Tumori
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Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have attracted considerable attention as a possible alternative to tobacco cigarettes, but uncertainties about their impact on health and indoor air quality as well as their commercial success without a clear regulatory framework are arousing concern. We have therefore tried to summarize the health-related implications of the use of e-cigarettes in order to help physicians and health professionals provide accurate information on this device. Given the lack of unequivocal scientific data on their toxicity and safety, we conclude that at the moment there is no reason to approve e-cigarettes as a safe alternative to tobacco smoke.
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In the last 20 years, the survival and quality of life outcomes for patients with metastatic melanoma have been poor, with unsatisfactory results of chemotherapy and immunotherapy-based regimens. No drug or combination of drugs had any impact on survival until 2011, when ipilimumab, a monoclonal antibody against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), was approved for clinical use. Phase III trials have shown, for the first time ever, an overall survival benefit of ipilimumab compared with standard treatment, with a manageable toxicity profile. This review will discuss the mechanism of action of ipilimumab and the clinical trials that led to its approval.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A school-based peer-led smoking prevention intervention with extracurricular activities: the LILT-LdP cluster randomized controlled trial design and study population.
Few school programs are effective in preventing adolescents' tobacco smoking initiation. The "Lega contro i Tumori - Luoghi di Prevenzione" is a cluster randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate a school-based peer-led smoking prevention intervention with extracurricular activities for students aged 14-15 years. This paper presents the study design and the baseline characteristics of the study population. ⋯ This study is one of the few Italian trials to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based program for preventing smoking initiation.
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Multicenter Study
Male breast cancer: clinical features and multimodal treatment in a retrospective survey analysis at Italian centers.
We report a collection of data about early breast cancer in male patients from 13 Italian institutions. ⋯ We identified a correlation between relapse and hormone receptor expression, as is the case in female breast cancer.
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Clinical Trial
Perioperative high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy boost for patients with early breast cancer.
To evaluate the clinical results of perioperative high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy boost treatment preceding whole breast external beam radiation therapy in patients with early breast cancer. ⋯ Perioperative high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy boost followed by whole breast external beam radiation therapy provides excellent local control, acceptable acute toxicity and good-excellent breast cosmesis in patients with early breast cancer.