New treatment strategies for HIV-positive cancer patients undergoing anticancer medical treatment: update of the literature.

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART) has deeply modified the outcome of HIV patients by improving their overall survival and ameliorating their quality of life (QoL). The prolongation of these patients' survival has led to an increased risk of highly diffused non-infectious diseases, e.g., cardiovascular diseases, endocrine disease, neurological diseases, and cancer. The management of antiretroviral therapy and anticancer agents (AC) can be challenging, due to the possible drug-drug interactions (DDI) between AC and ART. For this reason, a multidisciplinary approach is always preferred as demonstrated by the GICAT (Italian Cooperation Group on AIDS and Tumors). This review aims to analyze the current scientific data regarding the possible effects of ART on the management of HIV-positive cancer patients and to evaluate the possible DDIs that must be taken into consideration when co-administrating ART and AC. A collaboration between all the involved professional figures, particularly infectious disease specialists and oncologists, represents the key to the correct managing of these patients in order to guarantee the best oncological outcome possible.

Adapted physical activity for breast cancer patients: shared considerations with two Olympic and world Italian sports champions.

Breast cancer is a growing global public health concern. Thanks to the recent treatments progress, the survival rate of BC patients has significantly improved (88% of 5-year survival rate) and the number of cancer survivors has also increased. Notwithstanding these brilliant results, many BC patients have long-term side effects as pain, oedema, limited mobility, cancer related fatigue, etc. as a consequence of surgical, radiotherapy and medical treatments. For example, posture appears to be frequently altered after mastectomy, due to the impairment of the mobility of the arm caused by surgical scars. All these aspects negatively affect the health-related Quality of Life (QoL) of BC patients. Recent several randomized clinical trials have shown benefits of regular and appropriate physical activity (PA) during and after BC treatment, particularly in terms of benefits for health, reducing fatigue, improving strength levels, QoL and physical function. In this context, two types of sports have demonstrated their affinity and efficacy as treatment support during and after treatments for BC patients: fencing and rowing. Here we report considerations shared with two sport champions: the fencing Olympic gold medal Daniele Garozzo and the rowing World Champion Giovanni Ficarra, with the aim to find the adapted PA for BC patients.

Penile cancer: prognostic and predictive factors in clinical decision-making.

Penile cancer (PC) is a typical tumor of non-industrialized countries. The incidence is 20-30 times higher in Africa and South America, considering the elevated prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases. Histologically, PC includes squamous cell carcinoma (SCPC), the most frequent, and nonsquamous carcinoma (NSCPC). Early diagnosis is the goal, whereas later diagnosis relates to poor functional outcomes and worse prognosis. The 5-year survival rate is 85% for patients with histologically regional negative lymph nodes, compared to 29%-40% for those with histologically regional positive lymph nodes. To date no new drugs are approved, and there are few new data about molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis. The SCPC remains a rare tumor and the current therapeutic algorithm is based principally on retrospective analysis and less on prospective trials. In this review article, biomarkers of prognosis and efficacy of current treatments are summarized with a focus on those that have the potential to affect treatment decision-making in SCPC.