Real-world ANASTASE study of atezolizumab+nab-paclitaxel as first-line treatment of PD-L1-positive metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.

The combination of atezolizumab and nab-paclitaxel is recommended in the EU as first-line treatment for PD-L1-positive metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC), based on the results of phase III IMpassion130 trial. However, 'real-world' data on this combination are limited. The ANASTASE study (NCT05609903) collected data on atezolizumab plus nab-paclitaxel in PD-L1-positive mTNBC patients enrolled in the Italian Compassionate Use Program.

Optimizing CDK4/6 inhibitors in advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer: A personalized approach.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) combined with endocrine therapy (ET) are now a backbone of treatment for hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced breast cancer. CDK4/6i plus ET is more effective than ET alone in this setting; however, the risk of grade 3-4 adverse events also increases. Approved agents in this class have similar efficacies, but important differences due to their structural and pharmacological properties.

Infection rate and clinical management of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: experience from a tertiary care hospital in northern Italy.

Background: Optimal management of patients with cancer during COVID-19 pandemic is still pending.

Methods: Our patients were advised to maintain their scheduled appointments, and planned cancer treatment was continued without unnecessary delays in an outpatient setting. Additional strict preventive infection measures were rapidly implemented at our outpatient department.

Prognostic value of histogram analysis in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a radiomic study.

Introduction: Quantitative assessment of heterogeneity by histogram analysis (HA) of tumor images can potentially provide a non-invasive prognostic biomarker. We assessed the prognostic value of HA and evaluated a correlation with molecular signature.

Results: CT scans performed between July 2009 and January 2015 from 692 patients were reviewed.

Limits of radiomic-based entropy as a surrogate of tumor heterogeneity: ROI-area, acquisition protocol and tissue site exert substantial influence.

Entropy is a promising quantitative imaging biomarker for characterizing cancer imaging phenotype. Entropy has been associated with tumor gene expression, tumor metabolism, tumor stage, patient prognosis, and treatment response. Our hypothesis states that tumor-specific biomarkers such as entropy should be correlated between synchronous metastases.

Is there evidence for different effects among EGFR-TKIs? Systematic review and meta-analysis of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) versus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for patients harboring EGFR mutations.

Three EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been compared to standard chemotherapy as up-front treatment in patients with advanced EGFR-positive NSCLC. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis using indirect comparisons to estimate the risk/benefit associated with each drug. EGFR-TKIs fared better than chemotherapy in terms of PFS.

Activity of the EGFR-HER2 dual inhibitor afatinib in EGFR-mutant lung cancer patients with acquired resistance to reversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of afatinib in EGFR-mutant metastatic NSCLC patients with acquired resistance to erlotinib or gefitinib.

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the outcome of patients with EGFR-mutant advanced NSCLC treated with afatinib after failure of chemotherapy and EGFR TKIs.

Results: A total of 96 individuals were included in the study.

Does immunohistochemistry affect response to therapy and survival of inoperable non-small cell lung carcinoma patients? A survey of 145 stage III-IV consecutive cases.

Whether non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) unveiled by immunohistochemistry (IHC) has the same clinical outcome as those typed by morphology is still matter of debate. A total of 145 stage III-IV, consecutive inoperable NSCLC patients treated by chemotherapy (133 cases) or EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (12 cases) and including 100 biopsies, 11 surgical specimens, and 34 cytological samples had originally accounted for 120 adenocarcinomas (ADs), 19 squamous cell carcinomas (SQCs), and 6 adenosquamous carcinomas (ADSQCs) by integrating morphology and thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF1)/p40 IHC. Thirty-two NSCLC-not otherwise specified (NSCLC-NOS) cases were identified by morphology revision of the original diagnoses, which showed solid growth pattern (P < .

Emerging toxicities in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer: ocular disorders.

The treatment of advanced disease (stage IIIb and IV) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is based on systemic treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy or biological compounds depending on the disease molecular profile. In the last few years, intensive investigational efforts in anticancer therapy have led to the registration of new active chemotherapeutic agents, combination regimens, and biological drugs, expanding choices for customizing individual treatment. However, the introduction of new drugs in the clinical setting has led to several new toxicities, creating some difficulties in daily management.

Metformin inhibits leptin-induced growth and migration of glioblastoma cells.

Metformin, a derivative of biguanide, is a first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Since the drug has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of various cancers and cancer mortality in diabetic patients, it is being considered as a potential anticancer therapeutic or preventive agent. In cellular models, metformin inhibits the growth of many types of cancer cells; however, its effects on glioblastoma multi-forme (GBM) are not well characterized.

Design and development of a peptide-based adiponectin receptor agonist for cancer treatment.

Background: Adiponectin, a fat tissue-derived adipokine, exhibits beneficial effects against insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory conditions, and cancer. Circulating adiponectin levels are decreased in obese individuals, and this feature correlates with increased risk of developing several metabolic, immunological and neoplastic diseases. Thus, pharmacological replacement of adiponectin might prove clinically beneficial, especially for the obese patient population.