Development and Characterization of Tc-scFvD2B as a Potential Radiopharmaceutical for SPECT Imaging of Prostate Cancer.

Previously, we demonstrated that the Lu-labeled single-chain variable fragment of an anti-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) IgG D2B antibody (scFvD2B) showed higher prostate cancer (PCa) cell uptake and tumor radiation doses compared to Lu-labeled Glu-ureide-based PSMA inhibitory peptides. To obtain a Tc-/Lu-scFvD2B theranostic pair, this research aimed to synthesize and biochemically characterize a novel Tc-scFvD2B radiotracer. The scFvD2B-Tag and scFvD2B antibody fragments were produced and purified.

Preclinical dosimetric studies of Lu-scFvD2B and comparison with Lu-PSMA-617 and Lu-iPSMA endoradiotherapeutic agents.

Purpose: Internal dosimetry has become a very important tool to evaluate the risks and benefits of new endoradiotherapeutic agents. Nowadays, some of the most successful targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) agents are Lu-DOTA conjugates based on low molecular weight (LMW) Glu-ureido PSMA inhibitors. It has, however, been demonstrated that the DOTA chelating moiety reduces the internalization of the LMW-PSMA agent and its radiation dose to the tumor.

Thromboprophylaxis in acutely ill medical patients: results of a survey among Italian physicians.

Aims: acutely ill medical patients are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and often require thromboprophylaxis, but patient selection and adequate therapeutic decisions may be difficult due to the heterogeneity and the complexity of this population. We conducted a survey among a large cohort of Italian physicians to assess their approach to some important "grey" areas of VTE prevention in this setting.

Methods: a questionnaire was distributed during the meeting of a national society of Internal Medicine (FADOI), held in May 2013.

Role of ABO blood group and of other risk factors on the presence of residual vein obstruction after deep-vein thrombosis.

The presence of residual vein obstruction (RVO) has been consistently associated with an increased risk of post-thrombotic syndrome in patients with a previous deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and there is some evidence suggesting an increased risk of DVT recurrence. Only few studies have assessed potential risk factors for RVO. In this study, we evaluated whether ABO blood group with or without associated thrombophilic abnormalities is associated with RVO after a standard course of anticoagulation for a first DVT.

Pulmonary embolism severity index accurately predicts long-term mortality rate in patients hospitalized for acute pulmonary embolism.

Background: The Pulmonary Embolism (PE) Severity Index (PESI) is a clinical prognostic rule that accurately classifies PE patients into five risk classes with increasing mortality. PESI score has been validated in studies with a relatively short-term follow-up and its accuracy in predicting long-term prognosis has never been established.

Methods: Consecutive patients admitted to the tertiary care hospital of Varese (Italy) with an objectively diagnosed PE between January 2005 and December 2009 were retrospectively included.