Publications by authors named "Luigi Leo"

Background: ENCORE, an observational, prospective, open-label study, investigated real-world treatment practices and outcomes with cetuximab plus platinum-based therapy (PBT) in first-line (1L) recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN).

Aims: This multinational study aimed to investigate the long-term use of cetuximab plus PBT for 1L R/M SCCHN in a clinical setting. In particular, this study aimed to explore clinical considerations such as the decision to prescribe cetuximab plus PBT in R/M SCCHN, the mode and duration of treatment, and patient outcomes.

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Background: In the cetuximab after progression in KRAS wild-type colorectal cancer patients (CAPRI) trial patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) received 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) and cetuximab in first line followed by 5-Fluorouracil, folinic acid, oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) with or without cetuximab until progression. Limited data are available on the efficacy and safety of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) agents on elderly patients with mCRC. In the current study we evaluated the efficacy and safety of FOLFIRI plus cetuximab in age-defined subgroups.

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Aim: In this prospective multicenter real-life observational cohort study, we investigated the acceptance, adherence and safety of regorafenib, in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

Patients & Methods: A total of 136 patients were recruited at six oncological hospital sites in southern Italy. The adherence to the treatment was measured with patient-completed medication diaries, physician interviews and pill counts.

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To gain consensus on the role of bevacizumab plus paclitaxel as first-line treatment for HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer, a panel of expert oncologists experienced in treating patients with metastatic breast cancer in Italy participated in a Delphi consensus study. The panel reached a full consensus on the efficacy of bevacizumab plus paclitaxel and the clinical meaningfulness of the progression-free survival benefit compared with paclitaxel alone, despite the lack of an overall survival effect in clinical trials. The participants agreed that real-world data support the effectiveness and well-defined safety profile of the regimen.

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Article Synopsis
  • - A heavily pretreated breast cancer patient with multiple bone metastases was treated with eribulin mesylate after failing numerous other therapies, including doxorubicin and tamoxifen.
  • - The patient received a total of 14 courses of eribulin, with significant tumor response observed after six cycles, as shown by MRI results indicating a decrease in cancer spread and changes in bone lesions.
  • - The treatment was well-tolerated without unexpected acute toxicity, suggesting that eribulin may be an effective option for patients who have undergone multiple lines of chemotherapy.
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Aim: We investigated the role of erythropoietin (EPO) in reducing anemia and preventing the development of psychological distress in patients treated with chemotherapy.

Patients & Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled 591 adult patients receiving EPO at a dose of 30,000 IU administered once weekly for chemotherapy-induced anemia (mean baseline hemoglobin [Hb] level was 9.55 g/dl) over a 12-month period.

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Background: The concept of metronomic chronic administration of low-dose chemotherapy has become relevant for the treatment of cancer in the last several years. This study sought to determine the safety and activity of oral vinorelbine (VNB), using a metronomic schedule of administration, in elderly patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Patients And Methods: From October 2004 to March 2007, 34 patients with MBC (median age, 74 years; range, 70-84 years) were treated with oral VNB at 70 mg/m2, fractionated on days 1, 3, and 5, for 3 weeks on and 1 week off, every 4 weeks, for a maximum of 12 cycles.

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Background: Temozolomide (TMZ), an oral methylating imidazotetrazinone, has antitumor activity against gliomas, malignant melanomas, and brain metastasis and is presently administered as a 5-day oral schedule every 4 weeks.

Methods: A single-institution phase 2 clinical trial was conducted to determine the efficacy and the safety profile of a new regimen based on a dose-intensified, protracted course of TMZ after whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT). Patients were eligible if they had at least 1 bidimensionally measurable brain metastasis from breast cancer and nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

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