Humans

Rucaparib. An emerging parp inhibitor for treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer

Recently, Poly-ADP-Ribose Polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are one of the most intensively studied group of antiblastic agents for the management of recurrent ovarian cancer. Among this family, Olaparib was the first to be approved by European Medicines Agency as maintenance therapy post-response to platinum-based chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer in women with deleterious BRCA1/2 mutation. Following that, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Olaparib monotherapy as fourth or later line of treatment in advanced ovarian cancer with deleterious germ-line BRCA1/2 mutation.

Role of intraperitoneal chemotherapy in ovarian cancer in the platinum-taxane-based era: a meta-analysis

Purpose: Intravenous (IV) chemotherapy has been compared with intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy in randomized clinical trials in advanced ovarian cancer (OC). The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate efficacy and toxicity of IV and IP and identify differences in outcomes. Methods: The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement was applied. Random-effects models were used. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and the proportion of patients with grade ≥2 acute toxicity.

Use of a short-term whole blood intracellular staining assay to study the T-cell response in respiratory syncytial virus-infected pediatric patients

The aim of the present study was the development of a reliable method to evaluate the pattern of the ongoing T-cell response in young infants affected by respiratory infection. To this purpose, we enrolled 44 infants hospitalized with a diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis. After a short-term stimulation of whole blood samples, intracellular IFN-g and IL-4 cytokines were measured in CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets by flow cytometry. A stringent staining and gating strategy was used in order to maximize the reduction of background noise and to exclude false positives.

Bronchiolitis clinics and medical treatment

Bronchiolitis is the most common acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants and the first cause of hospitalization in this age group. Despite it has been studied for over 70 years, its management remains controversial and nowadays the treatment is only supportive. Pediatricians should be well acquainted with the clinical course of the disease. In particular, they should know that the severity of respiratory symptoms peaks between days 3-7 of the disease and dehydration is a key sign to consider for the management.

The new Epstein gleason score classification significantly reduces upgrading in prostate cancer patients

Purpose: To evaluate the differences between the old and the new Gleason score classification systems in upgrading and downgrading rates. Materials and methods: Between 2012 and 2015, we identified 9703 patients treated with retropubic radical prostatectomy (RP) in four tertiary centers. Biopsy specimens as well as radical prostatectomy specimens were graded according to both 2005 Gleason and 2014 ISUP five-tier Gleason grading system (five-tier GG system). Upgrading and downgrading rates on radical prostatectomy were first recorded for both classifications and then compared.

Urology in the time of Coronavirus. Reduced access to urgent and emergent urological care during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak in Italy

PURPOSE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has put a substantial burden on the Italian healthcare system, resulting in the restructuring of hospitals to care for COVID-19 patients. However, this has likely impacted access to care for patients experiencing other conditions. We aimed to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on access to care for patients with urgent/emergent urological conditions throughout Italy.

Outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for clinical t2 renal tumors. a multicenter analysis (rosula collaborative group)

This large multicenter experience suggests that robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for clinical T2 renal masses is feasible, it offers good surgical outcomes, and it allows preservation of renal function. Overall, the outcomes of a robotic approach compare favorably with those reported for open nephron-sparing surgery for this challenging indication.

Apalutamide treatment and metastasis-free survival in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND Apalutamide, a competitive inhibitor of the androgen receptor, is under development for the treatment of prostate cancer. We evaluated the efficacy of apalutamide in men with nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who were at high risk for the development of metastasis. METHODS We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial involving men with nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and a prostate-specific antigen doubling time of 10 months or less.

Organoids as a new model for improving regenerative medicine and cancer personalized therapy in renal diseases

The pressure towards innovation and creation of new model systems in regenerative medicine and cancer research has fostered the development of novel potential therapeutic applications. Kidney injuries provoke a high request of organ transplants making it the most demanding system in the field of regenerative medicine. Furthermore, renal cancer frequently threaten patients’ life and aggressive forms still remain difficult to treat.

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