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Abstract : Buschke Löwenstein Tumor of the Right Lower Abdominal Wall: Case Report and Review of the Literature
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Abstract: Buschke-Löwenstein tumor (BLT), known as giant condyloma acuminatum (GCA), is a very rare disease that typically appears as a penile lesion but can although appear in the anogenital region, bladder, vulva, scrotum and sacrococcygeal area as well. Despite of its histologically benign signs, a high recurrence rate, invasiveness and destructive growth characterizes this rare disease as clinically malignant. Malignant transformation into verrucous carcinoma (VC) and squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) have been described as well. Many treatment modalities inclusive neoadjuvant radio-and chemotherapy and topical treatment have been reported but due to lack of controlled studies no treatment can be recommended. We present a case of Buschke-Löwenstein tumor involving the right lower abdominal wall of the colostomy region at a 71 years old male. To our knowledge, we first describe a case report of GCA involving abdominal wall at the colostomy region, successfully treated by wide radical excision and plastic reconstruction. Keywords: Buschke-Löwenstein tumor, Giant condyloma acuminatum, surgical resection, neoadjuvant therapy, squamous cell carcinoma.Download Full Article |
Abstract : Comparison of Prostate Specific Antigen and Prostate Specific Antigen Density for Predicting the Degree of Gleason Score of Prostate Cancer
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Abstract: Introduction: In this study we evaluate the relationship of PSA and PSAD with the degree of Gleason’s score of prostate cancer in transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy specimens. Methods: From March 2003 to October 2009, 1025 transractal ultrasound guided biopsies were performed in our hospital. PSA was measured by monoclonal antibody method and PSAD was calculated. The Gleason grade of the detected tumors in the biopsy specimens was classified as low, moderate and high grade. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: 292 patients were diagnosed to have prostate adenocarcinoma. There was an acceptable correlation between PSA (P=0.001) and PSAD of the specimens (P = 0.013) with Gleason grades. PSA level showed a statistically significant difference between the low and high grade groups (P=0.005) and the intermediate and high grade groups (p=0.014). A statistically significant difference of PSAD level was seen only between the low and high grade (P=0.006) groups Conclusions: PSA and PSAD are both effective diagnostic tools for detection of prostate cancer; PSA level has a valuable role in predicting Gleason pattern higher than 7/10 and it can be the predictor of advanced pathological features but PSAD is effective in prediction of Gleason pattern lower than 5/10. Keywords: Prostate specific antigen, Prostate cancer, Gleason’s score, Tumor Grading, Gleason Grading.Download Full Article |
Abstract : Efficacy and Safety of Fixed-Dose-Rate Infusions of Gemcitabine Plus Erlotinib for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
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Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fixed-dose-rate infusions of gemcitabine in combination with erlotinib for advanced pancreatic cancer. Methods/Patients: Patients with locally advanced (LAPC) or metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC) without previous treatment for the advanced disease and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2 received 1500 mg/m2 of gemcitabine in 150-minute infusions (10 mg/m2/minute) on days 1, 8 and 15 in 4-week cycles combined with 100 mg/day of oral erlotinib. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Results: Sixty-two evaluable patients were enrolled (LAPC, n=16; MPC, n=46). Median OS was 10.0 (95% CI, 7.1-13.0) months. OS was longer in patients with LAPC (p=0.019), females (p=0.010) and patients not receiving opioids (p=0.027). A trend towards longer OS was shown in patients with grade ≥2 rash (p=0.078). In multivariate analysis, only gender remained statistically significant (p=0.01). Median PFS was 4.9 (95% CI, 3.1-6.8) months, which was longer in patients with LAPC (p=0.004) and females (p=0.013). Overall response rate was 12.9% (95% CI, 4.7-21.3), with eight patients achieving partial response, and tumour growth control rate was 67.7% (95% CI, 79.3-56.1). The main grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia (40.3%), asthenia (22.6%), anaemia (19.4%), thrombocytopenia (17.7%) and infections (14.5%). Three patients died due to septic shock, cholangitis or pulmonary embolism. Conclusions: The combination of fixed-dose-rate infusions of gemcitabine and erlotinib represents a feasible and active regimen for advanced pancreatic cancer with a manageable safety profile. Keywords: Adenocarcinoma, efficacy, erlotinib, fixed-dose-rate infusion, gemcitabine, pancreas, safety.Download Full Article |
Abstract : Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress, Proliferation, Inflammation and Invasivity in Saliva from Oral Cancer Patients
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Abstract: Cancer represents the main cause of death in the economically developed countries and the second cause of death in developing ones. Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas are the sixth most common malignancies worldwide with oral cavity and pharynx cancers being the most common. Saliva qualifies as one of the most suitable diagnostic fluids due to the non-invasivity nature, simple handling procedures, easy collection and storage and good cooperation with patient groups such as children or persons with disabilities. The aim of the present study is to assess the presence in saliva of several cancer biomarkers such as: tumor cells proliferation - Ki-67 Antigen and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen (SCCA), inflammation - Interleukin-6 (IL-6), extracellular matrix collagen degradation - Matrix Metallo-proteinase-9 (MMP-9) and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP-2), oxidative stress - total antioxidant capacity and uric acid. Both uric acid and total antioxidant capacity showed decreased levelsin the saliva of oral cancer patients. IL-6, Ki-67, SCCA and MMP-9 showed increased levels in the saliva of oral patients compared to the control group. Salivary TIMP-2 levels were also decreased in the patients group. We can conclude that salivary diagnosis has the potential of becoming a powerful tool in detecting and monitoring oral cancer patients. Keywords: MMP-9, TIMP-2, IL-6, Ki-67, SCCA, saliva, oral cancer.Download Full Article |
