scholarly journals Simultaneous Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (17) ◽  
pp. 3153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Channay Naidoo ◽  
Cherie Ann Kruger ◽  
Heidi Abrahamse
Keyword(s):  
Metastatic Melanoma ◽  
Drug Absorption ◽  
Treatment Efficacy ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Needle Aspiration ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Photodynamic Diagnosis ◽  
Photodynamic Treatment ◽  
Irradiation Therapy ◽  
Non Destructive

Metastatic melanoma (MM) has a poor prognosis and is attributed to late diagnoses only when metastases has already occurred. Thus, early diagnosis is crucial to improve its overall treatment efficacy. The standard diagnostic tools for MM are incisional biopsies and/or fine needle aspiration biopsies, while standard treatments involve surgery, chemotherapy, or irradiation therapy. The combination of photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) and therapy (PDT) utilizes a photosensitizer (PS) that, when excited by light of a low wavelength, can be used for fluorescent non-destructive diagnosis. However, when the same PS is activated at a higher wavelength of light, it can be cytotoxic and induce tumor destruction. This paper focuses on PS drugs that have been used for PDD as well as PDT treatment of MM. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for continued investigation into enhanced PS delivery via active biomarkers and passive nanoparticle systems. This should improve PS drug absorption in MM cells and increase effectiveness of combinative photodynamic methods for the enhanced diagnosis and treatment of MM can become a reality.

scholarly journals Predictive Evaluation on Cytological Sample of Metastatic Melanoma: The Role of BRAF Immunocytochemistry in the Molecular Era

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1110
Author(s):  
Andrea Ronchi ◽  
Marco Montella ◽  
Federica Zito Marino ◽  
Michele Caraglia ◽  
Anna Grimaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metastatic Melanoma ◽  
Molecular Analysis ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Needle Aspiration ◽  
Braf V600e ◽  
Mutational Status ◽  
Needle Aspiration Cytology ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Background: Cutaneous malignant melanoma is an aggressive neoplasm. In advanced cases, the therapeutic choice depends on the mutational status of BRAF. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNA) is often applied to the management of patients affected by melanoma, mainly for the diagnosis of metastases. The evaluation of BRAF mutational status by sequencing technique on cytological samples may be inconvenient, as it is a time and biomaterial-consuming technique. Recently, BRAF immunocytochemistry (ICC) was applied for the evaluation of BRAF V600E mutational status. Although it may be useful mainly in cytological samples, data about BRAF ICC on cytological samples are missing. Methods: We performed BRAF ICC on a series of 50 FNA samples of metastatic melanoma. BRAF molecular analysis was performed on the same cytological samples or on the corresponding histological samples. Molecular analysis was considered the gold standard. Results: BRAF ICC results were adequate in 49 out of 50 (98%) cases, positive in 15 out of 50 (30%) cases and negative in 34 out of 50 (68%) of cases. Overall, BRAF ICC sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value results were 88.2%, 100%, 100% and 94.1%, respectively. The diagnostic performance of BRAF ICC results was perfect when molecular evaluation was performed on the same cytological samples. Hyperpigmentation represents the main limitation of the technique. Conclusions: BRAF ICC is a rapid, cost-effective method for detecting BRAF V600E mutation in melanoma metastases, applicable with high diagnostic performance to cytological samples. It could represent the first step to evaluate BRAF mutational status in cytological samples, mainly in poorly cellular cases.

Translational Research in Cutaneous Melanoma: New Therapeutic Perspectives

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Marra ◽  
Cristina R. Ferrone ◽  
Celeste Fusciello ◽  
Giosue Scognamiglio ◽  
Soldano Ferrone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metastatic Melanoma ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Immune Escape ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Predictive Biomarkers ◽  
Driver Mutations ◽  
Targeted Agents ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Aggressive Form ◽  
Immune Escape Mechanisms

Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer characterized by poor prognosis and high mortality. The development of targeted agents based on the discovery of driver mutations as well as the implementation of checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy represents a major breakthrough in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. However, in both cases the development of drug resistance and immune escape mechanisms as well as the lack of predictive biomarkers limits their extraordinary clinical efficacy. In this article, we summarize the available therapeutic options for patients with metastatic melanoma, outline the mechanisms implicated in the resistance to both targeted agents and immunotherapy, discuss potential predictive biomarkers and outline future therapeutic approaches under investigation.

scholarly journals Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Pancreas

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 117955491988658 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Del Arco ◽  
Camille Chakiba-Brugère ◽  
Laura Salabert ◽  
Dominique Béchade
Keyword(s):  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Palliative Chemotherapy ◽  
Adenosquamous Carcinoma ◽  
Needle Aspiration ◽  
Massive Weight Loss ◽  
Rare Tumor ◽  
Imaging Studies ◽  
Fine Needle ◽  
Carcinoma Of The Pancreas ◽  
Line Chemotherapy

A 60-year-old woman presented to hospital with abdominal pain and massive weight loss. Imaging studies confirmed the presence of a tumor of the pancreas. Histologic analysis of the sampling performed by echoendoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration found aspects evocative of adenosquamous carcinoma. This case report highlights the difficulties of clinical pathologic diagnosis for these occasionally composite tumors. The patient underwent palliative chemotherapy based on platinum and 5-fluorouracil, followed by second-line chemotherapy with FOLFIRI after progression. Adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas remains a rare tumor with very poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options.

Treatment exceeds expectations with vemurafenib monotherapy in a patient with BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic melanoma

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 1754-1758
Author(s):  
Mesut Yilmaz ◽  
Şermin Güven Meşe
Keyword(s):  
Metastatic Melanoma ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Braf Inhibitors ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Therapy Options ◽  
Modern Era ◽  
Braf Mutant

Introduction Patients with distant metastatic melanoma has a poor prognosis, with a reported median survival time of six to eight months. In modern era, survival has prolonged with the immunotherapy and targeted therapy options. Potent and selective BRAF inhibitors have been developed that specifically inhibit mutated BRAF over other RAF kinases. Vemurafenib was the first selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor developed to target the V600E allele of BRAF-mutant melanoma. Case Report In this report, we present a case of BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic melanoma, which is being treated with vemurafenib monotherapy with complete response for about seven years. Management and Outcome The patient is still being treated with vemurafenib and radiologic complete response is ongoing for about seven years. Discussion Patients treated with BRAF inhibitors monotherapy had promising response rates and improvement in the progression-free survival and overall survival, but melanoma cells became resistant very quickly, affecting the progression. In this case, we present a case that has permanent response to vemurafenib monotherapy.

Engineering Applications of Synchrotron X-Rays and Neutrons and the FaME38 Project

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. J. Webster ◽  
Z. Chen ◽  
D. J. Hughes ◽  
A. Steuwer ◽  
B. Malard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Residual Stress ◽  
Surface Strain ◽  
Stress Fields ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
X Rays ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Engineering Research ◽  
Materials Engineering ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Non Destructive

Large Central Scientific Facilities such as the ESRF (the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility) and ILL (the European centre for neutron research), were set up to provide scientists with the advanced facilities they need to exploit neutron and synchrotron X-ray beams for scientific research. Engineers also conduct research at these Facilities, but this is less common as most practicing engineers generally have little or no knowledge of neutron or X-ray scattering, or of their considerable potential for engineering research, model validation, material development and for fatigue and failure analysis. FaME38 is the new joint support Facility for Materials Engineering, located at ILL-ESRF, set up to encourage and to facilitate engineering research by engineers at these facilities. It provides a technical and knowledge centre, a materials support laboratory, and the additional equipment and resources that academic and industrial engineers need for materials engineering research to become practicable, efficient and routine. It enables engineers to add the most advanced scientific diffraction and imaging facilities to their portfolio of diagnostic tools. These include non-destructive internal and through-surface strain scanning, phase analysis, radiography and tomography of engineering components. Synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction strain mapping is particularly suited for the rigorous experimental, non-destructive, validation of Finite Element and other computer model codes used to predict residual stress fields that are critical to the performance and lifetimes of engineering components. This paper discusses the FaME38 facility and demonstrates its utility in gaining fundamental insight into mechanical engineering problems through examples, including studies of railway rails, welds and peened surfaces that demonstrate the potential of neutron of synchrotron X-ray strain scanning for the determination of residual stress fields in a variety of engineering materials and critical components.

scholarly journals Metastatic melanoma to the small bowel complicated by fistula formation

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nausheen Khan ◽  
Irma Van de Werke ◽  
Zaeem Ismail Ebrahim ◽  
Farzanah Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Malignant Melanoma ◽  
Small Bowel ◽  
Metastatic Melanoma ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Fistula Formation ◽  
Gi Bleeding ◽  
Gi Tract ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Late Manifestation ◽  
Widespread Dissemination

Malignant melanoma (MM) is an unpredictable tumour that can metastasise to any organ, and is well known for its widespread dissemination. The incidence of metastases to the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract is well documented; this, however, is a late manifestation of the disease with an overall poor prognosis. Most GI metastases are asymptomatic and are only discovered on postmortem, with the majority in the small bowel. The presenting symptoms are usually of obstruction or intussusception; GI bleeding is also common. Fistula formation with the small bowel is rare; ours is believed to be the second case documented.

Drone based visual inspections, Infrared Thermography investigations and GPR surveys of the Roman masonry bridge Ponte Lucano, Tivoli, Italy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Ludeno ◽  
Chiara Biscarini ◽  
Ilaria Catapano ◽  
Nicola Cavalagli ◽  
Francesco Ascanio Pepe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infrared Thermography ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
3D Photogrammetry ◽  
Chromatic Properties ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Bridge Building ◽  
Diagnostic Technologies ◽  
Non Destructive

<p>The objective of this study is to evaluate the cooperative use of non-destructive contactless diagnostic technologies as a tool to enhance the amount of information useful to assess historical assets’ structural and material degradation. The case study regards the Ponte Lucano structure in Tivoli (Italy) a Roman bridge located along the Aniene River, the largest tributary of the Tiber. It can be considered as an emblematic iconic structure in synthetizing the needs of structural consolidation and monument conservation. The bridge is, indeed, affected by hydraulic risk due to the floods of Aniene river.</p><p>Unmanned aerial (UAV) 3D photogrammetric surveys were carried out to perform visual inspections accounting for those bridge portions that are difficult to be reached directly. Hence, infrared thermography (IRT) and ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys were considered as complementary technologies useful to obtain information about surface and subsurface structural features [1], [2]. The IRT analysis w characterized the thermal profile of the bridge and detected its most humid parts. The GPR investigations were performed to improve knowledge of the bridge subsurface structure.</p><p>The results of the analysis demonstrate that, the integration of mentioned diagnostic tools, provide information about the degradation state of the stones and its causes, as well as regarding the evolution of the structure from its construction up to the present configurations. In particular, UAV 3D photogrammetry allowed a very detailed digital map of the bridge, covering almost every part of the structure and revealing precious informations, among which chromatic properties and size characteristics of the bridge areas which are not directly accessible by a human operator. IRT results corroborated the hypothesis that the present degradation condition of the Ponte Lucano is mainly a result of the water retention within its materials. GPR images, provided information about the internal stratification of the materials of the bridge and allowed the localization of two buried arch structures, allegedly located in the northern bank and at the Plautii Mausoleum, whose presence confirms the historical-bibliographical hypothesis about the bridge building processes.</p><p>[1] Meola, C. Infrared thermography of masonry structures. Infrared Physics and Technology 2007; 49(3 SPEC. ISS.), 228-233.</p><p>[2] Daniels D.J. Ground Penetrating Radar. In IEE Radar, Sonar and Navigation Series 15; IEE: London, UK, 2004.</p>

Tumours of the salivary glands

2021 ◽  
pp. 885-892
Author(s):  
James Wokes ◽  
Neil McLean
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Salivary Gland ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Surgical Excision ◽  
Needle Aspiration ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Fine Needle ◽  
Salivary Gland Tumours ◽  
Needle Aspiration Cytology

Malignant salivary gland tumours are rare and histologically diverse. The most common tumour site is the parotid gland and most tumours are benign. The aetiological factors are numerous. Presentation of a painless swelling of a salivary gland is always considered as suspicious. Ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are all useful imaging modalities. Fine-needle aspiration cytology and core biopsy are valuable diagnostic tools. Surgical excision represents the mainstay of treatment for resectable tumours. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy all have roles in management.

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