Re-challenge with pemetrexed in advanced mesothelioma: a multi-institutional experience.

Background: Although first-line therapy for patients affected by advanced mesothelioma is well established, there is a lack of data regarding the impact of second-line treatment.

Methods: We retrospectively collected data of patients affected by advanced mesothelioma, already treated with first-line therapy based on pemetrexed and platin, with a response (partial response or stable disease) lasting at least 6 months, and re-treated with a pemetrexed-based therapy at progression. The primary objective was to describe time to progression and overall survival after re-treatment.

Low-dose computed tomography screening for lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma in an asbestos-exposed population: baseline results of a prospective, nonrandomized feasibility trial--an Alpe-adria Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary Group Study (ATOM 002).

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for the early diagnosis of lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma in an asbestos-exposed population.

Methods: Between February 2002 and October 2003, 1,045 volunteers already enrolled in a surveillance program for asbestos-exposed workers and former workers were recruited. The main eligibility criteria were: written informed consent, definite exposure to asbestos, age 40-75, no prior cancer or severe concomitant conditions, no chest CT scan in the past 2 years.

The role of UGT1A1*28 polymorphism in the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of irinotecan in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Purpose: UGT1A1*28 polymorphism has been associated with decreased glucuronidation of SN38, the active metabolite of irinotecan. This could increase toxicity with this agent.

Patients And Methods: In a prospective study, 250 metastatic colorectal cancer patients were treated with irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin as first-line treatment.

Cisplatin versus carboplatin in combination with mitomycin and vinblastine in advanced non small cell lung cancer. A multicenter, randomized phase III trial.

Background: In advanced not selected NSCLC chemotherapy achieved an advantage of approximately 1-2 months on median survival versus best supportive care. Chemotherapy seems to improve symptoms control, even if randomised studies with quality of life as first endpoint are lacking and often chemotherapy toxicity compromises the frail cost/benefit ratio. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the impact on QoL, substituting cisplatin, a pivot drug in NSCLC therapy, with carboplatin, an analogue with an improved toxicity profile.

[Calcification of the mitral ring and semilunar valves: clinico-instrumental aspects. Sensitivity and diagnostic specificity of M-mode echocardiography versus autopsy findings].

Mitral ring calcification is a frequent finding in geriatric patients. The aim of this study was: 1) to analyze clinical and instrumental features of patients with calcific mitral ring identified through M-mode echocardiography (group A: 96 pts) with respect to those observed in a control group (group B: 104 pts); 2) to define the sensitivity and specificity of M-mode echocardiography in the diagnosis of mitral ring and aortic valve calcification by means of comparison with autopsy findings. Data on arterial hypertension, previous myocardial infarction, heart failure, phosphoremia and calcemia values were similar in both groups.