CATERINA CONDELLO - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by CATERINA CONDELLO
European Journal of Cancer Supplements, 2007
Background: To assess a short-term treatment result and toxicities of intensity modulated radioth... more Background: To assess a short-term treatment result and toxicities of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. Materials and Methods: Between 2002 and 2006, we treated a total of 44 patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharyx (19) and the hypopharynx (25) by IMRT.
BMC cancer, Jan 29, 2016
Approximately 5-10% of breast cancers are hereditary and their biology and prognosis appear to di... more Approximately 5-10% of breast cancers are hereditary and their biology and prognosis appear to differ from those of sporadic breast cancers. In this study we compared the biological features and clinical characteristics of non metastatic breast cancer in patients with BRCA mutations versus patients with a family history suggesting hereditary breast cancer but without BRCA mutations (BRCA wild type) versus patients with sporadic disease, and correlated these findings with clinical outcome. We retrieved the clinical and biological data of 33 BRCA-positive, 66 BRCA-wild type and 1826 sporadic breast cancer patients contained in a single institution clinical database between 1980 and 2012. Specifically, we recorded age, tumor size, nodal status, treatment type, pattern of relapse, second primary incidence, outcome (disease-free survival and overall survival), and biological features (estrogen receptor [ER], progesterone receptor [PgR], tumor grade, proliferation and c-erbB2 status). Med...
BioMed Research International, 2013
In the last decades, management of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has been based on the staging ... more In the last decades, management of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has been based on the staging system of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), and different classifications have been proposed for EOC that take account of grade of differentiation, histological subtype, and clinical features. However, despite taxonomic efforts, EOC appears to be not a unique disease; its subtypes differ for epidemiological and genetic risk factors, precursor lesions, patterns of spread, response to chemotherapy, and prognosis. Nevertheless, carboplatin plus paclitaxel combination represents the only standard treatment in adjuvant and advanced settings. This paper summarizes theories about the classification and origin of EOC and classical and new prognostic factors. It presents data about standard treatment and novel agents. We speculate about the possibility to create tailored therapy based on specific mutations in ovarian cancer and to personalize prevention.
Current Women's Health Reviews, 2012
A heterogeneous phenotype for age of onset, for cancer development and for cancer spectrum, i.e. ... more A heterogeneous phenotype for age of onset, for cancer development and for cancer spectrum, i.e. different penetrance, has been reported among individuals from families with an identified germline mutation in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Genetic as well as non genetic factors could explain this variation in phenotype. Among genetic causes the type and position of the mutation, allelic variations as well as mutation in other genes could modify breast cancer risk and favour a different phenotype expression. In BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, several studies have been performed in order to evaluate the specific impact on cancer risk of different factors, such as diet, reproduction, anthropometric measures, hormones and environmental exposure. All together these factors can play the role of modifiers of risk in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. In this chapter, all those factors have been reviewed as potential modifiers of breast cancer risk in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers Moreover, aspects of information and education on modifiers of risk during oncogenetic counseling have been covered.
Annals of Oncology, 2009
Background: Although most BRCA sequence variants are clearly deleterious and unequivocally pathog... more Background: Although most BRCA sequence variants are clearly deleterious and unequivocally pathogenetic, several are still classified as variants of unknown significance. Patients and methods: We followed families undergoing oncogenetic counseling from risk identification to risk definition by genetic testing and risk management. Results: We identified two germline mutations in the BRCA2 gene in a woman with breast and ovarian cancer. One sequence alteration was 859/G>A in exon 7 (V211I). The other second sequence alteration (IVS13-2A>T) affected the splicing site in intron 13. The latter alteration is not yet listed in the Breast Cancer Information Core database. RT-PCR resulted in transcription of a sequence lacking exon 7 and a subsequent anomalous stop codon in exon 9 thereby confirming altered messenger RNA (mRNA) maturation. Amplification of the mutation in intron 13 resulted in transcription of a sequence lacking exon 14 and an anomalous stop codon in exon 15 thereby confirming altered mRNA maturation. Both mutations led to a truncated BRCA2 protein in its carboxy-terminal region. Conclusion: The two BRCA2 mutations identified affect mRNA splicing fidelity and play a pathogenetic role in breast and ovarian cancer.
Journal of Genetic Counseling, 2007
We conducted a psychological assessment during oncogenetic counseling for hereditary breast/ovari... more We conducted a psychological assessment during oncogenetic counseling for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer. Anxiety and depression were assessed with the HAD scale, and family functioning and satisfaction with FACES III. HAD was administered at baseline (t(1)), at risk communication (t(2)), at genetic test result communication, or at first surveillance in not tested subjects (t(3)); FACES III was administered at baseline only. We analysed a total of 185 questionnaires administered to the 37 subjects studied. Although not pathological, distress was significantly higher at t(2) and t(3) (p = 0.027 and p = 0.039, respectively). Health and marital status were significantly associated with distress. In a disease-free condition, anxiety was higher (p = 0.027) at t(2), and for single status, depression increased from t(1) to t(2) (p = 0.026). Families were perceived to be well functioning, and subjects were satisfied with their families. The data collected in this analysis could help to improve the quality of oncogenetic counselling in clinical practice.
Psychopathology, 2003
The aim of this work was to assess the impact of personality disorder and traits on the subjectiv... more The aim of this work was to assess the impact of personality disorder and traits on the subjective assessment of quality of life by a sample of elderly psychiatric outpatients (60 years or more). Sixty of the total number of subjects interviewed were included in the test sample since they met the Vragenlijst Klinishe Persoonlijkheid (VKP) criteria for personality disorder. A control sample was also formed, composed of 50 subjects without personality disorders or traits. Quality of life was assessed using the LEIPAD questionnaire. Personality disorder diagnoses were prevalently distributed in cluster C (25%) and in cluster A (20%). A total of 48.3% of patients (n = 29) had more than 1 personality disorder. Sixty percent of the sample (n = 36) presented with comorbid Axis I psychiatric disorders, in most cases depressive pathologies. Comparing the case and control groups, worse LEIPAD scores were achieved by subjects with personality disorders. Between clusters of personality disorder...
Psychopathology, 2003
The aim of this work was to assess the impact of personality disorder and traits on the subjectiv... more The aim of this work was to assess the impact of personality disorder and traits on the subjective assessment of quality of life by a sample of elderly psychiatric outpatients (60 years or more). Sixty of the total number of subjects interviewed were included in the test sample since they met the Vragenlijst Klinishe Persoonlijkheid (VKP) criteria for personality disorder. A control sample was also formed, composed of 50 subjects without personality disorders or traits. Quality of life was assessed using the LEIPAD questionnaire. Personality disorder diagnoses were prevalently distributed in cluster C (25%) and in cluster A (20%). A total of 48.3% of patients (n = 29) had more than 1 personality disorder. Sixty percent of the sample (n = 36) presented with comorbid Axis I psychiatric disorders, in most cases depressive pathologies. Comparing the case and control groups, worse LEIPAD scores were achieved by subjects with personality disorders. Between clusters of personality disorder...
Journal of Clinical Oncology
e15034 Background: Optimal management of CSI seminomatous (S) and nonseminomatous (NS) TC is an o... more e15034 Background: Optimal management of CSI seminomatous (S) and nonseminomatous (NS) TC is an open question. Quality of life and patient preferences are the principal end-points for the best treatment choice. Multidisciplinary approach is required for CSI TC patients to allow an individualized treatment with a patient-centered approach and an active participation in decisions. The “shared decision making” (SDM) is the prevailing approach because patients together with clinicians arrive at a mutually agreed-on choice. We have a project concerning the involvement of patients with CSI TC in the SDM. Methods: We used some key points of SDM: define the problem; treatment options; discuss pros/cons; clarify patient preferences; clarify the patient’s understanding. Educational material are offered to patients. From 2005 to 2012, 32 patients with CSI TC were evaluated. For each patient some clinical and socio-demographic features, type of treatment chosen and some sequel related to treatm...
Journal of Clinical Oncology
1554 Background: We evaluated the clinical impact of germ-line BRCA1/2 mutations and variants of ... more 1554 Background: We evaluated the clinical impact of germ-line BRCA1/2 mutations and variants of unknown clinical significance (VUS) for BRCA1/2 in patients (pts) with early breast cancer (BC). Methods: Twenty-eight BRCA-positive (BRCA+) BC pts with germ-line BRCA1 /2 mutations and 16 VUS BC pts were selected from our database and matched (1:3) with 154 nonhereditary BC controls (sporadic controls, SC, defined by no associated personal history of breast cancer and no family history of breast and ovarian cancer or an uninformative BRCA mutation test) for stage, histologic subtype, age, and year of diagnosis. Clinical characteristics, recurrence (rec) pattern, disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Results: Compared with VUS and SC, BRCA+ pts were less likely to express estrogen receptor (64% vs. 89% vs. 54% respectively p
Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Journal of Clinical Oncology
BMC cancer, Feb 6, 2018
Metastases to the thyroid gland are more frequent than previously thought, although most of them ... more Metastases to the thyroid gland are more frequent than previously thought, although most of them are occult or not clinically relevant. Overall, only 42 cases of metastases to thyroid from breast cancer have been reported thus far. Here we report the case of a patient with breast cancer metastatic to the thyroid. We also review the 42 previously reported cases (published between 1962 and 2012). This is the first review about metastases to thyroid gland from breast cancer. A 64-year-old woman of Caucasian origin was diagnosed with a lobular invasive carcinoma of the breast (luminal A, stage II). She received adjuvant chemotherapy, followed by endocrine therapy. During follow-up, fine-needle cytology of a thyroid nodule revealed malignant cells that were estrogen-positive, which suggested a diagnosis of metastases to the thyroid. Imaging did not reveal any other metastatic site and showed only enlargement of the left thyroid lobe and an inhomogeneous pattern of colloid and cystic dege...
European Journal of Cancer Supplements, 2007
Background: To assess a short-term treatment result and toxicities of intensity modulated radioth... more Background: To assess a short-term treatment result and toxicities of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. Materials and Methods: Between 2002 and 2006, we treated a total of 44 patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharyx (19) and the hypopharynx (25) by IMRT.
BMC cancer, Jan 29, 2016
Approximately 5-10% of breast cancers are hereditary and their biology and prognosis appear to di... more Approximately 5-10% of breast cancers are hereditary and their biology and prognosis appear to differ from those of sporadic breast cancers. In this study we compared the biological features and clinical characteristics of non metastatic breast cancer in patients with BRCA mutations versus patients with a family history suggesting hereditary breast cancer but without BRCA mutations (BRCA wild type) versus patients with sporadic disease, and correlated these findings with clinical outcome. We retrieved the clinical and biological data of 33 BRCA-positive, 66 BRCA-wild type and 1826 sporadic breast cancer patients contained in a single institution clinical database between 1980 and 2012. Specifically, we recorded age, tumor size, nodal status, treatment type, pattern of relapse, second primary incidence, outcome (disease-free survival and overall survival), and biological features (estrogen receptor [ER], progesterone receptor [PgR], tumor grade, proliferation and c-erbB2 status). Med...
BioMed Research International, 2013
In the last decades, management of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has been based on the staging ... more In the last decades, management of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has been based on the staging system of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), and different classifications have been proposed for EOC that take account of grade of differentiation, histological subtype, and clinical features. However, despite taxonomic efforts, EOC appears to be not a unique disease; its subtypes differ for epidemiological and genetic risk factors, precursor lesions, patterns of spread, response to chemotherapy, and prognosis. Nevertheless, carboplatin plus paclitaxel combination represents the only standard treatment in adjuvant and advanced settings. This paper summarizes theories about the classification and origin of EOC and classical and new prognostic factors. It presents data about standard treatment and novel agents. We speculate about the possibility to create tailored therapy based on specific mutations in ovarian cancer and to personalize prevention.
Current Women's Health Reviews, 2012
A heterogeneous phenotype for age of onset, for cancer development and for cancer spectrum, i.e. ... more A heterogeneous phenotype for age of onset, for cancer development and for cancer spectrum, i.e. different penetrance, has been reported among individuals from families with an identified germline mutation in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Genetic as well as non genetic factors could explain this variation in phenotype. Among genetic causes the type and position of the mutation, allelic variations as well as mutation in other genes could modify breast cancer risk and favour a different phenotype expression. In BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, several studies have been performed in order to evaluate the specific impact on cancer risk of different factors, such as diet, reproduction, anthropometric measures, hormones and environmental exposure. All together these factors can play the role of modifiers of risk in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. In this chapter, all those factors have been reviewed as potential modifiers of breast cancer risk in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers Moreover, aspects of information and education on modifiers of risk during oncogenetic counseling have been covered.
Annals of Oncology, 2009
Background: Although most BRCA sequence variants are clearly deleterious and unequivocally pathog... more Background: Although most BRCA sequence variants are clearly deleterious and unequivocally pathogenetic, several are still classified as variants of unknown significance. Patients and methods: We followed families undergoing oncogenetic counseling from risk identification to risk definition by genetic testing and risk management. Results: We identified two germline mutations in the BRCA2 gene in a woman with breast and ovarian cancer. One sequence alteration was 859/G>A in exon 7 (V211I). The other second sequence alteration (IVS13-2A>T) affected the splicing site in intron 13. The latter alteration is not yet listed in the Breast Cancer Information Core database. RT-PCR resulted in transcription of a sequence lacking exon 7 and a subsequent anomalous stop codon in exon 9 thereby confirming altered messenger RNA (mRNA) maturation. Amplification of the mutation in intron 13 resulted in transcription of a sequence lacking exon 14 and an anomalous stop codon in exon 15 thereby confirming altered mRNA maturation. Both mutations led to a truncated BRCA2 protein in its carboxy-terminal region. Conclusion: The two BRCA2 mutations identified affect mRNA splicing fidelity and play a pathogenetic role in breast and ovarian cancer.
Journal of Genetic Counseling, 2007
We conducted a psychological assessment during oncogenetic counseling for hereditary breast/ovari... more We conducted a psychological assessment during oncogenetic counseling for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer. Anxiety and depression were assessed with the HAD scale, and family functioning and satisfaction with FACES III. HAD was administered at baseline (t(1)), at risk communication (t(2)), at genetic test result communication, or at first surveillance in not tested subjects (t(3)); FACES III was administered at baseline only. We analysed a total of 185 questionnaires administered to the 37 subjects studied. Although not pathological, distress was significantly higher at t(2) and t(3) (p = 0.027 and p = 0.039, respectively). Health and marital status were significantly associated with distress. In a disease-free condition, anxiety was higher (p = 0.027) at t(2), and for single status, depression increased from t(1) to t(2) (p = 0.026). Families were perceived to be well functioning, and subjects were satisfied with their families. The data collected in this analysis could help to improve the quality of oncogenetic counselling in clinical practice.
Psychopathology, 2003
The aim of this work was to assess the impact of personality disorder and traits on the subjectiv... more The aim of this work was to assess the impact of personality disorder and traits on the subjective assessment of quality of life by a sample of elderly psychiatric outpatients (60 years or more). Sixty of the total number of subjects interviewed were included in the test sample since they met the Vragenlijst Klinishe Persoonlijkheid (VKP) criteria for personality disorder. A control sample was also formed, composed of 50 subjects without personality disorders or traits. Quality of life was assessed using the LEIPAD questionnaire. Personality disorder diagnoses were prevalently distributed in cluster C (25%) and in cluster A (20%). A total of 48.3% of patients (n = 29) had more than 1 personality disorder. Sixty percent of the sample (n = 36) presented with comorbid Axis I psychiatric disorders, in most cases depressive pathologies. Comparing the case and control groups, worse LEIPAD scores were achieved by subjects with personality disorders. Between clusters of personality disorder...
Psychopathology, 2003
The aim of this work was to assess the impact of personality disorder and traits on the subjectiv... more The aim of this work was to assess the impact of personality disorder and traits on the subjective assessment of quality of life by a sample of elderly psychiatric outpatients (60 years or more). Sixty of the total number of subjects interviewed were included in the test sample since they met the Vragenlijst Klinishe Persoonlijkheid (VKP) criteria for personality disorder. A control sample was also formed, composed of 50 subjects without personality disorders or traits. Quality of life was assessed using the LEIPAD questionnaire. Personality disorder diagnoses were prevalently distributed in cluster C (25%) and in cluster A (20%). A total of 48.3% of patients (n = 29) had more than 1 personality disorder. Sixty percent of the sample (n = 36) presented with comorbid Axis I psychiatric disorders, in most cases depressive pathologies. Comparing the case and control groups, worse LEIPAD scores were achieved by subjects with personality disorders. Between clusters of personality disorder...
Journal of Clinical Oncology
e15034 Background: Optimal management of CSI seminomatous (S) and nonseminomatous (NS) TC is an o... more e15034 Background: Optimal management of CSI seminomatous (S) and nonseminomatous (NS) TC is an open question. Quality of life and patient preferences are the principal end-points for the best treatment choice. Multidisciplinary approach is required for CSI TC patients to allow an individualized treatment with a patient-centered approach and an active participation in decisions. The “shared decision making” (SDM) is the prevailing approach because patients together with clinicians arrive at a mutually agreed-on choice. We have a project concerning the involvement of patients with CSI TC in the SDM. Methods: We used some key points of SDM: define the problem; treatment options; discuss pros/cons; clarify patient preferences; clarify the patient’s understanding. Educational material are offered to patients. From 2005 to 2012, 32 patients with CSI TC were evaluated. For each patient some clinical and socio-demographic features, type of treatment chosen and some sequel related to treatm...
Journal of Clinical Oncology
1554 Background: We evaluated the clinical impact of germ-line BRCA1/2 mutations and variants of ... more 1554 Background: We evaluated the clinical impact of germ-line BRCA1/2 mutations and variants of unknown clinical significance (VUS) for BRCA1/2 in patients (pts) with early breast cancer (BC). Methods: Twenty-eight BRCA-positive (BRCA+) BC pts with germ-line BRCA1 /2 mutations and 16 VUS BC pts were selected from our database and matched (1:3) with 154 nonhereditary BC controls (sporadic controls, SC, defined by no associated personal history of breast cancer and no family history of breast and ovarian cancer or an uninformative BRCA mutation test) for stage, histologic subtype, age, and year of diagnosis. Clinical characteristics, recurrence (rec) pattern, disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Results: Compared with VUS and SC, BRCA+ pts were less likely to express estrogen receptor (64% vs. 89% vs. 54% respectively p
Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Journal of Clinical Oncology
BMC cancer, Feb 6, 2018
Metastases to the thyroid gland are more frequent than previously thought, although most of them ... more Metastases to the thyroid gland are more frequent than previously thought, although most of them are occult or not clinically relevant. Overall, only 42 cases of metastases to thyroid from breast cancer have been reported thus far. Here we report the case of a patient with breast cancer metastatic to the thyroid. We also review the 42 previously reported cases (published between 1962 and 2012). This is the first review about metastases to thyroid gland from breast cancer. A 64-year-old woman of Caucasian origin was diagnosed with a lobular invasive carcinoma of the breast (luminal A, stage II). She received adjuvant chemotherapy, followed by endocrine therapy. During follow-up, fine-needle cytology of a thyroid nodule revealed malignant cells that were estrogen-positive, which suggested a diagnosis of metastases to the thyroid. Imaging did not reveal any other metastatic site and showed only enlargement of the left thyroid lobe and an inhomogeneous pattern of colloid and cystic dege...