Tumori
-
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have attracted considerable attention as a possible alternative to tobacco cigarettes, but uncertainties about their impact on health and indoor air quality as well as their commercial success without a clear regulatory framework are arousing concern. We have therefore tried to summarize the health-related implications of the use of e-cigarettes in order to help physicians and health professionals provide accurate information on this device. Given the lack of unequivocal scientific data on their toxicity and safety, we conclude that at the moment there is no reason to approve e-cigarettes as a safe alternative to tobacco smoke.
-
In the last 20 years, the survival and quality of life outcomes for patients with metastatic melanoma have been poor, with unsatisfactory results of chemotherapy and immunotherapy-based regimens. No drug or combination of drugs had any impact on survival until 2011, when ipilimumab, a monoclonal antibody against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), was approved for clinical use. Phase III trials have shown, for the first time ever, an overall survival benefit of ipilimumab compared with standard treatment, with a manageable toxicity profile. This review will discuss the mechanism of action of ipilimumab and the clinical trials that led to its approval.
-
Clinical Trial
Perioperative high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy boost for patients with early breast cancer.
To evaluate the clinical results of perioperative high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy boost treatment preceding whole breast external beam radiation therapy in patients with early breast cancer. ⋯ Perioperative high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy boost followed by whole breast external beam radiation therapy provides excellent local control, acceptable acute toxicity and good-excellent breast cosmesis in patients with early breast cancer.
-
The primary goal of treatment for vestibular schwannoma is to achieve local control without comprimising regional cranial nerve function. Stereotactic radiosurgery has emerged as a viable therapeutic option for vestibular schwannoma. The aim of the study is to report our 15-year single center experience using linear accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery in the management of patients with vestibular schwannoma. ⋯ Linear accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery offers a safe and effective treatment for patients with vestibular schwannoma by providing high local control rates along with improved quality of life through well-preserved hearing function.
-
Multicenter Study
Male breast cancer: clinical features and multimodal treatment in a retrospective survey analysis at Italian centers.
We report a collection of data about early breast cancer in male patients from 13 Italian institutions. ⋯ We identified a correlation between relapse and hormone receptor expression, as is the case in female breast cancer.