Oncology

Our medical research library holds 14 studies published in Oncology (1966–2026). Each entry links to the study's record on PubMed and, where there is one, to the publisher's page and a free full text. 12 have an abstract, the authors' own summary as PubMed records it: open "Abstract" to read it. For 2 studies PubMed has no abstract for, we give the abstract printed in the article or, where there is none, a summary we wrote from it, each labeled as such.

About the journal

• Publisher: Karger
• Published: 1967 to the present, Switzerland
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0030-2414 (print), 1423-0232 (electronic)
• Continues: Oncologia
• Its record in the NLM Catalog

2020s

• Hyperthermic Intrathoracic Chemotherapy and Photodynamic Therapy: A Single-Institution Experience for Malignant Pleural Diseases. Y.A. Zheng, K.C. Chen, P.M. Huang, et al. 2026;104(7):733-745. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Unlabelled: <p>Introduction: Hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) is an intraoperative treatment that involves the perfusion of heated chemotherapy agents within the thoracic cavity. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes systemically administered photosensitizing agents and targeted light exposure to eliminate residual cancer cells during the surgery. This study aimed to present our experience with local therapies in the management of pleural malignancies, describe the respective outcomes of each modality, and make a preliminary comparison.

  Methods: We retrospectively and consecutively enrolled patients with advanced intrathoracic cancer (lung cancer, mesothelioma, and thymoma) with pleural involvement who underwent surgical resection followed by HITHOC or PDT at a single medical center between June 2005 and December 2022. Patients with extrathoracic metastases were excluded. The primary outcomes assessed were mortality rates and overall survival (OS), while the secondary outcomes included recurrence rates and progression-free survival (PFS).

  Results: Seventy patients were included, with 15 undergoing HITHOC and 55 undergoing PDT. No significant differences were observed in terms of age, gender, or pathological stage between the two groups. Perioperative parameters, including operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative length of stay, and intensive care unit stay duration, did not differ significantly between groups. Among patients with recurrence, 50% had localized disease within the chest cavity. HITHOC showed a 3-year OS of 70.5% and 2-year PFS of 46.8% (median follow-up 18.33 months), while PDT showed a 5-year OS of 53.4% and 5-year PFS of 25.5% (median follow-up 73.07 months).

  Conclusions: The clinical outcomes of our cohort are comparable to previous studies. Our preliminary data also suggest that HITHOC and PDT may have similar efficacy in treating pleural malignancies. However, the long-term outcomes associated with different neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies remain unidentified. </p>.

  © 2025 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

• Analysis of Pleiotropic Effects of Nivolumab in Patients with Relapsed Pleural Mesothelioma: A Single-Center Retrospective Study. T. Higashiyama, K. Kuribayashi, H. Doi, et al. 2025;103(9):805-814. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Introduction: In August 2018, the Japanese PMDA approved nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, for previously treated, unresectable, advanced, or recurrent pleural mesothelioma (PM) based on the MERIT trial, a phase II study of 34 cases. However, concerns regarding limited evidence persist.

  Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 83 patients with previously treated, unresectable, advanced, or recurrent malignant PM treated with nivolumab from August 2018 to May 2022. Efficacy was evaluated using overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) per modified RECIST criteria. Safety was assessed by treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) according to CTCAE v5.0. PD-L1 expression was analyzed with the anti-PD-1 antibody (22C3).

  Results: The median age was 73 years. Histological subtypes included epithelioid (60), sarcomatoid (15), biphasic (6), and unknown (2). Lines of treatment were 2nd (62), 3rd (13), and 4th or later (8). Partial response was seen in 16 patients, stable disease in 30, progressive disease in 29, and not evaluable in 8, with an ORR of 19.3% and a disease control rate of 55.4%. Median PFS and OS were 5.1 and 12.4 months, respectively. TRAEs occurred in 45 patients (54.2%), with grade ≥3 in 6 (7.2%) and one treatment-related death. PFS correlated with male gender, TRAEs, and good performance status (PS: 0-1), while OS correlated with PS.

  Conclusion: Nivolumab demonstrated efficacy and safety in clinical practice, supporting its use in patients with good PS, even in later lines.

  © 2025 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

• Prognostic Factors in Pleural Mesothelioma Patients Receiving First-Line Chemotherapy: Establishing the PLECH Baseline Risk Score. A. Guijosa, L.A. Cabrera-Miranda, A.P. Gómez-García, et al. 2025;103(12):1088-1096. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Introduction: Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a rare and aggressive cancer where prognostic assessment is crucial. Traditional prognostic scores such as the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) have limitations, particularly in reflecting contemporary treatments and demographic diversities, while more recent scores often include novel biomarkers, not widely available and validated. Our goal was to create an effective prognostic score for PM using readily available baseline data.

  Methods: A retrospective cohort study at two Mexican cancer centers included patients with unresectable PM treated with the first-line chemotherapy from 2010 to 2023. Baseline variables' associations with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed. Prognostic variables from univariate and multivariate analyses formed a baseline risk score. The score's OS prediction was compared to standard CALGB and EORTC scores using ROC curves and Kaplan-Meier analysis.

  Results: Among 262 patients (69.1% male, 80.5% epithelioid histology), we developed a 0-7 point PLECH score based on five variables: platelet count (P: +2), high LDH (L: +1), ECOG ≥2 (E: +1), chest pain at diagnosis (C: +2), and non-epithelioid histology (H: +1). The score had an area under the curve of 0.70 for predicting 1-year OS, outperforming CALGB (0.60) and EORTC (0.57) scores, with an optimal cut-off of 2.5 (sensitivity 75%, specificity 55%). High scores (≥3) indicated worse OS (12.3 vs. 20.1 months; p < 0.001) and PFS (6.4 vs. 11.3 months; p < 0.001).

  Conclusion: The PLECH score, developed from a substantial Latin-American cohort, is a simple and effective prognostic tool for PM patients, outperforming traditional scores. It identifies a high-risk group potentially better suited to alternative treatments.

  © 2025 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

2010s

• Clinical significance of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated markers in malignant pleural mesothelioma. T. Iwanami, H. Uramoto, M. Nakagawa, et al. 2014;86(2):109-16. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Epithelioid tumors with aggressive behavior have been reported; however, the epithelioid type of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has a less aggressive behavior. Few studies have evaluated the prognostic value of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in MPM. We hypothesized that mesenchymal characteristics might predominate in the tumors. Tumor specimens were collected from 33 consecutive patients. We analyzed the EMT expression levels in tumor samples by an immunohistochemical analysis. Positive expression of E-cadherin, γ-catenin, vimentin, fibronectin, Twist and YB-1 was observed in 25, 14, 21, 1, 19 and 18 patients, respectively. No significant association between these markers and the clinicopathological characteristics was found. γ-Catenin demonstrated a trend towards decreased expression in sarcomatoid tumors compared to epithelioid tumors. On the other hand, a trend was noted towards higher expression of vimentin, Twist and YB-1 in sarcomatoid tumors. The survival curves demonstrated that the patients with negative γ-catenin and positive Twist staining had a tendency to have a worse prognosis. Although the individual proteins might not significantly affect the progression of MPM, the combination of γ-catenin and Twist staining can predict the prognosis of patients with MPM.

  © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

• Is soluble mesothelin-related protein an upfront predictive marker of pleural mesothelioma? A prospective study on Italian workers exposed to asbestos. R. Filiberti, P. Marroni, F. Spigno, et al. 2014;86(1):33-43. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Objective: Soluble mesothelin-related peptide (SMRP) may be useful in the diagnosis and detection of early stage mesothelioma. We investigated the SMRP upfront predictive role for mesothelioma in asbestos-exposed workers.

  Methods: A total of 1,715 subjects underwent a first visit and were invited for a follow-up after 1 and 2 years, with a clinical examination and blood sampling. SMRP was measured by an ELISA assay.

  Results: Median SMRP at the first visit was 0.45 [interquartile range (IQR) i.e. 25th-75th percentile: 0.30-0.67 nmol/l]. In all, 1,676 subjects (97.8%) were followed up for a median period of 47.1 months. SMRP was measured at the first visit and at both follow-up visits in 1,536 subjects. At follow-up, 3 subjects were diagnosed with an epithelioid mesothelioma. In these cases, SMRP at the first visit ranged from 0.17 to 0.52 nmol/l. Malignant pleural mesothelioma was diagnosed 9-17 months after the last SMRP evaluation. No SMRP variation was observed during the follow-up. Other 61 miscellaneous cancers were diagnosed (median SMRP at first visit: 0.50 nmol/l, IQR: 0.34-0.71 nmol/l).

  Conclusions: Our results did not support the usefulness of SMRP as an early marker for the detection of the disease for a time interval of 1 year.

  © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

• miR-34a expression, cell cycle arrest and cell death of malignant mesothelioma cells upon treatment with radiation, docetaxel or combination treatment. T. Ghawanmeh, U. Thunberg, J. Castro, et al. 2011;81(5-6):330-5. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Objective: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive tumour related to asbestos exposure. Histopathologically, the tumour is classified as epithelial, sarcomatoid or biphasic. To date, MM is still an incurable disease.

  Methods: To evaluate treatment strategies on MM cells, the effects of radiotherapy, docetaxel or a combination of both on MM cells derived from the sarcomatoid type ZL34 and the epithelial type M28K were investigated. The TP53 gene, micro-RNA expression, cell cycle distribution and cell death were assessed as indicators of treatment effects.

  Results: Despite the normal TP53 gene sequences in these cell lines, radiation-induced miR-34a expression was detected only in the M28K cells. Increasing G0/G1 cell numbers were detected in irradiated M28K and ZL34 cells. There was more radiation-induced cell death in M28K compared to ZL34 cells. The highest degree of cell cycle arrest at G2 and cell death in both cell types was obtained in the presence of docetaxel. The combination of docetaxel and radiation did not show any additive effects on miR-34a expression, cell cycle arrest or cell death in either the M28K or ZL34 cells.

  Conclusion: Microtubule formation and other related functions by docetaxel might be the most suitable treatment modulation in both sarcomatoid and epithelial types of MM.

  Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

2000s

• Blood tests for asbestos-related mesothelioma. M. Maeda, O. Hino. 2006;71(1-2):26-31. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Mesothelioma is an aggressive tumor arising from the mesothelium, and is usually associated with previous exposure to asbestos. The incubation period of the tumor may be described as 30-40 years, and the prognosis is dismal. Recently, serum markers for the diagnosis of mesothelioma have been reported as candidates. In this paper, we mini-reviewed the potential utility of ELISA systems as serum diagnostic markers for asbestos-related mesothelioma.

• Progress report on the palliative therapy of 100 patients with neoplastic effusions by intracavitary low-dose interleukin-2. P. Lissoni, M. Mandalà, G. Curigliano, et al. 2001;60(4):308-12. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Objective: Several cytokines, particularly IL-2 and interferons, are thought to be effective in the palliative therapy of neoplastic effusions. We report on the activity and toxicity of intracavitary administration of low-dose IL-2 in a case series of 100 cancer patients with neoplastic effusions.

  Methods: One hundred patients with advanced solid tumors and neoplastic effusions underwent IL-2 intracavitary injection as first-line treatment. The most common sites of fluid accumulation were pleura (n = 68), peritoneum (n = 21) and pericardium (n = 11). Breast cancer, lung cancer and mesothelioma were the most frequent neoplasms in our series. One cycle consisted of intracavitary IL-2 at 6,000,000 IU on days 1 and 7.

  Results: According to Paladine's criteria, an objective clinical response was achieved in 72% (complete response in 27% and partial response in 45%), with a median duration of 5 months (range: 1-11 months). The peritoneum was the least responsive site for neoplastic effusion reduction. IL-2 intracavitary injection was well tolerated in all patients; the only toxicity observed was fever >38 degrees C in 6% of the patients.

  Conclusion: This study shows that intracavitary injection of IL-2 represents a feasible, well-tolerated and effective therapy of neoplastic fluid accumulation. Further studies are needed in order to compare the effectiveness of intracavitary IL-2 with other standard treatments.

  Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.

1990s

• Colon cancers and peritoneal mesothelioma occurring 29 years after abdominal radiation for testicular seminoma. A case report and review of the literature. D. Tassile, A.D. Roth, A.M. Kurt, et al. 1998;55(4):289-92. Case report · Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Secondary malignancies represent an increasing problem for long survivors of primary malignancies treated by chemo- and/or radiotherapy. The occurrence of secondary myelodysplasia and leukaemias after treatment for Hodgkin's disease is well established. Secondary solid tumors are mostly observed following radiation therapy. We report the case of a patient who presented 3 abdominal solid malignancies within 3 years, 29 years after abdominal radiotherapy for a testicular seminoma, namely 2 colon cancers and a peritoneal mesothelioma. Both types of cancer are independently reported in the literature to be more frequent in patients with a history of abdominal radiation than in the general population. To our knowledge there is no other reported case with 3, nearly simultaneously occurring separate solid tumors, which could all be related to former abdominal irradiation. Such a radiotherapy-related long-term side effect should be taken into account when considering adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with low-risk stage I testicular seminoma.

• Treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma with cisplatin, mitomycin C and alpha interferon. S. Tansan, S. Emri, T. Selçuk, et al. 1994;51(4):348-51. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  From October 1990 to September 1991, 20 consecutive patients with histologically proven malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), secondary to environmental exposure to asbestos or erionite, were treated with cisplatin, mitomycin C and alpha interferon (cisplatin 50 mg/m2 i.v. on day 1 of a 21-day cycle; mitomycin C 10 mg/m2 i.v. day 1 of cycles 1,3 and 5; alpha-2b-interferon 10 x 10(6) units i.m., 4 h prior to cisplatin and 10 x 10(6) units i.v. immediately prior to cisplatin day 1 of each cycle). Eighty-two treatment cycles were administered to 19 evaluable patients. Two patients attained a partial response. Eleven patients had stable disease and 6 had disease progression. Toxicities included interferon-related fever and flu-like symptoms, and vomiting. Actuarial median survival was 15 months. Three patients are alive at 20+, 21+ and 27+ months. We conclude that while the addition of alpha interferon to cisplatin and mitomycin C did not result in an objective response higher than previously reported with the cytotoxic agents alone, the trend towards an improvement in median survival as compared to a well-matched historical group suggests some benefit from the inclusion of interferon.

1980s

• Recent results with clinically used antineoplastic drugs and drug combinations in vivo. W. Arnold, S. Tanneberger, C. Nowak, et al. 1980;37 Suppl 1:34-41. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Using four mouse tumor systems--leukemia L1210, i.m. mammary carcinoma 1142A, Lewis lung carcinoma, metastatic model of the mammary carcinoma 1142A--a combined treatment consisting of vincristine--cyclophosphamide--metrotrexate--5-fluorouracil is superior to a combined treatment with carminomycin--dibromodulcitol. The treatment with carminomycin and dibromodulcitol in each case alone causes therapeutic benefits being superior to a treatment with the combination carminomycin--dibromodulcitol. This result could be stated for all tumor systems used. Carminomycin showed the greatest effectivity against the leukemia L1210. A human tumor nude mouse system--ascitic mesothelioma 1503A--is presented which is suitable for chemotherapeutic experiments. First test results indicated an antineoplastic effectivity after daunoblastin treatment, but cyclophosphamide and carminomycin did not influence the life span.

1970s

• Evaluation of environmental carcinogens for cancer in man. A.L. Brown. 1976;33(2):58-60. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The problem of the presence of carcinogens in the environment has become of considerable concern to the public, as it has been to the biomedical community for some time. The burden of identifying carcinogenic agents and determining threshold levels, if they exist, falls upon the scientific community. Particular care must be exercised in the design, conduct and analysis of experiments directed toward the identification of carcinogens. The data generated from such tests provides the basis for regulatory decisions by governmental authorities. The advice provided by scientists must be based on sound data. There have been instances, however, and there will be others, in which biological variability and the limits of sensitivity of our tests will give equivocal results. It is the duty of scientists to bring such uncertainties to the attention of the public while working towards the development of more sensitive and precise techniques.

• Chemotherapy of malignant mesothelioma. R.E. Gerner, G.E. Moore. 1974;30(2):152-5. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Six patients with malignant mesothelioma were treated with various chemotherapeutic agents. Two of three patients treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) had relatively prolonged complete responses. The possible antitumor effect of 5-FU in malignant mesothelioma should be confirmed by a larger series or collection of cases.

  PubMed has no abstract for this study. This is the authors' abstract, copied from the article.

1960s

• Phosphatide composition of normal, hyperplastic and malignant squamous epithelium. C. Carruthers. 1966;20(3):167-77. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  (1) Employing DEAE-cellulose, silicic acid, silicic acid-silicate-water and thin layer chromatography the phosphatide and neutral lipid composition was determined in mouse epidermis undergoing malignant transformation and in two lines of cancer cells (Krystofiak-lung and Blumreich-mesothelium) grown in tissue culture. In mouse epidermis undergoing malignant transformation the content of phosphatidyl ethanolamine was higher and that of ceramides was lower in squamous-cell carcinomas than in normal and hyperplastic epidermis. Papillomas had relatively high levels of both phosphatides. The content of other phosphatides such as phosphatidyl serine, sphingomyelins and lecithins did not vary appreciably. Also in epidermal carcinogenesis the sum of the fraction containing phosphatidyl inositol, sulfatide and an uncharacterized phosphatide remained about the same and needs further fractionation to determine their variation in carcinogenesis. (2) Three lines of cancer cells grown in tissue culture (Krystofiak, Blumreich and mouse leukemia L 1210) had high levels of total phosphatides and two of these cell lines (Krystofiak and leukemia L 1210) had high values of lecithins. The three types of cancer cells grown in tissue culture and the methylcholanthrene-induced squamous-cell carcinomas differed appreciably in the composition of all their neutral lipid classes (sterol esters, triglycerides-free fatty acids, cholesterol and mono- and diglycerides) but they all contained relatively high levels of cholesterol.

  PubMed has no abstract for this study. This is the authors' abstract, copied from the article.

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