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Biomedical subjects

V Rodolico

Publications and source records attributed to V Rodolico.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Significance of P16INK4A hypermethylation gene in primary head/neck and colorectal tumors: it is a specific tissue event? Results of a 3-year GOIM (Gruppo Oncologico dell'Italia Meridionale) prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Methylation of the p16 promoter is one of the most frequent mechanisms of gene inactivation; its incidence is extremely variable according to the type of tumor involved. Our purpose was to analyze the hypermethylation of the p16 promoter in laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCC), salivary gland (SG) tumors and in colorectal cancer (CRC), to detect any possible association with the clinicopathological features and to determine the prognostic significance of the p16 gene in the tumors analyzed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The hypermethylation of the p16 promoter was prospectively analyzed, by MSP, in a consecutive series of 64 locally advanced LSCC patients, in a consecutive series of 33 SG tumor patients and in a consecutive series of 66 sporadic CRC patients. RESULTS: Hypermethylation was observed in 9% of the LSCC cases, in all cases of SG cancer and in 21% of the CRC cases. No significant association was observed between p16 hypermethylation and clinicopathological variables in all the tissue samples analyzed. Moreover at univariate analysis p16 mutations were not independently related at disease relapse and death in LSCC and CRC. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the lack of p16 function could happen in advanced stage of SG tumors.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Prognostic and predictive factors in colorectal cancer: Kirsten Ras in CRC (RASCAL) and TP53CRC collaborative studies.

Mutations in the Ki-ras and TP53 genes are the most frequently observed genetic alterations in colorectal cancer (CRC). Ki-ras mutations are mostly found in codons 12 and 13, and less in codon 61. The majority of the TP53 mutations occur in the core domain which contains the sequence-specific DNA binding activity of the protein, and they results in loss of DNA binding. Few centres have sufficient patients to collect detailed information in the large numbers required to determine the impact of individual ki-ras and TP53 genotypes on outcome. Moreover, it has been reported that specific genetic alterations, and not any mutation, might play a different biological role in cancer progression. For these principal reasons, two collaborative studies have been conducted (the RASCAL and the TP53-CRC Collaborative Studies) with the aim of investigating the prognostic role of any, and specific, Ki-ras and TP53 mutations in CRC progression. The results obtained from the RASCAL studies suggest that Ki-ras mutations might have an effect on the survival rate of CRC patients, and that the specific codon 12 glycine/valine mutation might play a role in the progression of this neoplasia. The results of the TP53-CRC International Collaborative Study demonstrate the importance of primary tumor site when analyzing the prognostic value of TP53 mutations in CRC. In addition, different types of TP53 mutation might play a pivotal role in determining the biological behavior of CRC from different sites and hence the prognosis of patients. This meta-analysis produced evidence for interesting tumor site differences in the predictive value of TP53 mutation for survival benefit from 5FU chemotherapy.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗

High-dose prolonged combination therapy in non-responders to interferon monotherapy for chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND: Therapy of chronic hepatitis C non- responders to interferon monotherapy with standard doses of interferon plus ribavirin is usually ineffective. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of high-dose prolonged combination retreatment in non- responder patients. METHODS: Patients were retreated for 6 months with 6 MU alphaIFN on alternate days and 1000 or 1200 mg/day ribavirin. HCV-RNA negative patients continued therapy for an additional 6 months. RESULTS: Forty patients (29 males, mean age 49.7 years, 34 genotype 1b, 11 with F3 fibrosis) were treated. At 6 months, 20 (50%) patients were HCV-RNA negative but six of them discontinued therapy because of adverse events. A sustained response was achieved in 28% of patients (11/40). A sustained response was more frequent among patients with genotype non-1b than in those with genotype 1b (67 vs. 21%, P=0.005) and clearance of HCV-RNA in the first 3 months had a high predictive value for sustained response (100% of sustained responders vs. 24% of non-responders, P=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: High-dose prolonged combination therapy in non-responders to IFN monotherapy leads to a higher rate of sustained response than the standard combination regimen. Tolerability may be a rate-limiting factor. Maximal effectiveness can be predicted in patients with non-1b genotype and in those who clear HCV-RNA soon after starting retreatment.

Adult↗

Prognosis in lower lip squamous cell carcinoma: assessment of tumor factors.

We studied a consecutive series of 54 cases of lower lip squamous cell carcinoma (LLSCC) in order to identify any variables which might predict the development of lymph node metastases. The cases were divided into 38 tumors without metastases (group I) and 16 tumors with lymph node metastases (group II). The following factors were investigated: tumor size, histologic grading maximal thickness, perineural invasion, DNA ploidy and PCNA expression. In conclusion, we found that LLSCC greater than 2 cm in diameter, with histological grading G3-G4, thickness of more than 6 mm, DNA aneuploidy and high PCNA expression (PCNA LI > 0.48), were at high risk for the development of lymph node metastases.

Age Distribution↗

[Synchronous carcinoma of the colorectum].

The incidence of synchronous carcinoma of the large intestine is rising in relation to a greater oncogenic environmental charge and increased average life expectancy. There is also a constant risk of not recognising the disease, especially in the case of small carcinoma and, to a greater extent, in patients operated during the occlusive phase. Having underlined the diagnostic value of a correct preparation of the colon prior to instrumental tests, the authors emphasise the importance of a careful intraoperative exploration of the viscera, its preliminary confinement in occluded subjects and repeated surgery in the event of doubts regarding the monolocation of the tumour. Lastly, they underline the importance of postoperative radiological and endoscopic controls since these tests mark both the successful outcome of treatment and the start of follow-up.

Adult↗

Interactive computerized morphometric analysis for the differential diagnosis between dysplasia and well differentiated adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

To distinguish prostatic dysplasia (or adenosis) from well differentiated adenocarcinoma on transrectal needle biopsy, a morphometric study was conducted on 20 cases of adenosis and 20 cases of well differentiated adenocarcinoma of the prostate. About 100 cells for each patient were analyzed by means of a computerized image analyzer, and mean nuclear diameter, mean nuclear area, mean form factor and number of cells in eight classes of nuclear diameter were studied. The best predictors of malignancy (evaluated by means of Receiver Operating Characteristics curves) were mean nuclear area greater than 28 mu2, presence of more than 5% of cells with nuclear diameter greater than 6.15 mu, and mean nuclear diameter greater than 5 mu. Using these diagnostic criteria the probability of malignancy for a positive specimen rises from 14% (pre-test) to 75% (post-test).

Adenocarcinoma↗

Proliferating tricholemmal tumour with lymph node metastases.

A 42-year-old woman with a proliferating tricholemmal tumour (PTT) with regional lymph node metastases is reported. Histochemical studies showed evidence of tricholemmal keratinization. There was recurrence following excision and subsequently the patient developed lymph node metastases.

Adult↗

Peripheral neuropathy in the hypereosinophilic syndrome: a case report.

We observed a patient with the hypereosinophilic syndrome that showed as a prominent clinical feature peripheral nerve dysfunction. The neuropathy evolved over 4 months and affected sensory and motor functions. Nerve conduction studies and EMG were compatible with axonal neuropathy. Nerve and muscle biopsies revealed severe axonal degeneration with neurogenic atrophy of muscle. Morphometry of peroneal nerve showed marked axonal loss, more prominent in large myelinated fibers. There was no evidence of vasculitis process. Neuropathy is produced by eosinophil-released substances exerting a neurotoxic effect through direct altered vascular endothelial permeability and local mast cell histamine release.

Biopsy↗

Prognostic value of clinicopathologic variables and DNA ploidy in stage I cutaneous malignant melanoma.

We studied a consecutive series of 78 stage I cutaneous malignant melanoma in order to identify variables which might predict development of metastases. Anatomical site, sex, tumor thickness, Clark level, microscopic ulceration, growth phase, histologic type, cell type, and DNA ploidy were investigated. Lesions with tumor thickness 1.5 mm, Clark level IV-V, microscopic ulceration and DNA aneuploidy were at high risk for the development of metastases. This study showed the prognostic importance of DNA ploidy in stage I cutaneous malignant melanoma and the strong relationship between DNA ploidy and classic prognostic factors. This variable can be used in routine diagnosis for selecting a high-risk group of patients who may benefit from a more aggressive therapeutic approach.

Adult↗

Prognostic factors in oral squamous cell carcinoma. A review of the literature.

Despite diagnostic and therapeutic progress, the overall prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma remains poor and prognostic information is essential for the evaluation and optimal treatment of patients. The prognosis of oral carcinoma depends primarily on clinicopathological factors, that however, have showed a limited predictive value for the identification of patients with high risk of disease relapse. In recent years, the analysis of DNA ploidy, cellular proliferation and oncogenes amplification have been used in attempt to identify new prognostic indicators. The review of the literature shows that TNM stage, tumor grading evaluated at the deep invasive margins and maximal tumor thickness effect on the prognosis. Moreover, the assessment of DNA ploidy and proliferative activity can be used to obtain additional prognostic informations. In contrast, additional studies are needed to understand the prognostic value of oncogenes expression in oral carcinoma.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

[Adamantinoma from odontogenic cysts].

The observation of an adamantinoma's case propped up an odontogenic cyst to check the complicated histogenic problem connected to this eventuality. After considering several theories they suppose a probable derivation from the odontogenic epithelium that has undoubted potentiality.

Adult↗