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Papalexandrou A, Valsamaki P, Kotini A, Karavasilis E, Arapi M, Zisimopoulos A. ESTIMATING THE ABSORBED DOSE BY MEANS OF PERSONALIZED THYROID GLAND AND CRITICAL ORGAN DOSIMETRY DURING THERAPEUTIC I-131 ADMINISTRATION DUE TO HYPERTHYROIDISM. Phys Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s1120-1797(22)03133-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Zisimopoulos A, Vingopoulos F, Kanellopoulos AJ. Comparison of Planned Versus Achieved Central Stromal Thickness Reduction in LASIK Versus SMILE: A Contralateral Eye Study. J Refract Surg 2021; 37:454-459. [PMID: 34236905 DOI: 10.3928/1081597x-20210427-03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare attempted versus achieved corneal stromal thickness reduction in a consecutive case series of patients undergoing laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in one eye and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in the other eye. METHODS This prospective, randomized, contralateral eye study included 22 consecutive patients (44 eyes), one eye randomized to have myopic LASIK and the contralateral eye to have SMILE. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography was performed preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. For each of the treatment groups, the achieved maximum stromal thickness reduction was compared to the planned/attempted thickness. The deviation of planned versus achieved stromal thickness reduction was then compared between the two groups. RESULTS At 3 months postoperatively, LASIK had a lower difference between planned versus attempted stromal thickness reduction compared to SMILE (13.72 ± 14.45 vs 24.00 ± 19.45 µm, P = .03). Graphical analysis revealed this deviation to be exaggerated in higher myopic errors, when a higher maximum stromal reduction was planned. The mean stromal reduction thickness was 83.40 ± 29.52 µm achieved versus 97.13 ± 25.69 µm mean planned ablation depth in the LASIK group (P < .001) compared to 76.45 ± 29.69 µm achieved versus 100.45 ± 26.56 µm planned ablation depth in the SMILE group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS LASIK had a significantly lower difference between planned versus achieved stromal thickness reduction when compared to SMILE (P = .03). This difference was more apparent in higher myopic corrections. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(7):454-459.].
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Chalikias G, Kikas P, Thomaidis A, Rigopoulos P, Pistola A, Lantzouraki A, Zisimopoulos A, Tziakas D. Effect of Sacubitril/Valsartan on circulating catecholamine levels during a 6-month follow-up in heart failure patients. Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes? Acta Cardiol 2021; 76:396-401. [PMID: 32223369 DOI: 10.1080/00015385.2020.1746094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We assessed the effect of Sacubitril/Valsartan on circulating catecholamine levels in patients with HF in an observational cohort study. We included 108 consecutive HF patients attending our HF Outpatients Clinic who were eligible to Sacubitril/Valsartan according to the PARADIGM-HF inclusion and exclusion criteria. We furthermore included 58 stable HF patients under optimal medical therapy as a control group. Norepinephrine and epinephrine were measured with immunoradiometric assays at baseline, at 3- and at 6-month time follow-up. Compared to baseline levels there was no change at three months in epinephrine (p = 0.177) or norepinephrine (p = 0.815) concentrations. At 6 months norepinephrine remained unchanged (p = 0.359). However, at 6 months we observed a significant increase in epinephrine levels compared to baseline [66 pg/mL (37-93) vs 38 pg/mL (18-74), p < 0.001]. In the control group no change was observed in epinephrine levels compared to baseline (p = 0.838). This study is the first to report on the effect of the new drug Sacubitril/Valsartan on circulating catecholamine levels in HF patients. Our data show a significant increase in epinephrine levels during a 6 month follow up in stable HF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Chalikias
- Cardiology Department, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Petros Kikas
- Cardiology Department, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Adina Thomaidis
- Cardiology Department, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Rigopoulos
- Cardiology Department, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Anastasia Pistola
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Asimina Lantzouraki
- Cardiology Department, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Athanasios Zisimopoulos
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tziakas
- Cardiology Department, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Nanos C, Souftas V, Zisimopoulos A, Abatzoglou I, Koukourakis MI. Comparative radiobiological analysis and preliminary results of Ultra hypofractionated accelerated radiotherapy for low-risk prostate cancer patients. J BUON 2021; 26:956-963. [PMID: 34268959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Moderately accelerated hypofractionation (HypoAR) has been recently established as a standard radiotherapy scheme for low-risk prostate cancer. The application of ultra-hypofractionated regimens (ultra-HypoAR), with fraction size above 5 Gy, is also widely tested. METHODS We applied Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) ultra-HypoAR delivered with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) technique in low-risk prostate cancer patients (5.75 Gy/fraction, 40.25 Gy total dose, two fractions per week). A comparative radiobiological analysis of Dose-Volume Ηistograms (DVH) obtained for target volumes and organs at risk was performed, investigating the advantages and disadvantages of ultra-HypoAR and conventional radiotherapy regimens (CRT). Early clinical results on efficacy and toxicity are also reported. RESULTS We calculated the Normalized Total Dose (NTD) and NTD with time correction (NTD_T)-based biological Dose- Volume Histograms (bDVH) for bladder and rectum tissue late effects (α/β=4 Gy) and early effects (α/β=10 Gy). Ultra-HypoAR produced a significantly lower biological dose burden than CRT, for both early and late responding tissue components of the bladder and rectum, whether calculated for time-correction or not (p<0.0001). Our clinical experience showed that the ultra-HypoAR regimen produced minimal early and late radiation sequelae. The median PSA levels dropped from 9.1 to 0.75 and 0.45 ng/ml at 6 and 12 months, respectively, after the end of therapy. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, radiobiological analysis of DVHs and preliminary clinical experience predict a better efficacy and low early and late toxicity profile for the tested seven-fraction VMAT ultra-HypoAR regimen with IGRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Nanos
- Department of Radiotherapy / Oncology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Zisimopoulos A, Klavdianou O, Theodossiadis P, Chatziralli I. The Role of the Microbiome in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Review of the Literature. Ophthalmologica 2021; 244:173-178. [PMID: 33550293 DOI: 10.1159/000515026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive, multifactorial, degenerative disease and the leading cause of severe visual loss in the elderly population. The exact pathogenesis of AMD remains elusive, being the combination of genetic, environmental, metabolic, and functional processes. A better understanding of the disease's pathophysiology can lead to new treatment targets. The human microbiome seems to be a potential therapeutic pathway for AMD, as it has been recently proven to play a role in its pathogenesis. SUMMARY This review sheds light on the association between the microbiome and AMD. Key Messages: The current evidence based on the existing literature shows that there are differences in taxonomical and functional profiles in the human microbiome between patients with AMD and controls, suggesting that the microbiome is implicated in AMD onset and progression, being a link between AMD and nutrition/diet. Additionally, specific bacterial classes have been proposed as potential biomarkers for AMD diagnosis. Further randomized clinical studies with a large sample are needed to elucidate the role of the microbiome in AMD and to draw more solid conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olga Klavdianou
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Theodossiadis
- 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Irini Chatziralli
- 2nd Department of Ophthalmology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece,
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Bantis A, Sountoulides P, Metaxa L, Pavlidis P, Aggelonidou E, Arif H, Zisimopoulos A. The diagnostic yield of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography in recurrent testicular seminoma. Urol Ann 2016; 8:496-499. [PMID: 28058002 PMCID: PMC5100163 DOI: 10.4103/0974-7796.192090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan imaging is undoubtedly a significant evolution in oncological urology, although at present of limited use in every day urology practice. The aim of this study is to highlight the indication and diagnostic accuracy of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT in the staging of a patient with metachronous bilateral testicular seminoma, elevated tumor markers, and equivocal conventional imaging findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Bantis
- Department of Urology, University Hospital of Alexandroupoli, Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Petros Sountoulides
- Department of Urology, University Hospital of Alexandroupoli, Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Linda Metaxa
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pavlos Pavlidis
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupoli, Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Eleni Aggelonidou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupoli, Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Halil Arif
- Department of Urology, University Hospital of Alexandroupoli, Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Athanasios Zisimopoulos
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupoli, Alexandroupoli, Greece
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Kokkinos S, Papazoglou D, Zisimopoulos A, Papanas N, Tiaka E, Antonoglou C, Maltezos E. Retinol Binding Protein-4 and Adiponectin Levels in Thyroid Overt and Subclinical Dysfunction. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2015; 124:87-92. [PMID: 26575118 DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1564199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid dysfunction is accompanied by numerous changes in intermediary metabolism. Retinol binding protein-4 (RBP-4) and adiponectin are 2 adipocytokines that have multiple metabolic functions. The aim of our study was to examine serum RBP4 and adiponectin levels in clinical (before and after therapy) and subclinical hyperthyroid and hypothyroid subjects as compared to controls.150 patients with thyroid dysfunction were recruited (65 hyperthyroid and 85 hypothyroid) while 28 euthyroid subjects served as a control group. We measured anthropometric, biochemical and hormonal (free T4, free T3, TSH, insulin) parameters in all participants. RBP-4 and adiponectin were measured using commercial ELISA kits.Mean baseline levels of RBP-4 were higher in patients with clinical hypothyroidism (29.0±10.2 ng/ml, 25.1±12.6 ng/ml, 38.8±16.5 ng/ml, 31.9±13.2 ng/ml, 20.4±8.2 ng/ml in patients with hyperthyroidism, subclinical hyperthryrodism, hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism and controls respectively, F=4.86, P<0.001) and decreased significantly in patients with clinical hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism after normalization of thyroid hormones' levels (from 29.0±10.2 to 24.9±8.4 ng/ml, p=0.003 and from 38.8±16.5 to 29.0±10.8 ng/ml, p=0.001 respectively). We did not observe analogous changes in adiponectin levels in any of the studied groups.RBP-4 levels are higher in patients with clinical hypothyroidism and exhibit a marked decrease after normalization of thyroid function in both hyper and hypothyroid patients. We suggest that RBP-4 may play a role in the metabolic disturbances which accompany thyroid dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kokkinos
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - D Papazoglou
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - A Zisimopoulos
- Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - N Papanas
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - E Tiaka
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - C Antonoglou
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - E Maltezos
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Goula T, Kouskoukis A, Drosos G, Tselepis AS, Ververidis A, Valkanis C, Zisimopoulos A, Kazakos K. Vitamin D status in patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis in a Mediterranean country. J Orthop Traumatol 2014; 16:35-9. [PMID: 25736606 PMCID: PMC4348522 DOI: 10.1007/s10195-014-0322-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vitamin D plays an important role in bone mineralization, remodeling, and maintenance and therefore its deficiency may be implicated in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Vitamin D status was evaluated in patients with knee or hip OA scheduled for joint replacement. The impact of anthropometric parameters such as gender, age, and body mass index on vitamin D levels was also examined. The study was conducted in a Mediterranean country (Greece). Materials and methods We included 164 patients with knee or hip OA scheduled for joint replacement in this study. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D) were measured in routine blood samples taken from the patients at their pre-admission visit, a week before the operation, using radioimmunoassay. Results The majority of patients were vitamin D deficient (81.7 %); 15.2 % of them were vitamin D insufficient (hypovitaminosis). Only 3 % of patients were vitamin D sufficient. There was a significantly positive association between vitamin D levels and male gender. Conclusion These findings indicate a large percentage of vitamin D deficient patients with knee or hip OA, which is unexpected considering the high annual insolation in northern Greece. Many other possible predisposing factors for OA should be taken into consideration. Whether treatment with vitamin D supplements may provide beneficial effects to these patients and the stage of disease in which this treatment should commence remains an issue for further scientific investigation. Level of evidence Level IV.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip
- Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee
- Female
- Greece/epidemiology
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Osteoarthritis, Hip/blood
- Osteoarthritis, Hip/complications
- Osteoarthritis, Hip/surgery
- Osteoarthritis, Knee/blood
- Osteoarthritis, Knee/complications
- Osteoarthritis, Knee/surgery
- Prevalence
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Vitamin D/analogs & derivatives
- Vitamin D/blood
- Vitamin D Deficiency/blood
- Vitamin D Deficiency/complications
- Vitamin D Deficiency/epidemiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomais Goula
- Department of Orthopaedics, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, 68100 Greece
| | - Alexandros Kouskoukis
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Georgios Drosos
- Department of Orthopaedics, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, 68100 Greece
| | | | - Athanasios Ververidis
- Department of Orthopaedics, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, 68100 Greece
| | - Christos Valkanis
- Department of Orthopaedics, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, 68100 Greece
| | - Athanasios Zisimopoulos
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kazakos
- Department of Orthopaedics, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, 68100 Greece
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Zarogoulidis P, Eleftheriadou E, Sapardanis I, Zarogoulidou V, Lithoxopoulou H, Kontakiotis T, Karamanos N, Zachariadis G, Mabroudi M, Zisimopoulos A, Zarogoulidis K. Feasibility and effectiveness of inhaled carboplatin in NSCLC patients. Invest New Drugs 2011; 30:1628-40. [PMID: 21739158 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-011-9714-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2011] [Accepted: 06/27/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhaled chemotherapy is under investigation as an alternative therapeutic modality for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. METHODS 60 NSCLC patients were randomized into 3 groups in this study. 20/60 patients (group A-control group) received I.V. chemotherapy (carboplatin AUC ≈ 5.5 D1); 20/60 (group B) received 2/3 of I.V. predicted carboplatin dose by I.V. infusion and the rest 1/3 as aerosol (jet nebulised D1); and 20/60 (group C) received all the predicted I.V. dose of carboplatin as aerosol in 3 equally divided fractions D1-3. In all patients I.V. docetaxel 100/m(2) was as well administered (D1). Lung functional tests were performed in all groups before chemotherapy in the 3rd and 6th cycles. RESULTS Group B had a statistically significant increase in survival compared to control group A [275 days (95% CI 249-300) vs. 211 (95% CI 185-236)]. In regard to lung functional tests, a statistically significant decline was observed only in FEV1 of group C in 6 months compared to the initial measurement. CONCLUSIONS Inhaled carboplatin could be given as an alternative root of pulmonary drug delivery in selected patients, but further randomized studies remain to prove whether the inhaled chemotherapy is an efficient and safe treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Zarogoulidis
- Pulmonary Department, Aristotle University, G Papanikolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Karathanos E, Datseris I, Vlontzou E, Zisimopoulos A, Georgiou E. Contribution of (99m)Tc-depreotide (Neospect) scintigraphy in lung cancer staging. J BUON 2010; 15:147-152. [PMID: 20414943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of scintigraphy with (99m)Tc-depreotide in the staging of lung cancer, especially in cases where CT findings are doubtful. METHODS 53 patients with suspected lung cancer were investigated with whole body planar acquisition and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) of the thorax after i.v. injection of 740 MBq (99m)Tc-depreotide (Neospect). The results were compared with CT and correlated with histological findings. RESULTS In 50 of 53 patients the biopsy was positive for bronchogenic carcinoma (31 patients with non small cell lung cancer [NSCLC], 18 with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and 1 patient with neuroendocrine cancer). In the remaining 3, biopsy revealed no bronchogenic carcinoma (3 patients with inflammation). In 2/31 patients with NSCLC and doubtful CT findings, uptake of (99m)Tc-depreotide was the only non invasive reliable staging method. CONCLUSION It seems that scintigraphy with (99m)Tc-depreotide in patients with SCLC does not change the tumor stage, whereas in NSCLC the contribution of Neospect in lung cancer staging may be a helpful tool, especially in cases where CT alone is unable to distinguish between IIIA and IIIB stages (operable from non operable status).
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Affiliation(s)
- E Karathanos
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
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Alexandridis E, Zisimopoulos A, Liratzopoulos N, Katsos I, Manolas K, Kouklakis G. Obestatin/ghrelin ratio: a new activity index in inflammatory bowel diseases. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2009; 15:1557-61. [PMID: 19408254 DOI: 10.1002/ibd.20940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim was to determine obestatin and ghrelin serum levels and their ratio in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. METHODS We measured the ghrelin and obestatin levels of 31 Crohn's disease patients and 22 patients with ulcerative colitis using a radioimmunoassay method. Circulating levels of the 2 hormones and their ratio were correlated with the disease type and activity, disease localization, and treatment. RESULTS The mean ghrelin value was statistically significantly higher in patients with active disease (402.4 +/- 462.6 pg/mL) than in patients in remission (148.2 +/- 59.6 pg/mL) P = 0.0290, alpha = 0.05, whereas obestatin mean values were not (217.4 +/- 59.8 pg/mL in active disease and 189.0 +/- 46.8 pg/mL in patients with inactive disease P = 0.0607). When we evaluated the obestatin/ghrelin ratio between active and inactive disease, it was found that the ratio in active disease was statistically significantly lower (0.8 +/- 0.3) than in patients in remission (1.4 +/- 0.3) P < 0.001, alpha = 0.05. There is also a statistically significantly correlation between obestatin/ghrelin ratio and disease activity (P < 0,001). CONCLUSIONS Ghrelin and obestatin seem to play a significant role in IBD pathogenesis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of these hormones as new biological markers of activity of IBD.
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Dimitroulopoulos D, Xinopoulos D, Tsamakidis K, Zisimopoulos A, Andriotis E, Panagiotakos D, Fotopoulou A, Chrysohoou C, Bazinis A, Daskalopoulou D, Paraskevas E. Long acting octreotide in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular cancer and overexpression of somatostatin receptors: randomized placebo-controlled trial. World J Gastroenterol 2007. [PMID: 17589893 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i13.3164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To estimate if and to what extent long acting octreotide (LAR) improves survival and quality of life in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS A total of 127 cirrhotics, stages A-B, due to chronic viral infections and with advanced HCC, were enrolled in the study. Scintigraphy with 111Indium labeled octreotide was performed in all cases. The patients with increased accumulation of radionuclear compound were randomized to receive either oral placebo only or octreotide/octreotide LAR only as follows: octreotide 0.5 mg s.c. every 8 h for 6 wk, at the end of wk 4-8 octreotide LAR 20 mg i.m. and at the end of wk 12 and every 4 wk octreotide LAR 30 mg i.m.. Follow-up was worked out monthly as well as the estimation of quality of life (QLQ-C30 questionnaire). Patients with negative somatostatin receptors (SSTR) detection were followed up in the same manner. RESULTS Scintigraphy demonstrated SSTR in 61 patients. Thirty were randomized to receive only placebo and 31 only octreotide. A significantly higher survival time was observed for the octreotide group (49+/-6 wk) as compared to the control group (28+/-1 wk) and to the SSTR negative group (28+/-2 wk), LR=20.39, df=2, P<0.01. The octreotide group presented 68.5% lower hazard ratio [95% CI (47.4%-81.2%)]. During the first year, a 22%, 39% and 43% decrease in the QLQ-C30 score was observed in each group, respectively. CONCLUSION The proposed therapeutic approach has shown to improve the survival and quality of life in SSTR positive patients with advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Dimitroulopoulos
- Liver Cancer Unit, Agios Savvas Cancer Hospital, 35 Parnassou str., GR-152 34 Halandri-Athens, and Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Nursing, University of Athens, Greece.
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Dimitroulopoulos D, Xinopoulos D, Tsamakidis K, Zisimopoulos A, Andriotis E, Panagiotakos D, Fotopoulou A, Chrysohoou C, Bazinis A, Daskalopoulou D, Paraskevas E. Long acting octreotide in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular cancer and overexpression of somatostatin receptors: Randomized placebo-controlled trial. World J Gastroenterol 2007; 13:3164-70. [PMID: 17589893 PMCID: PMC4436600 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i23.3164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To estimate if and to what extent long acting octreotide (LAR) improves survival and quality of life in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
METHODS: A total of 127 cirrhotics, stages A-B, due to chronic viral infections and with advanced HCC, were enrolled in the study. Scintigraphy with 111Indium labeled octreotide was performed in all cases. The patients with increased accumulation of radionuclear compound were randomized to receive either oral placebo only or octreotide/octreotide LAR only as follows: octreotide 0.5mg s.c. every 8 h for 6 wk, at the end of wk 4-8 octreotide LAR 20 mg i.m. and at the end of wk 12 and every 4 wk octreotide LAR 30mg i.m.. Follow-up was worked out monthly as well as the estimation of quality of life (QLQ-C30 questionnaire). Patients with negative somatostatin receptors (SSTR) detection were followed up in the same manner.
RESULTS: Scintigraphy demonstrated SSTR in 61 patients. Thirty were randomized to receive only placebo and 31 only octreotide. A significantly higher survival time was observed for the octreotide group (49 ± 6 wk) as compared to the control group (28 ± 1 wk) and to the SSTR negative group (28 ± 2 wk), LR = 20.39, df = 2, P < 0.01. The octreotide group presented 68.5% lower hazard ratio [95% CI (47.4%-81.2%)]. During the first year, a 22%, 39% and 43% decrease in the QLQ-C30 score was observed in each group respectively.
CONCLUSION: The proposed therapeutic approach has shown to improve the survival and quality of life in SSTR positive patients with advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Dimitroulopoulos
- Liver Cancer Unit, Agios Savvas Cancer Hospital, 35 Parnassou str., GR-152 34 Halandri-Athens, and Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Nursing, University of Athens, Greece.
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Touloupidis S, Zisimopoulos A, Giannakopoulos S, Papatsoris AG, Kalaitzis C, Thanos A. Clinical usage of the squamous cell carcinoma antigen in patients with penile cancer. Int J Urol 2007; 14:174-6. [PMID: 17302580 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2042.2007.01694.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We present our initial experience with the use of the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen (SCCAg) in 16 men with penile SCC (SCC group), in four men with condyloma acuminatum (benign group), and in 32 blood donors (control group). METHODS The SCCAg levels were measured at presentation and every 6 months (upper limit was 2 ng/mL). The mean follow-up time was 4 years. RESULTS All non-SCC patients had normal SSCAg serum levels in contrast with the SCC patients. The presence of nodal and/or distant metastases resulted in statistically significant higher SCCAg levels, both at presentation and during the follow-up. In patients undergoing lymph node dissection with elevated SCCAg levels prior to the procedure, there was a statistically significant decrease of the SCCAg levels after the operation. CONCLUSION The SCCAg level could be a serum marker that holds promise for clinical use in penile SCC. Sequential monitoring of SCCAg level might indicate developing of nodal and/or distant metastases and could be useful in following the response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros Touloupidis
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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15
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Lygidakis NJ, Savanis G, Toloupakis E, Katsikoyiannis N, Kapenanakis A, Pothoulakis J, Maganas D, Papadimitriou A, Batziotis N, Zisimopoulos A. Induced in vivo targeted transarterial and transvenous immunostimulation in patients with unresectable pancreatic carcinoma. Hepatogastroenterology 1993; 40:574-81. [PMID: 8119643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
On the basis of the preliminary results of this study, in vivo dual immunostimulation in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer appears to be a promising therapeutic alternative. A surgical technique is presented in which the spleen of the patient is used as the target organ for in vivo lymphokine activated killer cell generation. Additionally, applying locoregional transvenous administration of gamma-INF and IL2 in the area of the tumor, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) area activated, thus completing the system of dual in vivo immunostimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Lygidakis
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Hellenic Anticancer Institute, St. Savas Hospital, Athens, Greece
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