RadiOnCOVID: Multicentric Analysis of the Impact of COVID-19 on Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy in Italy.

Methods And Materials: Patients with ongoing or planned anticancer treatment at 19 Italian Radiation Oncology centers were included in the study retrospectively from 3 February 2020 to 31 December 2020 and prospectively from 1 January 2021 to 31 May 2021. Anonymized data were processed through a specific website and database. Antineoplastic treatment characteristics and timing and outcomes of COVID-19 and its impact on radiotherapy or systemic therapy were described.

Evolution of Nutritional Status in Patients Undergoing Autologous and Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation or CAR-T Therapy: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background/objectives: Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a curative treatment for various hematological diseases but can lead to complications which increase malnutrition risk, particularly in allogeneic transplantation patients. This study evaluates the nutritional status evolution of patients undergoing HCT during hospitalization and follow-up.

Methods: This retrospective observational study included 365 patients, divided into two groups: 134 underwent allogeneic HCT, while 231 underwent autologous transplantation or CAR-T therapy.

Hepatotoxicity in Cancer Immunotherapy: Diagnosis, Management, and Future Perspectives.

Cancer immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, has positively impacted oncological treatments. Despite its effectiveness, immunotherapy is associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that can affect any organ, including the liver. Hepatotoxicity primarily manifests as immune-related hepatitis and, less frequently, cholangitis.

High Field MRI in Parotid Gland Tumors: A Diagnostic Algorithm.

Imaging of parotid tumors is crucial for surgery planning, but it cannot distinguish malignant from benign lesions with absolute reliability. The aim of the study was to establish a diagnostic MRI algorithm to differentiate parotid tumors. A retrospective study was conducted including all patients with parotid tumors, who underwent 3T-MRI and surgery.

Cutaneous Nevoid Melanoma: A Retrospective Study on Clinico-Pathological Characteristics, with a Focus on Dermoscopic Features and Survival Analysis.

Diagnosis of nevoid melanoma (NeM) is often difficult because NeM closely resembles a common nevus clinically and histologically. A retrospective study was conducted on 110 patients diagnosed with and/or treated for primary nevoid melanoma at the Veneto Institute of Oncology and at the University Hospital of Padua from August 1999. Mean Breslow thickness was of 1.

Advancing Colorectal Cancer Prevention in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Challenges and Innovations in Endoscopic Surveillance.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face an elevated risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Endoscopic surveillance is a cornerstone in CRC prevention, enabling early detection and intervention. However, despite recent advancements, challenges persist.

Synergistic Potential of Antibiotics with Cancer Treatments.

Intratumoral microbiota, the diverse community of microorganisms residing within tumor tissues, represent an emerging and intriguing field in cancer biology. These microbial populations are distinct from the well-studied gut microbiota, offering novel insights into tumor biology, cancer progression, and potential therapeutic interventions. Recent studies have explored the use of certain antibiotics to modulate intratumoral microbiota and enhance the efficacy of cancer therapies, showing promising results.

The IL-23R and Its Genetic Variants: A Hitherto Unforeseen Bridge Between the Immune System and Cancer Development.

IL-23R (interleukin-23 receptor), found on the surface of several immune cells, plays a key role in the immune system. Indeed, this process is not limited to the inflammatory response but also plays a role in the adaptive immune response. The binding between IL-23R and its specific ligand, the interleukin 23, initiates a number of specific signals by modulating both properties and behavior of immune cells.

Metabolic-Modulating Effects of Radiation: Undetectable Yet Deadly-A Review on Radiotherapy.

From a cancer-centric perspective, radiotherapy has been primarily viewed as a localised treatment modality, targeting cancer tissues with ionising radiation to induce DNA damage and cell death [...

The Thermal Ablation with MRgFUS: From Physics to Oncological Applications.

The growing interest in minimal and non-invasive therapies, especially in the field of cancer treatment, highlights a significant shift toward safer and more effective options. Ablative therapies are well-established tools in cancer treatment, with known effects including locoregional control, while their role as modulators of the systemic immune response against cancer is emerging. The HIFU developed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance enables treatment precision, improves real-time procedural control, and ensures accurate outcome assessment.

The Role of Simpson Grading System in Spinal Meningioma Surgery: Institutional Case Series, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Although its validity has recently been questioned since its introduction, the Simpson grade has remained one of the most relevant factors in estimating the recurrence risk of intracranial meningiomas. This study aims to assess its role in spinal meningiomas through a retrospective analysis of a mono-institutional surgical series and literature meta-analysis.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature from 1980 to 2023, complemented by a mono-institutional series of 74 patients treated at "Santa Maria delle Grazie" hospital.

Does the Performance of a Six-Minute Walking Test Predict Cardiopulmonary Complications After Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Anatomic Lung Resection?

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to verify if performance in the 6-min walking test (6MWT) during the preoperative evaluation phase is associated with the development of cardiopulmonary postoperative complications in patients who underwent uniportal VATS (U-VATS) for lung cancer.

Methods: This retrospective, monocentric study included patients submitted to U-VATS anatomical lung resections (March 2022-December 2023). The patients were enrolled in a preoperative rehabilitation program carried out 15 days before surgery.

A Two-Step Protocol for Isolation and Maintenance of Lung Cancer Primary 3D Cultures.

Background/objectives: Despite the introduction of innovative therapeutics, lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer-related death. For this reason, lung cancer still requires deep characterization to identify cellular and molecular targets that can be used to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Three-dimensional cellular models, including patient-derived organoids (PDOs), represent useful tools to study lung cancer biology and may be employed in the future as predictive tools in therapeutic decisions.

Surgical Technique and Perioperative Outcomes of the "Sapienza" Urology Residency Program's Trocar Placement Configuration During Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP): A Retrospective, Single-Centre Observational Study Comparing Experienced Attendings vs. Post-Graduate Year I-III Residents as Bedside Assistants.

: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) has been standardized over the last 20 years. At our institution, only n = 3 rob arms are used for RARP. In addition, n = 2, 12 mm lap trocars are placed for the bedside assistant symmetrically at the midclavicular lines, which allows for direct pelvic triangulation and greater involvement of the assisting surgeon.

3D Scanning of Surgical Specimens to Improve Communication Between Surgeon and Pathologist: A Head and Neck Pilot Study.

Successful surgical outcomes in head and neck cancer depend on the accurate identification of resection margins. Effective communication between surgeons and pathologists is critical, but is often jeopardised by challenges in sampling and orienting anatomically complex specimens. This pilot study aims to evaluate the use of 3D scanning of surgical specimens as a tool to improve communication and optimise the pathology sampling process.

Influence of Breast Density and Menopausal Status on Background Parenchymal Enhancement in Contrast-Enhanced Mammography: Insights from a Retrospective Analysis.

Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) has recently gained recognition as an effective alternative to breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessing breast lesions, offering both morphological and functional imaging capabilities. However, the phenomenon of background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) remains a critical consideration, as it can affect the interpretation of images by obscuring or mimicking lesions. While the impact of BPE has been well-documented in MRI, limited data are available regarding the factors influencing BPE in CEM and its relationship with breast cancer (BC) characteristics.

Fecal Calprotectin Determination in a Cohort of Children with Cow's Milk Allergy.

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy among children. An oral food challenge (OFC) remains a mainstay of the diagnosis of CMA, especially for the non-IgE-mediated type; however, this test can be risky and time-consuming. Hence, there is a need to identify biomarkers.

The Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Disordered Eating Among Adult Athletes in Italy and Lebanon.

Background/objectives: Disordered eating (DE) is a wide-spectrum condition, represented by altered eating patterns, behaviors, and attitudes aimed at controlling food intake, body weight, and shape, which does not necessarily satisfy the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder of clinical severity. DE is frequently reported among athletes, but its prevalence and associated factors have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we intended to assess the prevalence of DE among adult athletes from different sports disciplines in Italy and Lebanon and to identify the factors associated with DE.

Progress and Challenges in Integrating Nutritional Care into Oncology Practice: Results from a National Survey on Behalf of the NutriOnc Research Group.

Introduction: Nutritional care is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, with the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes by addressing malnutrition and enhancing recovery. Despite growing awareness, the integration of evidence-based nutritional strategies into oncology remains inconsistent. Following a 2020 survey that highlighted critical gaps, the NutriOnc Research Group launched targeted initiatives to raise awareness and improve practices.

Role of Medical Nutrition Therapy as Treatment of Sarcopenia in Older People with Type 2 Diabetes.

Background: Globally, the progressive increase in the aging population has led to social and health problems associated with age-related chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and sarcopenia. Recent studies have highlighted that sarcopenia and diabetes have a bidirectional relationship. Nutritional therapy is a key element in the treatment of both sarcopenia and diabetes.

Cell Membrane Fatty Acids and PIPs Modulate the Etiology of Pancreatic Cancer by Regulating AKT.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the worst solid malignancies in regard to outcomes and metabolic dysfunction leading to cachexia. It is alarming that PDAC incidence rates continue to increase and warrant the need for innovative approaches to combat this disease. Due to its relatively slow progression (10-20 years), prevention strategies represent an effective means to improve outcomes.

DAG-MAG-ΒHB: A Novel Ketone Diester Modulates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Microglial Cells in Response to Beta-Amyloid and Low Glucose AD-like Conditions.

Background: A neuroinflammatory disease such as Alzheimer's disease, presents a significant challenge in neurotherapeutics, particularly due to the complex etiology and allostatic factors, referred to as CNS stressors, that accelerate the development and progression of the disease. These CNS stressors include cerebral hypo-glucose metabolism, hyperinsulinemia, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, impairment of neuronal autophagy, hypoxic insults and neuroinflammation. This study aims to explore the efficacy and safety of DAG-MAG-ΒHB, a novel ketone diester, in mitigating these risk factors by sustaining therapeutic ketosis, independent of conventional metabolic pathways.

Predictive Value of a Gastric Microbiota Dysbiosis Test for Stratifying Cancer Risk in Atrophic Gastritis Patients.

Background/objectives: Gastric cancer (GC) incidence remains high worldwide, and the survival rate is poor. GC develops from atrophic gastritis (AG), associated with () infection, passing through intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia steps. Since eradication does not exclude GC development, further investigations are needed.

Dietary Macronutrient Composition and Risk of Radiation-Induced Acute Skin Toxicity in Women with Breast Cancer: Results from the ATHENA Project.

Background: The impact of the dietary macronutrient composition and its subcomponents (saccharides, fatty acids, and protein sources) on radiation-induced acute skin toxicity (AST) in breast cancer (BC) patients is unknown. Hence, we examined the association between dietary macronutrients and their subcomponents and the risk of ≥grade 2 (G2) AST post-radiotherapy among women with BC.

Methods: An observational study was conducted among 161 BC patients treated with radiotherapy and enrolled in the ATHENA project in Italy.

Clinical Presentations of Celiac Disease: Experience of a Single Italian Center.

Background/objectives: In Italy, the prevalence of celiac disease (CeD) among children exceeds 1.5% and has steadily increased with a linear trend over the past 25 years. The clinical presentation is heterogenous and a change in onset symptoms has been described in recent years.