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Ranieri G, Laface C, Laforgia M, De Summa S, Porcelli M, Macina F, Ammendola M, Molinari P, Lauletta G, Di Palo A, Rubini G, Ferrari C, Gadaleta CD. Corrigendum: Bevacizumab Plus FOLFOX-4 Combined With Deep Electro-Hyperthermia as First-line Therapy in Metastatic Colon Cancer: A Pilot Study. Front Oncol 2021; 10:637880. [PMID: 33614511 PMCID: PMC7894195 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.637880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article .].
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Affiliation(s)
- Girolamo Ranieri
- Interventional and Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "G. Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Carmelo Laface
- Interventional and Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "G. Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | | | - Simona De Summa
- Molecular Diagnostics and Pharmacogenetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Mariangela Porcelli
- Interventional and Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "G. Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Macina
- Interventional and Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "G. Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Ammendola
- Department of Health Science, Digestive Surgery Unit, University "Magna Graecia" Medical School, Germaneto, Italy
| | - Pasquale Molinari
- Interventional and Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "G. Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Lauletta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine "G. Baccelli", University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Di Palo
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, D.I.M., University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rubini
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, D.I.M., University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Cristina Ferrari
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, D.I.M., University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Cosmo Damiano Gadaleta
- Interventional and Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "G. Paolo II", Bari, Italy
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Ranieri G, Laface C, Laforgia M, De Summa S, Porcelli M, Macina F, Ammendola M, Molinari P, Lauletta G, Di Palo A, Rubini G, Ferrari C, Gadaleta CD. Bevacizumab Plus FOLFOX-4 Combined With Deep Electro-Hyperthermia as First-line Therapy in Metastatic Colon Cancer: A Pilot Study. Front Oncol 2020; 10:590707. [PMID: 33224885 PMCID: PMC7670056 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.590707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bevacizumab plus FOLFOX-4 regimen represents the first-line therapy in patients affected by metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Hyperthermia has been considered an effective ancillary treatment for cancer therapy through several anti-tumor mechanisms, sharing with Bevacizumab the inhibition of angiogenesis. Up to now, scientific literature offers very few clinical data on the combination of bevacizumab plus oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy with deep electro-hyperthermia (DEHY) for metastatic colon cancer (mCC) patients. Therefore, we aimed at evaluating the efficacy of this combination based on the possible interaction between the DEHY and bevacizumab anti-tumor mechanisms. We conducted a retrospective analysis on 40 patients affected by mCC treated with the combination of bevacizumab plus FOLFOX-4 (fluorouracil/folinic acid plus oxaliplatin) and DEHY (EHY2000), between January 2017 and May 2020. DEHY treatment was performed weekly, with capacitive electrodes at 80-110 W for 50 min, during and between subsequent bevacizumab administrations, on abdomen for liver or abdominal lymph nodes metastases and thorax for lung metastases. Treatment response assessment was performed according to the Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors (RECIST). The primary endpoints were disease control rate (DCR) and progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoint was overall survival (OS). DCR, counted as the percentage of patients who had the best response rating [complete response (CR), partial response (PR), or stable disease (SD)], was assessed at 90 days (timepoint-1) and at 180 days (timepoint-2). DCR was 95% and 89.5% at timepoint-1 and timepoint-2, respectively. The median PFS was 12.1 months, whereas the median OS was 21.4 months. No major toxicity related to DEHY was registered; overall, this combination regimen was safe. Our results suggest that the combined treatment of DEHY with bevacizumab plus FOLFOX-4 as first-line therapy in mCC is feasible and effective with a favorable disease control, prolonging PFS of 2.7 months with respect to standard treatment without DEHY for mCC patients. Further studies will be required to prove its merit and explore its potentiality, especially if compared to conventional treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girolamo Ranieri
- Interventional and Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "G. Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Carmelo Laface
- Interventional and Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "G. Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | | | - Simona De Summa
- Molecular Diagnostics and Pharmacogenetics Unit, IRCCS-Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Mariangela Porcelli
- Interventional and Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "G. Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Macina
- Interventional and Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "G. Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Ammendola
- Department of Health Science, Digestive Surgery Unit, University "Magna Graecia" Medical School, Germaneto, Italy
| | - Pasquale Molinari
- Interventional and Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "G. Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Lauletta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine "G. Baccelli", University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Di Palo
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, D.I.M., University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rubini
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, D.I.M., University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Cristina Ferrari
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, D.I.M., University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Cosmo Damiano Gadaleta
- Interventional and Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "G. Paolo II", Bari, Italy
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Dammacco F, Cirulli A, Simeone A, Leone P, Pulli R, Angiletta D, Rubini G, Di Palo A, Vacca A, Dammacco R. Takayasu arteritis: a cohort of Italian patients and recent pathogenetic and therapeutic advances. Clin Exp Med 2020; 21:49-62. [PMID: 33026580 PMCID: PMC7867549 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-020-00668-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare granulomatous vasculitis of unknown etiology that mainly affects the aorta and its major branches. The aim is to describe the clinical features, diagnostic procedures, pathogenesis, and management of TAK in a longitudinal cohort of patients recruited within a single region of southern Italy. The cohort included 43 patients who were diagnosed with TAK and followed up according to a standard protocol, in a collaboration between four university tertiary referral centers and a regional hospital. Clinical and imaging classification criteria were those established by the American College of Rheumatology. Thirty-five patients (81.4%) were female, and the mean age at disease onset was 32.6 (range 16–54) years. Angiographic assessment of the vascular involvement allowed disease classification in five different types. Clinical features ranged from constitutional symptoms in the early inflammatory stage of the disease to cardiovascular ischemic symptoms in the late, chronic stage. Noninvasive imaging techniques were employed to assess the extent and severity of the arterial wall damage and to monitor the clinical course and response to therapy. Medical treatment, based on pathogenetic insights into the roles of humoral and cell-mediated immune mechanisms, included glucocorticoids mostly combined with steroid-sparing immunosuppressive agents and, in patients with relapsing/refractory disease, biologic drugs. Significant clinical and angiographic differences have been detected in TAK patients from different geographic areas. Patients with life-threatening cardiovascular and neurologic manifestations as well as sight-threatening ophthalmologic signs and symptoms should be promptly diagnosed, properly treated, and closely followed up to avoid potentially severe consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Dammacco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Medical School, Polyclinic, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Anna Cirulli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Medical School, Polyclinic, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Simeone
- Radiology Department, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Patrizia Leone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Medical School, Polyclinic, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Raffaele Pulli
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Unit, Medical School, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Angiletta
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Unit, Medical School, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rubini
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Nuclear Medicine Unit, Medical School, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Di Palo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Nuclear Medicine Unit, Medical School, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo Vacca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Medical School, Polyclinic, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Rosanna Dammacco
- Department of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Niccoli Asabella A, Di Palo A, Altini C, Fanelli M, Ferrari C, Lavelli V, Ranieri G, Gadaleta CD, Rubini G. 18F-FDG PET/CT in therapy response and in predicting responders or non-responders in malignant pleural mesothelioma patients, by using semi-quantitative mRECIST and EORTC criteria. Hell J Nucl Med 2018; 21:191-197. [PMID: 30411729 DOI: 10.1967/s002449910904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the role of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in therapy response assessment according modified response evaluating criteria of solid tumors (mRECIST) and the predictive role of volume-based semi-quantitative parameters in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Furthermore modified RECIST criteria for MPM mRECIST and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) criteria were compared and the predictive role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the post-therapy outcome. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Thirty five selected patients with MPM underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT scan at baseline (1) and after therapy (2). Semi-quantitative 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters were collected for each scan and also differences (Δ) ΔSUVmax, ΔSUVav, ΔMTV, ΔTLG, response index (RI)max% and RIav% were evaluated. Radiologic response to therapy was assessed by using the mRECIST and EORTC. RESULTS The correlation between response to therapy assessed by EORTC and mRECIST criteria was moderate (K=0.418; 95%CI:0099-0736). According to mRECIST, statistical differences between responders and non-responders were significant in the analysis of semi-quantitative parameters. According mRECIST criteria, all parameters defined a good area under the curve (AUC) but the better AUC resulted for ΔMTV (cut-off≤11.3, sensitivity=91.3%, specificity=91.7%) and ΔTLG (cut-off≤59.1, sensitivity=82.6%, specificity=100%). Kaplan-Meier curves between responders and non-responders did not show statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION The semi-quantitative analysis of 18F-FDG PET/CT has an important role in MPM therapy response assessment and has a predictive role in distinguishing responders and non-responders.
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Ranieri G, Marech I, Niccoli Asabella A, Di Palo A, Porcelli M, Lavelli V, Rubini G, Ferrari C, Gadaleta CD. Tyrosine-Kinase Inhibitors Therapies with Mainly Anti-Angiogenic Activity in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: Value of PET/CT in Response Evaluation. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18091937. [PMID: 28891933 PMCID: PMC5618586 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18091937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most frequent renal tumor and the majority of patients are diagnosed with advanced disease. Tumor angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the development and progression of RCC together with hypoxia and glucose metabolism. These three pathways are strictly connected to the cell growth and proliferation, like a loop that is self-feeding. Over the last few years, the ever-deeper knowledge of its contribution in metastatic RCC led to the discovery of numerous tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting pro-angiogenic receptors at different levels such as sunitinib, sorafenib, pazopanib, axitinib, tivozanib, and dovitinib. As anti-angiogenic agents, TKIs interfere the loop, being able to inhibit tumor proliferation. TKIs are now available treatments for advanced RCC, which demonstrated to improve overall survival and/or progression free survival. Their effects can be detectable early on Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) by change in 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-2-d-glucose (18F-FDG) uptake, the main radiotracer used to date, as a strong indicator of biological response. 18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated an ability to predict and monitor disease progression, allowing an early and reliable identification of responders, and could be used for image-guided optimization and "personalization" of anti-angiogenic regimens. New radiotracers for biometabolic imaging are currently under investigation, which exploit the other pathways involved in the cancer process, including cellular proliferation, aerobic metabolism, cell membrane synthesis, hypoxia and amino acid transport, as well as the angiogenic process, but they require further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girolamo Ranieri
- Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bary 70124, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Marech
- Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bary 70124, Italy.
| | | | - Alessandra Di Palo
- Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bary 70124, Italy.
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari 70124, Italy.
| | - Mariangela Porcelli
- Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bary 70124, Italy.
| | - Valentina Lavelli
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari 70124, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Rubini
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari 70124, Italy.
| | - Cristina Ferrari
- Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bary 70124, Italy.
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari 70124, Italy.
| | - Cosmo Damiano Gadaleta
- Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bary 70124, Italy.
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Ferrari C, Cimino A, Bianco G, Iuele F, Di Palo A, Fanelli M, Niccoli-Asabella A, Rubini G. The impact of lung perfusion scintigraphy in the emergency management of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism. Hell J Nucl Med 2017; 20 Suppl:166. [PMID: 29324936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is an emergency condition that requires immediate treatment. As the symptoms and the risk factors are nonspecific, PE differential diagnosis is often required. Even if angio-CT is considered the gold standard for PE diagnosis, the frequent allergic condition and/or chronic renal failure of patients make, in most cases, not possible the use of contrast enhancement in emergency with even more increasing use of Lung Perfusion Scintigraphy (LPS), as a simple and fast examination with no preparation/contraindication. The aim of our study is to highlight the role of LPS in the management of patients (pts) with suspected PE admitted to our hospital as an emergency in the "on-call" 24 hours (hrs) service. MATERIALS AND METHOD We retrospectively revised 2166 LPS performed for suspected PE from January 2012 to December 2016, of which 1730 were urgent. LPS was performed according to the EANM guidelines in the 4 standard projections. The relation between symptoms, risk factors, dosage of D-dimers, other imaging diagnostic tools and LPS results were evaluated by contingency tables and Odds Ratio (OR). RESULTS The origin unit of pts was: emergency (56.7%), pneumology (10.8%), neurology (4.8%), internal medicine (6.5%), surgery (5.2%), cardiology (3.3%) and other departments (11.2%). 59.3% of the examinations were performed during the on-call 24 hrs service. Symptoms were chest pain in 39%, dyspnea in 75%, cough in 22%. In 34% were present two symptoms, while 10% were asymptomatic. D-dimer dosage before LPS was increased in 97% (>500 ug/L). 55.5% had only one risk factor, 18.7% had two or more risk factors. 75.5% of pts had previously performed another diagnostic exam (Chest X-ray in 57%, chest CT in 8.4%, both in 10.1%) while 24.5% did not undergo previous diagnostic exam. The Chest X-ray and/or chest CT resulted negative in 25.4%, suspected for PE in 24.4%, non-specific with pleural effusion in 18.8% and non-specific with inflammatory interstitial diseases in 31.4%. LSP resulted positive for PE in 17% and then treated; LPS resulted negative in the remnant 83%. LPS results were associated with those of CT and Rx (χ2=17.5 P=0.001). LPS resulted positive in 13.8% with negative Chest X-ray and/or CT, in 23.4% with suspected PE, in 15.2% with pleural effusion and in 14.7% with inflammatory interstitial diseases. Furthermore LPS resulted positive in 17.32% without previous diagnostic exam. The increased value of D-Dimers (>500ng/ml) observed in 97% was not predictive of PE (OR=0.598 P=0.152). A similar result was observed for cough (OR=1.146 P=0.395) and chest pain (OR=0.927 P=0.601). Conversely, dyspnea appeared to be a significant symptom of PE (OR=1.596 P=0.003). The presence of risk factors is not predictor of PE detected by LPS (OR=1.297 P=0.089). CONCLUSION LPS has a key role in the early diagnosis but even more in the exclusion of PE, optimizing the management of pts who do not require admission to intensive care unit with high costs and limited availability. LPS confirms to be a simple, quick and inexpensive examination. It does not require preparation and has no side effect so it can be performed in all types of pts including pregnant women, politraumatized and complicated patients, with great impact on resource optimization for intensive care units. Our multi-year and large-scale experience related to a metropolitan area suggests that, to date, given the great demand and relevance of this examination, Nuclear Medicine Units must necessarily be organized in order to provide LPS as emergency in on-call 24 hrs service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ferrari
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, D.I.M.-University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
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Niccoli Asabella A, Di Palo A, Altini C, Ferrari C, Rubini G. Multimodality Imaging in Tumor Angiogenesis: Present Status and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18091864. [PMID: 28846661 PMCID: PMC5618513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18091864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a complex biological process that plays a central role in progression of tumor growth and metastasis. It led to a search for antiangiogenic molecules, and to design antiangiogenic strategies for cancer treatment. Noninvasive molecular imaging, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), could be useful for lesion detection, to select patients likely to respond to antiangiogenic therapies, to confirm successful targeting, and dose optimization. Additionally, nuclear imaging techniques could also aid in the development of new angiogenesis-targeted drugs and their validation. Angiogenesis imaging can be categorized as targeted at three major cell types: (I) non-endothelial cell targets, (II) endothelial cell targets, and (III) extracellular matrix proteins and matrix proteases. Even if radiopharmaceuticals studying the metabolism and hypoxia can be also used for the study of angiogenesis, many of the agents used in nuclear imaging for this purpose are yet to be investigated. The purpose of this review is to describe the role of molecular imaging in tumor angiogenesis, highlighting the advances in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artor Niccoli Asabella
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Di Palo
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Corinna Altini
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Cristina Ferrari
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Rubini
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
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Ranieri G, Ferrari C, Di Palo A, Marech I, Porcelli M, Falagario G, Ritrovato F, Ramunni L, Fanelli M, Rubini G, Gadaleta CD. Bevacizumab-Based Chemotherapy Combined with Regional Deep Capacitive Hyperthermia in Metastatic Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E1458. [PMID: 28684680 PMCID: PMC5535949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
As an angiogenesis inhibitor, bevacizumab has been investigated in combination with different chemotherapeutic agents, achieving an established role for metastatic cancer treatment. However, potential synergic anti-angiogenic effects of hyperthermia have not tested to date in literature. The aim of our study was to analyze efficacy, safety, and survival of anti-angiogenic-based chemotherapy associated to regional deep capacitive hyperthermia (HT) in metastatic cancer patients. Twenty-three patients with metastatic colorectal (n = 16), ovarian (n = 5), and breast (n = 2) cancer were treated with HT in addition to a standard bevacizumab-based chemotherapy regimen. Treatment response assessment was performed, according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors (mRECIST), at 80 days (timepoint-1) and at 160 days (timepoint-2) after therapy. Disease Response Rate (DRR), considered as the proportion of patients who had the best response rating (complete response (CR), partial response (PR), or stable disease (SD)), was assessed at timepoint-1 and timepoint-2. Chi-squared for linear trend test was performed to evaluated the association between response groups (R/NR) and the number of previous treatment (none, 1, 2, 3), number of chemotherapy cycles (<6, 6, 12, >12), number of hyperthermia sessions (<12, 12, 24, >24), and lines of chemotherapy (I, II). Survival curves were estimated by Kaplan-Meier method. DRR was 85.7% and 72.2% at timepoint-1 and timepoint-2, respectively. HT was well tolerated without additional adverse effects on chemotherapy-related toxicity. Chi-squared for linear trend test demonstrated that the percentage of responders grew in relation to the number of chemotherapy cycles (p = 0.015) and to number of HT sessions (p < 0.001) performed. Both overall survival (OS) and time to progression (TTP) were influenced by the number of chemotherapy cycles (p < 0.001) and HT sessions (p < 0.001) performed. Our preliminary data, that need to be confirmed in larger studies, suggest that the combined treatment of bevacizumab-based chemotherapy with HT has a favorable tumor response, is feasible and well tolerated, and offers a potentially promising option for metastatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girolamo Ranieri
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Translational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Cristina Ferrari
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Translational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy.
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, D.I.M., University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Di Palo
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Translational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy.
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, D.I.M., University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Marech
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Translational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Mariangela Porcelli
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Translational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Gianmarco Falagario
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Translational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Fabiana Ritrovato
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Translational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Luigi Ramunni
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Translational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Margherita Fanelli
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, D.I.M., University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Rubini
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, D.I.M., University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Cosmo Damiano Gadaleta
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit with Integrated Section of Translational Medical Oncology, National Cancer Research Centre, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy.
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Niccoli Asabella A, Gigante AF, Ferrari C, Di Palo A, Rubini D, Mossa EP, Dagostino S, Pellicciari R, Defazio G, Rubini G. Role of dopaminergic neurotransmission in pathophysiology of action tremor in Parkinson's disease. Hell J Nucl Med 2015; 18 Suppl 1:11-16. [PMID: 26665206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rest tremor (RT), a tremor that occurs in a body part that is completely supported against gravity, is together with rigidity and bradykinesia among the core features of Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition to classical RT, many PD patients also have action tremor (AT) occurring during sustained postures or voluntary movement. Earlier studies showed a good correlation between striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) binding, measured with [(123)I] FP-CIT SPET and bradykinesia. By contrast, neither rigidity nor rest tremor seems to be closely related to the degree of dopaminergic denervation as measured by DAT imaging. Little is known about the relationship, if any, between the severity of action tremor and striatal DAT binding. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 94 patients (57 men and 37 women) with Parkinson's disease staging 1-2 on the Hoehn-Yahr scale. Data on the severity of action tremor and other motor signs were collected using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III. DAT imaging was performed after injection of 111-185MBq of (123)I-FP-CIT. Images were visualized on Workstation Xeleris 3.0 (GE Healthcare) and reconstructed with dedicated software by a nuclear physician blinded about the clinical information of patients. Spearman correlation coefficient was performed to evaluate the relationship between putamen DAT binding and severity of bradykinesia, severity of rigidity, RT and AT respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between age, sex, disease duration, and levodopa equivalent daily dose and investigated variables after adjusting for possible confounders. RESULTS In this group of patients with early PD, DAT binding in the putamen significantly correlated with the severity of bradykinesia (Spearman r=-0.35, P<0.001) but not with the severity of rigidity (Spearman r=0.02, P=0.8), RT (Spearman r=0.05, P=0.6), or AT (Spearman r=-0.03, P=0.7). The findings were confirmed by multivariable regression analysis adjusted by age, sex, disease duration, and levodopa equivalent daily dose. CONCLUSION Our study confirms the good correlation between putamen DAT binding and bradykinesia and the lack of correlation between putamen DAT binding and rigidity/RT. In addition, we failed to found any significant correlation between putamen DAT binding and severity of action tremor, which suggests a contribution of non-dopaminergic mechanisms to its pathophysiology.
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Niccoli Asabella A, Iuele F, Simone F, Fanelli M, Lavelli V, Ferrari C, Di Palo A, Notaristefano A, Merenda NC, Rubini G. Role of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in the evaluation of response to antibiotic therapy in patients affected by infectious spondylodiscitis. Hell J Nucl Med 2015; 18 Suppl 1:17-22. [PMID: 26665207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spondylodiscitis is characterized by infection involving the intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebrae. It can occur anywhere in the vertebral column but more commonly involves lumbar spine. Our aim was to evaluate the usefulness of (18)F-FDG PET/CT to detect the early response to antibiotic therapy in patients affected by infectious spondylodiscitis and to compare the role of (18)F-FDG PET/CT and MRI in post-treatment evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS 15 patients (12M, 3F), with mean age 65±13 years old, with typical clinical symptoms of Infectious Spondylodiscitis (pain, fever and increase of inflammatory indexes) and confirmed by blood culture or vertebral biopsy underwent within three day-interval a (18)F-FDG PET/CT and Magnetic Resonance (MR) at "baseline" and after antibiotic therapy. Semiquantitative parameters at (18)F-FDG PET/CT "baseline" SUVmax1, MTV1 and TLG1 and after therapy SUVmax2, MTV2 and TLG2 of involved vertebrae were calculated. Follow-up period of at least three months was available for all patients. T-student test for paired groups was performed to compare baseline and after therapy (18)F-FDG PET/CT semiquantitative parameters. RESULTS According to (18)F-FDG PET/CT parameters all patients showed a response to antibiotic therapy. All patients were positive at "baseline" MRI of the spine, while at follow-up, 7/15 patients showed MR signs of infection and were considered "positive" and 8/15 showed resolution of infectious condition and, therefore they were considered "negative". A statistical significant difference between (18)F-FDG PET/CT "baseline" and after antibiotic therapy was found for all semiquantitative parameters: SUVmax (t=5.8, P=0.01); MTV (t=5.17, P=0.001); TLG (t=5,26, P=0,001). The comparison between the "baseline" and "after treatment" (18)F-FDG semiquantitative parameters showed a significant reduction of all parameters. This reduction was relevant also in patients with positive post-treatment MRI. This can be probably related to the tissue remodeling in the very immediate phase post-treatment, resulted positive at MRI and negative at (18)F-FDG PET/CT. Clinical follow-up of at least three months confirmed these results. CONCLUSIONS (18)F-FDG PET/CT is useful to detect the early response to antibiotic therapy in patients affected by infectious spondylodiscitis. (18)F-FDG PET/CT semiquantitative parameters provide critical diagnostic information of the infectious process. (18)F-FDG PET/CT should be considered as first-line exam in the early post-treatment evaluation of spondylodiscitis while MR should be preferred for delayed assessment.
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Altini C, Niccoli Asabella A, Di Palo A, Fanelli M, Ferrari C, Moschetta M, Rubini G. 18F-FDG PET/CT role in staging of gastric carcinomas: comparison with conventional contrast enhancement computed tomography. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e864. [PMID: 25997066 PMCID: PMC4602890 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the report was to evaluate the role of fluorine-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-FDG PET/CT) in staging gastric cancer comparing it with contrast enhancement computed tomography (CECT).This retrospective study included 45 patients who underwent performed whole body CECT and F-FDG PET/CT before any treatment. We calculated CECT and F-FDG PET/CT sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) for gastric, lymphnode, and distant localizations; furthermore, we compared the 2 techniques by McNemar test. The role of F-FDG PET/CT semiquantitative parameters in relation to histotype, grading, and site of gastric lesions were evaluated by ANOVA test.Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV of CECT, and F-FDG PET/CT for gastric lesion were, respectively, 92.11%, 57.14%, 86.66%, 92.11%, 57.14% and 81.58%, 85.71%, 82.22%, 96.88%, 46.15%. No differences were identified between the 2 techniques about sensitivity and specificity. No statistical differences were observed between PET parameters and histotype, grading, and site of gastric lesion. The results of CECT and F-FDG PET/CT about lymphnode involvement were 70.83%, 61.90%, 66.66%, 68%, 65% and 58.33%, 95.24%, 75.55%, 93.33%, 66.67%. The results of CECT and F-FDG PET/CT about distant metastases were 80%, 62.86%, 66.66%, 38.10%, 91.67% and 60%, 88.57%, 82.22%, 60%, 88.57%. FDG PET/CT specificity was significantly higher both for lymphnode and distant metastases.The F-FDG PET/CT is a useful tool for the evaluation of gastric carcinoma to detect primary lesion, lymphnode, and distant metastases using 1 single image whole-body technique. Integration of CECT with F-FDG PET/CT permits a more valid staging in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Altini
- From the Nuclear Medicine Unit (CA, ANA, ADP, MF, CF, GR); Section of Diagnostic Imaging, D.I.M., University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy (MM)
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Niccoli Asabella A, Ciccone MM, Cortese F, Scicchitano P, Gesualdo M, Zito A, Di Palo A, Angiletta D, Regina G, Marzullo A, Rubini G. Higher reliability of 18F-FDG target background ratio compared to standardized uptake value in vulnerable carotid plaque detection: a pilot study. Ann Nucl Med 2014; 28:571-9. [PMID: 24737136 DOI: 10.1007/s12149-014-0850-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Niccoli Asabella A, Stabile Ianora AA, Di Palo A, Rubini D, Pisani AR, Ferrari C, Notaristefano A, Rubini G. [Lung perfusion scintigraphy in pediatric patients with congenital malformations]. Recenti Prog Med 2013; 104:442-5. [PMID: 24042425 DOI: 10.1701/1315.14593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Congenital malformations are an heterogeneous group of disorders that can lead changes in pulmonary perfusion and then can be evaluated with lung perfusion scintigraphy. We selected five patients in which the role of lung perfusion scintigraphy emerges as a reliable and non-invasive imaging technique. Lung perfusion scintigraphy is a useful tool in pediatric patients with congenital malformations allowing an accurate evaluation of the best therapeutic strategy and its results.
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Niccoli Asabella A, Di Palo A, Rubini D, Zeppa P, Notaristefano A, Rubini G. [Distribution of 18F-FDG in a patient with evolving abdominal aortic aneurysm]. Recenti Prog Med 2013; 103:552-4. [PMID: 23096752 DOI: 10.1701/1166.12909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a patient with abdominal aortic aneurysm who underwent serial 18F-FDG PET/CT examinations to evaluate the risk of rupture and to guide appropriate surgical or medical management.
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Niccoli Asabella A, Di Palo A, Notaristefano A, Ciccone M, Ferrari C, Zeppa P, Cortese F, Rubini G. [Role of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in the assessment of carotid atherosclerosis]. Recenti Prog Med 2013; 103:515-9. [PMID: 23096742 DOI: 10.1701/1166.12899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the role of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in the evaluation of carotid plaques and its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors. 18F-FDG-PET/CT scan was performed in 25 patients with ultrasound diagnosis of carotid atherosclerosis and ≥70% stenosis, who were scheduled for carotid endoarterectomy. 18F-FDG uptake was measured by ROIs drawn on PET/CT carotid artery slices. A statistically significant difference in 18F-FDG uptake was observed in relation to body mass index values between 25 and 29 kg/m2. Our results suggest that PET/CT imaging has utility in risk stratification of atherosclerotic patients.
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Notaristefano A, Niccoli Asabella A, Di Palo A, Ferrari C, Rubini G. [Morpho-functional imaging of a rare case of tako-tsubo syndrome in a young pregnant woman]. Recenti Prog Med 2012; 103:549-51. [PMID: 23096751 DOI: 10.1701/1166.12908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We report the case of a pregnant patient who developed the typical pattern of tako-tsubo syndrome after delivery (i.e., electrocardiographic changes, elevated cardiac enzymes, and no evidence of coronary stenosis). SPECT imaging showed myocardial perfusion defects and altered motility, which reversed 6 months later.
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Panza F, Frisardi V, Capurso C, D'Introno A, Colacicco AM, Chiloiro R, Dellegrazie F, Di Palo A, Capurso A, Solfrizzi V. Effect of donepezil on the continuum of depressive symptoms, mild cognitive impairment, and progression to dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 2010; 58:389-90. [PMID: 20370868 DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2009.02702.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Solfrizzi V, Frisardi V, Capurso C, D'Introno A, Colacicco AM, Chiloiro R, Dellegrazie F, Di Palo A, Capurso A, Panza F. Whole-Diet Approach: Working on a Criterion Validity for Age-Related Cognitive Decline and Mild Cognitive Impairment. J Am Geriatr Soc 2009; 57:1944-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2009.02460.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Panza F, Frisardi V, Capurso C, D'Introno A, Colacicco AM, Di Palo A, Imbimbo BP, Vendemiale G, Capurso A, Solfrizzi V. Polyunsaturated fatty acid and S-adenosylmethionine supplementation in predementia syndromes and Alzheimer's disease: a review. ScientificWorldJournal 2009; 9:373-89. [PMID: 19468660 PMCID: PMC5823128 DOI: 10.1100/tsw.2009.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence indicates that nutritional supplements can improve cognition; however, which supplements are effective remains controversial. In this review article, we focus on dietary supplementation suggested for predementia syndromes and Alzheimers disease (AD), with particular emphasis on S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Very recent findings confirmed that SAM can exert a direct effect on glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity. AD is accompanied by reduced GST activity, diminished SAM, and increased S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), the downstream metabolic product resulting from SAM-mediated transmethylation reactions, when deprived of folate. Therefore, these findings underscored the critical role of SAM in maintenance of neuronal health, suggesting a possible role of SAM as a neuroprotective dietary supplement for AD patients. In fact, very recent studies on early-stage AD patients and moderate- to late-stage AD patients were conducted with a nutriceutical supplementation that included SAM, with promising results. Given recent findings from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in which n-3 PUFA supplementation was effective only in very mild AD subgroups or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), we suggest future intervention trials using measures of dietary supplementation (dietary n-3 PUFA and SAM plus B vitamin supplementation) to determine if such supplements will reduce the risk for cognitive decline in very mild AD and MCI. Therefore, key supplements are not necessarily working in isolation and the most profound impact, or in some cases the only impact, is noted very early in the course of AD, suggesting that nutriceutical supplements may bolster pharmacological approaches well past the window where supplements can work on their own. Recommendations regarding future research on the effects of SAM or n-3 PUFA supplementation on predementia syndromes and very mild AD include properly designed RCTs that are sufficiently powered and with an adequate length (e.g., 3–5 years of follow-up).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Panza
- Department of Geriatrics, Center for Aging Brain, Memory Unit, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
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