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Background: The retention of foreign bodies inside the body during ludic/sexual procedures or for traumatism represents one of the causes of visits to accident and emergency departments that often requires surgical removal of the foreign body. However, there are cases where the discovery of such foreign bodies takes place after many years, as in patients that are slightly compromised from a neuro-sociological point of view. Case presentation: A 76-year-old male presented to an outpatient urological examination due to an increase in scrotal volume. At the ultrasound check, an acoustic interference from a solid object was detected, for which computed tomography was requested. The computed tomography scan revealed the presence of an elongated metal body in the perineum. The removal of the foreign body in the operating theatre was then scheduled. A 10 cm long stainless-steel nail located within an abscessed foreign body granuloma was identified and removed via a scrotal access. Four days later, a new surgical toilet was performed due to minimal necrosis of the skin flaps. The patient then performed three more dressings in the operating theatre during the following week. Healing took place by secondary intention until a perfect healing of the surgical wound was obtained. Conclusions: Removal of foreign bodies from the perineum in case of infection can be challenging. Careful attention and postoperative dressings are crucial for the success of the case.

BackgroundThe laparoscopic approach in gastric cancer surgery is being increasingly adopted worldwide. However, studies focusing specifically on laparoscopic gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy are still lacking in the literature. This retrospective study aimed to compare the short-term and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer.MethodsThe protocol-based, international IMIGASTRIC (International study group on Minimally Invasive surgery for Gastric Cancer) registry was queried to retrieve data on patients undergoing laparoscopic or open gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer with curative intent from January 2000 to December 2014. Eleven predefined, demographical, clinical, and pathological variables were used to conduct a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis to investigate intraoperative and recovery outcomes, complications, pathological findings, and survival data between the two groups. Predictive factors of long-term survival were also assessed.ResultsA total of 3033 patients from 14 participating institutions were selected from the IMIGASTRIC database. After 1:1 PSM, a total of 1248 patients, 624 in the laparoscopic group and 624 in the open group, were matched and included in the final analysis. The total operative time (median 180 versus 240 min, p < 0.0001) and the length of the postoperative hospital stay (median 10 versus 14.8 days, p < 0.0001) were longer in the open group than in the laparoscopic group. The conversion to open rate was 1.9%. The proportion of patients with in-hospital complications was higher in the open group (21.3% versus 15.1%, p = 0.004). The median number of harvested lymph nodes was higher in the laparoscopic approach (median 32 versus 28, p < 0.0001), and the proportion of positive resection margins was higher (p = 0.021) in the open group (5.9%) than in the laparoscopic group (3.2%). There was no significant difference between the groups in five-year overall survival rates (77.4% laparoscopic versus 75.2% open, p = 0.229).ConclusionThe adoption of the laparoscopic approach for gastric resection with D2 lymphadenectomy shortened the length of hospital stay and reduced postoperative complications with respect to the open approach. The five-year overall survival rate after laparoscopy was comparable to that for patients who underwent open D2 resection. The types of surgical approaches are not independent predictive factors for five-year overall survival.

A 85-year-old female patient underwent nephrostomy tube insertion for a huge hydronephrosis due to a papillary mass involving the right ureteral ostium diagnosed by at computed tomography scan. As soon as the nephrostomy tube was inserted, a pulsatile bleeding was found and a renal angiography was done. A massive bleeding from the main and unique right renal artery was found such as to require prompt endovascular embolization. A transurethral resection of the bladder was performed and the pathology report confirmed high-grade pTa transitional cell carcinoma. An open drainage was then placed to empty the contents of the pyelocalyceal system of the kidney. Once obtained the volumetric reduction of the abdominal mass the patient underwent the right nephroureterectomy.

Summary: Background: The prospective multicentre observational INVIDIa-2 study investigated the clinical effectiveness of influenza vaccination in patients with advanced cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). In this secondary analysis of the original trial, we aimed to assess the outcomes of patients to immunotherapy based on vaccine administration. Methods: The original study enrolled patients with advanced solid tumours receiving ICI at 82 Italian Oncology Units from Oct 1, 2019, to Jan 31, 2020. The trial's primary endpoint was the time-adjusted incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) until April 30, 2020, the results of which were reported previously. Secondary endpoints (data cut-off Jan 31, 2022) included the outcomes of patients to immunotherapy based on vaccine administration, for which the final results are reported herein. A propensity score matching by age, sex, performance status, primary tumour site, comorbidities, and smoking habits was planned for the present analysis. Only patients with available data for these variables were included. The outcomes of interest were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and disease-control rate (DCR). Findings: The original study population consisted of 1188 evaluable patients. After a propensity score matching, 1004 patients were considered (502 vaccinated and 502 unvaccinated), and 986 of them were evaluable for overall survival (OS). At the median follow-up of 20 months, the influenza vaccination demonstrated a favourable impact on the outcome receiving ICI in terms of median OS [27.0 months (CI 19.5–34.6) in vaccinated vs. 20.9 months (16.6–25.2) in unvaccinated, p = 0.003], median progression-free survival [12.5 months (CI 10.4–14.6) vs. 9.6 months (CI 7.9–11.4), p = 0.049], and disease-control rate (74.7% vs. 66.5%, p = 0.005). The multivariable analyses confirmed the favourable impact of influenza vaccination in terms of OS (HR 0.75, 95% C.I. 0.62–0.92; p = 0.005) and DCR (OR 1.47, 95% C.I. 1.11–1.96; p = 0.007). Interpretation: The INVIDIa-2 study results suggest a favourable immunological impact of influenza vaccination on the outcome of cancer patients receiving ICI immunotherapy, further encouraging the vaccine recommendation in this population and supporting translational investigations about the possible synergy between antiviral and antitumour immunity. Funding: The Federation of Italian Cooperative Oncology Groups (FICOG), Roche S.p.A., and Seqirus.

Abstract Background Upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for only about 5–10% of all urothelial cancers and is characterized by an aggressive and frequently rapidly fatal behavior. However, detailed knowledge of its molecular profile is still lacking. Materials and methods We identified, by chart analysis, patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy or diagnostic biopsy for UTUC between January 2015 and August 2020 at the Santa Maria Hospital of Terni, in Italy. Eligible patients were required to have also adequate clinical informations and follow-up details. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate DNA mismatch repair (MMR) proteins and Nectin-4 immunohistochemical expression in UTUC, looking also for an eventual correlation between these molecular features. The secondary objective was to investigate genomic instability in the case of a MMR protein loss. Expression of proteins was assessed by using immunohistochemistry and microsatellite instability (MSI) performed by next generation sequencing. Nectin-4 expression was reported using an intensity scoring system (score, 0–3+), instead the expression of DNA MMR proteins was indicated as present (no loss) or not present (loss). Results Thirty four cases have been evaluated and 27 considered eligible for the study with their tumor samples analyzed. Nectin-4 was found to be expressed in 44% of cases and 18.5% of patients showed defective-MMR phenotype. We found a significant correlation between Nectin-4 expression and MSH2/MSH6 protein loss. Out of 7 patients with DNA MMR proteins loss or equivocal phenotype, 3 showed MSI. Conclusions Our pilot study suggest a possible relationship between Nectin-4 and DNA MMR protein expression in UTUC and a clinically significant correlation between defective MMR phenotype and genomic instability. Because of the possible implications of these data for innovative treatment approaches, the need for further studies in this area is warranted.

Background:. The aim of post-traumatic digital reconstruction is to restore form and function, allowing early rehabilitation. In the absence of feasible local options, free tissue transfer can be a versatile and reliable alternative. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with the use of the free proximal ulnar artery perforator flap (PUPF). Methods:. Our prospectively maintained free flap database was inquired for patients that had undergone digital reconstructions with free PUPFs. Results:. Six patients that underwent digital reconstruction were eligible. The ipsilateral forearm was donor site of choice, with all flaps based on a perforator of the ulnar artery, without the need to compromise the main vessel. A superficial vein was routinely included with the flap. No flap failures were encountered. Mean hospital stay was 5.5 days, and all patients achieved a satisfactory functional result. Conclusions:. The proximal ulnar perforator free flap offers an alternative for finger reconstruction, having the advantage of including thin and hairless skin from the proximal ulnar forearm. The vascular anatomy of the ulnar perforators seems to be constant. Furthermore, donor site morbidity is low, as the ulnar artery is not harvested with the flap, the donor site defect can generally be closed directly, and the scar is well concealed.

Microwave ablation is a safe and effective interventional approach, widely used in the treatment of unresectable primary or metastatic hepatic lesions. Thoracobiliary fistula is a rare postablation complication that can be treated with a conservative or surgical approach. We reviewed aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnostic possibilities, and therapeutic options for biliothoracic fistula developed after microwave ablation of liver metastasis. Furthermore, we reported our experience of successful conservative management of a nonhealing thoracobiliary fistula occurred after percutaneous thermal ablation of colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Our case supports a conservative approach based on percutaneous biliary system decompression and synthetic glue embolization for the treatment of combined biliopleural and biliobronchial fistula.

This study aimed at assessing the validity of self-collected (self-sampled) oropharyngeal (OP) swabs among healthcare workers compared to those collected by trained sentinel general practitioners (GP-sampled) from individuals with influenza-like illness (ILI), to be implemented in epidemiological studies and/or surveillance programs of viral pathogens involved in community respiratory infections. In our study, OP swabs were collected from adults (>18 years) with ILI during the 2018–2019 influenza season. Two groups of samples were considered: group 1−131 self-sampled OP swabs collected by healthcare workers after being trained on the sampling procedure; group 2−131 GP-sampled OP swabs collected from outpatients by sentinel GPs operating within the Italian Influenza Surveillance Network. To assess swabbing quality, following RNA extraction, each sample was tested for the presence of the human ribonuclease P gene (RNP) by in-house real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Samples with a cycle threshold (Ct)

Background: We investigate the role of family history of cancer (FHC) and diagnosis of metachronous and/or synchronous multiple neoplasms (MN), during anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. Design: This was a multicenter retrospective study of advanced cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. FHC was collected in lineal and collateral lines, and patients were categorized as follows: FHC-high (in case of cancer diagnoses in both the lineal and collateral family lines), FHC-low (in case of cancer diagnoses in only one family line), and FHC-negative. Patients were also categorized according to the diagnosis of MN as follows: MN-high (>2 malignancies), MN-low (two malignancies), and MN-negative. Objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) of any grade were evaluated. Results: 822 consecutive patients were evaluated. 458 patients (55.7%) were FHC-negative, 289 (35.2%) were FHC-low, and 75 (9.1%) FHC-high, respectively. 29 (3.5%) had a diagnosis of synchronous MN and 94 (11.4%) of metachronous MN. 108 (13.2%) and 15 (1.8%) patients were MN-low and MN-high, respectively. The median follow-up was 15.6 months. No significant differences were found regarding ORR among subgroups. FHC-high patients had a significantly longer PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.69 [95% CI: 0.48–0.97], p = .0379) and OS (HR = 0.61 [95% CI: 0.39–0.93], p = .0210), when compared to FHC-negative patients. FHC-high was confirmed as an independent predictor for PFS and OS at multivariate analysis. No significant differences were found according to MN categories. FHC-high patients had a significantly higher incidence of irAEs of any grade, compared to FHC-negative patients (p = .0012). Conclusions: FHC-high patients seem to benefit more than FHC-negative patients from anti-PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors.

Two or more histological types characterize more than 60% of testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs). Burned-out testicular tumor refers to partial or complete histological regression of the primary testicular lesions. The most frequent GCT type involved in this kind of histological regression is choriocarcinoma, followed by embryonal carcinoma. To our knowledge, there are no cases of the burned-out phenomenon in teratoma. We report a case of a 19-year-old man presenting to our institute with a right testicular lesion, evidence of mediastinal and abdominal lymph node metastasis, and high levels of GCT serum biomarkers. After orchiectomy, the histopathological examination showed a mixed GCT: mature teratoma, immature teratoma, and histological features of testicular cancer regression (burned-out phenomenon). The patient underwent first-line chemotherapy (BEP regimen) which resulted in a complete instrumental and biochemical response after 4 cycles. Teratoma is considered a less aggressive type of GCT. In this particular case, metastatic disease seems to result from non-germ cell components which underwent early spontaneous regression.

Everolimus is an oral inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR-I) and is currently approved for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) after failure of first-line vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). In this narrative review, we aim to report the available evidence about the use of everolimus as second-line therapy for mRCC. A literature search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE and abstracts from major conferences on clinical oncology as sources. We report data from prospective as well as retrospective and real world data studies and we analyze the safety and efficacy profile of everolimus as second-line therapy for mRCC. Although different drugs are currently available for the second-line treatment of mRCC, everolimus represents a feasible and safe option in this setting, especially for patients who have experienced high-grade toxicity or are still carrying TKI-related toxicities from first-line treatment.

• Why : in the HRD condition PARP inhibition promotes an interactive mechanism, defined "synthetic lethality" phenomenon, which is now the cornerstone of targeting DDR pathways in cancer treatment ; • What: DDR pathway somatic alterations were detected in about 20% of mCRPC (germline 7%), and BRCA1-2 and ATM are the most frequent affected genes; • W here : the most appropriate could be fresh tumor tissue, compared with fixed tumor tissue or ctDNA; however, integrating of both approaches may be the preferred choice when available; • When: patients with a positive family history for cancer, patients with known DDR mutations in family (eg, BRCA2), patients with metastatic PC (even if negative family history) should be tested; • Who : FDA approved olaparib and rucaparib for mCRPC with HRR gene mutations (germline or somatic) following treatment with androgen-receptor-targeting agents; DNA–damage repair (DDR) pathways alterations, a growing area of interest in oncology, are detected in about 20% of patient with prostate cancer and are associated with improved sensitivity to poly(ADP ribose) polymerases (PARP) inhibitors. In May 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two PARP inhibitors (olaparib and rucaparib) for prostate cancer treatment. Moreover, germline aberrations in DDR pathways genes have also been related to familial or hereditary prostate cancer, requiring tailored health-care programs. These emerging scenarios are rapidly changing diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic approaches in prostate cancer management. The aim of this review is to highlight the five W-points of DDR pathways in prostate cancer: why targeting DDR pathways in prostate cancer; what we should test for genomic profiling in prostate cancer; " where" testing genetic assessment in prostate cancer (germline or somatic, solid or liquid biopsy); when genetic testing is appropriate in prostate cancer; who could get benefit from PARP inhibitors; how improve patients outcome with combinations strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Theranostics combines diagnostic imaging, molecular selection, and targeted treatment. • [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 is a option for PSMA-positive pretreated mCRPC patients. • Open issues are the appropriate patients selection and the assessment of response. • Ongoing studies are evaluating combined therapy with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617. In the last years, theranostics has expanded the therapeutic options available for prostate cancer patients. In this review, we explore this dynamic field and its potential to revolutionize precision medicine for prostate cancer. We delve into the foundational principles, clinical applications, and emerging opportunities, emphasizing the potential synergy between radioligand therapy and other systemic treatments. Additionally, we address the ongoing challenges, including optimizing patient selection, assessing treatment responses, and determining the role of theranostics within the broader landscape of prostate cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background & aim Phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) reduces insulin sensitivity. Since critically ill patients present insulin resistance, we aimed at assessing the role of PTEN expression on glucose homeostasis and clinical outcome in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and receiving artificial nutrition. Methods Observational, single-center study conducted in one ICU in Rome, Italy on adult patients hospitalized for trauma. Plasma glucose levels and its variability were recorded in patients receiving artificial nutrition. PTEN expression was measured by western blotting analysis and the associations between PTEN, plasma glucose levels and variability, and calories administered were investigated. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used, as appropriate. Results Twenty consecutive patients (13 men and 7 women, mean age of 37.3 ± 12.7 years) were studied. No correlation between plasma glucose and PTEN was documented (r = −0.15, P = 0.55), neither between glycemic variability and PTEN expression (r = −0.00, P = 0.99). However, total kcal/day administered and PTEN expression significantly correlated (r = 0.56, P = 0.01). Also, patients with PTEN levels below the median received less kcal/day than those with PTEN above the median (P = 0.048). This association was more pronounced when normalized per body weight (P = 0.03) and after adjusting for the average of insulin daily administered (P = 0.02). Conclusions PTEN expression might significantly contribute to glucose homeostasis and disposal in critically ill patients receiving artificial nutrition. Larger samples are necessary to confirm our observation. Clinical Trial Registry number NCT01796847 (www.clinicaltrials.gov) submitted on February 11, 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors against PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA4 have emerged as new treatments for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), despite discrepancy between their effects on OS and PFS. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing immunotherapy to standard of care (SOC) in mRCC.Methods: Searching the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library and ASCO Meeting abstracts prospective studies were identified. Data extraction was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. The measured outcomes were OS, PFS, and ORR.Results: A total of 2832 patients were available for evaluation of OS, and 3033 for PFS and ORR. Compared to SOC, immunotherapy improved OS (HR = 0.75; 95%CI 0.66-0.85; p < 0.001), and PFS (HR = 0.88; 95%CI 0.80-0.97; p = 0.009). The PFS benefit was not confirmed when considering patients treated in first-line only (p = 0.10). Conversely, significant ORR improvement was found in patients treated in first-line only (HR = 1.14; 95%CI 1.02-1.28; p = 0.03) but not in the overall population.Conclusions: Immunotherapy improved OS compared to SOC in mRCC, irrespective of treatment line. In first-line, immunotherapy also increased the ORR compared to sunitinib. A lack of correlation between OS and PFS was confirmed, the latter to be used cautiously for the design and interpretation of trials involving immunotherapy in mRCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

De novo metastatic castration sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) accounts for about 4% of all prostate tumors in Western Countries. This condition has a heterogeneous biological e clinical behavior, ranging from indolent to aggressive and rapidly fatal forms. Recently, the therapeutic landscape for mCSPC has been broadly enriched; indeed robust evidence supports the addiction of chemotherapy (docetaxel) or abiraterone acetate to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), the latter considered for long the unique standard of care. However, the prognostic stratification and the definition of the ideal therapeutic approach for the subpopulation of de novo mCSPC - albeit largely represented in pivotal clinical trials enrolling mCSPC patients - have yet to be prospectively outlined. The aim of this review was to describe the current state of art about clinical presentation, prognostic classification, and different therapeutic options available for de novo mCSPC patients. Furthermore, we shed light on ongoing clinical trials and future perspectives for this disease setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very interesting issues regarding RCC treatment have been raised during 2017. We analysed the main news that may potentially modified clinical practice. Conflicting data came from trials testing targeted therapies in the adjuvant setting, supporting the necessity of further investigations. One of the key goals of RCC research is focused on the first-line therapy, with particular interest focus on immunotherapy combinations. Redefine the standard of care with the aim of improving patients' survival represents an imperative need. Enhancing immunotherapy antitumor activity by combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with anti-angiogenetic therapies is a noteworthy research field, with promising results. In addiction, we analysed in the metastatic setting data about the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy and the possibility of delay the start of first-line therapy after an active surveillance period. Based on recent developments, the paper outlines future prospective of RCC research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis) of the femoral head is a clinical disease due to a severe bone vascular alteration associated with intense pain and loss of joint function, with an incidence of 0.1% and unknown aetiology. Many classifications exist to describe it and in the final stages the patient will need a total hip arthroplasty. In the early stages, ESWT has given excellent responses.
 The Neapolitan school studied more than 600 patients who had very good results in I and II stages of Ficat and Arlet Classification, with an improve of outcomes in VAS and HSS scores. Moreover it has shown a complete restoration of the signal intensity of the femoral head in MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]