0000000000443996
AUTHOR
Rossella De Luca
Cabazitaxel in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients Progressing after Docetaxel: A Prospective Single-Center Study
<b><i>Purpose:</i></b> The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of cabazitaxel in combination with prednisone treatment in Italian patients affected by hormone-refractory metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) previously treated with docetaxel plus prednisone. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Thirty patients with mCRPC were enrolled between June 2013 and January 2016 (the last follow-up was in January 2016). Cabazitaxel was used according to the summary of product characteristics and administered at a dose of 25 mg/m<sup>2</sup> every 3 weeks plus oral prednisone at a dose of 5-mg tablets twice a day continuously. The…
The Clinical Efficacy of Radium-223 for Bone Metastasis in Patients with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: An Italian Clinical Experience.
<b><i>Background/Aim:</i></b> Prostate cancer frequently causes bone metastases and skeletal events that impair quality of life (QoL) and survival. The alpha emitter radium-223 is a new drug that improves treatment in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and bone metastases. Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of radium-223. <b><i>Subjects and Methods:</i></b> In this retrospective study we enrolled 48 subjects. Pain reduction, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), time to first symptomatic skeletal event, and QoL were the variables we evaluated. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Radium-223 was well tolerated, with a m…
Efficacy and Safety of the Oral Multikinase Regorafenib in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.
<b><i>Background/Aim:</i></b> A clinical trial demonstrated that treatment with oral multikinase regorafenib improved overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and disease control [García-Alfonso et al.: J Clin Transl Oncol 2016;18:1072-1081; Bertocchi et al.: J Chemother 2017;29:102-105]. In this study, we aimed to evaluate its effectiveness in Italian patients with hormone-refractory metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) progressing after chemotherapy with docetaxel plus prednisone. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> 60 patients were enrolled. OS has been assessed as the primary endpoint while PFS, quality o…
Relationship between anxiety level and radiological investigation. Comparison among different diagnostic imaging exams in a prospective single-center study
Objective: Every patient could feel anxious when he waits in a radiological department to undergo diagnostic exams. The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of the radiological exams on patient anxiety. Materials and methods: We evaluated 343 patients (mean age 54.83 years) who underwent different types of diagnostic exams in the Department of Diagnostic Imaging at our Hospital from April 2013 to August 2014. We administered to patients the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory Test, which detected with high sensitivity both state anxiety and trait anxiety. A team of clinical psychologists and radiologists evaluated the scores obtained. Results: 83 out of 343 patients were excluded becaus…
RISK PERCEPTION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN THE GENETIC COUNSELLING FOR HEREDITARY BREAST AND/OR OVARIAN CANCER
Background: Cancer genetic counselling allows the identification of a genetic component that increases the risk of developing a tumor. The psychological reactions are influenced by both the content of the information received, from both the subjetive perception of their own risk of becoming ill or being pruner of genetic mutation. Materials and Methods: This study included 120 participants who underwent genetic counselling for breast and/or ovarian cancer. The aim of the study was to examine the relation between the Cancer Risk Perception and the Genetic Risk during genetic counselling before testing, considering the influence of psychological variables, in particular distress, anxiety and …
Quality of Life in Patients With Severe Skin Reactions in Course of First-Generation Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors Monoclonal Antibodies (Our Experience With Cetuximab).
Background: Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with wild type expression of RAS and RAF genes can be treated with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, in combination with chemotherapy. Skin toxicity represents the most serious and frequent side effect in these patients. Skin manifestations occur in approximately 80% of patients. In this study, we investigated the consequences on body image and quality of life (QoL) of patients with severe skin toxicity. Methods: One hundred patients were enrolled with mCRC. All patients signed informed consent and completed questionnaires to assess QoL and body discomfort. Toxicity was assessed on Common Te…
The Clinical Efficacy of Enzalutamide in Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Prospective Single-center Study
Background/Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of enzalutamide in Italian patients with hormone-refractory metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, progressing after chemotherapy with docetaxel plus prednisone. Patients and Methods: A total of 60 patients were enrolled. Reduction in serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was assessed as the primary endpoint, while reduction in pain, safety, progression-free survival and overall survival represented secondary endpoints. Results: Enzalutamide was well tolerated, with a manageable toxicity profile and a modest objective response rate. A considerable difference in serum levels of PSA before and after treatment was observed. A significant …
Patient-reported impact of spondyloarthritis on work disability and working life: the ATLANTIS survey
Background The aim was to establish how patients experience the impact of spondyloarthritis (SpA) on work disability and working life. Methods The survey was performed in 17/20 regions in Italy (1 January to 31 March 2013). A multiple-choice questionnaire was published on the official website of the sponsor - the National Association of Rheumatic Patients (ANMAR) - and hard-copies were distributed at outpatient clinics for rheumatic patients. Results Respondents (n = 770) were of both sexes (56 % men), educated (62 % at high school or more), of working age (75 % aged ≤60 years), and affected by SpA. The most common types diagnosed were ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (39 %) and psoriatic arthri…
Progression-free survival as a surrogate endpoint of overall survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Giuseppe Cicero,1 Rossella De Luca,1 Francesco Dieli2 1Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, Section of Medical Oncology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; 2Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy Background: In many clinical trials designed to assess the efficacy of anticancer treatments, overall survival (OS) is often used as a primary endpoint despite its several points of weakness. Methods: This study evaluated the role of progression-free survival (PFS) in the first three lines of treatment as a potential surrogate endpoint of OS in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC). One hu…
Well-being among Italian medical oncologists: An exploratory study
<b><i>Background:</i></b> Recently, attention has been focused on physicians' stress and quality-of-life improvement. Due to their relationship with patients, oncologists in particular are overloaded physically, emotionally and psychologically. Previous studies showed that training of communication skills improves the satisfaction and well-being of physicians and patients. <b><i>Aims:</i></b> Our research investigates the relationship between work stress and engagement and personal well-being in physicians working in Italian hospitals. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> 176 physicians were included. Doctors filled out…
Vinflunine in Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder in Progression after a Platinum-Containing Regimen
<b><i>Background:</i></b> Vinflunine is a microtubule inhibitor of the vinca alkaloid class approved for the treatment of urothelial bladder carcinoma after a platinum-containing regimen. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> To evaluate the effectiveness of vinflunine, we enrolled 80 subjects with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of metastatic urothelial bladder carcinoma that had previously undergone chemotherapy with a platinum-containing regimen and had measurable lesions according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). The patients (<i>n</i> = 80) received vinflunine (Javlor®) every 3 weeks at 320 mg/m<sup>2&…
<p>Nab-paclitaxel in pretreated metastatic breast cancer: evaluation of activity, safety, and quality of life</p>
Objective Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is an incurable disease; the treatment of this disease prolongs survival, improving the quality of life (QoL) with a balance between efficacy and toxicity of the treatment. In recent years, treatment with nab-paclitaxel has improved the already known antitumor activity of conventional paclitaxel, in terms of increased efficacy and better tolerability. The aim of this study was to evaluate nab-paclitaxel in Italian patients with MBC. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 90 patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of MBC. To evaluate the efficacy of nab-paclitaxel, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall …
Treatment with abiraterone in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients progressing after docetaxel: a retrospective study.
The aim of this study was to evaluate abiraterone's efficacy in Italian patients affected with metastatic prostate cancer progressing after treatment with docetaxel. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 60 patients. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reduction in serum was the primary endpoint for evaluating the efficacy of abiraterone in combination with prednisone treatment, whereas reduced pain, safety, progression-free survival, response rate, and overall survival (OS) were secondary endpoints. A significant correlation was noticed between PSA response and OS. Further, the Index Bravais-Pearson (r) correlation allowed us to observe a significant negative interdependence between PSA res…
Evaluation of anxiety level in patients wating to undergo to diagnostic radiological exams
Aims and objectives Methods and materials Results Conclusion Personal information References
Clinical efficacy of nab-paclitaxel in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer
Rossella De Luca,1 Livio Blasi,2 Massimiliano Al&ugrave;,2 Valerio Gristina,1 Giuseppe Cicero1 1Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, Section of Medical Oncology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; 2Medical Oncology Unit, ARNAS Hospital Civico, Di Cristina, Benfratelli, Palermo, Italy Purpose: Pancreatic carcinoma is the neoplasia with the major mortality, and main standard treatments in this cancer increase survival but do not lead to complete recovery of the patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Abraxane&reg; (nab-paclitaxel) in Italian patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC).Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective …
TAS-102 in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): efficacy, tolerability, and quality of life in heavily pretreated elderly patients: a real-life study
Background: TAS-102 is an oral monotherapy, combining trifluridine and tipiracil hydrochloride, indicated for the treatment of pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The aim of this real-life study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TAS-102 in heavily pretreated elderly patients with mCRC whose disease has progressed with standard therapies. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we enrolled 50 elderly patients >70 years of age (median age 78 years) with a diagnosis of mCRC who were previously treated or were not considered candidates for treatment with other available therapies. Patients aged >70 years with advanced colorectal cancer and with an ECOG perf…
Docetaxel plus prednisone in patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer: An Italian clinical experience
Aims and Background: We investigated the efficacy of docetaxel plus prednisone in Italian patients with metastatic hormone- refractory prostate cancer (mHRPC). Methods: Twenty four patients with mHRPC received docetaxel 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks plus prednisone 5 mg twice daily for up to six cycles. The primary endpoint was efficacy measured by a reduction in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and measurable disease. Evaluation of toxicity, quality of life and reduction of pain were secondary endpoints. Results: PSA response was seen in 18 patients (75%). We observed a partial response in 2 patients (8.3%), stable disease in 10 patients (41.7%), and disease progression in 12 patients…
The Role of Couples' Attachment Styles in Patients' Adjustment to Cancer.
<b><i>Objective:</i></b> This study aimed to understand how psychological variables and attachment styles can contribute to improve effective and functional adjustment to the disease and promote better psychological well-being. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 176 participants (88 couples) took part in this research. One member of each couple attended surgery centers at the Oncology Department of the University Hospital of Palermo. Each participant had filled in 5 questionnaires assessing the variables couple relationships, quality of life, anxiety, depression, and psychosocial adjustment to illness. <b><i>Results:</i></b…