Prognostic Role of Circulating Tumor Cells in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Large, Multicenter, Prospective Trial.

Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) correlate with adverse prognosis in patients with breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer. Little data are available for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Materials And Methods: We designed a multicenter prospective observational study to assess the correlation between CTC counts and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with metastatic RCC treated with an antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor as a first-line regimen; overall survival (OS) and response were secondary objectives.

Predicting steady-state endoxifen plasma concentrations in breast cancer patients by CYP2D6 genotyping or phenotyping. Which approach is more reliable?

In previous studies, steady-state Z-endoxifen plasma concentrations (ENDOss) correlated with relapse-free survival in women on tamoxifen (TAM) treatment for breast cancer. ENDOss also correlated significantly with CYP2D6 genotype (activity score) and CYP2D6 phenotype (dextromethorphan test). Our aim was to ascertain which method for assessing CYP2D6 activity is more reliable in predicting ENDOss.

Comprehensive analysis of 34 MiT family translocation renal cell carcinomas and review of the literature: investigating prognostic markers and therapy targets.

Recently cabozantinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with activity against VEGF, MET, AXL, and downregulating cathepsin K in vitro, has been proposed for the treatment of advanced clear and non-clear renal cell carcinomas. Since it is well known that cathepsin K is expressed in the majority of MiT family translocation renal cell carcinomas, we investigated cathepsin K, MET, AXL, and VEGF in a large series of those tumours, looking for possible predictive markers. We collected the clinicopathological features of 34 genetically confirmed MiT family translocation renal cell carcinomas [26 Xp11 and 8 t(6;11) renal cell carcinomas] and studied them using an immunohistochemical panel including PAX8, cathepsin K, HMB45, Melan-A, CD68 (PG-M1), CK7, CA9, MET, AXL and by FISH for VEGFA and MET.

Oral maintenance metronomic vinorelbine versus best supportive care in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer after platinum-based chemotherapy: The MA.NI.LA. multicenter, randomized, controlled, phase II trial.

Background: Oral vinorelbine administered at the maximum tolerated dose has already showed activity and a good safety profile in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The MA.NI.

Clinical outcomes of oral metronomic vinorelbine in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: correlations with pharmacokinetics and MDR1 polymorphisms.

Purpose: This study investigated correlations of the clinical outcomes of oral metronomic vinorelbine (VNR) with VNR pharmacokinetics and MDR1 polymorphisms.

Methods: Eighty-two patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) unfit for standard chemotherapy were treated with VNR at the oral doses of 20-30 mg every other day or 50 mg three times a week. They had a performance status (PS) ≤ 3, were > 70-year-old and drug-naïve or cisplatin-pretreated.

Oral Metronomic Vinorelbine (OMV) in elderly or pretreated patients with advanced non small cell lung cancer: outcome and pharmacokinetics in the real world.

Background Oral metronomic therapy (OMV) is particularly suitable for palliative care, and schedules adapted for unfit patients are advisable. This study investigated the effects of oral vinorelbine given every other day without interruption and its pharmacokinetic profile in patients with advanced lung cancer. Materials and Methods Ninety-two patients received OMV at doses of 20, 30 or 50 mg.

Is It Possible to Improve Prognostic Classification in Patients Affected by Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma With an Intermediate or Poor Prognosis?

Background: The International mRCC (metastatic renal cell carcinoma) Database Consortium (IMDC) is the standard classification for mRCC. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of a large cohort of patients with an intermediate or a poor prognosis treated with sunitinib using a different cutoff point for IMDC to improve the classification.

Patients And Methods: Patients with an intermediate or a poor prognosis according to the IMDC criteria and treated with sunitinib were included in the present study.

First-Line PAzopanib in NOn-clear-cell Renal cArcinoMA: The Italian Retrospective Multicenter PANORAMA Study.

Introduction: Pazopanib is a standard first-line treatment for metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Very few data on its activity in non-clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC) are currently available. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze efficacy and toxicity of pazopanib in nccRCC patients.

Targeted therapies for advanced and metastatic adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction: is there something new?

Despite improvements in systemic chemotherapy (CT), the prognosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction remains poor. Over the years, new targeting agents have become available and were tested, with or without CT, in first or subsequent lines of therapy. The epidermal growth factor receptor family was targeted with monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) (trastuzumab, cetuximab, panitumumab) and tyrosin kinase inhibitors (TKIs) (lapatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib).

First-line sunitinib versus pazopanib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Results from the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium.

Background: Sunitinib (SU) and pazopanib (PZ) are standards of care for first-line treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). However, how the efficacy of these drugs translates into effectiveness on a population-based level is unknown.

Patients And Methods: We used the International mRCC Database Consortium (IMDC) to assess overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), response rate (RR) and performed proportional hazard regression adjusting for IMDC prognostic groups.

GEMOX: An Active Regimen for the Treatment of Luminal and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Background: Pretreated metastatic breast cancer (MBC) remains a formidable challenge with unmet needs both in terms of prolonged survival and quality-of-life-related issues.

Methods: We collected data from 27 MBC patients treated with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GEMOX) at our institution between June 2009 and April 2015. The patients were heavily pretreated, and all had previously been exposed to anthracyclines and taxanes.

Adjuvant Carboplatin Treatment in 115 Patients With Stage I Seminoma: Retrospective Multicenter Survey.

Background: The administration of carboplatin AUC 7 has become a standard adjuvant option for patients undergoing orchiectomy for stage I seminoma, in alternative to radiotherapy on retroperitoneal lymphnodes or surveillance. The toxicity of AUC 7 carboplatin appeared manageable in the pivotal trial of Oliver et al, but dose ranges were not reported. Fear of toxicity may induce arbitrary dose reductions, which may potentially compromise patients' outcome.

Safety and Clinical Outcomes of Abiraterone Acetate After Docetaxel in Octogenarians With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Results of the Italian Compassionate Use Named Patient Programme.

Unlabelled: Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer mainly affects older men, opening issues about the efficacy and safety of therapies in this population. We have demonstrated that abiraterone, a selective androgen biosynthesis inhibitor, is a safe and active therapeutic option in a subgroup of 47 very elderly adults (aged > 80 years) enrolled in the Italian named patient program, with a tolerability profile and clinical outcomes comparable to those of younger population.

Background: Prostate cancer mainly affects elderly men, who are often frail and whose reduced physiological reserves and multiple comorbidities increase the risk of side effects.

The role of chemotherapy in metastatic gastric cancer.

In the setting of metastatic or inoperable gastric cancer, the current evidence shows that chemotherapy improves survival in comparison to best supportive care and that combination chemotherapy is superior to monotherapy in terms of survival, response rate and symptom control. Many randomized phase III trials tested different combinations of therapies showing better outcome for cisplatin-containing schedules. In recent years, new drugs, such as docetaxel, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, capecitabine and S1 have also been tested in phase III studies.

Multiple-target chemotherapy (LV-modulated 5-FU bolus and continuous infusion, oxaliplatin, CPT- 11) in advanced 5-FU-refractory colorectal cancer: MTD definition and efficacy evaluation. A phase I-II study.

Aims And Background: To identify the maximum tolerated doses and to define the activity of a regimen incorporating leucovorin (LV)-modulated 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) bolus and continuous infusion, oxaliplatin (I-OHP) and irinotecan (CPT-11) in patients with advanced, 5-FU-refractory colorectal cancer (CRC).

Patients And Methods: Starting doses: LV 100 mg/m2 as a 2-hour infusion followed by 5-FU 300 mg/m2 bolus administration followed by 5-FU 500 mg/m2 as a 22-hour infusion on days 1 and 2; I-OHP 65 mg/m2 as a 2-hour infusion concomitantly with LV on day 1; CPT-11 90 mg/m2 concomitantly with LV on day 2. Planned cycle interval: 2 weeks.