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R Carboni

Publications and source records attributed to R Carboni.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

A modified weekly docetaxel schedule as first-line chemotherapy in elderly metastatic breast cancer: a safety study.

Standard dose docetaxel is burdened by severe toxicity. Weekly schedules have been shown to be active as standard scheme with reduced side effects. In 20-30% of elderly patients (pts) the classic 6-week schedule induces grade 3/4 fatigue and other cumulative toxicities. We carried out this safety study in order to evaluate whether a modified weekly docetaxel schedule would improve the toxicity profile. Twenty-one untreated elderly (> or = 70 years) pts suffering from metastatic breast cancer were enrolled in the study. Pts were treated with a weekly dose of 35 mg/m2 docetaxel for 6 weeks, followed by a 2-week rest. Further cycles were performed with this modified schedule: docetaxel days 1, 8 and 15 every 29 days. All pts received at least the first cycle (6 weeks). A total of 261 doses were delivered. No toxic deaths occurred. The toxicity was mild: we recorded 1 episode of grade 3 neutropenia and severe asthenia in only 2 pts (10%). We recorded an overall response rate of 33% (1 CR, 6 PR). Our data showed a reduced incidence of severe asthenia (2/21), obtained with a light modification of a weekly docetaxel schedule.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2003

Venous damage prevention by defibrotide in vinorelbine-treated patients.

GOALS: The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence of venous toxicity induced by vinorelbine administration in patients who received a preventive therapy with defibrotide. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From July 1996 to July 2002 we treated 203 patients with vinorelbine, 51 with vinorelbine alone and 152 with vinorelbine in combination with other drugs via peripheral vein infusion. Of the 203 patients, 123 were male and 80 female with a median age of 67 years (range 18 to 82 years), and 118 were chemotherapy-naive. Defibrotide was delivered i.v. at a dose of 400 mg in 250 ml normal saline. After infusion of 125 ml over about 15 min, vinorelbine mixed with 10 ml normal saline was delivered as quick brief repeated pulses over 5 min through the plastic tube, followed by infusion of the remaining defibrotide. The specific Rittenberg scale was used to assess venous irritation episodes. RESULTS: Among a total of 1336 vinorelbine infusions, with a median of five infusions per patient, the incidence of venous irritation episodes graded according to Rittenberg scale was 1.1% (15), of which 0.6% (8) were grade 2 and 0.5% (7) grade 1. Globally, 15 patients (7.3%) developed venous toxicity after a median of 3 infusions (range 1-14), but no patient had more than one event. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the use of defibrotide as an effective, safe and low-cost means for preventing vinorelbine-related venous damage.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Definite colostomy using a circular stapler: a technique to be reconsidered].

Personal experience on a particular utilization of circular stapler is reported. At the beginning the fast and easy execution emphasized its use. However, the constant appearance of a late complication was observed, i.e. the progressive stenosis of the stoma. This event occurred even when maximal size of the instrument was used and it reappeared after repeated procedures of instrumental or surgical dilatation. The effective validity of this technique was evaluated by the Authors. On the other hand, the Burk alternative technique, with a second purse-string on the cutaneous ring seems to prevent the stenosis. However, it is slow and difficult as traditional procedure. The causes of the neostoma stenosis performed by circular stapler, reported by the Authors in 100% of cases, are easily explained with the absence of biological barrier of colonic mucosa that normally prevents excessive tissue growth.

Colostomy↗
PubMed1990

[Critical considerations on circular staplers].

After a careful review of the literature and a critical evaluation of personal experience on stapling technics in visceral anastomoses, some critical considerations on circular devices are reported. The Authors emphasize the well known qualities of staplers which brought to their routine use in digestive surgery. Some complications exclusively due to an "imperfect" firing of the instrument are then reported. Personal experience on a particular utilization of circular stapler for definitive colostomy is also reported. The Authors finally suggest some simple technical improvements.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1989

[Tuberculosis of the breast. Report of a clinical case and review of the literature].

Tuberculosis of the breast is an uncommon disease and the correct diagnosis may be established only by histologic demonstration of granulomatous inflammatory infiltrates with central caseation. In fact, preoperative examination and mammography suggest carcinoma or sometimes bacterial abscess in most instances. Tuberculous mastitis was diagnosed in a 74-year-old woman. The case history and a review of the literature are presented. The Authors emphasize the role of excision of necrotic tissue and drainage, in combination with antimicrobial therapy, in the treatment of this pathology.

Aged↗