Proposal of model for personalized early adapted cancer screening in people living with HIV: experience of "Gaetano Martino" Hospital University of Messina.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has historically been related to the development of specific cancers, some of which are so closely linked to the infection, such as Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS), that they have earned the name Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)-defining cancers (ADCs). While the development of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has decreased the incidence of AIDS-defining cancers, the resulting aging of people living with HIV (PLWH) highlighted an increased occurrence of other forms of cancer. At the "Gaetano Martino" hospital in Messina, we developed a multidisciplinary approach by creating a bridge between the Oncology Unit and the Infectious Diseases Unit to carry out screening and a more rapid diagnostic and therapeutic journey for cancers in PLWH. The goal is to improve the diagnosis of various types of cancer by involving other professionals, such as gastroenterologists and gynecologists, to ensure faster access to treatment and, therefore, a greater chance of survival. In addition, our multidisciplinary approach has also included vaccine screening, offered by the "Gaetano Martino" hospital and useful for preventing the development of specific forms of cancer in the entire population and particularly in PLWH.

[An analysis of appeals against the ruling of the occupational physician's lodged to the Department of Prevention and Safety in the Working Environment--Health Prevention and Occupational Epidemiology Operative Unit within the A.S.P. Palermo (Palermo Health Authority), years 2008-2010]. / Analisi dei ricorsi "avverso giudizio del Medico Competente (M.C.)" inoltrati all'U.O.S. "Prevenzione Sanitaria e Epidemiologia occupazionale" del Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza negli Ambienti di Lavoro" dell'ASP di Palermo nel periodo 2008-2010.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the appeals against a "suitability judgment for work" lodged to the U.O.S. "Health Prevention and Occupational Epidemiology Operative Unit" of Department of Prevention and Safety in the Working Environment within the ASP Palermo (U.O.S.), from 2008 to 2010. Studying the appeals gives an indirect view on the occupational physician activity and allows to monitor their actions, analysis aims at highlighting those issues around which any planning and implementation of coordination activities should be focused.

Radical Nephroureterectomy Tetrafecta: A Proposal Reporting Surgical Strategy Quality at Surgery.

Background: Standardized methods for reporting surgical quality have been described for all the major urological procedures apart from radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Objective: To propose a tetrafecta criterion for assessing the quality of RNU based on a consensus panel within the Young Association of Urology (YAU) Urothelial Group, and to test the impact of this tetrafecta in a multicenter, large contemporary cohort of patients treated with RNU for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Design setting and participants: This was a retrospective analysis of 1765 patients with UTUC treated between 2000 and 2021. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: We interviewed the YAU Urothelial Group to propose and score a list of items to be included in the "RNU-fecta." A ranking was generated for the criteria with the highest sum score. These criteria were applied to a large multicenter cohort of patients. Kaplan-Meier curves were built to evaluate differences in overall survival (OS) rates between groups, and a multivariable logistic regression model was used to find the predictors of achieving the RNU tetrafecta. Results and limitations: The criteria with the highest score included three surgical items such as negative soft tissue surgical margins, bladder cuff excision, lymph node dissection according to guideline recommendations, and one oncological item defined by the absence of any recurrence in ≤12 mo. These items formed the RNU tetrafecta. Within a median follow-up of 30 mo, 52.6% of patients achieved the RNU tetrafecta. The 5-yr OS rates were significantly higher for patients achieving tetrafecta than for their counterparts (76% vs 51%). Younger age, lower body mass index, and robotic approach were found to be independent predictors of tetrafecta achievement. Conversely, a higher Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, higher clinical stage, and bladder cancer history were inversely associated with tetrafecta. Conclusions: Herein, we present a "tetrafecta" composite endpoint that may serve as a potential tool to assess the overall quality of the RNU procedure. Pending external validation, this tool could allow a comparison between surgical series and may be useful for assessing the learning curve of the procedure as well as for evaluating the impact of new technologies in the field. Patient summary: In this study, a tetrafecta criterion was developed for assessing the surgical quality of radical nephroureterectomy in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Patients who achieved tetrafecta had higher 5-yr overall survival rates than those who did not.

A novel nomogram predicting lymph node invasion among patients with prostate cancer: The importance of extracapsular extension at multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging.

PURPOSE: To develop a novel risk tool that allows the prediction of lymph node invasion (LNI) among patients with prostate cancer (PCa) treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND). METHODS: We retrospectively identified 742 patients treated with RARP + ePLND at a single center between 2012 and 2018. All patients underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and were diagnosed with targeted biopsies. First, the nomogram published by Briganti et al. was validated in our cohort. Second, three novel multivariable logistic regression models predicting LNI were developed: (1) a complete model fitted with PSA, ISUP grade groups, percentage of positive cores (PCP), extracapsular extension (ECE), and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score; (2) a simplified model where ECE score was not included (model 1); and (3) a simplified model where PI-RADS score was not included (model 2). The predictive accuracy of the models was assessed with the receiver operating characteristic-derived area under the curve (AUC). Calibration plots and decision curve analyses were used. RESULTS: Overall, 149 patients (20%) had LNI. In multivariable logistic regression models, PSA (OR: 1.03; P= 0.001), ISUP grade groups (OR: 1.33; P= 0.001), PCP (OR: 1.01; P= 0.01), and ECE score (ECE 4 vs. 3 OR: 2.99; ECE 5 vs. 3 OR: 6.97; P< 0.001) were associated with higher rates of LNI. The AUC of the Briganti et al. model was 74%. Conversely, the AUC of model 1 vs. model 2 vs. complete model was, respectively, 78% vs. 81% vs. 81%. Simplified model 1 (ECE score only) was then chosen as the best performing model. A nomogram to calculate the individual probability of LNI, based on model 1 was created. Setting our cut-off at 5% we missed only 2.6% of LNI patients. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a novel nomogram that combines PSA, ISUP grade groups, PCP, and mpMRI-derived ECE score to predict the probability of LNI at final pathology in RARP candidates. The application of a nomogram derived cut-off of 5% allows to avoid a consistent number of ePLND procedures, missing only 2.6% of LNI patients. External validation of our model is needed.

[Immune disorders and chronic exposure to organic solvents. Case-control study in the operators who are in organic synthesis laboratories]. / Disordini immunitari ed esposizione cronica a solventi organici. Studio caso--controllo in operatori afferenti a laboratori di sintesi organica.

The industrial society characterized by the continuing innovation in science and technology has resulted in the introduction of new business cycles chemicals which could act as "triggers" for the initiation of alterations, still latent in the clinical aspect, dependents the immune system in people who are professionally exposed. In recent years, numerous studies have shown over exposed to organic solvents some immunological abnormalities, regarding, for example: complementemy, immunoglobulinic classes, typing lymphocyte (CD3, CD4, CD8) and appearance anti-nucleo of antibodies (ANA). Our study was conducted, in health surveillance, of operators of the University of Palermo, on a sample of subjects who were exposed to organic solvents and compared with a control group not exposed, considering some parameters such as possible indicators of Immunological Trim disturbance.

Impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on complications of minimally invasive radical cystectomy. / Impacto de la quimioterapia neoadyuvante sobre las complicaciones en la cistectomía radical mínimamente invasiva.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) before minimally invasive radical cystectomy (MIRC) is considered a standard of care in muscle-invasive bladder cancer or recurrent high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of NC on morbidity and mortality after MIRC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We prospectively evaluated 135 patients who underwent MIRC (laparoscopic: n=100; robotic: n=35) between 2007 and 2013 with ≥90 days of follow-up (median age: 66 year). Complications were analyzed and graded according to the Clavien Dindo classification system. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the impact of NC on postoperative complications. Kaplan-Meier methods with the log-rank test were used for cancer-specific survival probabilities and differences between the 2groups (MIRC with and without NC). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Sixty-two of 135 patients received NC. A total of 118 patients (87.4%) developed 179 complications, chiefly infectious (48.0%) or gastrointestinal (21.2%), ≤90 days after surgery; 3 patients died <90 days after cystectomy (none had NC). NC had no impact on the incidence of postoperative complications but was associated with fewer positive nodes (P=.004) compared with patients without NC. The median duration of follow-up was 17.2 months. Overall survival rates were 83% and 79% at 2 year in patients with NC and without NC, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: NC does not affect postoperative morbidity or postoperative mortality. Longer follow-up is needed to evaluate the impact of NC on oncologic outcomes. PATIENT SUMMARY: Perioperative complications of radical cystectomy were compared for patients with bladder cancer who had NC versus no NC. We did not find any significant differences in terms of early or late complications, length of stay, or reintervention. The oncologic outcomes regarding NC were encouraging.

Higher number of transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy cores is associated with higher blood loss and perioperative complications in robot assisted radical prostatectomy. / Un mayor número de cilindros de biopsia transrectal de próstata guiada por ultrasonido se asocia con una mayor pérdida de sangre y complicaciones perioperatorias en la prostatectomía radical asistida por robot.

INTRODUCTION: The local inflammatory process after prostate biopsies can have a negative impact on functional outcomes of radical prostatectomy. There is no evidence in literature demonstrating its impact on radical prostatectomy. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of the number of TRUS core biopsies in the surgical morbidity and rate of positive margin on robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospectively maintained database of 2,054 RARPs in a single institution. Patients were further grouped into 2 groups based on the number of TRUS biopsy cores (G1≤12 cores; G2>12 cores). Multivariable logistic regression model was applied to analyze the impact of number of cores on complications. RESULTS: A total number of 1,042 patients in the group 1 (≤12 cores) and 1,012 patients in the group 2 (>12 cores) were included. The rate of perioperative complications increased with higher number of biopsies (G1 6.4 vs. G2 8.5%; P=.03), but high grade complication (Clavien 3-4) were similar (G1 1.4 vs. G2 2.2%; P=.16). Positive surgical margin rates were similar in both groups (G1 11.8 vs. 9.98%; P=.2). At the multivariable logistic regression analysis shown that G2 had a 39% (OR 0.645) higher rate to experience perioperative complications during RARP. CONCLUSION: Higher number of TRUS biopsy cores (>12) is associated to higher blood loss and perioperative complications during RARP. Careful preoperative evaluation for those patients underwent multiple biopsies or saturation protocols is mandatory. Application of longer intervals (>6 weeks) between biopsy and surgery may be advisable to minimize potential risks of surgical complications in patients may benefit from RARP. Further studies are still necessary to confirm these results.

Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) disease: from monogenic forms to genetic susceptibility factors.

Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a vascular disease of proven genetic origin, which may arise sporadically or can be inherited as autosomal dominant condition with incomplete penetrance and highly variable expressivity. CCM lesions manifest across a range of different phenotypes, including wide interindividual differences in lesion number, size and susceptibility to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and may remain asymptomatic during the host's lifetime or result in pathological conditions of various type and severity at any age, with symptoms ranging from relatively minor (but still disabling) headaches through to very severe neurological deficits, seizures, and stroke. Currently, surgical removal of accessible lesions is the only direct therapeutic approach for CCM disease. However, whereas little information is available on the natural history of risk for patients to develop serious complications, such as ICH, prognostic biomarkers remain to be identified in order to ensure timely and optimal clinical decision making. In recent years, it has become clear that the three known CCM genes play an important role in controlling signalling pathways involved in cell responses to oxidative stress, pointing to a novel pathogenic mechanism whereby the function of CCM genes may be relevant in preventing vascular dysfunctions triggered by oxidative stress events. In turn, these novel findings have raised the possibility that genetic susceptibility factors related to differences in sensitivity to oxidative stress, including genetic polymorphisms, may contribute to interindividual differences in CCM disease susceptibility and severity. This review discusses recent progress toward the understanding of molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and the identification of genetic susceptibility factors that could influence onset, progression and clinical severity of CCM disease, as well as consequent implications for the development of novel, safe and effective therapeutic strategies.

Considerations on the prognostic significance of bone marrow micrometastases in breast cancer.

Research of bone marrow micrometastases in patients with breast cancer was proposed as a prognostic factor in order to detect those patients at high risk for early recurrence. The Authors present a review of current literature and describe the different methods used, with particular regard to monoclonal antibodies. The biological significance and prognostic value of the presence of bone marrow micrometastases in clinically Mo patients with breast cancer are discussed.

Clinical and diagnostic assessment for therapeutic decisions in prostate cancer.

Due to the heterogeneity of prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes, there is a need for individualized treatment plans based on clinical and cancer characteristics. Recent advances in sophisticated imaging modalities have improved the ability to stratify patients according to their risk of PCa diagnosis and progression. This, in turn, has positively influenced the clinical decision making process. However, there is also an overuse of diagnostic imaging in the evaluation of PCa patients. Baseline diagnostic and re-staging evaluations need to be indeed personalized, in order to maximize the results and reduce unnecessary, lengthy and costly procedures. The aim of this review was to critically evaluate current international guidelines in order to identify clinical and diagnostic markers that might help clinicians in the selection of the most appropriate imaging approach. For this aim, different imaging modalities were analyzed in patients with newly diagnosed PCa, focusing on local, nodal and distant staging. Every step of staging was taken into consideration based on patient individualized risk, as defined by routinely available clinical variables. Second, different imaging techniques were also reviewed in the context of relapse after primary treatment, highlighting their utility and impact in the clinical decision making process. This review focuses mainly on conventional established imaging techniques, with an eye also to novel approaches that still need to be validated on large patient series.

Impacto de la quimioterapia neoadyuvante sobre las complicaciones en la cistectomía radical mínimamente invasiva / Impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on complications of minimally invasive radical cystectomy

Antecedentes: La quimioterapia neoadyuvante (QN) antes de la cistectomía radical mínimamente invasiva (CRMI) se considera un estándar de cuidado en el cáncer vesical infiltrante o cáncer vesical no músculo invasivo de alto riesgo recurrente. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de la QN en la morbimortalidad después de CRMI. Diseño, escenario y participantes. Se evaluó prospectivamente a 135 pacientes intervenidos mediante CRMI (laparoscópica: n = 100; robótica: n = 35) entre 2007 y 2013 con ≥ 90 días de seguimiento (mediana de edad: 66 años). Las complicaciones fueron analizadas y clasificadas de acuerdo con el sistema de clasificación de Clavien Dindo. Mediciones de resultados y análisis estadístico. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión logística para evaluar el impacto de la QN en las complicaciones postoperatorias. Se utilizaron métodos de Kaplan-Meier con la prueba de log-rank para las probabilidades de supervivencia específica del cáncer y las diferencias entre los 2 grupos (CRMI con y sin QN). Resultados y limitaciones. De un total de 135 pacientes, 62 recibieron QN; 118 pacientes (87,4%) desarrollaron 179 complicaciones, principalmente infecciosas (48,0%) o gastrointestinales (21,2%) ≤90 días después de la cirugía; 3 pacientes fallecieron < 90 días después de la cistectomía (ninguno tenía QN). La QN no tuvo impacto en la incidencia de complicaciones postoperatorias, aunque se asoció con un menor número de ganglios positivos (p = 0,004) en comparación con los pacientes sin QN. La mediana de duración del seguimiento fue de 17,2 meses. Las tasas de supervivencia globales fueron del 83 y del 79% a los 2 años en pacientes con QN y sin QN, respectivamente. Conclusiones. La QN no afecta a la morbilidad ni a la mortalidad postoperatorias. Se necesita un seguimiento más largo para evaluar el impacto de QN en los resultados oncológicos

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) before minimally invasive radical cystectomy (MIRC) is considered a standard of care in muscle-invasive bladder cancer or recurrent high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Objective: To evaluate the impact of NC on morbidity and mortality after MIRC. Design, setting, and participants. We prospectively evaluated 135 patients who underwent MIRC (laparoscopic: n = 100; robotic: n = 35) between 2007 and 2013 with ≥ 90 days of follow-up (median age: 66 year). Complications were analyzed and graded according to the Clavien Dindo classification system. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the impact of NC on postoperative complications. Kaplan-Meier methods with the log-rank test were used for cancer-specific survival probabilities and differences between the 2 groups (MIRC with and without NC). Results and limitations: Sixty-two of 135 patients received NC. A total of 118 patients (87.4%) developed 179 complications, chiefly infectious (48.0%) or gastrointestinal (21.2%), ≤90 days after surgery; 3 patients died < 90 days after cystectomy (none had NC). NC had no impact on the incidence of postoperative complications but was associated with fewer positive nodes (P = .004) compared with patients without NC. The median duration of follow-up was 17.2 months. Overall survival rates were 83% and 79% at 2 year in patients with NC and without NC, respectively. Conclusions. NC does not affect postoperative morbidity or postoperative mortality. Longer follow-up is needed to evaluate the impact of NC on oncologic outcomes. Patient summary. Perioperative complications of radical cystectomy were compared for patients with bladder cancer who had NC versus no NC. We did not find any significant differences in terms of early or late complications, length of stay, or reintervention: The oncologic outcomes regarding NC were encouraging

Un mayor número de cilindros de biopsia transrectal de próstata guiada por ultrasonido se asocia con una mayor pérdida de sangre y complicaciones perioperatorias en la prostatectomía radical asistida por robot / Higher number of transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy cores is associated with higher blood loss and perioperative complications in robot assisted radical prostatectomy

Introducción: La reacción inflamatoria local después de una biopsia prostática (BP) puede influir de manera negativa en los resultados globales posprostatectomía radical. No hay evidencia suficiente en la literatura respecto al impacto del número de punciones en los resultados posquirúrgicos. Objetivos: Determinar el impacto del número de punciones de la BP en las complicaciones posquirúrgicas y en el estado de los márgenes operatorios. Material y métodos: Se registraron prospectivamente 2.054 pacientes sometidos a prostatectomía radical asistida por robot (PRAR) en nuestra institución. Se formaron 2 grupos de pacientes, en relación con el número de punciones en la BP (G1≤ 12 punciones; G2 > 12 punciones). Se evaluó por medio del análisis multivariable (modelos de regresión logística) el impacto del número de punciones en las complicaciones posquirúrgicas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 1.042 pacientes en el grupo 1 (≤ 12 punciones) y 1.012 pacientes en el grupo 2 (> 12 punciones). La tasa de complicaciones perioperatorias se incrementó a medida que aumentaba el número de punciones. (G1 6,4 vs. G2 8,5%; p = 0,03); no obstante, las complicaciones mayores (Clavien 3-4) fueron similares (G1 1,4 vs. G2 2,2%; p = 0,16). No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa respecto a los márgenes quirúrgicos positivos en ambos grupos (G1 11,8 vs. 9,98%; p = 0,2). El análisis multivariable (regresión logística) demostró que el grupo 2 tenía un porcentaje un 39% mayor de experimentar complicaciones post-PRAR (OR 0,645). Conclusión: El mayor número de punciones (> 12) en la BP podría estar relacionado con mayor sangrado y complicaciones posquirúrgicas después de PRAR. Una cuidadosa evaluación preoperatoria de los pacientes que se sometieron a biopsias o protocolos de saturación múltiple es obligatoria. La aplicación de intervalos más largos (> 6 semanas) entre la biopsia y la cirugía puede ser recomendable para minimizar los potenciales riesgos de complicaciones quirúrgicas en los pacientes que pueden beneficiarse de PRAR. Otros estudios son todavía necesarios para confirmar estos resultados

Introduction: The local inflammatory process after prostate biopsies can have a negative impact on functional outcomes of radical prostatectomy. There is no evidence in literature demonstrating its impact on radical prostatectomy. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of the number of TRUS core biopsies in the surgical morbidity and rate of positive margin on robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Material and methods: A prospectively maintained database of 2,054 RARPs in a single institution. Patients were further grouped into 2 groups based on the number of TRUS biopsy cores (G1≤12 cores; G2>12 cores). Multivariable logistic regression model was applied to analyze the impact of number of cores on complications. Results: A total number of 1,042 patients in the group 1 (≤12 cores) and 1,012 patients in the group 2 (>12 cores) were included. The rate of perioperative complications increased with higher number of biopsies (G1 6.4 vs. G2 8.5%; P=.03), but high grade complication (Clavien 3-4) were similar (G1 1.4 vs. G2 2.2%; P=.16). Positive surgical margin rates were similar in both groups (G1 11.8 vs. 9.98%; P=.2). At the multivariable logistic regression analysis shown that G2 had a 39% (OR 0.645) higher rate to experience perioperative complications during RARP. Conclusion: Higher number of TRUS biopsy cores (>12) is associated to higher blood loss and perioperative complications during RARP. Careful preoperative evaluation for those patients underwent multiple biopsies or saturation protocols is mandatory. Application of longer intervals (>6 weeks) between biopsy and surgery may be advisable to minimize potential risks of surgical complications in patients may benefit from RARP. Further studies are still necessary to confirm these results