Role of KIR and CD16A genotypes in colorectal carcinoma genetic risk and clinical stage.

Background: NK cell cytotoxicity is regulated by the types of the interaction between killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands on target cells and the different binding affinity of the Fcγ receptor IIIA (CD16A) for IgG-coated tumor cells. Thus, it is conceivable that KIR and CD16A gene contents may contribute to the function of NK cells by modulating an immune response in the colorectal carcinoma (CRC) microenvironment. This hypothesis is supported by recent evidence suggesting that NK cells improve the clinical course of CRC patients by enhancing the anti-CRC effect of CD8 + T cells.

Electrochemotherapy for basocellular and squamocellular head and neck cancer: preliminary experience in Day Surgery Unit.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility, safety and efficacy in day surgery of electrochemotherapy (ECT) using bleomycin in non-melanoma head and neck skin cancer.

Methods: We performed a prospective study on fifteen patients treated at the General Surgery Department at University Hospital of Tor Vergata, Rome between April 2011 and February 2013.

Results: We observed 100% complete response evaluated with WHO criteria at 6 weeks after treatment.

Cutaneous metastasis of unknown primary presenting as massive and invasive abdominal lesion: an elective approach with electrochemotherapy.

We describe herein what is to our knowledge the first reported case of an invasive cutaneous metastasis with unknown primary, electively treated solely with electrochemotherapy. We describe a female patient with a large, invasive and painful lesion in her hypogastric region, extending up to the pubic area. The cutaneous biopsy and instrumental and laboratory analyses, all failed to reveal the primary site.

Does a relationship still exist between gastroesophageal reflux and Helicobacter pylori in patients with reflux symptoms?

Background: The nature of the relationship between Helicobacter pylori and reflux esophagitis (RE) is not fully understood. In addition, the effect of H. pylori eradication on RE and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is unclear.

HLA-DRB1*13:01 allele in the genetic susceptibility to colorectal carcinoma.

Increasing evidence suggests that HLA-DRB1 alleles reduce or increase the risk of developing ulcerative colitis-associated colorectal carcinoma (CRC) tumors. However, the role of HLA-DRB1 locus on the susceptibility to develop CRC tumor, in the absence of a history of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), is unclear. The aim of our study was to determine whether HLA-DRB1 alleles are associated with IBD-independent CRC tumor.

Gradual colonic impaction of a chicken bone associated with inflammatory pseudotumor formation and nonocclusive colon ischemia.

Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common clinical problem and most FBs pass through the gastrointestinal tract without the need for intervention. A wide spectrum of clinical presentations may be possible and these can be either acute or chronic. We present a case of an 83-year-old woman featuring insidious abdominal discomfort who was hospitalized in our institution due to worsening symptoms.