Vinorelbine neurotoxicity: clinical and neurophysiological findings in 23 patients.

Vinorelbine (5'-noranhydrovinblastine) is a new semisynthetic antineoplastic vinca alkaloid which interfers with axonal transport, inducing spiralisation of axonal microtubules and resulting in peripheral neurotoxicity. A prospective detailed neurological and electrophysiological evaluation was performed in 23 patients treated with 25 mg vinorelbine a week. All patients developed a sensory-motor distal symmetric axonal neuropathy. The neurotoxicity increased with cumulative vinorelbine doses and peripheral neuropathy was mild or moderate in most patients. After discontinuation of vinorelbine treatment, neuropathic signs and symptoms were partially reversible.

Medical oncology and home care in Italy.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Home care programs are designed to provide care for cancer patients in their homes. Aim of the study is to describe the activities of home care program, to examine the organization and efficiency of this type of care in Italy. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to the regional representatives of the National Society of Medical Oncology and to the regional health departments. RESULTS: a) the home care program is uniformly distributed throughout the country; b) the number of personnel in the different centers varies greatly from one area to another; c) approximately 50% of the centers do not cover emergency situations (at night or on holidays); and d) there is little involvement of the public sector. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of these problems, the home care system is taking on a fundamental role, especially for advanced cancer patients.

[Kaposi's sarcoma and kidney transplant]. / Sarcoma di Kaposi e trapianto renale.

Ex novo Kaposi's Sarcoma 4 months after renal transplantation in a young patient is described. Progression of the tumoral lesions has been observed during combined immunosuppressive treatment with Prednisone, Azathioprine and Cyclosporin. Stopping Azathioprine and Cyclosporin as well as reducing Prednisone prevented new lesions and made the preexistent skin lesions less extensive. Clinical case, possible pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies are discussed.

[Natural beta-interferon for local use in the treatment of metastatic pleural effusion caused by neoplasm of the breast]. / L'interferone beta naturale per uso locale nella terapia dei versamenti pleurici metastatici da neoplasia della mammella.

The authors intended verifying the effectiveness of natural beta-interferon in the treatment of metastatic pleural effusion from breast's cancer. 24 patient, with an average age of 54, were studied. The objective responses were: 2 Complete Responses, 8 Partial Responses, 6 Stationarity and 5 Progression. The responses seem independent from the association of systemic treatment. Clinical response has been observed in patients with initial pleural effusion less than or equal to 1000 cc.