Oncostress: evaluation of burnout in Lombardy.

AIMS: This study was carried out to evaluate how working with oncologic patients (from various points of view) can cause personal discomfort for the operator. METHODS: Questionnaires (n=406) consisting of many requisites concerning personal and professional factors, organizational and work aspects were evaluated. They were given to oncologic doctors, radiotherapists, various specialists, nurses and radiotherapy technicians in Lombardy. RESULTS: The study revealed a state pf anxiety in 52.7% of subjects and depression in 16%, mainly in the professional nursing categories and in particular in women and the young. The most singular aspects observed were not related to work organization. CONCLUSIONS: Working in an oncologic environment is, in different ways the cause of "oncostress" and distinctly induces burnout. However, it appears to be less significant in Italy than indicated in the literature.

Vinorelbine as single agent in pretreated patients with advanced breast cancer.

Vinorelbine is a new semisynthetic vinca alkaloid with high activity against breast cancer. In this multicenter clinical study we evaluated the activity and toxicity of vinorelbine as a single agent in 30 advanced breast cancer patients pretreated with anthracycline and/or mitoxantrone (24 with recurrent tumor, 6 with non operable cancers). Vinorelbine was given at a weekly dose of 20 mg/m2 for a minimum of 3 weeks. Treatment was continued until there was disease progression or evidence of serious toxicity. Predominant sites of metastasis were viscera (14 cases), soft tissue (11 cases) and bone (5 cases). A median number of 12 doses of vinorelbine (range 3-34) were administered to each patient. Objective responses were recorded in 11 of them and 15 had minimal responses or stable disease. Four patients showed progression of disease during vinorelbine chemotherapy. The median duration of response was 5 months (2-14). The median survival time was 7 months (2-20+): 9 months for responders and 5 months for those with stable or progressive disease. The most important and dose-limiting toxicity was represented by leukopenia. The compliance of patients was very good and the treatment was well accepted by them all including those with low performance status. In conclusion, this study provides further evidence that a weekly schedule with vinorelbine as a single agent is effective and well-tolerated also in pretreated advanced breast cancer patients.

A weekly schedule of epirubicin in pretreated advanced breast cancer.

AIMS: Epirubicin is an analogue of doxorubicin with a similar activity but less toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the tolerability of a weekly schedule of epirubicin. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with metastatic breast cancer, pretreated and/or with a low performance status, were treated with 25 mg/m2/week of the drug. RESULTS: Of the 49 evaluable patients, 3 achieved a complete response (6.1%) and 21 a partial response (42.8%) with a median duration of 6.3 months. Median survival was significantly higher in responders than in nonresponders: 15.2 vs 6.0 months (P < 0.005). Furthermore, a marked improvement in performance status was observed (ECOG scale). No cardiologic toxicity was observed, and gastrointestinal toxicity was low. CONCLUSIONS: Epirubicin administered weekly represent a valid alternative to conventional treatments.

Second line therapy with low-dose subcutaneous interleukin-2 alone in advanced renal cancer patients resistant to interferon-alpha.

Interleukin-2 (IL-2), given subcutaneously with interferon-alpha, induces clinical results similar to those achieved with intravenous administration in advanced renal cancer but with lower toxicity. This study was performed to investigate the efficacy of IL-2 subcutaneous therapy alone in advanced renal cancer patients pretreated with interferon-2 alpha. The study included 13 evaluable patients, 6 of whom had visceral metastasis sites. The cycle consisted of IL-2 at 9 x 10(6) IU/m2 twice daily for 2 days, followed by 1.8 x 10(6) IU/m2 every 12 h for 5 days/week for 6 weeks. Clinical responses were: partial response: 4(31%); stable disease: 7(54%), progressive disease: 2(15%). The median duration of response was 9+ months (range 6(+)-12+). Toxicity was low in all patients, and in particular no important cardiovascular side-effect was seen. The results of this study show that IL-2 subcutaneous therapy alone is an effective and well tolerated treatment in advanced renal cancer patients progressed under interferon-alpha therapy.

Randomized study with the pineal hormone melatonin versus supportive care alone in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer resistant to a first-line chemotherapy containing cisplatin.

At present, there is no effective medical therapy in metastatic nonsmall cell (NSC) lung cancer patients who progressed under a first-line chemotherapy containing cisplatin. Since recent data have demonstrated the antineoplastic properties and the lack of toxicity of the pineal hormone melatonin (MLT), a randomized study was designed to evaluate the influence of an MLT treatment (10 mg/day orally at 7.00 p.m.) on the survival time at 1 year from the progression under chemotherapy in respect to supportive care alone in a group of metastatic NSC lung cancer patients, who did not respond to a first-line chemotherapy containing cisplatin. The study includes 63 consecutive metastatic NSC lung cancer patients, who were randomized to receive MLT (n = 31) or supportive care alone (n = 32). The percentage of both stabilizations of disease and survival at 1 year was significantly higher in patients treated with MLT than in those treated only with supportive care. No drug-related toxicity was seen in patients treated with MLT, who, on the contrary, showed a significant improvement in performance status. This randomized study shows that the pineal hormone MLT may be successfully administered to prolong the survival time in metastatic NSC lung cancer patients who progressed under a first-line chemotherapy with cisplatin, for whom no other effective therapy is available up to now.

Mitoxantrone as a single agent in pretreated metastatic breast cancer: effects on T lymphocyte subsets and their relation to clinical response.

Mitoxantrone (DHAD), an anthracenedione with antineoplastic properties similar to doxorubicin, was tested for therapeutic efficacy and for immunomodulating action on lymphocyte subsets in 16 metastatic breast cancer patients, 12 of whom had been previously treated with chemotherapy. DHAD was given intravenously at a dose of 14 mg/m2 every 21 days. To evaluate total T lymphocytes (CD3), T helper (CD4), and T suppressor/cytotoxic cells (CD8) and the CD4/CD8 ratio, venous blood samples were drawn before and after the first DHAD cycle. Moreover, in 8/16 patients, B lymphocytes (CD20), T suppressor cells (CD8+/CD57+), T cytotoxic cells (CD8+/CD57-), NK (CD16) and IL-2 receptor-expressing cells (CD25) were also measured at the same time. An objective tumor response was achieved in 5/16 (31%) patients and the response rate was significantly higher in patients pretreated with hormone therapy alone than in those pretreated with chemotherapy. No relation was found between clinical response and changes in the CD4/CD8 ratio. Neither the mean number nor the percentage of CD3, CDA and CD8 cells observed after DHAD were significantly different with respect to those seen before. In contrast, the mean number of T suppressor cells, B lymphocytes and CD25-positive cells was significantly lower after than before DHAD administration, whereas no difference was seen in NK cells. These results confirm in humans the immunomodulating properties of DHAD previously described in experimental conditions. However, the DHAD-induced changes in lymphocyte subsets do not seem to be related to the clinical response in breast cancer.

Relation between surgery-induced prolactin increase and the menstrual cycle phase at time of surgery in premenopausal breast cancer.

It has been suggested that both the menstrual cycle phase and postoperative changes in prolactin (PRL) secretion at the time of surgery may influence the prognosis of breast cancer. The present study was carried out to evaluate the relation between menstrual cycle period and surgery-induced PRL variations. We evaluated 32 premenopausal women with operable breast carcinoma; 17 were in perimenstrual phase (days 1-6 and 21-28) and 15 were in the mid-cycle (days 7-20) period at the time of surgery. To investigate serum levels of PRL, venous blood samples were collected before and 7 days after surgery. Postoperative hyperprolactinemia occurred in 17/32 patients and it was statistically more frequent in patients surgically treated during the perimenstrual phase than in the mid-cycle phase (12/17 vs 5/15; p less than 0.05), while no other parameter (including axillary node and estrogen receptor status) showed a significant influence on hyperprolactinemia rate. The results suggest that in premenopausal breast cancer patients surgery-induced hyperprolactinemia may be influenced by the menstrual cycle phase at the time of surgery.

Evaluation of the cardiovascular toxicity related to cancer immunotherapy with interleukin-2 by monitoring atrial natriuretic peptide secretion: a case report.

Increased capillary permeability and severe hypotension represent the two major cardiovascular complications of IL-2 immunotherapy. The mechanisms responsible for IL-2 cardiovascular toxicity are still obscure. Since increased vascular permeability and vasodilatation may be also induced by the cardiac hormone atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), we have evaluated ANP concentrations in relation to mean arterial pressure in one patient with metastatic renal carcinoma, treated with a 24-h intravenous infusion of IL-2 at a dose of 3 x 10(6) Cetus U/m2/day for 5 days. The results showed that episodes of important hypotension were associated with abnormally high plasma levels of ANP. Owing to its vasodilator activity, exaggerated ANP secretion, perhaps due to an inappropriate cardiac endocrine function in response to hemodynamic changes induced by IL-2, may play a role in hypotension, which occurs during IL-2 immunotherapy for cancer.

Neuroimmunotherapy of human cancer with interleukin-2 and the neurohormone melatonin: its efficacy in preventing hypotension.

The pineal hormone melatonin (MLT) has been shown to influence many biological functions, including immune response, cancer growth and brain neurotransmitter contents. On the basis of its biological properties, a study was started to evaluate the influence of MLT on IL-2 immunotherapy toxicity. The study was carried out in metastatic renal cancer patients. Thirty-three 5-day courses of IL-2 at a daily dose of 3 x 10(6) Cetus U/m2 were randomized to consist of IL-2 alone or IL-2 plus MLT (10 mg/day orally at 8.00 p.m.). The frequency of episodes of severe hypotension was significantly greater during IL-2 alone than during IL-2 + MLT. Moreover, the depressive symptomatology occurred more frequently during IL-2 alone. No other toxicity, including capillary leak syndrome, vomiting and fever, were significantly influenced by the concomitant treatment with MLT. These preliminary results would suggest that the pineal hormone MLT may be successfully associated with IL-2 in the immunotherapy of human tumors.

Melatonin response to atrial natriuretic peptide administration in healthy volunteers.

Recent observations have demonstrated that the pineal hormone melatonin (MLT) plays a role in the neuroendocrine control of the cardiovascular system. On the other hand, it has been observed that the cardiac hormone alpha-atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) may regulate the neuroendocrine functions. The present study was carried out to investigate the possible relationship between cardiac and pineal endocrine functions. Six healthy volunteers were treated on two different occasions with placebo or ANP at a dose of 0.1 mg i.v. as a bolus. An increase of greater than 100% in MLT serum levels was seen in 2/6 subjects. These preliminary results would suggest that ANP may play a role in the regulation of MLT secretion. Further studies will be needed to define better the cardiac-pineal interactions.

Effect of mastectomy versus mastectomy plus adjuvant ovariectomy on prolactin response to TRH in breast cancer.

The endocrine effects of ovariectomy need to be further investigated. The present study was carried out to evaluate the influence of the adjuvant ovariectomy on the mastectomy-induced changes in PRL response to TRH in breast cancer. The study included 34 patients with locally limited breast carcinoma, 18 of whom were treated with radical mastectomy, whereas the other 16 underwent mastectomy plus adjuvant ovariectomy. PRL secretion in response to TRH (200 mcg I.V. as bolus) was evaluated one day before and 7 days after surgery. In patients treated with mastectomy only, PRL increase after TRH was significantly higher after surgery than before. On the contrary, no difference was seen in patients treated with mastectomy plus ovariectomy. This study shows that the adjuvant ovariectomy may block the increase in PRL response to TRH induced by mastectomy in breast cancer.

Activation of the complement system during immunotherapy of cancer with interleukin-2: a possible explanation of the capillary leak syndrome.

The capillary leak syndrome, responsible for fluid loss into the interstitial space, represents one of the major cardiovascular toxicities of IL-2 during the immunotherapy of cancer. The mechanisms involved in the increased vascular permeability have still to be better understood. The present study was carried out to investigate the role of the complement system in mediating the IL-2 vascular toxicity. The study was performed in metastatic renal cancer patients, treated with IL-2 through a 24-hour i.v. infusion at a daily dose of 3 x 10(6) U/m2 for 5 consecutive days, corresponding to one IL-2 course. Six IL-2 courses were evaluated. C3 and C4 were measured daily during IL-2 infusion, and 2 and 5 days after its interruption. IL-2 administration induced a significant decrease in both C3 and C4 mean levels, which became within the normal range 5 days after the end of IL-2 infusion. These results show that IL-2 administration may directly activate the complement system through the classical pathway, which might play a role in determining the increased vascular permeability.

Severe hypotension in disseminated colon cancer due to a possible decreased dopamine brain content: a case report.

The case of a patient with advanced colon carcinoma is reported. She was hospitalized for severe hypotension, which was probably due to systemic vasodilatation. The patient was responsive only to continuous intravenous infusion of dopamine and was then successfully treated with an oral combination, consisting of L-dopa plus benserazide. Since benserazide blocks the peripheral production of dopamine, the effectiveness of this schedule in the treatment of severe hypotension would suggest the existence of a dopaminergic deficiency of the central nervous system rather than the peripheral vascular system. The present case report might represent a useful model to better understand the biochemical basis of hemodynamic dysfunction, which may occur in disseminated neoplasms or during immunotherapy of cancer with cytokines.

Endocrine effects of a 24-hour intravenous infusion of interleukin-2 in the immunotherapy of cancer.

Several experiments have demonstrated that there is a relationship between neuroendocrine and immune systems. Despite these interesting findings, only few studies have been performed up to now to evaluate the possible importance of neuroimmune interactions in influencing the biological efficacy and toxicity of cancer immunotherapy with IL-2. To analyze the effects of IL-2 on endocrine secretions, we have measured by RIA serum levels of cortisol, beta-endorphin, GH, PRL and of the pineal hormone melatonin in metastatic renal cancer patients, treated with 5-day courses of IL-2 at a daily dose of 3 x 10(6) U/m2, given through a 24-hour intravenous infusion. Six IL-2 courses were evaluated, by collecting blood samples at 4-hour intervals for 24 hours and by comparing the hormonal values with those observed in baseline conditions. Both cortisol and beta-endorphin mean values significantly increased during IL-2 infusion. GH and PRL also increased, but not in a significant manner. Finally, melatonin mean levels significantly decreased during the infusion. The IL-2-induced effects on cortisol, beta-endorphin and melatonin resulted in a complete abolition of their physiological circadian rhythm. These results show that IL-2 infusion induces important changes in endocrine secretions. Because of the immunosuppressive effect of cortisol and the stimulatory one of melatonin, their changes during IL-2 infusion might influence the biological activity of immunotherapy itself. Further studies will be required to define better the clinical importance of IL-2 induced hormonal changes.

A study of the pineal hormone melatonin as a second line therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer resistant to fluorouracil plus folates.

Since there is no effective second line chemotherapy in colorectal cancer resistant to fluorouracil, this study was carried out to evaluate the therapeutic activity of the pineal hormone melatonin, which has appeared to have antineoplastic activity in some experimental conditions, in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma who did not respond to fluorouracil. The study included 14 patients (8 men, 6 women; mean age 58 years). Melatonin was given intramuscularly at a daily dose of 20 mg at 3.00 p.m. for 2 months; after that, melatonin therapy was continued at 10 mg/day orally in responder patients, in those with stable disease and/or an evident improvement in PS. One patient had a minor response; 3 other patients had a stable disease, whereas the other 10 cases progressed. An evident improvement in PS was seen in 5/14 (36%) patients. These preliminary results show that melatonin does not have important antitumor activity in metastatic colorectal cancer patients resistant to fluorouracil. However, the pineal hormone could be usefully employed as supportive care to improve the quality of life in these patients for whom no standard treatment is yet available.

Postoperative hyperprolactinaemia and early recurrence rate in breast cancer.

Serum levels of prolactin before and after surgery were measured in 90 women with breast cancer until the 5th postoperative month. Surgery-induced hyperprolactinaemia occurred in 51 patients, without significant correlation to any other clinical variable. After a median follow-up of 39 months, irrespective of each other variable (i.e. nodal involvement, oestrogen receptor status, adjuvant therapies), patients with postoperative hyperprolactinaemia had a significantly lower recurrence rate than those in whom surgery was not followed by an abnormal increase in prolactin secretion (3/51 vs. 13/39, P less than 0.001). These results suggest that, despite the stimulatory role of prolactin on mammary tumours, the lack of postoperative hyperprolactinaemia is an unfavourable prognostic factor because of its association with a higher relapse rate.

Lack of changes in soluble interleukin-2 receptor serum levels during chemotherapy-induced lymphocyte damage.

The biological significance of soluble IL-2 receptors (sIL-2R) is still unknown; in particular, it is not yet clear whether their increase in the blood may reflect activation of immune cells, or whether it is related to an immune dysfunction. To investigate this problem, we evaluated serum levels of sIL-2R before and after administration of a highly lymphocytolitic chemotherapy (FEC: fluorouracil, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide) in a group of 6 patients with advanced breast cancer. SIL-2R were analyzed in relation to lymphocyte number. Absolute mean number of lymphocytes was significantly lower after than before chemotherapy. On the contrary, no significant difference was seen in sIL-2R mean levels, and no significant correlation was observed between changes in sIL-2R and in lymphocyte number following chemotherapy. These results would exclude that sIL-2R may simply be due to a passive release following lymphocytic damage.

Alterations of pineal gland and of T lymphocyte subsets in metastatic cancer patients: preliminary results.

Melatonin (MLT), the main hormone produced by the pineal gland, has been seen to play a role in antineoplastic activity either by exerting a direct inhibitory effect on cancer cell growth, or by stimulating the immune system. Moreover, MLT blood levels have been shown to be often increased in cancer patients. On the basis of these data, a study was started to evaluate what relation exists between MLT levels and T lymphocyte subsets in patients with metastatic solid neoplasm. The study included 28 patients (breast: 10; non-small cell lung: 18). None of the patients was previously treated for their metastatic disease. Abnormally high MLT levels and a low T helper/suppressor ratio (CD4/CD8) were seen in 10/28 and in 11/28 patients, respectively. Serum mean levels of MLT were significantly higher in patients with low CD4/CD8 ratio than in those with a normal ratio. These results would suggest that immune dysfunctions may represent a signal for MLT release from the pineal in patients with metastatic solid neoplasm.