Tumori
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is posing an unprecedented dilemma to oncologists worldwide, forcing them to decide whether to continue or suspend treatments in order to protect their most vulnerable patients from infection. After the first report from China, the outbreak spread rapidly worldwide. To, date no clear indications on how to treat patients with cancer with COVID-19 infection are available. ⋯ The management of patients with cancer during the pandemic should be carefully balanced and discussed among oncologists and other key professionals involved in the treatment of this vulnerable group of patients, in order to balance the risk of treatment and the risk of infection.
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In January 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Italy necessitated rigorous application of more restrictive safety procedures in the management and treatment of patients with cancer to ensure patient and staff protection. Identification of respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was a challenge during the pandemic owing to a large number of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients. ⋯ Our findings suggest that PET/CT is a sensitive modality to hypothesize SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in patients with cancer, even when asymptomatic. More data are needed to verify the correlation among immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, clinical evolution, and PET results. Under the strict safety measures implemented at the PET center, the number of potentially SARS-CoV-2-positive patients undergoing PET/CT was very low (1.6%), and no staff member has been diagnosed with infection as of April 30, 2020.
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospital reorganization may result in reduced ability for the hospital to fully use its armamentarium for battling cancer. Thus different therapeutic modalities have been recommended. During the pandemic, despite regulatory agencies' recommendations, several considerations and doubts remain for oncologic clinical trials. ⋯ These patients should undergo monitoring visits, blood sampling, questionnaire, physical examination, and drug and radiation administration. To avoid deviations from the protocol and trial discontinuation, follow-up should be performed regularly, in concordance with safety guidelines. Here we report several considerations.
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Extramural vascular invasion (EMVI) has been recommended as an independent prognostic factor for poor overall survival rate in rectal cancer and can be used as a potential biomarker. Early prediction of prevalence of synchronous metastasis can elevate the disease-free survival rate. We aimed to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected EMVI (mrEMVI) scoring system in predicting distant metastasis in T3 rectal cancer. ⋯ mrEMVI positivity is an independent risk factor for synchronous distant metastasis in rectal cancer. mrEMVI score 4 is a stronger risk factor for synchronous metastasis than mrEMVI score 3 in rectal cancer.
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To assess whether the duration of one-lung ventilation (OLV) affects postoperative pulmonary complications after McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. ⋯ Long duration of OLV appears to be an important risk factor for postoperative pulmonary complications after McKeown esophagectomy. OLV <150 minutes appears to be the better approach for thoracic surgery. Lung protective measures should be taken when prolonged OLV is anticipated.