Ricerc@Sapienza

Cancer cells reprogramme one-carbon metabolism (OCM) to sustain growth and proliferation. Depending on cell demands, serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) dynamically changes the fluxes of OCM by reversibly converting serine and tetrahydrofolate (THF) into 5,10-methylene-THF and glycine. SHMT is a tetrameric enzyme that mainly exists in three isoforms; two localize in the cytosol (SHMT1/SHMT2α) and one (SHMT2) in the mitochondria. Both the cytosolic isoforms can also translocate to the nucleus to sustain de novo thymidylate synthesis and support cell proliferation.

Background: The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has considerably expanded the armamentarium against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) contributing to reshaping treatment paradigms in the advanced disease setting. While promising tissue- and plasma-based biomarkers are under investigation, no reliable predictive factor is currently available to aid in treatment selection. Methods: Patients with stage IIIB-IV NSCLC receiving nivolumab at Sant'Andrea Hospital and Regina Elena National Cancer Institute from June 2016 to July 2017 were enrolled onto this study.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer death and in most cases it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Many genetic and microenvironmental factors are able to modify the cell cycle inducing carcinogenesis and tumor growth.

BACKGROUND: Anticancer drug resistance is a challenging phenomenon of growing concern which arises from alteration in drug targets. Despite the fast speed of new chemotherapeutic agent design, the increasing prevalence of this phenomenon requires further research and treatment development.

Uncertainty on long-term average radon concentration has a large impact on lung cancer risk assessment in epidemiological studies. The uncertainty can be estimated by year-to-year radon concentration variability, however few data are available. In Italy a study has been planned and conducted to evaluate year-to-year radon variability over several years in normally inhabited dwellings, mainly located in Rome. This is the longest study of this kind in Europe; repeat radon measurements are carried out for 10 years using LR-115 radon detectors in the same home in consecutive years.

Background: According to the cancer stem cells (CSCs) hypothesis, a population of cancer cells with stem cell properties is responsible for tumor propagation, drug resistance, and disease recurrence. Study of the mechanisms responsible for lung CSCs propagation is expected to provide better understanding of cancer biology and new opportunities for therapy. Methods: The Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD) NCI-H460 cell line was grown either as 2D or as 3D cultures. Transcriptomic and genome-wide chromatin accessibility studies of 2D vs.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation with the properties of extensive self-renewal, capability to generate differentiated cancer cells and resistance to therapies. We have previously shown that malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) from patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represent a valuable source of cancer cells that can be grown as three-dimensional (3D) spheroids enriched for stem-like features, which depend on the activation of the Yes-associated protein-transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP-TAZ)/Wnt-βcatenin/stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) axis.

OBJECTIVES: The advantages of a bronchial sleeve resection are well established. A clear majority of reported cases are of upper lobe sleeve resection. Reimplantation of the upper lobe bronchus after a lower sleeve lobectomy or bilobectomy (the so-called Y-sleeve resection) is infrequent. Related technical peculiarities are the main issues. We present our experience and results in this setting. METHODS: Between 1989 and 2015, we performed 28 Y-sleeve resections of the left lower lobe (n = 18) or right middle and lower lobes (n = 10).

OBJECTIVES: Resection of a long pulmonary artery (PA) segment infiltrated by tumour and reconstruction by conduit interposition or wide patch is a challenging but feasible option to avoid pneumonectomy. Our goal was to report the long-term results of our experience with this type of operation using various techniques and materials. METHODS: Between 1991 and 2015, 24 patients underwent sleeve resection of a long PA segment or extended resection (> 2.5 cm) of 1 aspect of the circumference of the PA associated with lobectomy for centrally located lung cancer.

Early in 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quickly spread globally, giving rise to a pandemic. In this critical scenario, patients with lung cancer need to continue to receive optimal care and at the same be shielded from infection with the potentially severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Upgrades to the prevention and control of infection have become paramount in order to lower the risk of hospital contagion. Aerosol-generating procedures such as endotracheal intubation or endoscopic procedures may expose health care workers to a high risk of infection.