for 41.8% at T1, 53% at T2, and 47.8% at T3. At the end of the study, 70.1% of patients described nausea as the more uncomfortable symptom compared to vomiting. Conclusions Nausea has a higher burden of impact over vomiting and should be assessed and treated separately throughout multiple cycles of CHT.
Patient and Caregiver Needs in Oncology. An Italian Survey
Authors: Berardi Rossana , Ballatore Zelmira , Bacelli Weruska , Silva Rosa Rita , Menichetti Ettore Tito , Marcellini Massimo , Duca Monia , Giacomini Giusi , Marilungo Katia , Cascinu Stefano 
Published: June 2015

Aims and Background Cancer is a disease that has far-reaching consequences for patients and their families. The present study targets unmet caregiver needs so that better support can be provided and planned for. Methods The first phase of the study was to conduct a survey designed to explore basic needs (medical and nursing information, psychological support, social welfare). The survey also investigated the caregiver's personal details (age, sex, degree of kinship). The survey was distributed to caregivers coming to the day hospitals of the 4 oncology departments involved in the study. Results A total of 137 relatives of cancer patients completed the survey. Among the explored needs, the most recurrent was the availability of a doctor who provides full information on the treatment choices. A further important request was for consistency between the information provided by doctors and that provided by other health-care workers, with specific reference to a patient-centered approach that can be easily and fully understood, available therapeutic options especially at home, and prognosis. Conclusions The study showed that the need for exhaustive and simple information provided by a referral physician is still an unmet need in the Internet age.
Dosimetric Verification of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Lung Cancer Treatment Plans Using Flattening Filter-free Beams
Authors: Zhang Jiyong , Wu Vincent W. , Lu Jiayang , Hong Danli , Lin Zhixiong 
Published: June 2015

Aims This study aimed to analyze the dose distribution using different dosimetric tools in conducting pretreatment quality assurance for lung cancer stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) plans with flattening filter free (FFF) beams. Methods Nine patients with lung cancer treated via SBRT were randomly selected, and their treatment plans were generated using the Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS) with FFF beams. For each patient, the same plan was applied to the Delta4 phantom and MatriXX by the TPS, which calculated the dose distribution. The Delta4 and MatriXX phantoms were then used to measure the actual dose distribution at the linear accelerator, and these measured doses were compared to with the calculated doses. Gamma analysis was employed in verifying the correspondence between the dose distributions. The absolute point doses were measured by a 0.016 mL Microchamber with the RW3 phantom and Thorax phantom. Results The absolute point doses measured by the 0.016 mL Microchamber were within ±3% of the calculated results for the central point of the RW3 and Thorax phantoms. The Delta4 and MatriXX dose distributions agreed well with the measured and calculated doses, over 98%, based on the 3% maximum dose and 3 mm gamma criteria. Conclusions Both measured and calculated doses for the Delta4 and MatriXX phantoms agreed well for each patient with lung cancer. The absolute point dose measurements using the 0.016 mL Microchamber exhibited excellent agreement with the TPS calculated between the RW3 and Thorax phantoms.
Reirradiation in Head and Neck Recurrent or Second Primary Tumor: Efficacy, Safety, and Prognostic Factors
Authors: Buglione Michela , Maddalo Marta , Mazzeo Ercole , Bonomo Pierluigi , Spiazzi Luigi , Bruni Alessio , Paiar Fabiola , Triggiani Luca , Greto Daniela , Rubino Laura , Livi Lorenzo , Bertoni Filippo , Magrini Stefano Maria 
Published: June 2015

Aims and background We investigated efficacy, safety, and prognostic factors of reirradiation in patients with recurrent or second primary head and neck cancer. Methods Records of 75 consecutive patients treated with reirradiation between August 2005 and December 2013 were reviewed. Results Median overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were 29.5 and 33.6 months. Median local control (LC) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 21.7 and 16.2 months. Univariate analysis showed that patients younger than 70 years, with a Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) >90 or with 2 or less comorbidities at time of reirradiation, have a better OS; KPS >90 and biological equivalent dose (BED) >72 Gy positively influenced the PFS. At multivariate analysis, KPS at reirradiation was an independent predictive factor for OS, while BED was an independent predictive factor for CSS and OS. At univariate analysis, patients with planning target volume (PTV) >221 mL had worse LC and PFS rates, with results confirmed at multivariate analysis. The rate of fatal treatment-related adverse events was 6.7% (3 carotid blowout, 1 soft tissue necrosis, and 1 thromboembolic event). Conclusions This study confirms the role and outcomes of reirradiation. A careful selection of patients could minimize acute and late side effects and influence survival: elderly patients, with significant medical comorbidities or poor KPS, are worse candidate for reirradiation. Total dose delivered with reirradiation and PTV appear to be other potential prognostic factors. Further studies of dose escalation are needed to establish the total dose that could achieve better LC rates with a safer toxicity profile.
Trabectedin plus Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin: Retrospective Analysis in Heavily Pretreated Platinum-sensitive Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Nicoletto Maria Ornella , Baldoni Alessandra , Casarin Alessandra , Randon Giovanni , Nardin Margherita , Baretta Zora , Lardelli Pilar , Nieto Antonio , Alfaro Vicente , Rigamonti Claudia , Conte Pier Franco 
Published: June 2015

Purpose This retrospective analysis evaluated treatment with trabectedin plus pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in 34 heavily pretreated patients (median number of previous lines, 3; range, 2-10) with platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer (ROC) at a single center in Italy. Methods Trabectedin/PLD treatment consisted of trabectedin administered every 3 weeks as a 3-hour intravenous (i.v.) infusion at a dose of 1.1 mg/m2, immediately after PLD 30 mg/m2 i.v. infusion. Study objectives were the evaluation of the objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results Three complete responses and 8 partial responses were observed, with an ORR of 32.4% (95% CI, 17.450.5%). Median PFS was 6.1 months (95% CI, 4.4-8.9 months). Median OS was 16.3 months (95% CI, 6.8-23.5). Most responses (9 of 11) were found in patients with partially platinum-sensitive disease (ORR 40.9% in this subset; median PFS 6.8 months and median OS 20.8 months). Grade 3 treatment-related adverse events consisted of nausea/vomiting (n = 5; 14.7%), mucositis (n = 2; 5.9%), alanine aminotransferase increase, anemia and neutropenia (n = 1 each; 2.9%). Conclusions The overall findings appear consistent with those previously observed in a randomized controlled clinical trial, and support the use of trabectedin/PLD in heavily pretreated patients with platinum-sensitive ROC, especially those with partially platinum-sensitive disease.
Adjuvant Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy in Early Breast Cancer: What Factors Lead Patients to Discontinue Treatment?
Authors: Moscetti Luca , Fabbri Maria Agnese , Sperduti Isabella , Fabrizio Nelli , Frittelli Patrizia , Massari Annalisa , Pompei Luciano , D'Auria Giuliana , Pofi Enrico , Ruggeri Enzo Maria 
Published: June 2015

Background Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are standard hormone therapy (HT) for the adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal endocrine-sensitive early breast cancer. Treatment discontinuation due to toxicity is an important issue that may help clinicians identify effective clinical interventions to allow adequate treatment duration. We reviewed the main reasons for interruption of AIs at our institution from 2006 to 2009. Methods 236 patients treated with adjuvant AIs were eligible for analysis. Median age was 64 years (35-89), median follow-up 53 months (6-60). Prior adjuvant chemotherapy was taxane based in 47 patients and anthracycline based in 43 patients. 118 patients had received letrozole, 101 anastrozole, and 17 exemestane. Results Twenty-four patients (10%) needed discontinuation of the first AI assigned as a result of toxicity. Grade 2/3 arthralgia was the main reason for discontinuation in 13/24 patients. No differences in the incidence of arthralgia were noted in patients who had received taxanes or anthracyclines. Headache, alopecia, itching, diffuse skin reaction, allergic reaction with hypertensive crisis, xerostomia and xerophthalmia, insomnia and somnolence were the other reasons for discontinuation. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age (65 years) and HT were independent factors associated with the onset of arthralgia (p = 0.006 and p = 0.008, respectively; OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.32-5.31). Alternative HT (AI or tamoxifen) was offered to patients who wanted or needed to permanently interrupt the ongoing drug. Conclusions In our analysis, 10% of patients discontinued the first AI assigned because of toxicity. Median time course of all adverse events leading to HT discontinuation was 155 days and 135 days for arthralgia. A switch to alternative HT with toxicity monitoring is a recommended option for avoiding premature and permanent interruption of an effective treatment.
Evaluating psychosocial support needs of female cancer patients in the State of Qatar
Authors: Alagraa Razzan , Abujaber Ahmad , Chandra Prem , Doughty Joanne 
Published: June 2015

Patient perceived perceptions of psychosocial support are increasingly important to understanding appropriate holistic patient-centred care. Information is scarce regarding the attitudes of female cancer patients in Arab and Muslim populations. This study was undertaken in the State of Qatar among female cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate what extent women undergoing cancer treatment in the State of Qatar view the importance of psychosocial support? Another aim of this study was to determine which demographic indicators, if any, may predict for certain preferences in support. The authors hypothesized that a majority of female cancer patients will perceive psychosocial support as an important aspect. This study used English and Arabic questionnaires to glean data from female cancer patients attending clinics at the National Centre for Cancer Care and Research in Doha, Qatar. For the purpose of this study, psychosocial support was defined under four categories: 1) family support, 2) religious/spiritual support, 3) support groups 4) physician referred support. Results showed that 88% of female respondents rated psychosocial support categories as important. There was no significance between patient demographics and specific preferences for the support categories in the study. This study may provide some areas for future research that may shape guidelines for improving holistic patient care and in assisting the Supreme Health Council in meeting its targets for the Qatar National Cancer strategy, which states that cancer treatment should be patient-centred focusing on both medical and psychosocial needs of patients.
Don’t just do something, stand there
Authors: Hoffman Jerome R , Wilkes Michael S 
Published: June 2015

Imagine a (hypothetical) screening test which, done in a population of average risk, saves one person from dying from cancer out of every 10,000 people screened. Imagine as well that every one of those 10,000 pays a price in terms of time and money spent, as well as discomfort, and that some or even many of them will also have to deal with increased anxiety, repeat testing, biopsies, and in a few cases, surgery. Finally, a few will have serious adverse effects like infection or organ failure.