1
|
Di Gregorio E, Borroni B, Giorgio E, Lacerenza D, Ferrero M, Lo Buono N, Ragusa N, Mancini C, Gaussen M, Calcia A, Mitro N, Hoxha E, Mura I, Coviello DA, Moon YA, Tesson C, Vaula G, Couarch P, Orsi L, Duregon E, Papotti MG, Deleuze JF, Imbert J, Costanzi C, Padovani A, Giunti P, Maillet-Vioud M, Durr A, Brice A, Tempia F, Funaro A, Boccone L, Caruso D, Stevanin G, Brusco A. ELOVL5 mutations cause spinocerebellar ataxia 38. Am J Hum Genet 2014; 95:209-17. [PMID: 25065913 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2014.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a heterogeneous group of autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disorders involving the cerebellum and 23 different genes. We mapped SCA38 to a 56 Mb region on chromosome 6p in a SCA-affected Italian family by whole-genome linkage analysis. Targeted resequencing identified a single missense mutation (c.689G>T [p.Gly230Val]) in ELOVL5. Mutation screening of 456 independent SCA-affected individuals identified the same mutation in two further unrelated Italian families. Haplotyping showed that at least two of the three families shared a common ancestor. One further missense variant (c.214C>G [p.Leu72Val]) was found in a French family. Both missense changes affect conserved amino acids, are predicted to be damaging by multiple bioinformatics tools, and were not identified in ethnically matched controls or within variant databases. ELOVL5 encodes an elongase involved in the synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids of the ω3 and ω6 series. Arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, two final products of the enzyme, were reduced in the serum of affected individuals. Immunohistochemistry on control mice and human brain demonstrated high levels in Purkinje cells. In transfection experiments, subcellular localization of altered ELOVL5 showed a perinuclear distribution with a signal increase in the Golgi compartment, whereas the wild-type showed a widespread signal in the endoplasmic reticulum. SCA38 and SCA34 are examples of SCAs due to mutations in elongase-encoding genes, emphasizing the importance of fatty-acid metabolism in neurological diseases.
Collapse
|
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
11 |
76 |
2
|
Vecchio F, Lo Buono N, Stabilini A, Nigi L, Dufort MJ, Geyer S, Rancoita PM, Cugnata F, Mandelli A, Valle A, Leete P, Mancarella F, Linsley PS, Krogvold L, Herold KC, Elding Larsson H, Richardson SJ, Morgan NG, Dahl-Jørgensen K, Sebastiani G, Dotta F, Bosi E, Battaglia M. Abnormal neutrophil signature in the blood and pancreas of presymptomatic and symptomatic type 1 diabetes. JCI Insight 2018; 3:122146. [PMID: 30232284 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.122146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neutrophils and their inflammatory mediators are key pathogenic components in multiple autoimmune diseases, while their role in human type 1 diabetes (T1D), a disease that progresses sequentially through identifiable stages prior to the clinical onset, is not well understood. We previously reported that the number of circulating neutrophils is reduced in patients with T1D and in presymptomatic at-risk subjects. The aim of the present work was to identify possible changes in circulating and pancreas-residing neutrophils throughout the disease course to better elucidate neutrophil involvement in human T1D. METHODS Data collected from 389 subjects at risk of developing T1D, and enrolled in 4 distinct studies performed by TrialNet, were analyzed with comprehensive statistical approaches to determine whether the number of circulating neutrophils correlates with pancreas function. To obtain a broad analysis of pancreas-infiltrating neutrophils throughout all disease stages, pancreas sections collected worldwide from 4 different cohorts (i.e., nPOD, DiViD, Siena, and Exeter) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Finally, circulating neutrophils were purified from unrelated nondiabetic subjects and donors at various T1D stages and their transcriptomic signature was determined by RNA sequencing. RESULTS Here, we show that the decline in β cell function is greatest in individuals with the lowest peripheral neutrophil numbers. Neutrophils infiltrate the pancreas prior to the onset of symptoms and they continue to do so as the disease progresses. Of interest, a fraction of these pancreas-infiltrating neutrophils also extrudes neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), suggesting a tissue-specific pathogenic role. Whole-transcriptome analysis of purified blood neutrophils revealed a unique molecular signature that is distinguished by an overabundance of IFN-associated genes; despite being healthy, said signature is already present in T1D-autoantibody-negative at-risk subjects. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal an unexpected abnormality in neutrophil disposition both in the circulation and in the pancreas of presymptomatic and symptomatic T1D subjects, implying that targeting neutrophils might represent a previously unrecognized therapeutic modality. FUNDING Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), NIH, Diabetes UK.
Collapse
|
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
7 |
76 |
3
|
Lo Buono N, Parrotta R, Morone S, Bovino P, Nacci G, Ortolan E, Horenstein AL, Inzhutova A, Ferrero E, Funaro A. The CD157-integrin partnership controls transendothelial migration and adhesion of human monocytes. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:18681-91. [PMID: 21478153 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.227876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
CD157, a member of the CD38 gene family, is an NAD-metabolizing ectoenzyme and a signaling molecule whose role in polarization, migration, and diapedesis of human granulocytes has been documented; however, the molecular events underpinning this role remain to be elucidated. This study focused on the role exerted by CD157 in monocyte migration across the endothelial lining and adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins. The results demonstrated that anti-CD157 antibodies block monocyte transmigration and adhesion to fibronectin and fibrinogen but that CD157 cross-linking is sufficient to overcome the block, suggesting an active signaling role for the molecule. Consistent with this is the observation that CD157 is prevalently located within the detergent-resistant membrane microdomains to which, upon clustering, it promotes the recruitment of β(1) and β(2) integrin, which, in turn, leads to the formation of a multimolecular complex favoring signal transduction. This functional cross-talk with integrins allows CD157 to act as a receptor despite its intrinsic structural inability to do so on its own. Intracellular signals mediated by CD157 rely on the integrin/Src/FAK (focal adhesion kinase) pathway, resulting in increased activity of the MAPK/ERK1/2 and the PI3K/Akt downstream signaling pathways, which are crucial in the control of monocyte transendothelial migration. Collectively, these findings indicate that CD157 acts as a molecular organizer of signaling-competent membrane microdomains and that it forms part of a larger molecular machine ruled by integrins. The CD157-integrin partnership provides optimal adhesion and transmigration of human monocytes.
Collapse
|
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
14 |
41 |
4
|
Ferrero E, Lo Buono N, Horenstein AL, Funaro A, Malavasi F. The ADP-ribosyl cyclases--the current evolutionary state of the ARCs. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 2014; 19:986-1002. [PMID: 24896331 DOI: 10.2741/4262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The major ADP-ribosylating enzyme families are the focus of this special issue of Frontiers in Bioscience . However, there is room for another family of enzymes with the capacity to utilize nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD): the ADP-ribosyl cyclases (ARCs). These unique enzymes catalyse the cyclization of NAD to cyclic ADP ribose (cADPR), a widely distributed second messenger. However, the ARCs are versatile enzymes that can manipulate NAD, NAD phosphate (NADP) and other substrates to generate various bioactive molecules including nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide diphosphate (NAADP) and ADP ribose (ADPR). This review will focus on the group of well-characterized invertebrate and vertebrate ARCs whose common gene structure allows us to trace their origin to the ancestor of bilaterian animals. Behind a facade of gene and protein homology lies a family with a disparate functional repertoire dictated by the animal model and the physical trait under investigation. Here we present a phylogenetic view of the ARCs to better understand the evolution of function in this family.
Collapse
|
Review |
11 |
26 |
5
|
Mancini C, Nassani S, Guo Y, Chen Y, Giorgio E, Brussino A, Di Gregorio E, Cavalieri S, Lo Buono N, Funaro A, Pizio NR, Nmezi B, Kyttala A, Santorelli FM, Padiath QS, Hakonarson H, Zhang H, Brusco A. Adult-onset autosomal recessive ataxia associated with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 5 gene (CLN5) mutations. J Neurol 2015; 262:173-8. [PMID: 25359263 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-014-7553-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Autosomal recessive inherited ataxias are a growing group of genetic disorders. We report two Italian siblings presenting in their mid-50s with difficulty in walking, dysarthria and progressive cognitive decline. Visual loss, ascribed to glaucoma, manifested a few years before the other symptoms. Brain MRI showed severe cerebellar atrophy, prevalent in the vermis, with marked cortical atrophy of both hemispheres. Exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous mutation (c.935G > A;p.Ser312Asn) in the ceroid neuronal lipofuscinosis type 5 gene (CLN5). Bioinformatics predictions and in vitro studies showed that the mutation was deleterious and likely affects ER-lysosome protein trafficking. Our findings support CLN5 hypomorphic mutations cause autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia, confirming other reports showing CLN mutations are associated with adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders. We suggest CLN genes should be considered in the molecular analyses of patients presenting with adult-onset autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia.
Collapse
|
Case Reports |
10 |
24 |
6
|
Funaro A, Ortolan E, Bovino P, Lo Buono N, Nacci G, Parrotta R, Ferrero E, Malavasi F. Ectoenzymes and innate immunity: the role of human CD157 in leukocyte trafficking. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 2009; 14:929-43. [PMID: 19273109 DOI: 10.2741/3287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
CD157 is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored molecule encoded by a member of the CD38/ADP-ribosyl cyclase gene family, involved in the metabolism of NAD. Expressed mainly by cells of the myeloid lineage and by vascular endothelial cells, CD157 has a dual nature behaving both as an ectoenzyme and as a receptor. Although it lacks a cytoplasmic domain, and cannot transduce signals on its own, the molecule compensates for this structural limit by interacting with conventional receptors. Recent experimental evidence suggests that CD157 orchestrates critical functions of human neutrophils. Indeed, CD157-mediated signals promote cell polarization, regulate chemotaxis induced through the high affinity fMLP receptor and control transendothelial migration.
Collapse
|
Review |
16 |
24 |
7
|
Morone S, Augeri S, Cuccioloni M, Mozzicafreddo M, Angeletti M, Lo Buono N, Giacomino A, Ortolan E, Funaro A. Binding of CD157 protein to fibronectin regulates cell adhesion and spreading. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:15588-601. [PMID: 24753259 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.535070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
CD157/BST-1 behaves both as an ectoenzyme and signaling receptor and is an important regulator of leukocyte trafficking and ovarian cancer progression. However, the molecular interactions underpinning the role of CD157 in these processes remain obscure. The biological functions of CD157 and its partnership with members of the integrin family prompted us to assume the existence of a direct interaction between CD157 and an unknown component of the extracellular matrix. Using solid-phase binding assays and surface plasmon resonance analysis, we demonstrated that CD157 binds fibronectin with high affinity within its heparin-binding domains 1 and 2. Furthermore, we found that CD157 binds to other extracellular matrix proteins containing heparin-binding domains. Finally, we proved that the CD157-fibronectin interaction occurs with living cells, where it elicits CD157-mediated cell responses. Indeed, knockdown of CD157 in Met-5A mesothelial cells changed their morphology and cytoskeleton organization and attenuated the activation of intracellular signaling pathways triggered by fibronectin. This led to impaired cell spreading and adhesion to selected extracellular matrix proteins. Collectively, these findings indicate a central role of CD157 in cell-extracellular matrix interactions and make CD157 an attractive therapeutic target in inflammation and cancer.
Collapse
|
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
11 |
23 |
8
|
Petrazzuoli F, Vinker S, Koskela TH, Frese T, Buono N, Soler JK, Ahrensberg J, Asenova R, Foguet Boreu Q, Ceyhun Peker G, Collins C, Hanževački M, Hoffmann K, Iftode C, Kurpas D, Le Reste JY, Lichtwarck B, Petek D, Pinto D, Schrans D, Streit S, Tang EYH, Tatsioni A, Torzsa P, Unalan PC, van Marwijk H, Thulesius H. Exploring dementia management attitudes in primary care: a key informant survey to primary care physicians in 25 European countries. Int Psychogeriatr 2017; 29:1413-1423. [PMID: 28416036 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610217000552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strategies for the involvement of primary care in the management of patients with presumed or diagnosed dementia are heterogeneous across Europe. We wanted to explore attitudes of primary care physicians (PCPs) when managing dementia: (i) the most popular cognitive tests, (ii) who had the right to initiate or continue cholinesterase inhibitor or memantine treatment, and (iii) the relationship between the permissiveness of these rules/guidelines and PCP's approach in the dementia investigations and assessment. METHODS Key informant survey. SETTING Primary care practices across 25 European countries. SUBJECTS Four hundred forty-five PCPs responded to a self-administered questionnaire. Two-step cluster analysis was performed using characteristics of the informants and the responses to the survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Two by two contingency tables with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the association between categorical variables. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to assess the association of multiple variables (age class, gender, and perceived prescription rules) with the PCPs' attitude of "trying to establish a diagnosis of dementia on their own." RESULTS Discrepancies between rules/guidelines and attitudes to dementia management was found in many countries. There was a strong association between the authorization to prescribe dementia drugs and pursuing dementia diagnostic work-up (odds ratio, 3.45; 95% CI 2.28-5.23). CONCLUSIONS Differing regulations about who does what in dementia management seemed to affect PCP's engagement in dementia investigations and assessment. PCPs who were allowed to prescribe dementia drugs also claimed higher engagement in dementia work-up than PCPs who were not allowed to prescribe.
Collapse
|
|
8 |
21 |
9
|
Giorgio E, Vaula G, Benna P, Lo Buono N, Eandi CM, Dino D, Mancini C, Cavalieri S, Di Gregorio E, Pozzi E, Ferrero M, Giordana MT, Depienne C, Brusco A. A novel homozygous change of CLCN2 (p.His590Pro) is associated with a subclinical form of leukoencephalopathy with ataxia (LKPAT). J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2017; 88:894-896. [PMID: 28473625 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2016-315525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
Case Reports |
8 |
18 |
10
|
García-Rodríguez S, Rosal-Vela A, Botta D, Cumba Garcia LM, Zumaquero E, Prados-Maniviesa V, Cerezo-Wallis D, Lo Buono N, Robles-Guirado JÁ, Guerrero S, González-Paredes E, Andrés-León E, Corbí Á, Mack M, Koch-Nolte F, Merino R, Zubiaur M, Lund FE, Sancho J. CD38 promotes pristane-induced chronic inflammation and increases susceptibility to experimental lupus by an apoptosis-driven and TRPM2-dependent mechanism. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3357. [PMID: 29463868 PMCID: PMC5820326 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21337-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the role of CD38 in a pristane-induced murine model of lupus. CD38-deficient (Cd38-/-) but not ART2-deficient (Art2-/-) mice developed less severe lupus compared to wild type (WT) mice, and their protective phenotype consisted of (i) decreased IFN-I-stimulated gene expression, (ii) decreased numbers of peritoneal CCR2hiLy6Chi inflammatory monocytes, TNF-α-producing Ly6G+ neutrophils and Ly6Clo monocytes/macrophages, (iii) decreased production of anti-single-stranded DNA and anti-nRNP autoantibodies, and (iv) ameliorated glomerulonephritis. Cd38-/- pristane-elicited peritoneal exudate cells had defective CCL2 and TNF-α secretion following TLR7 stimulation. However, Tnf-α and Cxcl12 gene expression in Cd38-/- bone marrow (BM) cells was intact, suggesting a CD38-independent TLR7/TNF-α/CXCL12 axis in the BM. Chemotactic responses of Cd38-/- Ly6Chi monocytes and Ly6G+ neutrophils were not impaired. However, Cd38-/- Ly6Chi monocytes and Ly6Clo monocytes/macrophages had defective apoptosis-mediated cell death. Importantly, mice lacking the cation channel TRPM2 (Trpm2-/-) exhibited very similar protection, with decreased numbers of PECs, and apoptotic Ly6Chi monocytes and Ly6Clo monocytes/macrophages compared to WT mice. These findings reveal a new role for CD38 in promoting aberrant inflammation and lupus-like autoimmunity via an apoptosis-driven mechanism. Furthermore, given the implications of CD38 in the activation of TRPM2, our data suggest that CD38 modulation of pristane-induced apoptosis is TRPM2-dependent.
Collapse
|
research-article |
7 |
18 |
11
|
Funaro A, Gribaudo G, Luganini A, Ortolan E, Lo Buono N, Vicenzi E, Cassetta L, Landolfo S, Buick R, Falciola L, Murphy M, Garotta G, Malavasi F. Generation of potent neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies against cytomegalovirus infection from immune B cells. BMC Biotechnol 2008; 8:85. [PMID: 19014469 PMCID: PMC2631500 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-8-85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2008] [Accepted: 11/12/2008] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) generated as a result of the immune response are likely to be the most effective therapeutic antibodies, particularly in the case of infectious diseases against which the immune response is protective. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an ubiquitous opportunistic virus that is the most serious pathogenic agent in transplant patients. The available therapeutic armamentarium (e.g. HCMV hyperimmune globulins or antivirals) is associated with severe side effects and the emergence of drug-resistant strains; therefore, neutralizing human mAb may be a decisive alternative in the prevention of primary and re-activated HCMV infections in these patients. Results The purpose of this study was to generate neutralizing mAb against HCMV from the immunological repertoire of immune donors. To this aim, we designed an efficient technology relying on two discrete and sequential steps: first, human B-lymphocytes are stimulated with TLR9-agonists and IL-2; second, after both additives are removed, the cells are infected with EBV. Using this strategy we obtained 29 clones secreting IgG neutralizing the HCMV infectivity; four among these were further characterized. All of the mAbs neutralize the infection in different combinations of HCMV strains and target cells, with a potency ~20 fold higher than that of the HCMV hyperimmune globulins, currently used in transplant recipients. Recombinant human monoclonal IgG1 suitable as a prophylactic or therapeutic tool in clinical applications has been generated. Conclusion The technology described has proven to be more reproducible, efficient and rapid than previously reported techniques, and can be adopted at low overall costs by any cell biology laboratory for the development of fully human mAbs for immunotherapeutic uses.
Collapse
|
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
17 |
17 |
12
|
Harris M, Vedsted P, Esteva M, Murchie P, Aubin-Auger I, Azuri J, Brekke M, Buczkowski K, Buono N, Costiug E, Dinant GJ, Foreva G, Gašparović Babić S, Hoffman R, Jakob E, Koskela TH, Marzo-Castillejo M, Neves AL, Petek D, Petek Ster M, Sawicka-Powierza J, Schneider A, Smyrnakis E, Streit S, Thulesius H, Weltermann B, Taylor G. Identifying important health system factors that influence primary care practitioners' referrals for cancer suspicion: a European cross-sectional survey. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e022904. [PMID: 30185577 PMCID: PMC6129106 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cancer survival and stage of disease at diagnosis and treatment vary widely across Europe. These differences may be partly due to variations in access to investigations and specialists. However, evidence to explain how different national health systems influence primary care practitioners' (PCPs') referral decisions is lacking.This study analyses health system factors potentially influencing PCPs' referral decision-making when consulting with patients who may have cancer, and how these vary between European countries. DESIGN Based on a content-validity consensus, a list of 45 items relating to a PCP's decisions to refer patients with potential cancer symptoms for further investigation was reduced to 20 items. An online questionnaire with the 20 items was answered by PCPs on a five-point Likert scale, indicating how much each item affected their own decision-making in patients that could have cancer. An exploratory factor analysis identified the factors underlying PCPs' referral decision-making. SETTING A primary care study; 25 participating centres in 20 European countries. PARTICIPANTS 1830 PCPs completed the survey. The median response rate for participating centres was 20.7%. OUTCOME MEASURES The factors derived from items related to PCPs' referral decision-making. Mean factor scores were produced for each country, allowing comparisons. RESULTS Factor analysis identified five underlying factors: PCPs' ability to refer; degree of direct patient access to secondary care; PCPs' perceptions of being under pressure; expectations of PCPs' role; and extent to which PCPs believe that quality comes before cost in their health systems. These accounted for 47.4% of the observed variance between individual responses. CONCLUSIONS Five healthcare system factors influencing PCPs' referral decision-making in 20 European countries were identified. The factors varied considerably between European countries. Knowledge of these factors could assist development of health service policies to produce better cancer outcomes, and inform future research to compare national cancer diagnostic pathways and outcomes.
Collapse
|
Multicenter Study |
7 |
16 |
13
|
Germano A, Rapa I, Volante M, Lo Buono N, Carturan S, Berruti A, Terzolo M, Papotti M. Cytotoxic activity of gemcitabine, alone or in combination with mitotane, in adrenocortical carcinoma cell lines. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 382:1-7. [PMID: 24018612 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Revised: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We aimed at investigating in vitro the cytotoxic activity (determined using WST-1, apoptosis and cell cycle assays) of gemcitabine, alone or in combination with mitotane, in mitotane-sensitive H295R and mitotane-insensitive SW-13 cells. Results of these experiments were compared with drug-induced modulation of RRM1 gene, the specific target of gemcitabine. In H295R cells, mitotane and gemcitabine combinations showed antagonistic effects and interfered with the gemcitabine-mediated inhibition of the S phase of the cell cycle. By contrast, in SW-13 cells, except when mitotane was sequentially administered prior to gemcitabine, the combination of the two drugs was synergistic. Such opposite effects were associated with opposite expression profiles of the target gene, with significant up-modulation in H295R but not in SW-13 under gemcitabine and mitotane combination treatment.
Collapse
|
|
11 |
16 |
14
|
Harris M, Thulesius H, Neves AL, Harker S, Koskela T, Petek D, Hoffman R, Brekke M, Buczkowski K, Buono N, Costiug E, Dinant GJ, Foreva G, Jakob E, Marzo-Castillejo M, Murchie P, Sawicka-Powierza J, Schneider A, Smyrnakis E, Streit S, Taylor G, Vedsted P, Weltermann B, Esteva M. How European primary care practitioners think the timeliness of cancer diagnosis can be improved: a thematic analysis. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e030169. [PMID: 31551382 PMCID: PMC6773305 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND National European cancer survival rates vary widely. Prolonged diagnostic intervals are thought to be a key factor in explaining these variations. Primary care practitioners (PCPs) frequently play a crucial role during initial cancer diagnosis; their knowledge could be used to improve the planning of more effective approaches to earlier cancer diagnosis. OBJECTIVES This study sought the views of PCPs from across Europe on how they thought the timeliness of cancer diagnosis could be improved. DESIGN In an online survey, a final open-ended question asked PCPs how they thought the speed of diagnosis of cancer in primary care could be improved. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. SETTING A primary care study, with participating centres in 20 European countries. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1352 PCPs answered the final survey question, with a median of 48 per country. RESULTS The main themes identified were: patient-related factors, including health education; care provider-related factors, including continuing medical education; improving communication and interprofessional partnership, particularly between primary and secondary care; factors relating to health system organisation and policies, including improving access to healthcare; easier primary care access to diagnostic tests; and use of information technology. Re-allocation of funding to support timely diagnosis was seen as an issue affecting all of these. CONCLUSIONS To achieve more timely cancer diagnosis, health systems need to facilitate earlier patient presentation through education and better access to care, have well-educated clinicians with good access to investigations and better information technology, and adequate primary care cancer diagnostic pathway funding.
Collapse
|
research-article |
6 |
13 |
15
|
Ferrero E, Lo Buono N, Morone S, Parrotta R, Mancini C, Brusco A, Giacomino A, Augeri S, Rosal-Vela A, García-Rodríguez S, Zubiaur M, Sancho J, Fiorio Pla A, Funaro A. Human canonical CD157/Bst1 is an alternatively spliced isoform masking a previously unidentified primate-specific exon included in a novel transcript. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15923. [PMID: 29162908 PMCID: PMC5698419 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16184-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CD157/Bst1 is a dual-function receptor and β-NAD+-metabolizing ectoenzyme of the ADP-ribosyl cyclase family. Expressed in human peripheral blood neutrophils and monocytes, CD157 interacts with extracellular matrix components and regulates leukocyte diapedesis via integrin-mediated signalling in inflammation. CD157 also regulates cell migration and is a marker of adverse prognosis in epithelial ovarian cancer and pleural mesothelioma. One form of CD157 is known to date: the canonical sequence of 318 aa from a 9-exon transcript encoded by BST1 on human chromosome 4. Here we describe a second BST1 transcript, consisting of 10 exons, in human neutrophils. This transcript includes an unreported exon, exon 1b, located between exons 1 and 2 of BST1. Inclusion of exon 1b in frame yields CD157-002, a novel proteoform of 333 aa: exclusion of exon 1b by alternative splicing generates canonical CD157, the dominant proteoform in neutrophils and other tissues analysed here. In comparative functional analyses, both proteoforms were indistinguishable in cell surface localization, specific mAb binding, and behaviour in cell adhesion and migration. However, NAD glycohydrolase activity was detected in canonical CD157 alone. Comparative phylogenetics indicate that exon 1b is a genomic innovation acquired during primate evolution, pointing to the importance of alternative splicing for CD157 function.
Collapse
|
Journal Article |
8 |
12 |
16
|
Lo Buono N, Morone S, Giacomino A, Parrotta R, Ferrero E, Malavasi F, Ortolan E, Funaro A. CD157 at the intersection between leukocyte trafficking and epithelial ovarian cancer invasion. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 2014; 19:366-78. [PMID: 24389190 DOI: 10.2741/4213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
CD157 is a member of the ADP-ribosyl cyclase gene family that is involved in the metabolism of NAD. CD157 behaves both as an ectoenzyme and as a receptor. Though CD157 is anchored to the membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol moiety, which makes it unsuitable to transduce signals on its own, it exploits its localization in selected membrane microdomains and its proclivity to interact with integrins to accomplish receptor functions. Initially characterized as a stromal and myeloid antigen involved in the control of leukocyte adhesion, migration and diapedesis, CD157 was subsequently found to have a far wider distribution. In particular, CD157 was found to be expressed by epithelial ovarian cancer cells where it is involved in interactions among tumor cells, extracellular matrix proteins and mesothelium. The overall picture inferred from experimental and clinical observations is that CD157 is a critical player both in leukocyte trafficking and in ovarian cancer invasion and metastasis formation. In this review, we will discuss the biological mechanisms underpinning the role of CD157 in the control of leukocyte migration and ovarian cancer dissemination.
Collapse
|
Review |
11 |
11 |
17
|
Klemenc-Ketis Z, Kurpas D, Tsiligianni I, Petrazzuoli F, Jacquet JP, Buono N, Lopez-Abuin J, Lionis C. Is a practice-based rural research network feasible in Europe? Eur J Gen Pract 2015; 21:203-9. [DOI: 10.3109/13814788.2015.1046376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
|
10 |
8 |
18
|
Sauro A, Scalzitti F, Buono N, Siringano R, Petrazzuoli F, Diodati G, Canzano S, Castellano MC, D'Addio F, Pascarella A, Sortino D. Spirometry is really useful and feasible in the GP's daily practice but guidelines alone are not. Eur J Gen Pract 2005; 11:29-31. [PMID: 15841063 DOI: 10.3109/13814780509178015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
Journal Article |
20 |
7 |
19
|
Petrazzuoli F, Palmqvist S, Thulesius H, Buono N, Pirrotta E, Cuffari A, Cambielli M, D'Urso M, Farinaro C, Chiumeo F, Marsala V, Wiig EH. A Quick Test of Cognitive Speed: norm-referenced criteria for 121 Italian adults aged 45 to 90 years. Int Psychogeriatr 2014; 26:1493-1500. [PMID: 24810919 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610214000787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A Quick Test of Cognitive Speed (AQT) is a brief test that can identify cognitive impairment. AQT has been validated in Arabic, English, Greek, Japanese, Norwegian, Spanish, and Swedish. The aim of this study was to develop Italian criterion-referenced norms for AQT. METHODS AQT consists of three test plates where the patient shall rapidly name (1) the color of 40 blue, red, yellow, or black squares (AQT color), (2) the form of 40 black figures (circles, squares, triangles, or rectangles; AQT form), (3) the color and form of 40 figures (consisting of previous colors and forms; AQT color-form). The AQT test was administered to 121 Italian cognitively healthy primary care patients (age range: 45-90 years). Their mean Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was 28.8 ± 0.9 points (range 26-30 points). AQT naming times in seconds were used for developing preliminary criterion cut-off times for different age groups. RESULTS Age was found to have a significant moderate positive correlation with AQT naming times color (r = 0.65, p < 0.001), form (r = 0.53, p < 0.001), color-form (r = 0.63, p < 0.001) and a moderate negative correlation with MMSE score (r = -0.44, p < 0.001) and AQT naming times differed significantly between younger (45-55 years old), older (56-70 years old), and the oldest (71-90 years old) participants. Years of education correlated positively but weakly with MMSE score (r = 0.27, p = 0.003) and negatively but weakly with AQT color (r = -0.16, p = ns), form (r = -0.24, p = 0.007), and color-form (r = -0.19, p = 0.005). We established preliminary cut-off times for the AQT test based on +1 and +2 standard deviations according to the approach in other languages and settings. CONCLUSIONS This is the first Italian normative AQT study. Future studies of AQT - a test useful for dementia screening in primary care - will eventually refine cut-off times for normality balancing sensitivity and specificity in cognitive diagnostics.
Collapse
|
|
11 |
7 |
20
|
Petrazzuoli F, Vinker S, Palmqvist S, Midlöv P, Lepeleire JD, Pirani A, Frese T, Buono N, Ahrensberg J, Asenova R, Boreu QF, Peker GC, Collins C, Hanževački M, Hoffmann K, Iftode C, Koskela TH, Kurpas D, Reste JYL, Lichtwarck B, Petek D, Schrans D, Soler JK, Streit S, Tatsioni A, Torzsa P, Unalan PC, van Marwijk H, Thulesius H. Unburdening dementia - a basic social process grounded theory based on a primary care physician survey from 25 countries. Scand J Prim Health Care 2020; 38:253-264. [PMID: 32720874 PMCID: PMC7470166 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2020.1794166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore dementia management from a primary care physician perspective. DESIGN One-page seven-item multiple choice questionnaire; free text space for every item; final narrative question of a dementia case story. Inductive explorative grounded theory analysis. Derived results in cluster analyses. Appropriateness of dementia drugs assessed by tertiary care specialist. SETTING Twenty-five European General Practice Research Network member countries. SUBJECTS Four hundred and forty-five key informant primary care physician respondents of which 106 presented 155 case stories. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Processes and typologies of dementia management. Proportion of case stories with drug treatment and treatment according to guidelines. RESULTS Unburdening dementia - a basic social process - explained physicians' dementia management according to a grounded theory analysis using both qualitative and quantitative data. Unburdening starts with Recognizing the dementia burden by Burden Identification and Burden Assessment followed by Burden Relief. Drugs to relieve the dementia burden were reported for 130 of 155 patients; acetylcholinesterase inhibitors or memantine treatment in 89 of 155 patients - 60% appropriate according to guidelines and 40% outside of guidelines. More Central and Northern primary care physicians were allowed to prescribe, and more were engaged in dementia management than Eastern and Mediterranean physicians according to cluster analyses. Physicians typically identified and assessed the dementia burden and then tried to relieve it, commonly by drug prescriptions, but also by community health and home help services, mentioned in more than half of the case stories. CONCLUSIONS Primary care physician dementia management was explained by an Unburdening process with the goal to relieve the dementia burden, mainly by drugs often prescribed outside of guideline indications. Implications: Unique data about dementia management by European primary care physicians to inform appropriate stakeholders. Key points Dementia as a syndrome of cognitive and functional decline and behavioural and psychological symptoms causes a tremendous burden on patients, their families, and society. •We found that a basic social process of Unburdening dementia explained dementia management according to case stories and survey comments from primary care physicians in 25 countries. •First, Burden Recognition by Identification and Assessment and then Burden Relief - often by drugs. •Prescribing physicians repeatedly broadened guideline indications for dementia drugs. The more physicians were allowed to prescribe dementia drugs, the more they were responsible for the dementia work-up. Our study provides unique data about dementia management in European primary care for the benefit of national and international stakeholders.
Collapse
|
research-article |
5 |
6 |
21
|
Buono N, Thulesius H, Petrazzuoli F, Castelli E, Cambielli M. Postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, and trigeminal neuralgia - Chronic peripheral neuropathic pain in 58,480 rural Italian primary care patients. J Family Med Prim Care 2017; 6:110-114. [PMID: 29026761 PMCID: PMC5629873 DOI: 10.4103/2249-4863.214980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic peripheral neuropathic pain (CPNP) is a condition due to peripheral nervous system diseases or injury, but its prevalence is unknown in Italian primary care. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of CPNP in a rural primary care area in Northern Italy. Materials and Methods: A multicenter audit study was carried out in a rural area in Northern Italy with 113 participating general practitioners (GPs) seeing 58,480 patients >18 years during 3 months. Patients who for any reason attended GPs’ surgeries and had symptoms suggestive of neuropathic pain (NP) were given the NP diagnostic questionnaire “Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions” (DN4) and recorded their pain level on a visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Chronic NP was established by a DN4 score of ≥4 and a VAS pain score of ≥40 mm for >6 months together with a clinical diagnosis in 448 (254 women and 194 men) out of 58,480 patients giving a prevalence of 0.77%. 179 patients (0.31%) had diabetes neuropathy, 142 (0.24%) had postherpetic pain, 41 (0.07%) had trigeminal neuralgia, 27 (0.05%) had NP postinjury, 27 (0.05%) had NP caused by nerve entrapments, 11 (0.02%) had NP triggered by systemic diseases, and 21 (0.04%) had NP of unknown etiology. Conclusions: The prevalence of CPNP in this population of primary care attenders in a rural area in Northern Italy was 0.77%. Diabetes neuropathy (0.31%) and postherpetic pain (0.24%) were the two most common subgroups of NP, followed by trigeminal neuralgia (0.07%).
Collapse
|
Journal Article |
8 |
5 |
22
|
Rapa I, Votta A, Gatti G, Izzo S, Buono NL, Giorgio E, Vatrano S, Napoli F, Scarpa A, Scagliotti G, Papotti M, Volante M. High miR-100 expression is associated with aggressive features and modulates TORC1 complex activation in lung carcinoids. Oncotarget 2018; 9:27535-27546. [PMID: 29938004 PMCID: PMC6007959 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a promising therapeutic target in advanced lung carcinoid patients. However, the mechanisms of mTOR modulation and of responsiveness to mTOR inhibitors are largely unclear. Our aim was to analyze the expression and functional role of specific miRNAs in lung carcinoids as an alternative mechanism targeting mTOR pathway. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Seven miRNAs, selected by bioinformatic tools and literature search, were analyzed in 142 lung neuroendocrine neoplasms (92 carcinoids and a control group of 50 high grade neuroendocrine carcinomas), and compared with mTOR mRNA expression and clinical/pathological parameters. Tissue results were validated in vitro in two lung carcinoid cell lines by specific RNA interference and biological/pharmacological tests. RESULTS Tissutal expression of five miRNAs (miR-99b, miR-100, miR-155, miR-193a-3p, miR-193a-5p) was inversely correlated with mTOR mRNA expression, supporting their role in the negative regulation of mTOR transcription. High expression of miR-100, miR-193a-3p and miR-193a-5p was associated with aggressive features and, for the former two, with shorter time to progression. In H727 and UMC11 lung carcinoid cells, miR-100 modulated mTOR RNA and TORC1 complex protein expression, positively promoted cell migration and negatively influenced cell proliferation. Moreover, miR-100 directly influenced responsiveness of H727 and UMC11 cells to rapamycin. CONCLUSIONS MiR-100 actively participates to the regulation of mTOR expression in lung carcinoids and represents a novel candidate prognostic biomarker for this tumor type; moreover, inhibition of its expression is associated to increased responsiveness to mTOR inhibitors and might represent a novel strategy to sensitize lung carcinoids to these target agents.
Collapse
|
research-article |
7 |
5 |
23
|
Harris M, Brekke M, Dinant GJ, Esteva M, Hoffman R, Marzo-Castillejo M, Murchie P, Neves AL, Smyrnakis E, Vedsted P, Aubin-Auger I, Azuri J, Buczkowski K, Buono N, Foreva G, Babić SG, Jacob E, Koskela T, Petek D, Šter MP, Puia A, Sawicka-Powierza J, Streit S, Thulesius H, Weltermann B, Taylor G. Primary care practitioners' diagnostic action when the patient may have cancer: an exploratory vignette study in 20 European countries. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035678. [PMID: 33130560 PMCID: PMC7783622 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cancer survival rates vary widely between European countries, with differences in timeliness of diagnosis thought to be one key reason. There is little evidence on the way in which different healthcare systems influence primary care practitioners' (PCPs) referral decisions in patients who could have cancer.This study aimed to explore PCPs' diagnostic actions (whether or not they perform a key diagnostic test and/or refer to a specialist) in patients with symptoms that could be due to cancer and how they vary across European countries. DESIGN A primary care survey. PCPs were given vignettes describing patients with symptoms that could indicate cancer and asked how they would manage these patients. The likelihood of taking immediate diagnostic action (a diagnostic test and/or referral) in the different participating countries was analysed. Comparisons between the likelihood of taking immediate diagnostic action and physician characteristics were calculated. SETTING Centres in 20 European countries with widely varying cancer survival rates. PARTICIPANTS A total of 2086 PCPs answered the survey question, with a median of 72 PCPs per country. RESULTS PCPs' likelihood of immediate diagnostic action at the first consultation varied from 50% to 82% between countries. PCPs who were more experienced were more likely to take immediate diagnostic action than their peers. CONCLUSION When given vignettes of patients with a low but significant possibility of cancer, more than half of PCPs across Europe would take diagnostic action, most often by ordering diagnostic tests. However, there are substantial between-country variations.
Collapse
|
research-article |
5 |
4 |
24
|
Buono N, Thulesius H, Petrazzuoli F, Van Merode T, Koskela T, Le Reste JY, Prick H, Soler JK. 40 years of biannual family medicine research meetings--the European General Practice Research Network (EGPRN). Scand J Prim Health Care 2013; 31:185-7. [PMID: 24191874 PMCID: PMC3860292 DOI: 10.3109/02813432.2013.847594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To document family medicine research in the 25 EGPRN member countries in 2010. DESIGN Semi-structured survey with open-ended questions. SETTING Academic family medicine in 23 European countries, Israel, and Turkey. SUBJECTS 25 EGPRN national representatives. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Demographics of the general population and family medicine. Assessments, opinions, and suggestions. RESULTS EGPRN has represented family medicine for almost half a billion people and > 300,000 general practitioners (GPs). Turkey had the largest number of family medicine departments and highest density of GPs, 2.1/1000 people, Belgium had 1.7, Austria 1.6, and France 1.5. Lowest GP density was reported from Israel 0.17, Greece 0.18, and Slovenia 0.4 GPs per 1000 people. Family medicine research networks were reported by 22 of 25 and undergraduate family medicine research education in 20 of the 25 member countries, and in 10 countries students were required to do research projects. Postgraduate family medicine research was reported by 18 of the member countries. Open-ended responses showed that EGPRN meetings promoted stimulating and interesting research questions such as comparative studies of chronic pain management, sleep disorders, elderly care, healthy lifestyle promotion, mental health, clinical competence, and appropriateness of specialist referrals. Many respondents reported a lack of interest in family medicine research related to poor incentives and low family medicine status in general and among medical students in particular. It was suggested that EGPRN exert political lobbying for family medicine research. CONCLUSION Since 1974, EGPRN organizes biannual conferences that unite and promote primary care practice, clinical research and academic family medicine in 25 member countries.
Collapse
|
research-article |
12 |
4 |
25
|
Hajdarevic S, Högberg C, Marzo-Castillejo M, Siliņa V, Sawicka-Powierza J, Esteva M, Koskela T, Petek D, Contreras-Martos S, Mangione M, Ožvačić Adžić Z, Asenova R, Gašparović Babić S, Brekke M, Buczkowski K, Buono N, Çifçili SS, Dinant GJ, Doorn B, Hoffman RD, Kuodza G, Murchie P, Pilv L, Puia A, Rapalavicius A, Smyrnakis E, Weltermann B, Harris M. Exploring why European primary care physicians sometimes do not think of, or act on, a possible cancer diagnosis. A qualitative study. BJGP Open 2023; 7:BJGPO.2023.0029. [PMID: 37380218 PMCID: PMC11176697 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While primary care physicians (PCPs) play a key role in cancer detection, they can find cancer diagnosis challenging, and some patients have considerable delays between presentation and onward referral. AIM To explore European PCPs' experiences and views on cases where they considered that they had been slow to think of, or act on, a possible cancer diagnosis. DESIGN & SETTING A multicentre European qualitative study, based on an online survey with open-ended questions, asking PCPs for their narratives about cases when they had missed a diagnosis of cancer. METHOD Using maximum variation sampling, PCPs in 23 European countries were asked to describe what happened in a case where they were slow to think of a cancer diagnosis, and for their views on why it happened. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS A total of 158 PCPs completed the questionnaire. The main themes were as follows: patients' descriptions did not suggest cancer; distracting factors reduced PCPs' cancer suspicions; patients' hesitancy delayed the diagnosis; system factors not facilitating timely diagnosis; PCPs felt that they had acted wrongly; and problems with communicating adequately. CONCLUSION The study identified six overarching themes that need to be addressed. Doing so should reduce morbidity and mortality in the small proportion of patients who have a significant, avoidable delay in their cancer diagnosis. The 'Swiss cheese' model of accident causation showed how the themes related to each other.
Collapse
|
research-article |
2 |
1 |