Prospective, randomised, multicentre, open-label trial, designed to evaluate the best timing of closure of the temporary ileostomy (early versus late) in patients who underwent rectal cancer resection and with indication for adjuvant chemotherapy: the STOMAD (STOMa closure before or after ADjuvant therapy) randomised controlled trial.

Introduction: Temporary ileostomy is a valuable aid in reducing the severity of complications related to rectal cancer surgery. However, it is still unclear what is the best timing of its closure in relation to the feasibility of an adjuvant treatment, especially considering patient-reported outcomes and health system costs. The aim of the study is to compare the results of an early versus late closure strategy in patients with indication to adjuvant chemotherapy after resection for rectal cancer.

Serum LDH predicts benefit from bevacizumab beyond progression in metastatic colorectal cancer.

Background: Different antiangiogenics are currently indicated in the second-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), following a first-line bevacizumab-containing treatment. The magnitude of benefit is limited, but no predictors of benefit have been identified.

Methods: A total of 184 mCRC patients progressing to a first-line bevacizumab-containing treatment were randomised in the BEBYP study to continue or not the antiangiogenic in combination with a second-line chemotherapy.

Occurrence, survival, and persistence of human adenoviruses and F-specific RNA phages in raw groundwater.

Detection of specific genetic markers can rapidly identify the presence of enteric viruses in groundwater. However, comparison of stability characteristics between genetic and infectivity markers is necessary to better interpret molecular data. Human adenovirus serotype 2 (HAdV2), in conjunction with MS2 phages or GA phages, was spiked into raw groundwater microcosms.

Efficacy and skin toxicity management with cetuximab in metastatic colorectal cancer: outcomes from an oncologic/dermatologic cooperation.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the combination of irinotecan/cetuximab and to plan related skin toxicity management with an oncologic/dermatologic team.

Patients And Methods: Thirty-four patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing metastatic colorectal cancer received cetuximab 400 mg/m2 as an initial dose and 250 mg/m2 weekly thereafter. In addition, patients received irinotecan 180 mg/m2 every 2 weeks.

Treatment of stage IV colorectal carcinoma in elderly patients.

Colorectal adenocarcinoma ranks second as a cause of death due to cancer in the Western world. In Europe, 40% of patients with colorectal cancer are over 70 years old and the incidence increased through the 1980's. Without any treatment the median survival after the detection of liver metastases is approximately 9 months, depending on the extent of disease at the time of diagnosis but not on the patients age.

Role of fibrinolytic and clotting parameters in the diagnosis of liver veno-occlusive disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a pediatric population.

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a severe complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Recent studies, mainly in adults receiving HSCT, have identified an increase in the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) as a possible marker of VOD. To confirm this finding, the fibrinolytic, coagulation and liver function parameters were assayed before and weekly for 1 month after 61 HSCT performed in 53 consecutive children.

FOLFOX versus FOLFIRI: a comparison of regimens in the treatment of colorectal cancer metastases.

Colorectal adenocarcinoma ranks second as a cause of death due to cancer in the Western world. Already at the time of the primary tumor, 15-25% of the patients present with liver metastases while another 20% will develop metastasis following treatment of the colorectal primary. Without any treatment the median survival after the detection of metastases is approximately 9 months, depending on the extent of the disease at the time of diagnosis.

Review of the prognostic factors in medulloblastoma of children and adults.

Medulloblastoma (MB) is rare in adults, accounting for 1% of all primary tumours of the central nervous system (CNS). Based on the assumption that the disease pattern in adults is similar to that in children, adults with medulloblastoma are treated using paediatric protocols. Thanks to progress made in recent years, long-term survival is now possible, with overall ranging from 50 to 60% at 5 years and 40 to 50% at 10 years.

Common management of primary rectal carcinoma in patients with stage IV disease at the diagnosis.

Rectal cancer is one of the more common neoplasms of Western countries. It is commonly diagnosed at a precocious stage but, because of local relapse and/or metastatic disease, only half of radically resected patients can be considered free of disease. In patients presenting at diagnosis with stage IV disease the best treatment is still unknown.

Medulloblastomas: do molecular and biologic markers indicate different prognoses and treatments?

The origin and histological classification of embryonal tumors, which make up the largest group of malignant pediatric brain malignancies, are two controversial issues. However, in recent years, progress has been made in our understanding of the molecular genetic abnormalities that govern their onset and/or progression. Several of these abnormalities appear to involve alterations in the signaling system controlling normal cerebellar development.

Temozolomide in patients with glioblastoma at second relapse after first line nitrosourea-procarbazine failure: a phase II study.

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of temozolomide (TMZ) in relationship to progression free survival at 6 months (PFS-6), median time to progression (TTP), response rate and toxicity, a phase II study was conducted in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) following surgery plus radiotherapy and a first-line regimen based on nitrosourea, procarbazine and vincristine.

Methods: Forty-two patients with GBM were administered TMZ at the dose of 150 mg/m(2)/daily for 5 days every 4 weeks.

Results: The PFS-6 and at 12 months (PFS-12) was 24% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 14-42%) and 8% (CI = 2-27%), respectively, with a median TTP of 11.

Successful treatment of a catheter-related right atrial thrombosis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and heparin.

Deep venous thrombosis is a possible complication of indwelling central venous catheters (CVC), with an incidence as high as 61%. We report a case of successful thrombolysis of a CVC-related right atrial thrombus in a pediatric cancer patient with recombinant human tissue plasminogen activator (0.1 mg/kg per h for 12 h) and heparin (10 IU/kg per h for 24 h) administered for 6 days.