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T Susini

Publications and source records attributed to T Susini.

32 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Vaginal hysterectomy versus abdominal hysterectomy for the treatment of stage I endometrial adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the current study were to (1) determine the effectiveness of vaginal hysterectomy for the treatment of stage I endometrial cancer and (2) analyze which clinical pathologic parameters were independent predictors of clinical outcome. STUDY DESIGN: In a retrospective analysis, 5- and 10-year results of vaginal hysterectomy were compared with those of abdominal hysterectomy in 327 cases of stage I adenocarcinoma. No preoperative irradiation was given. Overall, 180 patients underwent vaginal hysterectomy, whereas 147 patients had abdominal hysterectomy (106 cases with lymphadenectomy). The log-rank test was used for evaluation of survival differences. RESULTS: The 5- and 10-year survival rates (Kaplan-Meier method) were, respectively, 90% and 87% in the vaginal hysterectomy group and 91% and 90% in the abdominal hysterectomy group (difference not significant). The grade of differentiation, depth of myometrial invasion, and age were significantly correlated with survival, whereas histologic type, mode of surgery, lymphadenectomy, and adjuvant radiotherapy were not. In a multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards), grade of differentiation and age were independent predictors of clinical outcome, whereas depth of myometrial invasion lost significance. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal hysterectomy showed a high rate of cure in stage I endometrial cancer. Therefore it can be used as an alternative to the abdominal operation in obese and poor surgical risk patients and, possibly, in selected low-risk cases.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Expression of endothelin-1 gene and protein in human granulosa cells.

Previous studies in animal models indicated an autocrine/paracrine action of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the ovary. We now report evidence on the presence of ET-1 in human ovary during reproductive life. Immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization studies demonstrated a positive signal into cytoplasm of granulosa cells (GC) of follicles at different growth stages. The concentration of ET-1-like immunoreactivity (ET-1-LI) was also measured by a specific RIA in human follicular fluid (FF). FF samples were obtained from women in an in vitro fertilization program undergoing gonadotropin stimulation (group A; n = 24) or no treatment (group B; n = 7). The mean (+/-SD) ET-1-LI FF level in group A (4.85 +/- 2.06 pg/mL) was significantly higher than that in group B (1.29 +/- 0.43 pg/mL; P < 0.01), whereas the corresponding mean plasma levels were not significantly different and were not correlated to respective FF values. Our results indicate for the first time the presence of ET-1 and its messenger ribonucleic acid in the GC of the human ovary. The higher ET-1-LI levels found in the FF from women undergoing gonadotropin treatment suggest a modulation by gonadotropins and/or ovarian steroids of ET-1 production by GC.

Adult↗

Sex steroid modulation of AT2 receptors in human myometrium.

In contrast to the abundant expression of the AT2 subtype of angiotensin II (AII) receptors during fetal development, AT2 receptor in adult life is expressed in few tissues. We now report studies on the presence and hormonal regulation of AT2 receptor in human pregnant and nonpregnant myometrium obtained from a large study population (n = 50). AT2 receptor subtypes have been characterized using self- and cross-competition curves among [125I]CGP42112A (a selective AT2 ligand), [125I](Sar1,Ile8)AII (a unselective antagonist), the corresponding unlabeled ligands, and several peptidic and nonpeptidic analogs with different affinities for the AT1 and AT2 receptor subtypes. We found that the human nonpregnant uterus expresses almost exclusively the AT2 subtype, and that [125I]CGP42112A is a selective probe to study human AT2 receptor. By using [125I]CGP42112A, we demonstrated that the density of AT2 receptor in human myometrium is dramatically affected by the hormonal milieu. Indeed, in the estrogen-dominant uterus of normal cycling women in the proliferative phase and that of perimenopausal women with anovulatory cycles, the density of binding sites was very high [1565 +/- 246 fmol/mg protein (n = 11) and 2176 +/- 429 (n = 7), respectively]. The concomitant presence of progestogens blunted the estrogen effect [term pregnancy, 61 +/- 12 fmol/mg protein (n = 5); secretive phase of the cycle, 453 +/- 154 (n = 10); combined oral contraceptive, 243 +/- 74 fmol/mg protein (n = 6)]. Very low concentrations of binding sites are also present in the sex steroid-deprived uterus of postmenopausal women (100 +/- 12 fmol/mg protein; n = 8) and the uterus of fertile women chronically treated with GnRH agonists (199 +/- 100 fmol/mg protein; n = 3). Hence, these data confirm the presence of AT2 receptors in human uterus and indicate their regulation by sex steroids.

1-Sarcosine-8-Isoleucine Angiotensin II↗

Ureteral obstruction due to retroperitoneal endometriosis: a conservative approach including surgery and GnRH analogs.

Ureteral obstruction due to endometriosis is an infrequent condition which can be asymptomatic for a long time. Irreversible loss of renal function may result in cases with delayed diagnosis. Our report concerns a case of unilateral hydronephrosis and hypertension due to retroperitoneal endometriosis occurring in a 24-year-old woman. The management of patients bearing obstructive uropathy caused by endometriosis is discussed. In the present case, a conservative operation followed by medical treatment, including GnRH analogs, was used to preserve reproductive capacity.

Adult↗

Platelet-activating factor in human endometrium.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a phospholipid actively produced by human endometrium and deeply involved in the processes of ovoimplantation and labor. We recently found that PAF represents a new autocrine growth factor for a human adenocarcinoma cell line, HEC-1A. Indeed, biologically active PAF is synthesized by HEC-1A cells, under progesterone control. In HEC-1A cells, PAF regulates intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]), DNA synthesis and expression of early oncogenes. All these effects are blocked by the receptor antagonist L659,989. However, while nanomolar concentrations of PAF mobilize [Ca2+], only micromolar concentrations affect cell growth, suggesting heterogeneity of PAF receptors or signaling. Two distinct populations of PAF receptors are present in HEC-1A cells, which bind PAF in nanomolar and micromolar concentrations, respectively. Since HEC-1A cells are producing elevated concentrations of PAF and micromolar concentrations of the PAF antagonist L659,989 inhibit cell proliferation, an autocrine role for PAF is suggested in HEC-1A cells.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Prognostic value of flow cytometric deoxyribonucleic acid index in endometrial carcinoma: comparison with other clinical-pathologic parameters.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the current study were to verify the impact of flow cytometric deoxyribonucleic acid index on clinical outcome in endometrial carcinoma and to assess whether its value is independent from the other clinical-pathologic features. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective series 74 cases of endometrial carcinoma with surgery performed at our institution were studied. Flow cytometry was performed on fresh tumor samples. The median follow-up period was 31 months (range 8 to 52). Disease-free survival and actuarial survival were the end points of the study. RESULTS: Among the 74 patients (53 with diploid and 21 with aneuploid tumors) there were 14 recurrences and 10 deaths caused by the disease. The recurrence rate was 7.5% for the diploid and 47.6% for the aneuploid tumors (p < 0.001). Mortality was 3.8% for diploid and 38% for aneuploid cases (p < 0.001). Disease-free survival was 89.1% in the former group and 36.3% in the latter. Actuarial survival (Kaplan-Meier method) was 94.7% and 49.5%, respectively. Deoxyribonucleic acid index, stage (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics), and grade of differentiation were significantly correlated with survival, whereas age, depth of myometrial invasion, and histologic type were not. In a multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards) deoxyribonucleic acid index was the strongest independent predictor of clinical outcome, followed by International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, whereas grade of differentiation yielded no independent prognostic information. CONCLUSIONS: The flow cytometric deoxyribonucleic acid index is an important independent prognosticator, and its determination should be included in the standard management of endometrial cancer.

Actuarial Analysis↗

Schauta-Amreich vaginal hysterectomy and Wertheim-Meigs abdominal hysterectomy in the treatment of cervical cancer: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of Schauta's vaginal hysterectomy in the treatment of stage IB or IIA cervical carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: In a retrospective analysis the results of Schauta's operation have been compared with those of Meigs' operation in 793 consecutive cases of stage IB or IIA cervical carcinoma. In 201 of them adjuvant radiotherapy was given. A total of 356 patients with stage IB and 76 with stage IIA underwent Schauta's operation, whereas 288 and 64 patients with stage IB and IIA, respectively, were operated on with Meigs' procedure. For statistical analysis the Mantel-Haenszel test was used. RESULTS: In stage IB the 5-year survival (Kaplan and Meier method) was 81% in the Schauta group and 75% in the Meigs group (p < 0.05). The results for stage IIA were 68% and 64%, respectively (difference not significant). In a separate analysis for stage IB and treatment by surgery alone, 5-year survival rates for the 283 in the Schauta group and the 175 in the Meigs group were 83% and 78%, respectively (difference not significant). CONCLUSION: Schauta's vaginal hysterectomy showed a high rate of cure for stage IB or IIA cervical cancer. Therefore we conclude that it can be used as an alternative to the Meigs operation in the presence of obesity or elevated surgical risk.

Adult↗

GnRH analogs in gynecological oncology: a review.

Chronic GnRH analogs (GnRH-A) administration has proven to be effective for the control of some hormone-dependent tumors. GnRH-A are now in the standard treatment of prostatic cancer. In the present paper experimental and clinical data on the use of GnRH-A in gynecologic oncology are reviewed in order to identify a possible role in the therapy of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer. Besides the indirect hormonal effect of GnRH-A, mediated by the suppression of gonadal steroidogenesis, in vitro evidence suggests a direct anti-proliferative action involving autocrine-paracrine regulation of cellular function. In advanced or recurrent breast cancer objective responses were observed in 157 out of 378 premenopausal patients (41%) and in 18 out of 166 postmenopausal women (10%). In ovarian cancer complete and partial responses were observed in 14 out of 121 (11%). At present, data on advanced endometrial carcinoma are limited: only 18 treated patients are reported, of whom 7 responded (38.8%). However, in general, most of the responses observed were transient. Thus, so far, the use of GnRH-A in gynecologic oncology has to be considered for palliation, after the failure of other better understood treatment modalities. The possible use of GnRH-A as an adjuvant is still under investigation.

Animals↗

Gastric motor responses elicited by vagal stimulation and purine compounds in the atropine-treated rabbit.

1. The effects of vagal inhibitory stimulation and of purine compounds were studied in the rabbit stomach. 2. Gastric motility was assessed by the balloon method. Vagal nerves were electrically stimulated at the neck. Purine compounds were injected intra-arterially. 3. In the atropine-treated rabbit, vagal stimulation caused relaxant motor responses followed by a rebound contraction. 4. Among the purine compounds, only ADP and ATP caused relaxant motor responses similar to the effects of vagal inhibitory stimulation. However, the relaxation produced by ATP was more powerful than that due to ADP, especially at lower infusion rates. 5. Vagal inhibitory responses were recorded during and after infusion of ATP. When relaxation by ATP was fully developed, vagal inhibitory stimulation was ineffective. At the highest infusion rates of ATP, a depression of the vagal inhibitory motility was also observed after cessation of the infusion. 6. Relaxant responses to ATP and vagal inhibitory stimulation were not influenced by theophylline, scarcely affected by alpha,beta-methylene ATP, but were reduced or blocked by reactive blue 2. 7. The results are consistent with ATP being an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the stomach of the rabbit.

Adenosine↗

Radiofrequency bipolar coagulation for radical hysterectomy: technique, feasibility and complications.

This study describes the surgical technique and intra- and postoperative complications associated with the use of a radiofrequency bipolar coagulator in a series of 18 Piver type III-IV radical hysterectomies performed in cervical cancer patients. Preliminary vessel-by-vessel dissection of the lateral parametria was possible in 17 out of 18 (94%) cases, and a direct application of a radiofrequency bipolar coagulation instrument was performed to coagulate the posterior and anterior parametrial tissues in all cases. We were able to easily coagulate isolated vessels up to 5 mm of maximal diameter. In no case were clamps or hemoclips necessary to complete hemostasis. We did not observe any parametrial vessel damage or heat-related injury of the surrounding normal tissue. The median size of the parametria removed was 44 mm (range 31-58) and nodes were detected in 15 cases (83%). Median operative time and estimated blood loss for the whole procedure including systematic pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy was 250 min (range 200-410) and 550 ml (range 400-2500), respectively. Median follow-up time was 9 months (range 5-13). No complications specifically related to the use of radiofrequency coagulation were found. In conclusion the radio-frequency coagulation with this instrument appears to be a safe technique that is particularly useful in reducing blood loss and operative time without affecting radicality in patients undergoing radical hysterectomy.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Expression and amplification of HER-2/neu oncogene in uterine carcinosarcomas: a marker for potential molecularly targeted treatment?

Surgery is the treatment of choice for uterine carcinosarcomas; nevertheless, the poor effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy represents an insidious problem for patients with metastatic or unresectable disease, and indeed, new therapeutic approaches are clearly required to improve survival of uterine carcinosarcoma patients. The HER-2 oncogene, located on chromosome 17, encodes for a tyrosine kinase growth factor receptor. We analyzed HER-2/neu overexpression by immunohistochemistry in 28 uterine carcinosarcomas. HER-2/neu amplification with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was tested in positive cases. The expression of HER-2/neu was correlated with disease-free interval and survival (Kaplan-Meier estimates). We observed HER-2/neu overexpression in nine cases (32.1%) and HER-2/neu amplification in all the four HER-2/neu 3+ score positive cases tested by FISH. HER-2/neu expression was not correlated with clinical outcome. Patients with disease limited to the uterus (stages I-II) displayed a significantly better disease-free survival (P= 0.004) and actuarial survival (P= 0.01). Demonstration of HER-2/neu overexpression and amplification in uterine carcinosarcoma may represent the first rationale step for further investigations. Hence, the results of this analysis may support the challenge of a new therapeutic approach, which could test the role of anti-HER-2 (trastuzumab) in patients with advanced or metastatic uterine carcinosarcoma.

Adult↗