1. Endobronchial ultrasound elastography strain ratio for mediastinal lymph node diagnosisAleš Rozman, Mateja Marc-Malovrh, Katja Adamič, Tjaša Šubic, Viljem Kovač, Matjaž Fležar, 2015, original scientific article Keywords: cancer staging, elastography, endobronchial ultrasound, lung cancer, needle biopsy
Published in DiRROS: 23.04.2024; Views: 3; Downloads: 2
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2. Febrile neutropenia in chemotherapy treated small-cell lung cancer patientsRenata Režonja, Iztok Grabnar, Tomaž Vovk, Aleš Mrhar, Viljem Kovač, Tanja Čufer, 2015, original scientific article Abstract: Chemotherapy with platinum agent and etoposide for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is supposed to be associated with intermediate risk (10-20%) of febrileneutropenia. Primary prophylaxis with granulocyte colonystimulating factors (G-CSFs) is not routinely recommended by the treatment guidelines. However, in clinical practice febrile neutropenia is often observed with standard etoposide/platinum regimen. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the frequency of neutropenia and febrile neutropenia in advanced SCLC patients in the first cycle of standard chemotherapy. Furthermore, we explored the association between severe neutropenia and etoposide peak plasma levels inthe same patients. The case series based analysis of 17 patients with advanced SCLC treated with standard platinum/etoposide chemotherapy, already included in the pharmacokinetics study with etoposide, was performed. Grade 3/4 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia, observed after the first cycle are reported. The neutrophil counts were determined on day one of the second cycle unless symptoms potentially related to neutropenia occurred. Adverse events were classified according to Common Toxicity Criteria 4.0. Additionally, association between severe neutropenia and etoposide peak plasma concentrations, which were measured in the scope of pharmacokinetic study, was explored. Two out of 17 patients received primary GCS-F prophylaxis. In 15 patient who did not receive primary prophylaxis the rates of both grade 3/4 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia were high (8/15 (53.3%) and 2/15 (13.3%), respectively), already in the first cycle of chemotherapy. One patient died due to febrile neutropenia related pneumonia. Neutropenic events are assumed to be related to increased etoposide plasma concentrations after a standard etoposide and cisplatin dose. While the mean etoposide peak plasma concentration in the first cycle of chemotherapy was 17.6 mg/l, the highest levels of 27.07 and 27.49 mg/l were determined in two patients with febrile neutropenia. Our study indicates that there is a need to reduce the risk of neutropenic events in chemotherapy treated advanced SCLC, starting in the first cycle. Mandatory use of primary G-CSF prophylaxis might be considered. Alternatively, use of improved risk models for identification of patients with increased risk for neutropenia and individualization of primary prophylaxis based on not only clinical characteristics but also on etoposide plasma concentration measurement, could be a new, promising options that deserves further evaluation.
Keywords: small cell lung cancer, platinum-etoposide chemotherapy, etoposide, febrile neutropenia, plasma drug concentration
Published in DiRROS: 22.04.2024; Views: 17; Downloads: 6
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5. Higher levels of total pepsin and bile acids in the saliva as a possible risk factor for early laryngeal cancerMaja Šereg Bahar, Aleš Jerin, Irena Hočevar-Boltežar, 2015, original scientific article Abstract: Background. Gastroesophageal reflux is suspected to be an etiological factor in laryngeal and pharyngeal cancer. The aim of this study was to establish, using a non-invasive method, whether laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) appears more often in patients with early laryngeal cancer than in a control group. Patients and methods. We compared the pH, the level of bile acids, the total pepsin and the pepsin enzymatic activity in saliva in a group of 30 patients with T1 laryngeal carcinoma and a group of 34 healthy volunteers. Results. The groups differed significantly in terms of levels of total pepsin and bile acids in the saliva sample. Higher levels of total pepsin and bile acids were detected in the group of cancer patients. No significant impact of other known factors influencing laryngeal mucosa (e.g. smoking, alcohol consumption, and the presence of irritating substances in the workplace) on the results of saliva analysis was found. Conclusions. A higher level of typical components of LPR in the saliva of patients with early laryngeal cancer than in the controls suggests the possibility that LPR, especially biliary reflux, has a role in the development of laryngeal carcinoma.
Keywords: laryngopharyngeal reflux, gastric acid, pepsin, bile acids, laryngeal carcinoma
Published in DiRROS: 17.04.2024; Views: 80; Downloads: 19
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6. Distant metastasis of rectal adenocarcinoma in a temporary tracheostomaRobert Šifrer, Primož Strojan, Nina Zidar, Miha Žargi, Aleš Grošelj, Milena Krajinović, 2014, review article Keywords: temporary tracheostoma, distant metastasis, rectal adenocarcinoma, rak (medicina), traheostoma, zasevki, metastaziranje, žlezni rak
Published in DiRROS: 11.04.2024; Views: 66; Downloads: 40
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8. Modelling of traffic load effects in the assessment of existing road bridgesDominik Skokandić, Ana Mandić Ivanković, Aleš Žnidarič, Mladen Srbić, 2019, review article Abstract: Traffic load models used for the design of new bridges are based on conservative assumptions and have not been proven efficient for assessing safety of existing bridges. In the case of existing bridges, it is reasonable to use load models that are based on bridge weigh-in-motion data which, in addition to axle loads and spacing of bridge-crossing vehicles, provide information on bridge behaviour under traffic load. This paper provides an overview of traffic load models, as well as guidelines on the use of weigh-in-motion data when assessing condition of existing road bridges.
Keywords: prometna obtežba, tehtanje vozil med vožnjo, mostni WIM, ocenjevanje stanja, obstoječi mostovi, traffic load, weigh-in-motion, bridge WIM, condition assessment, existing bridges
Published in DiRROS: 27.03.2024; Views: 85; Downloads: 67
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9. Oral treatment with etoposide in small cell lung cancer - dilemmas and solutionRenata Režonja, Lea Knez, Tanja Čufer, Aleš Mrhar, 2013, review article Abstract: Background. Etoposide is a chemotherapeutic agent, widely used for the treatment of various malignancies, including small cell lung cancer (SCLC), an aggressive disease with poor prognosis. Oral etoposide administration exhibits advantages for the quality of life of the patient as well as economic benefits. However, widespread use of oral etoposide is limited by incomplete and variable bioavailability. Variability in bioavailability was observed both within and between patients. This suggests that some patients may experience suboptimal tumor cytotoxicity, whereas other patients may be atrisk for excess toxicity. Conclusions. The article highlights dilemmas as well as solutions regarding oral treatment with etoposide by presenting and analyzing relevant literature data. Numerous studies have shown that bioavailability of etoposide is influenced by genetic, physiological and environmental factors. Several strategies were explored to improve bioavailability and to reduce pharmacokinetic variability of oral etoposide, including desired and undesired drug interactions (e.g. with ketoconazole), development of suitable drug delivery systems, use of more water-soluble prodrug of etoposide, and influence on gastric emptying. In addition to genotype-based dose administration, etoposide is suitable for pharmacokinetically guided dosing, which enables dose adjustments in individual patient. Further, it is established that oral and intravenous schedules of etoposide in SCLC patients do not result in significant differences in treatment outcome, while results of toxicity are inconclusive. To conclude, the main message of the article is that better prediction of the pharmacokinetics of oral etoposide may encourage its wider use in routine clinical practice.
Keywords: oral etoposide, bioavailability, pharmacokinetic variability, small cell lung cancer, treatment
Published in DiRROS: 22.03.2024; Views: 79; Downloads: 27
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10. Angiogenin and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in lungs of lung cancer patientsAleš Rozman, Mira Šilar, Mitja Košnik, 2012, original scientific article Abstract: Background. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Angiogenesis iscrucial process in cancer growth and progression. This prospective study evaluated expression of two central regulatory molecules: angiogenin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with lung cancer. Patients and methods. Clinical data, blood samples and broncho-alveolar lavage(BAL) from 23 patients with primary lung carcinoma were collected. BAL fluid was taken from part of the lung with malignancy, and from corresponding healthy side of the lung. VEGF and angiogenin concentrations were analysed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Dilution of bronchial secretions in the BAL fluid was calculated from urea concentration ratio between serum and BAL fluid. Results. We found no statistical correlation between angiogenin concentrations in serum and in bronchial secretions from both parts of the lung. VEGF concentrations were greater in bronchial secretions in the affectedside of the lung than on healthy side. Both concentrations were greater than serum VEGF concentration. VEGF concentration in serum was in positive correlation with tumour size (p = 0,003) and with metastatic stage ofdisease (p = 0,041). There was correlation between VEGF and angiogenin concentrations in bronchial secretions from healthy side of the lung and between VEGF and angiogenin concentrations in bronchial secretions from part of the lung with malignancy. Conclusion. Angiogenin and VEGF concentrations insystemic, background and local samples of patients with lung cancer are affected by different mechanisms. Pro-angiogenic activity of lung cancer has an important influence on the levels of angiogenin and VEGF.
Published in DiRROS: 22.03.2024; Views: 87; Downloads: 29
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