Assessing Urinary Para-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid as a Biomarker Candidate in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms.

The management of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) involves the measurement of serum chromogranin A (s-CGA), serum neuro-specific enolase (s-NSE), and urinary 5-hydroxindolacetic acid (5-HIAA). Urinary para-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (u-pHPAA), a metabolite of tyrosine, has been proposed as a potential biomarker for these diseases. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of u-pHPAA and tyrosine as biomarkers.

A new schedule of one week on/one week off temozolomide as second-line treatment of advanced neuroendocrine carcinomas (TENEC-TRIAL): a multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase II trial.

Background: There is no consensus on the second-line treatment of patients with progressive high-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs G3) and large-cell lung neuroendocrine carcinoma. These patients generally have poor performance status and low tolerance to combination therapy. In this trial, we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of temozolomide given every other week in patients with advanced platinum-pretreated NENs G3.

The Management of Phaeochromocytomas and Paragangliomas in the Era of Precision Medicine: Where Are We Now? Evidence-Based Systemic Treatment Options and Future Cluster Oriented Perspectives.

Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) and Paragangliomas (PGLs), commonly known as PPGLs to include both entities, are rare neuroendocrine tumors that may arise in the context of hereditary syndromes or be sporadic. However, even among sporadic PPGLs, identifiable somatic alterations in at least one of the known susceptibility genes can be detected. Therefore, about 3/4 of all PPGL patients can be assigned to one of the three molecular clusters that have been identified in the last years with difference in the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms, biochemical phenotype, metastatic potential, and prognosis.

A retrospective view of the relationship of soluble Fas with anemia and outcomes in chronic kidney disease.

Background: Anemia is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with outcomes. In addition, serum soluble Fas (sFas) levels are related to anemia and erythropoietin (EPO) resistance.

Objectives: Firstly, to compare clinical data and serum levels of sFas, EPO, and pro-inflammatory markers between patients with non-dialytic CKD (NDD-CKD) and healthy subjects.

The Impact of O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase () Promoter Methylation on the Outcomes of Patients with Leiomyosarcoma Treated with Dacarbazine.

Dacarbazine is an important drug in the therapeutic landscape of leiomyosarcoma (LMS). Alkylating agents are subjected to resistance mechanisms based on anti-apoptotic pathways and repair mechanisms, including the DNA repair enzyme O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (). In this retrospective study, the methylation status of the promoter in histological tumor samples from patients with LMS, dacarbazine-based regimens-treated, was measured and correlated with clinical outcomes aimed at optimizing the use of dacarbazine in soft tissue sarcomas.

Response to Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy in Pheocromocytomas and Paragangliomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with 177Lu-DOTATATE and 90Y-DOTATOC showed efficacy in the metastatic setting of pheocromocytomas (PCCs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) where no standard therapies have been established.

Background: A search of peer-reviewed and English articles reporting on 177Lu-DOTATATE and 90Y-DOTATOC efficacy was performed through Medline and Scopus. A subsequent meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the pooled effect size on disease control rate (DCR) with PRRT.

The Complex Management of the Breast Angiosarcoma: A Retrospective Study.

Background/aim: Breast angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive disease with a poor prognosis. Two subtypes have been identified: primary angiosarcoma (PBA) and secondary breast angiosarcoma (SBA). In this retrospective analysis, we describe and compare our institute experience with the data existing in the literature.

The psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patients with neuroendocrine tumors: Between resilience and vulnerability.

The COVID-19 pandemic has added another layer of complexity to the fears of patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Little is known regarding the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on patients with gastroenteropancreatic or bronchopulmonary (BP) NETs. We longitudinally surveyed the mental symptoms and concerns of NET patients during the plateau phase of the first (W1) and second epidemic waves (W2) in Italy.

Selinexor and the Selective Inhibition of Nuclear Export: A New Perspective on the Treatment of Sarcomas and Other Solid and Non-Solid Tumors.

Nucleocytoplasmic transport has been found dysregulated in many types of cancer and is often described as a poor prognostic factor. Specifically, Exportin-1 (XPO1) has been found overexpressed in many tumors and has become an attractive target in molecular oncology and therapeutics development. The selective inhibitor of nuclear export, Selinexor, is one of the most scientifically interesting drugs that targets XPO1 in clinical development.

Malignant Sinonasal Tumors: Update on Histological and Clinical Management.

Tumors of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (TuNSs) are rare and heterogeneous malignancies, presenting different histological features and clinical behavior. We reviewed the literature about etiology, biology, and clinical features of TuNSs to define pathologic features and possible treatment strategies. From a diagnostic point of view, it is mandatory to have high expertise and perform an immunohistochemical assessment to distinguish between different histotypes.

Aberrant Expression of Long Non Coding RNA HOTAIR and De-Regulation of the Paralogous 13 HOX Genes Are Strongly Associated with Aggressive Behavior of Gastro-Entero-Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors.

Gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) are rare diseases occurring in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. They are characterized by the loss of epithelial tubular gland elements, and by the increased expression of neuroendocrine markers. GEP-NENs are subdivided into two histo-pathological types, gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) and gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (GEP-NECs).

Aflibercept or bevacizumab in combination with FOLFIRI as second-line treatment of mRAS metastatic colorectal cancer patients: the ARBITRATION study protocol.

Background: The intensive study of predictive factors has strongly ameliorated the therapeutic flow-chart of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) by allowing the selection of patients who benefit from specific therapies. For instance, in mRAS (mutated RAS) mCRC patients, anti-EGFR drugs (cetuximab and panitumumab) are not recommended; in this group of patients, the use of anti-angiogenic drugs (bevacizumab and aflibercept) is predominant. However, at progression to standard bevacizumab-based first-line chemotherapy, still to date, there are no studies to guide oncologists in the choice of the best second-line anti-angiogenic drug (bevacizumab beyond progression aflibercept).

Effect of Octreotide Long-Acting Release on Tregs and MDSC Cells in Neuroendocrine Tumour Patients: A Pivotal Prospective Study.

Octreotide long-acting repeatable (LAR) is largely used to treat functional and/or metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Its effect in controlling carcinoid syndrome and partially reduce tumour burden is attributable to the ability of octreotide to bind somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) on the tumour and metastasis, regulating growth hormone secretion and cell growth. Notably, SSTRs are also expressed, at different levels, on Tregs.

The Influence of Dietary Components on Early Signs of Atherosclerosis in Apparently Healthy Young-adult Males: An Observational Study of 615 Subjects.

Background: The literature shows that a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, has positive effects on overall cardiovascular risk, protecting against atherosclerosis.

Design: A cross sectional study in a population of apparently healthy young-adult men with the aim of investigating dietary determinants of early atherosclerosis, assessed by measuring carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery.

Methods: 615 males (mean age ± SD: 40.

Hyaluronic Acid Nanohydrogel Loaded With Quercetin Alone or in Combination to a Macrolide Derivative of Rapamycin RAD001 (Everolimus) as a New Treatment for Hormone-Responsive Human Breast Cancer.

The aim of this study is based on the evaluation of anticancer, anti-inflammatory activities, and cellular uptake of hyaluronic acid nanohydrogel of quercetin tested alone and in combination to a macrolide derivative of rapamycin RAD001 (everolimus) on hormone-responsive breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Biological investigations were focused on the receptor mediated cellular internalization of the nanohydrogel and its abilities to reduce secretion of several cytokines (IL-8, IL-6, IL-19), VEGF, and metalloproteases (MMP-2, MMP-9) under pro-inflammatory conditions. Nanohydrogel show a CD44 dependent endocytosis with evident time dependent cytoplasmatic accumulation with abilities to reduce secretion of all cytokines of ∼60% compared to untreated cells.

New Treatment of Medullary and Papillary Human Thyroid Cancer: Biological Effects of Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Loaded With Quercetin Alone or in Combination to an Inhibitor of Aurora Kinase.

The aim of this paper is based on the use of a hyaluronic acid hydrogel of Quercetin tested alone and in combination to an inhibitor of Aurora Kinase type A and B (SNS-314) on human medullary and papillary thyroid cancer cells. Biological investigations were focused on the cellular uptake of the hydrogel, cell viability, antioxidant, and cytokines secretion studies. Quercetin delivered from hydrogel show a time and CD44 dependent interaction with both cell lines with significant anti-inflammatory effects.

Identifying and Measuring Urban Design Qualities Related to Walkability.

Background: In active living research, measures used to characterize the built environment have been mostly gross qualities such as neighborhood density and park access. This project has developed operational definitions and measurement protocols for subtler urban design qualities believed to be related to walkability.

Methods: Methods included: 1) recruiting an expert panel; 2) shooting video clips of streetscapes; 3) rating urban design qualities of streetscapes by the expert panel; 4) measuring physical features of streetscapes from the video clips; 5) testing inter-rater reliability of physical measurements and urban design quality ratings; 6) statistically analyzing relationships between physical features and urban design quality ratings, 7) selecting of qualities for operationalization, and 8) developing of operational definitions and measurement protocols for urban design qualities based on statistical relationships.