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Stefano Ciatto

Publications and source records attributed to Stefano Ciatto.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Underestimation of malignancy of breast core-needle biopsy: concepts and precise overall and category-specific estimates.

BACKGROUND: A review of the literature indicated variable underestimation rates for breast core-needle biopsy (CNB) based on generally small series. In this article, the authors present precise estimates for overall underestimation and for categories of histologic underestimates (including categories that reflect contemporary classification) and examine the effect of lesion and sampling variables. METHODS: Among 4035 consecutive CNBs, the authors examined women whose CNB outcome represented a potential underestimate of malignancy (benign but of uncertain biologic or malignant potential or B3 and ductal carcinoma in situ [DCIS]). From 889 eligible women, all 758 women who had excision histology available were included. RESULTS: Overall underestimation of CNB was 27.7% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 24.5-30.9%). The following category-specific rates were used: B3 underestimates, 36.2% (95% CI, 30.6-41.8%); B3 underestimates (excluding atypical proliferations), 17.9% (95% CI, 10.8-24.9%); atypical ductal hyperplasia underestimates, 29.0% (95% CI, 21.4-36.6%; upgraded to DCIS) and 44.2% (95% CI, 36.0-52.5%; upgraded to DCIS or invasive cancer); and DCIS underestimates, 22.8% (95% CI, 19.0-26.5%). There was a significant trend toward greater underestimation of malignancy with increasing lesion size on imaging studies for overall underestimates (P = .00008), B3 underestimates (P = .009), and DCIS underestimates (P = .0007). Underestimation rates did not differ between masses (27.9%) and microcalcifications (27.6%; chi-square statistic with 1 degree of freedom = 3.02; P = .98) and were significantly lower for vacuum-assisted CNB (11-gauge) than for automated CNB (14-gauge; P = .001). Underestimation rates, when sampling microcalcifications, decreased with increasing number of cores collected, but this was mainly for DCIS underestimates. CONCLUSIONS: CNB results that were not definitely negative or were not positive for invasive cancer were associated with high rates of underestimation of disease and with target lesion size. Identifying imaging or sampling factors that affect underestimation rates of CNB may assist in reducing their occurrence and better predicting excision histology outcomes.

Biopsy, Fine-Needle↗

Agreement between the AMPLICOR Human Papillomavirus Test and the Hybrid Capture 2 assay in detection of high-risk human papillomavirus and diagnosis of biopsy-confirmed high-grade cervical disease.

The AMPLICOR HPV test (AMP) and the Hybrid Capture 2 assay (HC2) detect 13 high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) types. Evaluation of comparative performance with clinical samples is needed to allow informed implementation of AMP into clinical practice. AMP was used (i) to assess the prevalence of HR-HPV in 1,032 samples of known cytology, HC2 status, and/or confirmed histology; (ii) to determine agreement between AMP and HC2; (iii) to evaluate the clinical sensitivity and specificity for detecting HR-HPV; and (iv) to detect the presence of biopsy-confirmed high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The prevalence of HR-HPV was 39.3% and 45.6% by AMP and HC2, respectively. Overall agreement was 89.2% (kappa value, 0.78). Of 509 HR-HPV-negative specimens by HC2, 488 (95.9%) were AMP negative. Of 427 HR-HPV-positive specimens by HC2, 347 (81.2%) were AMP positive. In comparing the ability to detect high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), the two tests were positive for all HSIL samples. Both tests performed similarly on CIN2+ samples (clinical sensitivities were 96.7% and 97.8%, respectively, for AMP and HC2). The clinical specificities of AMP and HC2 were comparable (54.9% versus 51.6%; P=0.18). Genotyping of 20 HC2-negative/AMP-positive cases using alternative technologies revealed target HR genotypes in 63.1% of cases and low-risk types in 15.7% of cases, while 21% of cases were negative. In conclusion, AMP provides a viable alternative to HC2, with good agreement for samples with high-grade cytology and similar sensitivity in detecting CIN2+ lesions.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of axillary lymph nodes as a triage test in breast cancer staging.

INTRODUCTION: Axillary node fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has the potential to triage women with operable breast cancer to initial nodal surgical procedure. Because of variability in the reported accuracy of this test its role and clinical utility in pre-operative staging remains controversial. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the accuracy of ultrasound-guided axillary FNAC in all consecutive clinically T1-2 N0-1 breast cancers that had undergone this test (491 biopsies). We included subjects with clinically or sonographically indeterminate or suspicious nodes. Pathological node status was used as the reference standard (based on axillary dissection or sentinel node biopsy). RESULTS: Sensitivity of node FNAC was 72.6% (67.3-77.9) and specificity was 95.7% (92.5-98.8) for all cases, sensitivity was lower at 64.6% (59.3-70.0) if inadequate cytology was included as a negative result. FNAC sensitivity was highest in women with clinically suspicious nodes [92.5% (88.2-96.7)] and lowest in women with sonographically abnormal and clinically negative nodes [50.0% (41.3-58.7)]. Specificity was high in both groups, 81.2% (54.5-96.0) and 97.2% (94.6-99.9), respectively. The false-negative rate was 15.3% (12.1-18.5), the false-positive rate was 1.4% (0.4-2.5), and the inadequacy rate was 10.8% (8.0-13.5). The likelihood of node FNAC being positive was significantly associated with tumour grade and stage, and the number of nodes involved with metastases. DISCUSSION: Our data show that axillary FNAC has moderate sensitivity (which varies according to selection criteria for the test) and consistently high specificity, is associated with low inadequacy and very few false positives. We estimate that its use would have improved triage to initial nodal procedure in about one quarter of our cases. If one accepts the premise that initial surgical staging of the axilla should be based on all information available through pre-operative diagnosis, then axillary FNAC should be adopted routinely into clinical practice.

Adult↗

Prostate cancer specific mortality in the Florence screening pilot study cohort 1992-1993.

The impact of screening on prostate cancer mortality is still unknown. A favourable impact is suggested by uncontrolled and possibly biased studies. Mortality from all causes and from prostate cancer was assessed in a cohort of 6,861 males aged 60-74 years, participants to a pilot screening study during 1991-1994. Observed/expected mortality was determined by linkage with cancer and mortality registries. Prostate cancer standardised mortality rate (SMR) in the overall series (751 subjects excluded by GPs for disabling illness or prostate cancer; 3,448 refusers, 2,662 attenders; 67,321.2 men-year) was 0.96 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.74-1.22) when deaths from prevalent cancers diagnosed before screening were considered. Reduced prostate cancer mortality (SMR=0.48; 95% CI=0.26-0.83), persisting beyond five years after study entry (SMR=0.48; 95% CI=0.22-0.90), was observed in attenders and not in refusers (SMR=0.99; 95% CI=0.69-1.37). This finding might suggest a screening effect, but might also be ascribed to an healthy screening effect, and cannot be assumed as a reliable evidence of screening efficacy.

Aged↗

Accuracy and underestimation of malignancy of breast core needle biopsy: the Florence experience of over 4000 consecutive biopsies.

Breast core needle biopsy (CNB) is used for sampling breast lesions in both the screening and diagnostic context. We present the accuracy of breast CNB from a consecutive series of 4035 core biopsies, using methods that minimise selection and verification bias. We calculate accuracy and underestimation of malignancy for both automated (14G) and directional vacuum-assisted (11G) CNB performed under stereotactic or sonographic guidance. Overall sensitivity of CNB is 94.2% (92.9-95.5%) and specificity is 88.1% (86.6-89.6%), positive and negative predictive values are 84.8% (82.9-86.7%) and 95.6% (94.6-96.6%), respectively. In sampling microcalcification, the overall underestimation of malignancy is 26.6% (22.9-30.3%): underestimation is significantly higher for automated CB relative to VAB (chi2 ((df = 1)) = 8.90 , P = 0.002), the absolute difference in underestimation being 14% (5-23%); sensitivity is higher for VAB than automated CB (chi2 ((df = 1)) = 3.28, P = 0.06) but specificity is significantly higher for automated CB (14G) relative to VAB (11G) (chi2 ((df = 1)) = 6.37, P = 0.01), and the overall accuracy of the two methods is similar. Sensitivity of CNB improved with experience (over time and in relation to caseload). Accuracy was not substantially affected by lesion palpability or image-guidance method, and was similar for both masses and calcification but lower for lesions depicted as distortions on mammography. Inadequacy was very low and decreased with greater operator caseload, and was not associated with core gauge or image-guidance method. False negatives occurred in 4.4% (3.4-5.4%) of cases, and where core histology was benign but discordant with (suspicious) imaging and/or clinical findings the likelihood of malignancy was 33.1% (18.5-47.7%), emphasising the importance of correlating all test information in breast diagnosis.

Biopsy, Fine-Needle↗

Detection rates of high-grade prostate cancer during subsequent screening visits. Results of the European Randomized Screening Study for Prostate Cancer.

Screening for prostate cancer using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests has led to a stage and grade shift as compared to the pre-PSA era. Effectiveness of screening for prostate cancer should be manifested by a reduction in detection rate of aggressive cancers during subsequent screening. In 6 centers of the European Randomized Screening study for Prostate Cancer, a total of 58,710 men were tested for prostate cancer. Screening centers differed with regard to age-range, screening interval and biopsy indications. During the 2nd visit, the proportion of Gleason score 6 cancers increased from 62.5 to 75%, mainly at the expense of Gleason score 7 cancers. High-grade (Gleason score 8-10) cancer detection rates varied per screening center during the 1st visit from 5.1 to 41.1, and during the 2nd visit from 6.4 to 29.3/10,000 men. The overall detection rate of high-grade cancers showed a reduction during the 2nd visit from 26 to 12/10,000 men, an effect mainly attributable to the screening center with the highest cancer detection rate (i.e. 507/10,000 men). Variations in detection rates among screening centers related among others to biopsy compliance and age range.

Age Factors↗

Role of P16(INK4a) expression in identifying CIN2 or more severe lesions among HPV-positive patients referred for colposcopy after abnormal cytology.

BACKGROUND: p16 is strongly overexpressed in dysplastic cervical cells because of the transforming activity of the E7 oncogene of all high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) types and may be easily revealed by immunochemistry: p16 may, therefore, be considered a surrogate marker for the activated oncogene expression of HR-HPV in dysplastic cervical cells. METHODS: HPV and p16(INK4a) testing were performed in a consecutive series of 283 patients with abnormal cytology referred to colposcopy assessment or follow-up. Triage of patients to colposcopy by HPV or HPV and p16 testing was simulated, and the relative sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of HPV and p16 testing for > CIN2 lesions was determined as well as the cost balance of the two triage types. RESULTS: Compared to current protocol, triage by HPV testing reduced the number of colposcopies by 44.2%, but also reduced the > CIN2 detection rate by 10.7%, and was associated with a cost of euro 54.16 per assessed woman and of euro 613.20 per > CIN2 detected. Compared with current protocol, triage by HPV and p16 testing combined reduced the number of colposcopies by 73.1%, but reduced > CIN2 detection rate by 21.5%, and was associated with a cost of euro 54.73 per woman assessed and of euro 704.09 per > CIN2 detected. CONCLUSIONS: Triage by HPV and p16 improves considerably the PPV of diagnostic assessment, but decreases > CIN2 detection rate, and is associated with substantially higher costs. Further decrease of molecular immunochemistry testing due to technological progress may allow HPV and p16 testing to become a cost effective procedure in the future.

Adult↗

Radiological surveillance of interval breast cancers in screening programmes.

Interval breast cancers-those diagnosed after a negative mammographic screen and before the next scheduled screen-are an important indicator of the potential effectiveness of population screening for breast cancer. Although the incidence of interval cancers is usually monitored, radiological surveillance is not undertaken routinely in most screening programmes. Here, we describe radiological surveillance of interval breast cancers and discuss methodological difficulties in the radiological review process and in the categorisation of interval cancers as false-negative, true, or occult. Furthermore, we identify methods that affect whether an interval cancer is classified as a false-negative (missed) or a true interval cancer. For all radiological categories of interval cancers, we outline possible changes to screening programmes that might improve cancer detection. Standardised radiological surveillance of interval cancers might allow within-programme comparisons and has the potential to guide practice and improve quality.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Analysis of morphologic patterns of fine-needle aspiration of the breast to reduce false-negative results in breast cytology.

BACKGROUND: The identification of specific morphologic diagnostic criteria is of paramount importance to optimize the accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and to reduce the rate of false-negative results. In the current study, the authors reviewed a consecutive series of false-negative findings observed in the study center to define the presence and degree of cytologic abnormalities. False-negative cases were randomly mixed with true-negative cases and were reviewed by a panel of expert readers in a blinded fashion. The main objective of the current study was to identify a morphologic pattern that may permit the reduction of false-negative findings while maintaining the specificity of FNAC. METHODS: A blind review of a set of 41 consecutive false-negative and 49 true-negative breast aspiration samples was performed by a panel of 10 expert cytologists who were asked to give a final report and to classify the samples according to classic morphologic parameters. RESULTS: The majority final report sensitivity was 54% (range, 19-61%) and specificity was 73% (range, 65-92%). The average concordance with the majority report, adjusted for chance agreement (kappa statistic), was moderate at 0.54 (range, 0.40-0.65). Enlarged nuclear size, a hyperchromatic nucleus, the absence of naked nuclei, and the absence of apocrine metaplasia were reported more frequently in carcinoma cases, although not to a significant extent. The only variable found to be associated significantly (P = 0.041) with a diagnosis of carcinoma was the presence of microcalcifications, which nevertheless were found to occur in only a minority of carcinoma cases (7 of 41 cases) or controls (2 of 49 controls). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the presence of microcalcifications (odds ration [OR] of 3.0; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.2-7.4), the absence of naked nuclei (OR of 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3-4.4), and enlargement of the nucleus (OR of 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.4) were all independently associated with false-negative findings. Diagnostic accuracy using a morphology-based score did not appear to improve the results substantially compared with the final report (sensitivity of 0.46 vs. 0.54 [P = 0.508] and a specificity of 0.80 vs. 0.73 [P = 0.218]). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study confirm that breast FNAC false-negative results are at least partially the result of underreporting of abnormalities that may be noted at review. Detailed analysis of a single morphologic characteristic was found to be of limited diagnostic value, suggesting that operators do perceive abnormalities but cannot translate these findings into distinct morphologic categories.

Biopsy, Fine-Needle↗

Triage with human papillomavirus testing of women with cytologic abnormalities prompting referral for colposcopy assessment.

BACKGROUND: The current study was conducted to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of triaging for colposcopy using human papillomavirus (HPV) testing. METHODS: HPV tests were performed in a consecutive series of women who were referred for colposcopy for persistent atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS)-favor reactive (n = 35 women), ASCUS-favor squamous epithelial lesion (n = 164 women), atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (n = 74 women), low-grade squamous epithelial lesion (n = 161 women), or high-grade squamous epithelial lesion (n = 78 women). The cost effectiveness of triaging women with ASCUS results using HPV testing was determined compared with the current protocol. RESULTS: The sensitivity of HPV testing for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia > Grade 2 was very high. Cost analysis showed a moderate increase in cost with the addition of HPV triage. CONCLUSIONS: Because HPV testing is highly sensitive, it may be useful as an alternative to the current policy of 6-month repeat cytology for women with ASCUS.

Cervix Uteri↗

Determining overdiagnosis by screening with DRE/TRUS or PSA (Florence pilot studies, 1991-1994).

The rate of overdiagnosis of prostate carcinoma was assessed by following 6890 participants in pilot screening studies from 1991 to 1994. Observed/expected incidence and mortality were determined using data from the Cancer and Mortality Registry. The cancer detection rate (1.75%) and observed/expected ratio (12.5:1) were high at the first screening, and substantially lower at the second screening (0.65% or 4.10:1). According to the registry follow-up, prostate cancer occurred in 225 subjects in the whole study cohort, while 178.2 were expected with 50652 men/years at risk. The standardised incidence rate was 1.66 in the screened (95%CI=1.4-2.0), 0.97 in the non-responders (95%CI=0.8-1.2) and 1.23 in subjects excluded from invitation due to previous cancer or major illness (95%CI=0.8-1.5). A 66% excess incidence rate was observed in the screened subjects over a 9-year period, confirming previous estimates of overdiagnosis.

Aged↗

Accuracy of prostate volume measurements using transrectal multiplanar three-dimensional sonography.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound in comparison with conventional bidimensional (2D) sonography in prostatic calculations. The study was performed using a Kretztechnik Voluson 530D machine with a 7.5 MHz endocavitary transducer. From March 1998 to March 2000, we examined 80 patients (63-74 years, mean 68 years). There were 59 patients with benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) and 21 with prostate cancer awaiting a radical prostatectomy. The mean absolute error in 3D ultrasound measurement was +/-0.2-3 mL. (range of error was 6.5%). Volume measurement using 2D ultrasound methods was much less accurate than 3D ultrasound methods: +/-0.4-5 mL. (range of error was 35%). Both 2D and 3D measurements show that the margin of error depends on the frequent presence of a third prostatic lobe, on the morphology, and on the size of the prostatic gland. The precise estimation of prostate volumes may provide information on the real effectiveness of some therapies that act on the reduction in volume of benign alteration, such as in prostatic hypertrophy, and may eliminate the current limits of 2D sonography with a significant clinical contribution for virtually no extra cost.

Aged↗

Quality assessment of the mammographic screening programme in the Azienda Sanitaria locale Provincia Milano 1 -- analysis of interval cancers and discussion of possible causes of diagnostic error.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the sensitivity of the mammographic screening programme and the causes of diagnostic fault in cases surfacing as interval cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interval cancers (CI) were identified by linkage of the screening database for the years 2000-2002 to the database of hospital discharge records (HDR) for breast cancer during 2000-2002. Linkage between screening attenders during 2000-2001 and HDR (biennial follow-up for year 2000, one year follow-up for year 2001) was used to calculate the proportional rate of observed/expected IC. The observed/ expected rate was compared with international standards and literature data. Screening mammograms followed by IC, randomly admixtured with negative controls, underwent blind review by an independent radiologist, using the recommended classification criteria to evaluate causes of error (occult, minimal signs, screening error). RESULTS: The analysis of HDR during 2000-2002 allowed us to identify 31 out of 89 expected IC. Proportional observed/expected IC rate in the first or second year of screening interval was 26 or 67%, respectively. Screening mammograms for radiological review were available in 38 of 61 total IC: 20 cases (52.6%) were classified as occult, whereas minimal signs or screening errors were 2 (5.2%) or 16 (42.1%), respectively. Diagnostic suspicion had been reported at screening in 7 of 16 cases classified as screening error, but were not diagnosed at the subsequent diagnostic assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Proportional IC rate was higher than reported in the literature or currently recommended (<30% in the 1st, <50% in the 2nd year). The analysis of error causes shows an excess of screening errors with respect to current recommendations (<20% of IC should be classified as screening error at review), but also an excess of IC suspected at screening but misdiagnosed at assessment (7/38=18.4 %). Overall the analysis revealed a reduced sensitivity of the screening programme, as often observed in service screening as compared to excellence centres, and suggests proper action to improve diagnostic accuracy. Analysis and critical review of IC is an early indicator of screening efficacy which is not currently used in Italian screening programmes. Using HDR for this purpose may have limited drawbacks, but gives the advantage of earlier identification of IC as compared to cancer registries and is the most reliable source of information in areas lacking a cancer registry. The present study methodology might be currently applied in screening programmes.

Aged↗

Role of multimedial diagnosis of breast cancer in women below 36 year of age.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the sensitivity for breast cancer of different diagnostic tests performed in a consecutive series of women aged under 36 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study analyses 155 women with breast cancer incident in the Tuscany Cancer Registry from 1985 to 2000. The sensitivity of each method was evaluated in relation to the most recent test performed during the year before diagnosis and to different variables, such as tumour size and calendar period. RESULTS: Sensitivity was 70.3 % for physical examination, 76.0% for mammography, 69.1% for ultrasonography and 80.6% for cytology (86.2% if inadequate samples are excluded). Sensitivity was associated to pT category for physical examination (pT1=60.6%; pT2-4=86.4%; chi squared=10.2, p= 0.001) and for ultrasonography (pT1=61.9%; pT2-4=92.0%; chi squared=5.7, p=0.01) and to breast radiological density for mammography (50-100% density=75.5%; 0-50% density=91.3%; chi squared=1.85, p<0.17). Among 112 cases examined with palpation, mammography and cytology, these methods had a sensitivity of 78.5%, 75.8% and 91.9%, respectively, and an overall sensitivity of 98.2%. Among 65 cases examined with palpation, ultrasonography and cytology, these methods had a sensitivity of 67.6%, 70.7% and 92.3%, respectively, and an overall sensitivity of 95.3%. Among 123 cases examined with palpation, imaging (mammography and/or ultrasonography) and cytology, these methods had a sensitivity of 76.4%, 78.0% and 90.2%, respectively, and an overall sensitivity of 96.7%. Cancer was suspected by one method only in 2.4% of cases with palpation, 1.6% with imaging and 7.3% with cytology. Comparison between mammography and ultrasonography was possible in 58 cases undergoing both tests: sensitivity was 79.3% for ultrasonography and 74.1% for mammography, respectively chi squared=0.1, p=0.66). If sensitivity had been determined according to the test performed immediately before diagnosis it would have been higher, that is 74.4% for palpation, 76.8% for mammography, 73.5% for ultrasonography and 90.9% for cytology (97.7% if inadequate samples were excluded), and overall sensitivity would be 96.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Differential diagnosis of breast cancer in women aged under 36 years is difficult, sensitivity being lower as compared to older women, with the only exception of cytology. The association of multiple tests (diagnostic imaging and cytology) is crucial to achieve an acceptable false negative rate. In particular, the extensive use of cytology in the presence of an even minimal doubt at palpation and/or imaging is strongly recommendable. Sensitivity must be calculated on the basis of an independent pathology registry, and false negatives must be defined within a given period after the test. Analysis limited to tests performed immediately before diagnosis leads to a biased overestimation of sensitivity.

Adult↗

Conventional versus digital mammography in the analysis of screen-detected lesions with low positive predictive value.

PURPOSE: To compare the performance of screen-film and digital mammography in the assessment of screen-detected breast lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A series of 100 consecutive mammographic screen-detected lesions (65 masses, 6 architectural distortions, 29 microcalcifications) deserving diagnostic assessment and judged to have a low positive predictive value underwent screen-film mammography (SFM) and digital mammography by a Fuji computed radiography system (FCR) (double exposure, same view, without removing compression) of the corresponding breast. Three sets of images (SFM, hard copy and soft copy FCR) were read, blind of assessment outcome, by three experienced radiologists. For the three different imaging modalities a contrast-detail analysis, dose evaluation and diagnostic accuracy by means of ROC analysis were performed. At the end of the diagnostic workup all suspicious cases (20) underwent surgical biopsy and were histologically confirmed as cancers and the cases which were negative or benign at assessment (80) were followed up for a period of 12-20 months. During the follow-up period two more cases proved to be cancers at subsequent examinations. RESULTS: Contrast-detail analysis gives better image quality for FCR compared to SFM at the same delivered dose, whilst in ROC analysis the SFM (AUC 0.7158), hard copy FCR (AUC 0.7404) and soft copy FCR (AUC 0.7501) (chi(2)=1.30, p=0.5220) are equivalent. CONCLUSION: FCR has a diagnostic performance equivalent to SFM in the assessment of screen-detected lesions with a low positive predictive value for cancer and it may be safely included in routine screening practice.

Breast Neoplasms↗