The Interplay Between High Cumulative Doses of Radioactive Iodine and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Complex Cardiovascular Challenge.

Starting from the metabolic profile of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we hypothesized that the mechanisms of ¹³¹I-induced cardiotoxicity differ between patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with/without T2DM, with metformin potentially acting as a cardioprotective agent by mitigating inflammation in patients with T2DM. To address this hypothesis, we quantified, using ELISA, the serum concentration of several key biomarkers that reflect cardiac injury (NT-proBNP, NT-proANP, ST2/IL-33R, and cTn I) in 74 female patients with DTC/-T2DM and 25 with DTC/+T2DM treated with metformin. All patients received a cumulative oral dose of I exceeding 150 mCi (5.

Eustachian Tube Teratoma: A Rare Entity.

Introduction: Teratomas, tumors derived from all 3 fetal germ cell layers, are rarely located in the head and neck region and extremely rare in the Eustachian tube area.

Case Report: The authors present the case of a 2 years old child with chronic ear discharge. Referral diagnosis was tumor or cyst of the temporal bone.

Portrait of the Inflammatory Response to Radioiodine Therapy in Female Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer with/without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

No clinical studies have investigated the effect of radioiodine (I)-targeted therapy on the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as inflammatory response markers in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. This study aimed to assess the relationship between blood radioactivity, body mass index (BMI), and peripheral blood cells three days after I intake in 56 female patients without T2DM (DTC/-T2DM) vs. 24 female patients with T2DM (DTC/+T2DM).

Correlation Studies between S100 Protein Level and Soluble MIA or Tissue MelanA and gp100 (HMB45) Expression in Cutaneous Melanoma.

(1) Background: Cutaneous melanoma (CM) originates from melanocytes and causes 90% of skin cancer deaths; therefore, the comparison of different soluble and tissue markers could be valuable in the detection of melanoma progression and therapy monitoring. The present study is focused on the potential correlations between soluble S100B and MIA protein levels in different melanoma stages or with tissue expression of S100, gp100 (HMB45), and MelanA biomarkers. (2) Methods: Soluble S100B and MIA levels were evaluated by means of immunoassay methods in blood samples from 176 patients with CM, while tissue expressions of S100, MelanA, and gp100 (HMB45) were detected by means of immunohistochemistry in 76 melanomas.

Quantitative Assessment of Treatment Response in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients by SPECT-CT Bone Imaging-Getting Closer to PET-CT.

Background: Cancer represents the major cause of death mainly through its ability to spread to other organs, highlighting the importance of metastatic disease diagnosis and accurate follow up for treatment management purposes. Although until recently the main method for imaging interpretation was represented by qualitative methods, quantitative analysis of SPECT-CT data represents a viable, objective option.

Methods: Seventy-five breast cancer patients presenting metastatic bone disease underwent at least two Bone SPECT-CT studies using [Tc]-HDP between November 2019 to October 2022.

Evaluating Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with HER2 Inhibitors: Could a Combination of Radionuclide Ventriculography and Cardiac Biomarkers Predict the Cardiac Impact?

(1) Background: The aim of our study was to determine whether monitoring cardiac function through RNV and cardiac biomarkers could predict the cardiac impact of combined therapy with trastuzumab, pertuzumab and docetaxel, which are regularly used nowadays to treat HER2-positive breast cancer. (2) Methods: This prospective monocentric study included 22 patients, diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer, who had their LVEFs and cardiac biomarkers evaluated both at the beginning of their treatment and after 6 months. Among all of the enrolled patients, two blood specimens were collected to assess circulating cardiac biomarkers.

Moebius syndrome-Case report.

Moebius Syndrome is a rare multifactorial condition defined by congenital complete or partial VII and VIth cranial nerves palsy and other physical abnormalities. We present the case of a 3 months old infant with Moebius sequence and breathing and eating difficulties, managed by tracheostomy and laryngoplasty.

The New Radiolabeled Peptide TcEDDA/HYNIC-TOC: Is It a Feasible Choice for Diagnosing Gastroenteropancreatic NETs?

(1) Background: The aim of our study is to reveal the advantages and limitations of the use of TcEDDA/HYNIC-TOC (Tektrotyd, Polatom) in the diagnosis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and to compare our results with the values obtained for In-pentetreotide and Ga-DOTA-peptides, routinely used in medical practice. (2) Methods: This retrospective monocentric study included 173 patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors who underwent TcEDDA/HYNIC-TOC scans as part of their clinical management. The examination protocol included a whole-body scan acquired 2 h after the radiotracer's administration, with the SPECT/CT performed 4 h post-injection.

Cardiovascular Effects of Cumulative Doses of Radioiodine in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Radioiodine (131I) therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) involves exposure of the whole body, including the heart, to ionizing radiation. This exposure to the subsequent risk of heart disease is uncertain, especially in patients with DTC associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DTC/+T2DM). The current study aimed to assess the relationship between left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), high cumulative 131I dose, and peripheral blood parameters in patients with DTC/−T2DM and DTC/+T2DM.

Analysis of the Correlation between the Radioactive Iodine Activity and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

Publications investigating the effect of radioactive iodine (131I) therapy on the circulating peripheral blood cells in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) are limited to blood samples collected more than 92 h after 131I. Studies conducted on blood samples collected up to 92 h are rare due to the radioactive contamination risk. This research aimed to assess the relationship between the prescribed 131I activity, human whole blood activity, and peripheral blood cells at many time points (6, 22, 46, 69, and 92 h after 131I).

Radiomics Analysis of [F]FDG PET/CT Thyroid Incidentalomas: How Can It Improve Patients' Clinical Management? A Systematic Review from the Literature.

Background: We performed a systematic review of the literature to provide an overview of the application of PET-based radiomics of [F]FDG-avid thyroid incidentalomas and to discuss the additional value of PET volumetric parameters and radiomic features over clinical data.

Methods: The most relevant databases were explored using an algorithm constructed based on a combination of terms related to our subject and English-language articles published until October 2021 were considered. Among the 247 identified articles, 19 studies were screened for eligibility and 11 met the criteria, with 4 studies including radiomics analyses.

Quantitative Analysis of SPECT-CT Data in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients-The Clinical Significance.

Purpose: To assess the potential added value of the SPECT-CT quantitative analysis in metastatic breast cancer lesions detection and differentiation from degenerative lesions.

Methods: This prospective monocentric study was conducted on 70 female patients who underwent SPECT-CT bone scans using Tc-HDP that identified the presence of metastatic bone lesions and degenerative lesions in each patient. Once the lesions were identified, a quantitative analysis of radiotracer uptake was conducted.

A Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor Based on Sonogel-Carbon Material Enriched with Gold Nanoparticles for Melatonin Determination.

In this work, the development of an electrochemical sensor for melatonin determination is presented. The sensor was based on Sonogel-Carbon electrode material (SNGCE) and Au nanoparticles (AuNPs). The low-cost and environmentally friendly SNGCE material was prepared by the ultrasound-assisted sonogel method.

Highlights from the IOB Conference on Cancer, 20-22 May 2021 and the new research vision of The Institute of Oncology Prof. Dr. Alexandru Trestioreanu, Bucharest, Romania.

The latest edition of the Bucharest Institute of Oncology (IOB) Conference was held between 20 and 22 May 2021, in the capital of Romania. The conference was a hybrid event, with live and virtual participation and was attended by more than 1000 participants. The central theme was the value added by the tumor boards, underlining the significance of teamwork and collaboration between the different disciplines and oncology centers in the country.

Clinical significance of serum matrix metalloproteinase 9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 in the first phase of burn trauma evolution.

No prospective study has specifically examined the serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in the early shock phase of burn-injured patients. Thus, we aimed to detect early changes, activity dynamics, and the predictive value of MMP-9, TIMP-1, and the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio to better understand the early repair mechanisms for the development of future therapies for patients with thermal burns. Twenty-five patients with a total body surface area (TBSA) affected by burn <25%, and 30 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study.

Role and dynamics of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 in burn patients.

Burn injuries can trigger tissue changes that can explain the variation in the level of different biochemical markers that can be recorded both locally or systemically. Some events observed in burn wounds such as vascular hyperpermeability have been associated with the release of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) after trauma. Because it is unknown whether the serum levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 are a consequence of these destructions or a local response to thermal damage, we decided to follow their dynamics.

TNF-α May Exert Different Antitumor Effects in Response to Radioactive Iodine Therapy in Papillary Thyroid Cancer with/without Autoimmune Thyroiditis.

Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) may impair radioiodine (I) uptake in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Finding the mechanisms that govern immune cells during I therapy of PTC with concomitant AIT (PTC + AIT) could provide a rationale. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of I on anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its tissue inhibitor TIMP-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and its receptors TNFR1 and TNFR2, in PTC and PTC + AIT patients.

Systematic Differences Between Total and Free Prostate-Specific Antigen Immunoassays: Comparison Using Passing and Bablok Regression.

Recent studies have shown that there are systematic differences among total and free prostate-specificantigen (PSA) immunoassays. In this study we analyzedintermethod differences in total PSA (tPSA) and free PSA(fPSA) measurement using ARCHITECT 2000SR (Abbott Diagnostics) and COBAS E601 (Roche Diagnostics). A number of 160 blood samples were tested for tPSA and 50 samples for fPSA (selecting only sampleswith tPSA: 4.

Serum Uric Acid Concentration in Patients with Cerebrovascular Disease (Ischemic Stroke and Vascular Dementia).

Introduction: Significance of serum uric acid (UA) in cerebrovascular disease still remains controversial. UA is most abundant natural antioxidant in human plasma. Its antioxidant properties might protect against free radical damage, thereby reducing the risk of oxidative stress-related cognitive impairment and dementia.

Serum melatonin is inversely associated with matrix metalloproteinase-9 in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) expression levels have been demonstrated to have prognostic value in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The present study hypothesized that melatonin, a small lipophilic molecule primarily secreted by the pineal gland, may be able to regulate MMP activity in OSCC progression. This study aimed to investigate the associations between melatonin, MMPs, TIMPs and the histopathological characteristics of patients with OSCC.

Clinical significance of serum melatonin in predicting the severity of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Melatonin, the primary hormone produced by the pineal gland, is intensely assessed for its anticancer properties. This study aimed to reveal the clinical significance of serum melatonin levels in predicting the severity of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). For this purpose, 40 male patients with OSCC and 30 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study.

Cytokines in heart failure.

The natural history of heart failure (HF) is not linear, because changes in the heart structure and function start long before the disease becomes clinically evident. Many different cytokines originating from intracardiac tissues (cardiomyocytes, cardiac endothelial cells, cardiac fibroblasts, and cardiac infiltrated immune cells) or extracardiac tissues (adipose tissue, gut, and lymphoid organs) have been identified in HF. Because the levels of circulating cytokines correlate with the development and severity of HF, these mediators may have both pathophysiological importance, through their ability to modulate inflammation, myocyte stress/stretch, myocyte injury and apoptosis, fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix remodeling, and utility as clinical predictive biomarkers.

Idiotype-specific intravenous immunoglobulin for therapy of immunoglobulin kappa free light chain deficiency.

Deficient antibody production in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is accompanied by an inability to produce free light chains (FLCs), particularly kappa (κ) FLC, due to B-cell dysfunction. We found that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) administration, in a patient with CVID and (κ) FLC deficiency, for o short period of only 6 months, induced after discontinuation of treatment some kind of "long-lasting active immunity", leading to the secretion of immunoglobulin (κ) FLCs. A remarkable finding of our study is how effectively IVIg therapy led to a calculable (κ/λ) FLCs ratio, within the reference range.

NT-proBNP and CA 125 levels are associated with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines in coronary sinus serum of patients with chronic heart failure.

Purpose: Heart failure (HF) is considered to be a complex syndrome associated with neurohormonal and cytokine activation, that contribute to its progression. There are evidences which showed that, carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA 125), a tumor marker widely used for ovarian cancer therapy monitoring, was significantly elevated in HF patients. We hypothesized that inflammatory stimuli may be responsible for amino-terminal fragment of the prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and CA-125 production and release in chronic HF (CHF).

Update on radionuclide therapy in oncology.

Unstable isotopes and their capacity to emit ionizing radiation have been employed in clinical practice not only for diagnostic, but also for therapeutic purposes, with significant contribution in several fields of medicine and primarily in the management of oncologic patients. Their efficacy is associated with their ability to provide the targeted delivery of ionizing radiation for a determined duration. These compounds can be used for curative or palliative treatment, as well as for a diagnostic-therapeutic (theranostic) approach.