Magnetic seed versus skin tattoo localization of non-palpable breast lesions: a single institution cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the accuracy and feasibility of magnetic seed compared to skin tattoo in preoperative localization of impalpable breast lesions in terms of accuracy of placement, re-excision and positive margins rates, and breast/surgical specimen volume ratio.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 77 patients who underwent breast conservative surgery in our center from November 2020 to November 2021, with previous localization with skin tattoo or magnetic seed.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven magnetic seeds were placed in 36 patients (48.6%) and 40 skin tattoos were performed in the remaining cases (51.4%). The seeds were placed correctly at the two-view mammogram acquired after the insertion in 97.6% (36/37) of cases. With both methods, 100% of the index lesions were completely removed and found in the surgical specimen. The reported re-excision rate was 0% for both groups. A significant difference was observed in the volume of breast parenchyma removed between the two groups, inferior in the seed group (p = 0.046), especially in case of voluminous breasts (p = 0.003) and small lesions (dimension < 8 mm, p = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

Magnetic seed is a non-radioactive localization technique, feasible to place, recommended in case of non-palpable breast lesions, saving the breast parenchyma removed compared with skin tattoo, without reducing the accuracy.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Our findings contribute to the current evidence on preoperative localization techniques for non-palpable breast lesions, highlighting the efficacy of magnetic seed localization for deep and small lesions.

KEY POINTS

• Magnetic seed is a non-radioactive technique for the preoperative localization of non-palpable breast lesions studied in comparison with skin tattoo. • Magnetic seed is feasible to place in terms of post-placement migration and distance from the target lesion. • Magnetic seed is recommended in case of non-palpable breast lesions, saving the breast parenchyma removed without reducing the accuracy.

Pathologic response and residual tumor cellularity after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy predict prognosis in breast cancer patients

INTRODUCTION

Residual tumor cellularity (RTC) and pathologic complete response (pCR) after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) are prognostic factors associated with improved outcomes in breast cancer (BC). However, the majority of patients achieve partial pathologic response (pPR) and no clear correlation between RTC patterns and outcomes was described. Our aims were to define predictive factors for pCR and compare different outcomes of patients with pCR or pPR and with different RTC patterns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Baseline and post-NAC demographics, clinicopathological characteristics, post-operative data, survival and recurrence status were recorded from our institutional database. A multivariable analysis was performed using a logistic regression model to identify independent predictors of pCR. Disease-free survival (DFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS), and overall survival (OS) analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Overall, of the 495 patients analyzed, 148 (29.9%) achieved pCR, 347 (70.1%) had pPR, and the median RTC was 40%. Multivariable analysis identified 3 independent factors predictive of pCR: tumor stage before NAC (cT1-2 84.5% versus cT3-4 15.5%), BC sub-type (HER2-positive 54.7% versus triple-negative 29.8% versus luminal-like 15.5%), and vascular invasion (absence 98.0% versus presence 2.0%). We found statistically significant longer DFS, DDFS, and OS in patients with pCR and with RTC <40%; no difference was observed in terms of OS between RTC <40% and RTC ≥40% groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor stage before NAC, BC sub-type, and vascular invasion are significant and independent factors associated with pCR. Patients with pCR and with RTC <40% have longer DFS, DDFS, and OS compared with patients with pPR.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Clinical Experience with Node-Negative and Node-Positive Disease Prior to Systemic Therapy

Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has emerged as the standard procedure to replace axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in breast cancer (BC) patients undergoing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). SLNB is accepted in clinically node-negative (cN0) patients; however, its role in clinically node-positive (cN+) patients is debatable. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of BC patients undergoing NAC and SLNB. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical significance of SLNB in the setting of NAC. This was accomplished by comparing the characteristics and oncological outcomes between cN0 and cN+ patients prior to NAC and type of axillary surgery. Results: A total of 291 patients were included in the analysis: 131 were cN0 and 160 were cN+ who became ycN0 after NAC. At a median follow-up of 43 months, axillary recurrence occurred in three cN0 (2.3%) and two cN+ (1.3%) patients. However, there were no statistically significant differences in oncological outcomes (disease-free survival, distant disease-free survival, overall survival, and breast-cancer-specific survival) between cN0 and cN+ patients nor between patients treated with SLNB only or ALND. Conclusions: SLNB in the setting of NAC is an acceptable procedure with a general good prognosis and low axillary failure rates for both cN0 and cN+ patients.

Abstract P1-09-09: Salvage mastectomy is not always necessary for aggressive subtypes of ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence: A single-institution retrospective study

Introduction: Patients with triple-negative (TN) or HER2-enriched ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence (IBCR) seem to be excluded from a second breast-conserving surgery (BCS) under the assumption that salvage mastectomy would provide better oncological outcomes. Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the clinical features of these patients, to compare the two surgical alternatives (salvage mastectomy versus second BCS) in terms of oncological results, and to identify independent factors influencing prognosis and surgical treatment. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all the consecutive patients with histologically confirmed TN or HER2-enriched IBCR. Disease-free survival (DFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS), overall survival (OS), and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results: Eighty-five patients were affected by TN or HER2-enriched IBCR, with a median age of 60 years (range, 32-87 years). The majority of patients (72.9%) were treated with salvage mastectomy. There was no significant difference in terms of DFS between patients receiving a second BCS or mastectomy (p=0.596). However, patients undergoing a second BCS had significantly better DDFS, OS, and BCSS compared to mastectomy (p=0.009; p=0.002; p=0.001, respectively). Tumor dimension &lt; 16 mm (78.3% versus 38.7%, hazard ratio (HR)=3.602, 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=1.534-8.459, p=0.003) was found to significantly increase the probability of receiving a second BCS and positively affects recurrence and survival outcomes (DFS: HR=8.065, 95% CI=2.320-28.034, p=0.001; DDFS: HR=17.011, 95% CI=3.853-75.099, p=0.001; OS: HR: 13.881, 95% CI=2.730-70.579, p=0.002; BCSS: HR=36.773, 95% CI=4.579-295.322, p=0.001). Second BCS represents an independent protective factor for OS and BCSS (OS: HR=0.246, 95% CI=0.027-0.697, p=0.002; BCSS: HR=0.313, 95% CI=0.092-0.511, p=0.002). Conclusion: Salvage mastectomy is not always necessary and it does not seem to increase survival compared to a second BCS. This reinforces the concept that the prognosis of TN and HER2-enriched BC recurrence is mainly driven by the biology of the disease, rather than by the extent of surgery. In patients with small (&lt; 16 mm) aggressive subtypes of IBCR, a second conservative approach can still be evaluated and offered, presenting acceptable loco-regional control and survival.

Citation Format: Damiano Gentile, Andrea Sagona, Erika Barbieri, Simone Di Maria Grimaldi, Ruggero Spoto, Davide Franceschini, Stefano Vaccari, Valeriano Vinci, Ersilia Biondi, Lorenzo Scardina, Corrado Tinterri. Salvage mastectomy is not always necessary for aggressive subtypes of ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence: A single-institution retrospective study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-09-09.

Abstract P6-01-32: Evaluation of pathologic response and residual tumor cellularity following neo-adjuvant chemotherapy predict prognosis in breast cancer patients

Introduction: Treatment of early-stage beast cancer (BC) has changed since recent evidence showed that neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) can reduce residual tumor cellularity (RTC) and improve patient outcomes. Achieving a pathologic complete response (pCR) has been associated with significantly improved disease-free survival (DFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS), and overall survival (OS). However, among patients treated with NAC, few experience pCR, while approximately 60-80% of them achieve a pathologic partial response (pPR). In previous studies, BC patients with different grades of pPR have been usually grouped and analyzed together, with inconsistent results and unclear prognostic significance. Objectives: The primary aims of this study were to describe the clinical and treatment characteristics of BC patients treated with NAC, to identify independent predictive factors of pCR, and to compare the oncologic outcomes between patients achieving pCR or pPR. The secondary aim of this study was to measure the RTC of BC patients with pPR and to compare the outcomes of patients with different RTC in order to improve prognostic information. Methods: All the consecutive BC patients undergoing NAC at the Breast Unit of IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital (Milan, Italy) between October 2006 and April 2020 and their corresponding post-operative pathology slides were reviewed. The following exclusion criteria were used: excisional biopsy or debulking surgery as first BC operation, patients with a previous BC diagnosis or other prior or synchronous malignancies, male patients, unknown NAC regimen, disease progression during NAC, and follow-up ≤12 months. Results: A total of 495 BC patients received NAC. Overall, 148 (29.9%) patients achieved pCR, while 347 (70.1%) had pPR, and median RTC was 40%. At multivariable analysis, 3 independent factors predicting pCR were identified. Tumor stage pre-NAC (cT1-2 84.5% versus cT3-4 15.5%, odds ratio (OR)=0.119, 95% confidence interval (95%CI)=0.048-0.189, p=0.001), BC sub-type (HER2-enriched 54.7% versus triple-negative 29.8% versus luminal-like 15.5%, OR=2.178, 95%CI=2.055-2.301, p=0.001), and vascular invasion (absence 98.0% versus presence 2.0%, OR=0.022, 95%CI=0.004-0.090, p=0.001). Patients with BC undergoing NAC and achieving pCR presented statistically significant longer DFS, DDFS, and OS (p = &lt; 0.001). Patients with RTC &lt; 40% presented statistically significant better DFS and DDFS (p = 0.033, p = 0.015, respectively). However, no statistically significant difference in terms of OS was observed between RTC &lt; 40% and RTC ≥40% groups (p = 0.148). Conclusions: Tumor stage pre-NAC, BC sub-type, and vascular invasion are significantly and independently associated with pCR. Patients with pCR present a better prognosis compared to patients with pPR in terms of DFS, DDFS, and OS. Measurement of RTC in BC patients with pPR improves the prognostic information that can be obtained from the assessment of the pathologic response. Different patterns of residual disease play an important role in predicting the risk of subsequent loco-regional and distant recurrence, and patients with RTC &lt; 40% present significantly better DFS and DDFS.

Citation Format: Damiano Gentile, Andrea Sagona, Camilla De Carlo, Bethania Fernandes, Simone Di Maria Grimaldi, Erika Barbieri, Wolfgang Gatzemeier, Lorenzo Scardina, Ersilia Biondi, Flavia Jacobs, Giulia Vatteroni, Corrado Tinterri. Evaluation of pathologic response and residual tumor cellularity following neo-adjuvant chemotherapy predict prognosis in breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-01-32.

Paget’s disease of the breast: Our 20 years’ experience

Introduction

Paget’s disease (PD) represents 1%–3% of all breast cancers and mostly occurs in postmenopausal women. Multiple studies have confirmed that breast-conserving surgery (BCS) followed by radiotherapy is a safe option for patients with in situ or invasive PD, ensuring local control and survival rates similar to those achieved with mastectomy.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 115 patients affected by PD treated in our institution between January 2000 and May 2021. Median age at diagnosis was 60 years and median follow-up was 82 months; 69 patients were treated with BCS and 46 were treated with modified radical mastectomy or skin-sparing mastectomy.

Results

At histological examination, 59 patients (59/115, 51.0%) had an underlying invasive carcinoma; in 11 patients (11/115, 9.0%), only PD was found. In 45 patients (45/115, 40.0%), only noninvasive cancer was found. Nine patients (9/115, 7.8%) developed a local recurrence, 7 patients (7/115, 6.0%) are alive with distant metastasis, and 10 patients (10/115, 8.6%) died.

Discussion

In our series, no statistically significant differences were shown between PD alone, PD associated with in situ cancer, and PD with invasive cancer, regardless of the surgical procedure. BCS followed by radiotherapy appears to be an effective and safe option for patients with PD.

Conclusion

PD is a rare form of breast cancer and, in half of the cases, is associated with an invasive carcinoma. Separating our sample into three subgroups based on tumor histology, there were no significant differences in terms of LC, DFS, and OS rate in patients treated with different types of surgery. This study presents some limitations due to its retrospective nature and being confined to a single institution.

Prepectoral vs. Submuscular Immediate Breast Reconstruction in Patients Undergoing Mastectomy after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Our Early Experience

Background: Conservative mastectomy with immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction (IPBR) is an oncologically accepted technique that offers improved esthetic results and patient quality of life. Traditionally, implants have been placed in a submuscular (SM) plane beneath the pectoralis major muscle (PMM). Recently, prepectoral (PP) placement of the prosthesis has been increasingly used in order to avoid morbidities related to manipulation of the PMM. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of SM vs. PP IPBR after conservative mastectomy in patients with histologically proven breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed two cohorts of patients that underwent mastectomy with IPBR after NAC in our institution from January 2018 to December 2021. Conservative mastectomy was performed in 146 of the 400 patients that underwent NAC during the study period. Patients were divided into two groups based on the positioning of implants: 56 SM versus 90 PP. Results: The two cohorts were similar for age (mean age 42 and 44 years in the SM and PP group respectively) and follow-up (33 and 20 months, respectively). Mean operative time was 56 min shorter in the PP group (300 and 244 min in the SM and PP group). No significant differences were observed in overall major complication rates. Implant loss was observed in 1.78% of patients (1/56) in the SM group and 1.11% of patients (1/90) in PP group. No differences were observed between the two groups in local or regional recurrence. Conclusions: Our preliminary experience, which represents one of the largest series of patients undergoing PP-IPBR after NAC at a single institution documented in the literature, seems to confirm that PP-IPBR after NAC is a safe, reliable and effective alternative to traditional SM-IPBR with excellent esthetic and oncological outcomes; it is easy to perform, reduces operative time and minimizes complications related to manipulation of PPM. However, this promising results need to be confirmed in prospective trials with longer follow-up.

Mastectomy and immediate prepectoral versus submuscular breast reconstruction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Our early experience

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Background: Conservative mastectomy with immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction (IPBR) is an oncologically accepted technique that allows to improve aesthetic results and patient quality of life. Traditionally, implants have been placed in a submuscolar (SM) plane beneath the pectoralis major muscle (PMM). Recently, prepectoral (PP) placement of prosthesis is increasingly used in order to avoid morbidities related to manipulation of PMM. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of SM vs PP IPBR after conservative mastectomy in patients with histologically proven breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Methods: In this retrospective observational study we analyzed two cohorts of patients that underwent mastectomy with IPBR after NAC in our Istitution from January 2018 to December 2021. Conservative mastectomy was performed in 155 of the 400 patients that underwent NAC during the study period. Patients were divided in 2 groups based on the positioning of implants: 60 SM versus 95 PP. Results: The two cohorts were similar for age (mean age 45 and 42 years in the SM and PP group respectively) and follow‐up (32 and 21 months, respectively). Mean operative time was 55 minutes shorter in the PP group (298 and 243 minutes in the SM and PP group). No significant differences were observed in overall major complication rates. Implant loss occurred was observed in 1.6% of patients (1/60) in the SM group and 1,05% of patients (1/95) in PP group. No differences were observed among the two groups in local or regional recurrence. Conclusions: Our preliminary experience, that represents one of the largest series of PP-IPBR after NAC at a single Institution documented in the Literature, seems to confirm that PP - IPBR after NAC is a safe, reliable and effective alternative to traditional SM - IPBR with excellent aesthetic and oncological outcomes; it is easy to perfom, reduces operative time and minimizes complications related to manipolation of PPM. However this promising results need to be confirmed in prospective trials with longer follow-up.

Nipple sparing mastectomy with prepectoral immediate prosthetic reconstruction without acellular dermal matrices: a single center experience

BACKGROUND

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) with immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction (IPBR) is an oncologically accepted technique that allows to improve aesthetic results and patient quality of life. Traditionally, implant for reconstruction have been placed in a submuscolar (SM) plane, beneath the pectoralis major muscle (PMM). Recently, prepectoral (PP) placement of prosthesis is increasingly used in order to avoid morbidities related to manipulation of PMM. The aim of the present study was to report our experience with 209 NSMs and IPBR using a prepectoral approach and polyurethane-coated implant without acellular dermal matrices (ADMs).

METHODS

A retrospective review of breast cancer patients who underwent NSM followed by PP - IPBR from January 2018 to April 2021 was performed. Data were recorded in order to evaluate operative details, major complications and oncological outcomes. Aesthetic results and patient quality of life were measured by a specific "QOL assessment PRO" survey.

RESULTS

Two hundred and nine patients (269 breasts) with PP - IPBR after NSM were included. Mean age was 47 (25-73) years and median follow-up was 14 (1-40) months. A simultaneous contralateral implant-based mammoplasty of symmetrization after unilateral NSM was carried out in six of 149 (4%) patients. Implant loss was observed in three of 209 patient (1.44%); two of 209 (0.96%) patients developed a full-thickness NAC necrosis that required excision. During follow-up one local relapse (0.48%) and two regional nodes recurrences (0,96%) was observed. Patient satisfaction, assessed using a personalized QOL Assessment PRO survey, in term of aesthetic results, chronic pain, shoulder dysfunction, sports activity, sexual and relationship life and skin sensibility, was excellent.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience shows that PP-IPBR using polyurethane-coated implant after NSM is a safe, reliable and effective alternative to traditional IPBR with excellent aesthetic outcomes and high patient quality of life; it is easy to perform, minimizes complications related to manipulation of PPM and reduces operative time while resulting also in a cost-effective technique.

Myofibroblastoma of the breast: two case reports and literature review

Myofibroblastoma (MFB) is a relatively rare tumor of the breast parenchyma, which belongs to the family of the 'benign stromal tumor of the breast'. Two cases of MFB of the breast are described. Radiological imaging is nonspecific in MFB, and pathological examination of needle biopsy or surgically resected specimen is necessary for the diagnosis. Surgery is recommended and considered curative without additional treatment; however, patients should be followed-up.

Isolation of five Enterobacteriaceae species harbouring blaNDM-1 and mcr-1 plasmids from a single paediatric patient

In Argentina, NDM metallo-β-lactamase was first reported in 2013. By now, it has disseminated throughout the country in diverse Gram negative bacteria. Here, we report the case of a paediatric patient that underwent a 1-year hospitalisation due to erythrodermic psoriasis in 2014 and received multiple antimicrobial treatments. During his stay, five isolates were obtained from rectal swabs (rs) or blood culture (bc) suspicious of carbapenemase production: a K. quasipneumoniae subsp. quasipneumoniae (rs), Citrobacter freundii (rs), Escherichia coli (bc), Enterobacter cloacae (rs), and a Serratia marcescens (bc). The isolates were studied with broth microdilution, biparental conjugation and plasmid and whole genome sequencing (Illumina). All isolates harboured an 138,998-bp type 1 IncC plasmid that carried bla_NDM-1, ble_MBL, bla_CMY-6, rmtC, aac(6’)-Ib, and sul1 resistance genes. Additionally, the bla_NDM-plasmids contained ISKpn8 an insertion sequence previously described as associated only to bla_KPC. One isolate, a colistin-resistant E. coli, also carried a mcr-1-containing an IncI2 plasmid, which did not harbour additional resistance. The whole genome of K. quasipneumoniae subsp. quasipneumoniae isolate was fully sequenced. This isolate harboured, additionally to bla_NDM, three plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes: qnrB4, qnrB52 and aac(6’)-Ib-cr1. The E. cloacae isolate also harboured qnrA1. These findings alert to the underestimated horizontal dissemination of multidrug-resistant plasmids limiting treatment options with last resort antimicrobials.

Adjuvant Systemic Therapies in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: An Audit on Clinical Practice in Italy

Aims and Background

Rarely are conclusions from clinical trials summarized in international consensus conferences and promptly transferred to patient care. The adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer used in daily clinical practice in Italy is described and compared with the recommendations of the 1990 NIH Consensus Conference.

Patients and Methods

We audited prescriptions of adjuvant systemic therapies for Italian colorectal cancer patients in 82 centers during a fixed one-week period.

Results

Among 434 patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy there were 139 (42.5%) colon cancer patients with N- and 169 (51.7%) with N+ regional nodal involvement. Treatment at academic centers, a young age, T4 and a low total number of lymph nodes removed at surgery were the factors potentially justifying the decision for adjuvant chemotherapy in stage II colon cancer patients. The most common chemotherapy used was a bolus of 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid for 6 months (75.8%). Adjuvant radiotherapy was not administered to 37 (38.5%) of 96 patients with stage II and III rectal cancer.

Conclusions

The study shows that a substantial proportion of patients on adjuvant treatment at a certain time point in a large enough sample of Italian centers are stage II (potential over-treatment) and that an under-treatment of stage II and III rectal cancer patients (lack of radiotherapy) occurs too often in daily clinical practice in this country.

Phonetic analysis during treatment with rapid maxillary expander

OBJECTIVES

To investigate possible changes and/or device-related impairments in phonetic habits produced by rapid maxillary expansion (RME).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five patients scheduled for RME were divided into two groups: Group A (banded two-arm Hyrax) and Group B (banded four-arm Hyrax). Speech samples were collected at six time points, before, during and after RME removal. Acoustical analysis was performed using PRAAT and BioVoice analysis tools. Ten volunteers completed a questionnaire on the acceptability of patient's speech. Maxillary dimensions and palatal volume were measured on dental casts before and after expansion using a digital gauge.

RESULTS

Voice analysis showed an increase in the peak frequency of fricative consonants (/s/,/ʃ/) after expansion, whereas there was no change of formant frequencies of palatal consonants (/ɲ/,/ʎ/). Vowel /i/ displayed a lowering of the first formant frequency, and an increase in the second and third formant frequencies. After bonding, Group B showed both a greater reduction in the peak frequency of fricatives and a greater increase in the formant frequencies of palatal consonants than Group A.

CONCLUSION

Rapid maxillary expansion causes a slight phonetic change in the acoustical parameters of both consonants and vowels. The two-arm Hyrax caused less speech impairment than the four-arm Hyrax during the treatment.

Genetic relatedness and recombination analysis of Allorhizobium vitis strains associated with grapevine crown gall outbreaks in Europe

AIMS

To analyse genetic diversity and epidemiological relationships among 54 strains of Allorhizobium vitis isolated in Europe during an 8-year period and to assess the relative contribution of mutation and recombination in shaping their diversity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

By using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR, strains studied were distributed into 12 genetic groups. Sequence analysis of dnaK, gyrB and recA housekeeping genes was employed to characterize a representative subcollection of 28 strains. A total of 15 different haplotypes were found. Nucleotide sequence analysis suggested the presence of recombination events in A. vitis, particularly affecting dnaK locus. Although prevalence of mutation over recombination was found, impact of recombination was about two times greater than mutation in the evolution of the housekeeping genes analysed.

CONCLUSIONS

The RAPD analysis indicated high degree of genetic diversity among the strains. However, the most abundant RAPD group was composed of 35 strains, which could lead to the conclusion that they share a common origin and were distributed by the movement of infected grapevine planting material as a most common way of crossing long distances. Furthermore, it seems that recombination is acting as an important driving force in the evolution of A. vitis. As no substantial evidence of recombination was detected within recA gene fragment, this phylogenetic marker could be reliable to characterize phylogenetic relationships among A. vitis strains.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

We demonstrated clear epidemiological relationship between majority of strains studied, suggesting a need for more stringent phytosanitary measures in international trade. Moreover, this is the first study to report recombination in A. vitis.

Thymostimulin treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma on liver cirrhosis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on liver cirrhosis (LC) is a neoplasm with a poor prognosis. Only 10-36% of patients have resectable tumors at presentation, systemic chemotherapy is seldom useful and loco-regional treatments are feasible only in selected cases. On the basis of the possible role of depression of immune function in the pathogenesis of HCC on LC, we employed thymostimulin in the treatment of patients with unresectable HCC on LC, with the aim of influencing the course of the disease. Forty-six consecutive patients with HCC were enrolled from January 1987 to December 1993. All patients, 36 males and 10 females, with a median age of 67 years (range 58-82) had coexisting LC. All patients were treated with thymostimulin (TP-1 Serono) at doses of 70 mg/day i.m. five times a week until disease progression. Eleven patients achieved an objective response, with an overall response rate of 24%. Six patients obtained a CR (13.0%) with a median duration of 19+ months (range 5+/-23). Five patients (11%) achieved PR with a median duration of 10 months (range 7+/-22). Six patients (13.0%) presented MR (median duration: 12.5 months) and 12 (26.0%) had SD (median duration: 8 months). In 17 patients (36.9%) the disease progressed. Thymostimulin treatment was well tolerated and no major side effect was observed. Thymostimulin treatment can be considered a new promising therapy for advanced HCC.

Could thymostimulin prevent hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence in patients with liver cirrhosis?

On the basis of a possible pathogenetic role of immunodepression in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B/C viral infection and liver cirrhosis, we treated 34 liver cirrhosis patients (M/F 24/10; age: 14 pts less than or equal to 60 years, 20>60; Performance status: 22 0-1, 12 2-3; Childs' grade: 21 A, 13 B; ascites yes/not: 4/30) employing thymostimulin (TST), at the dosage of 50 mg/m(2) i.m. 3 times a week, until death or severe toxicity occurrence. Etiology of cirrhosis was viral in all cases. The patients were followed up every 3 months by means of clinical examination and biochemical analyses; every 6 months by checking viral serum markers, alpha-fetoprotein and by means of ultrasounds. To date, 34 patients have been treated, with a median follow-up of 6 (1-8) years. No occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma has been observed, with a statistically significant difference between observed and expected HCC (p<0.05). Thymostimulin treatment was well tolerated. Our data seem to suggest that the immunomodulating treatment could significantly reduce the risk of HCC occurrence in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Electronic nose as an innovative tool for the diagnosis of grapevine crown gall

For the first time, a portable electronic nose was used to discriminate between healthy and galled grapevines, experimentally inoculated with two tumourigenic strains of Agrobacterium vitis. The volatile profile of target cutting samples was analysed by headspace solid phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Spectra from tumoured samples revealed the presence of styrene which is compatible with decarboxylation of cinnamic acid involved in secondary metabolism of plants. Principal Component Analysis confirmed the difference in volatile profiles of infected vines and their healthy controls. Linear Discriminant Analysis allowed the correct discrimination between healthy and galled grapevines (83.3%, cross-validation). Although a larger number of samples should be analysed to create a more robust model, our results give novel interesting clues to go further with research on the diagnostic potential of this innovative system associated with multi-dimensional chemometric techniques.

Development and evaluation of tuberculosis screening scores in Brazilian prisons

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) is highly endemic in Rio de Janeiro State prisons. In addition to TB screening at entry and passive case detection, active case identification may be warranted.

OBJECTIVES

To develop and evaluate performances of scores aimed at identifying "tuberculosis suspects" in order to target TB screening among inmates.

METHODS

Systematic chest X-ray screening was carried out in two prisons (n=1910). TB was diagnosed among individuals with X-ray abnormalities by sputum microscopic examination and culture or, if bacteriological results were negative, by response to TB treatment. Using this strategy as a reference, the clinical score proposed in WHO guidelines "TB Control in Prisons" was evaluated. Using the same variables in a logistic regression comparing TB and non-TB cases, another score was developed and evaluated. Finally, a 'new score', based on socio-demographic and clinical variables was developed and evaluated.

RESULTS

When applied to our study population (prevalence of active TB: 4.6%), these scores missed many TB cases (sensitivities: 56%, 72%, 74%, respectively). Among the "TB suspects", the probability of finding TB cases was low (positive predictive value: 10%). The scores had high negative predictive values (>97%); specificities (75%, 60%, 67%) were low. Performances were similarly poor for smear-negative and smear-positive cases.

CONCLUSION

The scores investigated performed poorly and would be unhelpful to target TB screening. Therefore, systematic X-ray screening may be considered, at least during the initial stages of the reinforced TB programme, in order to reduce the impressive burden of TB.

Prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and comparative evaluation of screening strategies in a Brazilian prison

SETTING

A prison (1171 male inmates) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and to assess the performance of several screening strategies.

DESIGN

In a cross-sectional study, all inmates underwent chest radiographic screening. Subjects with abnormal findings underwent sputum smear examination and sputum culture. Taking this strategy as the reference, we assessed three targeted screening strategies to identify TB suspects: Strategy 1: cough >3 weeks; Strategy 2: WHO score > or = 5; Strategy 3: presence of at least one potentially TB-related symptom.

RESULTS

The prevalence of TB cases was 4.6% (48/1052) and 2.7% for definite TB cases. If TB suspects identified by targeted screening had sputum smear examination alone, 37 (86.0%) of the 43 cases would have been missed by Strategy 1, 34/43 (79.1%) by Strategy 2 and 34/43 (79.1%) by Strategy 3. If TB suspects had both sputum smear examination and, for smear-negative subjects, chest radiography, respectively 28/43 (65.1%), 18/43 (41.9%) and 13/43 (30.2%) of cases would have been missed.

CONCLUSION

All three targeted screening strategies were unreliable. Given the importance of early TB diagnosis in overcrowded and highly endemic settings, routine radiography-based screening may be warranted.

Clinically relevant cognitive impairment after cardiac surgery: a 6-month follow-up study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The majority of studies on neuropsychological complications after cardiac surgery used the raw variation of selective tests scores to define the occurrence of cognitive decline. We prospectively estimated the frequency of cognitive impairment after cardiac surgery, with a particular emphasis on persistent and clinically relevant cognitive decline. Possible baseline and operative predictors were also evaluated.

METHODS

An extensive neuropsychological battery was administered to 110 patients (mean age 64.1+/-9.4 years; 70.9% males) undergoing cardiac surgery before and 6 months after the operation. After evaluating the variations in the cognitive performances, two independent neuropsychologists ranked the patients as unchanged-improved, mildly-moderately deteriorated, or severely deteriorated, using a global and functionally oriented judgement. The degree of the impairment was determined in relation to its impact on everyday life activities.

RESULTS

Ten patients (9.1%) were ranked as severely deteriorated, 22 (20%) as mildly-moderately deteriorated, and 78 (70.9%) as unchanged-improved. Cognitively impaired patients were older (p=0.031), more often females (p=0.005), with a low education level (p=0.013). At multivariate analysis, female gender (odds ratio (OR) 6.14, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.16-17.50), baseline use of beta-blockers (OR 4.55, 95% CI 1.30-15.92), and PaO2 at arrival in intensive care unit (OR for 1 mm Hg increment 1.012, 95% CI 1.004-1.020) were significant predictors of cognitive impairment of any degree. Positive predictors of severe cognitive impairment were history of hypertension (OR 5.33, 95% CI 1.03-27.64) and PaO2 at arrival intensive care unit (OR for 1 mm Hg increment 1.020, 95% CI 1.006-1.035), while education was protective (OR per year of increment 0.53, 95% CI 0.31-0.90).

CONCLUSIONS

A considerable proportion of cardiac surgery patients may undergo clinically relevant cognitive impairment. The knowledge of variables influencing cognitive outcome is essential for the adoption of preventive measures.

A unique case of eccrine porocarcinoma with pulmonary lymphangitis and pericardial involvement: biological characterization and clinical aggressiveness

A unique case of eccrine porocarcinoma with pulmonary lymphangitis and pericardial involvement is reported. The clinical course was aggressive, leading to the death of the patient a few months after diagnosis. Certain pathologial markers of clinical aggressiveness were retrospectively investigated: p53 and Ki-67 expression were determined by means of immunohistochemistry. Angiogenesis was assessed by determination of intratumor microvessel density at the vascular 'hot spot' with the anti-CD34 monoclonal antibody and quantitative analysis using computerized image analyzer. Both primary tumor and metastatic lymph node presented immunostaining for p53 and Ki-67, with a higher degree of vascularization in the secondary lesions compared to the primary tumor. Our findings suggest a correlation between tumor vascularization and clinicopathological parameters of aggressiveness in malignant eccrine porocarcinoma. Taking into account the disappointing results of current treatments for metastatic eccrine porocarcinoma, the assay of microvessel density may be helpful in selecting the patients of high risk for recurrence or death who may benefit of anti-angiogenic therapies.

Changing patterns of breast cancer stage at diagnosis in southern italy: hospital data as indicators of progressive changes

BACKGROUND

In southern Italy diagnostic delay in breast cancer patients has been demonstrated to be related to the level of education and residency in rural areas. In order to verify whether late breast cancer diagnosis was actually in decline as a result of improving socioeconomic conditions and ongoing prevention programs, we evaluated clinical data from the tumor registry of the National Cancer Institute, Naples.

METHODS

Four thousand two hundred forty consecutive breast cancer patients admitted to our institution from 1986 to 1997 were grouped into four 3-year periods according to their admission date. Using multiple logistic regression, chi(2) for trend and beta-coefficient were calculated in each pT and pN categories in order to discover the trend for the 1986-1997 period.

RESULTS

A progressive, statistically significant decrease in the number of patients with advanced cancer at the time of diagnosis was observed over the study period. In particular, chi(2) values for trend for each pT category, over the study period, were pT1 119.4 (P < 0.001) with positive chi-coefficient, pT2 13.4 (P = 0.003) with negative beta, and pT3-pT4 152.2 (P < 0.001) with the strongest negative beta.

CONCLUSIONS

Changing patterns of breast cancer stage at diagnosis have been demonstrated in women living in Southern Italy. They are consistent with an increasing orientation toward prevention. Data from hospital tumor registries are a useful source of information on diagnostic delay.

Tailored therapy for aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: results of a phase II study with a long-term follow-up

Aim of the study was to improve cure rate and survival of aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) with a tailored program of therapy based on histologic type, prognostic characteristics of patients and response to therapy, and with the use of differentiating or cytostatic agents such as Ara-C at low doses and alphaIFN. Fifty-four consecutive patients with aggressive NHL were treated in the induction phase with 4 sequential courses of a third generation regimen (modified CODBLAM IV), followed in responsive patients by 1 cycle of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide and 1 cycle of high dose methotrexate with folinic acid rescue (AC-MTX). Patients who achieved partial response (PR) were treated with the combination of CCNU + vinblastine if affected by high grade NHL, or with low dose Ara-C plus alphaIFN if affected by intermediate grade NHL. Patients who obtained complete response (CR) with basal adverse prognostic factors were treated with alphaIFN as maintenance therapy for two years. Radiotherapy and surgery were effected in selected cases. Thirty-four patients (62.9%) achieved CR and 12 patients (22.2%) showed PR after induction therapy. Among the 12 patients who achieved PR, 6 prolonged CRs were obtained in 7 patients treated with Ara-C at low doses plus alphaIFN and 4 CRs were obtained in 5 patients treated with CCNU + vinblastine. After completion of treatment, 44 patients (81.5%) obtained CR, 2 patients (3.7%) showed PR and 8 patients (14.8%) presented progression of disease (PD). Fifteen patients received alphaIFN as maintenance therapy. The overall survival and failure-free survival rates are 53.7% and 50% respectively, with a median follow-up of 82 months: 27 patients remain alive, disease-free without relapses, and can be considered cured. This tailored program of therapy resulted effective and moderately toxic and may improve the outcome in aggressive NHL.

Phase I study of carboplatin, cisplatin, and cyclophosphamide without and with lenograstim for the treatment of ovarian cancer

Cisplatin and carboplatin are both active in ovarian cancer with different toxicity profiles; thus, dose intensification may be possible by combining them. The aim of the present study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose of carboplatin combined with fixed doses of cisplatin and cyclophosphamide without and with support of lenograstim. Cisplatin (60 mg/m(2)), cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m(2)) and carboplatin (starting dose 200 mg/m(2)) were given on day 1 every 3 weeks for 4 cycles. Escalated dose levels for carboplatin were planned by increments of 50 mg/m(2) per level. Lenograstim (L) (150 mu g/m(2)/day subcutaneously) was given in case of grade 4 leukopenia (levels without support) or from day 5 up to leukocyte >10,000/mm(3) after nadir (levels with support). Four levels were studied (200, 250, 250 + lenograstim, 300 + lenograstim) with 7, 7, 8, and 7 patients enrolled, respectively. Unacceptable toxicity was induced in 1 patient at the level I (grade 4 thrombocytopenia), in 4 patients at the level 2 (2 prolonged grade 2 leukopenia, 1 grade 4 leukopenia with concomitant grade 4 thrombocytopenia and 1 grade 4 thrombocytopenia), in 1 patient at the level 2 + L (grade 4 thrombocytopenia) and in 3 patients at the level 3 + L (3 grade 4 thrombocytopenia). Thus, 200 mg/m(2) and 250 mg/m(2) were defined as carboplatin MTDs without and with lenograstim support, respectively. Median total platinum (cisplatin + 1/4 carboplatin) delivered dose-intensities were 33, 32, 38 and 44 mg/m(2)/week at the four levels, respectively. Hematological toxicity was overall mild. In no case was febrile neutropenia recorded. Grade 4 thrombocytopenia was always transient and never symptomatic. Grade 3 vomiting was the only severe non-hematological toxicity reported in 5 patients. Out of 16 patients with measurable disease, 11 objective responses were obtained (5 complete and 6 partial) for an overall response rate of 69% (95% exact CL 41-89%). Recommended dose of carboplatin is 200 mg/m(2) without and 250 mg/m(2) with support of lenograstim when combined with cisplatin 60 mg/m(2) and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m(2). Dose limiting toxicity is persistent leukopenia without and grade 4 thrombocytopenia with support of lenograstim.

Breast cancer estrogen and progesterone receptors

Data from 2933 consecutive cases of primary breast carcinoma, observed in our Institute from 1984 to 1994, having documented estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor levels, were obtained from the Institute's Hospital Tumor Registry and analysed after being categorised as follows: age, less than or equal to 60 vs. >60; menopausal status, pre-menopausal vs. post-menopausal; histology, ductal vs. lobular vs. others; tumor size, T-1 vs. T-2, T-3, T-4; nodal status, N-0, vs. N+; histologic grade, 1-2 vs. 3; focality, unifocal vs. multifocal; ER status, <10 fmol/mg protein vs. greater than or equal to 15. At multivariate analysis, using a logistic model including age, histology, tumor size, nodal status, histologic grade, uni-multifocality and PGF/ER status, significant associations were, for ER status: PGR status (OR = 34.01, 95% CI:20.08-57.80), histology (OR = 3.24, 95% CI:1.85-5.67), histologic grade (OR = 2.18, 95% CI:1.38-3.42), menopausal status (OR = 2.17, 95% CI:1.26-3.74), age (OR = 34.01, 95% CI:20.08-57.80), menopausal status (OR = 5.27, 95% CI:1.43-3.33), age (OR = 1.71, 95% CI:1.13-2.59). The finding that estrogen receptor positivity was more prevalent among tumors with lobular histology seems to suggest the possibility of fundamental differences in tumor biology ductal and lobular cancers.

Partial substitution of cisplatin with carboplatin in combination with etoposide in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): a multicentric randomised phase II trial

Seventy previously untreated patients with advanced NSCLC were randomised, after stratification for stage (IIIB vs. IV) and Performance Status (0-1 vs. 2), to receive either treatment A: CDDP 40 mg/m2 + VP16 100 mg/m2 day 1-3 (37 patients); or treatment B: CBDCA 250 mg/m2 day 1 + CDDP 30 mg/m2 day 2, 3 + VP16 100 mg/m2 day 1-3 (33 patients). Therapy was recycled on day 29 in both arms. The two arms were well balanced for the main pretreatment characteristics. Sixty-six patients (32 with Stage IIIB and 34 with Stage IV disease) were evaluable for toxicity and response (arm A = 34, arm B = 32), while four ineligible patients were excluded from analysis. Acute toxicity was assessed at recycling. Non-hematologic toxicity was higher in arm A. However, the reduction of nephrotoxicity (9% vs. 23%) in arm B was lower than expected. Leukopenia (15 vs. 5 patients) or thrombocytopenia (7 vs. 0 patients) of any grade affected more patients of arm B. Moreover, Grade 3-4 leukopenia (six patients) or thrombocytopenia (four patients) was observed only in arm B. Seventeen patients responded: 11/34 (32%; 95% C.I. = 17-50%) in arm A, and 6/32 (19%; 95% C.I. = 7-36%) in arm B. Median survival times of 40 and 34 weeks, respectively, were reported in arm A and B. Stage IIIB and squamous cell histology were associated with a higher probability of response. In conclusion, the partial replacement of CDDP with CBDCA in combination with VP16 slightly improves the tolerance of the treatment in terms of nephro- and neurotoxicity; however, it induces a significant increase in hematologic toxicity. In view of this unfavourable toxicologic profile and of the discouraging response rate observed, this regimen cannot be recommended as standard treatment in advanced NSCLC.

Significance of methotrexate serum level achieved in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies treated with sequential methotrexate, L-folinic acid and 5-fluorouracil

Twenty-one patients affected by advanced carcinoma of the digestive tract, all but 2 previously treated, received on day 1 every 2 weeks a 2-hour intravenous (i.v.) infusion of methotrexate (MTX), 250 mg/m2, followed 24 h later by a 2-hour i.v. infusion of L-folinic acid (LFA), 250 mg/m2, and 5-fluorouracil (FU), 600 mg/mg2 as an i.v. bolus. Only 1 previously untreated patient obtained a partial response. The MTX serum level assessed 24 h after its infusion (24-hour sMTX) ranged from 0.3 to 5.7 (median: 0.9) microM, and in only 8/21 patients reached a concentration > or = 1 microM. A further 46 patients (of whom 22 had been previously treated) received the same treatment as above but with a double dosage (500 mg/m2) of MTX. Twelve of these 46 patients (26%, 95% confidence interval = 14-41%) achieved a partial response with this regimen. Responses were obtained in chemotherapy-naive patients (8/24) and in previously treated patients (4/22). The 24-hour sMTX ranged from 1.2 to 9.5 microM)(median: 2.3) and was > or = 2 microM in 30/46 patients. Among patients showing a 24-hour sMTX value > or = 2 microM, the response rate was 39% (45% in previously untreated patients), while no patient with a 24-hour sMTX value below 2 microM at 24 h obtained a major response (p = 0.0017). Our findings demonstrate that 500 mg/m2 of MTX given as a 2-hour i.v. infusion is required to reach a serum concentration of at least 1 microM for 24 h. Furthermore, the double biochemical modulation of FU may obtain an objective response in patients previously treated with fluoropyrimidines.

Sociodemographic factors associated with the diagnostic staging of breast cancer in southern Italy

BACKGROUND

There are marked regional differences in breast cancer mortality rates in Italy, probably linked to factors such as diagnostic delay, therapeutic strategies, and biologic and sociodemographic differences. To investigate a possible link between sociodemographic factors (e.g. age, education, and residence) and delay in the diagnosis of breast cancer, data were evaluated from all such patients from our Institute living in the Campania Region of Southern Italy for 1991-1993.

METHODS

Patients were grouped into Tis-T1/N0-N+ versus T2-4/N0-N+ and the variables examined were age (< 40, 41-50, 51-60, > 60 years), education (< or = 5 vs. > 5 school years) and residence (urban vs. rural). An analysis was made using the Pearson's Chi-square test and the multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were found for both residence (P = 0.04) and education level (P = 0.03) in the older than 60 years age group, but only for residence (P = 0.03) in the 51-60 years age group. The risks according to Mantel-Haenszel were 1.28 for education (P = 0.08) and 1.32 for residence in rural municipalities (P = 0.05). The odds ratio for residence in rural municipalities, adjusted by education and by the education-residence interaction, was 2.26 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-4.54) in the 51-60 years age group and 1.74 (95% CI, 1.01-3.00) in the older than 60 years age group.

CONCLUSIONS

These data clearly indicate that residents of rural municipalities, as well as poorly educated subjects, are more likely than their respective counter-parts to have a delayed diagnosis of breast cancer.