Into the wild of long non-coding RNA in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) to explore new prognostic/predictive biomarkers

Background: Long Non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are emerging as essential regulators of genetic and epigenetic networks, and their deregulation may underlie complex diseases, such as carcinogenesis. Several studies have described lncRNAs alterations in patients with solid tumors. In particular, in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST), upregulation of HOTAIR has been associated with aggressiveness, metastasis, and poor patients’ survival. In order to gain more detailed insight on the molecular role of lncRNAs in GIST, we analyzed in vivo the expression levels of lncRNAs H19 and MALAT1 in surgically resected patients. Material and Methods: The expression of the lnc-RNAs H19 and MALAT1 was evaluat…

Tumor markers in urogynaecological tumors.

Effects of zoledronic acid on proteinase plasma levels in patients with bone metastases.

Background: The effects of the bisphosphonate derivative zoledronic acid (ZA) on the > circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metallo-proteinases-9 > (MMP-9), cathepsin B (Cath B) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) in > patients with bone metastasis (BMTS) and the possible correlation with the symptomatic > response induced by this drug in these patients were evaluated. Patients and Methods: > Proteinase levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the > plasma of 30 patients with painful bone metastases from breast or prostate cancer > undergoing multiple treatment with ZA (4 mg i.v., every 4 weeks). Healthy subjects > (HS) of…

Lenograstim in preventing chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia in patients with soft tissue sarcoma

Background: Neutropenia and its complications represent one of the principal dose-limiting toxicity issues in chemotherapeutic regimens for soft tissue sarcoma. Prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) reduces the risk of febrile neutropenia (FN). The correct timing of G-CSF administration should be considered in order to optimize the prophylactic treatment. Patients and Methods: Patients (≥18 years old) affected by soft tissue sarcoma and treated with epirubicin and ifosfamide, underwent prophylactic treatment with G-CSF (lenograstim at 263 μg) from day 5 to day 9. The proportion of patients experiencing FN and G4 neutropenia was considered. Results: A total of 36 patient…