PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

V Pedicini

Publications and source records attributed to V Pedicini.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Activity of a specific inhibitor, gefitinib (Iressa, ZD1839), of epidermal growth factor receptor in refractory non-small-cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Gefitinib (Iressa(TM), ZD1839) is an orally active, selective epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Phase I studies showed that it is well tolerated, with evidence of tumor regression in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Therefore, we aimed to assess the antitumor activity and tolerability of gefitinib in a series of patients with previously treated, advanced NSCLC, as a part of a compassionate use program. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To be eligible, all patients were required to have histologically or cytologically proven advanced or metastatic NSCLC, prior chemotherapy with at least one cisplatin-containing chemotherapy regimen or contraindication to cytotoxic drugs, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status < or =2, and adequate hematological, renal and hepatic parameters. All patients provided signed informed consent. Patient re-evaluation was performed every 4-6 weeks. RESULTS: Seventy-three consecutive patients were enrolled. Response rate, including complete and partial response, was 9.6%; an additional 43.8% of patients achieved stable disease, for an overall disease control of 53.4%. EGFR1 status was evaluated by immunocytochemistry in 25 patients. According to EGFR1 immunoreactivity all responses were observed with medium/strong imunoreactivity while three out of four responses were observed in high expressive patients. Median survival for all patients was 4 months while it reached 6 months for patients with disease control. The 1-year survival rate was 13.1% for the entire series and 23.2% for patients with disease control. Non-hematological toxicity was generally mild. CONCLUSION: Gefitinib has promising activity with a good toxicity profile in patients with progressive NSCLC who have received one or two prior chemotherapy regimens. A possible relationship within response and EGFR1 expression is suggested.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Meckel's diverticulum: imaging diagnosis.

Despite the availability and wide use of modern imaging techniques, the diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum is difficult. The signs and symptoms vary from none to those of an acute abdomen or gastrointestinal bleeding. Findings on physical examination may be inconsistent because of the variable location of the diverticulum, and bleeding may occur with no appreciable physical findings. Finally, small diverticula are often concealed by overlying small-bowel loops on routine small-bowel barium studies. The purposes of this article are to review the use of available techniques for the imaging diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum, to discuss the relative advantages and indications for the various procedures, and to emphasize the role each plays in specific clinical circumstances. The embryology, anatomy, and clinical presentation of Meckel's diverticulum are also briefly discussed.

Humans↗

Fatal outcome in atrial migration of the Tempofilter.

PURPOSE: To report the risk of fatal atrial migration with the Tempofilter. METHODS: Among temporary filters, the high safety profile Tempofilter has been marketed as offering protection for up to 6 weeks. We implanted about 60 Tempofilters to prevent pulmonary embolism. The main indications were temporary thromboembolic risk, recurrent pulmonary embolism, and contraindication to or failure of anticoagulant therapy. Follow-up was performed regularly by plain abdominal film and Doppler ultrasound. Filters were removed about 4 weeks after placement. RESULTS: We encountered three cases (5%) of atrial migration and one case of 5-cm cephalad displacement of the filter. Of the three patients with atrial migration, two died within 3 days of implantation, one from a massive pulmonary embolism and the other with cardiac tamponade. One patient did not show any serious complications. CONCLUSIONS: The Tempofilter may actively migrate cranially and become dangerous in the case of migration within the heart.

Adult↗