156 research outputs found
Rettifiche al canone neoclassico: Monti cultore del meraviglioso cristiano (con appendice di lettere inedite di Girolamo Ferri)
Attraverso l'edizione e il commento di cinque lettere inedite di Girolamo Ferri a Giovanni Cristofano Amaduzzi relative ai primi mesi (settembre 1778-luglio 1779) del soggiorno romano di Vincenzo Monti, il saggio ridiscute i termini della presunta affiliazione del poeta principiante alla temperie culturale del Neoclassicismo nostrano, avviando la storicizzazione delle premesse di tutta la sua poetica alla luce delle influenze determinate negli anni della formazione ferrarese dalla ricezione di modelli 'eccentrici' alle estetiche utilitaristiche del Settecento illuminista, quali la Bibbia, la Divina Commedia e l'Orlando Furioso
Radioembolization versus chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis of randomized trials
PURPOSE:
This study aimed to compare clinically relevant outcomes following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and transarterial radioembolization (TARE) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using only prospective randomized clinical trials as a source of information.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy of TARE and TACE in treating patients with unresectable HCC. Only prospective randomized trials were included in the quantitative analysis. Overall and progression-free survival, disease control rate, and transplantation rate were the variables under analysis.
RESULTS:
Overall survival at 1 year was similar between the two treatment groups (OR =1.31, 95% CI: 0.56-3.04, P=0.53). Progression-free survival at 1 year was also not statistically different between the two treatments (OR =0.23, 95% CI: 0.02-2.45, P=0.22). Although a higher proportion of patients underwent transplantation in the TARE group (30% vs 20.8%), this difference was not statistically significant (OR =0.68, 95% CI: 0.23-2.01; P=0.49).
CONCLUSION:
TARE and TACE provide similar outcomes in unresectable HCC. The role of TARE should be explored in selected patient subpopulations in future clinical trials
No evidence of NRAS mutation in squamous cell anal carcinoma (SCAC)
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is usually expressed in squamous cell anal carcinoma (SCAC) and anti-EGFR agents could represent a valid treatment strategy, also considering that KRAS and BRAF mutations are rare events in this type of cancer. However, no data are available on NRAS status in SCAC. In this study we analyzed NRAS status (exons 2-4) by Pyrosequencing in a case series of 50 SCAC patients previously characterized in our laboratory for KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA mutations and HPV and HIV infections. We found no mutation in NRAS gene. These results confirm that since the principal anti-EGFR resistance mechanisms are almost absent in SCAC, anti-EGFR agents should be considered for the treatment of this type of cancer
IL-8 and thrombospondin-1 as prognostic markers in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving bevacizumab
Purpose: Bevacizumab (B) plus chemotherapy (CT) is a common choice for first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Molecular predictors of B efficacy have still not been identified. We analyzed the role of 22 angiogenesis-associated proteins in patient outcome.
Patients and methods: Serum samples collected at baseline and at the first clinical evaluation were available for 58 patients enrolled in the randomized multicenter ITACa trial and who received CT+ B. Serum protein levels were determined using multiplex ELISA.
Results: Patients with baseline 65145 pg/mL IL-8 showed shorter median progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) than those with lower levels (6.5 vs 6. 12.6 months; HR 7.39, P<0.0001 and 8.7 vs 28.8 months, HR 7.68, P<0.001, respectively). Moreover, patients with baseline thrombospondin-1 levels 6512,000 ng/mL had a better median OS than those with lower levels (34.5 vs 13.1 months, HR 0.43, P=0.007). Patients with a 6520% reduction in IL-8 levels from baseline to first clinical evaluation showed a better progression-free survival and OS than the others (HR 0.41, P=0.005 and HR 0.43, P=0.007, respectively).
Conclusion: Baseline IL-8 and thrombospondin-1 levels and reduced IL-8 during B treatment could represent potential prognostic markers in metastatic colorectal cancer
Radiofrequency Ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis of overall survival and recurrence-free survival
Background and aims
So far, no randomized trial or meta-analysis has been conducted on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) factors in patients treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) alone. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate prognostic factors of OS and RFS in patients treated with RFA.
Methods
A primary analysis was planned to evaluate the clinical prognostic factor of OS. RFS was the secondary aim. Thirty-four studies published from 2003 to 2017 were analyzed. They included 11,216 hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
Results
The results showed that Child\u2013Pugh B vs Child\u2013Pugh A (HR =2.32; 95% CI: 2.201\u20132.69; P<0.0001) and albumin\u2013bilirubin score 1 vs 0 (HR =2.69; 95% CI: 2.10\u20133.44; P<0.0001) were predictive of poor OS. Tumor size as a continuous variable was not predictive of OS, although it was predictive of OS when we considered the size as a cutoff value (.2 cm vs <2 cm: HR =1.41; 95% CI: 1.23\u20131.61; P<0.0001; >3 cm vs <3 cm: HR =1.43; 95% CI: 1.17\u20131.74; P<0.0001) and in presence of >1 nodule (HR =1.59; 95% CI: 1.46\u20131.74; P<0.0001). Alpha-fetoprotein >20 ng/mL (HR =1.46; 95% CI: 1.25\u20131.70; P<0.0001) was the only predictive factor of poor prognosis.
Conclusion
Our meta-analysis highlighted that the maximum benefit of RFA in terms of OS and RFS is reached in the presence of Child\u2013Pugh A, albumin\u2013bilirubin score 1, single-nodule tumor sized <2 cm, and alpha-fetoprotein <20 ng/mL
Interplay Between SIRT-3, Metabolism and Its Tumor Suppressor Role in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Sirtuins (SIRT), first described as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD + )-dependent type III histone deacetylases, are produced by cells to support in the defense against chronic stress conditions such as metabolic syndromes, neurodegeneration, and cancer. SIRT-3 is one of the most studied members of the mitochondrial sirtuins family. In particular, its involvement in metabolic diseases and its dual role in cancer have been described. In the present review, based on the evidence of SIRT-3 involvement in metabolic dysfunctions, we aimed to provide an insight into the multifaceted role of SIRT-3 in many solid and hematological tumors with a particular focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). SIRT-3 regulatory effect and involvement in metabolism dysfunctions may have strong implications in HCC development and treatment. Research literature widely reports the relationship between metabolic disorders and HCC development. This evidence suggests a putative bridge role of SIRT-3 between metabolic diseases and HCC. However, further studies are necessary to demonstrate such interconnection
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