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P Pizzetti

Publications and source records attributed to P Pizzetti.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

First-line chemotherapy with intraperitoneal cisplatin and intravenous cyclophosphamide in ovarian carcinoma. A preliminary report.

Between August 1982 and October 1986, the feasibility and activity of five cycles of intraperitoneal (i.p.) cisplatin (CDDP) (90 mg/m2 in 6 h dwelling) and i.v. cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m2) were studied in 24 previously untreated patients with ovarian carcinoma having small or no residual disease after cytoreductive surgery. Six patients (25%) had local complications requiring catheter removal before the end of therapy. Fifteen of the 21 patients (71%) evaluable for activity achieved or maintained a pathologic complete remission. The median disease-free survival was 29+ months (range 18-58+ months). Three patients with tumor progression (two patients previously without evidence of disease, and one patient with minimal residual disease), and three partial responders were documented by laparotomy at the end of therapy. Two patients who achieved pathologic complete response relapsed at 20 and 36 months. All treatment failures (eight cases, 38%) occurred in the peritoneal cavity. Since patients were selected for having the most favorable tumor characteristics to benefit from i.p. treatment, our findings may cast some doubt on the actual contribution of i.p. CDDP at a dose of 90 mg/m2 in the treatment of patients with ovarian carcinoma and small residual disease in the peritoneal cavity.

Adult↗

Sensitivity of Hemoccult test for large bowel cancer in high-risk subjects.

From 1979 to 1982, 1233 symptom-free subjects at high risk for colon cancer because of family history and/or personal history of bowel neoplasia (cancer or adenomatous polyp) were examined with a guaiac test (Hemoccult II) for occult blood in stools. The test was positive (H+) in 98 subjects (7.9%). Endoscopy was subsequently performed on 86% of the H+ and on 64% of the H- subjects. Of 20 in invasive cancers found, 15 had been H+ [75.0%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 54.3-91.0%]. Of 96 patients with adenoma(s), 23 were H+ (24%; 95% CI, 16.0-33.0%). However, the sensitivity for adenomas was higher in patients with multiple adenomas or with a single adenoma measuring 2 cm or more in its largest diameter (37.5%; 95% CI, 21.8-54.7%). Of 699 subjects free of neoplastic lesions at endoscopy, 47 had been H+, ie, false positive (6.7%; 95% CI, 5.0-8.7%). Adjusting for differential compliance of H+ and H- subjects to endoscopy, a corrected estimate for sensitivity would be 69% for cancer and 19% for adenomas; the corrected estimate for the false-positive rate would be 5%.

Adenoma↗

Radiologic diagnosis of invasive carcinoma on adenomatous polyps of the colon.

The radiographic appearance at double contrast enema of 33 cases of invasive cancer on adenomatous polyps (AP) of the colon is reviewed. The radiologic diagnosis of malignancy was prospectively made in 54.5% of the cases. In 45.5% of the cases, malignancy was not suspected at the time of examination. The endoscopic appearance of these lesions was identical to that seen on the barium study. There are no radiologic criteria able to entirely rule out the possibility of a carcinomatous transformation of an AP. However, the radiologic features of malignancy (indentation of the intestinal wall and/or irregular outline of the surface of the polyp) have to be considered quite reliable.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Accuracy of the double contrast enema in evaluation of the abdominal diffusion of ovarian carcinoma.

The results of 103 double contrast enemas in 72 patients with ovarian carcinoma (stage III and IV) were compared with laparoscopic and/or laparotomic findings at comparable times. The evaluation of the validity of radiology in detecting the presence of abdominal disease showed an 84% overall accuracy, 75% specificity and 86% sensitivity. The accuracy in detecting signs of adhesion and parietal infiltration of the large bowel was 76.3%, due to the limited size of most of the lesions. Forty-seven of the 72 patients underwent a double contrast enema and laparoscopy during presurgical staging: accuracy in detecting lesions was the same for both examinations (80.4%). When double contrast enema and laparoscopy were used together in the evaluation of abdominal extension of the disease, the diagnostic accuracy rose to 93.6%.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

Ultrasonography versus laparoscopy in the diagnosis of hepatic tumors.

129 patients, with suspected primary or secondary benign or malignant liver neoplasm after clinical, biochemical and/or instrumental investigation underwent liver ultrasound and laparoscopy. Echographic findings were compared with laparoscopy when liver neoplasms were detected by the latter. When laparoscopy was negative, to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the two methods employed, the following variously associated parameters were analysed: clinical follow-up, liver biochemistry, computed tomography, liver selective arteriography and explorative laparotomy. In the 129 patients examined, echography showed 86.7% diagnostic accuracy and laparoscopy 89.4%. The association of the two methods led to a diagnosis of hepatic lesion in 98.4% with no further diagnostic investigations. The two procedures can be considered complementary to such an extent that, in case of suspected primary or secondary liver neoplasm, the association of ultrasound and laparoscopy represents a quick and ultimate diagnostic approach. Furthermore, the association of these two procedures seems the least expensive and the most feasible, even in not particularly well equipped units.

Adult↗

Lymphomatous involvement of intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary ducts. PTC and ERCP findings.

The intra- and extrahepatic biliary ducts were examined by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography in 10 patients with malignant lymphoma and suggested hepatic involvement. Different radiologic appearances of the biliary tract are described, related to lymphomatous involvement of the liver or extrahepatic tissues, and compared with laparoscopic findings and final diagnosis. The results demonstrate the accuracy of cholangiography by PTC and ERCP and its usefulness in patients in whom non-invasive techniques fail to provide a reliable diagnosis.

Bile Duct Neoplasms↗

Endoscopic diagnosis of gastric lymphomas.

From January 1970 to June 1979, 180 gastroscopies were performed in patients affected by lymphoma (168 in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 12 in patients with Hodgkin's disease). A gastric localization was evidenced in 48 patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (15 primaries and 33 secondaries), and no lesions were found in patients with Hodgkin's disease. The gastroscopies were accompanied by histological samples in all the cases and by cytological samples in most of them. The examination allowed a histological classification in 96% of the cases. The endoscopic aspect most frequently observed (48%) was vegetation, which was often associated with multiple ulcerations. The most frequent site (67%) was the vertical portion of the stomach. Gastroscopy was also utilized in the follow-up of 22 of the 48 patients affected by gastric lymphoma: in two of these, gastric localizations missed at other examinations were found.

Gastric Mucosa↗

Laparoscopy combined with peritoneal cytology in staging and restaging ovarian carcinoma.

The merits of laparoscopy, with inspection of the diaphragmatic leaves, and of peritoneal cytology (free fluid or washing) in staging and restaging were studied in 153 patients with ovarian carcinoma. Of 153 patients examined, 83 were new cases, 34 were restaging in patients without clinical and/or radiological signs of disease, and 36 in patients with evident disease. The conversion rate for diaphragmatic metastases alone was 6%. Information about the spread of disease (diaphragmatic metastases) was obtained in 33 new cases (39.7%). In pretreated patients, laparoscopy was positive in 4 of 34 NED restaging and in 24 of 36 ED restaging. The conversion rate for peritoneal cytology was 6.6%, but information about the cellular intraperitoneal spread of the disease was obtained in 31 new cases (37.8%). In pretreated patients, peritoneal cytology was positive in 4 of 34 NED restaging and in 13 of 36 ED restaging.

Ascitic Fluid↗

Two-step endoscopic resection of gastric leiomyomas.

Our two-step technique for endoscopic treatment of gastric leiomyomas is illustrated. From January 1979 to June 1991, nine symptomatic patients with sessile leiomyomas of the stomach were treated at the Endoscopy Division of Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan. The diagnosis was achieved by means of endoscopic observation of the lesion and, when possible, by ultrasound endoscopy. This new technique consists of first removing superficial portion of the tumor by electrosurgical snare. Second, a cleavage plane is found within the proper muscle layer; the tumor is enucleated as much as possible by tightening the snare around it and creating a pseudo-stalk. No major complication occurred nor were any recurrences observed at 21.8 months in the 7/9 patients treated by endoscopy alone. Endoscopic therapy was performed on an outpatient basis and only large lesions required short hospitalization.

Adult↗

Endoscopic stent placement for cancer of the lower esophagus and gastric cardia.

We reviewed our results of using stents for palliation of cancer of the lower third of the esophagus and gastric cardia. During a 14-year period, 76 patients with either lower third esophageal cancer (n = 43) or cancer of the gastric cardia (n = 33) received stents for palliation of malignant dysphagia. Successful endoscopic placement was initially achieved in all patients, with 71 patients available for follow-up. Of these, 40 (56%) were subsequently able to eat solid or semi-solid food, 25 (35%) could swallow only liquids, and 6 (8%) were unimproved. The combined early and late complication rate totalled 22%. Early complications included perforation (n = 3) and stent migration (n = 4); late complications consisted of dislodgment (n = 6), obstruction by tumor (n = 2), and severe esophagitis (n = 1). There were no procedure-related deaths, but survival at 1 year was estimated to be only 1.5%, with a median survival of 2.5 months after stent insertion. The endoscopic placement of prosthetic stents for cancer of the distal esophagus and gastric cardia entails a higher complication rate, less successful palliation, and shorter survival time compared to similar treatment for more proximal esophageal cancer.

Aged↗

Evaluation of quality of life in patients with malignant dysphagia.

BACKGROUND: In the last 10 years of clinical research there has been increasing interest in the evaluation of quality of life. Several generic and specific instruments have been developed for this purpose. EORTC QLQ C-30 is a cancer-specific questionnaire translated into various languages and validated in several European countries including Italy, where the impact of malignant disease on different areas of quality of life is poorly documented. METHODS: The EORTC QLQ C-30 was administered to 109 patients referred to the endoscopy division of the Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, for endoscopic palliative treatment of malignant dysphagia to test its characteristics in terms of acceptability and clinical validity. RESULTS: In this group of patients the impact of advanced esophageal cancer was highly evident for Emotional and Physical Functioning, Fatigue and Global QoL scales. Dysphagia is a serious problem for many patients; there is a correlation between grade of dysphagia and four QoL dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: QoL assessment is an important tool to evaluate the adequate management of patients with esophageal cancer. The EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire proved to be valid and reliable also in this population.

Aged↗

Laparoscopy in staging and restaging of 95 patients with ovarian carcinoma.

The merits of laparoscopy with inspection of diaphragmatic leaves were studied in 95 patients with ovarian carcinoma. Laparoscopy was positive in 19 out of 27 new cases, 11 out of 47 patients previously treated and in apparent complete remission, and 12 out of 21 patients previously treated and with the disease. Thirty-one out of 95 patients were shown to have diaphragmatic metastases alone and/or associated with other localizations of disease. In 5 out of 27 new cases the stage was modified after laparoscopy. The histologic-endoscopic correlation was correct in 28/36 positive cases (78%) and in 31/32 negative cases (97%). In conclusionall patients with ovarian carcinoma should be subjected to laparoscopy as staging and restaging before undergoing laparotomy.

Diaphragm↗

Risk of colorectal cancer following colonoscopic polypectomy.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: To follow a cohort of patients who had undergone polypectomies in order to assess the overall risk of subsequent colorectal cancer in relation with various adenomas characteristics. METHODS: A total of 1,063 patients with adenomatous polyps of the large intestine were treated between 1979 and 1996 at the National Cancer Institute of Milan, during a screening program for colorectal carcinoma. Data on patients who had undergone colonoscopies were collected prospectively. The relation between colorectal cancer and adenomas characteristics was assessed by computing the hazard ratio (HR) values and corresponding confidence intervals (95% CI), according to Cox. RESULTS: Of the 1,063 patients who met the eligibility requirements, 672 had single adenomas (63.2%) and 391 had multiple adenomas (36.8%). Histological examination revealed 743 cases of tubular adenoma, 196 cases of tubulo-villous adenoma, and 96 cases of villous adenoma. High-grade dysplasia was found in 3.1% of the cases. During the 8,906 persons/year of follow-up, adenocarcinomas of the large bowel developed in 11 patients. Several adenomas' characteristics at index polypectomy were significant predictors of colorectal cancer occurrence. In univariate analysis the risk of colon cancer was significantly related with multiple adenomas (HR 4.2, 95% CI 1.1-6.5), high-grade dysplasia adenomas (HR 10.0, 95% CI 2.6-38.1) and with adenomas larger than 2 cm (HR 5.0, 95% CI 1.2-20.4). A multivariate stepwise procedure confirmed that the presence of multiple adenomas and presence of high-grade dysplasia are the most important predictors of carcinomas. Hazard ratios for colorectal cancer occurrence, from multivariate Cox's model, were 5.1 (95% CI 1.2-19.9) for multiple compared to single adenomas, and 13.0 (95% CI 3.6-50.7) for adenomas with high-grade dysplasia compared to those with low-grade dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS: High-grade dysplasia, number and size of adenomas were confirmed as the major cancer predictors. Based on this conclusion, a subgroup of patients, who may benefit from intensive surveillance colonoscopy, can be identifiable.

Adenoma↗

[The endoscopic treatment of gastric adenomas].

Endoscopic polypectomy is the treatment of choice in symptomatic polyps of the stomach. From 1974 to 1989, at the Endoscopy Division of National Cancer Institute of Milan, 37 patients underwent endoscopic polypectomy, to remove 55 gastric adenomas. Areas of malignancy were revealed in 3 patients. Two of them, not operable for advanced age and poor general conditions, are controlled endoscopically. Endoscopic polypectomy can be performed on an outpatient basis or with a short period of hospitalization. It represents the only form of therapy in not operable patients. Furthermore this method allows to prevent the malignant transformation of the adenomas, which, as reported in the literature, ranges between 3.4% to 66.5%. Our experience confirms the validity of this technique which is safe and effective.

Adenoma↗

[Endoscopic treatment of colorectal polyps in children].

In paediatric patients colorectal polyps are less frequent than in adults. In infancy, more than 70% of colorectal polyps are non-neoplastic (juvenile or amartomatous). Intestinal and pharmacological preparation are different in children with respect to adults. In infants and young children, endoscopic polypectomy is performed under general anaesthesia. From the technical viewpoint, there are no substantial differences between adult and paediatric patients. Moreover, the fact that juvenile polyps are not neoplastic in nature, generally influences the modalities of follow up. In the Division of Endoscopy of the I.N.T., from 1974 to 1987, 33 colorectal polyps were removed in 20 patients (13 M, 7 F). The age range was 2 to 14 years. Only one complication was observed: a post-polypectomy bleed, which was treated endoscopically. Histologically, there were 18 juvenile polyps, 6 hyperplastic polyps, 1 tubular adenoma; 8 polyps (6 in the same patient) were not retrieved.

Adolescent↗

[Laparoscopy in oncological pediatrics].

Laparoscopy permits direct inspection of the peritoneal cavity. Its role is very important in oncology both in the adult and in the pediatric patient. From 1973 to 1985, 147 laparoscopies were performed on 137 patients, aged 2-16; indications were: definition of the nature of neoplastic disease in 8 cases, staging of known neoplasia in 132, restaging in 7. On Hodgkin's disease, splenic involvement in 8/113 cases was revealed by laparoscopy with biopsy. Histological examination was positive in 4 out of 22 cases of ovarian tumors. Morbidity was 1.2%. Although a laparotomy performed after laparoscopy has shown some false negatives, in most cases the clinical and instrumental follow-up has proved reliability of laparoscopic examination.

Adolescent↗