Multidisciplinary teams for the proper management of patients with genitourinary tumors: When topics set scientific societies' agenda.

Introduction: The multidisciplinary management of oncologic patients is identified as the bottom line element of quality in tumor care.

Methods: In 2015, 7 Italian scientific societies representing the specialists involved in the diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary tumors joined efforts in the Italian uro-oncologic multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) project. The aims were to promote the reorganization of genitourinary cancer care, switching to a multidisciplinary approach, reach a consensus on the core elements for the setup of MDTs in genitourinary oncology, and support health policy makers and managers in remodeling of the assistance and care of uro-oncologic patients on a national level.

Conflict of interest among Italian medical oncologists: a national survey.

Objectives: To assess Italian medical oncologists' opinion on the implications of conflict of interest (COI) on medical education, care and research, and to evaluate their direct financial relationships.

Design: National cross-sectional survey conducted between March and April 2017 among Italian oncologists.

Setting: Online survey sponsored by the Italian College of Medical Oncology Chiefs through its website.

Temporary ovarian suppression during chemotherapy to preserve ovarian function and fertility in breast cancer patients: A GRADE approach for evidence evaluation and recommendations by the Italian Association of Medical Oncology.

The development of premature ovarian failure and subsequent infertility are possible consequences of chemotherapy use in pre-menopausal women with early-stage breast cancer. Among the available strategies for fertility preservation, pharmacological protection of the ovaries using luteinising hormone-releasing hormone analogues (LHRHa) during chemotherapy has the potential to restore ovarian function and fertility after anticancer treatments; however, the possible efficacy and clinical application of this strategy has been highly debated in the last years. Following the availability of new data on this controversial topic, the Panel of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM) Clinical Practice Guideline on fertility preservation in cancer patients decided to apply the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology around the relevant and current question on the clinical utility of temporary ovarian suppression with LHRHa during chemotherapy as a strategy to preserve ovarian function and fertility in breast cancer patients.

Secondary breast angiosarcoma and paclitaxel-dependent prolonged disease control: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Secondary breast angiosarcomas are a well-known entity generally characterized by a poor outcome, especially in patients with advanced disease. Among the drugs with demonstrated activity, taxane derivatives are one of the most effective histology-driven treatments against angiosarcomas. We report two cases of secondary breast angiosarcoma, both characterized by a very peculiar behavior towards paclitaxel.

Sunitinib-induced complete response in metastatic renal cancer expressing neuroendocrine markers: a new predictive factor?

Background: To date, no predictive factors are recognized and applied in the therapeutic choice for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Due to significant side-effects and costs, which are relevant issues in this setting, optimization of treatments has become a priority.

Case Report: We herein report a case of complete remission of metastatic renal cell carcinoma after 1 year of treatment with sunitinib.

Erlotinib versus docetaxel as second-line treatment of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer and wild-type EGFR tumours (TAILOR): a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Erlotinib is registered for treatment of all patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its efficacy for treatment of patients whose tumours are EGFR wild-type-which includes most patients-is still contentious. We assessed the efficacy of erlotinib compared with a standard second-line chemotherapy in such patients.

Uncommon breast malignancies: presentation pattern, prognostic issue and treatment outcome in an Italian single institution experience.

Aims And Background: Often neglected by large clinical trials, patients with uncommon breast malignancies have been rarely analyzed in large series.

Patients And Methods: Of 2,052 patients diagnosed with breast cancer and followed in our Institution from January 1985 to December 2009, we retrospectively collected data on those with uncommon histotypes, with the aim of investigating their presentation characteristics and treatment outcome.

Results: Rare histotypes were identified in 146 patients (7.

Level of HER2/neu amplification in primary tumours and metastases in HER2-positive breast cancer and survival after trastuzumab therapy.

Background: The level of HER2/neu amplification may vary widely in breast cancers with HER2/neu alteration. The clinical significance of this phenomenon is still unclear. This study was aimed to explore the level of HER2/neu amplification in primary tumours and metastases in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and its potential impact on survival after a trastuzumab-containing therapy.

Rationale for treatment and study design of tailor: a randomized phase III trial of second-line erlotinib versus docetaxel in the treatment of patients affected by advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with the absence of epidermal growth factor receptor mutations.

We present the rationale and study design of the Tarceva Italian Lung Optimization trial phase III, multicenter, open-label, randomized trial on efficacy of second-line therapies in different subgroups of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients identified using molecular and clinical evaluations. To date, we can assume that advanced NSCLC epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated patients benefit from EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as gefitinib and erlotinib, whereas their role in the treatment of patients who do not have EGFR mutations is controversial. The aim of this study is to assess whether it is possible to optimize second-line treatment in NSCLC patients with absence of EGFR mutations.

Paclitaxel-dependent prolonged and persistent complete remission four years from first recurrence of secondary breast angiosarcoma.

Among angiosarcomas, radiation-induced breast sarcomas (RIBS) represent a well-known entity generally characterized by a poor outcome, especially in patients with advanced disease. Despite the unfavorable prognosis, some chemotherapeutic agents have been used to treat these malignancies, occasionally with success. Treatments with demonstrated activity against sarcomas include ifosfamide-based regimens and, more recently, taxane derivatives.

The impact of antithrombotic prophylaxis on infectious complications in cancer patients with central venous catheters: an observational study.

Infections in cancer patients after implantation of a central venous device (CVD) are not infrequent and are potentially serious. The possibility of limiting this complication with antithrombotic drugs is still debated. For this observational study, we recorded the routine management of CVD in cancer patients in 18 oncology centers in Lombardy (northern Italy), assessing the effect of antithrombotic prophylaxis on catheter-related infections.