Scientific Report

Transcription

Scientific Report

Scientific
Report
2014
Ente
Ospedaliero
Cantonale
Index
Preface
5
1.
9
2.
3.
Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI)
1.1
Medical Oncology Service
11
1.2
Radiation Oncology Service
12
1.3
Medical Physics Unit of the Radiation Oncology Service
16
1.4
Nuclear Medicine Service and PET/CT Centre
17
1.5
Palliative Care Service
20
1.6
Haematology Service
21
1.7
Research Division
23
1.8
IOSI Nursing Service
31
Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland (NSI)
Multiple Sclerosis Centre
36
2.2
Sleep and Epilepsy group
39
2.3
Movement Disorders Centre
42
2.4
Stroke Centre
45
2.5Neuropsychology
46
2.6Neurosurgery
47
2.7Neuroradiology
50
2.8Neuroanaesthesia
51
2.9
52
EOC Multisite Departments and Services
59
3.1
EOC Department of Surgery
60
3.2
EOC Department of Internal Medicine
64
3.3
EOC Department of Intensive Care Medicine
74
3.4
EOC Department of Laboratory Medicine
75
3.5
Paediatrics Services
76
3.6
Anaesthesiology Services
80
3.7
Dermatology and Allergology/Clinical Immunology Services
80
3.8
Geriatric Service
81
3.9
Radiology Services
82
Together for a better care
Swiss Clinical Trial Organization
4.1
5.
6.
7.
35
2.1
Laboratory for Biomedical Neurosciences (LBN)
4.
8.
EOC Clinical Trial Unit (CTU-EOC)
Scientific Research Advisory Board (ABREOC)
Official Registry of the EOC clinical studies
(EOC Database of clinical studies)
87
88
91
95
Publications in 2014
99
Publications in peer-reviewed journals in 2014
104
Publications in non-peer-reviewed journals in 2014
129
Communications at medical conference in 2014
130
Publications in books in 2014
156
Appendices
159
Appendix 1 - Research projects funded by ABREOC in 2008
160
162
164
168
Appendix 5 - Research projects funded by ABREOC in 2012 - 2013
170
172
Appendix 7 - 2014 EOC Projects subject to General Authorisation (AG)
172
Preface
Preface
For the EOC, the year 2014 was characterized
by a high scientific productivity. Indeed, scientific
productivity of the EOC continued its upward
trend as per quantity and quality of its publications
(+62% of 2011 peer-reviewed publications, see
also charts in chapter 7), its impact factor (4% of
all publications were in top-level scientific journals)
and its number of clinical trials. Furthermore, the
EOC is comparable, in number of publications
and total impact factor, to other two important
Cantonal Hospitals: Luzerner Kantonsspital (LUKS)
and St. Gallen (KSSG).
All this reflects the dedication and the excellence
of our scientists and clinical investigators, who
continue to receive high recognition at national
and international levels. However, special thanks
should also go to the Clinical Trial Unit (CTU-EOC)
that promotes a culture of studies and favourable
conditions in the field of clinical research, assisting,
for instance, in the process of grant writing and
supporting educational programs for all those
involved in research.
This positive development in quality of translational
and clinical research activities, conducted within
the hospitals and Institutes of the EOC, is one
of the fundamental pillars within the newlyestablished Human Medicine Master of the
Faculty of Biomedical Sciences of the Università
della Svizzera Italiana.
Last but not least, such a growing development
in scientific research is the best basis to ensure
that our patients increasingly receive updated and
timely treatments, thanks to the prompt transfer
of the most recent knowledge from this sector to
patients.
In the various chapters included in this Scientific
Report, it is possible to follow, in more details, the
lines of research developed in the laboratories
and in all the clinical Services or Departments of
the EOC and to understand the deepest meaning
of their value. All major areas in medicine and
biology are actively developed and are covered by
translational and clinical research projects.
Furthermore, I would like to highlight that the
Official Registry of the EOC clinical studies has
been created and has been effective since April
2014 (see chapter 6).
Currently, 222 studies are entered into the
Database, which will be made available on the
website www.eoc.ch by the end of 2015.
The EOC Official Registry is a very important tool to
define strategies for further development in clinical
research of the EOC; besides, it will be essential to
support the Human Medicine Master.
I would like to end by mentioning a famous quote:
“The ultimate goal of our hard work is not the
reward, it is the pleasure of making the best use of
cognitive abilities belonging to Homo Sapiens.
(Lo scopo ultimo di quanto si produce non è il
premio, ma il piacere di utilizzare al meglio le
capacità cognitive delle quali è dotato l'Homo
Sapiens)
(Rita Levi-Montalcini)”.
Finally, I wish to express my gratitude to all those
who contributed to a further growth in knowledge
produced by scientific research in the clinical field
with great dedication, commitment and passion.
This is because we are convinced that patients
can be provided with a better healthcare quality
in hospitals where research is actively carried out;
our first goal remains to cure our patients.
FMH Prevention and Public Health
Head of the Medical Area of the EOC Head Office
Chairman of the Scientific Research Advisory Board
Fabrizio Barazzoni MD MPH
Bellinzona, 3rd July 2015
6
Scientific Report 2014
Preface
7
1
Oncology Institute
of Southern Switzerland
(IOSI)
1.
Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI)
The IOSI includes all the specializations dealing with
oncology within the EOC in a single organizational
structure. The IOSI has been devised on the basis
of the North American model of "comprehensive
cancer centres", but has its own particular
structure, as it has a horizontal structure
throughout the EOC.
Therefore the IOSI is intended to be an all-inclusive
structure, containing all the specializations that
deal with the diagnosis, treatment and research in
the field of tumour diseases.
The IOSI has six Services: medical oncology,
radio-oncology, haematology, nuclear medicine,
palliative care and research. Each service has its
own research program coordinated by the the
IOSI Scientific Board, which decides on common
research guidelines. The research laboratories
of the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB)
are part of the Institute of Oncology Research
(IOR) and are run by the "Fondazione ticinese per
la ricerca e la cura dei linfomi" (Ticino Foundation
for the research and treatment of lymphomas),
although functionally, they are part of the IOSI’s
research division.
IOSI and Research: Balance of a Year
Research has always been a pivotal priority for
the IOSI. Our yearly research budget with more
than 8 million CHF represents about 15% of the
total budget of IOSI, a proportion that almost no
one among the other similar cancer institution in
Switzerland can reach. Functionally, the Research
Division of IOSI encompasses both the clinical part
as well as research, which is carried out in the
laboratories of IOR. This ensures that the clinical
part and the laboratory research are closely
connected, which is still something that many
cancer institutes in Switzerland do not have.
I will tackle this subject later on, when I present
the activity of the research division of the IOSI,
the success achieved in 2014 in more details.
In this introduction I would just like to highlight
the decision of our regional Parliament, which
at the end of last year, decided to create a new
Biomedical Department at USI (Università della
Svizzera Italiana), which is our University. After
taking this decision, now the new department has
to be practically implemented. It will encompass
a Medical Master School (MMS), but will also
have a second sector (biomedical research), to
which our IOR should be affiliated even before the
beginning of the activity of MMS. The procedure
for this affiliation is already ongoing and should
be concluded in the course of this year. This will
represent not only the ultimate recognition of the
quality of the research activities we have been
carrying out in the last few years, but will also
mean this is a guarantee for the long-term stability
of IOR. When we started to develop our research
laboratories a little over 10 years ago, we would
never have dreamed of being able to
achieve this result in such a short period of time.
However, in the field of research nothing is won
forever. Therefore, the achievement of this crucial
goal should not be viewed as the end point of our
journey it is rather, a happy beginning of a new era
of growth.
Prof. Franco Cavalli MD
Scientific Director
1.1 Medical Oncology Service
Prof. Michele Ghielmini MD
Medical Director of the IOSI and Head Doctor
It is well known, but worthwhile to be repeated
continuously, that patients are much better treated
in health structures where research is carried
out. Indeed, the physician, who spends some of his
working time (and very often also of his free time!)
to deal with clinical studies and research is obliged
not only to be very updated, but also to predict the
future developments in his field.
10
1. Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI)
11
Research is absolutely necessary to become a
specialist in a specific disease within oncology.
At the IOSI there are always more organised
disease-oriented structures, in which physicians,
who are particularly interested in one neoplastic
disease, try, - very often in a multidisciplinary
way - to ensure the highest possible treatment
quality to their patients. This entails collaborations
in national and international studies and a
close cooperation with the research activities
developed by our colleagues, who work in the
laboratory field (IOR). A continuous and fruitful
cooperation, between clinitians and basic as well
as translational researchers, has always been one
of the focuses of the activities of the IOSI. This is
increasingly becoming more apparent every year
also considering the plans for the establishments
of a Medical Faculty.
Main areas of research
The main in clinical research activity of the medical
oncology department is the participation to
multicenter national trials of the Swiss Group for
Clinical Research (SAKK). Here we include 50 to
60 patients every year, mainly in the fields of breast
cancer, gastrointestinal cancer and lymphoma.
We also strictly collaborate with the research of
the lymphoma unit, of the breast unit and of the
drug development unit of the IOSI with which we
share a number of projects.
A fruitfull collaboration is established with the
Canton’s Institute of Pathology, particularly the
molecular biology lab of Dr. Frattini, with which we
conduct studies on molecular markers that are
predictive for response to therapy in colorectal
and gastric cancer (Dr. Saletti and Dr. De Dosso),
and on the receptor tyrosine kinase expression in
lung cancer biopsies (Dr. Wannesson).
Another study is running in the field of geriatric
oncology: patients above the age of 70 are classified
as fit, frail or vulnerable, and the treatment is
determined according to specific guidelines. Their
outcome will be compared to patients treated
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without this assessment (Dr. Ratti and Dr. Marini).
Main funding
The above mentioned activities are financed by
SAKK (Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research),
by the ABREOC (hospital competitive grant), by
our own scientific foundation, by the scientific
foundations of the departments with which we
perform the trials.
Peer reviewed publications in 2014 (selection)
Dreyling M, Ghielmini M, Marcus R, Salles G, Vitolo U,
Ladetto M; ESMO Guidelines Working Group. Newly
diagnosed and relapsed follicular lymphoma: ESMO
Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment
and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2014;25 Suppl 3:iii76-82.
Froesch P, Martucci F, Györik S, Dutly AE, Cafarotti
S. Management of non-small cell lung cancer in the
elderly. Eur J Intern Med. 2014;25(10):888-894.
Nabhan C, Ollberding NJ, Villines D, Chiu BC, Caces
DB, Valdez TV, Ghielmini M, Hsu Schmitz SF, Smith
SM. A systematic review of comparative schedulerelated toxicities with maintenance rituximab
in follicular and mantle cell lymphomas. Leuk
Lymphoma. 2014;55(6):1288-94.
Pittoni P, Di Lascio S, Conti-Beltraminelli M, Valli
MC, Espeli V, Bongiovanni M, Richetti A, Pagani O.
Paranasal sinus metastasis of breast cancer. BMJ
Case Rep. 2014;2014.
Wannesson L, Viteri S, Costa C, Karachaliou
N, Molina-Vila MA, Rosell R. Signaling pathways
modulating dependence of lung cancer on mutant
epidermal growth factor receptor and mechanisms
of intrinsic and acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase
inhibitors. Curr Pharm Des. 2014;20(24):38833893.
1.2 Radiation Oncology Service
Antonella Richetti MD
Head Doctor
The scientific activities of the Radiation-Oncology
Department, with the contribution of the
physicians and a research nurse/data manager,
are aimed at participating in multicentric Swiss
and international clinical studies, in the following
clinical fields:
1. Breast cancer:
• IRMA: breast cancer with low risk of local
recurrence: partial and accelerated irradiation
with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy
(3DCRT) vs. standard radiotherapy after
conserving surgery (phase III study).
Lead investigator IOSI: MC. Valli.
Sub-investigators: A. Richetti, P. Pittoni.
Conservative surgery (including large breast
resection and lumpectomy + biopsy of the
sentinel lymph node and/or axillary dissection)
followed by post-op RT: Trial arm 38.5 Gy total
in 10 fractions (3.85 Gy per fraction), twice a
day with an interval of at least 6 hours between
the two fractions, for five consecutive working
days. Control arm 45 Gy/18 fractions, or 50
Gy/25 fractions, or 50,4 Gy/28 fractions, or
isoeffective fraction schemes, once a day for
5 days a week. A 10 - 16 Gy boost is allowed
in centres where it is part of the standard
treatment. Primary Objectives: the main aim
of the study is to evaluate whether partial hypo
fractionated and accelerated irradiation of the
sole surgical cavity, in patients suffering from
breast cancer with low risk of local recurrence
and undergoing conservative surgery, is not
lower than postoperative irradiation with
conventional fractionation of the entire breast
as regards local control, measured in terms
of incidence of ipsilateral recurrences as first
event.
Total number of randomized pts: 2081, IOSI/
RT: 73 pts.
• IBCSG 38-10 / BIG 3-07 / TROG 07.01:
a randomized phase III study of radiation
doses and fractionation schedules for ductal
carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast.
Lead investigator IOSI: MC. Valli.
Sub-investigators: A. Richetti, P. Pittoni.
Women with completely excised non-low risk
ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) treated by
breast conserving surgery suitable for adjuvant
whole breast radiation therapy (RT) are eligible
for the study. Women will be randomised to
receive one of the following two treatments:
Arm 1: Whole breast RT alone using standard
fractionation (50 Gy / 25 fractions, 5 per
week) Arm 3: Whole breast RT using standard
fractionation (50 Gy / 25 fractions, 5 per week)
plus tumour bed boost (16 Gy / 8 fractions,
5 per week). Primary objective: to individualise
treatment selection for women with DCIS
following breast conserving surgery to achieve
long term disease control with minimal toxicity.
RT: 5 pts, study closed for accrual on 22 June
2014, follow-up still on going.
2. Neuro-Oncology cancer:
• CDX110-04, ACT IV: an international,
randomized, double blind, controlled study
of Rindopepimut/GM-CSF with adjuvant
Temozolomide in patients with newly
diagnosed, surgically resected, EGFRvIII-positive
glioblastoma (the ACT IV study).
Lead investigator IOSI: GF. Pesce.
Sub investigator: NC. Azinwi.
This is an international, multicenter, doubleblind clinical trial of rindopepimut in which
approximately 700 patients with newly
diagnosed,
resected,
EGFRvIII
positive
glioblastoma will, after completion of standard
chemoradiation, be randomized to receive
either rindopepimut/GM-CSF or control
(KLH), in combination with standard adjuvant
temozolomide. The primary objective of
the study is to confirm that the addition
13
of
rindopepimut/GM-CSF
to
adjuvant
temozolomide improves overall survival in
patients with newly diagnosed EGFRvIII positive
glioblastoma who have undergone gross-total
resection.
Total number of randomized pts: 700, in CH: 16,
study closed for accrual on 19 September 2014.
• IOSI-RTO-001: stereotactic hypo fractionated
radiotherapy or radiosurgery of the resection
cavity after surgical removal of solid tumour
brain metastases.
Lead investigator and Trial chair: GF. Pesce.
Patients with brain metastases from solid
tumours (lung, breast, kidney, melanoma,
colorectal) in good general condition and
controlled systemic disease will be irradiated
to the resection cavity with 18 Gy in single
fraction or 5-7 Gy with 5 consecutive daily
fractions. The aim of the study is to investigate
the role of focused high dose irradiation to
reduce the risk of local relapse after resection
of brain metastases, while avoiding whole brain
radiotherapy and the related toxicity.
Study will be open for accrual in January 2015.
• EORTC 22033-26033: primary chemotherapy
with Temozolomide vs radiotherapy in patients
with low grade gliomas after stratification for
genetic 1p loss: a phase III study.
Patients will be treated with Radiotherapy 50.4
Gy in 28 fractions x 1.8 Gy or Temozolomide
75 mg/m2 daily x 21 days, q 28 days until
progression or for max. 12 cycles. The aim
of the study is to demonstrate a difference
in progression-free survival for primary
treatment.
Total number of randomized pts: 700, IOSI/RT:
4 pts. Study closed for accrual, follow-up still on
going.
14
• EORTC 26082-22081: radiation therapy
and concurrent plus adjuvant Temsirolimus
(CCI-779) versus chemo-irradiation with
temozolomide in newly diagnosed glioblastoma
without methylation of the MGMT gene
promoter – a randomized multicenter, openlabel, Phase II study.
Lead investigator IOSI and Trial chair: GF. Pesce.
Recent data demonstrated a better survival in
patients treated for glioblastoma with standard
Radiotherapy and temozolomide, if they have
methylated MGMT promoter gene. The current
trial aim is to explore a new treatment option
for patients with unfavourable glioblastoma
subpopulation with unmethylated MGMT
promoter methylation.
Total number of randomized pts: 257. Study
closed for accrual in 2013, follow-up still on going.
3. Urogenital cancer:
• EORTC 22043-30041: immediate or early
salvage post-operative external radiotherapy
combined with concomitant and adjuvant
hormonal treatment versus immediate
or early salvage post-operative external
radiotherapy alone in pT3a-b R0-1 cN0M0 /
pT2 R1 cN0M0, Gleason score 5-10 prostatic
carcinoma. A phase III study.
2 pts. Premature study closure due to poor
recruitment, follow-up still on going.
• SAKK 01/10: Carboplatin chemotherapy
and involved node radiotherapy in stage IIA/B
seminoma.
Within 13 weeks after orchiectomy, the
patients will receive one infusion of carboplatin
AUC 7 on day 1 of trial treatment, followed 3
weeks later by 15 x 2 Gy (stage IIA) or 18 x
2 Gy (stage IIB) small volume, involved node
radiation therapy. The main objective of this trial
is to test the efficacy and safety of carboplatin
chemotherapy and involved node radiotherapy
in patients with stage IIA/B seminoma.
0 pts.
• SAKK 09/10: dose intensified salvage
radiotherapy in biochemically relapsed
prostate cancer without macroscopic disease.
A randomized phase III trial.
Megavoltage equipments with nominal
photon energies ≥ 6 MV are required.
Rotational techniques such as Tomotherapy®,
Rapidarc®, intensity-modulated arc technique
and volumetric-modulated arc therapy will also
be eligible. The patient will be treated in an
isocentric setting and all fields will be applied
for 5 days per week for the total RT duration.
RT in the standard arm A will be administered
to a total dose of 64 Gy in 32 fractions of 2 Gy
over 6.4 weeks. RT in the experimental arm B
will be administered to a total dose of 70 Gy
in 35 fractions of 2 Gy over 7 weeks. Primary
objective: Assessment of tumour control,
toxicity and quality of life (QoL) after dose
intensified salvage radiotherapy (RT).
12 pts. Study closed for accrual on 01 April
2014, follow-up on going.
4. Lung cancer:
• EORTC 22055-08053: phase III study
comparing
post-operative
conformal
radiotherapy to no post-operative radiotherapy
with completely resected non-small cell lung
cancer and mediastinal N2 involvement.
Lead investigator IOSI: A. Richetti.
Sub investigator: F. Martucci.
All eligible patients will be randomised between
thoracic adjuvant conformal radiotherapy at
the dose of 54 Gy/27 to 30 fractions and
no thoracic adjuvant radiotherapy. Primary
objective: improvement of disease-free survival
(DFS) by conformal thoracic radiotherapy
compared to no radiotherapy.
RT: 0 pts.
• SAKK 15/12: early prophylactic cranial
irradiation with hippocampal avoidance in
patients wit limited disease small-cell lung
cancer, a multicenter phase II trial.
Trial treatment consist in HA-PCI concomitant
to the second cycle of chemotherapy and to
radiotherapy. The HA-PCI regimen consists
of a total dose of 25 Gy (2.5 Gy / fraction /
5XW) for 2 weeks. Cisplatin or Carboplatin and
Etoposide will be administered for 4 to 6 cycles
according to local standards. Radiotherapy
consists either of 45 Gy (1.5 Gy / fraction
/ BID / 5XW) for 3 weeks or 60 Gy (2 Gy
/ fraction / 5XW) for 6 weeks according to
local standards. Primary objective: to assess
neurocognitive function after early hippocampal
avoidance prophylactic cranial irradiation.
Total number of randomized pts: 4, IOSI/RT: 0
pts.
5. Head and neck cancer:
• INT 48/14: health and economic outcomes of
two different follow up strategies in effectively
cured advanced head and neck cancer. A
phase II trial.
Lead investigator IOSI: A. Richetti.
Patients deemed to be in complete remission
at month 6 (+/- 1 month) after curative
15
treatment will be randomized in two follow-up
arms: Arm A, non-intensive, follow-up according
to NCCN guidelines with CT scan or MRI only
on the occurrence of new signs or symptoms
versus Arm B, intensive, as arm A but with CT
scans, MRI or PET scans at fixed time points
according to the type of tumour, smoking
history and age. To both arms, QoL forms
and socio-economic questionnaires will be
administered.
0 pts.
Study is send to the Ethics Committee in
December 2014 and will start at the beginning
of 2015.
Main funding
SAKK (SAKK 01/10, SAKK 09/10, SAKK
15/12, IBCSG 38-10), ABREOC (IOSI-RTO-001),
Celldex Therapeutics, Inc (CDX110-04), European
Organisation for Research and Treatment of
Cancer, EORTC (EORTC 22033), other study
EORTC; INT 48/14 and study IRMA no funding.
Peer reviewed publications in 2014
S. Management of non-small cell lung cancer in the
elderly. Eur J Intern Med. 2014;25(10):888-894.
Paranasal sinus metastasis of breast cancer. BMJ
Case Rep. 2014;2014. pii: bcr2014205171. doi:
10.1136/bcr-2014-205171.
1.3
Medical Physics Unit of the Radiation
continued to follow its research projects. The
collaboration with international groups was
pursued also in the course of 2014; the main
institutions include: Istituto Clinico Humanitas
of Milan in Italy, Cheng-Ching General Hospital of
Taichung in Taiwan, Kaiser-Franz-Josef Spital of
Vienna in Austria, CRLC Val d'Aurelle of Montpellier
and Institut Sainte Catherine of Avignon in
France, centres of Istanbul in Turkey, Universitat
Politécnica de Catalunya of Barcelona in Spain,
Universitätsklinikum of Essen in Germany.
The research projects at the Medical Physics Unit
followed the main fields of the research strategy
of the group: the dose calculation algorithms and
the dose optimization algorithms, with particular
attention to the new optimization algorithms based
on the knowledge based concept, for which the
two first publications on the so-called RapidPlan
approach came from the IOSI Medical Physics
group. Another interesting item is the flattening
filter free (FFF) beams as a fundamental physics
approach, also using Monte Carlo simulations,
as well as its clinical application. The application
of the new technologies to stereotactic body
radiotherapy (SBRT) is more clinically oriented.
In particular, in 2014 the activities were mainly on
the following topics:
• Evaluation and assessment of the possible and
feasible clinical application of the knowledgebased treatment planning concept.
The group worked during the evaluation phase
of the RapidPlan engine helping in driving
the evolution of the system into the widest
radiotherapy clinical application field.
Oncology Service
Fogliata Antonella
Medical Physicist
Unit Head
MSc
SSRMP/SGSMP
In 2014 the Medical Physics Unit of the
Radiotherapy Dept, also thanks to the scientific
advisory and coordination of Dr. Luca Cozzi,
16
• Evaluation and research in the flattening filter
free (FFF) beams field.
This project evaluated the benefit of using these
photon beams on different anatomical sites
and pathologies. Both dosimetric and clinical
processes were analysed. A huge work, in
physics of the FFF beams, was carried out with
Monte Carlo simulations validating predefined
phase space files.
• Evaluation of dose distributions in patients
treated with the RapidArc technology
(volumetric modulated arc therapy VMAT)
in different anatomical sites, compared with
other techniques.
• Use of amorphous silicon detectors in quality
assurance procedures for different treatment
techniques and different beams.
The ongoing study on the dose released to the
patient during the radiation treatment with the
acquisition of such images is continuing.
Main funding
No financing.
cancer. Radiat Oncol. 2014 Oct 28;9(1):236.
Scorsetti M, Alongi F, Clerici E, Comito T, Fogliata
A, Iftode C, Mancosu P, Navarria P, Reggiori
G, Tomatis S, Villa E, Cozzi L. Stereotactic body
radiotherapy with flattening filter-free beams
for prostate cancer: assessment of patientreported quality of life. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol.
2014;140(10):1795-800.
Tozzi A, Cozzi L, Iftode C, Ascolese A, Campisi
MC, Clerici E, Comito T, De Rose F, Fogliata A,
Franzese C, Mancosu P, Navarria P, Tomatis S,
Villa E, Scorsetti M. Radiation therapy of anal canal
cancer: from conformal therapy to volumetric
modulated arc therapy. BMC Cancer. 2014 Nov
18;14:833.
1.4 Nuclear Medicine Service and PET/CT
Peer-reviewed publications in 2014 (selection)
Belosi MF, Rodriguez M, Fogliata A, Cozzi L,
Sempau J, Clivio A, Nicolini G, Vanetti E, Krauss
H, Khamphan C, Fenoglietto P, Puxeu J, Fedele D,
Mancosu P, Brualla L. Monte Carlo simulation of
TrueBeam flattening-filter-free beams using varian
phase-space files: comparison with experimental
data. Med Phys. 2014 May;41(5):051707.
Clivio A, Belosi MF, Cozzi L, Nicolini G, Vanetti E,
Bolard G, Fenoglietto P, Krauss H, Fogliata A. On
the determination of reference levels for quality
assurance of flattening filter free photon beams in
radiation therapy. Med Phys. 2014;41(2):021713.
Fogliata A, Belosi F, Clivio A, Navarria P, Nicolini
G, Scorsetti M, Vanetti E, Cozzi L. On the
pre-clinical validation of a commercial modelbased optimisation engine: Application to
volumetric modulated arc therapy for patients
with lung or prostate cancer. Radiother Oncol.
2014;113(3):385-391.
Fogliata A, Wang PM, Belosi F, Clivio A, Nicolini G,
Vanetti E, Cozzi L. Assessment of a model based
optimization engine for volumetric modulated arc
therapy for patients with advanced hepatocellular
Centre
Luca Giovanella MD PD
Head Doctor
Nuclear medicine employs substances emitting
low radiation level (radiopharmaceuticals)
and technologically very advanced equipment
(gamma cameras, SPET/CT and PET/CT
tomographs) to carry out diagnostic tests
(scintigraphy, tomoscintigraphy, SPECT/CT and
PET/CT) in every medicine branch. Moreover,
some radiopharmaceuticals are used for the
treatment of hyperthyroidism and goitre, thyroid
carcinomas, bone metastases, some lymphomas
and inflammatory arthropathy.
The Service is located in the Regional Hospital of
Bellinzona and Valli (San Giovanni) and the Regional
Hospital of Lugano (Civico). In both hospitals, all
nuclear medicine diagnostic tests, including PET/
CT, iodine-131 treatments (outpatients), intraarticular radiosynoviorthesis and treatments for
bone metastases are carried out. The Centre
for in-patient iodine-131 treatments and other
radioisotopic therapies is located at the San
Giovanni hospital (3 dedicated rooms). The
Service includes the EOC Integrated Centre for
Thyroid Diseases: “one-stop-shop” specialized
17
consultations, including diagnostic procedures (US,
scintigraphy, fine-needle and core-needle biopsy)
and non-surgical therapies (drugs, radioiodine, USguided alcohol injection), are provided and the EOC
Multidisciplinary Thyroid Board is coordinated.
Several types of collaboration are underway
concerning both teaching and research,
mainly in the fields of thyroid diseases, PET/
CT evaluation of lymphomas, nuclear cardiology,
radiopharmaceutical therapies and meta-analysis
and cost-effectiveness studies in nuclear medicine
and endocrinology (in collaboration with the
Universities of Zurich, Aachen, Marburg, Leiden,
Birmingham, Mashhad, Rome, Brescia and Pavia,
the National Cancer Centre in Milan and the Mayo
Clinic).
1. Thyroid disorders:
• Role of Tc99m-sestaMIBI in the differential
diagnosis of follicular thyroid nodules.
Lead investigator: L. Giovanella.
• Role of 18FDG-PET/CT in patients with
advanced thyroid cancer.
• Individual dosimetry in radiometabolic therapy.
• Evaluation of serum parathyroid hormonerelated peptide in hyperthyroid patients.
• Relationship between serum calcitonin levels
and thyroid volume in healthy subjects.
• Elastosonography and molecular markers on
fine needle aspiration biopsy in the differential
diagnosis of thyroid nodules with indeterminate
cytology.
• A new high-sensitive thyroglobulin assay in the
18
follow-up of differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
• Role of FDG-PET/CT in the differential diagnosis
of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology.
• Quantitative ultrasonography analysis of thyroid
nodules and surrounding tissues.
• BAYER 88-223/16298.
Lead investigators: O. Pagani, G. Paone.
A phase 2 randomized double-blind placebo
controlled trial of Radium-223 dichloride vs.
placebo when administered to metastatic
HER2 negative hormone receptor positive
breast cancer with bone metastases treated
with hormonal treatment.
• BAYER 88-223/17096.
Lead investigators: O. Pagani, G. Paone.
2. Oncology:
• IELSG 37 study.
Lead investigators: L. Ceriani, E. Zucca.
A randomized multicenter phase 3 comparative
study assessing the role of involved mediastinal
radiotherapy after Rituximab containing
chemotherapy regimens to patients with
Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma.
• GHSG HD17.
A trial designed to determine whether
radiotherapy can possibly be omitted in low-risk
patients after chemotherapy.
• GHSG HD18.
A study designed to individualize treatment
according to early response to chemotherapy.
• BELLE-CBKM120F2302.
Lead investigators: O. Pagani, L. Ceriani.
A phase 3 randomized double blind clinical
trial with BKM120 or placebo combined with
fulvestrant in postmenopausal patients with
breast carcinoma and positive hormonal
receptor HER2-negative, locally advanced
or metastatic cancer, in progression after
treatment with aromatase inhibitors.
and Periapproval Services Ltd, GE Diagnostics,
Genzyme-Sanofi, Ibsen AB, IELSG (International
Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group), Medeo
Diagnostics, Mallinkrodt-Covidien, Oncosuisse,
Roche Diagnostics, SAKK.
Bertagna F, Giubbini R, Treglia G. Positron emission
tomography/computed tomography for diagnosis
of prosthetic valve endocarditis: suggestions to
increase diagnostic accuracy. J Am Coll Cardiol.
2014;63(4):378-379.
A phase 2 randomized double-blind placebocontrolled trial of Radium-223 dichloride vs.
placebo when administered to metastatic
HER2 negative hormone receptor positive
breast cancer with bone metastases treated
with the standard treatment exemestane and
everolimus.
Giovanella L, Treglia G, Sadeghi R, Trimboli
P, Ceriani L, Verburg FA. Unstimulated highly
sensitive thyroglobulin in follow-up of differentiated
thyroid cancer patients: a meta-analysis. J Clin
Endocrinol Metab. 2014;99(2):440-447.
• Health and economic outcomes of two
different follow-up strategies in effectively
cured advanced Head and Neck cancer.
Lead investigators: L. Licitra, A. Richetti, G.
Paone.
Heinzel A, Müller D, Behrendt FF, Giovanella
L, Mottaghy FM, Verburg FA. Thyroid nodules
with indeterminate cytology: molecular imaging
99
with
mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile
(MIBI)
is more cost-effective than the Afirma gene
expression classifier. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging.
2014;41(8):1497-1500.
3. Cardiology:
• ANMCO ISCHEMIA.
Lead investigators: T. Moccetti, L. Ceriani
A multinational randomized clinical trial with
the aim of comparing the optimal medical
treatment versus an interventional strategy
added to the optimal medical treatment in
patients with mild-severe ischemia.
4. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and
Evidence-Based Medicine:
• A meta-analysis on PET/CT in oncology.
Lead investigator: G. Treglia.
Main funding
ABREOC, Brahms-Termofisher, Covance Clinical
Martelli M, Ceriani L, Zucca E, Zinzani PL, Ferreri
AJ, Vitolo U, Stelitano C, Brusamolino E, Cabras
MG, Rigacci L, Balzarotti M, Salvi F, Montoto S,
Lopez-Guillermo A, Finolezzi E, Pileri SA, Davies
A, Cavalli F, Giovanella L, Johnson PW. [18F]
fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography
predicts survival after chemoimmunotherapy
for primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma:
results of the International Extranodal Lymphoma
Study Group IELSG-26 Study. J Clin Oncol.
2014;32(17):1769-1775.
Piccardo A, Puntoni M, Bertagna F, Treglia G,
Foppiani L, Arecco F, Giubbini R, Naseri M, Cistaro
A, Cabria M, Bardesono F, Ceriani L, Orlandi F,
Giovanella L. F-FDG uptake as a prognostic variable
in primary differentiated thyroid cancer incidentally
detected by PET/CT: a multicenter study. Eur J
19
Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2014;41(8):1482-1491.
Treglia G, Giovanella L, Lococo F. Evolving role of
PET/CT with different tracers in the evaluation of
pulmonary neuroendocrine tumours. Eur J Nucl
Med Mol Imaging. 2014;41(5):853-855.
The main research projects are:
• Participer à un suicide assisté: étude
exploratoire sur l’expérience des proches et
leurs représentations de la fin de vie, de la mort
et du deuil.
Lead investigator: C. Gamondi.
1.5 Palliative Care Service
Claudia Gamondi MD, MSC
Clinical Director
Palliative care involves looking after a patient with
life-threatening illness and his family adopting
a global approach aimed at maintaining or reestablishing the best possible quality of life through
an interdisciplinary team with highly specialized
skills. The mission of Palliative Care Service (SCP
- Servizio di Cure Palliative), which is available at
all the EOC hospitals, is to promote this philosophy
and to disseminate the specific know-how of
palliative care to hospital teams through specialist
consultation at the patient’s bedside and by
developing the necessary training programs.
The Palliative Care Unit (UCP - Unità di Cure
Palliative) is equipped with seven beds and a
specialist team as part of the IOSI’s inpatient units
at Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valli (San
Giovanni). The unit is designed to offer relief from
suffering in unstable, complex situations.
The IOSI’s palliative care service is a highly
advanced model, labelled "Designated Centre of
Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care” (ESMO
2004-2016). The palliative care unit has been
awarded with the label "Quality in Palliative Care".
The research unit is composed of physicians, a
nurse, a research coordinator and boasts national
and international collaborations. Its main partners
include: IOSI Oncology Department, SUPSI, Haute
École Santé Lausanne, Service de Soins Palliatifs
(CHUV Lausanne), Onkölogische Palliativmedizin
in St. Gallen and the International Observatory for
End of Life Care (Lancaster, UK).
20
This is a three-year open multicenter qualitative
study (phase II) aimed at describing the characteristics of the mourning of relatives of patients
who die through assisted suicide. Currently, the
final publication is in progress.
• An interview Study on Swiss palliative care
physicians’ opinions concerning hastened
death practices.
This is a three-year open multicenter qualitative
This project seeks to describe Swiss palliative
care experts’ perspectives on assisted suicide,
considering that this is a highly controversial
issue, discussed in literature and by the public
opinion. The primary purpose of this study
is to investigate and highlight controversies
concerning assisted suicide in itself and its
possible legalization. It is a qualitative study,
using open interviews to 15-20 palliative care
physicians recruited from the three different
linguistic regions. It will be a one year project.
Currently, it is in data collection phase.
• FIT (Fine Vita Ticino – “End of life Ticino”)
study. Epidemiology of death in Ticino’s public
hospitals.
This is a one-year observational prospective
study with the following purposes: describing
how adult patients die in public hospitals
in Ticino and, in particular, how they are
assisted as they approach death; identifying
any differences in the treatment of patients
whose death is expected compared to those
whose death is not expected; assessing the
perception of doctors and nurses as regards
the quality of the care provided before death.
Currently, data analysis is in progress.
• Meaning of life, personal values and spirituality
at the end of life.
Lead investigator: G. Borasio (CHUV).
This is an 18-month, mixed prospective study
aimed at studying the connection between
people questioning themselves as to the
meaning of life and spirituality at the end of
their lives in an end-of-life context. Currently,
data analysis is in progress.
Main funding
“An interview Study on Swiss palliative care
physicians’ opinions concerning hastened death
practices”: Swiss Cancer Research (external
competitive grant, starting: 2014, duration: 1
year).
“FIT (Fine Vita Ticino – “End of life Ticino”) study.
Epidemiology of death in Ticino’s public hospitals”:
ABREOC (hospital competitive grant).
“Meaning of life, personal values and spirituality at
the end of life”: Swiss National Science Foundation
(SNSF) (external competitive grant, duration:
2012-2014).
Other research funds: Fondazione Hospice
(external non-competitive grant, duration: 1 year,
starting: 2014); Fondazione Realini (external noncompetitive grant, starting: 2013).
Gamondi C, Borasio GD, Limoni C, Preston N, Payne
S. Legalisation of assisted suicide: a safeguard to
euthanasia? Lancet. 2014;384:127.
1.6 Haematology Service
Georg Stüssi MD PD
Head Doctor
In 2014, a major step for the development of
the division of haematology was made by the
integration of the complete haematology laboratory
in EOLAB under the lead of PD Dr. med. Georg
Stüssi. This step completed the diagnostic chain
for haematology by opening new avenues both
for clinical routine and for clinical and laboratory
research projects.
In collaboration with the SAKK, the division of
haematology has been involved in the development
of several clinical protocols. Most importantly, a
phase II protocol for patients with myeloproliferative
neoplasias was finished, and the patient accrual
should start in early 2015. Moreover, in 2014,
the base for a Swiss-wide database for registering
patients with myelodysplastic syndromes was
made. Given the increasing age of the population
and the recent therapeutic developments, the
myelodysplastic syndrome is gaining importance.
This registry provides the opportunity to perform
studies within Switzerland and in collaboration
with international study groups. The treatment
of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes has
so far not been the subject of clinical studies in
Switzerland. In 2014, a collaboration with the
HOVON group was established for the development
of an international study protocol for low-risk MDS
patients.
The SAKK leukemia project group has a long track
in studies with hairy cell leukemias and has been
among the first ones to show the feasibility of
subcutaneous treatment with cladribine. However,
given the fact that patients with hairy cell leukemia
survive for several decades after treatment, longterm effects of this treatment are of importance.
In 2014, the SAKK LPG therefore developed
retrospective data collection of late effects of
the treatment in patients with hairy cell leukemia
treated within previous study trials.
• Clinical research into acute myeloid leukemia in
elderly patients.
Lead investigators: G. Ossenkoppele, B.
Löwenberg, G. Stüssi.
21
The HOVON 103 trial was activated in 2011
introducing a novel trial design to SAKK studies.
It is a randomized phase II study in elderly AML
patients with multiple parallel experimental
arms, which are all compared to a common
standard arm. The first experimental arm was
lenalidomide, and the accrual in Switzerland
was very good. After long discussions about
the design of the trial, the new study drug was
finally approved by the Swiss authorities and
should start within the next weeks. Moreover,
a protocol for a third study drug was developed
looking at a new class of drugs (selective
inhibitors of nuclear export). These drugs block
the export of several tumour-suppressor and
cell-cycle regulatory proteins from the nucleus
thereby increasing the effective cell-cycle and
tumour-regulation within a tumour cells. First
clinical data are encouraging, and the trial
should hopefully open in 2015.
• Effects of sympathicomimetic agonists on the
disease course and mutant allele burden in
patients with JAK2-mutated myeloproliferative
neoplasms- A multicenter phase II trial.
Lead investigators: R. Skoda, J. Passweg, G.
Stüssi.
MPN is initiated and maintained by a
mutated hematopoietic stem cell (HSC). The
interplay between the MPN HSCs and the
stem cell niche is increasingly recognized as
crucial for the biology of the disease. It was
previously demonstrated that nestin-positive
mesenchymal stem cells (nestin+ MSCs)
within the bone marrow niche are innervated
by sympathetic nerve fibers and are important
in regulating normal HSC. New findings by Dr.
Méndez-Ferrer’s laboratory show that these
nestin+ MSCs are strongly reduced in bone
marrow from patients with MPN. Furthermore,
in a mouse model of MPN expressing the
human JAK2-V617F mutation, this effect
was found to be caused by early glial and
sympathetic nerve damage and apoptosis of
22
nestin+ MSCs triggered by the mutant HSCs.
In vivo depletion of nestin+ cells accelerated
MPN progression. Conversely, MPN phenotype
could be reversed by compensating for the
sympathetic neuropathy using the treatment
with a beta-3-sympathicomimetic drug. Mice
with JAK2-V617F driven MPN treated with
a beta-3-sympathicomimetic agonist not
only restored nestin+ MSCs numbers, but
also showed correction of thrombocytosis,
neutrophilia, and bone marrow fibrosis, and
efficiently reduced mutant hematopoietic
progenitor numbers in bone marrow and
peripheral blood. Thus, treatments with a beta3 sympathicomimetic agonist corrected the
damage inflicted by the MPN clone on the stem
cell niche and led to a dramatic improvement
of the MPN phenotype. Therefore, beta-3
sympathicomimetic agonists represent a
promising novel therapeutic approach to MPN
by targeting the stem cell niche rather than
the MPN clone itself. Considering the widely
used and established safety track record of
beta-3-sympathicomimetic drugs, a phase II
study has been selected to test the concept of
a beneficial effect of beta sympathicomimetic
activity on bone marrow niche cells and through
this effect on the disease manifestation in MPN
patients.
Benz R, Schanz U, Maggiorini M, Seebach JD,
Stussi G. Risk factors for ICU admission and ICU
survival after allogeneic hematopoietic SCT. Bone
Marrow Transplant. 2014;49(1):62-65.
Berger MD, Meisel A, Andres M, Schanz U,
Schwarz U, Stussi G. Unusual case of progressive
multifocal leukoencephalopathy after allogeneic
hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. J Clin
Oncol. 2014;32(9):e33-34.
Kirsch M, Götz A, Halter JP, Schanz U, Stussi
G, Dobbels F, De Geest S. Differences in health
behaviour between recipients of allogeneic
haematopoietic SCT and the general population: a
matched control study. Bone Marrow Transplant.
2014;49(9):1223-1230.
Marek A, Stern M, Chalandon Y, Ansari M, Ozsahin
H, Güngör T, Gerber B, Kühne T, Passweg JR,
Gratwohl A, Tichelli A, Seger R, Schanz U, Halter J,
Stussi G; Swiss Blood Stem Cell Transplantation.
The impact of T-cell depletion techniques on the
outcome after haploidentical hematopoietic SCT.
Bone Marrow Transplant. 2014;49(1):55-61.
Passweg JR, Pabst T, Blum S, Bargetzi M, Li Q,
Heim D, Stussi G, Gregor M, Leoncini L, MeyerMonard S, Brauchli P, Chalandon Y; Swiss Group
for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK). Azacytidine for
acute myeloid leukemia in elderly or frail patients:
a phase II trial (SAKK 30/07). Leuk Lymphoma.
2014;55(1):87-91.
1.7 Research Division
Prof. Franco Cavalli MD
Scientific Director
From an operational point of view, the IOSI
Research Division encompasses both the sector
of clinical investigations as well as the experimental
laboratories at IOR (Institute of Oncology Research).
In order to optimize the collaboration among all
those involved in research, a Scientific Board of the
IOSI was established, where all 6 divisions of the
IOSI, as well as IOR, are represented. This Scientific
Board meets 4-5 times a year. In 2014, there was
a further strengthening of the structure of the
Clinical Trial Unit of the EOC (CTU-EOC), which is
mainly managed within the IOSI in Bellinzona. Last
year was particularly positive as regards relevant
publications. Some of the most significant ones
are underlined below. First of all, the paper by Dr.
Alimonti’s group published in Nature, where they
present a discovery that could significantly change
the therapeutic perspectives in the treatment of
prostate cancer. However, please also note the
paper published in the New England Journal of
Medicine whose first author is Dr. Olivia Pagani,
which defines a new standard in the adjuvant
endocrine treatment of operable breast cancer.
And last but not least, the two papers published in
the same issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology,
both coordinated by PD Dr. Emanuele Zucca. Both
articles summarize the conclusion of a working
group, started at the International Conference on
Malignant Lymphoma (ICML) in Lugano in 2011,
that redefined the role of PET in the management
of malignant lymphomas and presented the socalled “Classification of Lugano”, defining a new
way of staging malignant lymphomas.
Research activities are increasingly attracting
young and extremely talented researchers. In
2014 a new research group was added at IOR;
this group is managed by Dr. Jean-Philippe
Theurillat, who came to IOR from the MIT in Boston
with a Young Professorship Grant from the Swiss
National Fund for Research. Another group, dealing
with the biology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
(CLL), will be added at the end of 2015. Because
of the logistic problems occurring in the current
building, we look forward to the construction of the
new research building in Bellinzona.
From an operational point of view, the IOSI clinical
research is mainly divided into five units:
• New Drug Development Unit, under the
direction of Prof. Cristiana Sessa MD.
• Lymphoma Unit, coordinated by Emanuele
Zucca MD PD.
• Breast Unit, coordinated by Olivia Pagani MD.
• Gastrointestinal Cancer Group, coordinated by
Piercarlo Saletti MD.
• Prostate Cancer Unit, coordinated by Enrico
Roggero, MD.
1.7.1 New Drug Development Unit
Prof. Cristiana Sessa MD
Deputy Head Doctor at the IOSI
23
In 2014, 30 adult patients with advanced solid
tumours were accrued into 9 Phase I studies, of
which 2 were first in humans.
For 3 compounds tested (2 cytotoxics and 1
acting as PI3K/mTOR inhibitor), a full clinical
development has been already planned in which
IOSI will play an active role.
About half of the patients treated were referred
from other Swiss centres or from Italian centres,
because of the possibility of IOSI to participate in
international studies with innovative molecules
open in a limited number of centres outside
Switzerland.
The close collaboration with the CTU-EOC
allowed us to offer a series of services for the
management and conduct of clinical studies (such
as the preparation of study documents and their
submission to the Regulatory Authorities) that
were instrumental in the selection of the IOSI as a
participating centre.
In 2 studies, a strict criterion for selection of
the patients was the presence of a molecular
dysfunction in the tumour tissues which could
be targeted by the study drug which has a very
selective site of action. Because of the low
incidence of some of the molecular alterations
looked for (10% to 40% of cases according to
the tumour type) it was necessary to evaluate
the molecular profile of almost a ten-time higher
number of patients to identify those who could
potentially benefit from the participation in the
Phase I study.
Main funding
SAKK, Pharmaceutical Companies for specific
clinical studies.
Bahleda R, Sessa C, Del Conte G, Gianni L, Capri
G, Varga A, Oprea C, Daglish B, Hospitel M, Soria
JC. Phase I clinical and pharmacokinetic study of
ombrabulin (AVE8062) combined with cisplatin/
docetaxel or carboplatin/paclitaxel in patients
with advanced solid tumours. Invest New Drugs.
24
2014;32(6):1188-96.
Damia G, Sessa C. Success and Limitations of
Targeted Cancer Therapy in Ovarian Cancer. Prog
Tumour Res. 2014;41:89-97.
Del Conte G, Sessa C, von Moos R, Viganò L,
Digena T, Locatelli A, Gallerani E, Fasolo A, Tessari
A, Cathomas R, Gianni L. Phase I study of olaparib
in combination with liposomal doxorubicin in
patients with advanced solid tumours. Br J Cancer.
2014;111(4):651-659.
Lennerz V, Gross S, Gallerani E, Sessa C, Mach
N, Boehm S, Hess D, von Boehmer L, Knuth
A, Ochsenbein AF, Gnad-Vogt U, Zieschang J,
Forssmann U, Woelfel T, Kaempgen E. Immunologic
response to the sruvivin-derived multi-epitope
vaccine EMD640744 in pazients with advanced
solid tumours. Cancer Immunol Immunother.
2014;63(4):381-94.
1.7.2 Lymphoma Unit – IELSG
Emanuele Zucca MD PD
Deputy Head Doctor at the IOSI
The primary activities of the Lymphoma Unit in
2014 were dedicated to the development of
clinical studies and the increasing and continuing
collaborations with the activities of genomic
research conducted in the laboratory of Dr.
Francesco Bertoni. During the year 2014, the
new international guidelines on the use of PET
for the staging of non-Hodgkin lymphomas and
the evaluation of responses to treatment were
published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Dr. Zucca was an active member in the working
groups and is a co-author of two publications on
what was called the "Lugano Classification". In
2014, the International Extranodal Lymphoma
Study Group (IELSG) successfully published the
results of some studies.
1. Phase I studies:
• OSI-LND-001: A Phase I study of Inotuzumab
Ozogamicin (CMC-544) in combination with
Temsirolimus (CCI-779) in patients with
relapsed or refractory CD22-positive B-cell
Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas.
Lead investigator: A. Stathis.
Phase I study for patients with lymphoma.
Besides the IOSI, the study is open in other two
Swiss Centres (St. Gallen and Bern).
• A Phase I, Multicenter, Open-label study of
IMGN529 administered intravenously in adult
patients with relapsed or refractory NHL.
• A phase I, dose-finding study of the bromodomain
(Brd) inhibitor OTX015 in haematological
malignancies.
Preliminary results of the phase I studies with
IMGN529 and OTX015 were presented by
Dr. Stathis as a poster at the 56th ASH annual
meeting and as an oral presentation at the AACRNCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular
Targets and Cancer Therapeutics respectively.
2. IELSG - Prospective Studies:
• IELSG 30 - A phase II study of R-CHOP
with intensive CNS prophylaxis and scrotal
irradiation in patients with primary testicular
diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Lead investigators: U. Vitolo, E. Zucca.
On 31.12.2014: 34 patients enrolled in 13
Institutes and in 2 Countries (sample size: 50 End of trial expected for Q4 2015).
The participant sample size has been expanded
to better evaluate the data of disease-free
survival in the long term. This study provides
a unique opportunity to obtain meaningful
information on the role of central nervous
system prophylaxis in a high-risk population.
• IELSG 32 - Randomized phase II trial on primary
chemotherapy with high-dose methotrexate
and high-dose cytarabine with or without
thiotepa, and with or without rituximab,
followed by brain irradiation vs. high-dose
chemotherapy supported by autologous stem
cell transplantation for immunocompetent
patients with newly diagnosed primary CNS
lymphoma.
Lead investigators: A. Ferreri, G. Illerhaus, E. Zucca.
Institutes and 5 Countries (sample size: 200
evaluable patients - Enrollment completed in
Q3 2014).
The enrollment was concluded and the first
results should be presented in an abstract
during the 2015 edition of ICML.
• IELSG 34 - A Multicenter Phase II study to
evaluate the clinical activity and the safety
profile of everolimus (RAD001) in marginal
zone B-cell lymphomas (MZL).
Lead investigators: E. Zucca, A. Conconi.
The study has been published in the British
Journal of Haematology.
• IELSG 37 - A randomized, open-label,
multicenter, two-arm phase III comparative
study assessing the role of involved mediastinal
radiotherapy after Rituximab containing
chemotherapy regimens to patients with newly
diagnosed Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell
Lymphoma (PMLBCL).
Lead investigators: M. Martelli, AJ Davies, M.
Gospodarowicz, E. Zucca.
Institutes and 7 Countries (Sample size: 540
patients - End of trial expected for Q4 2016).
• IELSG 38 - A phase II study of Chlorambucil
in combination with subcutaneous Rituximab
followed by maintenance therapy with
subcutaneous Rituximab in patients with
25
extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of
mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT
Lymphoma).
Lead investigators: A. Stathis, S. Luminari, L.
Baldini, C. Thieblemkont, R. Gressin, E. Zucca.
Institutes in 3 Countries (Sample size: 112
patients - end of trial expected for Q4 2019).
3. IELSG Retrospective Studies:
• IELSG 17 - Multi-institutional retrospective
analysis of intravascular lymphomatosis.
Lead investigators: A. Ferreri, M. Ponzoni.
Institutes and in 7 Countries.
• IELSG 31 - A retrospective international study
of primary extranodal follicular lymphoma.
E. Zucca, B. Pro, M. Federico, A. Gullermo
Lopez.
Instiutes and in 7 Countries.
• IELSG 35 - A retrospective international study
of primary extranodal lymphoma of female
genital tract.
Lead investigators: G. Martinell, G. Ryan.
On 31.12.2014: 47 patients, in 4 Institutes
and in 4 Countries.
Furthermore, the study IELSG 14, which was
conducted on a series of 499 primary bone
lymphomas, generated four publications (Leukemia
& Lymphoma, British Journal of Haematology,
Oncologist and Annals of Oncology) on multiple
clinical problems in this type of lymphoma. The
main results of the study IELSG 26, on the
prognostic role of PET in primary mediastinal
lymphoma and on the optimal evaluation of
response to chemotherapy by PET were published
26
in the prestigious Journal of Clinical Oncology,
accompanied by a very positive editorial.
In parallel with the management of the clinical trial,
the update activity of the IOSI Lymphoma Database
continued on a regular basis.
Main funding
“IELSG 37 - A randomized, open-label, multicenter,
two-arm phase III comparative study assessing
the role of involved mediastinal radiotherapy after
Rituximab containing chemotherapy regimens to
patients with newly diagnosed Primary Mediastinal
Large B-Cell Lymphoma (PMLBCL)”:
• Oncosuisse (KFS-2859-08-2011 from 2012
to 2014 - 3 years) - CHF 320'000.00
• Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF from
2013 to 2016 - 3 years) CHF 440'920.
Oncosuisse:
a. Performance Agreement (from Q1.2013 until
Q2 2014 - 1.5 years) - CHF 300'000.00.
b. Performance Agreement (from Q3 2014 until
Q4 2016 - 2.5 years) - CHF 600'000.00.
Barrington SF, Mikhaeel NG, Kostakoglu L,
Meignan M, Hutchings M, Müeller SP, Schwartz
LH, Zucca E, Fisher RI, Trotman J, Hoekstra
OS, Hicks RJ, O'Doherty MJ, Hustinx R, Biggi A,
Cheson BD. Role of Imaging in the Staging and
Response Assessment of Lymphoma: Consensus
of the International Conference on Malignant
Lymphomas Imaging Working Group. J Clin Oncol.
2014; 32(27):3048-58.
Cheson BD, Fisher RI, Barrington SF, Cavalli
F, Schwartz LH, Zucca E, Lister TA; Alliance,
Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group;
Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group; European
Mantle Cell Lymphoma Consortium; Italian
Lymphoma Foundation; European Organisation
for Research; Treatment of Cancer/Dutch
Hemato-Oncology Group; Grupo Español de
Médula Ósea; German High-Grade Lymphoma
Study Group; German Hodgkin's Study Group;
Japanese Lymphorra Study Group; Lymphoma
Study Association; NCIC Clinical Trials Group;
Nordic Lymphoma Study Group; Southwest
Oncology Group; United Kingdom National Cancer
Research Institute. Recommendations for Initial
Evaluation, Staging, and Response Assessment of
Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: The Lugano
Classification. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(27):305968.
Govi S, Christie D, Messina C, Bruno Ventre M,
Gracia Medina EA, Porter D, Radford J, Heo
DS, Park Y, Martinelli G, Taylor E, Lucraft H,
Ballova V, Zucca E, Gospodarowicz M, Ferreri
AJ; on behalf of the International Extranodal
Lymphoma Study Group (I.E.L.S.G.). The clinical
features, management and prognostic effects of
pathological fractures in a multicenter series of
373 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of
the bone. Ann Oncol. 2014;25(1):176-181.
Lopez-Guillermo A, Finolezzi E, Pileri SA, Davies
A, Cavalli F, Giovanella L, Johnson PW. [18F]
Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography
Predicts Survival After Chemoimmunotherapy
for Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma:
Results of the International Extranodal Lymphoma
Study Group IELSG-26 Study. J Clin Oncol.
2014;32(17):1769-75.
Mian M, Kwee I, Rinaldi A, Ponzoni M, Bhagat G,
Rossi D, Arcaini L, Gascoyne RD, Mollejo M, Baldini
L, Thieblemont C, Gaidano G, Zucca E, Bertoni
F. Genome-wide DNA profiling identifies clonal
heterogeneity in marginal zone lymphomas. Br J
Haematol. 2014;164(6):896-9.
1.7.3 Breast Unit
Olivia Pagani MD
Deputy Head Doctor at the IOSI and Clinical
Director of the Breast Unit
The Clinical Research Unit for Breast Cancer is
involved in clinical studies in patients with both
early and advanced disease. The most significant
collaboration takes place within cooperative
groups on either national (SAKK) or international
levels (International Breast Cancer Study Group
– IBCSG, Breast International Group – BIG).
Dr. Olivia Pagani also coordinates the research
activities of the Senology Centre of the Italian
Speaking Switzerland (CSSI). During 2014, Dr.
Pagani finalized the research project on pregnancy
after breast cancer, within the framework of
an intercontinental collaboration between BIG
and the North American Breast Cancer Study
Group (NABCG). The POSITIVE protocol, which is
chaired by Dr. Pagani, began accruing patients
in September 2014 and the first patient entered
into the study was listed by the IOSI. During 2014,
two important studies on endocrine adjuvant
therapy in young women, in which Dr. Pagani
actively participated, were published in prestigious
journals, including one in the New England Journal
of Medicine (see list of publications) of which Dr.
Pagani was the first author.
1. Two clinical studies in women with an early
stage cancer:
• a study coordinated by SAKK (Swiss Group for
Clinical Cancer Research), SAKK 26/10.
The primary objective of the study is to test
whether Oncotype DX® Recurrence score®
(RS) leads to a relevant proportion of changes
in adjuvant treatment recommendation in
patients with ER-positive early Breast Cancer.
• a study coordinated by IBCSG (International
Breast Cancer Study Group), IBCSG 48-14/
BIG 8-13, POSITIVE.
The primary objective is to assess the risk
27
of breast cancer relapse associated with
temporary interruption of endocrine therapy
(ET) to permit pregnancy. The secondary
objective is to evaluate factors associated
with pregnancy success after interruption of
endocrine therapy.
2. Five clinical studies in women with an
advanced stage of cancer:
• a randomized clinical study coordinated by
IBCSG, IBCSG 42-12 (SNAP).
clinically significant pathological fracture,
radiation therapy to bone, surgery to bone
or spinal cord compression).
c. SAKK 21/12.
The main objective of the Phase I is to
determine safety, tolerability and the
recommended dose (RD) of CR1447 for
Phase II. The main objective of the Phase
II is to assess activity and to determine the
efficacy and tolerability of CR1447.
• one clinical study sponsored by Novartis.
Longer first line chemotherapy duration has
recently been associated with a modest, but
significant improvement in overall survival
and a clinically meaningful and statistically
significant improvement in progression-free
survival, in metastatic breast cancer patients.
The SNAP trial evaluates three schedules of
nab-Paclitaxel as prolonged chemotherapy
administration strategy.
• three clinical studies coordinated by SAKK:
a. SAKK 22/10.
The primary objective of this trial is
to evaluate the efficacy in terms of
overall survival (OS) at 24 months of a
chemotherapy-free dual HER2-inbibition
with trastuzumab and pertuzumab (firstline) followed by T-DM1 (second-line) and
of a chemotherapy-containing dual HER2inhibition with trastuzumab and pertuzumab
(first-line) followed by T-DM1 (second-line)
in patients with HER2-positive metastatic
breast cancer.
b. SAKK 96-12.
The main objective of the trial is to establish
that denosumab 120 mg given every 12
weeks is non-inferior to denosumab 120 mg
given every 4 weeks. The primary endpoint
of this randomized trial is the time to first
on-trial symptomatic skeletal event (SSE;
28
5. A clinical study of male breast cancer:
• EORTC 10085.
The purpose of this trial is to inform the future
clinical development of the two investigational
agents in ER+ breast cancer, LEE011 (CDK4/6
inhibitor) and BYL719 (PI3K-alpha inhibitor),
both as doublet regimens in combination with
letrozole as well as the triple combination of
LEE011 and BYL719 with letrozole.
3. An observational study in young patients
coordinated by IBCSG:
• IBCSG 43-09: Helping Ourselves, Helping
Others.
The trial objectives are to identify a cohort of
young women (age 18-40) newly diagnosed
with breast cancer (early or advanced) to
assess a broad range of variables at baseline
and over the course of the ensuing 10 years.
The population of young women at diagnosis
and in follow-up will be characterized regarding
disease and psychosocial outcomes (e.g.,
presentation and disease characteristics
including evaluating women with metastatic
disease, fertility and menopausal issues).
4. A qualitative study in collaboration with
the Institute for Public Communication
dell'Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI):
• myTAMINO: Examining Determinants
Therapy Preference of Oncology Patients.
This study aims at exploring if and how patients’
preferences for IV or oral administration of
chemotherapy varies according to sociodemographic, clinical, health-related quality of
life and dispositional optimism. The expected
research outcome is to identify a patientcentred typology that can complement clinical
guidelines in order to support prescription
decision-making and communication.
of
A prospective observational study coordinated
by the EORTC.
Main funding
SAKK, IBCSG, Novartis and other competitive and
non-competitive external funding.
Cardoso F, Costa A, Norton L, Senkus E, Aapro M,
André F, Barrios CH, Bergh J, Biganzoli L, Blackwell
KL, Cardoso MJ, Cufer T, El Saghir N, Fallowfield
L, Fenech D, Francis P, Gelmon K, Giordano SH,
Gligorov J, Goldhirsch A, Harbeck N, Houssami
N, Hudis C, Kaufman B, Krop I, Kyriakides S, Lin
UN, Mayer M, Merjaver SD, Nordström EB,
Pagani O, Partridge A, Penault-Llorca F, Piccart
MJ, Rugo H, Sledge G, Thomssen C, Van't Veer
L, Vorobiof D, Vrieling C, West N, Xu B, Winer E.
ESO-ESMO 2nd international consensus guidelines
for advanced breast cancer (ABC2). Ann Oncol.
2014;25(10):1871-1888.
Di Lascio S, Pagani O. Oligometastatic Breast
Cancer: A Shift from Palliative to Potentially Curative
Treatment? Breast Care (Basel). 2014;9(1):7-14.
Pagani O, Regan MM, Walley BA, Fleming GF,
Colleoni M, Láng I, Gomez HL, Tondini C, Burstein
HJ, Perez EA, Ciruelos E, Stearns V, Bonnefoi HR,
Martino S, Geyer CE Jr, Pinotti G, Puglisi F, Crivellari
D, Ruhstaller T, Winer EP, Rabaglio-Poretti M,
Maibach R, Ruepp B, Giobbie-Hurder A, Price KN,
Bernhard J, Luo W, Ribi K, Viale G, Coates AS,
Gelber RD, Goldhirsch A, Francis PA; TEXT and
SOFT Investigators; International Breast Cancer
Study Group. Adjuvant Exemestane with Ovarian
Suppression in Premenopausal Breast Cancer. N
Engl J Med. 2014;371(2):107-118.
Partridge AH, Pagani O, Abulkhair O, Aebi S,
Amant F, Azim HA Jr, Costa A, Delaloge S,
Freilich G, Gentilini OD, Harbeck N, Kelly CM, Loibl
S, Meirow D, Peccatori F, Kaufmann B, Cardoso
F. First international consensus guidelines for
breast cancer in young women (BCY1). Breast.
2014;23(3):209-220.
Senkus E, Cardoso F, Pagani O. Time for more
optimism in metastatic breast cancer? Cancer
Treat Rev. 2014;40(2):220-228.
1.7.4 Gastrointestinal Cancer Group
Piercarlo Saletti MD
Deputy Head Doctor of Medical Oncology Service
In 2014, our research activity continued in
collaboration with the laboratory for molecular
biology of the Cantonal Institute of Pathology,
whereby we are finalizing the molecular
characterization of squamous cell cancers of
the anal region. Moreover, we are continuing
to search for molecular targets, which might
predict the outcome in the adjuvant treatment in
patients with colorectal cancer, stage III. We are
also continuing to cooperate within the GI group
of SAKK, which is particularly true for protocols
dealing with advanced colorectal cancer, including
phase II trials with rilotumumab with chemotherapy
for gastro-esophageal cancer and regorafenib as
a second line treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma progressing after sorafenib.
Main funding
ABREOC; San Salvatore Foundation and Private
Foundation.
29
Martin V, Zanellato E, Franzetti-Pellanda A, Molinari
F, Movilia A, Paganotti A, Deantonio L, De Dosso
S, Assi A, Crippa S, Boldorini R, Mazzucchelli L,
Saletti P, Frattini M. EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, and
PIK3CA characterization in squamous cell anal
cancer. Histol Histopathol. 2014;29(4):513-21.
1.7.5 Prostate Cancer Unit
Enrico Roggero MD
Adjunct Physician of Medical Oncology Service
Starting from the experience gained with the
Uroboard and the database of prostate cancer, we
laid the foundations for the creation of a urological
platform for coordination of studies and research
projects. The platform aims at becoming a support
for clinical trials, providing a fast and efficient
patient recruitment, especially for phase clinical
trials, and a benchmark for independent research
projects (clinical, translational, biological).
In October, the Ethics Committee (EC) authorized
the protocol "Comparative study to assess the
impact of a multidisciplinary evaluation on the
treatment of patients with prostate cancer (The
MAP CAT Study)".
This is the first IOSI clinical study in the urogenital
area and aims at assessing the impact of the
multidisciplinary discussion on the choice of
the treatment of patients with prostate cancer.
The study will compare treatment strategies for
prostate cancer in two groups of patients referred
to EOC hospitals: one historical control group whose
therapeutic decisions were taken by individual
medical specialists (diagnosis in the period 20052011 and without multidisciplinary discussion
by the Uroboard) and one experimental group,
enrolled in the study, whose therapeutic strategy
will be formulated jointly by multidisciplinary
discussion (diagnosis in the period 2014-2017
and multidisciplinary discussion by the Uroboard).
The study was funded by the “Fondazione Ticinese
per la ricerca sul cancro” (Ticino Foundation for
30
cancer research) and will be carried out with the
support of the Clinical Trial Unit (CTU-EOC).
During the analysis of the database (N=1302,
update 10.2014), we performed a preliminary
investigation on the oncological outcome of patients
undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy
(RALP) (N=124, update 08.2014) three years
after the introduction of the surgical system "da
Vinci®" at the Regional Hospital of Bellinzona
and Valli, Bellinzona (San Giovanni). This analysis
showed a favourable oncological outcome in the
short term for patients surgically treated by RALP
and consistent with the current literature, with an
overall rate of positive surgical margins of 32%
and a rate of 3-years biochemical progressionfree and specific survival of 74% and 100%,
respectively. A prospective observational study
will be started in the coming months with the aim
to assess also surgical and functional outcomes,
beyond the oncological one, for prostate cancer
patients treated by robotic radical prostatectomy.
Furthermore, last year we also focused our
research, in addition to the study of classical
prognostic factors (such as Ki67, androgen
receptors, PSA and nuclear factors), on the analysis
of the role of the neuroendocrine differentiation in
prostate cancer in collaboration with the group of
Prof. G. Stanta by the University of Trieste. Also, as a
part of this research field, the pilot epidemiological
study aiming at establishing the prevalence of
human papilloma virus in prostate cancer in the
population of Ticino (research project funded by
ABREOC 2014 and carried out in collaboration
with Prof. L. Mazzucchelli by Cantonal Institute of
Pathology and with the support of the CTU-EOC)
has just been submitted to the EC.
Clinical urological studies within national and
international research groups (SAKK and EORTC)
are always in progress.
Main funding
ABREOC; Fondazione Ticinese per la ricerca sul
cancro (Ticino Foundation for cancer research).
1.8 IOSI Nursing Service
Monica Bianchi
Nurse Director at IOSI
(Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valli, Bellinzona
(San Giovanni))
In recent years, nurses at the IOSI, as well as
throughout the EOC, are developing additional
knowledge and skills to be able to offer their
patients high-quality professional services. Their
approach refers to the "Relationship-based care"
model which is grounded on the quality of the
relationship between nurses and patients. This
model requires responsibility, accountability and
investment in training and research as essential
conditions to respond to the multiple patients
health needs more effectively and to contribute to
their well-being.
Within an ever-changing healthcare system, the
development of expertise in care is an essential
element to ensure competent and individualized
care and to promote a real multidisciplinary
collaboration. To facilitate these processes,
research in the field of nursing is developing.
The main purpose of the research in this area is
to contribute to the development of knowledge
in all areas in which nurses must take their own
decisions in the interest of patient and family.
Nursing research has specific purpose and
contents, but not different methods compared to
other fields of research.
On this basis, a Nursing Research and
Development Office was set up within the IOSI
Nursing Service, headed by Monica Bianchi MSc,
under the responsibility of Dario Valcarenghi MSc.
• Patient education for oral antitumour
treatments.
Lead investigator: D. Valcarenghi.
Collaborators: C. Pedrazzani, M. Zanon, M.
Bianchi.
The purpose of the study is to explore how
education for oral antitumoural treatments is
carried out in outpatient IOSI departments. The
study has a mixed, quantitative and qualitative,
design.
It started in June 2013 and has been going on
for about one year. Data are being collected
from patients (147 questionnaires and 16
semi-structured interviews) and nurses (4
focus groups) in the outpatient departments.
At the end of 2014, all quantitative data were
analyzed. Qualitative data analysis is still in
progress.
• Fatigue in cancer patients at IOSI.
Lead investigator: C. Pedrazzani.
Collaborators: M. Bianchi, S. Tosi, C. PedrazzoliHutz, D. Valcarenghi.
The purpose of the study is to estimate the
prevalence and intensity of the symptom
fatigue in cancer patients hospitalized at IOSI
and how it is managed by nurses. The study has
a mixed, quantitative and qualitative, design.
Fatigue in the patients admitted at IOSI, in the
period taken as a reference, will be assessed
by administering the Brief Fatigue Inventory
(BFI - Italian version) and making some in-depth
interviews. Nursing will be assessed through
focus groups and analysis of the documentation
of care. The study was approved and funded by
ABREOC and is awaiting the approval of the
Ethics Committee.
• Information search of the patient with cancer
along its path of disease - INFO-SEEK. (Project
in partnership with USI).
Lead investigator: E. Germeni (USI).
Collaborators: M. Bianchi, D. Valcarenghi, P.
Schultz (USI).
The study aims at understanding and learning
the various methods used by cancer patients
to search for information in the various stages
of their disease. It is a longitudinal qualitative
study that consists in in-depth interviews with
cancer patients followed at the IOSI. Each
31
consenting patient will be interviewed in three
different moments of its path of disease: after
diagnosis, after the start of the scheduled
treatment and after about six months from
the first treatment. The study will be conducted
following the theories and methods of qualitative
research (Grounded Theory approach). The
first interviews were conducted in December
2014, after obtaining the approval of the Ethics
Committee.
• The use of the Peripherally Inserted Central
Catheters (PICC) in the Oncology Institute of
Southern Switzerland: evaluation of the effects.
Lead investigator: M. Bianchi.
Collaborators: S. Lussu, S. Tosi, C. Pedrazzoli,
M. Zanon, P. Servida, L. Moser, D. Valcarenghi.
The study started in May 2011. Its purpose is to
assess the effects of PICC use in patients, mainly
in oncology. Data are collected systematically
in a database and are periodically used for
the process evaluation and adjustment. Every
complication is in-depth analyzed to detect
causes and data are compared with scientific
litterature. At the end of November 2014,
345 PICCs were placed. The analysis carried
out on the first 200 placed and removed
PICCs, showed a low rate of complications:
venous thrombosis (0.63/1000 cath day) or
suspected bacteremia (0.40/1000 cath day).
Each PICC remained on site for an average of
87 days (median: 72).The study is still ongoing.
32
further to cancer and cancer treatments.
Patients are asked to fill in the Body Image Scale
(BIS), an international validated tool, about 8
weeks before and after attending the workshop.
At the end of 2014, 18 workshops were set up
with 124 participants and up to now 59 women
have agreed to participate in the study, which is
ongoing.
• Multicenter observational study to assess and
describe risk factors for job burnout among
nurses.
Lead investigator: R. Caruso (IEO – Milan, Italy).
Local investigator: D. Valcarenghi.
Collaborators: C. Pedrazzani, L. Moser, M.
Bianchi.
The purpose of the study, in its local version, is
to estimate the prevalence of burnout among
IOSI nurses, using a special scale validated
and translated into Italian (Burnout Potential
Inventory - Italian version - CRF). The data
collection phase has already been completed.
The percentage of respondents was 55.9%. The
phenomenon at the IOSI does not appear to be
significant, except for a few individual situations.
However, there are situations significantly
different between the various departments on
some items, so as to require some corrective
actions. The data were analyzed and discussed
with the nursing management in order to find
the possible organizational solutions.
• Look Good - Feel Better workshops: an
opportunity for cancer patients at IOSI?
Lead investigator: M. Bianchi.
Collaborators: C. Pedrazzani, S. Tosi, C.
Pedrazzoli, M. Zanon, D. Valcarenghi.
• Comprehensive geriatric assessment in older
cancer patients and its correlation with nursing
decision making.
Lead investigator: C. Pedrazzani.
Collaborators: M. Bianchi, S. Lussu, A. Cattaneo,
D. Valcarenghi.
The study started in January 2012. Its purpose
is to assess the effects of Look Good - Feel
Better workshops attendance on patients. In
the workshops, patients learn, from expert
beauticians, how to enhance their body image
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the
correlation between the information gathered
using multidimensional assessment tools and
nursing decision making process in the care of
elderly cancer patients. Starting from mapping
nursing decisions taken on the basis of the data
collected by using the comprehensive geriatric
assessment, the logical path is reconstructed
(correlating each decision with the information
gathered and the results obtained) and the area
of professional autonomy actually practiced by
nurses defined. At the end of 2014, nursing
decisions taken for ten patients were mapped.
The study is still ongoing.
Main funding
“Patient education for oral antitumour treatments”:
ABREOC in 2012.
Started in June 2013 and data collection stopped
on June 2014.
Data analysis is still ongoing.
“Fatigue in cancer patients at IOSI”: ABREOC in
2014.
It is now awaiting approval by the Ethical Committee.
It will last about a year.
cancer patients and its correlation with nursing
decision-making”: project self-funded.
It started in 2013 and is still ongoing.
Pedrazzani C, Bianchi M, Valcarenghi D, Dimonte
V. The implementation of recommendations in
daily practice: the experience of the nurses of the
Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland. Assist
Inferm Ric. 2014;33(4):189-197.
Awards 2014
Pedrazzoli C, Columpsi-Ricci P. Best nurse
presentation at 18th Annual SASRO Meeting 2014:
"How do patients perceive their radiotherapy
treatment pathway: what can we learn from
personal experiences?". Lugano, Switzerland, 27th29th March 2014.
“Information search of the patient with cancer
along its path of disease - INFO-SEEK”: project selffunded, in partnership with USI.
It started in December 2014 and will last about
a year.
“The use of the Peripherally Inserted Central
Catheters (PICC) in the Oncology Institute of
Southern Switzerland: evaluation of the effects”:
project self-funded.
It started in May 2011 and is still ongoing.
“Look Good – Feel Better workshops: an opportunity
for cancer patients at IOSI?”: project self-funded.
It started in January 2012 and is still ongoing.
"Multicenter observational study to assess and
describe risk factors for job burnout among
nurses”: not funded. At IOSI.
It started in summer 2013 and data analysis was
concluded in the spring of 2014.
“Comprehensive geriatric assessment in older
33
2
Neurocenter of
Southern Switzerland
(NSI)
2.
Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland (NSI)
Prof. Alain Kaelin MD
Head of Department
Introduction
The “Neurocentre of Southern Switzerland”
comprises the services of neurology, neurosurgery,
neuroradiology and neuroanesthesia as well as the
neuroscience research unit. The primary goal of
the NSI is offering the highest quality of treatment
to the patient with the application and promotion
of an inter- and multidisciplinary approach. The
performance of basic and clinical research, as
well as educational activities, are also a priority
of the NSI with a close interaction between
research activities and clinical duties. Academic
collaboration with national and international
universities, as well as regular teaching activities
at the level of the Master of Medicine at the
University of Bern and Basel, are contributing to
the success of the NSI. In 2014, several significant
changes occurred: Prof. A. Kaelin took over the
lead of the NSI and Neuroscience research, and
the basic research laboratory relocated to Taverne
and its organization was redefined. Overall, the NSI
obtained more than two million Swiss Francs of
36
external funding for scientific research in 2014.
The main focus of scientific activities at the
NSI currently relies on multiple sclerosis, sleep
disorders, movement disorders and stroke, even
though, active research is also carried out in other
fields of clinical neuroscience.
For clinical research, one of the two seats of the
Clinical Trial Unit of the Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale
(CTU-EOC) is located at the NSI. The Clinical Trial
Unit supports the investigators of the NSI for
investigator-initiated and sponsor-initiated studies
and participated in several studies described
below. The respective projects in basic and clinical
research carried out or still ongoing in 2014, are
summarized in the following sections.
of two senior neurologists, three assistants, and
three MS nurses run the ambulatory service
and concomitantly perform research activities.
Research contributes to offering alternative and
innovative treatments to patients and to advancing
knowledge in the MS field.
The Multiple Sclerosis Centre focuses on three
main research topics:
–– MS epidemiology is endorsed by the participation at the Swiss Cohort of MS patients
(SMSC), an innovative project to establish a
clinical database and a biological sample collection available for current and future research.
The Centre has already included 75 of 100
planned patients.
Main areas of research of the NSI
2.1 Multiple Sclerosis Centre
(Claudio Gobbi MD, Chiara Zecca MD)
The Multiple Sclerosis Centre aims at offering
an optimal care for patients with multiple
sclerosis (MS) living mainly in the Ticino area. A
dedicated, multiple sclerosis specialized team
–– Upcoming MS treatments can be offered
to our patients with primary and/or
secondary relapsing remittent MS through
our participation in several international
trials. Some of them evaluate convenient MS
therapeutic compounds such as ocrelizumab
(NCT01247324), fingolimod (NCT01779934),
siponimod (NCT01665144) or fampridine
2. Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland (NSI)
(NCT02219932).
Observational trials focus on new drug
administration
methods
(TERIFL06965,
NCT02076841, NCT02247310).
Investigator-initiated trials focus on the
management of MS symptoms aiming at improving
the patients’ quality of life.
All the activities are carried out in close cooperation
with the University Hospital of Basel (Study SMSC),
the Queens Square Hospital London concerning
treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms, and
for topics involving Neuroradiology, with VitaSalute San Raffaele University, Italy and Brigham
& Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School,
Boston.
Ongoing research:
a. Pain network and neuropsychological profile
in multiple sclerosis and migraine patients a Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Study (EOC.NSIMS.14.01).
Lead investigator: C. Zecca
37
Collaborators: G. Riccitelli, E. Pravatà, A.
Cianfoni, C. Gobbi.
This is a prospective, observational, crosssectional, case-control, three-arm, single
centre research project aiming at investigating
brain functional and structural substrates of
pain network in patients with MS and migraine
and at defining the relationship among brain
functional activity, the severity of brain tissue
damage and specific neuropsychological profile
in MS patients with migraine. Assessments
include Magnetic Resonance Imaging data
acquisition running 6 different sequences,
EDSS score and neuropsychological tests
assessing executive functions, attention,
memory, and visuospatial abilities. The intrinsic
brain functional connectivity from MRI BOLD
data obtained at rest will be estimated. The
microstructural and macrostructural brain
damage using high field T1 and DTI MRI
techniques will be quantified. A correlation
between MRI findings and clinical and
neuropsychological measures in MS patients
with and without migraine, and patients with
only migraine will be established. Recruitment
of 37 patients in each arm will be starting in
January 2015.
b. Prevalence and characterization of urinary and
sphincter symptoms in patients with multiple
sclerosis - a retrospective analysis of clinical
practice data (EOC.NSIMS.14.02).
Lead investigator: C. Zecca.
Collaborators: L. Panicari, C. Gobbi, U. Candrian,
A. Digesu.
This is a retrospective analysis of clinical practice
data. The patients have a MS experience with
various sphincter and urinary disturbances due
to the underlying neurological disease. The real
prevalence of these symptoms and their course
related to disease progression is little known.
The project aims at estimating the proportion
of MS patients with urinary and sphincter
38
disturbances in the Ticino MS population, the
prevalence of their various symptoms and
their connection to demographic and clinical
data. Data of female and male patients,
aged 18–80 years old, with urinary and/
or sphincter disturbances are analyzed.
Urinary and/or sphincter complaints as
recorded during ambulatory visits by means of
structured questionnaires, videourodynamics,
PTNS treatment, demographic and MS
medical history data yielding datasets of
approximately 200 patients. Descriptive
statistics for demographics, prevalence of
urinary symptoms, sphincter dysfunction,
Spearman rho correlation test for association
of demographics, clinical urinary, and sphincter
symptoms will be used.
c. Multidimensional assessment of fatigue in
multiple sclerosis – Observational study –
Ticino (EOC.NSI.13.02).
Lead investigator: C. Gobbi.
Collaborators: M. Manconi, C. Zecca, M.
Caporro, L. Panicari, G. Riccitelli, S. Fulda, C.
Cartellina.
The purpose of this cross-sectional, prospective,
observational, instrumental investigation is
1) to provide a detailed characterization of
fatigue in a cohort of selected MS patients,
including a definition of the boundaries and the
overlaps between fatigue, somnolence, mood
disorders and attention dysfunction; 2) to see
how the prevalence and the overlaps between
fatigue, somnolence, depression and attention
dysfunction are influenced by the method of
assessment; 3) to better characterize the
sleep structure in MS patients with fatigue
under both the macro- and microstructural
point of view. Inclusion criteria are definite
diagnosis of MS (or clinical isolated syndromes
according to the current criteria, Expanded
Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score < 7.0 and
last magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within
previous 12 months. Fatigue, sleep, psychiatric
and cognitive assessments will be performed
using appropriate questionnaires. At present
32 out of 100 planned patients were enrolled
and concluded the assessments.
d. A prospective, randomized double-blind,
placebo-controlled,
parallel-group,
single
centrer, phase IV study of oral prednisone
taper vs. placebo following intravenous
steroids for the treatment of acute relapses in
multiple sclerosis within the Ticino cohort (EOC.
NC.10.04).
Lead investigator: C. Gobbi.
Collaborators: C. Zecca, U. Candrian, L.
Panicari, G. Disanto, V. Pifferini.
This double-blind, randomized, placebocontrolled, prospective trial aims at comparing
the efficacy, tolerability and safety of tapering
doses of oral prednisone and placebo after
short-term high-dose i.v. methylprednisolone
on the recovery from an acute relapse in
patients with clinically isolated syndrome,
relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS)
and primary (PP-MS) or secondary progressive
multiple sclerosis (SP-MS) with superimposed
relapses. Inclusion criteria are female and
male patients with clinically isolated syndrome,
RR-MS, PP-MS or SP-MS and experiencing an
acute relapse with clinical worsening (>1 point
if EDSS ≤4.5 or 0.5 point if EDSS >4.5 or >2
points in one functional system of the Expanded
Disability Status Scale (EDSS), EDSS score 0–8,
aged 18–80 years. They will be treated with
methylprednisolone for 3 days and randomized
to receiving either orally decreasing doses of
Prednisone for 25 days or placebo. 25 patients
have been enrolled so far, 24 of which have
concluded the trial.
Main funding
“Pain network and neuropsychological profile in
multiple sclerosis and migraine patients - a Clinical
and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study (EOC.
NSIMS.14.01)”: ABREOC (hospital competitive
grant). Grant request (non-competitive grant)
pending at Swiss MS Society (private foundation).
“Multidimensional assessment of fatigue in
multiple sclerosis – Observational study - Ticino
(EOC.NSI.13.02)”: Clara-Miller Stiftung (Società
Svizzera Sclerosi Multipla - Swiss MS Society) (noncompetitive grant).
“A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebocontrolled, parallel-group, single centre, phase IV
study of oral prednisone taper vs. placebo following
intravenous steroids for the treatment of acute
relapses in multiple sclerosis within the Ticino
cohort (EOC.NC.10.04)”: ABREOC.
2.2 Sleep and Epilepsy group
(Mauro Manconi MD)
The sleep and epilepsy laboratory’s scientific
mission is to explore brain function during sleep
and sleep-related disorders in order to achieve
important pieces of knowledge in the new, intriguing
and extremely growing field of sleep research.
The group is mainly internationally recognized for
its results in the field of sleep related movement
disorders such as restless legs syndrome, periodic
limb movement disorders. For the past three
years, thanks to consolidated, local and external
collaborations we have obtained 3 competitive
large grants from the Swiss National Foundation;
two of them were focused on the impact of sleep
disorders in the stroke outcome, while the third
one was on the effects of sleep related movement
disorders on cardiovascular system. A further
competitive large grant was recently awarded
by the Italian Ministry of University to study the
sleep related risk factors for perinatal depression,
including a trial with light therapy to treat this
psychiatric complication of pregnancy. Other
sleep-related field of interest are represented by
eating disorders during sleep and its relationship
to obesity, the mechanism of disperception in
primary insomnia, and sleep apnea. New starting
areas of research, supported by small explorative
39
grants, are represented by sleep disorders in
attention deficit hyperactive disorder and by infraslow oscillating process in sleeping brain, In both
cases, innovative tools like High-Density EEG will
be used. The latter will also be addressed by using
new sophisticated computerized learning machine
programs in collaboration with IBM. Educational
initiatives as university master, European level’s
courses in sleep medicine, exchanging scholar and
fellowship programs and periodic meeting with
the general population, are a further fundamental
pillar of the group’s mission.
These are the main projects performed or still
ongoing in 2014:
a. Sleep Related Movement Disorders: Restless
Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb
Movements (PLM).
Lead investigators: M. Manconi, S. Fulda.
The impact of RLS/PLM on cardiovascular
function. RLS/PLM as a risk factor for
perinatal depression. Respiratory related limb
movements. Time structure of PLM in RLS and
other sleep disorders. RLS/PLM in multiple
sclerosis and their relationship with fatigue.
Treatment and management of long-term
complication in RLS, in particular, the increase
phenomena. Time-structure and dopaminergic
response of periodic limb movements during
sleep in the spinal lesion.
b. Sleep and Stroke.
Lead investigators: M. Manconi, S. Miano, L.
Ratti, C. Cereda, V. Stojanova.
The impact of sleep disorders on Stroke
outcome. Efficacy of early CPAP treatment in
stroke patients with sleep apnea in improving
the stroke outcome.
c. Infraslow-Oscillations.
Lead investigators: S. Fulda, M. Manconi, A.
Bernasconi, C. Prosperetti.
40
Computation analysis of periodic limb
movements during sleep and other infra-slowoscillating process during sleep. Machine
Learning Program in collaboration with IBM.
•
•
d. Sleep disorders in Paediatrics, Hyperactive
Attention Deficit Disorder.
Lead investigators: S. Miano, M. Manconi, V.
Pezzoli, GP. Ramelli.
Cycling alternating pattern as a diagnostic
marker of hyperactive attention deficit disorder.
e. Nocturnal Eating Disorder.
Lead investigators: M. Manconi, P. Vinai.
Differential diagnosis, polysomnographic and
neuropsychological features of sleep-related
eating disorder and nocturnal eating disorders
Active Local Collaborations:
• A. Auricchio (Cardiocenter TI): RLS/PLM and
cardiovascular Risk = 1 SNSF (Swiss National
Science Foundation) grant.
• P. Schulz (Science Communication University,
USI): Judisky Study (SNSF) Effective
Empowerment in Insomnia = 1 SNSF grant.
• C. Gobbi (Neurocenter): Sleep/Fatigue in MS =
1 paper (review), 1 ongoing study.
• S. Galati (Neurocenter): Sleep and PD = 1
ongoing study, (grant ABREOC).
• C. Cereda (Neurocenter): Sleep-related risk
factors for CVD = 3 papers.
• M. Pons (Pulmonology, Civic Hospital): Central
control of breathing during sleep = 2 papers
(for print).
Active External Collaborations:
• S. Clemens (East Carolina University, Greenville,
US): Basic Science (spinal dopaminergic
network) = 2 papers.
• J. Winkelmann (Harvard University, Boston,
US): Sleep Related Movement Disorders (PLM
Hypoxia) = 2 papers.
• R. Ferri (IRCCS Oasi Institute, IT): Sleep Related
•
•
•
Movement Disorders (PLM/RLS) = 36 papers.
C. Bassetti (Bern University, Inselspital, CH):
Sleep Stroke, Pregnancy related RLS = 9
papers.
Ferini-Strambi (IRCCS San Raffaele, IT): Sleep/
Epilepsy Disorders = 46 papers.
O. Polo (University of Tampere, Finland): Spinal
lesioned model of PLM/RLS = 1 paper.
S. Happe (University of Münster, Germany):
Computer Analysis (LM during sleep) = 1 travel
grant (ESRS – 2014).
I. Gorayeb (University of Bordeaux, France):
Sleep microstructure and PLM in monkeys =
2 papers.
Main funding
1. Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF):
• M. Manconi (Co-Applicant): “SAS CARE 1- Study
of leg movements in sleep, Sleep Disordered
Breathing (Sdb), Cardiovascular markers and
blood pressure profile in transient ischemic
attacks (Tia)/Ischemic Stroke patients”.
Amount: CHF 450’000. Duration: 2011-2014
(Ended in May 2014).
• M. Manconi (Co-Applicant): “Sleep loss and
sleep disorders and their impact on the shortand longterm outcome of Stroke”. Amount:
CHF 597’000. Duration: 2014-2018.
• M. Manconi (Lead investigator): “Autonomic
function and cardiovascular risk in Restless
Legs Syndrome”. Amount: CHF 316’000 CHF.
Duration: 2013-2015.
2. International Short Visit grant (n.
IZK0Z3_150808/1) for Dr. S. Silvani
(University of Bologna):
M. Manconi (Lead investigator): “animal model of
periodic limb movement during sleep”. Amount:
CHF 7'500. Duration: 1 month (March 2014).
dell’Università Italiana: Italian competitive
national grant:
M. Manconi (Lead investigator): “Restless
Legs Syndrome and Sleep Disorders During
Pregnancy and Sleep Related Risk Factor for
Perinatal Depression”. Amount: Euro 901’000.
Duration: 2014-2017.
4. EOC/IBM:
M. Manconi (Lead investigator); S. Fulda (Coinvestigator): “Sleep Disorder Research.
Infra-Slow-Oscillation during Sleep”. Amount:
$ 175,000. Duration: 1 year (started in
December 2014).
5. Pharmaceutical companies:
• UCB-Pharma:
(Lead
investigator):
“A
M.
Manconi
Pharmacogenetic Rodent Animal Model of
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) And Periodic
Leg Movements (PLM)”. Amount: CHF
150’000. Duration: 2012-2014 (Ended in
February 2014).
Clinical Trial SP0994: “A multicenter,
double-blind, double-dummy follow-up study
evaluating the long-term safety of lacosamide
(200 to 600mg/day) in comparison with
carbamazepine (400 to 1200mg/day), used
as monotherapy in patients with partial-onset
or generalized tonic-clonic seizures (≥16 years)
of age coming from the SP0993 study”. Ended
in November 2014.
• Vifor Pharma:
“A Randomised, Assessor- and Patient- blind,
Multicenter, Placebo-controlled Study to
Assess the Efficacy and Safety of a Single
Administration of ferric Carboxymaitose in
Improving Outcomes in Iron Deficient Nonanaemic Patients with restless Legs Syndrom”.
Duration: ongoing.
3. MIUR Ricerca Finalizzata Ministero
41
2.3 Movement Disorders Centre
(Salvatore Galati MD, Claudio Staedler MD,
Paolo Paganetti PhD, Prof. Alain Kaelin MD)
Research on movement disorders represents one
important research interest at the Neurocenter
of Southern Switzerland. In January 2014, Prof.
A. Kaelin joined the movement disorders research
group. Currently, the priority of the translational
research efforts relies on the pathogenesis and
potential treatment of dyskinesias, involuntary
movements that develop in the course of the
long-term treatment of patients with Parkinson´s
disease (PD) with levodopa. Both clinical research
and basic research are performare carried out.
All basic research is performed in the “Laboratory
for Biomedical Neurosciences” (please see below).
Other collaborative projects are underway, mainly
in collaboration with the University of Bern. In
particular, a neurophysiological project financed
by the Swiss National Science Foundation and
investigating motor system recovery in children
after stroke started in 2014 and the Centre
participated in the development of new innovative
surgical treatment to treat movement disorders
together with the group of PD Dr. C. Pollo at the
Inselspital in Bern.
In addition, a database of almost 200 patients of
Ticino with movement disorders, in particularly
PD, has been set up and will be useful for the
performance of epidemiological and clinical
studies and an ambitious translational research
project using skin biopsy to diagnose Parkinson’s
Disease has been funded by the Swiss Parkinson
Association and is now starting.
The main studies started or continued in 2014
are the following:
a. Role of sleep homeostasis in the
development of levodopa-induced dyskinesias:
electrophysiological and molecular analysis in
a Parkinsonian rat model.
Lead investigator: S. Galati.
Collaborators: A. Kaelin, C. Staedler, A. Salvadè,
42
S. Sarasso (University of Milan), P. Stanzione
(University of Rome).
Funding: Pharmaceutical company;
Fondazione
malattie
neurodegenerative
dell’adulto e dell’anziano Ticino (Foundation for
the study of neurodegenerative diseases in
adult and elderly people in Ticino).
Levodopa is the most effective treatment
for PD, but its therapeutic window becomes
narrower in the course of the disease, mainly
because of the development of levodopainduced dyskinesia. Although evidence from
animal models of PD suggested a striatal
hyper-plasticity underlying the development
of dyskinetic movements, their pathogenesis
remains not entirely understood. In recent
years, slow homeostatic tuning of intrinsic
excitability occurring during sleep has
been considered fundamental for network
stabilization by sliding plasticity thresholds.
Hypothesizing an association between these
sleep process and dyskinesia we measured
the synaptic down-scaling during sleep and
our results are consistent with an association
between synaptic homeostasis and the
development of dyskinesias.
This project was concluded, and the data
published in “Neurobiology of Aging” journal.
b. Role of sleep homeostasis in the development
of levodopa-induced dyskinesias in PD patients.
Collaborators: A. Kaelin, C. Städler, S. Sarasso
(University of Milan).
Funding: ABREOC (hospital competitive fund);
Fondazione
malattie
neurodegenerative
Based on the findings in rodents mentioned
above, the analysis was extended to patients
affected by PD. In order to demonstrate the
hypothesis, a cross-sectional high-density
polysomnographic study is being conducted at
different stages of the disease.
The recruitment of the subject is currently
finishing, and the data analysis is now starting.
c. Electrophysiological effects of an acute block of
the nigrostriatal pathway with respect to the
cortico-striatal and cortico-thalamic interplay.
Collaborators: A. Kaelin, A. Stefani (University
of Rome), A. Salvadè.
Funding: Fondazione malattie
neurodegenerative dell’adulto e dell’anziano
Ticino (Foundation for the study of
neurodegenerative diseases in adult and
elderly people in Ticino); Parkinson’s disease
Swiss Foundation (or Parkinson Schweiz).
Spreading of slow cortical rhythms into the basal
ganglia is a well-demonstrated phenomenon
in PD. Accordingly, striatal dopamine
depletion drives cortical-basal ganglia slow
wave coherences in urethane-anesthetized
rats. The neuronal basis of this pathological
synchronization has been the subject of several
investigations, and its behavioural relevance is
widely debated. The acute pharmacological
inactivation of the SNc-striatal pathway led to
a fast developing coherence between cortex
and basal ganglia time-looked with a significant
contralateral akinesia. This procedure offers
the advantage of detecting electrophysiological
changes irrespectively of chronically developing
compensatory mechanisms.
d. Time course of the development of beta ad
gamma-band oscillations in the basal ganglia
of Parkinsonian rats with and without levodopainduced dyskinesia.
Collaborators: JC. Möller, A. Kaelin, A. Stefani,
(University of Rome), A. Salvadè, V. D’Angelo
(Universtity of Rome).
Funding: Fondazione malattie
neurodegenerative dell’adulto e dell’anziano
Ticino (Foundation for the study of
neurodegenerative diseases in adult and
elderly people in Ticino).
The relation between beta and gamma-band
oscillation and parkinsonian symptoms was
based on their identification in local field potential
recordings from cortex and basal ganglia
of patients affected by PD. Indeed, a direct
causative relation of beta band oscillations in
PD was inferred by the subtle clinical worsening
of akinesia given by stimulating the subthalamic
nucleus with the beta band frequency.
However, the dissociation of these oscillations
and clinical symptoms is also apparent since it
is uncorrelated to the clinical state. In order to
explain these conflicting results between betaband oscillations and clinical motor symptoms
in PD, a closer monitoring of cortical and basal
ganglia oscillation is conducting in the freely
moving parkinsonian animal.
The data collection and analysis have been
recently completed. A paper is now under
evaluation.
e. Prevalence and genetics of movement
disorders in Ticino - database and biobank.
Collaborators: A. Kaelin, C. Städler, C. Wider
(University of Lausanne). Funding: Fondazione
malattie neurodegenerative dell’adulto e
dell’anziano Ticino (Foundation for the study
of neurodegenerative diseases in adult and
elderly people in Ticino).
This database was created to capture the
spectrum of movement disorders in Ticino
population. We are currently collecting clinical
data as well as additional examinations. The
scope is ultimately to capture the mutation
frequency of genes involved in these diseases
mainly the monogenic forms of PD.
f. Modulation of striatal gene expression changes
in Parkinsonian rats with levodopa-induced
43
dyskinesia.
Lead investigator: A. Kaelin.
Collaborators: S. Sgroi.
Funding: Fondazione Baasch Medicus and
Fondazione
malattie
neurodegenerative
This is a Ph.D. thesis of the “Graduate School
for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences” of the
University of Berne with S. Sgroi as a doctoral
student and Prof. A. Kaelin as the thesis
supervisor. This project focuses on the role of
the endogenous opiodergic neuropeptides in
levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Please see below
“Laboratory for Biomedical Neurosciences”.
g. Alpha synuclein oligomers detection by skin
biopsy: a novel early biomarker for parkinson
disease?
Collaborators: G. Melli, P. Paganetti
Funding: Parkinson’s disease Swiss Foundation.
This is a translational research project
investigating the potential role of skin biopsies
in the early diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease
(please see below “Laboratory for Biomedical
Neurosciences”).
h. Cortical Reorganisation of Cerebral Networks
after Childhood Stroke: Impact on Outcome.
Lead investigator: M. Steinlin, University of
Berne.
Co-investigator at the NSI: A. Kaelin.
Funding: Swiss National Science Foundation
(SNSF).
This is an important multicenter project using
fMRI and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
for investigating motor recovery after stroke
in children. The long-term goal is to develop
therapeutic strategies better adapted to
children through a better understanding of the
44
mechanisms specifically involved in children.
The whole study is performed within the
context of the Swiss Neuropaediatric Stroke
Registry (SNPSR). The SNPSR is a populationbased registry prospectively collecting data on
childhood stroke and represents the unique
possibility to study children suffering from
an arterial ischaemic stroke on a nationwide
basis. This multicenter project will strengthen
this Swiss initiative, and the data of this study
will allow to determine variables that influence
the cortical reorganisation and outcome after
childhood stroke. The NSI is collaborating
on this project mainly thanks to its expertise
in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the
motor system.
Main funding
1. Parkinson’s disease Swiss Foundation:
• S. Galati (Lead investigator): “Role of motor
thalamus in parkinsonian state”. Amount: CHF
342’923. Duration: October 2014 - ending
December 2017.
• A. Kaelin (Lead investigator): “Alpha synuclein
oligomers detection by skin biopsy: a novel early
biomarker for parkinson disease?”. Amount:
CHF 327'627. Duration: October 2014 ending December 2017.
2. ABREOC:
“Ruolo della sleep homeostasis nello sviluppo delle
discinesie indotte dalla L-Dopa nei pazienti affetti
da malattia di Parkinson in fase avanzata (Role of
sleep homeostasis in the development of levodopainduced dyskinesias in PD patients)”. Amount: CHF
96’000. Duration: 24 months.
3. International Brain Research Organization:
A. Kaelin / Wei Song (Chengdu China) (Lead
investigators): “Corticostriatal plasticity and
Parkinson’s Disease: Investigating the role of the
striatal opioidergic system in parkinsonian rats”.
Amount: CHF 55’000 (international postdoc
visiting grant for 1 year). Duration: 1st January
2015 - ending December 2015.
2.4 Stroke Centre
(Claudio Städler MD, Vesna Stojanova MD, CW.
Cereda MD)
The Stroke Unit EOC (SUN EOC) was accredited
as a Comprehensive Stroke Centre in late 2013
and, therefore, recognized as a one of the Swiss
centres of excellence for the cure of patients with
stroke. The Stroke Centre offers an optimal care
for patients with cerebrovascular diseases. A
dedicated and multidisciplinary stroke specialized
team take care of the patients in the acute phase
(inpatient unit) and also in a specialised outpatient
clinic. The group also performs research activities,
mainly focused on 4 topics in clinical research:
stroke epidemiology, acute stroke treatment,
stroke prevention, and improving stroke recovery
in the acute phase.
These are the main projects performed or ongoing
in 2014:
a. Rehabilitation combined with bi-hemispheric
transcranial direct current stimulation in
subacute ischemic stroke: a randomized,
controlled, double-blind study - The Re.Com.
Bi.Ne.
(Rehabilitation
Combined
with
Bihemispheric Neuromodulation) post-stroke
study.
Lead investigators: RRM. Müri3), CW. Cereda2).
Collaborators: D. Dinacci1), G. Bianco1), V.
Staojanova1), F. Conti2, C. Möller1), L. Petrini1), J.
Frangi1), S. Neumann5), M. Ochsner5), L. Petrillo,
D. Zutter, CL. Bassetti, A. Uncini.
Funding: ABREOC (hospital competitive grant).
1) Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Lugano,
Switzerland.
2) Hildebrand Clinic, Brissago, Switzerland.
3) Cognitive and Restorative Neurology, Departments
of Neurology and Clinical Research, University Hospital,
Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland.
4) Helios Clinic, Zihlschlacht, Switzerland.
5) Department of Neuroscience and Imaging University
“G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
Rehabilitation after stroke improves motor
functions by promoting plastic changes.
However,
after
completing
standard
rehabilitation, 50–60% of patients still show
some degree of motor impairment and
require at least partial assistance in activities
of day living. Therefore, the exploration of
other approaches to promote recovery is
compulsory. After stroke, according to the
model of interhemispheric rivalry, transcallosal
inhibition becomes symmetric and motor
deficits are also due to reduced output from
the damaged hemisphere and excess of
inhibition of the damaged hemisphere from
the intact hemisphere. Thus, improvement
of motor function may be induced by either
up-regulating excitability of the affected
cortex or down-regulating excitability in
the intact one. This may be achieved by
transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS),
a form of non-invasive brain neuromodulation.
In this study the hypothesis of combining
bihemispheric tDCS (anodal, excitatory, of the
ipsilesional motor cortex and cathodal, inhibitory,
of the contralesional motor cortex), with
simultaneous physical/occupational therapy
in the subacute phase of ischemic stroke, may
improve upper limb motor recovery in humans.
Methods: this study is a randomized, controlled,
double-blind, cross-over, multicenter, clinical
trial. Thirty-six ischemic stroke patients
in the subacute phase will be recruited in
three Swiss centres of neurorehabilitation.
After stratification based on the Fugl-Meyer
Assessment Upper Extremity according to
the severity of the deficit, the patient will
be randomized to receive in addition to a
standardized physical/occupational treatment,
anodal tDCS of the ipsilesional motor cortex and
cathodal tDCS of contralesional motor cortex
(1.5 mA, 30 minutes) (group 1: 12 patients) or
45
sham stimulation (group 2: 12 patients) at five
days/week. After three weeks of treatment,
group 1 and 2 will cross-over and will be treated
for other three weeks. Group 3 (12 patients)
will receive physical/occupational treatment
and sham tDCS for six weeks. The assessment
will be performed before starting tDCS, at week
3, at week 6, and 6 months after treatment.
Outcome measures are the Fugl-Meyer
Assessment Upper Extremity, the extended
Barthel Index, the Ashworth scale, the Test of
Upper Limb Apraxia, the grip strength evaluated
by the Jamar Hydraulic Hand dynamometer.
Potential value of the project: this study is
designed to provide a class I evidence of
the possible adjunctive restorative effect of
bihemispheric tDCS combined with physical/
occupational therapy in the subacute phase
after stroke.
b. Other Academic driven studies:
1. Local Co-investigators (CW. Cereda, V.
Stojanova, C. Staedler) in SWISS (Swiss
thrombolysis registry), since 2008.
Lead investigator: M. Arnold, Inselspital, Bern.
2. Steering Committee (CWC) and Local Coinvestigators (CW. Cereda, V. Stojanova, C.
Staedler) in SSR (Swiss Stroke Registry).
Lead investigator: L. Bonati, University Hospital,
Basel.
3. I disturbi respiratori in sonno in corso di TIA/
ictus ischemico: elementi clinici, prognostici,
fisiopatologici (Sleep breathing problems under
TIA/ ischemic stroke: clinical, prognostic,
pathophysiologic elements).
Principal Investigator: M. Pons.
Collaborators: CW. Cereda, V. Stojanova.
4. Pharmaceutical trials:
SOCRATES.
Local investigators: V. Stojanova, CW. Cereda.
46
Main funding
ABREOC.
2.5 Neuropsychology
(Leonardo Sacco MD)
The Neuropsychology and Behavioural Neurology
laboratory provides a comprehensive assessment
of adult patients with cognitive or behavioural
symptoms.
Neuropsychological
assessment
involves a systematic evaluation of higher cognitive
abilities: intelligence, executive functions, attention,
memory, language and visuo-spatial functions.
The case studies include suspected memory
problems and dementia; cognitive and behavioural
deficit resulting in various neurological and
neurosurgical conditions, such as stroke, epilepsy,
Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, brain
tumours, traumatic brain injury, learning and
developmental disorders. A dedicated team of
senior neurologists and three neuropsychologists
run the outpatient laboratory and concomitantly
perform research activities.
The topic of the research is the early diagnosis
of dementia and HIV-associated neurocognitive
disorders. The research activity involves local and
national participations.
The main studies in 2014 were:
a. A-beta 42, tau and phosphorylated-tau liquor
alterations in patients with mild cognitive
impairment (CDR: 0.5) reflect amyloid
accumulation and neuronal damage. Are
a semantic memory, ecological memory,
and dual-task tests coherent with the
neurodegeneration?
Lead investigators: L. Sacco, S. Rossi, R. Pignatti.
Funding: ABREOC.
The purpose of the study is to determine which
neuropsychological markers (semantic memory,
executive functions, memory-ecological test)
better reflect the neurodegenerative damage
in patients with mild cognitive impairment
(MCI). The primary objective is to determine
at T0, which neuropsychological tests better
allow discrimination between MCI subjects with
AD markers (MCI CSF AD+) and MCI subjects
without AD markers (MCI CSF AD-). The
secondary purpose of the study is to compare
at T1, after one-year follow-up, the proportion
of subjects that convert into AD (CDR≥1) and
subjects with stable cognitive status (CDR=0.5)
in the two groups (MCI CSF AD+ and MCI CSF
AD-).
b. Neurocognitive assessment in the metabolic
and aging cohort "The NAMACO study".
Investigators: M. Cavassini, S. Simioni, F. SchöniAffolter, S. Clarke, A. Calmy, M. Michel, D. Fasel,
U. Kunsel, A. Cusini, K. Gutbrot, C. Di Benedetto,
R. Pignatti, P. Vernazza, H. Kovari, P. Brugger,
R. Du Pasquier.
Funding: SHCS 2012 (external financial
support).
This study is included into the metabolic and
aging cohort whose importance has been
acknowledged by the scientific board and
external reviewers. The overall purpose of this
investigation is to expand the current knowledge
about HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders
(HAND) in the HIV aging population. The current
proposal aims at clarifying the global scope
and practical issues of the study and asks only
for the financial support of the neurocognitive
assessment of non-complaining patients, as
well as the financial support of the neurological,
MRI and CSF assessment of control patients.
c. Neuropsychologic outcome after aneurysmal
subarachnoid haemorrhage – a new
implementation of the prospective multicenter
Swiss SOS study.
Lead Investigators: M. Stienen, R. Weisshaupt,
D. Valsecchi, M. Arrighi, M. Reinert, DE. Kuhlen,
S. Rossi, L. Sacco.
Funding:
Registre
Suisse
Hemorragie
Sousarachn.
In the first step, we include all patients with
aneurysmal
subarachnoid
haemorrhage
(aSAH). The aim is the prospective
implementation of a widely employed,
standardized neuropsychological- and (Healthrelated Quality of Life) HrQoL outcome battery
of high quality. Such efforts may help to identify
subtle but important treatment effects, which
may otherwise go unnoticed. The Swiss SOSNPsych study has been designed to improve
the detection of neuropsychological deficits,
depression, anxiety, and fatigue; following aSAH
in Switzerland; assess the HrQoL in aSAH
patients in Switzerland; develop and validate a
neuropsychological testing battery, which may
be used for future studies on this subject.
2.6 Neurosurgery
(Prof. Michael Reinert MD)
In 2014, the Department of Neurosurgery
focussed on establishing clinical research
together with the EOC Clinical Trial Unit (CTU-EOC).
A clinical database for patients suffering gliomas
was developed together with the Swiss Glioma
Network, the Department of Neurosurgery and
the University of Bern. On the same topic, the
analysis of mRNA in patients with Glioblastoma is
undertaken as part of the research collaboration
with the IOSI, the Institute of Pathology of Canton
Ticino, the Department of Neurology and the
University of Zurich.
The clinical introduction of the intraoperative CTAiro is analyzed in a clinical protocol approved
by the Ethics Committee (EC) together with the
CTU-EOC. In the field of vascular pathologies,
patients are followed using a swiss wide registry
SOS. Clinical research in spinal pathologies was in
progress and resulting in invited lectures, posters
and scientific publications.
Basic research projects (NRP 64, CTI) were
ongoing in 2014 and will terminate in 2015 where
final results will be published.
These are the main projects performed or still
ongoing in 2014:
47
a. New scalp electrode arrangements for
obtaining motor evoked potentials (MEPs) of
lower limbs during surgery.
Investigators: L. Valci, M. Dalolio, L. Toffolet, J.
Carugati, A. Pratesi, E. Colamartino, C. Gobbi,
M. Reinert.
No funding, internal research.
Transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) is
an electrophysiological technique used in
neurosurgery, orthopedics and vascular
surgery to elicit motor responses when
continuous monitoring of motor functions is
required; however it is well known that motor
evoked potentials (MEPs) from the lower limbs
are difficult to obtain because of the anatomically
unfavorable cortical representation of the leg:
for this reason MEPs are obtainable with highintensity current only or even not at all.
This research is aimed to evoke motor
responses from the lower limbs more easily
and with lower intensity: results could have
relevant implications in surgery and refractory
pain treatment as well.
The trial started in December 2014.
b. SWITCH: Swiss trial of decompressive
craniectomy versus best medical treatment
of spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral
hemorrhage: a randomized controlled trial.
Lead investigator: P. Scarone.
Collaborators: C. Cereda, V. Stojanova, D.
Valsecchi, T. Robert.
Funding: Inselspital-Bern.
The study is a prospective, multicenter
randomized trial that has the primary
objective to determine whether a strategy
of decompressive surgery and best medical
treatment in patients with spontaneous ICH will
improve outcome compared to best medical
treatment only. Secondary objectives are to
analyze mortality, dependency and quality of
life of each treatment. An observational arm is
included. Trial duration is 4 years.
48
The trial started in October 2014 and the
sample size is 300 patients.
c. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty with O-arm
technology: a retrospective analysis of a single
centre.
Lead investigators: D. Valsecchi, P. Scarone.
Retrospective review that concerns all patients
with osteoporotic fractures which were
treated at our Department of Neurosurgery
from 01.01.12 to 31.12.2012. Among these
patients, we selected only those who underwent
«stand alone» kypho/vertebroplasty, even
on multiple levels, excluding those cases
where a fixation with screws and bars was
required. Complications, radiation exposure,
and outcome were analyzed. The primary
objective of the study is to identify the benefit
of using spinal neuronavigation during cement
augmentation procedures on the spine.
d. Utility of preoperative MR imaging in thoracic
and lumbar vertebral fractures treated in the
acute phase.
Lead investigators: P. Scarone, D. Cipriani.
A retrospective study on 53 patients admitted
during the year 2013, affected by vertebral
fractures type A/B, which were surgically
treated in the acute phase. Clinical and
radiological data were registered. Spine CT
scan and MR were done preoperatively in all
cases. The primary objective of the study is
to analyze the role of the MRI in the definition
of the surgical strategy and to compare data
from CT with data from MRI in the diagnostic
process of these fractures.
e. Natural history of thoracolumbar type A1
fractures: prospective analysis of a single
centre series over 2 years.
Lead investigators: D. Botta, P. Scarone.
The prospective analysis of a series of 35
cases with lumbar fractures type A1 (Aospine
classification) nonoperatively followed for a
period of 12 months. The clinical and radiological
data were collected and prospectively analyzed.
We took into account lumbar pain, presence
or absence of neurological signs, and degree of
kyphosis. We followed the patients with lumbar
radiograms at 2 weeks and 12 months, and CT
scan at 3 months.
in Switzerland, to foster clinical research
and collaboration between eight Swiss
neurovascular centres, to guide the future
direction of aSAH management in Switzerland.
The Department of Neurosurgery joined the
study in 2013 and in 2014, it provided all the
retrospective data about SAH treated in the
hospital from 2009 to 2013. Actually on-line
the website (www.swiss-sos.ch).
f. Intraoperative
localization
of
thoracic
meningiomas with contrast-enhanced conebeam CT imaging.
Lead investigators: D. Valsecchi, T. Rochat
Negro, P. Scarone.
h. Retrospective Assessment of Extent of
Resection (EOR) and Survival in CRET eligible
Glioblastoma Patients.
Local investigator: M. Dalolio, M. Reinert, GF.
Pesce.
No funding.
Retrospective analysis of a series of 5 patients
affected by thoracic meningiomas treated with
surgical resection. All the patients underwent
surgery after a complete path of radiological
evaluation (MRI, CT scan). Intraoperatively,
we performed a contrast-enhanced 3D CT
with O-arm, n order to detect the position
of the tumour in depth. We then planned
the approach with the neuronavigation and
performed a surgical act “tumour-centred”. In
all cases, the tumour was perfectly identified
and excised. Spinal neuronavigation allowed for
a reduction in surgical time and more precise
identification of the level of the lesion.
g. Swiss SOS.
Lead Investigator D. Valsecchi.
Co-Investigators: M. Arrighi, D. Kuhlen, M. Reinert.
The Swiss SOS is a nationwide, multicenter
clinical study on patients with aneurysmal
subarachnoid hemorrhage. It was initiated
in 2008, and evolved to be a prospective,
institutional-review-board approved continuous
database, currently containing anonymous
information on > 1500 patients. The aims
of the Swiss SOS are: to serve as a tool for
disease monitoring in Switzerland, to measure
and control the quality of aSAH treatment
A multicentric retrospective study including
8 Neurosurgery Departments in Switzerland
direct by Inselspital of Bern. All patients,
who underwent resection of a glioblastoma
(confirmed by histological analysis) between
1st August 2008 and the 31st December
2013, were identified. These patients are
screened according the inclusion/exclusion
criteria (CRET eligible patients): ≥18 age,
KPS≥60, newly diagnosis of glioblastoma,
surgical extent resection and not biopsy,
preoperative T1 -/+ MR images, early (<72
hours) postoperative T1 -/+ MR images. A
panel of blinded neuroradiologists from Bern will
assess the extent of resection on the encoded
postoperative MRI of these CRET eligible
patients. Local investigators will collect the
following clinical data (at least 1 year follow-up).
The aim of the study is to identify a difference
in surveillance between patients underwent a
complete (100%) extent surgical resection
of glioblastoma and patients underwent an
incomplete extent surgical resection (<100%).
i. Radiological fusion rate in 1 or 2 level lumbar
arthrodesis: comparison between PEEK and
long carbon fiber reinforced polymer (ostaPEK)
interbody cages.
49
Lead investigators: M. Dalolio, P. Scarone.
No funding, internal research.
A retrospective study including patients with
degenerative lumbar diseases (degenerative
disc diseases or degenerative spondylolisthesis)
underwent lumbar fusion of 1 or 2 levels with
PEEK cages (between 2007 and 2012) and
with ostaPEK cages (between 2013 and
2014). Patients who underwent a CT lumbar
scan at least 6 months after surgery, are
screened. We collected clinical data including
Oswestry disability index. We compared disc
fusion on CT images with radiological criteria
used by Schimmel in his article “PEEK cages in
lumbar fusion: mid-term clinical outcome and
radiological fusion”. The incidence of surgical
revision is established and compared between
the two groups of patients. The aim of the study
is to establish the better disc fusion e clinical
outcome of patients who underwent lumbar
fusion of 1 or 2 levels with ostaPEK cages
instead of PEEK cages.
2.7 Neuroradiology
(Alessandro Cianfoni MD)
Neuroradiology Service of the NSI provides
a comprehensive array of state of the art
morphological and functional advanced diagnostic
neuroimaging, advanced innovative imageguided minimally invasive spine interventions,
and endovascular neuroradiology procedures.
It is a heavily clinically-oriented service, with all
its physician being employed 100% for clinical
work, except for one of its doctors, having a 20%
research appointment.
Nevertheless, there were scientific interest and
ongoing academic cooperations during 2014,
with Inselspital of Bern, San Raffaele Hospital in
Milan, through the SM centre of NSI, with KSA
in Aarau. The main research interests involve
clinical applications of advanced neuroimaging,
and spine image-guided oncological procedures.
Furthermore, Neuroradiology and Radiology of
50
Regional Hospital of Lugano are a reference site
for Siemens Medical, and are currently testing
new-developing WIP (work in progress) MRI
sequences and images post-processing software.
These are the main ongoing projects in 2014:
a. Vertebral Body Stenting and Cement
Augmentation to Restore Structural Stability in
Extreme Spinal Osteolysis.
Investigators: A. Cianfoni, E. Raz, G. Cicciò, P.
Scarone, V. Espeli, GF. Pesce, G. Bonaldi.
Vertebral augmentation can be used in
neoplastic vertebral lesions for pain palliation
and/or stabilization of collapsed or at-risk-ofcollapse vertebral bodies. Osteolysis widely
involving cortical margins of the vertebral
body pose a risk of cement leakage and can
ultimately limit the amount of bone cement
that can be injected, resulting in insufficient
stabilization. We wish to retrospectively assess
technical feasibility, clinical effectiveness and
complications of the cement augmentation of
vertebral bodies affected by extreme osteolysis
by the use of implantable vertebral body
stents, to provide stability and bone cement
containment. The procedures have been
performed at NSI in the last 16 months. Ethical
committee authorization request for this
retrospective assessment is being submitted.
b. High-resolution post-contrast imaging at
3 Tesla: a comparison of three different
techniques.
Investigators: E. Pravatà, L. Danieli, D. Distefano,
A. Cianfoni.
Obtaining post-gadolinium T1-weighted images
with high spatial and contrast resolution is a
critical requisite for the detection of brain
small neoplastic and inflammatory enhancing
lesions and tumour grading, with MRI. We
wish to perform a study to compare, in a 3T
MR system, the detectability and conspicuity of
brain focal contrast-enhancing lesions, image
quality, artifacts and scan duration, between
three different high-resolution T1-weighted
post-gadolinium sequences (SPACE, VIBE and
MPRAGE). Ethical committee authorization
request for this retrospective assessment is
being submitted.
Main funding
A donation of 10,000 CHF on the neuroradiology
fund, held by the finances of Regional Hospital of
Lugano, by MedCare Services GmbH.
2.8 Neuroanaesthesia
posterior fossa surgeries, epilepsy surgeries,
complex spinal surgery, and stereotactic
and interventional neurovascular techniques.
Neuroanesthesia locations include multiple
MRI-equipped operating rooms plus advanced
neurovascular interventional suites. During
2014 Dr. N. Bonello, junior anesthesiologist at
the department, successfully completed a oneyear fellowship at one of the busiest specialist
neurosciences NHS trust in the United Kingdom,
“The Walton Centre” in Liverpool.
The research activity of our team mainly focused
on 3 projects:
(Paolo Maino MD)
The EOC Pain Management Centre promotes the
highest possible quality of life for patients with
persistent pain, providing accurate diagnosis and
direct interventions to reduce, eradicate or manage
the pain. It provides support particularly around
the management of pain problems of high medical
and psychological complexity, and around the use
of controlled drugs, minimal invasive interventions,
and neuromodulation. The ambulatory service that
is present in all EOC hospitals has the mission of
providing specialist evidence-based consultations
and the most up- to-date treatments to all chronic
pain patients in Ticino.
In 2014, Dr. P. Maino performed the first implant of
dorsal root ganglion stimulation in Switzerland and
few months later, the first Spinal Cord Stimulation
System with Burst Technology (St. Jude Medical,
Inc.). This new modality of neurostimulation
is designed to reduce pain, improve patient
satisfaction and allow reduced paresthesia (a
tingling sensation associated with stimulation).
The new device offers patients traditional tonic
spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in addition to Burst
Technology for improved stimulation options.
The Neuroanesthesia service is responsible
for the anesthetic care of patients undergoing
neurosurgical procedures, including craniotomies
for brain tumours, aneurysms and arteriovenous
malformations,
carotid
endarterectomies,
a. Intrathecal therapy devices: Fluoroscopicguided intrathecal pump refill and prevention of
pocket fill.
Lead investigator: P. Maino.
Funding: Self-sponsored.
This is a prospective observational method
comparison study on adult patients carrying
intrathecal pumps for pain or spasticity control
undergoing regular refills. We compared the
difference expressed in millimeters between the
identification markings of fill port centre using
the blind technique and fluoroscopic imaging.
b. Neuromodulation RELIEF STUDY (A7007),
A Global Registry to Evaluate Long-Term
Effectiveness of Neurostimulation Therapy for
Pain.
Lead investigator: P. Maino.
Funding: Boston Scientific International SA.
c. Intrathecal pump refill: reservoir fill port
identification by palpation versus ultrasound, a
mono-centre prospective comparison study in
patients undergoing regular intrathecal pump
refill.
Lead investigator: P. Maino, E. Koetsier.
Intrathecal drug therapy with implantable
intrathecal pumps is being utilized increasingly
51
for the treatment of chronic refractory pain
and spasticity. However, performing the
regular refill procedures of the pumps with the
commonly performed "blind" technique carries
the potential risk of medication injection into
the subcutaneous tissue, which can lead to an
overdose. The primary purpose of this study is
to assess the accuracy of the ultrasound-guided
technique for the refill procedure, compared
to the blind technique in subjects undergoing
regular refills of their intrathecal pumps for
the treatment of chronic non-malignant pain or
spasticity.
diabetic small fiber neuropathy in the feet.
The secondary objectives are to assess
neuropathic pain components, pain and
paresthesia distributions, central sensitization,
efficacy of DRG-SCS on quality of life, physical
functioning, mood, global improvement, and the
progression of SFN assessed by biopsy.
Main funding
Funding
from
pharmaceutical
funds).
private
foundations
and
companies (non-competitive
2.9 Laboratory for Biomedical Neurosciences
d. Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation for the
Management of Painful Intractable Nondiabetic Small Fibre Neuropathy in the Lower
Limbs: A Prospective Case Series.
Investigators: P. Maino, E. Koetsier, C. Gobbi, A.
Kaelin.
Background: Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a
disorder of the peripheral nerves that affects
thinly myelinated A Delta and unmyelinated C
nerve fibers that painful symptoms typically
affect the limbs in a distal-to-proximal
gradient. Treatment of the painful symptoms
frequently fails. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
is used to treat chronic, intractable pain when
conventional therapies have failed and has
been shown to be effective in patients having
a variety of neuropathic pain syndromes
including diabetic polyneuropathy. However,
achieving good pain-paresthesia overlap of the
feet is noted to be challenging with conventional
spinal cord stimulation.
Spinal cord stimulation of the dorsal root
ganglion (DRG-SCS) is a relatively new
mode of SCS with promising results and
has demonstrated pain relief for groin pain,
complex regional pain syndrome and chronic,
intractable neuropathic pain of the limbs and
trunk. The purpose of this study is to assess
the effectiveness of DRG-SCS in alleviating
the painful symptoms in patients with non-
52
(LBN)
(Prof. Alain Kaelin MD, Paolo Paganetti PhD)
The Laboratory for Biomedical Neurosciences
(LBN) is committed to discover new treatments
and diagnostics methods for patients affected by
neurodegenerative disorders, a family of debilitating
and irreversible disorders that significantly affect
the life of patients and caregivers.
The integration of the LBN within the NSI - a
centre of clinical excellence for the treatment of
neurological and neurosurgical disorders - offers
the unique opportunity for a reciprocal fostering
between clinician-initiated basic research and
translation of basic findings into new effective
therapies, to prevent and treat disease, as well
as innovative early diagnostic measures. This
translational research aims at filling the gap often
existing between discoveries by basic research
and their application in medicine. Translational
research addresses the challenge of applying new
discoveries into innovative techniques and tools
for diagnosis and treatment of human disease.
Basic, translational and clinical research are
complementary disciplines of biomedical sciences.
The vision of the LBN is to improve the
understanding of neurodegenerative disorders
at the functional and molecular level. The LBN
has established a research platform enabling
a comprehensive approach based on cellular
and animal models of disease coupled with
innovative, functional analysis and state of the
art molecular and genetic methodologies. The
studies focus on the elucidation of the molecular
mechanisms involved in the initiation, progression
and consequences of motor disorders such as
Parkinson’s disease or of other neurodegenerative
disorders also defined as proteinopathies.
Another important objective of the LBN is the
training and education of young scientists to foster
their career in basic and clinical research. As part
of the scientific community, the LBN advocate
the exchange of know-how and data among
national and international research team and the
dissemination of our rationale and results through
specialized and general communication channels.
A first experimental laboratory was created in
2011 with the scope of promoting basic research
in the field of translational neurosciences. In
September 2013, Dr. Paolo Paganetti took
over the coordination and responsibility of the
laboratory and in January 2014, Prof. A. Kaelin
took over the responsibility for neuroscience
research at the NSI. Together, they redefined
the strategy of the LBN and created the LBN in
its current form. In March 2014, the LBN moved
to a new research-dedicated facility at the Swiss
Institute for Regenerative Medicine (SIRM) in
Torricella-Taverne, Switzerland. Thanks to the
new laboratory space, the LBN has considerably
grown in the last months. At the end of 2014, the
LBN was hosting ten scientists in three research
groups.
Research of Dr. Paolo Paganetti takes a molecular
and cellular approach in order to investigate the
causes of neurodegenerative diseases such as
Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and
Huntington’s disease. The research groups of
Prof. Dr. Kaelin and Dr. Galati have successfully
created and implemented animal models for
Parkinson`s disease, which are tailored for
behavioural and histopathological investigations
(Prof. Dr. Kaelin) as well as for electrophysiological
studies (Dr. Galati). These research models have
found application in the understanding of the
pathological mechanisms underlying these brain
disorders and as experimental models for testing
new therapeutic interventions.
In 2014 the LBN received substantial financial
support by competitive research grants, by
charitable organizations and by benevolent donors
for a total of more than 1.8 CHF million covering
activities planned for the period 2015-2017 in
addition to the financing provided by the EOC.
Technologies
The LBN research platform is a comprehensive
approach based on electrophysiology, behavioural
analysis, histology, flow cytofluorometry, confocal
microscopy, and modern techniques in cellular
and molecular biology, in order to analyze cellular
and animal models of disease. Understanding
the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease
and the search of novel therapeutics based on
counteracting aberrant protein levels by targeting
protein modification, misfolding and toxicity, are
our everyday life.
Education
Education and training at the LBN for young
scientists interested in a career in basic and
translational research is granted by state of the
art infrastructure and excellent supervision which
help achieve an academic degree (master student,
Ph.D. student) or by widening and deepening their
scientific knowledge (postdoctoral and visiting
fellows).
With the envisaged integration into the Faculty
of Biomedical Sciences and Master School of
Human Medicine of the University of Southern
Switzerland, the LBN will have the ability to assign
a Ph.D. degree. In the meantime, PhD and Master
students hosted at the LBN participate in the
corresponding programs offered by national
and international academic institutions, whilst
absolving their practical work within the LBN
research facilities as well as actively participating
in lectures, seminars and courses organized by
the LBN or by the LBN in collaboration with other
research institutes present in Ticino. Ph.D. and
Master Students pursue their research projects
53
under the mentorship of experienced group
leaders and learn modern research technologies
and how to conduct a scientific research project
independently. The Ph.D. students hosted by the
LBN in 2014 are affiliated with the University of
Berne or the University of Zürich.
Research group “Parkinson Disease”
Collaborators: G. Melli, A. Salvadé, S. Galati, S.
Sgroi, F. Pandiani Cippà.
Funding: external grants received in 2014 amount
to CHF 383’000 from the Swiss Parkinson
Foundation and IBRO/SSN.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most
frequent neurodegenerative disorder with
most cases occurring after the age of fifty. The
motor symptoms of PD result from the loss of
dopaminergic neurons in specific regions of the
brain. PD. A pathological characteristic of PD is the
deposition of the protein alpha-synuclein in Lewy
bodies whose number and distribution directly
relates to the clinical symptoms. Prolonged use
of dopamine-replacement therapies may lead to a
complication called dyskinesia. Levodopa-induced
dyskinesia is characterized by abnormal involuntary
movements (dystonia, chorea, athetosis).
Research at the LBN focus on the development
of new animal models of the disease, e.g. to
understand the pathophysiology of levodopainduced dyskinesia. Molecular studies aimed
at understanding the molecular mechanisms
inducing alpha-synuclein-mediated toxicity. The
purpose is also to use alphasynuclein analysis on
the skin as an early marker (see above, Movement
Disorders Centre).
Research group “Basal Ganglia Pathophysiology”
Collaborators: A. Kaelin, A. Salvadé.
Funding: external grants received in 2014 amount
to CHF 343,000 from the Swiss Parkinson
Foundation.
54
The scope of the research is to understand the
control mechanisms of movement. The project is
aimed at defining the activity of some deep regions
of the brain, the basal ganglia. They play a critical
role in the pathogenesis of various movement
disorders such as Parkinson's and Huntington's
diseases. Recent studies have indicated that the
neural networks of the basal ganglia-thalamocortical loop participate in everyday complex
behaviors that require coordination between
cognition, motivation, and movements. The
research is therefore aimed at understanding
the role and way of action of the basal gangliathalamo-cortical loop in normal behaviour and in
pathological states, such as Parkinson's disease
and levodopa-induced dyskinesia.
The research group creates animal models that
reproduce the clinical characteristics of early and
advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease. The group
can record the simultaneous extracellular and
intracellular activity of several neurons in the basal
ganglia with local field potential, in anesthetized
and awake, normal, parkinsonian and dyskinetic
rat models.
Key Research Areas:
• Experimental
dopamine-depleted
animal
models.
• Mechanisms underlying neuronal network
activity in the basal ganglia.
• The role of oscillations in cortico-basal gangliathalamic loop function and dysfunction.
• The role of homeostatic plasticity on processing
of cortical input by the basal ganglia.
Research group “Neurodegeneration”
Lead investigator: P. Paganetti.
Collaborators: A. Salvadé, F. Pandiani Cippà, A.
Stuerchler, C. Foglieni, G. Ulrich.
Funding: External grants received in 2014
amount to CHF 1,100,000 by the Gabriele
Charitable Foundation, the Gelu Foundation, and
an anonymous donor.
The discovery of disease mutations in the genes
encoding for the proteins that form the deposits
found in the brain of patients, affected by
neurodegenerative disorders, has established a
link between the sporadic and hereditary disease
forms and has demonstrated the causative
role of these proteins in the neurodegenerative
process. These disorders are characterized by
abnormal proteinaceous deposits in the brain
causing overt cell loss. The research group studies
the molecular process that regulates protein
misfolding, deposition and toxicity in cellular
models of disease. In particular, we are interested
in characterizing post-translational modifications
and subcellular localization of the proteins
involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative
disorders.
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Literature. Neurol Neurochir Pol. 2014;48(2):144149.
Sgroi S, Kaelin-Lang A, Capper-Loup C.
Spontaneous locomotor activity and L-DOPAinduced dyskinesia are not linked in 6-OHDA
parkinsonian rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2014;
8:331.
Mordasini L, Kessler TM, Kiss B, Schüpbach M,
Pollo C, Kaelin-Lang A. Bladder function in patients
with dystonia undergoing deep brain stimulation.
Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2014; 20(9):10151017.
Robert T, Martinez-Manas R, San Millan Ruiz D,
Morard M. Cervical Intramedullary Metastasis
from Cerebral Glioblastoma Multiforme. Clin
Neurol Neurosurg. 2014;123:61-63.
Silveri MC, Pravatà E, Brita AC, Improta E, Ciccarelli
N, Rossi P, Colosimo C. Primary progressive
aphasia: Linguistic patterns and clinical variants.
Brain Lang. 2014; 135:57-65.
Awards 2014
Dominique Kuhlen:
Executive Master in Business Administration
and General Management of the University of St.
Gallen (Executive MBA HSG), finished with success
in May 2014.
Rossini R, Musumeci G, Visconti LO, Bramucci
E, Castiglioni B, De Servi S, Lettieri C, Lettino M,
Piccaluga E, Savonitto S, Trabattoni D, Capodanno
D, Buffoli F, Parolari A, Dionigi G, Boni L, Biglioli F,
Valdatta L, Droghetti A, Bozzani A, Setacci C, Ravelli
P, Crescini C, Staurenghi G, Scarone P, Francetti
L, D'Angelo F, Gadda F, Comel A, Salvi L, Lorini L,
Antonelli M, Bovenzi F, Cremonesi A, Angiolillo DJ,
Guagliumi G; Italian Society of Invasive Cardiology
(SICI-GISE); Italian Association of Hospital
Cardiologists (ANMCO); Italian Society for Cardiac
Surgery (SICCH); Italian Society of Vascular and
Endovascular Surgery (SICVE); Italian Association
of Hospital Surgeons (ACOI); Italian Society of
Surgery (SIC); Italian Society of Anaesthesia and
Intensive Care Medicine (SIAARTI); Lombard
Society of Surgery (SLC); Italian Society of
Maxillofacial Surgery (SICMF); Italian Society of
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics
(SICPRE); Italian Society of Thoracic Surgeons
(SICT); Italian Society of Urology (SIU); Italian Society
of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (SIOT); Italian
Society of Periodontology (SIdP); Italian Federation
of Scientific Societies of Digestive System Diseases
Lombardia (FISMAD); Association of Obstetricians
Gynaecologists Italian Hospital Lombardia (AOGOI);
Society of Ophthalmology Lombardia (SOL).
Perioperative management of antiplatelet therapy
in patients with coronary stents undergoing
cardiac and non-cardiac surgery: a consensus
Villa MP, Castaldo R, Miano S, Paolino MC, Vitelli
O, Tabarrini A, Mazzotta AR, Cecili M, Barreto M.
Adenotonsillectomy and orthodontic therapy in
pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Breath.
2014;18(3):533-539.
Claudio Gobbi:
“Venia docendi” (PD title) from the University of
Basel in the field of Neurology in December 2014.
Paganetti P, Antoniello K, Devraj K, Toni N, Kieran
D, Madani R, Pihlgren M, Adolfsson O, Froestl W,
Schrattenholz A, Liebner S, Havas D, Windisch M,
Cirrito JR, Pfeifer A, Muhs A. Increased efflux of
amyloid-β peptides through the blood-brain barrier
by muscarinic acetylcholine receptor inhibition
reduces pathological phenotypes in mouse models
of brain amyloidosis. J Alzheimers Dis. 2014;
38(4):767-786.
Pakpoor J, Goldacre R, Disanto G, Giovannoni
G, Goldacre MJ. Alcohol misuse disorders and
multiple sclerosis risk. JAMA Neurol. 2014
Sep;71(9):1188-9.
Pignatti R, Bertella L, Scarpina F, Mauro A, Portolani
E, Calabrese P. Italian version of the Parkinson
Neuropsychometric
Dementia
Assessment
(PANDA): a useful instrument to detect cognitive
impairments in Parkinson's Disease. J Parkinsons
Dis. 2014;4(2):151-160.
Pollo C, Kaelin-Lang A, Oertel MF, Stieglitz L,
Taub E, Fuhr P, Lozano AM, Raabe A, Schüpbach
M. Directional deep brain stimulation: an
intraoperative double-blind pilot study. Brain.
2014; 137(7): 2015-2026.
Pravatà E, Cereda C, Gabutti A, Distefano D,
Cianfoni A. Late-onset cauda equina contrast
56
Urol. 2014;191(3):697-702.
movements and their relationship with periodic leg
movements during sleep. Sleep. 2014;37(3):497504.
Wesström J, Skalkidou A, Manconi M, Fulda S,
Sundström-Poromaa I. Pre-pregnancy restless legs
syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease) is associated
with perinatal depression. J Clin Sleep Med. 2014
May 15;10(5):527-33.
Wu Y, Lucia K, Lange M, Kuhlen D, Stalla GK,
Renner U. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 is involved
in growth factor, glucocorticoid and hypoxiamediated regulation of vascular endothelial growth
factor-A in human meningiomas. J Neurooncol.
2014;119(2):263-273.
Zecca C, Riccitelli GC, Calabrese P, Pravatà E,
Candrian U, Guttmann CRG, Gobbi C. Treatment
satisfaction,
adherence
and
behavioural
assessment in patients de-escalating from
natalizumab to interferon beta. BMC Neurol.
2014;14:38-45.
Stefania Sgroi:
• Travel grant from the “International Movement
Disorders Society” to present a poster at the
MDS International Congress of Parkinson’s
Disease and Movement Disorders 2014,
Stockholm, Sweden, 8th-12th June 2014
• Travel grant from the “Swiss Society for
Neuroscience” to present a poster at the
Society for Neuroscience Meeting 2014,
Washington DC, USA, 15th-19th November
2014.
Zecca C, Digesu GA, Robshaw P, Puccini F, Kullar V,
Tubaro, A, Gobbi C. Motor and sensory responses
after percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS)
in multiple sclerosis patients with lower urinary
tract symptoms treated in daily practice. Eur J
Neurol. 2014;21(3):506-511.
Zecca C, Digesu GA, Robshaw P, Singh A, ElNeil
S, Gobbi C. Maintenance percutaneous posterior
nerve stimulation for refractory lower urinary tract
symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. J
57
3
EOC Multisite Departments
and Services
3.
EOC Multisite Departments and Services
The multisite Departments and Services are
structures that are transversal to all EOC institutes
and are an organizational model of clinical
management.
The Departments are, as a rule, the functional and
organizational integration of operational units that
are homogeneous, similar, or complementary to
and mutually dependent on one another, sharing
the same goals – which could not be achieved
otherwise. They are, however, clinically independent,
with their own separate professional responsibility.
The Departments are made up of the relevant
services, divisions and units, grouped according to
nosology, function and size. The needs for clinical
governance are also taken into account in the
organization of the Departments.
3.1 EOC Department of Surgery
Prof. Raffaele Rosso MD
Head of Department of Surgery and the Regional
Hospital of Lugano
The EOC Department of Surgery guarantees highquality localized surgical assistance, either planned
or in emergency situations, making use of the
60
specific specialized skills of the Department, and is
intended to be the best solution to harmonize and
rationalize the facilities for surgery in the Canton.
Department of Surgery – Regional Hospital of
Lugano
The following studies are currently underway:
• Two surgical techniques for the treatment of
pilonidal sinus: a randomized controlled study.
This study compares the modified Karydakis
technique (excision and lateral primary closure)
vs. simple fistulectomy for the treatment of
symptomatic pilonidal disease. The primary
endpoint is the % of patients healed at 3 weeks,
secondary endpoints are its total healing time,
infection rate, recurrence rate. The study
accrual has reached approximately 60% of the
total sample size.
• Feasibility of an ultrasound screening program
for abdominal aorta aneurysm in the population
of the area of Lugano.
This study aims at evaluating the feasibility of
screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in
male individuals of 65-80 years of age who
are seen for other reasons at the various
outpatient clinics at the hospital of Lugano.
Patients are offered a screening ultrasound
examination and are included in a database. If
the program proves to be feasible, its extension
to the other EOC hospitals will be considered.
The recruitment was finalized this year and the
data analysis is currently in progress.
• Isolation and characterisation of tumoural
stem cells in colorectal cancer.
Collaboration in this project, led by the
University of Basel, as clinical consultants and
providers of human tissue.
This study has the purpose to determine the
phenotype and function of tumour stem cells
of colorectal cancer (CD133+), as well as
their interaction with T lymphocytes infiltrating
the tumour. In vitro and in vivo experiments
3. EOC Multisite Departments and Services
are held at the University of Basel using cells
extracted from patient blood samples, normal
and neoplastic colorectal mucosa.
• International Surgical Outcomes Study.
Participation in this multicenter international
transversal observational study that aims
at assessing the actual incidence of postoperative complications after elective surgery
of all types.
Pre-, intra- and post-operative data were
collected and submitted anonymously for all
patients operated during a predefined period
of 1 week.
The study is led by Prof. M. Pearse from London,
(Barts and the London School of Medicine and
Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London,
UK) with the participation of a large number of
centres across the world.
The Surgery Department participated with
11 cases. The study was approved by the
“Kantonale Ethikkommission Kt. Zürich”.
• Snapshot Diverticulitis: In-hospital management
61
of colonic diverticulitis in Switzerland.
Participation in this multicenter national
transversal observational study that aims at
assessing the current practice in managing
the diverticular disease in Switzerland.
Pre-, intra- and postoperative data were
collected and submitted anonymously for
all patients admitted for medical or surgical
therapy of diverticular disease. The study was
led by Prof. D. Hahnloser, from the University
Hospital of Lausanne, CHUV. The Surgery
Department participated with 19 cases.
The study was approved by the “Kantonale
Ethikkommission Kt. Zürich”.
Main funding
“Two surgical techniques for the treatment of
pilonidal sinus: a randomized controlled study”:
ABREOC and the Research Fund of the Department
of Surgery.
“Feasibility of an ultrasound screening program for
abdominal aorta aneurysm in the population of the
area of Lugano”: ABREOC.
“Isolation and characterization of tumour stem
cells in colorectal cancer”: University of Basel.
“International Surgical Outcomes Study” and
“Snapshot Diverticulitis: In-hospital management
of colonic diverticulitis in Switzerland”: no funding.
Cristaudi A, Matthey-Gié ML, Demartines N,
Christoforidis D. Prospective Assessment of
Trocar-Specific Morbidity in Laparoscopy. World J
Surg, 2014;38(12):3089-3096.
Lee JT, Marquez TT, Clerc D, Gie O, Demartines
N, Madoff RD, Rothenberger DA, Christoforidis
D. Pursestring closure of the stoma site leads to
fewer wound infections: results from a multicenter
randomized controlled trial. Dis Colon Rectum.
2014;57(11):1282-1289.
62
Nebiker C, Han J, Eppenberger-Castori S, Iezzi
G, Hirt C, Amicarella F, Cremonesi E, Huber X,
Padovan E, Angrisani B, Droeser RA, Rosso R,
Bolli M, Oertli D, von Holzen U, Adamina M, Muraro
MG, Memgus C, Zajac P, Sconocchia G, Zuber M,
Tornillo L, Terracciano L, Spagnoli GC. GM – CSF
production by tumour cells is associated with
improved survival in colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer
Res. 2014;20(12):3094-106.
Reckhenrich AK, Kirsch BM, Wahl EA, Schenck
TL, Rezaeian F, Harder Y, Foehr P, Machens HG,
Egana JT. Surgical sutures filled with adiposederived stem cells promote wound healing. PLOS
One. 2014; 9(3): e91169.
Hand Surgery Unit
Daniele De Spirito MD,
Regional Hospital of Lugano
Cesare Fusetti MD,
Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valli
Stefano Lucchina MD,
Regional Hospital of Locarno
Alain Thebaud MD,
Regional Hospital of Mendrisio
The Hand Trauma Commission of FESSH HTC
intends to set up a database containing all major
Trauma Centres in Europe. Based on the data
submitted by the centres the Hand Trauma
Commission suggests centres to the national
representatives for accreditation. After validating
the data by the national representatives, accredited
centres can receive a Diploma of Accreditation.
The EOC Hand Surgery Unit was accredited for
the period 2014-2017 (contact person: C. Fusetti
MD, Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valli).
The EOC Hand Surgery Unit, together with hospital
and health service partners, provides diagnosis,
treatment and rehabilitation services for upper
limb diseases and injuries.
• Virtual reality interface and grip strength
measurement: experimental study.
Lead investigator: C. Fusetti.
In collaboration with: the “Laboratoire de
systèmes robotiques (LSRO)” (multidisciplinary
research unit working mostly in the fields of
robotics, micro-robotics and high-precision
instrumentation):
EPFL-STI-IMT-LSRO
(H.
Bleuler, M. Bouri), École Polytechnique Fédérale
de Lausanne.
For our experiments on grip strength testing
and detection of sub-maximal effort, we use an
instrumented dynamometer that was designed
using pieces of a non-functional Jamar
dynamometer. Instead of a hydraulic-based
sensing device, we chose the piezoresistive
technology for its reliability and its reproducibility
from one measurement to another. In order to
keep the isometric measurement guaranteed
by the hydraulic Jamar, we are using two force
sensors so that the result is independent of
where the subject applies his force on the
handle (isometric measurement).
The outputs of the sensors go through
amplification and then are sent to the computer
via the acquisition card. The signal is then used
in one of the two interfaces. We plan to test
the efficiency of these two interfaces to trick
the patient. The Labview interface is directly
inspired by the "Visual Target Grip Test".
Clinical studies in progress:
(lead investigators: C. Fusetti; S. Lucchina):
• Treatment of fractures of the fifth metacarpal
neck by reduction and MCP-extension cast
versus soft wrap/buddy taping: a prospective
multicenter study.
In collaboration with HCUG of Geneva and Naval
Medical Centre of San Diego, CA-USA.
• Sonographic follow-up of patients with cubital
tunnel syndrome (CTS) undergoing open neurolysis
in situ or endoscopy: a prospective study.
Experimental study in progress:
The sonographic examination is a useful
technique in the assessment of the follow-up
of patients undergoing surgical treatment for
cubital tunnel syndrome (CTS). Moreover, there
is, a direct correlation between the values of
the cross section area (CSA) of the ulnar nerve
determined by sonographic examination and the
clinical pre- and post-operative state in patients
undergoing ulnar nerve decompression at the
elbow. The purpose of the study is to compare
the clinical results of open release and
endoscopically assisted cubital tunnel release,
which encounter decompression of the ulnar
nerve at the elbow, using the differences
found by sonographic examination of the cross
section area (CSA) of the ulnar nerve, in search
for an association between the clinical results
and the CSA.
Corni V, Lucchina S, Fusetti C. Is Masson's tumour
only a slow-growing benign neoplasm? A case
report. Hand Surg. 2014;19(3):445-447.
Lucchina S, Fusetti C. A touch of humanity. Hands
on stamps: Brazil 1979 - 150th Anniversary of the
first publication in Braille Writing. J Hand Surg Am.
2014;39(2): 345.
Tröster B, Fusetti C. Is it necessary to remove
the whole trapezium in thumb osteoarthritis. Ther
Umsch. 2014;71(7):410-414.
Humanitarian Mission
GICAM ONLUS project 2014, surgical mission
(reconstructive microsurgery):
• Koforidua (Ghana), St. Joseph’s Catholic
Hospital: C. Fusetti (surgeon, Regional
Hospital of Bellinzona and Valli), S. Lucchina
(surgeon, Regional Hospital of Locarno), I.
Anselmi (anesthesiologist, Regional Hospital of
Bellinzona and Valli)
• Machakos (Kenya), Bishop Kioko Catholic
63
Hospital: S. Lucchina (surgeon, Regional
Hospital of Locarno).
3.2 EOC Department of Internal Medicine
Prof. Augusto Gallino MD
Head of the Department of Internal Medicine and
the Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valli.
The EOC Department of Internal Medicine is a
functional type of organizational structure, and
is managed and coordinated by the Department
Board. The rules adopted for its operation are
based on the fundamental principles of shared
clinical governance (accountability, participation,
transparency and management), and it is
organized using a multisite approach, offering a
gateway to general internal medicine services.
Moreover, it can advise and direct patients to the
appropriate reference centres.
The EOC Department of Internal Medicine was
set up to ensure high-quality localized internal
medicine assistance, either planned or in
emergency situations, making full use of its specific
specialized skills, as the best way of harmonizing
and rationalizing the facilities for this sector in the
Canton.
Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology
Service – Regional Hospital of Lugano
Giorgio Moschovitis MD
Head of Service
In collaboration with the Cardiovascular Research
Centre of the Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and
Valli:
• Tako-Tsubo Cardiomyopathy and Cardiac
Syndrome X: New Insights into the
pathophysiology of two orphan cardiac
diseases.
Lead investigators: M. Cattaneo, G. Moschovitis,
A. Gallino (refer to the chapter of Cardiovascular
Research Centre of the Regional Hospital of
64
Sponsor and Clinical
Switzerland, Phase IIIb.
Bellinzona and Valli).
• Swiss Cohort Atrial Fibrillation Study (Swiss AF
Cohort).
Lead investigator: D. Conen of the University
Hospital of Basel.
Main Coordinator and responsible for Southern
Switzerland: A. Gallino (refer to chapter
of Cardiovascular Research Centre of the
Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valli).
Collaboration is also underway with the following
Swiss Hospitals and the Cardiocentro Ticino:
• Evidence Based Treatment in Heart Failure
(EVITA-HF), Analysis of Iron Deficiency in Heart
Failure (RAID-HF).
Lead investigator in Switzerland: O. Pfister of
the University Hospital of Basel.
Prospective Multicenter Registry conducted in
Austria, Germany and Switzerland, which aims
at collecting data on clinical characteristics of
consecutive patients suffering from chronic
heart failure (CHF) with ejection fraction (EF) <
40 %, and to analyze medical and device therapy
included ICD and CRT, mortality and non-fatal
complications in-hospital and after one year
follow-up and symptoms and re-hospitalization
(EVITA-HF Registry). In the Substudy data about
the ferric state and hemoglobin and their
association with prognosis and quality of life of
CHF, patients are collected (RAID-HF).
• Clinical Trial Protocol CRLX030A3301: A
multicenter, prospective, randomized, openlabel study to assess the effect of serelaxin
versus standard of care in acute heart failure
(AHF) patients (RELAX-AHF-EU).
Lead investigator in Switzerland: Ph. Meyer of
the University Hospital of Geneva.
Local principal investigator: T. Moccetti of the
CardiocentroTicino of Lugano.
Local primary co-investigator: G. Moschovitis of
the Regional Hospital of Lugano.
Phase:
Novartis
The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy,
safety and tolerability of intravenous infusion
of 30 μg/kg/day serelaxin administered for
48 hours, when added to standard therapy
in patients hospitalized with acute heart
failure. Efficacy will be determined based on
the combined primary endpoint of in-hospital
worsening of heart failure requiring rescue
therapy and all-cause deaths mortality through
day 5. Patients will be followed-up for 30 days.
The purpose of this study is to generate clinical
evidence, especially on the short term period (inhospital and at 30 days) that will complement
existing and future serelaxin data sets in AHF.
The study population will consist of male and
female patients (≥18 years old) admitted to the
hospital for AHF, with systolic BP ≥125 mmHg
and mild-to-moderate renal impairment.
The intense scientific activity is reflected in the
large number of publications available at the
website www.shcs.ch.
• Th 17 cell migration and differentiation in HIV
infection (in collaboration with the IRB).
Lead investigators: V. Cecchinato, E.
Bernasconi, R. Speck, M. Uguccioni.
The Infectious Diseases Service (SMI) is a
specialized day clinic that deals with patients with
infectious diseases. The Service works in close
collaboration with local GPs.
CD4+ T-cell depletion, and in particular,
Th17 cell loss in the mucosal compartment,
is a hallmark of HIV-1 infection in humans.
Alterations in the integrity of the mucosal
barrier have been indicated as a cause for
chronic immune activation and disease
progression. Even though anti-retroviral therapy
(ART) can suppress plasma viral load, the
immune activation persists in subjects on longterm ART, and a complete T cell repopulation
of the gut is rarely achieved. We showed that
CCR6+ and CXCR3+ T-helper cells accumulate
in the blood of HIV-1-infected patients on longterm ART and weakly respond to chemotactic
stimuli. An inefficient polymerization of actin,
which leads to the reduction in cell migration,
is associated to cofilin hyper- activation in
circulating lymphocytes from HIV-1-infected
patients, regardless of therapy.
In the further development of the study cited
in the previous scientific report, we point out
the role of chronic immune activation via
TLR7/8 triggering in the impairment of cell
migration. Cytoskeleton remodeling induced
by okadaic acid treatment, in vitro and in vivo,
restores lymphocyte migration, indicating that
a pharmacological approach can be pursued in
order to achieve a better reconstitution of the
mucosal compartments also in those patients
who are under long-term ART.
The SMI is one of the seven reference centres
for the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS), one of the
world's largest epidemiological and clinical studies
in the HIV field with more than 18'000 participants.
• Rilpivirine entering the SWISS market of
antiretroviral drugs: a 12-month evaluation.
Lead investigators: D. Sculier, E. Bernasconi, A.
Calmy.
Menafoglio A, Di Valentino M, Segatto JM, Siragusa
P, Pezzoli R, Maggi M, Romano GA, Moschovitis G,
Wilhelm M, Gallino A. Costs and yield of a 15-month
preparticipation
cardiovascular
examination
with ECG in 1070 young athletes in Switzerland:
implications for routine ECG screening. Br J Sports
Med. 2014;48(15):1157-61.
Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious
Diseases Service – Regional Hospital of Lugano
Prof. Enos Bernasconi MD
Deputy-Head of Internal Medicine
65
The antiretroviral combination rilpivirine
(RPV), tenofovir (TDF) and FTC (Eviplera®) was
introduced into the Swiss drug market on 1st
April 2013. It is only approved for HIV naive
patients with a viral load ≤100,000 copies/ml
(Bulletin 15/13, Swiss Federal Office of Public
Health). Clinical experience suggests that the
fixed dose combination is also prescribed
for HIV virologically suppressed experienced
patients either to reduce side effects due to the
current regimen or in simplification strategy.
Data from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study show
that 349 patients were started on RPV/TDF/
FTC between 1st April to 1st December 2013,
and among them, only 18 (5%) patients were
started RPV/TDF/FTC as a first-line regimen.
We aim at assessing (i) the indications for
which RPV is prescribed among HIV patients
within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study in the first
12 months after it entered the Swiss Market,
(ii) the effect of switch to RPV/TDF/FTC
among experienced HIV patients on common
side effects (iii) early safety and efficacy data
of RPV under routine clinical care conditions,
comparing data with patients on a fixed dose
combination of EFV/TDF/FTC (Atripla®). The
study was carried out in 2014, and the results
should be available in early 2015.
• The Swiss HIV Cohort Study Core Project
Metabolism and Aging (M + A core project).
Lead investigator: P. Tarr (in Lugano: E.
Bernasconi).
This ongoing study has already been described
in the previous report. The aim is to assess
morbidity of HIV-infected patients outside
the classic opportunistic diseases. In fact,
premature aging with cardiovascular and
cerebrovascular
disease,
osteoporosis,
neurocognitive dysfunction, diabetes mellitus,
lipodystrophy, and other morbid conditions are
increasingly important determinants of the
long-term health of HIV infected individuals.
66
The Service of Infectious Diseases is also
participating in a multicenter vaccine study:
• Protocol GlycoVaxyn EC-4V.
A phase I study in 12 clinical sites in Switzerland
to assess a candidate vaccine against
uropathogenic Escherichia coli in women with
a clinical history of recurrent urinary tract
infection.
In 2014, we were able to include 22 patients
in this phase I study and we were among the 3
best recruiting centres. The clinical milestone is
linked to the achievement of a robust immune
response against all antigens included into the
vaccine candidate at 30-day post-vaccination.
We hope for a further development of the
candidate vaccine with the possibility for our
centre to participate in a phase III study.
Main funding
SHCS (through SNSF), Infectious Diseases
Research Fund, pharmaceutical industry.
Kouyos RD, Rauch A, Böni J, Yerly S, Shah C,
Aubert V, Klimkait T, Kovari H, Calmy A, Cavassini
M, Battegay M, Vernazza PL, Bernasconi E,
Ledergerber B, Günthard HF; the Swiss HIV
Cohort Study. Clustering of HCV coinfections
on HIV phylogeny indicates domestic and
sexual transmission of HCV. Int J Epidemiol.
2014;43(3):887-96.
Regoes R, McLaren P, Battegay M, Bernasconi
E, Calmy A, Günthard H, Hoffmann M, Rauch A,
Telenti A, Fellay J and the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.
Disentangling human tolerance and resistance
against HIV. PLoS Biol. 2014;12(9):e1001951.
Wang Q, Young J, Bernasconi E, Vernazza P,
Calmy A, Cavassini M, Furrer H, Fehr J, Bucher
HC, Battegay M and the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.
Virologic and immunologic responses in treatmentnaïve patients to ritonavir-boosted atazanavir of
efavirenz with a common backbone. HIV Clin Trials.
2014;15(3):92-103.
Main funding
ABREOC.
Young J, Wang Q, Fux CA, Bernasconi E, Furrer
H, Vernazza P, Calmy A, Cavassini M, Weber
R, Battegay M, Bucher HC, Swiss HIV Cohort
Study. The rate of recovery in renal function when
patients with HIV infection discontinue treatment
with tenofovir. HIV Med. 2014;15(8):505-510.
Caviezel S, Dratva J, Schaffner E, Schindler C,
Zemp Stutz E, de Groot E, Burdet L, Rothe T, Pons
M, Gaspoz JM, Rochat T, Künzli N, Probst-Hensch
N, Schmidt-Trucksäss A. Sex-specific associations
of cardiovascular risk factors with carotid
stiffness--results from the SAPALDIA cohort study.
Atherosclerosis. 2014;235(2):576-84.
Department of Internal Medicine, Internal
Medicine Service – Regional Hospital of Lugano
Prof. Marco Pons MD
Head Doctor
Sleep-disordered breathing in patients with
ischemic stroke: clinical, prognostic and
pathophysiological aspects.
Lead investigator: M. Pons.
Co-investigators: A. Riglietti, A. Azzola.
The respiratory disorders during sleep (SDB) are
a frequent problem among patients with a first
ischemic cerebrovascular event. 40% of patients
with SDB, which occurred during the acute phase
of a stroke, has a breathing pattern characterized
by central apnea and/or periodic breathing,
isolated or associated with obstructive apneas,
whose pathogenesis and clinical relevance in
terms of impact on morbidity and mortality in the
long term, is still largely unknown.
The assumption which underlies the present study
is that an alteration in the autonomic system is
the cause for central apneas that are frequently
observed in the acute phase of a cerebral
ischemic event. In particular, an alteration in the
baroreflex and chemoreflex, expression of a state
of activation of the sympathetic nervous system,
could be a causal factor in the genesis of SDB,
as well as an independent risk factor for cerebral
ischemic events. Their joint study will provide useful
elements of pathophysiological clarification.
Manconi M, Zavalko I, Bassetti CL, Colamartino
E, Pons M, Ferri R. Respiratory-related leg
movements and their relationship with periodic leg
movements during sleep. Sleep. 2014;37(3):497504.
Pastori MM(*), Sarti M(*), Pons M, Barazzoni F.
Assessing the impact of bibliographical support on
the quality of medical care in patients admitted to
an internal medicine service: a prospective clinical,
open, randomised two-arm parallel study. Evid
Based Med. 2014;19(5):163-168.
(*) MMP and MS contributed equally.
Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology
Service – Regional Hospital of Lugano
Andrea Azzola MD FCCP
Head of Service
• INPUT on PE: multicenter, observational
screening survey for the detection of chronic
thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
(CTEPH) following pulmonary embolism.
(Multicentric Swiss Study).
Lead investigator: JD. Aubert, CHUV, Lausanne.
Local Co-investigator and member of the
steering committee: A. Azzola.
Patients with PE who are included in the survey
will be followed by regular telephone contacts
at months 6, 12 and 24 using a particular
dyspnea questionnaire. If specific symptoms
of dyspnea are reported, patients will be
67
invited to the study centre within 4 weeks for
confirmation of dyspnea and, if dyspnea is
confirmed, an echocardiography and further
diagnostic workup are carried out. The study
ends when data of 1000 evaluable patients are
collected.
Primary Endpoint: To evaluate the incidence
rate of symptomatic CTEPH at 6, 12 and
24 months after confirmed PE. Secondary
Endpoints: a) Comparison of the baseline
parameters of the patients who developed
CTEPH with the patients who did not develop
CTEPH after PE to identify any risk factors.
B) Comparison of the results of the dyspnea
questionnaire answered by telephone with the
dyspnea evaluation by the investigator at the
clinic.
A steering committee (constituted by SSPH
members and PE experts) will be responsible
for the supervision of the survey, data collection
and analysis, as well as the publication of
results.
Recruitment phase: closed 2014.
Follow up: ongoing.
Study closure: expected 2016.
beta agonist (LABA) vs. single bronchodilatation
with LABA in symptomatic moderate to severe
COPD patients with current or past smoking
history.
Primary objective: To demonstrate the
superiority of a single-dose of the combined
inhalation of QAB149 150μg and NVA237
50μg vs. QAB149 alone regarding the
Inspiratory Capacity (IC) peak value. Key
Secondary Objective: To compare the efficacy
of the combined inhalation of 150μg QAB149
and 50μg NVA237 vs. 150μg QAB149 alone
regarding FEV1 over 4h after dosing. Other
Secondary Objectives: to compare the efficacy
of the combined inhalation of 150μg QAB149
and 50μg NVA237 vs. 150μg QAB149
alone regarding the Inspiratory Capacity (IC),
Forced Volume Capacity (FVC), Total Lung
Capacity (TLC) and Airway Resistance (Raw)
over 4h after dosing (30min, 60min, 120min,
180,min,240min) after dosing.
Recruitement phase: October 2012 –
September 2014.
Data analysis: ongoing. Results publication:
expected 2015.
• SYNERGY Study: a multicenter, randomized,
double-blind, single-dose study to assess the
effect of the combined inhalation of 150µg
Indacaterol maleate (QAB149) and 50µg
glycopyrronium bromide (NVA237) versus
inhaled 150µg Indacaterol maleate (QAB149)
alone on inspiratory capacity in patients with
moderate or severe COPD.
(Multicentric Swiss Study).
Lead investigator: M. Brutsche, KSSG, St.
Gallen.
Local Co-investigator and member of the
steering committee: A. Azzola.
Kern L, Condrau S, Baty F, Wiegand J, van Gestel
AJ, Azzola A, Tamm M, Brutsche M. Oxygen
kinetics during 6-minute walk tests in patients with
cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. BMC Pulm
Med. 2014;14:167.
Kutz A, Grolimund E, Christ-Crain M, Thomann R,
Falconnier C, Hoess C, Henzen C, Zimmerli W,
Mueller B, Schuetz P; ProHOSP Study Group (*).
Pre-analytic factors and initial biomarker levels in
community-acquired pneumonia patients. BMC
Anesthesiol. 2014;14:102.
(*) Azzola A as member of the ProHOSP Study Group
Synergy is a Swiss multicenter, randomized,
double-blinded, single-dose, cross-over, placebocontrolled study, evaluating the effects of dual
bronchodilatation with inhalation of long-acting
muscarinic agonist (LAMA) and long-acting
68
Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology
Head Doctor
• DialysIS (Dialysis therapy between Italy and
Switzerland).
Lead investigators: ML. Costantino (Politecnico
of Milan), F. Locatelli (Hospital of Lecco), G.
Pontoriero (Hospital of Lecco), C. Schönholzer
(Regional Hospital of Lugano), G. Bonforte
(Hospital of Como), G. Rambola (Hospital of
Varese).
Phase 1 of study: Politecnico of Milan, Hospital
of Lecco and Regional Hospital of Lugano;
Phase 2 of study: Politecnico of Milan;
Phase 3 of study: Politecnico of Milan, Hospital
of Lecco, Regional Hospital of Lugano, Hospital
of Como and Hospital of Varese.
Multicenter Study. The purpose of the study is
to develop a computer model that may allow
a more accurate planning of the hemodialysis
treatment. In the first phase (9 months), for
70 hemodynamically unstable patients (20
patients with 8 dialysis treatments in Lugano,
50 patients with 6 dialysis treatments in
Lecco), and many parameters are registered
to develop an individualized profile of each
patient. In the second phase, (9 months)
a computer model will be developed and
refined by the Politecnico of Milan. In the third
phase (9 months), the clinical behaviour of
hemodynamics during the dialysis sessions and
the quality of life of patients in all four clinical
centres will be documented before and after
the implementation of the computer model.
• A Multicenter, Multiple-dose, Two-arm, Activecontrolled, Double-blind, Double-dummy Study
to Compare the Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety
of Oral Doses of Cinecalcet HCl with Intravenous
Doses of AMG 416 in Hemodialysis Subjects
with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism.
gland.
Primary objective: to demonstrate that
treatment with AMG 416 is not inferior to
treatment with cinacalcet to lower serum
intact PTH levels by >30%.
Secondary objective: to assess whether
treatment with AMG is superior to treatment
with cinacalcet as measured by the mean days
of vomiting or nausea per week, proportion
of subjects with >50% decrease in serum
iPTH, change from baseline of serum calcium,
mean pre-dialysis phosphorus, mean severity
of nausea and mean episodes of vomiting per
week.
Treatment time: 26 weeks.
Sample: 600 patients, approximately 300 in
each treatment group (Europe, USA, Russia,
AUNZ); 30 patients in CH (Genève, Lausanne,
Basel, Zürich, Locarno, Lugano).
Start: 1.10.2013: 1 patient recruited at
Lugano.
Main funding
“DialysIS (Dialysis therapy between Italy and
Switzerland)”: INTERREG (Programma Operatorio
di Cooperazione Transfrontaliera Italia-Svizzera/
Cooperazione Territoriale Europea) (“Surgical
Cross-Border Cooperation Programme ItalySwitzerland/European Territorial Cooperation” external competitive grant). Whole project: more
than 1 Mio CHF; Nephrology and Haemodialysis
Service of Regional Hospital of Lugano: CHF
118'000.
“A Multicenter, Multiple-dose, Two-arm, Activecontrolled, Double-blind, Double-dummy Study to
Compare the Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety of
Oral Doses of Cinecalcet HCl with Intravenous
Doses of AMG 416 in Hemodialysis Subjects
with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism”: Amgen
(external grant, competitive only for recruitment
of patients); approximately CHF 9'000 per patient.
and Haemodialysis Service – Regional Hospital
of Lugano
Phase III study: AMG 416 is a calcium receptor
stimulating agent at the level of the parathyroid
Carlo Schönholzer MD
Department
of
Internal
Medicine,
Cardiovascular Research Centre – Regional
69
Hospital of Bellinzona and Valli
Prof. Augusto Gallino MD
Head of Department and Head Doctor
• Tako-Tsubo Cardiomyopathy and Cardiac
Syndrome X: New Insights into the
pathophysiology of two orphan cardiac
diseases.
Lead investigators: AP. Porretta, M. Cattaneo,
G. Moschovitis, A. Gallino.
This project aims at evaluating the possible
pathophysiological
mechanisms
inducing
two orphan diseases: Cardiac Syndrome X
and Tako-Tsubo Syndrome. Both diseases
affect almost exclusively middle aged women.
Prognosis of the diseases is better than in
patients with trivial coronary artery disease
and worse than in the normal corresponding
population. We assess the autonomic function
as well as endothelial vascular function at
rest and after standardized mental stress. All
scheduled patients were included in the study.
Baroreflex test (BRS) and endothelial function
tests were performed. Arterial pulse wave
velocity measurements will be performed from
February 2015 to June 2015, according to the
accepted amendment of the project submitted
to the Ethics Committee.
We are in the process of analysing, together
with a leader in the field of endothelial function
and measurement of autonomic nervous
system (PD. Dr. Isabella Sudano, USZ, Zurich),
the results of the BRS and endothelial function
evaluations.
The results will be hopefully submitted for
the forthcoming 2015 European Society
Cardiology (ESC) Meeting and American
Heart Association (AHA) Meeting 2015. A
manuscript will be probably submitted to an
important cardiovascular journal in autumn
2015.
• Plaque neovascularization assessment by
70
contrast ultrasounds and plaque magnetic
resonance (HR-MRI): ”In Vivo” comparison in
human carotid atherosclerosis.
Lead investigator: A. Gallino.
Collaborators: R. Wyttenbach, M. Cattaneo,
AP. Porretta, M. Stuber (CHUV, Lausanne).
This project is a continuation of the over 10-year
research on progression of atherosclerosis
performed at our Cardiovascular Research
Centre and aims at evaluating the role of
plaque neo-vascularisation in the progression
of atherosclerosis at the level of the carotid
artery. It is a joint project between the
Cardiovascular Research Centre, the Radiology
Division of the Hospital of Bellinzona, and the
Cardiovascular Imaging Research Centre at
CHUV as well as with Prof. C. Yuan, University
of Seattle. The project is also performed in
cooperation with Prof. Daniel Staub, chief of the
vascular Division at University Hospital in Basel.
Almost 40 patients have been screened as
possible candidates for this prospective study.
Several technical issues concerning dynamic
assessment of plaque vascularisation in order
to obtain top images are now undergoing a
double check at the University in Seattle, USA
(Imaging centre for Atherosclerosis).
So far, 29 patients have been included in the
study; MRI plaque imaging was insufficient to
obtain a reliable comparison with the contrast
enhanced duplex ultrasounds examination in 7
patients. A blinded head to head comparison
between the Cardiovascular Research Unit
(CEUS) data and the plaque MRI evaluation, as
well as contrast-enhanced neovascularization
MRI assessment, will be performed in June
2015 at our CEUS, at the Angiology Division
of the University of Basel and the Vascular
Research Centre in Seattle, USA.
• Swiss Cohort Atrial Fibrillation study "Swiss-AF".
Lead investigator: D. Conen.
Main Coordinator and responsible for Southern
Switzerland: A. Gallino.
Collaborators: M. Di Valentino, G. Moschovitis.
Swiss-AF is a large project at national level
and is the continuation of the BEAT-AF Study
and aims at assessing the major complication
of atrial fibrillation. One of the main points
of the study is the occurrence of silent
cerebral ischemia, which will be prospectively
evaluated by serial cerebral MRI as well as by
neuropsychological testing.
This multicenter national prospective clinical
project has been recently endorsed by the
Swiss National Foundation. The BEAT-AF Study
which has been the platform for the current
national program, has included several hundred
of patients. So far, almost 400 patients have
been included in the multicenter cohort study;
among them, over 25 patients have been
included in Canton Ticino.
• Impact of cardiovascular screening in middleaged athletes (35 to 65 years old).
Lead investigator: A. Menafoglio.
Collaborators: M. Di Valentino, P. Siragusa, G.
Moschovitis.
Regular
physical
exercise
reduces
cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
However, vigorous physical exertion may
trigger adverse cardiovascular events in the
presence of underlying heart diseases. In
middle-aged individuals (35 to 65 years old)
coronary artery disease is the principal cause
of cardiac events during sports. A screening
examination has the potential to detect still
asymptomatic individuals with heart diseases
and to protect them from cardiac events when
playing sports.
The European Association of Cardiovascular
Prevention and Rehabilitation has recently
edited
the
recommendations
about
cardiovascular screening of middle-aged
individuals participating in sporting activities.
The screening consists of history, physical
examination, resting electrocardiogram and
risk stratification according to the Systematic
Coronary Risk Evaluation. Athletes with
abnormalities at screening or with a high
risk, are submitted to additional cardiac
examinations. However, there are very few
data on the impact of such a stance.
The purpose of this study was to provide a yield
and cost-analysis of this preventive evaluation.
The analysis of the data was completed and
the data/results were presented at the EuroPrevention Annual Meeting of the European
Society of Cardiology in Dublin (spring 2014),
as well at the annual meeting of the European
Society of Cardiology in Barcelona (both as oral
communications).
A manuscript with the study results was
submitted to a journal by the P.I. Dr. Andrea
Menafoglio and the manuscript was accepted
and already published online in the Br J Sports
Med. 2014 Nov 13. pii: bjsports-2014-093857.
doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2014-093857.
• Triggers of myocardial infarction two month
before the acute event. Study on preventive
cardiology: TAMI-Study.
Lead investigator: M. Di Valentino.
The vast majority of acute myocardial
infarctions are caused by an acute occlusion
of the coronary branch. Frequently this
atherothrombotic occlusion is preceded by
atherosclerotic plaque instability. Endothelial
function plays a major role immediately
before and after the acute atherothrombotic
occlusion. Cardiac rehabilitation is a nonpharmacological intervention which is known
to improve endothelial function. The objective
of this study is to investigate on the possible
triggers preceding the acute atherothrombotic
complication, using dedicated questionnaires
to patients having had a recent acute
myocardial infarction and following a
rehabilitation program. Furthermore, the study
aims at evaluating the endothelial function at
the beginning, and at the end of the cardiorehabilitation. The project includes patients
71
with previous acute myocardial infarction and a
control cohort of patients. So far, 100 patients
have been included in the study, and we are
finalizing the inclusion of the control patients.
We are in the process of including the last
patients of the control cohort. The analysis
of the results is scheduled by the end of
September 2015.
Non-Coronary Atherosclerosis. Eur Heart J.
2014;35(17):1112-1119.
Main funding
"Tako-Tsubo Cardiomyopathy and Cardiac
Syndrome X: New Insights into the pathophysiology
of two orphan cardiac Disease": ABREOC.
Menafoglio A, Di Valentino M, Segatto JM,
Siragusa P, Pezzoli R, Maggi M, Romano GA,
Moschovitis G, Wilhelm M, Gallino A. Costs and
yield of a 15-month pre-participation cardiovascular
examination with ECG in 1070 young athletes
in Switzerland: implications for routine ECG
screening. Br J Sports Med. 2014;48(15):115761.
Albani M, Balestra B. Therapierefraktäre
Beinödeme, Hypertonie und Niereninsuffizienz.
Forum Med Suisse 2014;14(38):706-708.
Department of Internal Medicine – Regional
Hospital of Mendrisio
Guggiari U, Balestra B. Das Reynolds-Syndrom.
Forum Med Suisse 2014;14(8):156-157.
Brenno Balestra MD
Head Doctor
Department of Internal Medicine – Regional
"Swiss Cohort Atrial Fibrillation study": SNSF,
Swiss Heart Foundation Research (Grant Number:
33CS30_148474/1).
"Plaque neovascularization assessment by contrast
ultrasounds and plaque magnetic resonance
(HR-MRI): “In Vivo” comparison in human carotid
atherosclerosis": Swiss Heart Foundation Research
Grant.
"Triggers of myocardial infarction two month
before acute event": Swiss Heart Foundation
Research.
"Impact of cardiovascular screening in middleaged athletes (35 to 65 years old)": ABREOC.
Biotronik Switzerland: unrestricted research grant.
Medtronic Switzerland: unrestricted research grant.
AstraZeneca Switzerland: unrestricted research
grant.
Gallino A, Aboyans V, Diehm C, Cosentino F,
Stricker H, Falk E, Schouten O, Lekakis J, AmannVesti B, Siclari F, Poredos P, Novo N, Brodmann M,
Schulte KL, Vlachopoulos C, De Caterina R, Libby
P, Baumgartner I; European Society of Cardiology
Working Group on Peripheral Circulation.
72
Konieczka K, Ritch R, Traverso CE, Kim DM, Kook
MS, Gallino A, Golubnitschaja O, Erb C, Reitsamer
HA, Kida T, Kurysheva N, Yao K. Flammer
Syndrome.
EPMA J. 2014;5(1):11.
factors, linked to the fragility of the patients and/
or dialysis, which are likely to affect the degree
of mobility and independence in everyday life, the
balance and walking control of the patients, as well
as the danger of a fall.
Main funding
ABREOC.
Anichini A, Balestra B. La thalidomide: retour vers
le futur. Forum Med Suisse 2014;14(24):467469.
Hospital of Locarno
The Internal Medicine Service of the Regional
Hospital of Mendrisio is one of the many Services
that make up the EOC’s multisite Department of
Internal Medicine.
Influence of hemodialysis on physical activity and
motor skills in patients with stage V chronic renal
insufficiency (K/DOQI).
Lead investigators: O. Giannini, C. Cereghetti, P.
Quadri.
This is a prospective multicenter observational
study carried out among an outpatient population
of at least 30-50 patients with chronic renal
insufficiency (CKD 5, in line with K/DOQI) who were
about to receive dialysis at the Haemodialysis and
Nephrology Service day centres or private dialysis
centres in Ticino. The purposes of the study are
to: quantify the changes in the overall level of
mobility and the postural and walking strategies
that accompany entry into dialysis, highlight
Prof. Luca Gabutti MD
Head Doctor of Internal Medicine and Nephrology
Service of Regional Hospital of Locarno and
Coordinator of the EOC’s Nephrology and
Haemodialysis Services
The head of the Internal Medicine and Nephrology
Service of the Regional Hospital of Locarno is
the Coordinator of the network that groups the
nephrology services of the EOC’s four regional
hospitals. The organisation is aimed at ensuring
that medical and nursing care is of a high quality,
and also that the skills of the specialists are
capillary available.
• Swiss Salt Study: secondary analyses of the
data.
Member of the working group: L. Gabutti.
Several secondary analyses of the data from
the “Swiss Salt Study” are currently underway.
• Vascular aging in haemodialysis patients: a
prospective study.
Lead investigator: L. Gabutti.
In a cohort study involving 4 EOC dialysis units,
the pulse wave velocity and the main risk
factors for cardiovascular diseases have been
monitored prospectively for 2 years.
• Coagulation activation using different haemodialysis membranes.
In a randomised controlled cross-over study,
the activation of the coagulation using 3
different dialysis membranes was analyzed.
• Citrate pre-and post-filter: a randomized
controlled trial in a population in chronic
haemodialysis.
In a randomized controlled cross-over study,
the consequences on the quality of dialysis
following the use of citric acid in the dialysate
were examined.
• Temperature of the dialysate and haemodynamics: a randomized study.
In a randomized controlled cross-over study,
the haemodynamic consequences of changing
the temperature of the dialysate were analyzed.
• Hypokalemia in hospitalized patients – a multilevel challenge amidst inefficiency, reported
severity and actual severity
In a survey, the incidence and risk factors of
Hypokalemia in EOC hospital inpatients were
analysed. An interventional phase is ongoing.
• Magnesium
in
the
dialysate
and
73
haemodynamics.
The study aims at analyzing the haemodynamic
consequences of changes in the concentration
of magnesium in the dialysate.
Main funding
All projects were funded by Balli and Gianella
foundations.
Bianchi G, Salvadé V, Lucchini B, Schätti-Stählin
S, Salvadé I, Burnier M, Gabutti L. Assessment of
subjective and hemodynamic tolerance of different
high- and low-flux dialysis membranes in patients
undergoing chronic intermittent hemodialysis: A
randomized controlled trial. Hemodial Int. 2014;
18: 825-834.
comprises the relevant services in the Hospitals
of Bellinzona, Lugano, Mendrisio and Locarno. The
Department has a functional type of organizational
structure and is managed and coordinated by
the Department Board. The rules adopted for its
functioning are based on the fundamental principles
of shared clinical governance (accountability,
participation, transparency and management),
and it is organized using a multisite approach.
Here, too, the creation of the EOC Department of
Intensive Care Medicine was aimed at providing the
most suitable response to the need to harmonize
and rationalize the services offered in this sector
in our Canton.
Department of Intensive Care Medicine –
Andreas Perren MD PD
Head Doctor
Unit. Crit Care Res Pract. 2014;2014:203637.
doi:10.1155/2014/203637.
Perren A, Merlani P. The difficulty of measuring
the measurable. Respir Care. 2014;59(7):11551156.
Perren A, Cerutti B, Merlani P, Perren I,
Previsdomini M, Massarotto P, Kaufmann M,
Rothen HU. SwissScoring - a nation-wide survey of
NEMS assessing practices and its accuracy. Acta
Anaesthesiol Scand. 2014;58(4):478-486.
Previsdomini M, Cerutti B, Merlani P, Kaufmann
M, van Gessen E, Rothen HU, Perren A.
SwissScoring - a nation-wide survey of SAPS II
assessing practices and its accuracy. Swiss Med
Wkly. 2014;144:w14090.
3.4 Department of Laboratory Medicine
Guessous I, McClellan W, Kleinbaum D, Vaccarino V,
Zoller O, Theler JM, Paccaud F, Burnier M, Bochud
M. Swiss Survey on Salt Group. Comparisons of
Serum Vitamin D Levels, Status, and Determinants
in Populations With and Without Chronic Kidney
Disease Not Requiring Renal Dialysis: A 24-Hour
Urine Collection Population-Based Study. J Ren
Nutr. 2014;24(5):303-312.
Ogna A, Forni Ogna V, Bochud M, Paccaud F,
Gabutti L, Burnier M. Swiss Survey on Salt
Group. Prevalence of obesity and overweight and
associated nutritional factors in a populationbased Swiss sample: an opportunity to analyze the
impact of three different European cultural roots.
Eur J Nutr. 2014;53(5):1281-1290.
3.3 EOC Department of Intensive Care
Medicine
Paolo Merlani MD PD
Head of the EOC Department of Intensive Care
Medicine and Head Doctor in the Regional Hospital
of Lugano
The EOC Department of Intensive Care Medicine
74
Physical restraint in the ICU: psycological
consequences.
Lead investigators: A. Perren, E. Iapichino, D.
Corbella, R. Malacrida, A. Verdi.
This multicenter study was planned to depict the
clinical scenario of physical restraint practice
in adult ICUs and to analyse the relationship
between its use and the occurrence of adverse
events. A second purpose was to investigate the
psychological outcome after physical restraint.
While the first part of the study has already been
finalized, and the manuscript submitted to a peerreviewed journal, the second part is still ongoing
and is likely to be completed by the end of 2015.
Main funding
ABREOC.
Bonassin TF, Rudiger A, Previsdomini M, Maggiorini
M. Platelet Consumption an Filter Clotting Using
Two Different membrane Sizes during Continuous
Venovenous Haemodiafiltration in the Intensive Care
Franco Keller MD
Head of Department
The Department of Laboratory Medicine (EOLAB)
was set up to meet the needs of modern medicine
as regards laboratory services, and also because
of the need to minimize costs and make a more
rational use of resources, including increasingly
sophisticated and expensive equipment.
Although EOLAB operates in different parts of
the Ticino Canton, it has a centralized location
for its technical, scientific and administrative
services, thus giving the whole Department a
unified image. This form of organization also offers
greater potential for a rational development.
The Department is the result of an innovative
project, which also arouses interest outside the
Ticino Canton, and can be considered one of the
major public institutions of medical analysis in
Switzerland.
• Studio marcatori biochimici tiroidei (Study of
thyroid biochemical markers).
Lead investigators: M. Imperiali (EOC
Department of Laboratory Medicine) and L.
Giovanella (EOC Nuclear Medicine Service and
PET/CT Centre).
Thyroid carcinoma is the most frequent
endocrine tumour. 90% of thyroid carcinoma
are represented by papillary and follicular
carcinoma that are commonly defined as
differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC).
Diagnosis of DTC includes TSH-measurement,
thyroid ultrasound and thyroid scintigraphy
as well as fine-needle-aspirate of the most
suspected lumps for cytology. Treatment
of these types of carcinoma includes total
thyroidectomy as well as thyroid-residual
ablation with I-131. The prognosis is good;
however, 20-30% of patients develops a local/
metastasis relapse. It is, therefore, crucial to
propose a long-term follow-up that includes
monitoring of specific tumour markers like,
e.g., the thyroglobulin molecule. Today, new
promising markers, such as BRAF-mutations
and hTSHR seem to be more sensitive in the
detection of relapsing disease. The purpose
of this study is to evaluate the analytical
superiority of these new markers by comparing
the classical approach to detect relapsing
disease.
• Improving the diagnosis of late onset
hypogonadism.
Lead investigators: M. Imperiali (EOC
Department of Laboratory Medicine), G.
Montagna (Gynaecology and Obstetrics
Service, Regional Hospital of Lugano) and L.
Giovanella (EOC Nuclear Medicine Service and
PET/CT Centre).
The testes produce the testosterone (T) in men,
and its levels increase from puberty to adulthood
and then, progressively decline starting by
the fourth or fifth decade of life. Symptoms
of hypogonadism are highly nonspecific and
include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction,
decreased volume of ejaculate, loss of body
75
and facial hair, decreased lean body mass,
increased body fat, fatigue and weakness. It is
sometimes challenging to discriminate these
symptoms from those resulting from aging
per se. For this reason, the concept of lateonset hypogonadism (LOH) was introduced.
LOH is defined as a total testosterone level
< 11 nmol/L combined with the presence of
three sexual symptoms: decreased frequency
of morning erection, erectile dysfunction and
decreased frequency of sexual thoughts.
Although accepted by all andrology societies,
the cut off of 11 nmol/L does not consider
the differences that exist between different
analytical platforms.
We plan to study the serum concentration
of T in 300 healthy men, > 18 year old, with
5 different platforms (Abbot®, Beckman
Coulter®, Roche®, Siemens® and mass
spectrometry) to determine if any statistical
difference exists.
We are recruiting healthy volunteers with
no known history of depression, diabetes,
hypertension or erectile dysfunction. In order
to avoid any bias due to the circadian rhythm
of T, blood draws are performed between 8-10
am and a period of at least 2 weeks from the
last night shift is required.
Main funding
“Studio marcatori biochimici tiroidei (Study of
thyroid biochemical markers)”: ABREOC;
“Improving
the
diagnosis
of
late-onset
hypogonadism”: Abbot®, Beckman Coulter®,
Roche®, Siemens® are providing the diagnostic
kits.
Conza L, Casati Pagani S, Gaia V. Influence of
climate and geography on the occurrence of
Legionella and amoebae in composting facilities.
BMC Res Notes.
2014;7:831.
76
Ramelli V, Ramelli GP, Lava SA, Siegenthaler GM,
Cantù M, Bianchetti MG, Ceschi A. Vitamin D status
among children and adolescents on anticonvulsant
drugs in southern Switzerland. Swiss Med Wkly.
2014;144:w13996.
Reynaldos Canton Migotto T, Györik Lora S, Gaia
V, Pagnamenta A. ARDS with septic shock due to
Legionella longbeachae pneumonia in a patient
with polymyalgia rheumatica. Heart Lung Vessel.
2014;6(2):114-118.
Trellu LT, Oertle D, Itin P, Furrer H, Scheidegger
C, Stoeckle M, Schmid P, Bernasconi E, Cavassini
M, Boffi El, Amari E, Kahlert C, Vernazza P,
Fehr J, Calmy A, Low N, Martinetti Lucchini
G, Tarr P. Gonorrhoe: neue Empfehlungen zu
Diagnostik und Behandlung. Schweiz Med Forum
2014;14(20):407–409.
3.5 Paediatrics Services
Paediatrics is concerned with the health of infants,
children, and adolescents; their growth and
development and their opportunity to achieve full
potential as adults. Pediatric care encompasses
a broad spectrum of health services ranging
from preventive health care to the diagnosis
and treatment of acute and chronic diseases.
Paediatrics deals with biological, social and
environmental influences on the developing child
and with the impact of disease and dysfunction
on development. Children differ from adults
anatomically, physiologically, immunologically,
psychologically, developmentally and metabolically.
Neonatology, the main subspecialty of paediatrics,
consists of the medical care of newborn infants,
especially the ill or premature newborn infant.
Pediatric Department of Southern Switzerland
Prof. Giacomo D. Simonetti MD and Prof.
Gian Paolo Ramelli MD are responsible for the
research unit.
Dr. Pier Luigi Brazzola MD is responsible for
oncologic projects and Dr. Alessandra Ferrarini
MD for genetic projects.
The research unit is coordinated by Prof. Dr.
Mario G. Bianchetti MD.
Dr. Valdo Pezzoli MD is the Head Doctor of
Paediatric Service of Regional Hospital of Lugano
and the president of the Swiss Society for
Biomedical Ethics.
• Arterial stiffness among children and
adolescents a. with overweight or b. with
chronic diseases (asthma and inflammatory
bowel diseases).
Lead investigator: GD. Simonetti.
• Blood pressure and heart rate rhythmicity in
obese children.
• Cardiovascular health among Swiss-Italian men
invited to the military entry examination.
(in collaboration with the University Children’s
Hospital of Bern, the EOC Department of
Internal Medicine and the Federal Department
of Defense).
• Case reports.
Lead investigators: GD.
Bianchetti, GP. Ramelli.
Simonetti,
MG.
Projects currently underway: a. An adolescent
with intermittent claudication; b. Chest
pain secondary to slipping rib syndrome.
c. Treatment of C3-glomerulopathy with
eculizumab.
• "Chalk and blackboard interactive workshop”
for pediatricians in training and medical
students: a new kind of medical education.
Hospital of Milan).
Lead investigator: MG. Bianchetti.
• Correlation between functional MRI, EEG and
cognitive development in children with rolandic
epilepsy.
Hospital of Basel).
Lead investigator: GP. Ramelli.
• Diagnosis and management of hereditary saltlosing tubular disorders.
Hospital of Milan and the Merate-Lecco
Hospital).
Lead investigator: MG. Bianchetti.
Projects currently underway: a. Parental
representations of their children’s illness:
does “rare” make a difference? A qualitative
research protocol; b. Phosphate metabolism;
c. Interaction between dyselectrolytemias and
QT-interval on standard electrocardiography.
• Early detection and intervention for Swiss-Italian
children with autism spectrum disorders.
Lead investigator: GP. Ramelli.
Projects currently underway: a. Clinical
usefulness of the modified checklist for
autism in toddlers, a validated screening tool;
b. Outcome following early educational and
behavioral interventions; c. Usefulness of
chromosomal microarray (in collaboration with
A. Ferrarini).
• Fever phobia among pediatricians.
Lead investigator: GD. Simonetti,
Bianchetti.
MG.
• Metabolism of vitamin D.
Lead investigators: MG.
Simonetti, GP. Ramelli.
GD.
Bianchetti,
Projects currently underway: a. Quantification
of vitamin D metabolites in apparently healthy
infants, children and adolescents; b. Regional
differences in the prescription of vitamin D
among pediatricians in Switzerland.
77
• Paediatric Oncology
1. Participation in several phase II/III international,
multicenter studies.
Lead local investigator: PL. Brazzola.
Project currently underway: a. SIOPEL 6
(International multicenter clinical study uses
chemotherapy combined with surgery for the
treatment of standard-risk hepatoblastomas
in young children and adolescents); b. AIEOPBFM-ALL 2009 (International multicenter
study for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic
leukemias in young children and adolescents);
c. HIT-HGG 2007 (International cooperative
Phase II trial of the HIT-HGG study group for the
treatment of high grade glioma, diffuse intrinsic
pontine glioma, and gliomatosis cerebri in
children ≥ 3 years and adolescents < 18
years); d. CWS-2007-HR (This study proposes
standard treatment following the guidelines
of the CWS study group [CWS guidance] for
pediatric soft tissue sarcomas); e. SIOP-CGTII (Prospective Trial for the diagnosis and
treatment of children, adolescents and young
adults with intracranial Germ Cell Tumours); f.
SIOP-PNET-5 (International prospective study
on clinically standard-risk medulloblastoma
in children older than 3 to 5 years with a
low-risk biological profile or an average-risk
biological profile); g. Kraniopharyngeom 2007
(Prospective international multicenter clinical
study to assess the results of using radiotherapy
in craniopharyngiomas that have not been
completely removed); h. HR-NBL-1.5 (Open,
multicenter randomized Phase III Trial; therapy
optimisation study for high-risk neuroblastoma);
i. End of Life (To evaluate the possibility to
involve young patients in the decision process
about the end of life treatment); k. Ewing 2008
(International joint protocol aimed ad optimizing
management of Ewing sarcoma in subjects
eligible for neoadjuvant chemotherapy).
2. Participation in international registries.
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Lead local investigator: PL. Brazzola.
a. COSS Registry for bone tumours; b. SoTiSar
Registry: soft tissue tumours, which include
sarcomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumours,
very aggressive juvenile fibromatosis and
hamartomas; c. EuroNet-PHL-C1 Registry for
Hodgkin lymphoma; d. SIOP-LGG 2004 Registry
for Low Grade Glioma; e. HIT 2000 Registry for
cerebral tumours; f. EU-RHAB multinational
registry for rhabdoid tumours of any anatomical
site; g. GPOH-MET registry for rare malignant
endocrinological tumours; h. STEP Registry for
rare tumours (e.g. carcinoma), i. PI Pathfinder
5 Study (phase III study of a new recombinant
factor VIII for the prophylaxis and therapy for
hemophilia A).
• Prevention and management of arterial
hypertension in children and adolescents.
Hospital of Milan).
Lead investigator: GD. Simonetti, MG.
Bianchetti.
Project currently underway: a. Palatability of
brand-name and generic drugs containing
antihypertensive agents; b. Salt and blood
pressure among children; c. Pediatric
hypertension screening: a controversy. d.
Ambulatory blood pressure measurement in
children
• Schönlein-Henoch purpura and related
vasculitides:
a.
genetic
factors;
b.
hepatobiliopancreatic involvement.
Lead investigators: GD. Simonetti, MG.
• Goodpasture’s syndrome in childhood: an
inquiry among pediatric nephrologists.
Lead investigators: GD. Simonetti.
• Randomized controlled trial of a single dose of
oral ibuprofen for croup.
Hospital of Milan).
Lead investigator:
Bianchetti.
GD.
Simonetti,
MG.
• Systematic reviews of the literature.
Lead investigators: GD. Simonetti,
MG.
Projects currently underway: a. Breastfeeding
associated hypernatremia; b. Central nervous
system involvement in rotavirus infections;
c. Electrolyte abnormalities in cystic fibrosis;
d. Hyponatremia in children with acute
respiratory infections; e. Posterior cerebral
edema syndrome in children and adolescents;
f. Skin lesions other than erythema multiforme
associated with mycoplasma pneumonia;
g. Entrapment of the left renal vein in the
fork formed by superior mesenteric artery
and abdominal aorta; h. Lobar nephronia in
childhood; i. Evidence-based parenteral fluid
therapy in childhood; j. acute benign myalgia
cruris.
Main funding
“Meccanismi soggiacenti l'iponatriemia della
polmonite del bambino acquisita in comunità
(Mechanisms underlying hyponatremia of
community-acquired pneumonia in children)”:
ABREOC.
Dell'Orto VG, Belotti EA, Goeggel-Simonetti
B, Simonetti GD, Ramelli GP, Bianchetti MG,
Lava SAG. Metabolic disturbances and renal
stone promotion on treatment with topiramate:
a systematic review. Br J Clin Pharmacol.
2014;77(6):958-64.
Ferrarini A, Lava SAG, Simonetti GD, Ramelli GP,
Bianchetti MG; Swiss Italian Society of Paediatrics.
Influenzavirus B-associated acute benign myalgia
cruris: an outbreak report and review of the literature.
Neuromuscul Disord. 2014;24(4):342-346.
Ramelli V, Ramelli GP, Lava SAG, Siegenthaler
GM, Cantù M, Bianchetti MG, Ceschi A. Vitamin
D status among children and adolescents on
anticonvulsant drugs in southern Switzerland.
Swiss Med Wkly. 2014;144:w13996.
Scurati-Manzoni E, Fossali EF, Agostoni C, Riva E,
Simonetti GD, Zanolari-Calderari M, Bianchetti
MG, Lava SAG. Electrolyte abnormalities in cystic
fibrosis: systematic review of the literature. Pediatr
Nephrol. 2014;29(6):1015-1023.
Uestuener P, Ferrarini A, Santi M, Mardegan
C, Bianchetti MG, Simonetti GD, Milani GP, Lava
SAG. Taste acceptability of pulverized brandname and generic drugs containing amlodipine or
candesartan. Int J Pharm. 2014;468(1-2):196198.
Paediatric Surgery Service – Regional Hospital
of Bellinzona and Valli
Mario Mendoza Sagaon MD
Head Doctor
The Pediatric Surgery Service provides care for
children up to 16 years of age who require surgery
or are suffering from diseases that frequently need
surgery. It is a full service, including all the main
surgical specializations, with a preference for miniinvasive, orthopaedic and often outpatient surgery.
• Retrospective clinical research: Chart review of
our clinical cases/practice.
Lead investigator: M. Mendoza.
• Pisiform fracture of the wrist in children.
Lead investigator: V. De Rosa.
Hand fractures in children are frequent but the
pisiform is a very rare fracture in children, and
the treatment is not clear. We treat fractures
of the pisiform in children conservatively. We
studied the literature, and we have given detail
about the treatment of those fractures in
children.
79
Christen S, Mendoza M, Gobet R, Bode P, Weber
D. Late ureteral obstruction after injection of
dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer. Urology
2014;83(4):920-922.
Cravino M, Canavese F, De Rosa V, Marengo L,
Samba A, Rousset M, Mansour Khamallah M,
Andreacchio A. Outcome of displaced distal tibial
metaphyseal fractures in children between 6
and 15 years of age treated with elastic stable
intramedullary nails. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol.
2014;24(8):1603-1608.
Awards 2014
Mario Mendoza Sagaon
Honorary Secretary of the European Society of
Pediatric Endoscopic Society (ESPES) from 1st
October 2014 to 1st October 2017.
3.6 Anaesthesiology Services
Anaesthesiology Service –
Luciano Anselmi MD
Head Doctor
Can Vena Cava Ultrasound Guided Volume
Repletion Prevent Spinal Induced Significant
Hypotension in Elective Patients?
Lead investigators: S. Ceruti, L. Anselmi, M.
Peruzzo, D. De Bianchi, S. De Vivo, D. Franceschini,
A. Saporito.
Spinal anesthesia is a regional anesthesia
technique widely employed in clinical practice.
The common side effects consist in a reduction
of systemic vascular resistances, with systemic
hypotension. To avoid this complication, blind
administration of fluids is commonly used. This
is accomplished on an empirical basis, carrying
the risk of possible volume overload. Vena cava
ultrasound has been shown to be an effective
method to assess fluid responsiveness in critical
80
care patients. However this method has never
been studied in a non-critical population. The aim
of this study is to determine the efficacy of vena
cava ultrasound guided titrated volume repletion in
preventing spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension
in an elective surgical population.
3.7 Dermatology and Allergology/Clinical
Immunology Services
Dermatology
and
Allergology/Clinical
Immunology Service – Regional Hospital of
Bellinzona and Valli
Carlo Mainetti MD
Head Doctor of Dermatology Service
Giovanni Ferrari MD
Head of Allergology and Clinical Immunology
Service
Study on genetic predisposition to malignant
melanoma in Italian Switzerland.
Lead investigator: C. Mangas.
Collaborators: C. Mainetti, D. Castelli (Centro
Trasfusionale della Svizzera Italiana- Blood
Transfusion Centre of Italian Switzerland).
Nearly 10% of all cutaneous melanoma (CM) cases
occur in patients with personal or familial history
of the disease. From July 2010 to July 2012, 57
patients (41 families) with familial or personal
history of multiple CM were included in a study to
identify germline mutations in high MM-associated
genes (CDKN2A and CDK4) and low/medium
penetrance variants (MCR1 and MITF) associated
with CM risk. In that study, a strong founder
effect in CDKN2A gene and a high incidence of
low/medium penetrance variants in MC1R and
MITF in this population with CM risk could be
identified. Nowadays, the enrollment of healthy
controls (without history of CM) is in progress with
the collaboration of “Centro Trasfusionale della
Svizzera Italiana” (Blood Transfusion Centre of
Italian Switzerland) to compare the genetic results
and better understand them.
Main funding
Fondo Scientifico Dermatologia EOC (EOC
Dermatology scientific fund), Unità di Melanoma
(Melanoma Unit) (Hospital Clinic de Barcelona.
Barcelona, Spain).
Peer reviewed publications 2014
Hofbauer GF, Anliker M, Boehncke WH, Brand
C, Braun R, Gaide O, Hafner J, Hunger R, Itin
P, Kaeuper G, Lautenschlager S, Mainetti C,
Streit M. Swiss clinical practice guidelines on
field cancerization of the skin. Swiss Med Wkly.
2014;144:w14026.
Iorizzo M, Marazza G. Measles, mumps, and
rubella vaccine: a new option to treat common
warts? Int J Dermatol. 2014;53(4):e243-245.
Simon D, Eng PA, Borelli S, Kägi R, Zimmermann
C, Zahner C, Drewe J, Hess L, Ferrari G,
Lautenschlager S, Wüthrich B, SchmidGrendelmeier P. Gamma-Linolenic Acid Levels
Correlate with Clinical Efficacy of Evening Primrose
Oil in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis. Adv Ther.
2014;31(2):180-188.
Zecca C, Caporro M, Adami M, Mainetti C, Gobbi
C. Fumaric acid esters in psoriasis and multiple
sclerosis. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2014;39(4):488-91.
3.8 Geriatric Service
Pierluigi Quadri MD
Coordinator of the EOC Geriatric Service
The EOC Geriatrics Service, which is present at the
Regional Hospitals of Lugano, Bellinzona and Valli,
Mendrisio and Locarno, offers a multidisciplinary
approach with specialist day clinics and wards to
assess and intervene at an early stage, or prevent
these geriatric problems.
The Service also operates in a network together
with other local dedicated geriatric structures.
Sottocenerino Geriatric Service –
Regional Hospital of Lugano and Mendrisio
Pierluigi Quadri MD
Head of Service
The following studies are currently underway, the
first two of which are in collaboration with the
Mario Negri Pharmacological Research Institute
in Milan, Department of Neurosciences, geriatric
neuropsychiatry:
• The feasibility of physiotherapy associated with
the cognitive approach (Imagery) for elderly
patients with a fear of falling: observational pilot
study.
Lead investigators: F. Meroni, P. Quadri, R.
Pezzati, C. Celeste, L. Curia, F. Gallina, S. Chiari,
S. Ambrogio, E. Biglia, F. Bianchi, D. Zemp, M.
Tettamanti, S. Avesani, N. Schiavone.
The purpose of the study is to break the
vicious circle brought on by the fear of falling
and to improve mobility (and consequently
the functional capacity of elderly patients),
considering cognitive interventions (imagery)
alongside physiotherapy in elderly patients
(with or without previous falls without serious
consequences) who have a fear of falling.
The study ended on 31/12/2014: the data
are being processed.
• Influence of haemodialysis on physical activity
and motor skills of patients with chronic kidney
disease, stage 5 (K/DOQI).
Lead investigators: O. Giannini, D. Zemp, C.
Cereghetti, M. Tettamanti, P. Quadri.
The purpose of this study is to assess the
changes in the degree of autonomy and overall
mobility that accompany the entry into dialysis
and to highlight any risk factors associated
with altered strategies of postural control and
walking, the fragility of patients and/or dialysis
treatment, which are likely to affect the degree
of mobility and autonomy in everyday life, control
of balance and gait, as well as the risk of falling.
81
• A longitudinal and observational registry of
patients with memory disorders (Ticino Canton
Study) in the Sottocenerino Geriatrics Service
day clinics.
This is a database of patients with balance
disorders and gait abnormalities and/or
with a history of falls assessed anamestically,
functionally and using quantitative tools.
Main funding
ABREOC, Fondo per la Ricerca Geriatrica (Fund
for Geriatric Research) of the Regional Hospital of
Mendrisio.
3.9 Radiology Services
Del Grande F, Subhawong T, Weber K, Aro M,
Mugera C, Fayad LM. Detection of soft-tissue
sarcoma recurrence: added value of functional
MR imaging techniques at 3.0 T. Radiology.
2014;271(2):499-511.
Del Grande F, Santini F, Herzka DA, Aro
MR, Dean CW, Gold GE, Carrino JA. Fatsuppression techniques for 3-T MR imaging
of the musculoskeletal system. Radiographics.
2014;34(1):217-233.
Bongiovanni M, Vitale VA, Grassi P, Mazzucchelli L.
Malignant mixed müllerian tumor with an extensive
squamous-cell carcinomatous component: a
potential pitfall in liquid-based cervical cytology.
Acta Cytol. 2014;58(4):413-418.
Radiology Service – Regional Hospital of Lugano
Filippo Del Grande MD
Head Doctor
In collaboration with Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, USA:
• SPACE project: technical evaluation with
3 Tesla MRI of SPACE sequences of the
peripheral joints.
Awards 2014
The following poster, presented at the Annual
Meeting of Radiological Society of North America
(RSNA 2014, Chicago, USA, 30th November-5th
December 2014) was awarded a Certificate of
merit:
Del Grande F, Fayad LM. “Bone Marrow Signal
Changes on MRI: What Is Normal?”
Service of Interventional Radiology –
Regional Hospital of Lugano
• Advanced functional imaging for bone and soft
tissue tumours.
Josua C. van Den Berg MD
Head of Service
In collaboration with University Hospital Zürich,
Switzerland:
Most of the interventional activities include vascular
interventional radiology (including, for example,
carotid arterial stenting and the positioning of
endoprosthesis for abdominal aortic aneurysm).
• LSOS: Multicentric imaging evaluation of spinal
canal stenosis.
• Advanced muscle imaging.
Del Grande F, Subhawong T, Flammang A, Fayad
LM. Chemical shift imaging at 3 Tesla: effect of echo
time on assessing bone marrow abnormalities.
Skeletal Radiol. 2014;43(8):1139-1147.
82
• Participation in the following multicentre study:
PHOTOPAC study: Photoablative Atherectomy
Followed by a Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon to Inhibit Restenosis in Instent Femoro-popliteal
Obstructions.
Co-lead investigators: T. Zeller (Department of
Angiology, Universitäts Herzzentrum Freiburg
Bad Krozingen, Bad Krozingen, Germany), D.
Scheinert (Centre of Vascular Medicine, Heart
Centre Leipzig/Park Hospital, Leipzig, Germany).
Participating centres: Bad Krozingen, Leipzig,
Bern and Lugano.
This is a prospective, two-arm randomized
study. The control cohort (PTX PTA group,
Inpact Admiral or Inpact Pacific, MedtronicInvatec) is treated with a PTX-coated PTA
balloon. The experimental cohort (Laser +
PTX PTA group) is treated with photoablative
atherectomy, followed by a PTX-coated PTA
balloon. Subjects matching with the definitions
of Rutherford Clinical Categories 1 to 5 with
instent lesions located in the superficial femoral
artery and the popliteal artery above the knee
joint, are eligible for enrollment.
The purpose of this feasibility study is to
evaluate the safety and effectiveness of
preparing an instent lesion with photoablative
atherectomy prior to local Paclitaxel delivery
compared to local Paclitaxel delivery without
initial photoablative atherectomy.
Primary outcome is Target Lesion Percent
Diameter Stenosis (% DS) at 1 year, defined as
the narrowest point of the target lesion divided
by the estimated native vessel diameter at that
location, as determined by the ACL.
The sponsor ended the study and the data are
being processed.
• CIRCULATE study: Bone Marrow Derived Cell
Therapy in Peripheral Arterial Disease (Phase
I/II study).
Trial Participants: JC. Van Den Berg, R.
Canevascini, R. Rosso, H. Stricker,T. Moccetti,
D. Sürder.
Trial design: an open-labeled prospective
feasibility phase and a second phase in which
patients will be randomly assigned to an openlabeled control group or will be treated with
VASASTIM.
Primary Objective: to determine whether
the administration of bone marrow-derived
autologous progenitor cells (VASASTIM)
reduces the incidence of major amputations
(defined as being sited through or above the
ankle joint) after 1 year.
Secondary Objectives: to determine the
incidence of minor amputations (located more
distally than the ankle joint), changes in the
number and extent of leg ulcers, resolution of
rest pain or improvement in pain-free walking
distance, improvement in ankle-brachial index
(ABI) and transcutaneous oxygen pressure
(TcPO2).
Main funding
“PHOTOPAC study”: funding from Universitäts
Herzzentrum Freiburg Bad Krozingen (Bad
Krozingen, Germany).
“CIRCULATE study”: Cardiocentro Ticino.
Barbetta I, van den Berg JC. Access and
hemostasis: femoral and popliteal approaches and
closure devices-why, what, when, and how? Semin
Intervent Radiol. 2014;31(4):353-360.
van den Berg JC. Towards a better understanding
and more efficient treatment of in-stent restenosis.
J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino). 2014;55(3):305-306.
van den Berg JC. Strategies for optimizing the
safety of carotid stenting in the hyperacute period
after onset of symptoms. J Cardiovasc Surg
(Torino). 2014;55(2 Suppl 1):21-32.
van den Berg JC, Pedrotti M, R. Canevascini, S.
Chimchila Chevili, L. Giovannacci, R. Rosso. In-stent
restenosis: mid-term results of debulking using
excimer laser and drug-eluting balloons: sustained
benefit? J Invasive Cardiol. 2014;26(7):333-337.
von Tengg-Kobligk H, Correa Londono M, von
Allmen R, Heverhagen JT, van den Berg JC.
State of the art imaging to detect endoleaks post-
83
EVAR with special focus on low-flow endoleaks. J
Cardiovasc Surg (Torino). 2014;55(5):563-579.
Radiology Service –
Prof. Rolf Wyttenbach MD
Head Doctor
• Differences in plaque phenotypes in the carotid
and femoral arteries: an in vivo study using MRI
plaque imaging.
Lead investigators: R. Wyttenbach together
with T. Saam of the University of Grosshadern
in Munich (D)
Collaborators: A. Helck of the University of
Grosshadern in Munich (D) and C. Yuan of the
Washington University of Seattle (USA).
The aim of the study is to evaluate differences
in plaque composition and morphology within
the same patient in different vascular beds
using non-invasive MR-plaque imaging.
28 patients (67.8± 7.4 years, 8 females)
with high Framingham general cardiovascular
84
disease 10-year risk score and mild-tomoderate atherosclerosis were consecutively
included in the study. All subjects underwent a
dedicated MRI-plaque imaging protocol using
TOF- and T1w and T2w black-blood-sequences
with fat suppression (1.5 T). The scan was
centred on the carotid bulb of the carotid and
the most stenotic lesion of the femoral arteries,
respectively. Plaques were classified according
to the American Heart Association lesion
type classification and area measurements of
lumen, wall and the major plaque components,
such as calcification, necrotic core and
haemorrhage were determined in consensus
by two blinded reviewers using dedicated
software (MR Plaque View, VP Diagnostics,
Seattle, USA). Plaque components were
recorded as maximum percentages of the wall
area.
Clinical relevance statement: the ability of in
vivo MRI to display plaque composition across
distinct vascular beds might help improve risk
stratification in patients with atherosclerosis.
• Plaque Neovascularization: assessment by
Contrast Ultrasounds and plaque magnetic
resonance (HR-MRI): In vivo comparison in
human carotid atherosclerosis.
Lead investigators: A. Gallino, R. Wyttenbach,
D. Staub of University of Basel and C.Yuan of
the Washington University of Seattle (USA).
This project is a continuation of over 10
years of research on the progression
of atherosclerosis performed at our
Cardiovascular Research Centre and the
Department of Radiology. The study aims at
evaluating the role of plaque neovascularisation
in the progression of atherosclerosis at the
level of the carotid artery. The investigation
is a joint project between the Cardiovascular
Research Centre, the Radiology Division of the
Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valli, and
the Vascular Research Laboratory of Prof. C.
Yuan, Washington University, Seattle, USA. The
project is also performed in cooperation with
Prof. Daniel Staub, Chief of the Vascular Division
at the University Hospital in Basel. Almost 40
patients were screened as possible candidates
for this prospective study. Several technical
issues for performing a dynamic assessment
of plaque vascularisation in order to obtain top
images are now undergoing a double check by
the Institution for Atherosclerosis imaging in
Seattle.
Main funding
“Plaque Neovascularization: assessment by
Contrast Ultrasounds and plaque magnetic
resonance (HR-MRI): In vivo comparison in
human carotid atherosclerosis”: Grant SHS
(Schweizerische Herzstiftung) (Duration: 20122014; CHF 158’257).
Peer reviewed publications 2014
Bordoni A, Cerny A, Bihl F, Alerci M, Mazzola P,
Peverelli S, Marini G, Majno P, Mazzucchelli L,
Spitale A. Survival of hepatocellular carcinoma
patients is significantly improving: a populationbased study from southern Switzerland. Cancer
Epidemiol. 2014;38(6):679-685.
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4
Swiss Clinical
Trial Organization
25
20
15
10
5
2014
2013
0
2012
e
An
4.
Swiss Clinical Trial Organization
The Swiss Clinical Trial Organization (SCTO) is the
central platform for cooperation in patient-oriented clinical research in Switzerland. Its primary
objective is to make Swiss clinical research more
competitive as regards innovation and quality.
The SCTO intends to achieve this goal as follows:
–– by promoting a culture of studies and high quality of care at a national level;
–– by supporting the creation of a national network;
–– by promoting the integration of national clinical
research in international networks;
–– by building bridges between academia, industry
and the public authorities.
The SCTO generally promotes favourable conditions in the field of clinical research and coordinates multicenter studies by acting as an intermediary between different studies.
4.1 EOC Clinical Trial Unit (CTU-EOC)
Collaborators
In 2014, Prof. Sessa took the role of Administrative Director corresponding to 40% work time,
while Mrs. Laura Di Petto started in July a 20%
work activity as an Administrative Assistant and
Events Coordinator.
Me
ea
r
lA
a
dic
gy
iolo
rd
Ca
ry
gy
re
olo
rge
Su
th
ma
r
De
e
Int
a
eC
iv
ns
Twenty new requests of services were received
for a total of 39 activities completed or ongoing at
the end of 2014; they consisted of statistics (6),
submission of documents to Regulatory Authorities (7), preparation of electronic CRF (3), support
for nursing activities (4), document writing/review
(8), drug management (2), monitoring (5), coordination (1), data entry (3).
CTU EOC Services 2014
5%
8%
Drug
management
3%
Coordination
Data Entry
18%
Document
writing/review
8%
Projects
In 2014, the activity of the EOC Clinical Trial Unit
(CTU-EOC) increased with 20 new projects started, 13 of which were promoted by collaborators
of EOC, 2 by Drug Companies and 5 by Academia.
Overall, at the end of 2014, 37 projects were ongoing, 15 in the fields of oncology, 17 in neuroscience, 1 in cardiology, 1 in intensive care, 1 in surgery, 1 in anesthesiology and 1 in dermatology.
e-CRF
18%
Regulatory
Affairs
11%
Research
Nurse
13%
Monitoring
16%
Statistics
Training
Activity increased also in this field, with 11 courses
organized (3 on introduction to GCP, 1 on GCP for
Principal Investigator, 1 on GCP for Sponsor, 2 on
biostatistics, 3 on bibliographic research and medical biobanks, 1 on Pharmacovigilance).
A similar program was established for 2015.
The SCTO is a joint initiative of the Swiss National
Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences (ASSM).
88
y
log
sio
e
sth
4. Swiss Clinical Trial Organization
I
IOS
I
NS
y
log
dio
Ra
I
PS
SU
Clinical Research Day
The CTU-EOC organized the fourth Clinical Research Day, which was held in Bellinzona on March
28th.
Website
The new website www.ctueoc.ch was prepared
and implemented with the structure of the CTUEOC, the list of events, the list of the services provided, the forms for the request for services.
The abstracts of the previous clinical research
days and the program of the courses are also
available on the website.
Survey
A survey of current or potential CTU-EOC users
was posted in October 2014 on Share Point to
know who the users were, their satisfaction with
the services provided and their unfulfilled requests
and expectations.
Study registry
An electronic registry of all the studies ongoing
within the EOC was implemented in 2014, where
information related to study title, principal investigator, short study summary, financial support, current status of activities will be collected for all the
studies approved by the Ethics Committee. This
electronic archive will be made available within the
end of 2015 on the website www.eoc.ch and will
provide public information on studies available and
more generally, on clinical research that is ongoing
in the EOC.
89
5
Scientific Research
Advisory Board
(ABREOC)
5.
Scientific Research Advisory Board (ABREOC)
The Scientific Research Advisory Board of the
EOC (ABREOC) was set up in October 2007 as an
advisory body and to coordinate the research in
EOC hospitals.
ABREOC aims at improving knowledge in the
medical and nursing fields by:
• favouring research within the EOC;
• promoting collaboration with both national and
international research institutions;
• encouraging the creation of research centres
in specific sectors;
• creating the right conditions for the greatest
possible integration between research and its
clinical applications;
• encouraging interdisciplinary research.
ABREOC operates in accordance with the
current legislation, taking into account the
recommendations of the Swiss Academy of Medical
Sciences and the Canton Ethics Committee. The
EOC medical staff may submit research projects
requiring funding to ABREOC to be carried out in
the EOC hospitals.
92
ABREOC has the following specific tasks:
a. propose general guidelines for the research
to be carried out in the hospitals, taking
into account local interests, competencies,
initiatives and activities;
b. identify the sectors or new areas in which to
promote or continue research;
c. create the necessary general conditions to
foster research;
d. provide an assessment of the scientific value
of research projects for which EOC funding is
requested, paying particular attention to how
the project fits in with the EOC’s vision and
mission;
e. inform, in line with the available budget, the
awarding of funding for research projects not
covered by external funding;
f. assess, when consulted by the EOC head office
or local management, the scientific value of
studies or scientific research not funded by the
EOC and their consistency with the EOC’s vision
and mission;
g. regularly collect from the Canton’s Ethics Committee
all necessary information regarding the research
authorized by and carried out within the EOC.
The Members of ABREOC are the following:
• Fabrizio Barazzoni MD, MPH, Head Officer of
the EOC and Medical Area, Chairman;
• Colette Balice, MSc, Specialist Nurse and
Scientific Collaborator of EOC Nursing Area;
• Prof. Enos Bernasconi MD, Deputy-Head of
Internal Medicine, Regional Hospital of Lugano;
• Prof. Franco Cavalli MD, Scientific Director of
the IOSI, Bellinzona;
• Paola Di Giulio, member of the professional
skills teaching staff (SUPSI) at the Department
of Health (DSAN);
• Prof. Augusto Gallino MD, Head of the EOC’s
Internal Medicine Department, Regional
Hospital of Bellinzona and Valli;
• Piergiorgio Mombelli MD, Consultant in Internal
Medicine, Regional Hospital of Locarno;
• Prof. Alain Kaelin MD, Head of Department,
NSI, Regional Hospital of Lugano;
• Alberto Pagnamenta MD, Head of Intensive
Care Medicine Service, Regional Hospital of
Mendrisio;
• Prof. Gian Paolo Ramelli MD, Head doctor of
Paediatrics, Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and
Valli;
5. Scientific Research Advisory Board (ABREOC)
• Dimitri Christoforidis MD, PD, Deputy-Head of
Surgery, Regional Hospital of Lugano;
• Manuela Sarti MD, Oncology Specialist,
ABREOC Secretary, EOC Medical Area.
Between 2008 and 2014, 71 of the 117 clinical
and translational studies submitted to the EOC’s
Scientific Research Advisory Board were funded
by the Scientific Fund.
The projects that received funding are listed in the
table attached to the “Report” (Appendices 1, 2, 3,
4, 5 and 6) with the state of progress indicated for
each project: either concluded (with a publication
or final report) or underway.
The funds allocated by ABREOC since 2008, when
the first funding was awarded, are shown below:
ABREOC notices of competition
2008 – 2014
No. projects submitted
117
No. projects approved
71
No. projects rejected
46
Total amount requested by
researchers
CHF 8'910,002.40
Amount awarded
CHF 3'146,829.20
93
6
6.
According to the Directive on the establishment of
ABREOC, whose purpose is to regulate and promote
scientific research (clinical and translational) and
taking into account the recommendations of the
Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences (SAMS) and
the Cantonal Ethics Committee, it was decided
to create an Official Register of the EOC clinical
studies, which started on 7th April 2014.
96
(*A detailed description of the studies carried out in 2014 at
the EOC following the General Authorization can be found in
Appendix 7).
The data of the trials are entered into the Database
(currently 222 studies) by the researchers
themselves, supported by a data manager.
The Database of the EOC clinical studies contains
information on clinical (e.g. interventional, noninterventional) and translational trials conducted
in the EOC hospitals, publicly and privately funded
(competitive and non-competitive grants) or not
supported by sponsors.
The CTU-EOC, together with EOC medical Area
Head Office, supervises the correct conduct of
the studies, in the specific instance, if the studies
are carried out according to the "Good Clinical
Practice" (GCP), as required by the “Federal Act
on research involving humans” (HRA) (see also
chapter 4.1, CTU-EOC).
The Registry also includes all the EOC studies
underlying the General Authorization to disclose
professional secrets for research studies carried
out at EOC institutes (No. 035.0003-43) (www.
admin.ch/ch/i/ff/2012/6191.pdf),
that
were granted by the Berne Panel of Experts on
Professional Confidentiality in Medical Research
on 7th May 2012 and that will remain valid until
the expiration in May 2017*.
In the Register, the details in the protocol-related
information include:
• the title and the design of the trial;
• the sponsor (if any);
• where appropriate, the investigational medicine (trade name or active substance);
• the research area;
• the status (authorised by the Ethical Committee,
ongoing or interrupted or complete).
Furthermore, the details of the information of the
summary results (record card and attachment(s))
for a trial include:
• trial information;
• subject disposition;
• baseline characteristics;
• endpoints.
The Register will become a web-based resource
on the website www.eoc.ch by the end of 2015
and will provide an open-access to information on
clinical studies on a wide range of diseases and
conditions.
The Register is a very important tool to define
strategies for further development of clinical
research of the EOC; besides, it will be essential
to support the EOC Master in human medicine
and as required by the selection criteria for the
recognition of a Cancer Centre (Art. 7 UFG (Federal
Law on Financial Aid to Universities): Accreditation
and Quality Assurance. Art. 11, 3d UFG: conditions
- "implement measures to enhance scientific
results and encourage their dissemination").
6. Official Registry of the EOC clinical studies (EOC Database of clinical studies)
97
7
Publications
in 2014
In 2014, the number of peer-reviewed publications
continued to rise, as compared to the data from
previous years (+62% of 2011 publications) and
the total impact factor (IF) (expressed as weighted
average) seems to have increased, after a slight
decrease in 2013 (Figure 1).
As shown in Figure 2, this trend has been probably
due to a continuous increase in publications with
an Impact Factor < 5 since 2011. However, it
should also be noted that there was an increase in
publications in top-level scientific journals in 2014
(Impact Factor over 10) in terms of absolute
7.
Publications in 2014
The scientific activity carried out by the EOC
Services in 2014 resulted in 572 scientific
publications or communications.
More specifically, there were:
• 275 original articles published in peer-reviewed
journals;
• 10 books or chapters in books;
• 17 original articles published in non-peerreviewed journals;
• 270 communications at national and
international conferences.
numerical values compared to the previous two
years.
Furthermore, our peer-reviewed publications
and the total impact factor are comparable with
the publication data of Lucerner Kantonsspital
(LUKS) (data taken from News Sonderausgabe
Jahresbericht 2013 and 2014) (Figure 3) and
with those of Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen (KSSG)
(data taken from Geschäftsbericht KSSG 2013)
(Figure 4).
Figure 1. Publications and total Impact Factor (weighted average) of the EOC in the last 4 years.
The Table below shows the number of peerreviewed articles published in 2014 for each
Hospital:
EOC institution
Number of
publications
in 2014
The Regional Hospital of Lugano
46
The Regional Hospital of Bellinzona
and Valli
33
The Regional Hospital of Mendrisio
5
The Regional Hospital of Locarno
5
Oncological Institute of Southern
Switzerland
136
Neurocenter of Southern
Switzerland
50
Total publications
275
300
275
250
244
200
194
170
150
100
50
0
peer-reviewed publications
4.9
2011
4.2
2012
3.2
2013
3.4
average IF
2014
100
7. Publications in 2014
101
Figure 2. Absolute numerical values and % of EOC publications sorted according to Impact Factor ranges
2011
4.9
300
27
126
275
N=170
(16%)
(74%)
Figure 3. Comparison between the EOC and the LUKS peer-reviewed publications (2013-2014) with
total Impact Factor
250
17
244
200
(10%)
+14%
200
189
150
100
2012
4.2
148
38
(76%)
N=194
50
(20%)
average IF
8
2013
EOC
(4%)
2013
3.2
3.7
3.17
0
3.36
2013
LUKS
3.12
2014
EOC
publications
2014
LUKS
+26%
212
Figure 4. Comparison between the EOC and the KSSG peer-reviewed publications in the last 3 years
with total Impact Factor
N=244
(87%)
300
27
(11%)
5
244
227
+13%
(2%)
257
250
214
200
194
170
150
2014
3.4
N=275
236
100
(86%)
50
28
(10%)
0
11
(4%)
IF < 5
average IF
4.9
4.7
4.2
4.5
3.2
4.6
publications
2011 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013
EOC
KSSG EOC
KSSG EOC
KSSG
5 ≤ IF < 10
average IF
102
IF ≥ 10
103
Publications in peer-reviewed journals in 2014
Anaesthesiology
Saporito A, Petri GJ, Sturini E, Borgeat A, Aguirre
JA.
Safety and effectiveness of bilateral continuous
sciatic nerve block for bilateral orthopaedic foot
surgery: a cohort study.
Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2014;31(11):620-625. IF
3.011; Ranking 0.793.
Dermatology and Allergology/Clinical Immunology
Hofbauer GF, Anliker M, Boehncke WH, Brand
C, Braun R, Gaide O, Hafner J, Hunger R, Itin P,
Kaeuper G, Lautenschlager S, Mainetti C, Streit M.
Swiss clinical practice guidelines on field
cancerization of the skin.
Swiss Med Wkly. 2014;144:w14026. IF 1.877;
Ranking 0.678.
Iorizzo M, Marazza G.
Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine: a new
option to treat common warts?
Int J Dermatol. 2014;53(4):e243-245. IF 1.227;
Ranking 0.322.
Simon D, Eng PA, Borelli S, Kägi R, Zimmermann
C, Zahner C, Drewe J, Hess L, Ferrari G,
Lautenschlager S, Wüthrich B, SchmidGrendelmeier P.
Gamma-Linolenic Acid Levels Correlate with
Clinical Efficacy of Evening Primrose Oil in Patients
with Atopic Dermatitis.
Adv Ther. 2014;31(2):180-188. IF 2.438; Ranking
0.54.
Zecca C, Caporro M, Adami M, Mainetti C, Gobbi C.
Fumaric acid esters in psoriasis and multiple
sclerosis.
Clin Exp Dermatol. 2014;39(4):488-91. IF 1.234;
Ranking 0.339.
Haematology
104
Benz R, Schanz U, Maggiorini M, Seebach JD,
Stussi G.
Risk factors for ICU admission and ICU survival
after allogeneic hematopoietic SCT. Bone Marrow
Transplant. 2014;49(1):62-65. IF 3.466; Ranking
0.731.
Berger MD, Meisel A, Andres M, Schanz U,
Schwarz U, Stussi G.
Unusual case of progressive multifocal
leukoencephalopathy
after
allogeneic
hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation.
J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(9):e33-34. IF 17.879;
Ranking 0.98.
Kirsch M, Götz A, Halter JP, Schanz U, Stussi G,
Dobbels F, De Geest S.
Differences in health behaviour between recipients
of allogeneic haematopoietic SCT and the general
population: a matched control study.
Bone Marrow Transplant. 2014;49(9):12231230. IF 3.466; Ranking 0.731.
Marek A, Stern M, Chalandon Y, Ansari M, Ozsahin
H, Güngör T, Gerber B, Kühne T, Passweg JR,
Gratwohl A, Tichelli A, Seger R, Schanz U, Halter
J, Stussi G; Swiss Blood Stem Cell Transplantation.
The impact of T-cell depletion techniques on the
outcome after haploidentical hematopoietic SCT.
Bone Marrow Transplant. 2014;49(1):55-61. IF
3.466; Ranking 0.731.
Passweg JR, Pabst T, Blum S, Bargetzi M, Li Q,
Heim D, Stussi G, Gregor M, Leoncini L, MeyerMonard S, Brauchli P, Chalandon Y; Swiss Group
for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK).
Azacytidine for acute myeloid leukemia in elderly or
frail patients: a phase II trial (SAKK 30/07).
Leuk Lymphoma. 2014;55(1):87-91. IF 2.605;
Ranking 0.574.
Contact tracing investigation after professional
exposure to tuberculosis in a Swiss hospital using
both tuberculin skin test and IGRA.
Swiss Med Wkly. 2014 Aug 14;144:w13988. IF
1.877; Ranking 0.678.
longbeachae pneumonia in a patient
polymyalgia rheumatica.
Heart Lung Vessel. 2014;6(2):114-118.
Bonassin TF, Rudiger A, Previsdomini M, Maggiorini
M.
Platelet Consumption an Filter Clotting Using Two
Different membrane Sizes during Continuous
Venovenous Haemodiafiltration in the Intensive
Care Unit.
Crit Care Res Pract. 2014;2014:203637.
doi:10.1155/2014/203637.
Albani M, Balestra B.
Therapierefraktäre Beinödeme, Hypertonie und
Niereninsuffizienz.
Forum Med Suisse 2014;14(38):706-708.
Miguélez M, Merlani P, Gigon F, Verdon M, Annoni
JM, Ricou B.
Feasibility of a multiple choice Mini Mental State
Examination for chronically critically ill patients.
Crit Care Med. 2014;42(8):1874-1881. IF:
6.147; Ranking 0.923.
Bianchi G, Salvadé V, Lucchini B, Schätti-Stählin S,
Salvadé I, Burnier M, Gabutti L.
Assessment of subjective and hemodynamic
tolerance of different high- and low-flux dialysis
membranes in patients undergoing chronic
intermittent hemodialysis: A randomized controlled
trial.
Hemodial Int. 2014;18:825-834. IF 1.363;
Ranking 0.315.
Perren A, Cerutti B, Merlani P, Perren I,
Previsdomini M, Massarotto P, Kaufmann M,
Rothen HU.
SwissScoring - a nation-wide survey of NEMS
assessing practices and its accuracy. Acta
Anaesthesiol Scand. 2014;58(4):478-486. IF
2.31; Ranking 0.621.
with
Internal Medicine
Anichini A, Balestra B.
La thalidomide: retour vers le futur.
Forum Med Suisse 2014;14(24):467-469.
Perren A, Merlani P.
The difficulty of measuring the measurable.
Respir Care. 2014;59(7):1155-1156. IF 1.84;
Ranking 0.321.
Caviezel S, Dratva J, Schaffner E, Schindler C,
Zemp Stutz E, de Groot E, Burdet L, Rothe T, Pons
M, Gaspoz JM, Rochat T, Künzli N, Probst-Hensch
N, Schmidt-Trucksäss A.
Sex-specific associations of cardiovascular risk
factors with carotid stiffness-results from the
SAPALDIA cohort study.
Atherosclerosis. 2014;235(2):576-84. IF 3.971;
Ranking 0.785.
Previsdomini M, Cerutti B, Merlani P, Kaufmann M,
van Gessen E, Rothen HU, Perren A.
SwissScoring - a nation-wide survey of SAPS II
assessing practices and its accuracy.
Ranking 0.678.
Dell’Orto V, Bernasconi E, Pezzoli V, Queirolo S,
Ramelli GP.
Severe, life-threatening epstein-barr virus
encephalitis in an immunocompetent adolescent
girl.
J Pediatr Neurol. 2014;12: 217-219.
Reynaldos Canton Migotto T, Gyorik Lora S, Gaia V,
Pagnamenta A.
ARDS with septic shock due to Legionella
Drescher SM, von Wyl V, Yang WL, Böni J,
Yerly S, Shah C, Aubert V, Klimkait T, Taffé P,
Furrer H, Battegay M, Ambrosioni J, Cavassini
Intensive Care Medicine
Balmelli C, Zysset F, Pagnamenta A, Francioli P,
Lazor-Blanche C, Zanetti G, Zellweger JP.
105
M, Bernasconi E, Vernazza P, Ledergerber B,
Günthard H, Kouyos RD and the Swiss HIV Cohort
Study. Treatment-naïve individual are the major
source of transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance in me
who have sex with men in the Swiss HIV Cohort
Study.
Clin Infect Dis. 2014;58(2):285-294. IF 9.416;
Ranking 0.986.
Gallino A, Aboyans V, Diehm C, Cosentino F,
Stricker H, Falk E, Schouten O, Lekakis J, AmannVesti B, Siclari F, Poredos P, Novo N, Brodmann M,
Schulte KL, Vlachopoulos C, De Caterina R, Libby
P, Baumgartner I. European Society of Cardiology
Working Group on Peripheral Circulation.
Non-Coronary Atherosclerosis.
Eur Heart J. 2014;35(17):1112-1119. IF 14.723;
Ranking 0.984.
Guggiari U, Balestra B.
Das Reynolds-Syndrom.
Forum Med Suisse 2014;14(8):156-157.
Guessous I, McClellan W, Kleinbaum D, Vaccarino
V, Zoller O, Theler JM, Paccaud F, Burnier M,
Bochud M. Swiss Survey on Salt Group.
Comparisons of Serum Vitamin D Levels, Status,
and Determinants in Populations With and Without
Chronic Kidney Disease Not Requiring Renal
Dialysis: A 24-Hour Urine Collection PopulationBased Study.
J Ren Nutr. 2014;24(5):303-312. IF 2.548;
Ranking 0.712.
Flammer Syndrome.
EPMA J. 2014;5(1):11.
Kouyos RD, Rauch A, Böni J, Yerly S, Shah C,
Aubert V, Klimkait T, Kovari H, Calmy A, Cavassini
M, Battegay M, Vernazza PL, Bernasconi E,
Ledergerber B, Günthard HF; the Swiss HIV Cohort
Study.
Clustering of HCV coinfections on HIV phylogeny
indicates domestic and sexual transmission of
HCV.
Int J Epidemiol. 2014;43(3):887-96. IF 9.197;
Ranking 1.
Kouyos RD, Rauch A, Braun DL, Yang WL, Böni
J, Yerly S, Klimkait T, Aubert V, Shah C, Kovari H,
Calmy A, Cavassini M, Vernazza PL, Bernasconi E,
Ledergerber B, Günthard HF, and the Swiss HIV
Cohort Study (SHCS).
Higher risk of incident hepatitis C virus coinfection
among men who have sex with men, in whom the
HIV genetic bottleneck at transmission was wide.
J Infect Dis. 2014;210(10):1555-1561. IF 5.778;
Ranking 0.942.
Kutz A, Grolimund E, Christ-Crain M, Thomann
R, Falconnier C, Hoess C, Henzen C, Zimmerli
W, Mueller B, Schuetz P; ProHOSP Study Group
(Azzola A).
Pre-analytic factors and initial biomarker levels in
community-acquired pneumonia patients.
BMC Anesthesiol. 2014;14:102. IF 1.333;
Ranking 0.276.
Costs and yield of a 15-month preparticipation
cardiovascular examination with ECG in 1070
young athletes in Switzerland: implications for
routine ECG screening.
Br J Sports Med. 2014;48(15):1157-61. IF
4.171; Ranking 0.938.
Metzner KJ, Scherrer AU, von Wyl V, Böni J,
Yerly S, Klimkait T, Aubert V, Furrer H, Hirsch HH,
Vernazza PL, Cavassini M, Calmy A, Bernasconi E,
Weber R, Günthard HF. Swiss HIV Cohort Study.
Limited clinical benefit of minority K103N and
Y181C-variant detection in addition to routine
genotypic resistance testing in antiretroviral
therapy-naïve patients.
AIDS 2014;28(15):2231-2239. IF 6.557; Ranking
0.957.
Ogna A, Forni Ogna V, Bochud M, Paccaud F,
Gabutti L, Burnier M; Swiss Survey on Salt Group.
Prevalence of obesity and overweight and
associated nutritional factors in a populationbased Swiss sample: an opportunity to analyze the
impact of three different European cultural roots.
Eur J Nutr. 2014;53(5):1281-1290. IF 3.84;
Ranking 0.795.
Cavassini M, Abrosioni J, Bernasconi E, Furrer H,
Rauch A, the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.
Changes in biomarkers of liver disease during
successful combination antiretroviral therapy in
HIV-HCV-coinfected individuals.
Antivir Ther. 2014;19(2):149-159. IF 3.143;
Ranking 0.738.
Wang Q, Young J, Bernasconi E, Vernazza P,
Calmy A, Cavassini M, Furrer H, Fehr J, Bucher HC,
Battegay M and the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.
Virologic and immunologic responses in treatmentnaïve patients to ritonavir-boosted atazanavir of
efavirenz with a common backbone.
HIV Clin Trials. 2014;15(3):92-103. IF 2.141;
Ranking 0.452.
Young J, Wang Q, Fux CA, Bernasconi E, Furrer
H, Vernazza P, Calmy A, Cavassini M, Weber R,
Battegay M, Bucher HC. Swiss HIV Cohort Study.
The rate of recovery in renal function when
patients with HIV infection discontinue treatment
with tenofovir.
HIV Med. 2014;15(8):505-510. IF 3.454; Ranking
0.725.
Interventional Radiology
Pastori MM*, Sarti M*, Pons M, Barazzoni F.
Assessing the impact of bibliographical support on
the quality of medical care in patients admitted to
an internal medicine service: a prospective clinical,
open, randomised two-arm parallel study.
Evid Based Med. 2014;19(5):163-168.
Barbetta I, van den Berg JC.
Access and hemostasis: femoral and popliteal
approaches and closure devices-why, what, when,
and how?
Semin Intervent Radiol. 2014;31(4):353-360.
(*MMP and MS contributed equally)
106
Kern L, Condrau S, Baty F, Wiegand J, van Gestel
AJ, Azzola A, Tamm M, Brutsche M.
Oxygen kinetics during 6-minute walk tests in
patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary
disease.
BMC Pulm Med. 2014;14:167. IF 2.489;
Ranking 0.491.
Manconi M, Zavalko I, Bassetti CL, Colamartino E,
Pons M, Ferri R.
Respiratory-related leg movements and their
relationship with periodic leg movements during
sleep.
Sleep. 2014;37(3):497-504. IF 5.062; Ranking
0.901.
Konieczka K, Ritch R, Traverso CE, Kim DM, Kook
MS, Gallino A, Golubnitschaja O, Erb C, Reitsamer
HA, Kida T, Kurysheva N, Yao K.
Menafoglio A, Di Valentino M, Segatto JM, Siragusa
P, Pezzolli R, Maggi M, Romano GA, Moschowitis
G, Wilhelm M, Gallino A.
Regoes R, McLaren P, Battegay M, Bernasconi
E, Calmy A, Günthard H, Hoffmann M, Rauch A,
Telenti A, Fellay J and the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.
Disentangling human tolerance and resistance
against HIV.
PLoS Biol. 2014;12(9):e1001951. IF 11.771;
Ranking 1.
Rohrbach J, Stickel F, Schmid P, Thormann W,
Kovari H, Scherrer A, Günthard HF, Vuichard D,
Giacchi M, van den Berg JC, Pedrazzini GB.
Current access and closure options for TAVR
patients.
EVToday 2014;13(2):69-71.
van den Berg JC.
Atherectomy and DCB in the SFA: a summary of
the data.
EVToday 2014 ;13(8):28-32.
van den Berg JC.
107
Laser debulking and DEB for in-stent restenosis:
technique and review of the literature.
IF 1.365; Ranking 0.487.
van den Berg JC.
Strategies for optimizing the safety of carotid
stenting in the hyperacute period after onset of
symptoms.
J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino). 2014;55(2 Suppl
1):21-32. IF 1.365; Ranking 0.487.
van den Berg JC.
Towards a better understanding and more efficient
treatment of in-stent restenosis.
IF 1.365; Ranking 0.487.
von Tengg-Kobligk H, Correa Londono M, von
Allmen R, Heverhagen JT, van den Berg JC.
State of the art imaging to detect endoleaks postEVAR with special focus on low-flow endoleaks.
IF 1.365; Ranking 0.487.
van den Berg JC, Pedrotti M, Canevascini R,
Chimchila Chevili S, Giovannacci L, Rosso R.
In-stent restenosis: mid-term results of debulking
using excimer laser and drug-eluting balloons:
sustained benefit?
J Invasive Cardiol. 2014;26(7):333-337. IF 0.824;
Ranking 0.139.
Laboratory Medicine
Conza L, Casati Pagani S, Gaia V.
Influence of climate and geography on the
occurrence of Legionella and amoebae in
composting facilities.
BMC Res Notes. 2014;7:831.
Ramelli V, Ramelli GP, Lava SA, Siegenthaler GM,
Cantù M, Bianchetti MG,
Ceschi A.
Vitamin D status among children and adolescents
108
on anticonvulsant drugs in southern Switzerland.
Ranking 0.678.
Reynaldos Canton Migotto T, Györik Lora S, Gaia V,
Pagnamenta A.
ARDS with septic shock due to Legionella
longbeachae pneumonia in a patient with
polymyalgia rheumatica.
Heart Lung Vessel. 2014;6(2):114-118.
Trellu LT, Oertle D, Itin P, Furrer H, Scheidegger
C, Stoeckle M, Schmid P, Bernasconi E, Cavassini
M, Boffi El, Amari E, Kahlert C, Vernazza P, Fehr J,
Calmy A, Low N, Martinetti Lucchini G, Tarr P.
Gonorrhoe: neue Empfehlungen zu Diagnostik und
Behandlung.
Schweiz Med Forum 2014;14(20):407–409.
Neurology
Bersano A, Melchiorre P, Moschowitis G, Tavarini
F, Cereda C, Micieli G, Parati E, Bassetti C.
Tako-tsubo syndrome as a consequence and
cause of stroke.
Funct Neurol. 2014;29(2):135-137. IF 1.86;
Ranking 0.259.
Caporro M, Disanto G, Gobbi C, Zecca C.
Two decades of subcutaneous glatiramer acetate
injection: current role of the standard dose, and
new high-dose low-frequency glatiramer acetate in
relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treatment.
Patient Prefer Adherence. 2014;8:1123-1134. IF
1.491; Ranking 0.53.
Di Trani M, Di Roma F, Andriola E, Leone D, Parisi
P, Miano S, Donfrancesco R. Comorbid Depressive
Disorders in ADHD: The Role of ADHD Severity,
Subtypes and Familial Psychiatric Disorders.
Psychiatry Investig. 2014;11(2):137-142. IF
1.149; Ranking 0.332.
Disanto G, Dobson R, Pakpoor J, Elangovan RI,
Adiutori R, Kuhle J, Giovannoni G.
The refinement of genetic predictors of multiple
sclerosis.
PLoS One. 2014;9(5):e96578. IF: 3.534; Ranking
0.873.
Disanto G, Kjetil Sandve G, Ricigliano VA, Pakpoor
J, Berlanga-Taylor AJ, Handel AE, Kuhle J, Holden
L, Watson CT, Giovannoni G, Handunnetthi L,
Ramagopalan SV.
DNase hypersensitive sites and association with
multiple sclerosis.
Hum Mol Genet. 2014;23(4):942-948. IF 6.677;
Ranking 0.907.
Elangovan RI, Disanto G, Berlanga-Taylor AJ,
Ramagopalan SV, Handunnetthi L.
Regulatory genomic regions active in immune cell
types explain a large proportion of the genetic risk
of multiple sclerosis.
J Hum Genet. 2014;59(4):211-215. IF 2.526;
Ranking 0.469.
Ferri R, Cosentino FI, Manconi M, Rundo F, Bruni
O, Zucconi M.
Increased
electroencephalographic
high
frequencies during the sleep onset period in
patients with restless legs syndrome.
Sleep. 2014;37(8):1375-1381. IF 5.062; Ranking
0.901.
Galati S, Möller JC, Städler C.
Ropinirole-induced Pisa syndrome in Parkinson
disease.
Clin Neuropharmacol. 2014;37(2):58-59. IF
1.836; Ranking 0.408.
Gobbi C, Rocca MA, Pagani E, Riccitelli GC, Pravatà
E, Radaelli M, Martinelli-Boneschi F, Falini A, Copetti
M, Comi G, Filippi M.
Forceps minor damage and co-occurrence of
depression and fatigue in multiple sclerosis.
Mult Scler. 2014;20(12):1633-1640. IF 4.863;
Ranking 0.885.
Gobbi C, Rocca MA, Riccitelli G, Pagani E, Messina
R, Preziosa P, Colombo B, Rodegher M, Falini A,
Comi G, Filippi M.
Influence of the topography of brain damage on
depression and fatigue in patients with multiple
sclerosis.
Mult Scler. 2014;20(2):192-201. IF 4.863;
Ranking 0.885.
Hamilton A, Newby PR, Carr-Smith JD, Disanto G,
Allahabadia A, Armitage M, Brix TH, Chatterjee
K, Connell JM, Hegedüs L, Hunt PJ, Lazarus JH,
Pearce SH, Robinson BG, Taylor JC, Vaidya B, Wass
JA, Wiersinga WM, Weetman AP, Ramagopalan
SV, Franklyn JA, Gough SC, Simmonds MJ.
Impact of month of birth on the development of
autoimmune thyroid disease in the United Kingdom
and Europe.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014;99(8):E1459-65.
IF 6.31; Ranking 0.901.
Maestri M, Fulda S, Ferini-Strambi L, Zucconi M,
Marelli S, Staedler C, Bassetti CL, Manconi M.
Polysomnographic record and successful
management of augmentation in restless legs
syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease.
Sleep Med. 2014;15(5):570-575. IF 3.1; Ranking
0.717.
Maino P, Koetsier E, Perez RS.
Fentanyl Overdose Caused by Malfunction of
SynchroMed II Intrathecal Pump: Two Case
Reports.
Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2014;39(5):434-437. IF
2.12; Ranking 0.517.
Manconi M, Ott S, Bassetti C.
Integrating the review of Gottlieb et al. with the
SAS-CARE Study.
Sleep. 2014;37(3):623-624. IF 5.062; Ranking
0.901.
Manconi M, Zavalko I, Bassetti CL, Colamartino E,
Pons M, Ferri R.
Respiratory-related leg movements and their
relationship with periodic leg movements during sleep.
109
Sleep. 2014;37(3):497-504. IF 5.062; Ranking 0.901.
Manconi M, Zavalko I, Cereda C, Pisarenco I, Ott S,
Fulda S, Bassetti CL.
Longitudinal polysomnographic assessment from
acute to subacute phase in infratentorial versus
supratentorial stroke.
Cerebrovasc Dis. 2014;37(2):85-93. IF 3.698;
Ranking 0.791.
Mariano MO, Esteves AM, Frank MK, Caperuto LC,
Manconi M, Tufik S, De Mello MT.
Changes in motor behavior during pregnancy
in rats: the basis for a possible animal model of
restless legs syndrome.
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2014;36(10):436-441.
Miano S, Peraita-Adrados R.
Pediatric insomnia: clinical, diagnosis,
treatment.
Rev Neurol. 2014;58(1):35-42. IF 0.93.
and
Mordasini L, Kessler TM, Kiss B, Schüpbach M,
Pollo C, Kaelin-Lang A.
Bladder function in patients with dystonia
undergoing deep brain stimulation. Parkinsonism
Relat Disord 2014; 20(9):1015-1017. IF 4.126;
Ranking 0.843.
Paganetti P, Antoniello K, Devraj K, Toni N, Kieran
D, Madani R, Pihlgren M, Adolfsson O, Froestl W,
Schrattenholz A, Liebner S, Havas D, Windisch M,
Cirrito JR, Pfeifer A, Muhs A.
Increased efflux of amyloid-β peptides through the
blood-brain barrier by muscarinic acetylcholine
receptor
inhibition
reduces
pathological
phenotypes in mouse models of brain amyloidosis.
J Alzheimers Dis. 2014; 38(4):767-786. IF 3.612;
Ranking 0.657.
Pakpoor J, Goldacre R, Disanto G, Giovannoni G,
Goldacre MJ.
Alcohol misuse disorders and multiple sclerosis
risk.
JAMA Neurol. 2014 Sep;71(9):1188-1189. IF 7.01.
110
Pakpoor J, Handel AE, Disanto G, Davenport RJ,
Giovannoni G, Ramagopalan SV; Association of
British Neurologists.
National survey of UK medical students on the
perception of neurology.
BMC Med Educ. 2014;14:225. IF: 1.409; Ranking
0.845.
Palagini L, Gemignani A, Banti S, Manconi M, Mauri
M, Riemann D.
Chronic sleep loss during pregnancy as a
determinant of stress: impact on pregnancy
outcome.
Sleep Med. 2014 Aug;15(8):853-859. IF 3.1;
Ranking 0.717.
Pignatti R, Bertella L, Scarpina F, Mauro A,
Portolani E, Calabrese P.
Italian version of the Parkinson Neuropsychometric Dementia Assessment (PANDA): a useful instrument to detect cognitive impairments in Parkinson's Disease.
J Parkinsons Dis. 2014; 4(2):151-160. IF 1.097;
Ranking 0.116.
Pollo C, Kaelin-Lang A, Oertel MF, Stieglitz L, Taub
E, Fuhr P, Lozano AM, Raabe A, Schüpbach M.
Directional deep brain stimulation: an intraoperative double-blind pilot study.
Brain. 2014; 137(7): 2015-2026. IF 10.226;
Ranking 0.979.
Ramien C, Pachnio A, Sisay S, Begum J, Leese
A, Disanto G, Kuhle J, Giovannoni G, Rickinson A,
Ramagopalan SV, Moss P, Meier UC.
Hypovitaminosis-D and EBV: no interdependence
between two MS risk factors in a healthy young UK
autumn cohort.
Mult Scler. 2014 May;20(6):751-3. IF 4.863;
Ranking 0.885.
Spontaneous locomotor activity and L-DOPAinduced dyskinesia are not linked in 6-OHDA
parkinsonian rats.
Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:331. IF 4.16;
Ranking 0.857.
Villa MP, Castaldo R, Miano S, Paolino MC, Vitelli
O, Tabarrini A, Mazzotta AR, Cecili M, Barreto M.
Adenotonsillectomy and orthodontic therapy in
pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Breath.
2014;18(3):533-539. IF 2.9; Ranking 0.67.
Vinai P, Cardetti S, Studt S, Carpegna G, Ferrato N,
Vallauri P, Casey H, Vinai L, Vinai P, Ferini Strambi
L, Speciale M, Manconi M.
Clinical validity of the descriptor. "Presence of a
belief that one must eat in order to get to sleep" in
diagnosing the Night Eating Syndrome.
Appetite. 2014;75:46-48. IF 2.52; Ranking 0.538.
Vitelli O, Miano S, Tabarrini A, Mazzotta AR, Supino
MC, Forlani M, Villa MP.
Epilepsy and sleep-disordered breathing as false
friends: a case report.
J Child Neurol. 2014;29(10):NP114-7. IF 1.7;
Ranking 0.563.
Wesström J, Skalkidou A, Manconi M, Fulda S,
Sundström-Poromaa I.
Pre-pregnancy restless legs syndrome (WillisEkbom Disease) is associated with perinatal
depression.
J Clin Sleep Med. 2014 May 15;10(5):527-33. IF
2.826; Ranking 0.654.
Zecca C, Caporro M, Adami M, Mainetti C, Gobbi C.
Fumaric acid esters in psoriasis and multiple
sclerosis.
Clin Exp Dermatol. 2014;39(4):488-491. IF
1.234; Ranking 0.339.
Zecca C, Caporro M, Györik S, Gobbi C.
Life threatening asthma attack during prolonged
fingolimod treatment: Case report.
Patient Prefer Adherence. 2014;8:987-989.
IF.1.491; Ranking 0.53.
V, Tubaro, A, Gobbi C.
Motor and sensory responses after percutaneous
tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) in multiple sclerosis
patients with lower urinary tract symptoms treated
in daily practice.
Eur J Neurol. 2014;21(3):506-511. IF: 3.852;
Ranking 0.817.
Zecca C, Digesu GA, Robshaw P, Singh A, ElNeil S,
Gobbi C.
Maintenance percutaneous posterior nerve
stimulation for refractory lower urinary tract
symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis.
J Urol. 2014;191(3):697-702. IF: 3.753; Ranking
0.89.
Zecca C, Riccitelli GC, Calabrese P, Pravatà E,
Candrian U, Guttmann CRG, Gobbi C.
Treatment
satisfaction,
adherence
and
behavioural assessment in patients de-escalating
from natalizumab to interferon beta.
BMC Neurol. 2014;14:38-45. IF 2.486; Ranking
0.571.
Neuroradiology
Bonaldi G, Brembilla C, Foresti C, Cianfoni A.
Transarticular laser discal fragmentectomy. A
new minimally invasive surgical approach for
challenging disc herniations in the elderly.
Interv Neuroradiol. 2014;20(5): 555-563. IF 0.73;
Ranking 0.115.
Boulter DJ, Rumboldt Z, Bonaldi G, Muto M,
Cianfoni A.
Tilting the gantry for CT-guided spine procedures.
Radiol Med. 2014;119(10):750-757. IF 1.368;
Ranking 0.358.
Caulo M, Panara V, Tortora D, Mattei PA, Briganti
C, Pravatà E, Salice S, Cotroneo AR, Tartaro A.
Data-driven grading of brain gliomas: a
multiparametric MR imaging study. Radiology.
2014. 272(2):494-503. IF 6.214; Ranking 0.975.
Zecca C, Digesu GA, Robshaw P, Puccini F, Kullar
111
Cianfoni A, Massari F, Dani G, Lena JR, Rumboldt
Z, Vandergrift WA, Bonaldi G.
Percutaneous
ethanol
embolization
and
cement augmentation of aggressive vertebral
hemangiomas at two adjacent vertebral levels.
J Neuroradiol. 2014;41(4):269-274. IF 1.132;
Ranking 0.258.
Cianfoni A, Massari F, Ewing S, Persenaire M,
Rumboldt Z, Bonaldi G.
Combining
percutaneous
pedicular
and
extrapedicular access for tumor ablation in a
thoracic vertebral body.
Interv Neuroradiol. 2014; 20(5): 603-608. IF
0.73; Ranking 0.115.
Di Lazzaro V, Giambattistelli F, Pravatà E, Assenza
G.
Brachial palsy after deep sleep.
J
Neurol
Neurosurg
Psychiatry 2014;
85(12):1409-1410. IF 5.58; Ranking 0.985.
Distefano D, Cianfoni A.
Imaging of spinal cord compression.
Imaging in Medicine 2014;6(1): 86-116.
Pravatà E, Cereda C, Gabutti A, Distefano D,
Cianfoni A.
Late-onset cauda equina contrast enhancement:
a rare magnetic resonance imaging finding in
subacute spinal cord infarction.
Spine J. 2014;14(12):3065-3066. IF 2.8; Ranking
0.846.
Pravatà E, Sestieri C, Colicchio G, Colosimo C,
Romani GL, Caulo M.
Functional connectivity MRI and post-operative
language performance in temporal lobe epilepsy:
initial experience.
Neuroradiol J. 2014;27(2):158-62. IF 1.132;
Ranking 0.258.
Silveri MC, Pravatà E, Brita AC, Improta E, Ciccarelli
N, Rossi P, Colosimo C.
Primary progressive aphasia: Linguistic patterns
112
and clinical variants.
Brain Lang. 2014;135:57-65. IF 3.309; Ranking 1.
Neurosurgery
Robert T, Duc C, San Millan Ruiz D, Morard M.
Solitary fibrous tumour with intramedullary
component: case report and review of the
Literature.
Neurol Neurochir Pol. 2014;48(2):144-149. IF
0.537 Ranking; 0.084.
Robert T, Martinez-Manas R, San Millan Ruiz D,
Morard M.
Cervical Intramedullary Metastasis from Cerebral
Glioblastoma Multiforme.
Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2014;123:61-63. IF
1.248; Ranking 0.426.
Rossini R, Musumeci G, Visconti LO, Bramucci
E, Castiglioni B, De Servi S, Lettieri C, Lettino M,
Piccaluga E, Savonitto S, Trabattoni D, Capodanno
D, Buffoli F, Parolari A, Dionigi G, Boni L, Biglioli F,
Valdatta L, Droghetti A, Bozzani A, Setacci C, Ravelli
P, Crescini C, Staurenghi G, Scarone P, Francetti
L, D'Angelo F, Gadda F, Comel A, Salvi L, Lorini L,
Antonelli M, Bovenzi F, Cremonesi A, Angiolillo DJ,
Guagliumi G; Italian Society of Invasive Cardiology
(SICI-GISE); Italian Association of Hospital
Cardiologists (ANMCO); Italian Society for Cardiac
Surgery (SICCH); Italian Society of Vascular and
Endovascular Surgery (SICVE); Italian Association
of Hospital Surgeons (ACOI); Italian Society of
Surgery (SIC); Italian Society of Anaesthesia and
Intensive Care Medicine (SIAARTI); Lombard
Society of Surgery (SLC); Italian Society of
Maxillofacial Surgery (SICMF); Italian Society of
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics
(SICPRE); Italian Society of Thoracic Surgeons
(SICT); Italian Society of Urology (SIU); Italian Society
of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (SIOT); Italian
Society of Periodontology (SIdP); Italian Federation
of Scientific Societies of Digestive System Diseases
Lombardia (FISMAD); Association of Obstetricians
Gynaecologists Italian Hospital Lombardia (AOGOI);
Society of Ophthalmology Lombardia (SOL).
Perioperative management of antiplatelet therapy
in patients with coronary stents undergoing
cardiac and non-cardiac surgery: a consensus
document from Italian cardiological, surgical and
anaesthesiological societies.
EuroIntervention. 2014 May;10(1):38-46. IF
3.758; Ranking 0.738.
Wu Y, Lucia K, Lange M, Kuhlen D, Stalla GK,
Renner U.
Hypoxia inducible factor-1 is involved in growth
factor, glucocorticoid and hypoxia mediated
regulation of vascular endothelial growth
factor-A in human meningiomas. J Neurooncol.
2014;119(2):263-273. IF 2.787; Ranking 0.634.
Nursing Medicine
Pedrazzani C, Bianchi M, Valcarenghi D, Dimonte
V.
The implementation of recommendations in daily
practice: the experience of the nurses of the
Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland.
Assist Inferm Ric. 2014;33(4):189-197. IF 0.4.
Nuclear Medicine
Annunziata S, Caldarella C, Pizzuto DA, Galiandro F,
Sadeghi R, Giovanella L, Treglia G.
Diagnostic accuracy of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the evaluation of the primary tumor in patients with cholangiocarcinoma: a meta-analysis.
Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:247693. IF 2.706.
Annunziata S, Caldarella C, Treglia G.
Cost-effectiveness of Fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in tumours
other than lung cancer: A systematic review.
World J Radiol. 2014;6(3):48-55.
Annunziata S, Treglia G, Caldarella C, Galiandro F.
The role of 18F-FDG-PET and PET/CT in patients
with colorectal liver metastases undergoing
selective internal radiation therapy with yttrium-90:
a first evidence-based review.
ScientificWorldJournal. 2014;2014:879469. IF
1.219; Ranking 0.727
Assadi M, Yarani M, Zakavi SR, Jangjoo A, Memar
B, Treglia G, Aliakbarian M, Mehrabibahar M,
Sadeghi R.
Sentinel node mapping in papillary thyroid
carcinoma using combined radiotracer and blue
dye methods.
Endokrynol Pol. 2014;65(4):281-286. IF 1.208;
Ranking 0.132.
Bertagna F, Bertoli M, Bosio G, Biasiotto G, Sadeghi
R, Giubbini R, Treglia G.
Diagnostic role of radiolabelled choline PET or
PET/CT in hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic
review and meta-analysis.
Hepatol Int 2014;8(4):493-500. IF 2.468; Ranking
0.541.
Bertagna F, Bertoli M, Treglia G, Manenti S,
Salemme M, Giubbini R.
Incidental 11C-choline PET/CT uptake due to
esophageal carcinoma in a patient studied for
prostate cancer.
Clin Nucl Med. 2014;39(10):e442-4. IF 2.857;
Ranking 0.775.
Bertagna F, Giubbini R, Treglia G.
Positron
emission
tomography/computed
tomography for diagnosis of prosthetic valve
endocarditis: suggestions to increase diagnostic
accuracy.
J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;63(4):378-379. IF
15.343; Ranking 1.
Bertagna F, Orlando E, Bertoli M, Treglia G.
Incidental F18-FDG Breast Uptake: How to
Consider and Manage.
Arch Breast Cancer. 2014;1(1):3-4.
Bertagna F, Treglia G, Orlando E, Dognini L,
Giovanella L, Sadeghi R, Giubbini R.
113
Prevalence and clinical significance of incidental
F18-FDG breast uptake: a systematic review and
meta-analysis.
Jpn J Radiol. 2014;32(2):59-68. IF 0.721; Ranking
0.108.
Bertagna F, Treglia G, Rossini P, Giubbini R.
An unusual orbital localization of wegener
granulomatosis detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT.
Clin Nucl Med. 2014;39(8):711-712. IF 2.857;
Ranking 0.775.
Bongiovanni M, Mazzucchelli L, Giovanella L,
Frattini M, Pusztaszeri M.
Well-differentiated follicular patterned tumors
of the thyroid with high-grade features can
metastasize in the absence of capsular or vascular
invasion: report of a case.
Int J Surg Pathol. 2014;22(8):749-756. IF 0.961;
Ranking 0.269.
Cafarotti S, Treglia G, Bongiovanni M, Ceriani L,
Paone G, Giovanella L, Dutly A.
A rare case of mucinous cystadenoma of the lung
mimicking malignancy at 18F-FDG PET/CT.
Clin Nucl Med. 2014;39(6):e331-333. IF 2.857;
Ranking 0.775.
Caldarella C, Annunziata S, Treglia G, Sadeghi R,
Ayati N, Giovanella L.
Diagnostic performance of positron emission
tomography/computed
tomography
using
fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose in detecting
locoregional nodal involvement in patients with
anal canal cancer: a systematic review and metaanalysis.
ScientificWorldJournal. 2014;2014:196068.
IF 1.219; Ranking 0.727.
Caldarella C, Isgrò MA, Treglia G.
Bone Marrow Involvement in Hodgkin and NonHodgkin Lymphomas: The Role of Fluorine18-Fluorodeoxyglucose
Positron
Emission
Tomography/Computed Tomography.
J Bone Marrow Res. 2014,2:e111.
114
Caldarella C, Muoio B, Isgrò MA, Porfiri E, Treglia
G, Giovanella L.
The role of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron
emission tomography in evaluating the response
to tyrosine-kinase inhibitors in patients with
metastatic primary renal cell carcinoma.
Radiol Oncol. 2014;48(3):219-227.
IF 1.667; Ranking 0.236.
Feldt-Rasmussen U, Verburg FA, Luster M, Cupini
C, Chiovato L, Duntas L, Elisei R, Rimmele H,
Seregni E, Smit JW, Theimer C, Giovanella L.
Thyroglobulin autoantibodies as surrogate
biomarkers in the management of patients with
differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
Curr Med Chem. 2014;21(32):3687-3692. IF
3.715; Ranking 0.862.
Caldarella C, Treglia G, Giordano A.
Diagnostic performance of dedicated positron
emission mammography using fluorine-18fluorodeoxyglucose in women with suspicious
breast lesions: a meta-analysis.
Clin Breast Cancer. 2014;14(4):241-248. IF
2.628; Ranking 0.482.
Giovanella L, Ceriani L, Treglia G.
Role of isotope scan, including positron emission
tomography/computed tomography, in nodular
goitre.
Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab.
2014;28(4):507-518. IF 4.907; Ranking 0.826.
Campennì A, Giovanella L, Siracusa M, Stipo ME,
Alibrandi A, Cucinotta M, Ruggeri RM, Baldari S.
Is malignant nodule topography an additional
risk factor for metastatic disease in low-risk
differentiated thyroid cancer?
Thyroid. 2014;24(11):1607-1611. IF 3.843;
Ranking 0.702.
Cistaro A, Pazè F, Durando S, Cogoni M, Faletti
R, Vesco S, Vallero S, Quartuccio N, Treglia G,
Ramenghi U.
Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome and
non-Hodgkin lymphoma: what 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed
tomography can do in the management of these
patients? Suggestions from a case report.
Rev Esp Med Nucl Imagen Mol. 2014;33(2):99102.
Crescenzi A, Guidobaldi L, Nasrollah N, Taccogna
S, Cicciarella Modica DD, Turrini L, Nigri G,
Romanelli F, Valabrega S, Giovanella L, Onetti
Muda A, Trimboli P.
Immunohistochemistry for BRAF(V600E) antibody
VE1 performed in core needle biopsy samples
identifies mutated papillary thyroid cancers.
Horm Metab Res. 2014;46(5):370-374. IF 2.038;
Ranking 0.364.
Giovanella L, Clark PM, Chiovato L, Duntas L, Elisei
R, Feldt-Rasmussen U, Leenhardt L, Luster M,
Schalin-Jäntti C, Schott M, Seregni E, Rimmele H,
Smit J, Verburg FA.
Thyroglobulin measurement using highly sensitive
assays in patients with differentiated thyroid
cancer: a clinical position paper.
Eur J Endocrinol. 2014;171(2):R33-46. IF 3.686;
Ranking 0.669.
Giovanella L, Giugliano G, Maffini FA, Chiesa F,
Bongiovanni M.
Hypercalcitoninemia and thyroid nodules: when
cytology (still) matters.
Diagn Cytopathol. 2014;42(11):970-973. IF 1.52;
Ranking 0.448.
Ghooshkhanei H, Treglia G, Sabouri G, Davoodi R,
Sadeghi R.
Risk stratification and prognosis determination
using (18)F-FDG PET imaging in endometrial
cancer patients: a systematic review and metaanalysis.
Gynecol Oncol. 2014;132(3):669-676. IF 3.687;
Ranking 0.922.
Giovanella L, Treglia G, Ceriani L, Verburg F.
Detectable thyroglobulin with negative imaging in
differentiated thyroid cancer patients. What to do
with negative anatomical imaging and radioiodine
scan?
Nuklearmedizin. 2014;53(1):1-10. IF 1.671;
Ranking 0.492.
Giovanella L, Treglia G, Ceriani L, Weidner S,
Perriard U, Bongiovanni M.
Left atrial metastasis of Hürthle-cell thyroid
carcinoma mimicking myxoma.
J Nucl Cardiol. 2014;21(2):406-407. IF 2.645;
Ranking 0.717.
Giovanella L, Treglia G, Sadeghi R, Trimboli P,
Ceriani L, Verburg FA.
Unstimulated highly sensitive thyroglobulin in
follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer patients:
a meta-analysis.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014;99(2):440-447. IF
6.31; Ranking 0.901.
Heinzel A, Müller D, Behrendt FF, Giovanella L,
Mottaghy FM, Verburg FA.
Thyroid
nodules
with
indeterminate
cytology: molecular imaging with ⁹⁹mTcmethoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) is more costeffective than the Afirma gene expression
classifier.
Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2014;41(8):14971500. IF 5.217; Ranking 0.95.
Hosseinnezhad T, Shariati F, Treglia G, Kakhki VR,
Sadri K, Kianifar HR, Sadeghi R.
99mTc-Pertechnetate imaging for detection of
ectopic gastric mucosa: a systematic review and
meta-analysis of the pertinent literature.
Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2014;77(3):318-327. IF
0.581.
Leuzzi G, Facciolo F, Treglia G, Lococo F.
Bronchial carcinoids with oncocytic features and
expressing GLUT1 receptor: does the intense (18)
F-FDG uptake correlate with long-term survival?
Hell J Nucl Med. 2014;17(2):156. IF 0.925;
Ranking 0.15.
115
Lococo F, Cafarotti S, Filice A, Bertagna F, Treglia
G.
A false positive finding on the PET of somatostatin
receptor due to a chondromyxoid fibroma.
Lococo F, Cesario A, de Franco S, Ricchetti T,
Sgarbi G, Treglia G.
Is 18FDG PET/CT evaluation really useful in the
diagnosis of elastofibroma dorsi? Rev Esp Med
Nucl Imagen Mol. 2014;33(1):62.
Lococo F, Cesario A, Paci M, Filice A, Versari A,
Rapicetta C, Ricchetti T, Sgarbi G, Alifano M,
Cavazza A, Treglia G.
PET/CT assessment of neuroendocrine tumors
of the lung with special emphasis on bronchial
carcinoids.
Tumor Biol. 2014;35(9):8369-8377. IF 2.84;
Ranking 0.543.
116
Functional imaging evaluation in the detection,
diagnosis, and histologic differentiation of
pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors.
Thorac Surg Clin. 2014;24(3):285-292. IF 0.769;
Ranking 0.218.
Lopez-Guillermo A, Finolezzi E, Pileri SA, Davies A,
Cavalli F, Giovanella L, Johnson PW.
[18F]fluorodeoxyglucose
positron
emission
tomography
predicts
survival
after
chemoimmunotherapy for primary mediastinal
large B-cell lymphoma: results of the International
Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group IELSG-26
Study.
J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(17):1769-1775. IF 17.879;
Ranking 0.98.
Prognostic significance of sentinel lymph node
mapping in Merkel cell carcinoma: systematic
review and meta-analysis of prognostic studies.
Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:489536. IF 2.706.
Sadeghi R, Asadi M, Treglia G, Zakavi SR, Fattahi
A, Krag DN.
Axillary concordance between superficial and
deep sentinel node mapping material injections
in breast cancer patients: systematic review and
meta-analysis of the literature.
Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2014;144(2):213-222.
IF 4.198; Ranking 0.759.
Sadeghi R, Asadi M, Treglia G, Zakavi SR, Fattahi
A, Krag DN.
Determining axillary concordance rate for different
injection locations in sentinel node mapping of
breast cancer: how ambitious can we get?
Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2014;146(1):231-232.
IF 4.198; Ranking 0.759.
Lococo F, Cesario A, Treglia G.
Is it time to validate the prognostic role of F-18FDG PET/CT scan in thymic epithelial tumors?
Ann Nucl Med. 2014;28(6):593-594. IF 1.507;
Ranking 0.417.
Paci M, Lococo F, Rapicetta C, Roncali M, Cavazza
A, Treglia G, Sgarbi G.
Synchronous bilateral bronchial carcinoid
diagnosed with combined dual tracer ((18)F-FDG
and (68)Ga-DOTATOC) PET/CT scans.
Lococo F, Rapicetta C, Ricchetti T, Cavazza A, Filice
A, Treglia G, Tenconi S, Paci M, Sgarbi G.
Diagnostic pitfalls in the preoperative 18F-FDG
PET/CT evaluation of a case of giant malignant
solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura.
Paone G, Treglia G, Bongiovanni M, Ceriani L,
Giovanella L.
A rare case of synchronous fetal type
adenocarcinoma and mucinous adenocarcinoma
of the lung evaluated by 18F-FDG PET/CT.
Clin Nucl Med. 2014;39(8):e384-386. IF 2.857;
Ranking 0.775.
Lococo F, Treglia G.
Which is the best strategy for diagnosing bronchial
carcinoid tumours? The role of dual tracer PET/
CT scan.
Hell J Nucl Med. 2014;17(1):7-9. IF 0.925;
Ranking 0.15.
Rokni H, Sadeghi R, Moossavi Z, Treglia G, Zakavi
SR.
Efficacy of different protocols of radioiodine therapy
for treatment of toxic nodular goiter: systematic
review and meta-analysis of the literature.
Int J Endocrinol Metab. 2014;12(2):e14424.
Treglia G, Bongiovanni M, Giovanella L.
Metastatic small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
of the pelvic floor.
Endocrine. 2014;46(1):164-165. IF 3.527;
Ranking 0.603.
Lococo F, Treglia G, Cesario A, Paci M, Filice A,
Versari A, Filosso PL.
Sadeghi R, Adinehpoor Z, Maleki M, Fallahi B,
Giovanella L, Treglia G.
Pancreatic small cell carcinoma incidentally
Treglia G, Annunziata S, Sobic-Saranovic D,
Bertagna F, Caldarella C, Giovanella L.
The role of 18F-FDG-PET and PET/CT in patients
with sarcoidosis: an updated evidence-based
review.
Acad Radiol. 2014;21(5):675-684. IF 2.077;
Ranking 0.625.
A rare case of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
of the urinary bladder incidentally detected by
F-18-FDG PET/CT.
Endocrine. 2014;45(1):156-157. IF 3.257;
Ranking 0.603.
detected by ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT. Pancreatology.
2014;14(1):81-82. IF 2.504; Ranking 0.554.
Rare sinonasal small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
evaluated by F-18-FDG PET/MRI.
Endocrine. 2014;47(2):654-5. IF 3.527; Ranking
0.603.
Treglia G, Caldarella C, Taralli S.
A rare case of primary pulmonary synovial
sarcoma in a pediatric patient evaluated by (18)
F-FDG PET/CT.
Clin Nucl Med. 2014;39(2):e166-168. IF 2.857;
Ranking 0.775.
Treglia G, Cardillo G, Graziano P.
A rare case of primary pulmonary epithelioid
angiosarcoma detected by (18)F-FDG PET/CT.
Clin Nucl Med. 2014;39(5):450-452. IF 2.857;
Ranking 0.775.
Treglia G, Ceriani L, Barizzi J, Paone G, Giovanella L.
Colorectal carcinoma with bone metastases
detected by 18F-choline PET/CT.
Clin Nucl Med. 2014;39(3):e246-248. IF 2.857;
Ranking 0.775.
Treglia G, Ceriani L, Giovanella L.
An Unusual Case of Extraskeletal Retroperitoneal
Osteosarcoma Incidentally Detected by (18)F-FDG
PET/CT.
Current role and future perspectives of
radioiodinated MIBG in the evaluation of dementia
with Lewy bodies.
Curr Radiopharm. 2014;7(1):75-78.
Treglia G, Ceriani L, Merlo E, Ruberto T, Paone G,
Giovanella L.
Added value of fused somatostatin receptor
imaging/magnetic resonance imaging in a rare
case of paraganglioma of the urinary bladder.
117
Treglia G, Ceriani L, Paone G, Rusca T, Bongiovanni
M, Giovanella L.
Multifocal epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of
the lower limbs detected by 18F-FDG PET/MRI.
Clin Nucl Med. 2014;39(9):e402-404. IF 2.857;
Ranking 0.775.
Treglia G, Ceriani L, Ruberto T, Paone G, Bertagna
F, Giovanella L.
A case of optic neuritis incidentally detected by
somatostatin receptor scintigraphy. Rev Esp Med
Nucl Imagen Mol. 2014;33(3):189-190.
Treglia G, Ceriani L, Sadeghi R, Giovacchini G,
Giovanella L.
Relationship between prostate-specific antigen
kinetics and detection rate of radiolabelled
choline PET/CT in restaging prostate cancer
patients: a meta-analysis. Clin Chem Lab Med.
2014;52(5):725-733. IF 2.955; Ranking 0.862.
Treglia G, Giovanella L, Caldarella C, Bertagna F.
A rare case of thyroid paraganglioma detected by
¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT.
Treglia G, Giovanella L, Lococo F.
Evolving role of PET/CT with different tracers in the
evaluation of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumours.
Treglia G, Giovanella L, Lococo F, Bertagna F.
An unusual case of thymic carcinoid causing
Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic ACTH secretion
detected by (18)F-FDG PET/CT.
Treglia G, Giovanella L, Muoio B, Bertagna F.
Response to treatment in a patient with
118
gouty arthritis and tophi evaluated by fluorine
18
fluorodeoxyglucose
positron
emission
tomography/computed tomography.
J Clin Rheumatol. 2014;20(4):233-234. IF 1.25.
Treglia G, Giovanella L, Muoio B, Caldarella C.
Solitary Plasmacytoma of the Sternum Mimicking
Bone Metastasis in a Patient with a History of
Breast Cancer Evaluated by F-18-FDG PET/CT.
Treglia G, Giovanella L, Muoio B, Caldarella C.
Splenosis Mimicking Relapse of a Neuroendocrine
Tumor at Gallium-68-DOTATOC PET/CT.
Treglia G, Muoio B, Caldarella C, Parapatt GK.
A pulmonary metastasis of a cystosarcoma
phyllodes of the breast detected by 18F-FDG PET/
CT.
Clin Nucl Med. 2014;39(3):e233-235. IF 2.857;
Ranking 0.775.
Treglia G, Oragano L, Fadda G, Raffaelli M, Lombardi
CP, Castaldi P, Rufini V.
A rare case of solitary fibrous tumor of the adrenal
gland detected by (18)F-FDG PET/CT.
Clin Nucl Med. 2014;39(5):475-477. IF 2.857;
Ranking 0.775.
Treglia G, Paone G, Ceriani L, Giovanella L.
Metastatic brachial plexopathy from breast cancer
detected by 18F-FDG PET/MRI. Rev Esp Med Nucl
Imagen Mol. 2014;33(1):54-55.
Treglia G, Paone G, Flores B, Venzi G, Ceriani L,
Giovanella L.
A rare case of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
of the urinary bladder evaluated by ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/
CT.
Treglia G, Paone G, Perriard U, Ceriani L, Giovanella
L.
An unusual case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
involving the vulva evaluated by 18F-FDG PET/CT.
Clin Nucl Med. 2014;39(10):e439-441. IF 2.857;
Ranking 0.775.
Treglia G, Paone G, Stathis A, Ceriani L, Giovanella
L.
An Unusual Case of Plasmablastic Lymphoma
Presenting as Paravertebral Mass Evaluated by
(18) F-FDG PET/CT.
Treglia G, Sadeghi R, Annunziata S, Caldarella C,
Bertagna F, Giovanella L.
Diagnostic
performance
of
fluorine-18fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography
in the postchemotherapy management of patients
with seminoma: systematic review and metaanalysis.
Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:852681. IF 2.706.
Treglia G, Sadeghi R, Annunziata S, Lococo F,
Cafarotti S, Bertagna F, Prior JO, Ceriani L,
Giovanella L.
Diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG-PET and PET/CT
in the differential diagnosis between malignant and
benign pleural lesions: a systematic review and
meta-analysis.
Acad Radiol. 2014;21(1):11-20. IF 2.077; Ranking
0.625.
Treglia G, Sadeghi R, Annunziata S, Lococo F,
Cafarotti S, Prior JO, Bertagna F, Ceriani L,
Giovanella L.
Diagnostic
performance
of
fluorine-18fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography
in the assessment of pleural abnormalities in
cancer patients: a systematic review and a metaanalysis.
Lung Cancer. 2014;83(1):1-7. IF 3.737; Ranking
0.811.
Treglia G, Sadeghi R, Del Sole A, Giovanella L.
Diagnostic performance of PET/CT with tracers
other than F-18-FDG in oncology: an evidence-
based review.
Clin Transl Oncol. 2014;16(9):770-775. IF 1.6;
Ranking 0.216.
Treglia G, Sadeghi R, Giovanella L, Cafarotti S,
Filosso P, Lococo F.
Is (18)F-FDG PET useful in predicting the WHO
grade of malignancy in thymic epithelial tumors?
A meta-analysis.
Lung Cancer. 2014;86(1):5-13. IF 3.737; Ranking
0.811.
Treglia G, Salvatori M, Giovanella L.
Small cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland with a
solid brain metastasis detected by F-18-FDG PET/
CT.
Endocrine. 2014;46(3):682-683. IF 3.527;
Ranking 0.603.
Treglia G, Taralli S, Salsano M, Muoio B, Sadeghi
R, Giovanella L.
Prevalence and malignancy risk of focal colorectal
incidental uptake detected by (18)F-FDG-PET or
PET/CT: a meta-analysis.
Radiol Oncol. 2014;48(2):99-104. IF 1.667;
Ranking 0.236.
Trimboli P, Cremonini N, Ceriani L, Saggiorato E,
Guidobaldi L, Romanelli F, Ventura C, Laurenti O,
Messuti I, Solaroli E, Madaio R, Bongiovanni M,
Orlandi F, Crescenzi A, Valabrega S, Giovanella L.
Calcitonin measurement in aspiration needle
washout fluids has higher sensitivity than
cytology in detecting medullary thyroid cancer: a
retrospective multicentre study.
Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2014;80(1):135-140. IF
3.353; Ranking 0.57.
Trimboli P, Giovanella L, Crescenzi A, Romanelli F,
Valabrega S, Spriano G, Cremonini N, Guglielmi R,
Papini E.
Medullary thyroid cancer diagnosis: an appraisal.
Head Neck. 2014;36(8):1216-1223. IF 3.006.
Trimboli P, Giovanella L, Valabrega S, Andrioli
119
M, Baldelli R, Cremonini N, Rossi F, Guidobaldi L,
Barnabei A, Rota F, Paoloni A, Rizza L, Fattorini G,
Latini M, Ventura C, Falasca P, Orlandi F, Crescenzi
A, D Ambrosio F, Cantisani V, Romanelli F, Negro
R, Saggiorato E, Appetecchia M.
Ultrasound features of medullary thyroid
carcinoma correlate with cancer aggressiveness:
a retrospective multicenter study.
J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2014;33(1):87. IF 3.271;
Ranking 0.628.
Oncology
Trimboli P, Guidobaldi L, Crescenzi A, Bongiovanni
M, Giovanella L.
The essential use of FNA-calcitonin for detecting
medullary thyroid cancer.
Endocrine. 2014;47(1):342-344. IF 3.527;
Ranking 0.603.
Barrington SF, Mikhaeel NG, Kostakoglu L,
Meignan M, Hutchings M, Müeller SP, Schwartz
LH, Zucca E, Fisher RI, Trotman J, Hoekstra OS,
Hicks RJ, O'Doherty MJ, Hustinx R, Biggi A, Cheson
BD.
Role of Imaging in the Staging and Response
Assessment of Lymphoma: Consensus of the
International Conference on Malignant Lymphomas
Imaging Working Group.
J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(27):3048-3058. IF 17.879;
Ranking 0.98.
Trimboli P, Nasrollah N, Guidobaldi L, Taccogna
S, Cicciarella Modica DD, Amendola S, Romanelli
F, Lenzi A, Nigri G, Centanni M, Giovanella L,
Valabrega S, Crescenzi A.
The use of core needle biopsy as first-line in
diagnosis of thyroid nodules reduces false negative
and inconclusive data reported by fine-needle
aspiration.
World J Surg Oncol. 2014;12:61. IF 1.2; Ranking
0.401.
Trimboli P, Treglia G, Guidobaldi L, Saggiorato
E, Nigri G, Crescenzi A, Romanelli F, Orlandi F,
Valabrega S, Sadeghi R, Giovanella L.
Clinical characteristics as predictors of malignancy
in patients with indeterminate thyroid cytology: a
meta-analysis.
Endocrine. 2014;46(1):52-59. IF 3.527; Ranking
0.603.
Verburg FA, Heinzel A, Hänscheid H, Mottaghy FM,
Luster M, Giovanella L.
Nothing new under the nuclear sun: towards 80
years of theranostics in nuclear medicine.
120
Bahleda R, Sessa C, Del Conte G, Gianni L, Capri G,
Varga A, Oprea C, Daglish B, Hospitel M, Soria JC.
Phase I clinical and pharmacokinetic study of
ombrabulin (AVE8062) combined with cisplatin/
docetaxel or carboplatin/paclitaxel in patients
with advanced solid tumors.
Invest New Drugs. 2014;32(6):1188-96. IF
2.927; Ranking 0.679.
Bruno Ventre M, Ferreri AJ, Gospodarowicz M, Govi
S, Messina C, Porter D, Radford J, Heo DS, Park Y,
Martinelli G, Taylor E, Lucraft H, Hong A, Scarfò L,
Zucca E, Christie D; on behalf of the International
Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group (IELSG).
Clinical Features, Management, and Prognosis of an
International Series of 161 Patients With LimitedStage Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Bone
(the IELSG-14 Study).
Oncologist. 2014;19(3):291-298. IF 4.54; Ranking
0.784.
L, Fenech D, Francis P, Gelmon K, Giordano SH,
Gligorov J, Goldhirsch A, Harbeck N, Houssami N,
Hudis C, Kaufman B, Krop I, Kyriakides S, Lin UN,
Mayer M, Merjaver SD, Nordström EB, Pagani O,
Partridge A, Penault-Llorca F, Piccart MJ, Rugo H,
Sledge G, Thomssen C, Van't Veer L, Vorobiof D,
Vrieling C, West N, Xu B, Winer E.
ESO-ESMO 2nd international consensus guidelines
for advanced breast cancer (ABC2).
Ann Oncol. 2014;25(10):1871-1888. IF 6.578;
Ranking 0.915.
Cheson BD, Fisher RI, Barrington SF, Cavalli
F, Schwartz LH, Zucca E, Lister TA; Alliance,
Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group;
Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group; European
Mantle Cell Lymphoma Consortium; Italian
Lymphoma Foundation; European Organisation for
Research; Treatment of Cancer/Dutch HematoOncology Group; Grupo Español de Médula Ósea;
German High-Grade Lymphoma Study Group;
German Hodgkin's Study Group; Japanese
Lymphorra Study Group; Lymphoma Study
Association; NCIC Clinical Trials Group; Nordic
Lymphoma Study Group; Southwest Oncology
Group; United Kingdom National Cancer Research
Institute.
Recommendations for Initial Evaluation, Staging,
and Response Assessment of Hodgkin and NonHodgkin Lymphoma: The Lugano Classification.
J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(27):3059-3068. IF 17.879;
Ranking 0.98.
Cafarotti S, Froesch P, Bongiovanni M, Mazzucchelli
L, Martin V, Dutly AE.
SS18-bronchial biphasic synovial sarcoma in an
octogenarian with hemothorax.
Lung. 2014;192(3):451-453. IF 2.171; Ranking
0.377.
Coiffier B, Federico M, Caballero D, Dearden C,
Morschhauser F, Jäger U, Trümper L, Zucca E,
Gomes da Silva M, Pettengell R, Weidmann E,
d'Amore F, Tilly H, Zinzani PL.
Therapeutic options in relapsed or refractory
peripheral T-cell lymphoma.
Cancer Treat Rev. 2014;40(9):1080-1088. IF
6.466; Ranking 0.91.
Cardoso F, Costa A, Norton L, Senkus E, Aapro M,
André F, Barrios CH, Bergh J, Biganzoli L, Blackwell
KL, Cardoso MJ, Cufer T, El Saghir N, Fallowfield
Conconi A, Raderer M, Franceschetti S, Devizzi
L, Ferreri AJ, Magagnoli M, Arcaini L, Zinzani PL,
Martinelli G, Vitolo U, Kiesewetter B, Porro E,
Stathis A, Gaidano G, Cavalli F, Zucca E.
Clinical activity of everolimus in relapsed/
refractory marginal zone B-cell lymphomas: results
of a phase II study of the International Extranodal
Lymphoma Study Group.
Br J Haematol. 2014 Jul;166(1):69-76. IF 4.959;
Ranking 0.853.
Cortinovis D, Monica V, Pietrantonio F, Ceresoli GL,
La Spina CM, Wannesson L.
MicroRNAs in non-small cell lung cancer: current
status and future therapeutic promises.
Curr Pharm Des. 2014;20(24):3982-3990. IF
3.288; Ranking 0.758.
Damia G, Sessa C.
Success and Limitations of Targeted Cancer
Therapy in Ovarian Cancer.
Prog Tumor Res. 2014;41:89-97. IF 0.25.
Del Conte G, Sessa C, von Moos R, Viganò L,
Digena T, Locatelli A, Gallerani E, Fasolo A, Tessari
A, Cathomas R, Gianni L.
Phase I study of olaparib in combination with
liposomal doxorubicin in patients with advanced
solid tumors.
Br J Cancer. 2014;111(4):651-659. IF 4.817;
Ranking 0.794.
Di Lascio S, Pagani O.
Oligometastatic Breast Cancer: A Shift from
Palliative to Potentially Curative Treatment?
Breast Care (Basel). 2014;9(1):7-14. IF 0.911;
Ranking 0.13.
Di Mitri* D, Toso A*, Chen JJ, Sarti M, Pinton
S, Jost TR, D'Antuono R, Montani E, GarciaEscudero R, Guccini I, Da Silva-Alvarez S, Collado
M, Eisenberger M, Zhang Z, Catapano C, Grassi F,
Alimonti A.
Tumour-infiltrating Gr-1+ myeloid cells antagonize
senescence in cancer.
Nature. 2014;515(7525):134-137. IF 42.351;
Ranking 1.
(*DMD and TA contributed equally)
121
Domingues D, Turner A, Silva MD, Marques DS,
Mellidez JC, Wannesson L, Mountzios G, de Mello
RA.
Immunotherapy and lung cancer: current
developments and novel targeted therapies.
Immunotherapy. 2014;6(11):1221-1235. IF
2.44.
Dreyling M, Ghielmini M, Marcus R, Salles G, Vitolo
U, Ladetto M; ESMO Guidelines Working Group.
Newly diagnosed and relapsed follicular lymphoma:
ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis,
treatment and follow-up.
Ann Oncol. 2014;25 Suppl 3:iii76-82. IF 6.578;
Ranking 0.915.
Ferreri AJ, Gospodarowicz M, Zucca E, Christie D.
In reply.
Oncologist. 2014;19(12):1289-1290.
IF 4.54; Ranking 0.784.
S.
Management of non-small cell lung cancer in the
elderly.
Eur J Intern Med. 2014;25(10):888-894.
IF 2.3; Ranking 0.758.
Govi S, Christie D, Mappa S, Marturano E, Bruno
Ventre M, Messina C, Gracia Medina EA, Porter
D, Radford J, Heo DS, Park Y, Pro B, Jayamohan
J, Pavlakis N, Zucca E, Gospodarowicz M, Ferreri
AJ; on behalf of the International Extranodal
Lymphoma Study Group (I.E.L.S.G.).
The clinical features, management and prognosis
of primary and secondary indolent lymphoma of
the bone: a retrospective study of the international
extranodal lymphoma study group (the IELSG #14
study).
Leuk Lymphoma 2014;55(8):1796-1799. IF
2.605; Ranking 0.574.
Govi S, Christie D, Messina C, Bruno Ventre M,
Gracia Medina EA, Porter D, Radford J, Heo DS,
Park Y, Martinelli G, Taylor E, Lucraft H, Ballova V,
122
Zucca E, Gospodarowicz M, Ferreri AJ; on behalf
of the International Extranodal Lymphoma Study
Group (I.E.L.S.G.).
The clinical features, management and prognostic
effects of pathological fractures in a multicenter
series of 373 patients with diffuse large B-cell
lymphoma of the bone.
Ann Oncol. 2014 Jan;25(1):176-181. IF 6.578;
Ranking 0.915.
Lennerz V, Gross S, Gallerani E, Sessa C, Mach
N, Boehm S, Hess D, von Boehmer L, Knuth
A, Ochsenbein AF, Gnad-Vogt U, Zieschang J,
Forssmann U, Woelfel T, Kaempgen E.
Immunologic response to the sruvivin-derived
multi-epitope vaccine EMD640744 in pazients
with advanced solid tumors.
Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2014;63(4):38194. IF 3.943; Ranking 0.734.
Lopez-Guillermo A, Finolezzi E, Pileri SA, Davies A,
Cavalli F, Giovanella L, Johnson PW.
[18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose
Positron
Emission
Tomography
Predicts
Survival
After
Chemoimmunotherapy for Primary Mediastinal
Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Results of the
International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group
IELSG-26 Study.
J Clin Oncol. 2014 Jun 10;32(17):1769-75. IF
17.879; Ranking 0.98.
Martin V, Zanellato E, Franzetti-Pellanda A, Molinari
F, Movilia A, Paganotti A, Deantonio L, De Dosso S,
Assi A, Crippa S, Boldorini R, Mazzucchelli L, Saletti
P, Frattini M.
EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA characterization
in squamous cell anal cancer.
Histol Histopathol. 2014;29(4):513-21. IF 2.236;
Ranking 0.566.
Messina C, Ferreri AJ, Govi S, Bruno-Ventre M,
Gracia Medina EA, Porter D, Radford J, Heo DS,
Park HY, Pro B, Jayamohan J, Visco C, Scarfò
L, Zucca E, Gospodarowicz M, Christie D; the
International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group
(I.E.L.S.G.).
Clinical features, management and prognosis of
multifocal primary bone lymphoma: a retrospective
study of the international extranodal lymphoma
study group (the IELSG 14 study).
Br J Haematol. 2014 Mar;164(6):834-40. IF
4.959; Ranking 0.853.
Mian M, Kwee I, Rinaldi A, Ponzoni M, Bhagat G,
Rossi D, Arcaini L, Gascoyne RD, Mollejo M, Baldini
L, Thieblemont C, Gaidano G, Zucca E, Bertoni F.
Genome-wide DNA profiling identifies clonal
heterogeneity in marginal zone lymphomas.
Br J Haematol. 2014;164(6):896-899. IF 4.959;
Ranking 0.853.
Nabhan C, Ollberding NJ, Villines D, Chiu BC, Caces
DB, Valdez TV, Ghielmini M, Hsu Schmitz SF, Smith
SM.
A systematic review of comparative schedulerelated toxicities with maintenance rituximab in
follicular and mantle cell lymphomas.
Leuk Lymphoma. 2014;55(6):1288-94. IF 2.605;
Ranking 0.574.
Pagani O, Regan MM, Walley BA, Fleming GF,
Colleoni M, Láng I, Gomez HL, Tondini C, Burstein
HJ, Perez EA, Ciruelos E, Stearns V, Bonnefoi
HR, Martino S, Geyer CE Jr, Pinotti G, Puglisi F,
Crivellari D, Ruhstaller T, Winer EP, RabaglioPoretti M, Maibach R, Ruepp B, Giobbie-Hurder
A, Price KN, Bernhard J, Luo W, Ribi K, Viale G,
Coates AS, Gelber RD, Goldhirsch A, Francis PA;
TEXT and SOFT Investigators; International Breast
Cancer Study Group.
Adjuvant Exemestane with Ovarian Suppression
in Premenopausal Breast Cancer. N Engl J Med.
2014;371(2):107-118. IF 54.42; Ranking 1.
Partridge AH, Pagani O, Abulkhair O, Aebi S, Amant
F, Azim HA Jr, Costa A, Delaloge S, Freilich G,
Gentilini OD, Harbeck N, Kelly CM, Loibl S, Meirow
D, Peccatori F, Kaufmann B, Cardoso F.
First international consensus guidelines for
breast cancer in young women (BCY1). Breast.
2014;23(3):209-220. IF 2.581; Ranking 0.792.
Paranasal sinus metastasis of breast cancer.
BMJ Case Rep. 2014;2014.
Senkus E, Cardoso F, Pagani O.
Time for more optimism in metastatic breast
cancer?
Cancer Treat Rev. 2014;40(2):220-228. IF 6.466;
Ranking 0.91.
Toso A, Revandkar A, Di Mitri D, Guccini I, Proietti
M, Sarti M, Pinton S, Zhang J, Kalathur M, Civenni
G, Jarrossay D, Montani E, Marini C, GarciaEscudero R, Scanziani E, Grassi F, Pandolfi PP,
Catapano CV, Alimonti A.
Enhancing chemotherapy efficacy in Pten-deficient
prostate tumors by activating the senescenceassociated antitumor immunity.
Cell Rep. 2014;9(1):75-89. IF 7.21.
Treglia G, Paone G, Stathis A, Ceriani L, Giovanella
L.
An Unusual Case of Plasmablastic Lymphoma
Presenting as Paravertebral Mass Evaluated by
(18) F-FDG PET/CT.
Vannata B, Zucca E.
Hepatitis C virus-associated B-cell non-Hodgkin
lymphomas.
Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program.
2014;2014(1):590-598. IF 2.857.
von Hohenstaufen KA, Conconi A, de Campos CP,
Zucca E.
Prognostic impact of monocyte count at
presentation in mantle cell lymphoma - response
to Anupkumar et al.
Br J Haematol. 2014;164(6):893-894. IF 4.959;
123
Ranking 0.853.
Wannesson L, Viteri S, Costa C, Karachaliou N,
Molina-Vila MA, Rosell R.
Signaling pathways modulating dependence of
lung cancer on mutant epidermal growth factor
receptor and mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired
resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Curr Pharm Des. 2014;20(24):3883-3893. IF
3.288; Ranking 0.758.
Zucca E, Bertoni F, Vannata B, Cavalli F.
Emerging Role of Infectious Etiologies in the
Pathogenesis of Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphomas.
Clin Cancer Res. 2014;20(20):5207-5216. IF
8.193; Ranking 0.94.
Zucca E, Stathis A, Bertoni F.
The management of nongastric MALT lymphomas.
Oncology (Williston Park). 2014;28(1):86-93. IF
2.981; Ranking 0.598.
Paediatrics
Bettinelli A, Viganò C, Provero MC, Barretta F,
Albisetti A, Tedeschi S, Scicchitano B, Bianchetti
MG.
Phosphate homeostasis in Bartter syndrome: a
case-control study.
Pediatr Nephrol. 2014;29(11):2133-2138. IF
2.881; Ranking 0.875.
Bianchetti MG, Bettinelli A, Fossali EF, Faré
PB, Milani GP, Lavagno C, Lava SAG. Chalk
and blackboard interactive 2-day workshop for
pediatricians in training and medical students:
preliminary experience.
J Pers Med. 2014;12:68-72.
Dell'Orto VG, Belotti EA, Goeggel-Simonetti B,
Simonetti GD, Ramelli GP, Bianchetti MG, Lava
SAG.
Metabolic disturbances and renal stone promotion
on treatment with topiramate: a systematic review.
Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2014;77(6):958-64. IF 3.688.
124
Camozzi P, Milani GP, Bianchetti MG.
Leukotriene receptor antagonists in HenochSchönlein syndrome: friends or foes? Pediatr Int.
2014;56(5):802. IF 0.731; Ranking 0.152.
Capobianco S, Lava SAG, Bianchetti MG, Martinet
D, Belfiore M, Ramelli GP, Ferrarini A.
Chromosomal microarray among children with
intellectual disability: a useful diagnostic tool for
the clinical geneticist.
Dev Med Child Neurol. 2014;56(3):290. IF 3.292;
Ranking 0.938.
Dell’Orto V, Bernasconi E, Pezzoli V, Queirolo S,
Ramelli GP.
Severe, life-threatening Epstein-Barr Virus
encephalitis in an immunocompetent adolescent
girl.
J Pediatr Neurol 2014;12:217–219.
Ferrarini A, Gaillard M, Guerry F, Ramelli G, Heidi F,
Keddache CV, Wieland I, Beckmann JS, Jaquemont
S, Martinet D.
Potocki-Shaffer deletion encompassing ALX4 in a
patient with frontonasal dysplasia phenotype.
Am J Med Genet A. 2014;164A(2):346-352. IF
2.048; Ranking 0.352.
Ferrarini A, Lava SAG, Simonetti GD, Ramelli GP,
Bianchetti MG; Swiss Italian Society of Paediatrics.
Influenzavirus B-associated acute benign myalgia
cruris: an outbreak report and review of the
literature.
Neuromuscul Disord. 2014;24(4):342-346. IF
3.134; Ranking 0.723.
Le Gal F, Lebon S, Ramelli GP, Datta AN, Mercati D,
Maier O, Combescure C, Rodriguez MI, Seeck M,
Roulet E, Korff CM.
When is a child with status epilepticus likely to
have Dravet syndrome?
Epilepsy Res. 2014;108(4):740-247. IF 2.19;
Ranking 0.503.
Milani GP, Bianchetti MG, Mazzoni MB, Triulzi F,
Mauri MC, Agostoni C, Fossali EF.
Arterial hypertension and posterior reversible
cerebral edema syndrome induced by risperidone.
Paediatrics. 2014;133(3):e771--e774. IF 5.297;
Ranking 0.991.
Ramelli V, Ramelli GP, Lava SAG, Siegenthaler GM,
Cantù M, Bianchetti MG, Ceschi A.
Vitamin D status among children and adolescents
on anticonvulsant drugs in southern Switzerland.
Ranking 0.678.
Scurati-Manzoni E, Fossali EF, Agostoni C, Riva
E, Simonetti GD, Zanolari-Calderari M, Bianchetti
MG, Lava SAG.
Electrolyte abnormalities in cystic fibrosis:
systematic review of the literature.
Pediatr Nephrol. 2014;29(6):1015-1023. IF
2.881; Ranking 0.875.
Siegenthaler GM, Rizzi M, Bettinelli A, Simonetti
GD, Ferrarini A, Bianchetti MG.
Ureteral or vesical involvement in HenochSchönlein syndrome: a systematic review of the
literature.
Pediatr Nephrol. 2014;29(2):235-239. IF 2.881;
Ranking 0.875.
Studer M, Boltshauser E, Capone Mori A, Datta A,
Fluss J, Mercati D, Hackenberg A, Keller E, Maier
O, Marcoz JP, Ramelli GP, Poloni C, Schmid R,
Schmitt-Mechelke T, Wehrli E, Heinks T, Steinlin M.
Factors affecting cognitive outcome in early
pediatric stroke.
Neurology. 2014;82(9):784-792. IF 8.303;
Ranking 0.963.
Uestuener P, Ferrarini A, Santi M, Mardegan C,
Bianchetti MG, Simonetti GD, Milani GP, Lava SAG.
Taste acceptability of pulverized brand-name
and generic drugs containing amlodipine or
candesartan.
Int J Pharm. 2014;468(1-2):196-198. IF 3.785;
Ranking 0.825.
Paediatric surgery
Christen S, Mendoza M, Gobet R, Bode P, Weber
D.
Late ureteral obstruction after injection of
dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer.
Urology 2014;83(4):920-922. IF 2.132; Ranking
0.644.
Cravino M, Canavese F, De Rosa V, Marengo L,
Samba A, Rousset M, Mansour Khamallah M,
Andreacchio A.
Outcome of displaced distal tibial metaphyseal
fractures in children between 6 and 15 years of
age treated by elastic stable intramedullary nails.
Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2014;24(8):16031608. IF 0.18.
Palliative Care
Gamondi C, Borasio GD, Limoni C, Preston N,
Payne S.
Legalisation of assisted suicide: a safeguard to
euthanasia?
Lancet. 2014; 384: 127. IF 39.207; Ranking
0.993.
Radiology
Bongiovanni M, Vitale VA, Grassi P, Mazzucchelli L.
Malignant mixed müllerian tumor with an extensive
squamous-cell carcinomatous component: a
potential pitfall in liquid-based cervical cytology.
Acta Cytol. 2014;58(4):413-418. IF 1.562;
Ranking 0.303.
Bordoni A, Cerny A, Bihl F, Alerci M, Mazzola P,
Peverelli S, Marini G, Majno P, Mazzucchelli L,
Spitale A.
Survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients is
significantly improving: a population-based study
from southern Switzerland.
Cancer Epidemiol. 2014;38(6):679-685. IF 2.558;
Ranking 0.804.
125
Del Grande M, Del Grande F, Carrino J, Bingham
CO 3rd, Louie GH.
Cervical spine involvement early in the course of
rheumatoid arthritis.
Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2014;43(6):738-744. IF
3.629; Ranking 0.733.
Del Grande F, Farahani SJ, Carrino JA, Chhabra A.
Bone marrow lesions: A systematic diagnostic
approach.
Indian J Radiol Imaging. 2014 Jul;24(3):279-287.
Del Grande F, Santini F, Herzka DA, Aro MR, Dean
CW, Gold GE, Carrino JA.
Fat-suppression techniques for 3-T MR imaging of
the musculoskeletal system.
Radiographics. 2014;34(1):217-233. I
F 2.729; Ranking 0.725.
Del Grande F, Subhawong T, Flammang A, Fayad
LM.
Chemical shift imaging at 3 Tesla: effect of echo
time on assessing bone marrow abnormalities.
Skeletal Radiol. 2014;43(8):1139-1147. IF 1.743;
Ranking 0.525.
Del Grande F, Subhawong T, Weber K, Aro M,
Mugera C, Fayad LM.
Detection of soft-tissue sarcoma recurrence: added
value of functional MR imaging techniques at 3.0 T.
Radiology. 2014;271(2):499-511. IF 6.214;
Ranking 0.975.
Del Grande F, Tatizawa-Shiga N, Jalali Farahani S,
Chalian M, Fayad LM.
Chemical shift imaging: preliminary experience as
an alternative sequence for defining the extent of
a bone tumor.
Quant Imaging Med Surg. 2014;4(3):173-180.
Dreizin D, Ahlawat S, Del Grande F, Fayad LM.
Gradient-echo in-phase and opposed-phase
chemical shift imaging: role in evaluating bone
marrow.
Clin Radiol. 2014;69(6):648-657. IF 1.663;
Ranking 0.483.
126
Radiation Oncology
Abacioglu U, Ozen Z, Yilmaz M, Arifoglu A, Gunhan
B, Kayalilar N, Peker S, Sengoz M, Gurdalli S, Cozzi
L.
Critical appraisal of RapidArc radiosurgery with
flattening filter free photon beams for benign brain
lesions in comparison to GammaKnife: a treatment
planning study.
Radiat Oncol. 2014;9:119. IF 2.36; Ranking
0.683.
Belosi MF, Rodriguez M, Fogliata A, Cozzi L,
Sempau J, Clivio A, Nicolini G, Vanetti E, Krauss
H, Khamphan C, Fenoglietto P, Puxeu J, Fedele D,
Mancosu P, Brualla L.
Monte Carlo simulation of TrueBeam flatteningfilter-free beams using varian phase-space files:
comparison with experimental data.
Med Phys. 2014 May;41(5):051707. IF 3.012;
Ranking 0.8.
Clivio A, Belosi MF, Cozzi L, Nicolini G, Vanetti E,
Bolard G, Fenoglietto P, Krauss H, Fogliata A.
On the determination of reference levels for quality
assurance of flattening filter free photon beams in
radiation therapy.
Med Phys. 2014;41(2):021713. IF 3.012;
Ranking 0.8.
Comito T, Cozzi L, Clerici E, Campisi MC, Liardo
RL, Navarria P, Ascolese A, Tozzi A, Iftode C, De
Rose F, Villa E, Personeni N, Rimassa L, Santoro
A, Fogliata A, Mancosu P, Tomatis S, Scorsetti M.
Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) in
inoperable oligometastatic disease from colorectal
cancer: a safe and effective approach.
BMC Cancer. 2014;14:619. IF 3.319; Ranking
0.638.
Fogliata A, Belosi F, Clivio A, Navarria P, Nicolini G,
Scorsetti M, Vanetti E, Cozzi L.
On the pre-clinical validation of a commercial
model-based optimisation engine: Application to
volumetric modulated arc therapy for patients with
lung or prostate cancer.
Radiother Oncol. 2014;113(3):385-391.
4.857; Ranking 0.933.
1945. IF 3.009; Ranking 0.603.
IF
Fogliata A, Wang PM, Belosi F, Clivio A, Nicolini G,
Vanetti E, Cozzi L.
Assessment of a model based optimization engine
for volumetric modulated arc therapy for patients
with advanced hepatocellular cancer.
Radiat Oncol. 2014 Oct 28;9(1):236. IF 2.36;
Ranking 0.683.
Mancosu P, Reggiori G, Alongi F, Cozzi L, Fogliata
A, Lobefalo F, Navarria P, Stravato A, Tomatis S,
Scorsetti M.
Total monitor units influence on plan quality
parameters in volumetric modulated arc therapy
for breast case.
Phys Med. 2014;30(3):296-300. IF 1.849;
Ranking 0.583.
Navarria P, Ascolese AM, Tomatis S, Cozzi L, De
Rose F, Mancosu P, Alongi F, Clerici E, Lobefalo F,
Tozzi A, Reggiori G, Fogliata A, Scorsetti M.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in lung
oligometastatic patients: role of local treatments.
Radiat Oncol. 2014;9(1):91. IF 2.36; Ranking
0.683.
Scorsetti M, Alongi F, Clerici E, Comito T, Fogliata
A, Iftode C, Mancosu P, Navarria P, Reggiori G,
Tomatis S, Villa E, Cozzi L.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy with flattening
filter-free beams for prostate cancer: assessment
of patient-reported quality of life.
J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2014;140(10):1795800. IF 3.009; Ranking 0.603.
Scorsetti M, Navarria P, De Rose F, Ascolese
A, Clerici E, Franzese C, Lobefalo F, Reggiori G,
Mancosu P, Tomatis S, Fogliata A, Cozzi L.
Outcome and toxicity profiles in the treatment
of locally advanced lung cancer with volumetric
modulated arc therapy.
J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2014;140(11):1937-
Stroom J, Vieira S, Mateus D, Greco C, Fogliata A,
Nicolini G, Clivio A, Vanetti E, Cozzi L.
On the robustness of VMAT-SABR treatment plans
against isocentre positioning uncertainties.
Radiat Oncol. 2014;9:196. IF 2.36; Ranking
0.683.
Tozzi A, Cozzi L, Iftode C, Ascolese A, Campisi MC,
Clerici E, Comito T, De Rose F, Fogliata A, Franzese
C, Mancosu P, Navarria P, Tomatis S, Villa E,
Scorsetti M.
Radiation therapy of anal canal cancer: from
conformal therapy to volumetric modulated arc
therapy.
BMC Cancer. 2014 Nov 18;14:833. IF 3.319;
Ranking 0.638.
Wang PM, Hsu WC, Chung NN, Chang FL, Jang
CJ, Fogliata A, Scorsetti M, Cozzi L.
Feasibility of stereotactic body radiation therapy
with volumetric modulated arc therapy and
high intensity photon beams for hepatocellular
carcinoma patients.
Radiat Oncol. 2014;9:18. IF 2.36; Ranking 0.683.
Surgery
Corni V, Lucchina S, Fusetti C.
Is Masson's tumour only a slow-growing benign
neoplasm? A case report.
Hand Surg. 2014;19(3):445-447.
Cristaudi A, Matthey-Gié ML, Demartines N,
Christoforidis D.
Prospective Assessment of Trocar-Specific
Morbidity in Laparoscopy.
World J Surg, 2014;38(12):3089-3096. IF
2.348; Ranking 0.726.
Farid KJ, Gefen A, Harder Y, Iaizzo P, Cullifford
AT4th, Scheiner J, Bajaj S.
Highlights from the International Forum on Deep
Tissue Injury Evolution: A Research-based Scientific
127
Collaborative.
Ostomy Wound Manage 2014;60(2): 18-28. IF
1.299; Ranking 0.416.
Garofalo F, Christoforidis D, Di Summa PG, Gay
B, Cherix S, Raffoul W, Demartines N, Matter M.
The unresolved case of sacral chordoma: from
misdiagnosis to challenging surgery and medical
therapy resistance.
Ann Coloproctol. 2014;30(3):122-31.
Harder Y, Allan AA, Eder M, Kovacs L, Schantz JT,
Machens HG.
Eigenfetttransfer zur Korrektur von erworbenen
Konturdefekten und Volumenasymmetrien nach
rekonstruktiven Brusteingriffen.
Plastische Chirurgie 2014; 1:26-36.
Largo RD, Tchang LAH, Mele V, Scherberich A,
Harder Y, Wettstein R, Schaefer DJ.
Efficacy, safety, and complications of autologous
fat grafting to healthy breast tissue: A systematic
review.
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2014 67(4):437448. IF 1.474.
Lee JT, Marquez TT, Clerc D, Gie O, Demartines
N, Madoff RD, Rothenberger DA, Christoforidis D.
Pursestring closure of the stoma site leads to
fewer wound infections: results from a multicenter
randomized controlled trial.
Dis Colon Rectum. 2014;57(11):1282-1289. IF
3.198; Ranking 0.893.
Lucchina S, Fusetti C.
A touch of humanity. Hands on stamps: Brazil
1979- 150th Anniversary of the first publication
in Braille Writing.
J Hand Surg Am. 2014;39(2):345. IF 1.655;
Ranking 0.589.
Müller D, Kwak MS, Rezaeian F, Harder Y.
Das chronische Lymphödem und seine
rekonstruktive Therapie.
Onkologie 2014; 4:262-264. IF 0.835; Ranking 0.055.
128
Nebiker C, Han J, Eppenberger-Castori S, Iezzi
G, Hirt C, Amicarella F, Cremonesi E, Huber X,
Padovan E, Angrisani B, Droeser R A, Rosso R,
Bolli M, Oertli D, von Holzen U, Adamina M, Muraro
M G, Memgus C, Zajac P, Sconocchia G, Zuber M,
Tornillo L, Terracciano L, Spagnoli GC.
GM – CSF production by tumor cells is associated
with improved survival in colorectal cancer.
Clin Cancer Res. 2014;20(12):3094-106. IF
8.193; Ranking 0.94.
Posabella A, Galetti K, Engelberger S, Giovannacci
L, Gyr T, Rosso R.
A huge mucinous cystadenoma of ovarian: a rare
case report and review of the literature.
Rare Tumors 2014; 6(2):5225.
Reckhenrich AK, Kirsch BM, Wahl EA, Schenck
TL, Rezaeian F, Harder Y, Foehr P, Machens HG,
Egana JT.
Surgical sutures filled with adipose-derived stem
cells promote wound healing.
PLOS One. 2014; 9(3): e91169. IF 3.534; Ranking
0.873.
Schantz JT, Harder Y, Largo R, Müller D,
Wettstein R, Tchang LA, Schaefer DJ, Machens
HG, Hutmacher DW.
Gewinnung, Aufbereitung und Applikation autologer
Fettzellen.
Plastische Chirurgie 2014;2:87-92.
Tröster B, Fusetti C.
Muss das Vieleckbein bei der Sattelgelenksarthrose
immer entfernt worden? [Is it necessary to remove
the whole trapezium in thumb osteoarthritis].
Ther Umsch. 2014;71(7):410-414.
Van den Berg J, Pedrotti M, Canevascini R,
Chimchila Chevili S, Giovannacci L, Rosso R.
In-stent restenosis: mid-term results of debulking
using excimer laser and drug-eluting balloons:
sustained benefit?
J Invasive Cardiol 2014;26(7):333-337. IF 0.824;
Ranking: 0.139.
Winkler T, Dai XY, Mielke G, Vogt S, Buechner H,
Schantz JT, Harder Y, Machens HG, Morlock MM,
Schilling AF.
Three-dimensional quantification of calcium saltcomposite resorption (CSC) in vitro by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT).
JOM. 2014; 66(4):559-565.
Wettstein R, Tchang LAH, Largo RD, Schantz JT,
Machens HG, Schaefer DJ, Harder Y.
Eigenfettgewebetransplantation und Brustkrebs:
Was wissen wir heute?
Plastische Chirurgie 2014;2:81-86.
Publications in non-peer-reviewed journals in
2014
Dermatology
Bertoli R, Mondino C, Andreocchi L, Bernasconi E,
Mainetti C.
Fotosensibilità ai farmaci.
Tribuna Medica Ticinese 2014,79(12):303-307.
Nuclear Medicine
F-18-DOPA PET/CT revealed a neuroendocrine
tumor located in an unusual site.
Schweizer Krebsbulletin. 2014;34:267-268.
Zanisi L, Fraulini C, Salsano F, Mazzucchelli L,
Paone G, Pedrazzini A.
Patologia in pillole Nr. 88. Carcinoma follicolare
della variante oncocitica in struma ovarii.
Tribuna medica ticinese. 2014;79:159-161.
Nursing Medicine
Walther-Veri S, Bernardi-Zucca I.
Giornata di studio organizzata da SUPSI, la
Plateforme latine de recherche en soins palliatifs
et fin de vie e l’Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale di Ticino.
Palliative ch. 2014;3:38-39.
Willems Cavalli Y.
Pflege in der Rehabilitation: Veränderungen und
Zukunftsaussichten am Beispiel Tessin.
H+ Hospital Forum Competence 2014;(10):36.
Internal Medicine
Schmauss D, Harder Y, Machens HG, Lohmeyer
JA.
Rapidly growing histologicall confirmed female
breast in a genotypically confirmed male.
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2014 67(4):e114115. IF 1.474.
Schmauss D, Wettstein R, Tobalem M, Machens
HG, Rezaeian F, Harder Y. New Treatment
Strategies to reduce Burn Wound Progression.
Neue Behandlungsstrategien zur Verringerung
der Brandwundenprogression.
GMS Ger Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2014 4:1-12.
Oncology
Bertoli R, Andreocchi L, Franscella S, Bernasconi E.
Ginecomastia da farmaci.
Tribuna Medica Ticinese 2014;79(9):225-227.
Canonica-Lepori A, Andreocchi L, Bissig M,
Bernasconi E.
Favismo: fave, ma non solo!
Pascale M, Marongiu B, Pesce G, Barizzi J,
Wyttenbach R, Treglia G, Bordoni A, Stoffel F,
Roggero E.
Gestione multidisciplinare dei pazienti con tumori
urogenitali presso l'ente ospedaliero cantonale.
Tribuna medica ticinese. 2014; 79:245-248.
Palliative Care
Poncini G, Pironi M, Parlato S, Bertoli R, Monotti R.
Vitamina B12.
Pereira Mestre R, Stelmes JJ, Azinwi NC, Pesce G,
Cartolari R, Sanna P.
129
Multidisciplinary management of bone metastases
in advanced cancer care.
Schweizer Krebsbulletin 2014;34(3):203-208.
Eigenfettgewebetransplantation in die Brust, ja
aber.
Schweizerisches Medizin-Forum
2014;14(49):954-956.
Poster: PROtocolized Care to Reduce HYpotension
after Spinal Anesthesia (ProCRHYSA randomized
trial): Statistical Plan.
Antwerp, Belgium, 27th-29th November 2014.
Communications at medical conference in
Saporito A, Lo Piccolo A, Franceschini D, Tomasetti
R, Anselmi L.
Third annual World Congress on Ultrasound in
Medical Education (WCUME).
Poster: Thoracic ultrasound for confirmation of
correct lung exclusion before one lung ventilation
in thoracic surgery.
Portland, Oregon (USA), 9th-12th October 2014.
Radiation Oncology
Pittoni P, Valli MC, Richetti A.
Il carcinoma dell’endometrio Qual è il ruolo della
radioterapia oggi?
Onkologiepflege 2014 March.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation
Manelli A, Schiavone N, Vapino G, Beghello L, Cipolli
A, Trucco E.
Osservazioni sull'uso di resistenze elastiche
e pneumatiche nella riabilitazione della spalla
operata di cuffia dei rotatori.
La Riabilitazione. 2014;1 vol. XLVIII.
Marti C, Prigione G, Manelli A, Schiavone N.
Approccio riabilitativo nel paziente oncologico in
ambito degenziale.
La Riabilitazione. 2014;1 vol. XLIII.
Surgery
Candrian C, Schiavone N, Del Grande F, Marbach
F, Walch G.
La periartropatia omeroscapolare non esiste la
tendinite calcarea.
Candrian C, Schiavone N, Del Grande F, Marbach
F, Walch G.
La periartropatia omeroscapolare – le patologie
dell’articolazione acromio-claveari.
Dessi K, Arigoni M, Candrian C.
Le fratture mediche costali-intervenire chirurgicamente?
Tribuna Medina Ticinese 2014;79(4):119-122.
Wettstein R, Ling B, Harder Y, Schaefer DJ.
130
2014
Anaesthesiology
Ceruti S, Peruzzo M, Franceschini D, De Vivo S, Lo
Piccolo A, De Bianchi D, Anselmi L, Saporito A.
Third annual World Congress on Ultrasound in
Medical Education (WCUME).
Oral communication: PROtocolized Care to Reduce
HYpotension after Spinal Anesthesia (ProCRHYSA
randomized trial).
Portland, Oregon (USA), 9th-12th October 2014.
Ceruti S, Peruzzo M, Minotti B, Franceschini D,
De Vivo S, Lo Piccolo A, De Bianchi D, Anselmi L,
Saporito A.
Congresso Nazionale della Società Italiana di
Anestesia, Analgesia e Rianimazione e Terapia
Intensiva (SIAARTI).
Oral communication: PROtocolized Care to Reduce
HYpotension after Spinal Anesthesia (ProCRHYSA
randomized trial).
Venice, Italy, 22nd-25th October 2014.
Saporito A.
10th Winfocus World Congress.
Poster: PROtocolized Care to Reduce HYpotension
after Spinal Anesthesia (ProCRHYSA randomized
trial): Statistical Plan.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 15th-19th November
2014.
Saporito A.
4th International Fluid Academy Days (IFAD)
Meeting.
in pregnancy (CPP2014).
Oral communication: Aortic dissection in the third
trimester of preganancy in a pluriparus without
risk factors.
Venice, Italy, 20th-23rd February 2014.
Hurni Y, Vigo F, Lipp Von Wattenwyl BM,
Ochsenbein-Kölble N, Canonica C.
16. Kongress der Deutsche Gesellschaft für
Pränatal und Geburtsmedizin DGPGM.
Poster: Fetal Cholelithiasis: Antenatal diagnosis
and neonatal follow-up in a case of twin pregnancy
- A case report and review of the literature.
Bonn, Germany, 14th-16th May 2014.
Geriatrics
Quadri P, Levorato A, Meroni F, Bolliger I, Rocchi S,
Zanda E, Zemp D, Tettamanti M, Lucca U.
Alzheimer's Association International Conference
2014.
Poster: Association of gait and balance with
incidence od dementia in a population of mildly
cognitively impaired patients: the Canton Ticino
Study.
Copenhagen, Denmark, 12th–17th July 2014.
Published in: Alzheimer’s & Dementia 2014;
10(Issue 4 Suppl): P745.
Gynaecology
Cattoni E, Meani F, Mazzucchelli L, Canonica C,
Caccia G, Wyss D, Richetti L, Gyr T.
SGGG Jahreskongress gynécologie suisse 2014.
Poster: Ductal Carcinoma in situ influences the
reoperation rates of breast cancer patients.
Interlaken, Switzerland, 25th-27th June 2014.
Cattoni E, Salvatore S, Filippakos F, Leidi L, Gyr T.
Oral communication: Is urodynamic evaluation of
any value before prolapse surgery?
Filippakos F.
The 3rd international congress on cardiac problems
Hurni Y, Vigo F, Lipp Von Wattenwyl BM,
Ochsenbein-Kölble N, Canonica C.
Poster: Fetal Cholelithiasis: Antenatal diagnosis
and neonatal follow-up in a case of twin pregnancy
- A case report and review of the literature.
Montagna G, Meani F, Zgraggen L, Polli C,
Filippakos F, Gyr T.
Poster: Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery
(LESS) for adnexal masses: our experience.
Intensive Care Medicine
Comery A, Bocchi A, Degiorgi A, Ghanfili E, Conti M,
Malacrida R, Merlani P. Assemblée annuelle SGISSMI 2014.
Poster: “Organ donation process in a Regional
Hospital - Learning from mistakes”.
Interlaken, Switzerland, 29th-31st October 2014.
Conti M, Merlani P.
Assemblée annuelle SGI-SSMI 2014.
Poster: Prospective pilot study of the impact of
web-based conferencing on continuous medical
education in a critical care setting.
131
Gigon F, Merlani P, Ricou B.
27rd Annual Congress of the European Society of
Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) 2014.
Poster: Patients’ and relatives’ knowledge,
interests and communication about advance care
planning.
Barcelona, Spain, 27th September-1st October
2014.
population.
Interlaken, Switzerland, 4th-5th December 2014.
Gigon F, Merlani P, Ricou B.
Assemblée annuelle SGI-SSMI 2014.
Poster: “Patients’ and relatives’ knowledge,
interests and communication wishes about
advance care planning”.
Menafoglio A, Di Valentino M, Foglia P, Porretta
A, Siragusa P, Romano GA, Pezzoli R, Maggi M,
Moschovitis G, Gallino A.
Congress of the European Society of Cardiology.
Oral communication: Cardiovascular screening in
middle-aged individuals engaged in high intensity
sport activities: implications, yield and cost-analysis.
Barcelona, Spain, 1st-3rd September 2014.
Internal Medicine
Di Valentino M, Menafoglio A, Porretta P, Foglia
P, Siragusa P, Romano GA, Pezzoli R, Maggi M,
Moschovitis G, Gallino A.
Congress of the Swiss Society of Cardiology.
Oral communication: Cardiovascular screening in
middle-aged individuals engaged in high intensity
sport activities: implications, yield and cost-analysis.
Di Valentino M, Porretta AP, Foglia P, Siragusa P,
Romano GA, Pezzoli R, Maggi M, Moschovitis G,
Gallino A, Menafoglio A.
Poster: Electrocardiogram in young and middleaged athletes: differences in characteristics and
prevalence of abnormalities.
Forni Ogna V, Ogna A, Pruijm M, Vuistiner P, Ponte
B, Ackermann D, Gabutti L, Vakilzadeh N, Mohaupt
M, Martin P, Guessous I, Pechère-Bertschi A,
Paccaud F, Bochud M, Burnier M.
46th Annual Meeting of the Swiss Society of
Nephrology.
Poster: New anthropometry-based-age- and sexspecific reference values of the urinary 24-h
creatinine excretion based on the adult Swiss
132
Gabutti L.
ERA-EDTA Congress.
Oral communication: Towards a patient-tailored
strategy.
Amsterdam, Holland, 31st May – 3rd June 2014.
Schönholzer C.
46th Annual Meeting of the Swiss Society of
Nephrology 2014.
Oral communication: Final Symposium: The really
tough Cases - Who cares and who pays? The
peritoneal dialysis “quota” patient.
Interlaken, Switzerland, 4th-5th December 2014.
Wein B, Zurek M, Maeder M, Mach F, Moschovitis
G, Beer JH, Senges J, Pfister O. on behalf of EVITARAID-HF-Registry.
Poster: Iron-deficiency and associated factors
in patients with congestive heart failure in
Switzerland: Insights from the EVITA-RAID-HFregistry.
van den Berg JC.
CACVS 2014.
The V12 RX covered stent as a problem solver for
renal and visceral arteries.
Paris, France, 23rd-25th January 2014.
van den Berg JC.
LINC 2014.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm: basics of endovascular
repair.
Leipzig, Germany, 28th-29th January 2014.
van den Berg JC.
iCON 2014.
Treatment of in-stent restenosis in the SFA:
results at three years using drug eluting balloons
and debulking.
Phoenix, Arizona, USA, 9th-13th February 2014.
van den Berg JC.
iCON 2014.
Endovascular treatment of iliofemoral deep venous
thrombosis.
van den Berg JC.
iCON 2014.
Treatment of central venous stenoses related to
dialysis fistula: tips and tricks for endovascular
treatment.
van den Berg JC, Lee J.
SIR 2014.
Bronchial artery embolization case show.
San Diego, California, USA, 22nd-27th March 2014.
van den Berg JC.
GEST 2014.
Case-based
discussion:
bronchial
artery
embolization.
San Francisco, California, USA, 1st-4th May 2014.
van den Berg JC.
GEST 2014.
Bronchial artery anatomy and variants.
San Francisco, California, USA, 1st-4th May 2014.
van den Berg JC.
18th EVC 2014.
Strategies for optimizing the safety of carotid
stenting in the hyperacute period after onset of
symptoms.
Maastricht, Netherlands, 12th-14th May 2014.
van den Berg JC.
EuroPCR 2014.
Alternative solutions in lower limb revascularisation: the classical way; balloon angioplasty, bare
metal sents.
Paris, France, 20th-23rd May 2014.
van den Berg JC.
NCVH 2014.
4F lower limb intervention.
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 28th-30th May 2014.
van den Berg JC.
MEET 2014.
Treatment of type II endoleak.
Nice, France, 7th-11th June 2014.
van den Berg JC.
CCVVC 2014.
Which patients and lesions benefit the most with
mechanical debulking-when should atherectomy
be a stand-alone therapy.
New York, New York, USA, 10th-11th June 2014.
van den Berg JC.
CCVVC 2014.
DEB technology in SFA lesions and is the future a
combination with atherectomy.
New York, New York, USA, 10th-11th June 2014.
van den Berg JC.
SGR 2014.
SUPERA clinical results in the SFA-resolving
challenging situations.
Montreux, Switzerland, 12th-14th June 2014.
Walker C, van den Berg JC.
AMP 2014.
Roundtable laser atherectomy workshop.
Chicago, Illinois, USA, 14th-16th August 2014.
van den Berg JC.
AMP 2014.
133
Laser atherectomy followed with DCB.
van den Berg JC.
AMP 2014.
Pathophysiology and mechanism of action of stem
cell therapy.
van den Berg JC.
Paris Masterclass in PAD.
How to improve the vascular access management?
Paris, France, 12th September 2014.
van den Berg JC.
Vascular Forum Milan Interventional Club.
Dissezione aortica acuta e syndrome da malperfusione: tecniche endovascolari.
Milan, Italy, 15th November 2014.
van den Berg JC.
41st VEITH Symposium.
Use of collaterals for access and retrograde wire
passage: how to do it.
New York, New York, USA, 18th-22nd November
2014.
van den Berg JC.
Laser atherectomy and stent graft vs. laser
atherectomy and DEB for ISR: which is best and
why debulking is essential.
2014.
van den Berg JC.
Endovascular treatment of anastomotic complications after open surgery – including false aneurysms and infections.
2014.
van den Berg JC.
22nd AIM Symposium.
134
Peripheral vascular intervention as an outpatient
procedure.
New York, New York, USA, 17th-20th November
2014.
van den Berg JC.
4 French instrumentation for lower extremity
disease treatment as an outpatient: experience in
>2000 patients over 10 years: how to do it.
2014.
van den Berg JC.
VERVE Symposium.
Long-term results of laser and DEB for In-Stent
Restenosis.
Sydney, Australia, 4th-6th December 2014.
van den Berg JC.
VERVE Symposium.
The use of neuro-interventional techniques in
peripheral intervention.
van den Berg JC.
VERVE Symposium.
Endovascular treatment of anastomotic breakdown and false aneurysm after open surgical repair.
van den Berg JC.
6th International Congress Aortic Surgery and
Anesthesia “How to do it”.
Kidney function and blood pressure response to
renal artery stenting.
Milan, Italy, 11th-13th December 2014.
Laboratory Medicine
Freydiere AM, Gervasoni K, Descours G,
Vandenesch F, Gérard L, Gaia V, Jarraud S.
24th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology
and Infectious Diseases, ECCMID 2014.
Poster: Evaluation of the SOFIA LEGIONELLA FIA in
comparison with the BINAX NOW® LEGIONELLA
urinary antigen card in two National Reference
Centers.
Barcelona, Spain, 10th-13th May 2014.
Gaia V, De Respinis S, Monnin V, Arend S, Cellière
B, Girard V, Tonolla M.
ESCMID Study Group for Legionella Infections,
ESGLI 2014.
Poster: Rapid identification of Legionella spp. by
VITEK® MS.
Barcelona, Spain, 17th-19th September 2014.
Neurology
Agazzi P, Gobbi C.
11th European Congress on Epileptology.
Poster: Long term follow-up (over 10 years)
of limbic encephalitis associated with voltagegated potassium channel (VGKC)-complex/LGI1
antibodies.
Stockholm, Sweden, 29th June – 3rd July 2014.
Published in: Epilepsia 2014;55(Suppl. 2):162. doi:
10.1111/epi.12675.
Caporro M, Gobbi C, Zecca C.
American Academy of Neurology.
Life threatening asthmatic crisis after 6 months of
fingolimod treatment.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 26th April - 3rd
May 2014.
Published in: Neurol. 2014;82(10
Supplement):P2.225.
Caporro M, Gobbi C, Zecca C.
ECTRIMS.
Poster: Life threatening asthmatic crisis after
prolonged fingolimod treatment.
Boston, Massachusetts, USA, 10th–13th
September 2014.
Published in: Mult Scler. 2014;20(1 suppl):450.
Gobbi C, Penner IK, Kamm C, Linnebank M,
Baumann A, Henny C, Schwager K, Achtnichts L.
Swiss Society of Neurology, Annual Meeting.
Teriflunomide in Routine Clinical Practice: Design
of the TACO Study.
Interlaken, Switzerland, 29th–31st October 2014.
Gobbi C, Penner I-K, Rohrer S, Schwager K, StallaBourdillon A.
Joint Congress of European Neurology 2014.
Abstract: Teriflunomide in routine clinical practice:
design of the TACO study.
Istanbul, Turkey, 31st May-3rd June 2014.
Published in: Eur J Neurol. 21(Suppl. 1):507.
Gobbi C, Riccitelli GC, Calabrese P, Pravatà E,
Candrian U, Guttmann CRG, Zecca C.
Treatment Satisfaction, Adherence and Behavioural Assessment in Patients De – escalating
from Natalizumab To Interferon Beta.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 26th April - 3rd
May 2014.
Published in: Neurol. 2014;82(10
Supplement):P7.235.
Maino P.
Swiss Pain Congress.
Efficacious dorsal root ganglion stimulation for
painful small fiber neuropathy SSIPM.
Montreux, Switzerland, 21th–22nd November
2014.
Maino P, Koetsier E.
33rd Annual European Society Regional
Anaesthesia (ESRA) Congress.
From surgical plate electrode to dorsal root
ganglion stimulation, 29 year of effective
neuropathic pain relief with neuromodulation: a
case report.
Seville, Spain, 3rd-6th September 2014.
Maino P, Perez RSGM, Koetsier E.
World Pain Congress.
Accuracy of template-guided refill technique of
intrathecal pumps controlled by fluoroscopy.
Maastricht, The Netherlands, 7th-10th May 2014.
135
Maino P, Koetsier E, Gobbi C.
18th Annual Meeting of the North American
Neuromodulation Society.
Subbaroyan A case study in targeted spinal cord
stimulation (SCS) for small fiber neuropathy: the
clinical utility of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) as a
neuromodulation target.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, 11th-14th December
2014.
Maino P, Koetsier E, Gobbi C, Subbaroyan J.
North American Neuromodulation Society, 18th
Annual Meeting.
A case study in targeted spinal cord stimulation
(SCS) for small fiber neuropathy: The clinical
utility of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) as a
neuromodulation target.
Las Vegas, Nevada, 11th-14th December 2014.
Piorkowska K, Antoniello A, Davranche A, Paganetti
P, Pihlgren M, Adolfsson O, Gafner V, Di Cara DM,
Hotzel I, Ayalon G, Pfeifer A, Muhs A.
SFN Neuroscience.
Development of sensitive assays for specific
detection of phosphorylated Tau in human tissue.
Washington DC, USA, 15th-19th November 2014.
Pravatà E, Riccitelli GC, Rocca MA, Pagani E,
Radaelli M, Martinelli-Boneschi F, Comi C, Filippi M,
Gobbi C.
Quarta Giornata della Ricerca Clinica della Svizzera
Italiana.
Abstract: Selective WM damage is associated to
the co-occurrence of depression and fatigue in
multiple sclerosis.
Bellinzona, Switzerland, 28th March 2014.
Pravatà E, Sestieri C, Caulo M, Riccitelli G, Zecca C,
Pifferini V, Navarajah N, Cianfoni A, Gobbi C.
Italiana.
Abstract: Modulation of brain MRI functional
connectivity induced by cognitive effort in MS
patients with fatigue.
136
Cianfoni A, Gobbi C.
RSNA 100th Scientific Assembly and Annual
Meeting.
Abstract SSG12-08: Brain intrinsic Resting-State
Functional Connectivity modulation induced by
mental effort in Multiple Sclerosis patients with
Fatigue.
Chicago, Illinois, USA, 30th November–5th
December 2014.
Riccitelli GC, Rocca MA, Gobbi C, Pagani E, Pravatà
E, Radaelli M, Martinelli-Boneschi F, Falini A, Comi
G, Filippi M.
Abstract: Forceps minor damage and cooccurrence of depression and fatigue in multiple
sclerosis.
Riccitelli GC, Rocca MA, Pagani E, Preziosa P,
Martinelli V, Comi, Filippi M, Gobbi C.
Italiana.
Abstract: Influence of depression and fatigue on
brain damage in multiple sclerosis.
Rocca MA, Valsasina P, Pravatà E, Radaelli M,
Martinelli-Boneschi F, Gobbi C, Falini A, Comi G,
Filippi M.
ECTRIMS.
Poster: Depressive symptoms in MS patients are
associated with abnormal hippocampal resting
state functional connectivity. P531. Boston,
Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,
10th–13th September 2014.
Published in: Mult Scler. 2014; 20(1 suppl):303.
Sgroi S, Capper-Loup C, Kaelin-Lang A.
DKF Clinical Day.
ENK and DYN neuropeptides correlate differently
with motor activity and levodopa induced dyskinesia
in parkinsonian rats.
University of Berne, Switzerland, 2014.
18th MDS International Congress of Parkinson’s
Disease and Movement Disorders.
Poster: Role of the opioid receptors on the motor
activity and dyskinesia in 6-OHDA parkinsonian
rats.
Stockholm, Sweden, 8th-12th June 2014.
SSN Meeting 2014 and Clinical Neurosciences.
Spontaneous locomotor activity and L-DOPA
induced dyskinesia are not linked in 6-OHDA
parkinsonian rats.
Bern, Switzerland, 24th-25th January 2014
SFN Neuroscience.
Poster: Different involvement of opioid receptors
in motor control and levodopa induced dyskinesia.
Washington DC, USA, 15th-19th November 2014.
Valci L, Pravatà E, Kuhlen D, Gobbi C, Dalolio M,
Cianfoni A, Reinert M.
Italiana.
Abstract: Un caso di encefalocele intradiploico dell’area motoria primaria: implicazioni
elettrofisiologiche durante la chirurgia.
Zanini C, Maino P.
Conference on Communication, Medicine and
Ethics.
What matters to the patient. Doctors' views on
how to operationalize the patient perspective in
the field of chronic pain.
Lugano, Switzerland, 26th-28th June 2014.
Zecca C, Disanto G, Panicari L, Candrian U,
Staedler C, Gobbi C.
Swiss Society of Neurology, Annual Meeting.
Switching from first line immune modulating
treatments to glatiramer acetate: A valid
treatment option?
Interlaken, Switzerland, 29th–31st October 2014.
Zecca C, Kamm CP, Riccitelli GC, Heldner MR,
Caporro M, Staedler S, Gobbi C.
Natalizumab in Multiple Sclerosis with Spinal
Involvement.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 26th April -3rd May
2014.
Published
in:
Neurol.
2014;82(10
Supplement):P7.209.
Zecca C, Kamm CP, Riccitelli G, Heldner MR,
Caporro M, Städler C, Gobbi C.
Abstract: Natalizumab in spinal relapsing-remitting
multiple sclerosis.
Zecca C, Pravatà E, Rocca MA, Riccitelli GC,
Cianfoni A, Filippi M, Gobbi C.
ECTRIMS.
Poster: Brain intrinsic resting-state functional
connectivity modulation induced by mental effort in
multiple sclerosis patients with fatigue.
Boston, Massachusetts, USA, 10th–13th
September 2014.
Published in: Mult Scler. 2014;20(1 suppl):120.
Zecca C, Riccitelli GC, Caporro M, Kamm C,
Heldmer MR, Pravatà E, Panicari L, Candrian U,
Gobbi C.
Italiana.
Abstract: Natalizumab in spinal relapsing-remitting
multiple sclerosis.
Neuroradiology
Bartalena T, Rinaldi MF, Pravatà E, Cianfoni A,
Bartalena L, Bartalena D.
46° Congresso Nazionale SIRM.
137
Oral communication: RM total-body senza mdc in
meno di 1 ora con sequenze morfologiche, DWI
ed angio-RM usando l'imaging parallelo: la nostra
esperienza su soggetti asintomatici.
Firenze, Italy, 22nd-25th May 2014.
Bartalena L, Bartalena D.
Poster: Black blood imaging del poligono di Willis
con sequenze SPACE T2.
Rimondi E, Bartalena L.
Poster: Imaging isotropico T2-pesato del rachide
con sequenze SPACE: applicazioni cliniche e guida
al post-processing.
Poster: Localizers a confronto: vantaggi delle
sequenze Single Shot Turbo Spin Echo T2 pesate
rispetto alle Spoiled Gradient Echo T1 pesate nella
pianificazione degli esami RM.
Poster: Valore aggiunto delle sequenze coronali
mirate sull'osso sacro nello studio RM del rachide
lombare.
Rossi G, Bartalena L.
Poster: Utilizzo delle sequenze VIBE T1 con
soppressione del grasso nei casi di spondilolisi
lombare.
138
Cianfoni A, Raz E, Daniele R, Reinert M, Pesce G,
Bonaldi G.
XXth Symposium Neuroradiologicum.
Oral communication: Vertebral Body Stenting
and Cement Augmentation to Restore Structural
Stability in Extreme Spinal Osteolysis.
Istanbul, Turkey, 7th-12th September 2014.
Massari F, Bonaldi G, Cianfoni A.
Poster: Interventional Neuroradiology C-Spine
Procedures.
Poster: Brain Intrinsic resting-state functional
connectivity modulation induced by mental effort in
multiple sclerosis patients with fatigue.
RSNA 100th Meeting.
Oral communication: Brain Intrinsic resting-state
functional connectivity modulation induced by
mental effort in multiple sclerosis patients with
fatigue.
Chicago, Illinois, USA, 29th November–5th
December 2014.
Neurosurgery
Robert T.
Congrès annuel de la Société française de
Neuroradiologie.
Prise en Charge Multi-Disciplinaire des
Malformations Artério-Veineuses de la Fosse
Postérieure.
Paris, France, 3rd-5th April 2014.
Robert T.
Neuroradiologie.
Thrombectomie Mécanique à la Phase Aigue des
AVC Ischémique par Occlusion en Tandem.
Robert T.
Neuroradiologie.
Traitement Endovasculaire des AVC Ischémiques
du Territoire Carotidien.
Robert T.
Neuroradiologie.
Poster: Traitement Endovasculaire des AVC
Ischémiques du Territoire Carotidien: Efficacité,
Facteurs Pronostiques Cliniques, Radiologiques et
Angiogrqphiques.
Robert T.
Neuroradiologie.
Poster: Le Stent Neuroform EZ dans le Traitement
des Anévrismes Intracrâniens.
Angiographic Outcomes after 15-year experience.
Nancy, France, 18th-20th June 2014.
Robert T.
2nd World AVM Congress.
Incidence of External Ventricular Drainage
Placement on Rebleeding of Ventricular
Arteriovenous Malformations.
Robert T.
11th SNIS Congress.
Angiographic Factors Influencing the Success
of Endovascular Treatment of Arteriovenous
Malformations involving the Corpus Callosum.
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, 28th-31st July
2014.
Robert T.
11th SNIS Congress.
Endovascular Treatment of Posterior Fossa
Arteriovenous Malformations: Clinical and
Angiographic Outcomes after 15-year experience.
2014.
Robert T.
Neuroradiologie.
Stent Retriever Capture: Expérience chez 26
Patients ayant présenté un AVC Ischémique.
Robert T.
11th SNIS Congress.
Incidence of External Ventricular Drainage
Placement on Rebleeding of Ventricular
Arteriovenous Malformations.
2014.
Robert T.
Angiographic Factors Influencing the Success
of Endovascular Treatment of Arteriovenous
Malformations involving the Corpus Callosum.
Robert T.
11th SNIS Congress.
Single Center Experience with the ADAPT
Technique for Acute Ischemic Stroke.
2014.
Robert T.
Endovascular Treatment of Posterior Fossa
Arteriovenous Malformations: Clinical and
Robert T.
European association of neurosurgical societies
annual meeting (EANS 2014).
Trigeminal Neuralgia due to Arterialization of the
139
Superior Petrosal Vein in the Context of Dural or
Cerebral Arteriovenous Shunt.
Prague, Czech Republic, 12th-17th October 2014.
Robert T.
European association of neurosurgical societies
annual meeting (EANS 2014).
Cribriform Plate Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas:
Technical Difficulties and Complications Avoidance.
Prague, Czech Republic, 12th-17th October 2014.
Robert T.
Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology,
SVIN 7th annual meeting.
Hollywood, Florida, USA, 7th-9th November 2014.
Robert T.
Société de Neurochirurgie de Langue Française.
Trigeminal Neuralgia due to Arterialization of the
Superior Petrosal Vein in the Context of Dural or
Cerebral Arteriovenous Shunt.
December 2014.
Robert T.
Société de Neurochirurgie de Langue Française.
December 2014.
Rochat-Negro T, Scarone P, Kurzbuch A, Valci L,
Bottani L, Kuhlen D, Reinert M.
63° Congresso Nazionale della Società Italiana di
Neurochirurgia (SINCH).
Poster: Coblazione, Artrodesi Percutanea ToracoLombare E Cifoplastica Con Stent In Un Caso
Di Lesione Metastatica T12: Esecuzione Della
Procedura In Sala Angiografica Con Equipe Ibrida
Neurochirurgica-neuroradiologica.
Vicenza, Italy, 25th September 2014.
Scarone P.
M.O.R.E Symposium (sponsored by MEDACTA).
Oral communication: Minimally invasive surgery
140
complications.
Lugano, Switzerland, April 2014.
Scarone P, Ruggeri L, Kurzbuch A, Valci L, Bottani
L, Kuhlen D, Reinert M.
Joint Annual Meeting 2014: Swiss Society of Neurosurgery, Swiss Society of Clinical Neurophysiology, Swiss Society of Neuropaediatrics.
Poster: Systematic use of intraoperative cone
beam-computed tomography with navigation
(o-arm) in screw positioning: review of a 1-year
single center experience.
Zurich, Switzerland, 12th June 2014.
Scarone P.
Simposio Patologia degenerative del rachide
lombare.
Oral communication: Scoliosi lombare degenerativa: indicazioni chirurgiche.
Lugano, Switzerland, 26th June 2014.
Scarone P.
6th SYNS Symposium “Intensive Care/Spine”.
Oral communication: Low Back Pain.
Griesalp, Berner Oberland, Switzerland, 29th-31st
August 2014.
Scarone P.
6th SYNS Symposium “Intensive Care/Spine”.
Oral communication: Degenerative spondylolisthesis.
Griesalp, Berner Oberland, Switzerland, 29th-31st
August 2014.
Scarone P, Botta D, Kurzbuch A, Valci L, Bottani L,
Kuhlen D, Reinert M.
Oral communication: Decompressione Microchirurgica Senza Fusione Nel Trattamento Della Stenosi Del Canale Lombare e della Spondilolistesi
Degenerativa: In Quali Pazienti?
Scarone P, Mandelli J, Kurzbuch A, Valci L, Bottani
L, Kuhlen D, Reinert M.
Poster: Trattamento delle fratture vertebrali
con tecnica percutanea e neuronavigazione con
sistema O-Arm.
Valsecchi D, Reinert M.
SGNC (Federal Congress of Neurosurgical Society).
Poster: Surgical treatment with or without
preoperative DSA in a one-year serie of patients
with cerebral aneurysm.
Zurich, Switzerland, 13th June 2014.
Valsecchi D, Scarone P.
Symposioum on Spine Diseases.
"Pedicle screw fixation with O-arm technology:
retrospective analysis of our experience".
Nursing Medicine
Bianchi M, Lussu S, Pedrazzani C, Keller N,
Valcarenghi D.
18th Annual SASRO Meeting 2014.
Oral communication: Evidence based practice
(EBP) in Radiotherapy: a Research Project proposed by IOSI.
Lugano, Switzerland, 27th-29th March 2014.
Bianchi M, Lussu S, Pedrazzani C, Valcarenghi D.
9a Conferenza Nazionale GIMBE: Evidence e
Innovazioni per la Sostenibilità della Sanità Pubblica.
La sinergia fra ricerca e prassi nell'utilizzo dei
cateteri venosi centrali a inserimento periferico
(PICC) all'Istituto Oncologico della Svizzera Italiana.
Bologna, Italy, 14th March 2014.
Bianchi M, Pedrazzani C, Valcarenghi D.
Italiana.
Poster: Come cambia l'immagine corporea delle
donne dopo l'atelier "Look Good …Feel Better: i
primi risultati.
Ossola N, Ravetta FL, Bertolotti D, Walther-Veri S,
Sanna P.
36th ESPEN Congress.
Poster: PP183-MON: Development of a Clinical
Nutrition Network in the Public Hospitals in
southern Switzerland.
Geneva, Switzerland, 6th-9th September 2014.
Braunschweig G, Walther-Veri S, Bernard M,
Gamondi C, Borasio GD.
Congresso Nazionale delle Cure Palliative.
Poster: Questionnements Ethiques Dans Le
Cadre D’un Projet De Recherche Sur Les Aspects
psychologiques Et Existentiels.
Biel, Switzerland, 26th-27th November 2014.
Pedrazzani C.
3° Congresso Nazionale Associazione Italiana
Infermieri di Area Oncologica (AIIAO).
Oral communication: Buone pratiche assistenziali:
Nursing e fatigue.
Ancona, Italy, 29th-31st May 2014.
Pedrazzani C.
Assistenza Infermieristica e Ricerca - Congresso
Annuale: “Linee guida e decisioni infermieristiche”.
L’applicazione delle raccomandazioni nella pratica
quotidiana: l’esperienza degli infermieri dell’Istituto
Oncologico della Svizzera Italiana.
Torino, Italy, 12th December 2014.
Pedrazzoli C, Columpsi-Ricci P.
18th Annual SASRO Meeting 2014
Oral communication: How do patients perceive
their radiotherapy treatment pathway: what can
we learn from personal experiences?
Pesenti-Salzmann C, Bianchi M.
1st Swiss Cancer Congress.
Poster:
Pilotprojekt:
Sexualberatung
und
-counseling am Istituto Oncologico della Svizzera
Italiana (IOSI) durch eine in Klinischer Sexologie
141
ausgebildete Pflegespezialistin.
Bern, Switzerland, 4th September 2014.
Pesenti-Salzmann C, Pellandini J.
2013 - Un anno di pallclick.
Walther-Veri S, Gamondi C.
Poster: Palliative sedation: perceptions and
experiences of the Palliative Care Team in
Southern Switzerland.
Walther-Veri S, Gamondi C.
Oral communication: Indikationen, Prozedere und
outcomes der palliative Sedierung: Retrospektive
Studie auf einer palliativstation.
Willems Cavalli Y.
Advocacy infermieristica e medica: la tutela del
paziente e la collaborazione interdisciplinare nella
cura.
Oral communication: Come prendere una decisione etica in ambito clinico.
Mendrisio, Switzerland, 2nd April 2014.
Willems Cavalli Y.
LEP – Tagung Datenqualität – Dateninterpretation.
Oral communication: Anwendung und Nutzen der
Pflegedaten aus Sicht einer Direktorin Pflege.
Olten, Switzerland, 13th March 2014.
Nuclear Medicine
Annunziata S, Pizzuto D, Caldarella C, Sadeghi R,
Giovanella L, Treglia G, Giordano A.
Annual Congress of the European Association of
Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.
Poster: Diagnostic accuracy of Fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the
evaluation of the primary tumor in patients with
142
cholangiocarcinoma: a meta-analysis.
Gothenburg, Sweden, 18th-22th October 2014.
Published in: Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2014;
41(Suppl 2):S151-S705.
Ayati N, Assadi M, Yarani M, Zakavi SR, Jangjoo A,
Memar B, Treglia G, Aliakbarian M, Mehrabibahar
M, Sadeghi R.
Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine
and Molecular Imaging.
Poster: Combined radiotracer and blue dye methods for sentinel node mapping in papillary thyroid
carcinoma.
St. Louis, Missouri, USA, 7th-11th June 2014.
Published in: J Nucl Med. 2014;55:1937.
Ayati N, Ghooshkhanei H, Treglia G, Sabouri G,
Davoodi R, Sadeghi R.
Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine
and Molecular Imaging.
Poster: Risk stratification and prognosis determination using 18F-FDG PET imaging in endometrial
St. Louis, Missouri, USA, 7th-11th June 2014.
Published in: J Nucl Med 2014;55:1573.
Ayati N, Sadeghi R, Ghooshkhanei H, Treglia G,
Sabouri G, Davoodi R.
Poster: Risk stratification and prognosis determination using 18F-FDG PET imaging in endometrial
Published in: Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging.
2014;41(Suppl 2):S151-S705.
Ceriani L.
LyFE Forum for Excellence “What’s new in lymphoid
neoplasias?”
Invited lecture: PET-imaging: when can it be used to
direct lymphoma treatment?
Bellinzona, Switzerland, 14th-16th February 2014.
Ceriani L.
Italiana.
Oral communication: Prognostic value of functional
PET parameters in patients with primary mediastinal diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
Menton, France, 19th-20th September 2014.
Ceriani L.
XVI Symposium of cardiology of regio insubrica.
Invited lecture: PET-CT and hybrid imaging in
cardiology.
Manno, Switzerland, 2nd April 2014.
Ceriani L, Zucca E, Martelli M, Zinzani PL, Govi S,
Stelitano C, Vitolo U, Brusamolino E, Cabras G,
Rigacci L, Balzarotti M, Salvi F, Montoto S, LopezGuillermo A, Johnson P, Giovanella L.
Annual Congress of the Swiss Society of Radiology
and Swiss Society of Nuclear Medicine.
Oral communication: Predictive value of the 18FDG
PET-derived quantitative parameters in primary
mediastinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Published in: Nukleamedizin 2014;53:A111-A126.
Ceriani L.
European Society of Medical Oncology Congress
2014, ESMO–EANM Joint Symposium.
Invited lecture: Potential and pitfalls in PET-imaging
of lymphoma.
Madrid, Spain, 26th-30th September 2014.
Chauvie S, Biggi A, Versari A, Guerra L, Ceriani
L, Coronado M, Luminari S, Federico M, Zucca E,
Martelli M, Caballero M, Gallamini A.
Poster: PET scanner clinical trial qualification for
worldwide onco-haematological studies.
Menton, France, 19th-20th September 2014.
Ceriani L, Barrington S, Biggi A, Malkowski B,
Metser U, Versari A, Zucca E, Chauvie S.
5th International Workshop on PET in Lymphoma.
Poster: Impact of specific training in the
performance of the central review panel in the
ongoing IELSG37 study of primary mediastinal
lymphoma.
Giovanella L.
Thyroid Carcinoma Biomarkers Forum.
Invited lecture: Circulating markers of thyroid
tumors: new insight and clinical impact.
Wuhan, China, 25th April 2014.
Giovanella L.
143
Invited lecture: Treatment and Follow-up of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: an Update.
Montreux, Switzerland, 12th-14th June 2014
Giovanella L.
Thyroid Cancer Summer School.
Invited lecture: High-sensitive thyroglobulin.
University of Marburg, Germany, August 2014.
Giovanella L.
38th European Thyroid Association MeetingCancer Research Network Symposium.
Invited lecture: Discovering DTC recurrence by
conventional versus highly sensitive Tg assays.
Santiago de Compostela, Spain, 6th-10th September
2014
Giovanella L.
Symposium “New aspects in diagnosis, therapy
and follow-up of differentiated thyroid carcinoma”.
Invited lecture: Recombinant TSH: clinical trials
and indication.
Brescia, Italy, 15th-16th September 2014.
Giovanella L.
Symposium “From thyroid nodular disease to
differentiated thyroid cancer: clinical management
and new approaches”.
Invited lecture: Serum, sonographic and metabolic
biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of thyroid
nodules.
Messina, Italy, 18th December 2014.
Massara R, Brizi MG, Treglia G, Farchione A, Lanza
F, Bonomo L.
XXXXVI Congress of the Italian Society of Medical
Radiology.
Poster: Functional Imaging in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours.
Firenze, Italy, 22th-25th May 2014.
Paone G.
Workshop “Revised guidelines on diagnosis
144
and treatment of most frequent tumours at the
Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland”.
Oral communication: Role of PET in the follow-up of
head & neck tumours.
Oral communication: Presentation and activities of
EOC Competence Centre for Thyroid Diseases.
Locarno, Switzerland, 29th November 2014.
Paone G, Treglia G, Ruberto T, Ceriani L, Giovanella
L.
Italiana.
Poster: Clinical impact of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the
management of patients with cancer of unknown
origin.
Paone G, Treglia G, Ruberto T, Ceriani L, Giovanella
L.
Oral communication: Can we use the PET/CT
imaging for local staging in advanced glottic
cancer? Clinical impact and comparison with
conventional imaging.
Piccardo A, Massollo M, Puntoni M, Foppiani L,
Naseri M, Treglia G, Arlandini A, Catrambone U,
Bandelloni R, Cabria M, Giovanella L, Villavecchia G.
Oral communication: Role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in
Presurgical Characterization of Thyroid Nodules
with Indeterminate Fine Needle Aspiration
Cytology. Comparison with neck ultrasonography
and 99mTc MIBI scintigraphy.
2014;41(Suppl 2):S151-S705.
Treglia G.
Italiana.
Poster flash presentation: Discordance rate between radiolabelled choline PET/CT and bone scintigraphy in detecting bone metastases of prostate
cancer.
Treglia G.
Workshop “Focus on: lung neuroendocrine
tumours”.
Invited lecture: Metabolic and radioreceptor
imaging.
Reggio Emilia, Italy, 16th May 2014.
Treglia G, Sadeghi R, Caldarella C, Ceriani L,
Giovanella L.
Oral communication: Detection rate of Tc99m-MIBI SPECT/CT in patients with primary
hyperparathyroidism: a meta-analysis.
Treglia G, Sadeghi R, Annunziata S, Ceriani L,
Giovanella L.
Poster: 18F-FDG-PET or PET/CT in the differential
diagnosis between malignant and benign pleural
lesions: diagnostic performance meta-analyses in
patients with or without cancer history.
Treglia G.
Workshop “The multidisciplinary approach for lung
tumours”.
Oral communication: Role of PET in lung tumours.
Mendrisio, Switzerland, 18th June 2014.
Treglia G.
14th International workshop on multiple endocrine
neoplasia and other rare endocrine tumors.
Invited lecture: Medullar thyroid carcinoma:
functional imaging.
Vienna, Austria, 25th-27th September 2014.
Treglia G.
Workshop “Revised guidelines on diagnosis
and treatment of most frequent tumours at the
Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland.
Oral communication: New PET indications.
Treglia G, Sadeghi R, Annunziata S, Caldarella C,
Bertagna F, Giovanella L.
Poster: Diagnostic accuracy of F18-FDG PET in the
post-chemotherapy management of patients with
seminoma: a meta-analysis.
2014;41(Suppl 2):S151-S705.
Treglia G, Zucca E, Sadeghi R, Cavalli F, Giovanella
L, Ceriani L.
5th International Workshop on PET in Lymphoma.
Poster: Detection rate of F18-FDG PET in patients
with marginal zone lymphoma of the MALT type: a
meta-analysis.
Menton, France, 19th-20thSeptember 2014.
Oncology
Bernhard J, Luo W, Ribi K, Colleoni M, Burstein
HJ, Tondini C, Pinotti G, Spazzapan S, Ruhstaller T,
Puglisi F, Pavesi L, Parmar V, Regan MM, Pagani
O, Fleming GF, Francis PA, Coates AS, Gelber RD,
Goldhirsch A, Walley B, for the SOFT and TEXT
investigators and International Breast Cancer
Study Group.
Patient-reported endocrine symptoms, sexual
functioning and quality of life (QoL) in the IBCSG
TEXT and SOFT trials: adjuvant treatment
with exemestane (E) plus ovarian function
suppression (OFS) versus tamoxifen (T) plus OFS
in premenopausal women with hormone receptorpositive (HR+) breast cancer (BC).
2014 Annual Meeting of the American Society of
145
Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Chicago, Illinois, USA, 30th May- 3rd June 2014;
Bernasconi E, Tarantelli C, Gaudio E, Kwee I, Rinaldi
A, Cascione L, Stathis A, Riveiro ME, Zucca E,
Bertoni F.
American Society of Hematology, 56th Annual
Meeting.
Poster: The BET-Bromodomain Inhibitor OTX015
Is Active As a Single Agent and in Combination
with Other Targeted Drugs in Preclinical Models of
Mantle Cell Lymphoma.
San Francisco, California, USA, 6th-9th December
2014.
Cascione L, Gaudio E, Bernasconi E, Tarantelli C,
Rinaldi A, Testoni M, Bomben R, Gattei V, Kwee I,
Stathis A, Riveiro ME, Zucca E, Bertoni F.
Meeting.
Poster: BET Bromodomain Inhibitor OTX015
Affects the Expression of Micrornas Involved in the
Pathogenesis of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.
2014.
146
the Salivary Gland Is Associated with Improved
Prognosis When Arising in a Background of
Sjögren’s Disease and May Not Benefit from Local
Therapy – IELSG 41.
2014.
Symposium (SABCS).
Advanced HER2 positive breast cancer treated
with trastuzumab: is combination with chemo
therapy always needed? Randomized Phase III trial
SAKK 22/99.
San Antonio, Texas, USA, 9th-13th December 2014.
Johansson H, Gray KP, Pagani O, Regan MM,
Viale G, Aristarco V, Debora M, Puccio A, Roux S,
Maibach R, Colleoni M, Rabaglio-Poretti M, Coates
AS, Gel-ber RD, Goldhirsch A, Kammler R, Bonanni
B, Walley BA.
37th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer
Symposium (SABCS).
CYP19A1 and ESR1 polymorphisms and selected
early-onset side effects during combined endo-crine
therapy in the IBCSG TEXT trial for premenopausal
women with hor-mone receptor-positive (HR+)
early breast cancer.
San Antonio, Texas, USA, 9th-13th December 2014.
Stathis A, Freedman AS, Flinn IW, Maddocks KJ,
Weitman S, Berdeja JG, Mejia AV, Zucca E, Green
R, Romanelli A, Zildjian SH, Ruiz-Soto R, Palomba L.
Meeting.
Poster: A Phase I Study of IMGN529, an AntibodyDrug Conjugate (ADC) Targeting CD37, in Adult
Patients with Relapsed or Refractory B-Cell NonHodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL).
2014.
Fleury I, Chevret S, Pfreundschuh M, Salles G,
Coiffier B, van Oers MHJ, Gisselbrecht C, Zucca E,
Herold M, Ghielmini M, Thieblemont C
Meeting.
Poster: No Increased Risk of Secondary
Neoplasms in Patients Treated with Rituximab for
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma : A Meta-Analysis of 9
Trials.
2014.
Kimby E, Martinelli G, Ostenstad B, Mey U, Rauch
D, Wahlin BE, Hitz F, Hernberg M, Johansson AS,
de Nully Brown P, Hagberg H, Ferreri AJM, Lohri
A, Novak U, Zander T, Bersvendsen H, Bargetzi
M, Mingrone W, Krasniqi F, Dirnhofer S, Hawle H,
Berardi S, Demmel S, Rondeau S, Zucca E.
Meeting.
Oral communication: Rituximab Plus Lenalidomide
Improves the Complete Remission Rate in Comparison with Rituximab Monotherapy in Untreated
Follicular Lymphoma Patients in Need of Therapy.
Primary Endpoint Analysis of the Randomized
Phase-2 Trial SAKK 35/10.
2014.
Jackson A, Michael Mian M, Kalpadakis C, Pangalis
G, Stathis A, Porro E, McPhail E, Habermann T,
Ristow K, Cavalli F, Nowakowski G, Zucca E.
Meeting.
Poster: Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma of
Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) of
Pagani O, Klingbiel D, Ruhstaller T, Nolè F,
Eppenberger S, Oehlschlegel C, Jürg Bernhard,
Brauchli P, Hess D, Mamot C, Munzone E,
Pestalozzi B, Rabaglio M, Ribi K, Rochlitz C,
Rothgiesser K, Thürlimann B, von Moos R, Zaman
K and Goldhirsch A.
37th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer
Tarantelli C, Gaudio E, Kwee I, Rinaldi A, Stifanelli
M, Bernasconi E, Barassi, C Hillmann P, Stathis
A, Carrassa L, Broggini M, Stussi G, Fabbro D,
Hebeisen P, Betts F, Wicki A, Zucca E, Cmiljanovic
V, Bertoni F.
Meeting.
Poster: The Novel PI3K/mTOR Dual Inhibitor
PQR309 in Pre-Clinical Lymphoma Models:
Demonstration of Anti-Tumor Activity As Single
Agent and in Combination and Identification of
Gene Expression Signatures Associated with
Response.
2014.
Thieblemont C, Stathis A, Inghirami G, Karlin L,
Morschhauser F, Gleeson M, Broussais F, Amorim
S, Salles G, Facon T, Cunningham D, Vey N, Bourdel
F, Herait P, Zucca E.
Meeting.
Poster: A Phase 1 Study of the BET-Bromodomain
Inhibitor OTX015 in Patients with Non-Leukemic
Hematologic Malignancies.
2014.
Vitolo U, Chiappella A, Martelli M, Ferreri AJ, Baldi
I, Balzarotti M, Bottelli C, Conconi A, De Masi P,
Gomez H, Lopez-Guillermo A, Martinelli G, Merli F,
Bairey O, Orsucci L, Pavone V, Ricardi U, Storti S,
Gospodarowicz MK, Cavalli F, Sarris AH1, Zucca E.
European Hematology Association 19th Congress.
Poster: Rituximab-Chop Plus Intrathecal Methotrexate and Contralateral Testis Irradiation in Untreated Primary Testicular Diffuse Large B-Cell
Lymphoma: Long-Term Results of the IELSG-10
Trial.
Milan, Italy, 12th-15th June 2015.
Zucca E, Martelli M, Zinzani PL, Ferreri AJM,
Russo E, Montoto S, Lopez Guillermo A, Davies AJ,
Johnson PWM, Giovanella L, Cavalli F, Ceriani L.
European Hematology Association, 19th Congress.
Oral communication: Prognostic Models for
Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma Derived
from 18-FDG PET/CT Quantitative Parameters in
the IELSG-26 Study.
Milan, Italy, 12th-15th June 2015.
Paediatric surgery
De Rosa V, Canavese F, Andreacchio A, Cravino M,
Marengo L, Mendoza M.
74ème Congrès annuel de swiss orthopaedics
(SSOT) 2014.
Outcome of displaced distal tibial metaphyseal
fractures in children between six and fifteen years
of age treated by elastic stable intramedullary
nails.
St. Gallen, Switzerland, 25th-27th June 2014.
Mendoza-Sagaon M.
XXIIème Symposium de l’ASRCC (Association
Suisse Romande de Chirurgie Coelioscopique).
Forum du Crédit Suisse.
Robotic Surgery in Children.
Geneva, Switzerland, 27th -28th March 2014.
Mendoza-Sagaon M, Hamitaga F, Voumard NM.
147
23rd annual congress of the International Pediatric
Endosurgery Group (IPEG).
Single-Incision laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair
in girls.
Edinburgh, Scotland, 22nd-26th July 2014.
Nationaler Palliative Care Kongress.
Poster: Questionnements éthiques dans le
cadre d’un projet de recherche sur les aspects
psychologiques et existentiels.
Bienne, Switzerland, 26th-27th October 2014.
iche in oncologia.
Invited lecture: Conseguenze a lungo termine della
radioterapia sulla funzione sessuale nel paziente
con carcinoma prostatico.
Rozzano, Italy, 8th November 2014.
Oral communication: RapidArc (RA) technique vs
Intensity-Modulated adjuvant
radiotherapy (IMRT) in breast cancer: acute
toxicities comparison.
Mendoza-Sagaon M, Hamitaga F, Voumard NM.
4th annual congress of the European Society of
Pediatric Endoscopic Surgeons (ESPES).
Single-Incision laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair
in girls.
Bratislava, Slovakia, 1st-3rd October 2014.
Ossola N, Ravetta F, Bertolotti D, Walther Veri S,
Sanna P, on behalf of the Commissione Nutrizione
EOC.
The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and
Metabolism (ESPEN); 2014 Annual Congress.
Poster: Development of a Clinical Nutrition Network
in the Public Hospitals in Southern Switzerland.
Belkacemi Y, Kaidar-Person O, Poortmans P, M.
Ozsahin M, Valli MC, Russell N, Kunkler I, Hermans
J, Kuten A, van Tienhoven G, Westenberg H.
56th annual ASTRO meeting.
Abstract: Patterns of practice of nodal radiotherapy
in breast cancer: Results of the EORTC “Nora”
survey.
San Francisco, California, USA, 14th-17th September 2014.
Stelmes JJ, Azinwi NC.
9ième Journée Romande de Radio-Oncologie.
Oral communication: Analyse des facteurs
prognostiques et mortalité à 30 jours après
Radiothérapie palliative. Expérience de notre
centre sur une série de 140 patients.
Lausanne, Switzerland, 2nd October 2014.
Palliative Care
Bardelli D, Del Torso M, Zocchi-Aeberli M, Bianchi
M, Neuenschwander H.
XXI Congresso Nazionale SICP.
Oral communication: CALL ME: uno strumento
per identificare precocemente il paziente di cure
palliative.
Arezzo, Italy, 9th-12th October 2014.
Bardelli D, Luraghi R, Hefti S. Neuenschwander H.
Poster: Integrazione dei servizi specialistici in Cure
Palliative intra ed extra ospedalieri in Ticino.
Fusi-Schmidhauser T, Bardelli D, Pellandini J,
Sanna P, e gruppo redazione Pallclick.
Oral communication: PALLCLICK: manuale
elettronico di Cure Palliative.
Gamondi C, Borasio G.
Workshop. 20th International Congress on
Palliative Care.
Assisted suicide: the role of families and health
care institutions.
Montreal (CA). September 2014.
Gamondi C, Borasio GD, Bernard M, Braunschweig
G.
148
Pesenti-Salzmann C, Pellandini J.
Poster: 2013 - Un anno di Pallclick.
Walther Veri S.
Oral communication: Indikationen, Prozedere und
outcomes der palliativen Sedierung: Retrospektive
Studie auf einer Palliativstation.
Walther Veri S.
Giornata GIOTI su: Farmaci orali di nuova
generazione in oncologia.
Oral communication: Trattamento del dolore
cronico e ruolo infermieristico.
Cadempino, Switzerland, 20th November 2014.
Walther Veri S, Gamondi C.
Poster: Palliative Sedation: Perceptions and
Experiences of the Palliative Care Team in
Southern Switzerland.
Leva S, Pittoni P, Pesce GF, Martucci F, Azinwi
NC, Fanti P, Stelmes JJ, Rottoli G, Tettamanti M,
Richetti A, Valli MC.
18th Annual SASRO meeting.
Oral communication: Assessment of reproducibility
and stability during deep inspiration breath hold
(DIBH) radiotherapy (RT) for left-sided breast
cancer patients and evaluation of geometrical
heart displacements.
Martucci F, Stelmes JJ, Valli MC, Pesce GF, Pittoni
P, Fanti P, Azinwi NC, Richetti A. 18th Annual
SASRO meeting.
Oral communication: Use of Image Guided
Radiotherapy (IGRT) and 4D CT in Stereotactic
Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) of lung cancer: IOSI
experience.
Pesce GF.
Neuro-oncology meeting.
Invited lecture: Role of the reirradiation: is it a place
for radiosurgery?
Naples, Italy, 3rd-4th July 2014.
Radiation Oncology
Azinwi NC, Pesce GP.
Il sabato dell’andrologia, Problematiche androlog-
Pittoni P, Pesce GF, Martucci F, Azinwi NC, Fanti
P, Stelmes JJ, Richetti A, Valli MC. 18th Annual
SASRO meeting.
Stelmes JJ, Richetti A, Valli MC, Pesce GF, Azinwi
NC, Pittoni P, Fanti P, Martucci F. 18th Annual
SASRO meeting.
Poster: The role of planned PEG in patients with
head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy.
Struikmans H, Poortmans P, Kirkove C, Budach
V, Maingon P, Valli MC, Collette S, Fourquet A,
Bartelink H, Van den Bogaert W.
9th European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC-9).
Abstract: “The benefit of regional irradiation in
stage I-III breast cancer: 10 years results of the
EORTC ROG and BCG phase III trial 22922/10925.
Glasgow, Great Britain, 19th-21st March 2014.
Valli MC.
18th Annual SASRO meeting.
Oral communication: The impact of 18FDG-PET/
CT in modifying the treatment strategy in locally
advanced or high risk breast cancer patients in
XVIII.
Valli MC.
JSASS Congress 2014.
Oral communication: Accelerated Partial Breast
Irradiation: the Ticino experience. Lugano,
Switzerland, 11th-12th September 2014.
Valli MC, Pesce G, Martucci F, Azinwi NC, Pittoni P,
149
Fanti P, Stelmes JJ, Leva S, Richetti A.
18th annual SASRO meeting.
Abstract: How to check and eventually decrease
prescription, simulation, treatment study and
treatment delivery errors in a paperless RT
department.
Wick W, Gorlia T, Van Den Bent MJ, Vecht CJ,
Steuve J, Brandes AA, Platten M, Kosch MA, Hegi
ME, Lhermitte B, Golfinopoulos V, Campone M,
Frenel JS, Taphoorn MJB, Pesce GA, Roth P.
ASCO 2014.
Abstract: Radiation therapy and concurrent plus
adjuvant temsirolimus (CCI-779) versus chemo
irradiation with temozolomide in newly diagnosed
glioblastoma without methylation of the MGMT
gene promoter.
Chicago, USA, 29th May-3rd June 2014.
Published in: J Clin Oncol. 2014;32:5s.
Yordanov K, Valli MC, Pittoni P, Martucci F, Pesce
GF, Azinwi NC, Stelmes JJ, Fanti P, Richetti A.
7th European Multidisciplinary Colorectal Cancer
Congress (EMCCC).
Poster: Acute gastrointestinal and genitourinary
toxicity in rectal cancer patients treated with
preoperative Intensity Modulated Radiation
Therapy- Rapid Arc (IMRT-Rapid Arc).
Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 23rd-25th November
2014.
Agten CA, Del Grande F, Fucentese SF, Blatter S,
Pfirrmann CW, Sutter R.
ESSR 2014.
Oral communication: Unicompartmental Knee
Arthroplasty MRI: Impact of Slice-Encoding for
Metal Artifact Correction MRI on Image Quality,
Findings, and Therapy Decision.
Riga, Latvia, 26th-28th June 2014.
Agten CA, Del Grande F, Fucentese SF, Blatter S,
Pfirrmann CW, Sutter R.
RSNA 2014
Oral communication: Unicompartmental Knee
Arthroplasty MRI: Impact of Slice-Encoding for
Metal Artifact Correction MRI on Image Quality,
Findings, and Therapy Decision.
Chicago, Illinois, USA, 30th November-5th
December 2014.
Ahlawat S, Dreizin D, Del Grande F, Fayad LM.
Electronic exhibit ARRS 2014.
Gradient Echo In-phase and Opposed-phase
Chemical Shift Imaging: Current concepts for
Evaluating the Bone Marrow.
San Diego, California, USA, 4th-9th May 2014.
Del Grande F, Fayad LM.
Electronic exhibit RSNA 2014.
Bone Marrow Signal Changes on MRI: What Is
Normal?
Chicago, Illinois, USA, 30th November-5th
December 2014.
Radiology
Abay S, Silver M, Wang KC, Del Grande F, Carrino
JA.
Electronic exhibit RSNA 2014.
Illustration and MRI Atlas of the Ankle: 3D-MR
Imaging at 3-Tesla of the Ligaments, Tendons, and
Cartilage of the Ankle and Hindfoot, Accompanied
by Detailed Original Medical Illustration of the
Deltoid Ligamentous Complex.
Chicago, Illinois, USA, 30th November-5th December
2014.
150
Helck A, Bianda N, Canton G, Yuan C, Reiser MF,
Gallino A, Wyttenbach R, Saam T.
European Congress of Radiology (ECR 2014).
Intra-individual comparison of carotid and femoral
atherosclerotic plaque features with in vivo MR
plaque imaging (SS 1815), B-1039.
Vienna, Austria, 6th-10th March 2014.
Helck A, Bianda N, Canton G, Yuan C, Reiser M,
Gallino A, Wyttenbach R, Saam T.
95. Deutscher Röntgenkongress.
Intra-individueller Vergleich der Plaquemorpholo-
gie in den Karotiden und Femoralarterien mit Hilfe
der nicht-invasiven MRT-Plaquebildgebung.
Hamburg, Germany, 28th-31st May 2014.
Porretta AP, Alerci M, Gallino A, von Segesser
LK, Inglese L, Guerra A, Bogen M, Di Valentino M,
Wyttenbach R.
SGR-SSR Congress.
Telementoring: An effective strategy to support
technical skill acquisition in endovascular aneurysm
repair.
Regini F, Mazzoni LN, Busoni S, Matteuzzi B, Santini
PQR, Wyttenbach R.
Congresso SIRM 2014.
Valutazione multi-parametrica della perfusione
epatica con l’utilizzo di sequenze RM in diffusione
(DWI): correlazione con la misurazione del flusso
portale tramite acquisizioni Phase Contrast (PC).
Florence, Italy, 22nd-25th May 2014.
Schneebeli A, Cescon C, Del Grande F, Vincenzo G,
Biordi F, Barbero M.
ISEK 2014.
Real-time elastography using an external reference
material: preliminary results of achilles tendon
elasticity pattern.
Roma, Italy, 15th-18th July 2014.
Schneebeli A, Cescon C, Del Grande F, Vincenzo G,
Biordi F, Barbero M.
ISEK 2014.
Test-retest reliability of real-time elastography
using an external reference material: preliminary
results.
Roma, Italy, 15th-18th July 2014.
Frankfurt, Germany, 24th-27th May 2014.
Böttcher J, Clerici N, Castelanelli S, Candrian C.
Le 101e Congrès annuel de la Société Suisse de
Chirurgie.
Poster: Patient satisfaction after anterior cruciate
ligament reconstruction in outpatient surgery.
Bern, Switzerland, 21st-23rd May 2014.
Böttcher J, Clerici N, Castelanelli S, Candrian C.
Chirurgie.
Oral communication: Patient satisfaction after
shoulder arthroscopy in outpatient surgery.
Candrian C.
The Eastern Orthopaedic Association’s Annual
Meeting.
Oral communication: Subscapularis Fatty Infiltration And Clinical Evaluation After Tenotomy In Total
Shoulder Arthroplasty.
Amelia Island, Florida, USA, 22nd-25th October
2014.
Christoforidis D.
Clinical challenges in IBD management: from
literature data to clinical practice.
Oral communication: Challenging cases in Crohn’s
disease.
Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano-Milan,
Italy, 9th June 2014.
Christoforidis D.
35. Tagung der Schweizerischen Arbeitsgruppe
für Koloproktologie.
Oral communication: Minimal-invasive Therapiekonzepte für Analfisteln.
Bern, Switzerland, 18th January 2014.
Surgery
Böttcher J, Candrian C.
The 15th European Congress of Trauma & Emergency Surgery & 2nd World Trauma Congress.
Poster: Patient satisfaction after shoulder arthroscopy in outpatient surgery.
Christoforidis D.
12. Dreiländertreffen der Arbeitsgemeinschaften
für Minimalinvasive Chirurgie.
Oral communication: Kolonkarzinom: Probleme
rund um die linke Flexur.
Bern, Switzerland, 31st January-1st February
151
2014.
Christoforidis D.
Chirurgie.
Oral communication: Colectomie droite laparoscopique avec "Complete Mesorectal Excision":
Technique opératoire et revue de la littérature.
Christoforidis D.
Chirurgie.
Oral communication: SALTC Masterclass in colorectal laparoscopic surgery: update.
Christoforidis D.
Simposio Primaverile di chirurgia – La diverticolite
semplice e la pancreatite.
Oral communication: Gestione ambulatoriale della
diverticolite semplice: collaborazione fra ospedale
e medici curanti.
Christoforidis D.
Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Allgemein
Chirurgie und Traumatologie (SGATC) 18. Bieler
Fortbildungstage.
Oral communication: Sigmoidectomie par laparoscopie avec extraction trans-rectale.
Biel, Switzerland, 4th-5th September 2014.
Christoforidis D.
Jahreskongress Schweizerische Gesellschaft für
Viszeralchirurgie” (SGVC).
Oral communication: Impact of safety margins and
lymphnodes on outcome in colorectal cancer.
Interlaken, Switzerland, 11th September 2014.
Christoforidis D.
Corso di aggiornamento regionale Ticinese OMCT.
Oral communication: Chirurgia colorettale sempre
meno invasiva: sviluppi tecnici.
Manno, Switzerland, 12th November 2014.
152
Christoforidis D.
Riunione dello IOSI per la discussione delle linee
guida in oncologia “Blaubuch”.
Oral communication: Chirurgia mini invasiva
transanale per il carcinoma del retto.
Celio D, Regazzoni S, Rosso R, Giovannacci L.
Chirurgie.
Oral communication: Hypofibrinogenemia: an
atypical cause of acute ischemia of the upper limb.
Cristaudi A, Galetti K, Rosso R, Christoforidis D.
Chirurgie.
Poster: Reduced port colectomy through the stoma
site following short term loop transversostomy for
occlusive sigmoid cancer.
Cristaudi A, Galetti K, Rosso R, Christoforidis D.
9th Scientific and Annual Meeting of the European
Society of Coloproctology.
Poster: Reduced port colectomy through the stoma
site following short term loop transversostomy for
occlusive sigmoid cancer.
Barcelona, Spain, 24th- 26th September 2014.
Dessì K, Minervini F, Mezzetto L, Rosso R,
Giovannacci L.
Chirurgie.
Oral communication: Hemodialysis vascular access: retrospective analysis of four swiss center.
Engelberger S, Salomon du Mont L, Holzer T,
Dubuis C, Saucy F, Deglise S, Corpataux J-M.
Chirurgie.
Oral communication: Early experience with the
Innova TM self expanding stent system in the
treatment of femoropopliteal occlusive disease.
Exner GU, Candrian C.
74. Jahreskongress der Swiss orthopaedics
(SGOT) 2014.
Poster: Treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts with
alcoholoc preparations.
St. Gallen, Switzerland, 25th-26th June 2014.
Fusetti C, Brunetti S, Lucchina S, Prevital T,
Saporito A.
SGH-SSCM.
Calm or not calm? Impact of an informational video
on patient's anxiety and satisfaction. A prospective
study.
Thun, Switzerland, 13th-14th November 2014.
Gächter B.
Gemeinsamer Kongress der Schweizerischen
Gesellschaft für Wundbehandlung.
Oral communication: Patientenzentrierte Wundbehandlung.
Biel, Switzerland, 25th September 2014.
Gächter B.
12° Corso di aggiornamento per il medico di base.
Oral communication: Cura delle ulcere.
Giubiasco, Switzerland, 10th October 2014.
Gächter B.
2. Treffen Fachgruppe Biochiurgie “Geburtsort
Lucy”.
Oral communication: Problemfall Maden.
Grossdietwil, Switzerland, 2nd December 2014.
Harder Y.
21st European Plastic Surgical Week.
Oral communication: Engraftment of a free
flap despite early pedicle thrombosis due to
antithrombin III deficiency.
Galtür, Austria, January 2014.
Harder Y.
21st European Plastic Surgical Week.
Oral communication: Rapidly growing histologically
confirmed female breast in a genotypically con-
firmed male.
Galtür, Austria, January 2014.
Harder Y, Allan A, Finck T, Müller DF, Eder M,
Kovacs L, Schantz JT, Machens HG. 131. Kongress
der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Chirurgie (DGCH).
Oral communication: Resorptionsverhalten von
Eigenfett in der rekonstruierten Brust unter
Berücksichtigung von adjuvanter Bestrahlung und
Rauchen.
Berlin, Germany, 25th-28th March 2014.
Harder Y.
Kolloquim: Rekonstruktion durch Eigengewebefetttransfer; Klinik für Hand-, Plastische, Rekonstruktive und Verbrennungschirurgie, BG-Klinikum
Tübingen.
Oral communication: Resorptionsverhalten nach
Eigenfetttransfer in der Brustchirurgie.
Tübingen, Germany, March 2014.
Harder Y.
Autologous Fat Grafting Symposium (SGPRAEC).
Oral communication: Fat grafting to the reconstructed breast: Course of fat reabsorpation and
morbidity.
Basel, Switzerland, 9th May 2014.
Harder Y, Allan AA, Müller D, Eder M, Kovacs L,
Schantz JT, Machens HG.
50. Kongress der Schweizerischen Gesellschaft
für Plastische, Rekonstruktive und Ästhetische
Chirurgie (SGPRAC) & 2. Jahrestagung der
Gesellschaft für Ästhetische Chirurgie (SGÄC).
Oral communication: Surgical refinement of the
reconstructed breast with autologous fat grafting:
single centre analysis of surgery-related morbidity
and graft resorption.
Harder Y.
Joint Swiss and Austrian Society of Senology
Congress - Senoforum 2014.
Oral communication: Microvascular lymph node
transfer to treat chronic lymphedema: One
153
surgical option?
Lugano, Switzerland, 11th-12th September 2014.
Harder Y.
45. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft der
Plastischen, Rekonstruktiven und Ästhetischen
Chirurgen (DGPRÄC). 19. Jahrestagung der
Vereinigung der Deutschen Ästhetisch-Plastischen
Chirurgen (VDÄPC) & 52. Jahrestagung
Österreichischen Gesellschaft für Plastische,
Ästhetischen und Rekonstruktive Chirurgen
(ÖGPÄRC).
Oral communication: Vom “surgical delay” bis
zur nicht invasiven Gewebekonditionierung – Ein
historischer Überblick.
Munich, Germany, 11th-13th September 2014.
Harder Y.
International Conference on Repair, Regeneration
and Reconstruction.
Oral communication: Autologous fat grafting as a
therapeutic agent: Is there a state of the art?
London, United Kingdom, 25th–27th September
2014.
Harder Y.
Symposium – Interdisziplinäre Behandlung des
Mammakarzinoms.
Oral communication: Supermikrochirurgische
Strategien zur Behandlung des chronischen Lymphödems.
Ludwigshafen, Germany, 27th September 2014.
Harder Y, Müller D, Kwak MS, Wagner S, Machens
HG.
15.
Unionstagung
der
Schweizerischen
Gesellschaften für Gefässkrankheiten (USGG).
Oral communication: Reconstruction of nonfunctional lymph node basins using microvascolar
lymph node transfer in chronic lymphedema.
St. Gallen, Switzerland, 12th-14th November 2014.
Harder Y.
36. Jahrestagung
Arbeitsgemeinschaft
154
der Deutschsprachigen
für Mikrochirurgie der
peripheren Nerven und Gefässe (DAM).
Oral
communication:
Die
Mikrovaskuläre
Lymphknotentransplantation: Was wissen wir
heute?
Zurich, Switzerland, 11th-13th December 2014.
Harder Y, Allan AA, Eder M, Müller DF, Kovacs L,
Schantz JT, Machens HG.
Chirurgen (DGPRÄC), 19. Jahrestagung der
(ÖGPÄRC).
Oral communication: Einfluss von Nikotin
und Bestrahlung auf die Resorption von
transplantiertem
Eigenfett
zur
Korrektur
von Sekundärdefekten nach rekonstruktiven
Brusteingriffen.
Harder Y, Wettstein R, Rezaeian F, Schmauss D,
Menger MD, Machens HG.
36. Jahrestagung der Deutschsprachigen
Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Mikrochirurgie der
peripheren Nerven und Gefässe (DAM).
Oral communication: Erhöhte Prädisposition
für ischämiebedingte Lappenkomplikationen im
fortgeschrittenen Alter als Folge einer verminderten
Reaktionsfähigkeit der Kapillargefäße.
Zurich, Switzerland, 11th-13th December 2014.
Chirurgie.
Poster: An unlucky combination: a rare case of
talus and scaphoid pseudarthrosis.
Minervini F, Mezzetto L, Dessì K, Tschurtschenthaler
I, Merlani P, Giovannacci L, Rosso R.
Chirurgie.
Oral communication: Carotid surgery for symptomatic octogenarian patients: a single centre, retrospective analysis.
Müller DF, Harder Y, Kwak M, Eder M, Kovacs L,
Machens HG.
(ÖGPÄRC).
Oral
communication:
3,5
Jahre
freie
Lymphknotentransplantation zur Behandlung des
chronischen Lymphödems – Nutzen und Risiken.
Iriberri I, Candrian C, Freehill MT, Raiss P, Boileau
P, Walch G.
AAOS Annual Meeting.
Poster: Should Reverse Total Shoulder
Arthroplasty be the Index Procedure in Over 80
Year Old Patients?
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA 11th-15th March
2014.
Pototschnig H, Machens HG, Müller DF, Harder Y.
(ÖGPÄRC).
Oral communication: Lappenüberleben durch
frühzeitiges Engraftment nach AT-3-Mangelassoziierter Pedikel-Thrombose.
Mazzucchelli RA, Müller J, Candrian C.
Pravini B, Rosso R, Christoforidis D.
Chirurgie.
Oral communication: Ligation of intersphincteric
fistula track (LIFT) for transsphincteric anal fistula:
initial experience.
Pravini B, Rosso R, Christoforidis D.
9th Scientific and Annual Meeting of the European
Society of Coloproctology.
Poster: Ligation of intersphincteric fistula track for
transsphincteric fistula: initial experience.
Barcelona, Spain, 24th- 26th September 2014.
Rezaeian F, Harder Y.
(ÖGPÄRC).
Oral communication: Experimentelle Ansätze zur
nicht invasiven Gewebepräkonditionierung in der
Plastischen Chirurgie.
Rezaeian F, Schmauss D, Wettstein R, Erni D,
Menger MD, Giovanoli P, Machens HG, Harder Y.
Oral communication: From “surgical delay” to noninvasive tissue preconditioning in plastic surgery: a
historical overview.
Rosso R.
The 31th International Gastrointestinal Surgery
Workshop 2014.
Oral communication: Acute situations in abdominal surgery: clinical scenarios I.
Davos, Switzerland, 22nd-28th February 2014.
155
Rosso R.
The 31th International Gastrointestinal Surgery
Workshop 2014.
Oral communication: Open abdomen – therapeutic
options for closure of laparostomy.
Davos, Switzerland, 22nd-28th February 2014.
Rosso R.
Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Allgemein
Chirurgie und Traumatologie (SGATC) 18. Bieler
Fortbildungstage.
Oral communication: Prise en charge de la
cholécystite chez la femme enceinte.
Biel, Switzerland, 4th-5th September 2014.
ierung zur Verhinderung von Ischämie-assoziierten
Wundheilungsstörungen und Hautnekrosen – eine
klinische Pilotstudie an der Brust.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
In: Cistaro A, editors. Atlas of PET/CT in Pediatric
Patients. Springer; 2014:199-200. ISBN: 978-88470-5357-1 (Print) 978-88-470-5358-8 (Online).
van Aaken J, Fusetti C, Lucchina S, Beaulieu JY,
Hofmeister E.
SGH-SSCM.
Non inferiority of treating boxer's fracture with soft
cast compared to reduction and cast.
Thun, Switzerland, 13th-14th November 2014.
Treglia G, Cistaro A.
Mycobacteriosis.
Patients. Springer, 2014:217-219. ISBN: 978-88470-5357-1 (Print) 978-88-470-5358-8 (Online).
Neurofibromatosis.
Publications in books in 2014
Schaefer DJ, Tchang LAH, Largo RD, Harder Y,
Wettstein R, Pittet B.
Oral communication: Swiss recommendations for
autologous fat grafting in the breast.
van den Berg JC.
Internal iliac artery embolization as an adjunct to
endovascular aneurysm repair.
In: JC Stanley, FJ. Veith, TW. Wakefield, editors.
Current therapy in vascular and endovascular
surgery.
Philadelphia, Elsevier Saunders, 2014:253-256.
Neurology
Schmauss D, Finck T, Mehta S, Farhadi J, Egana
JT, Machens HG, Harder Y.
für Chirurgie (SGC).
Oral communication: Local heat preconditioning
to prevent wound breakdown and skin necrosis: A
translational study.
Pignatti R.
Neuropsychology of Anorexia Nervosa.
In: Sassaroli S, Ruggiero GM, editors. New
Developments in Anorexia Nervosa Research.
Hauppauge, NY, Nova Science Publishers,
2014:75-94.
Nuclear Medicine
Schmauss D, Finck T, Mehta S, Farhadi J, Egaña T,
Machens HG, Harder Y.
(ÖGPÄRC).
Oral communication: Lokale Hitzepräkondition-
156
In: Bruera E, Higginson I, von Gunten CF, Morita
T, editors. Textbook of Palliative Medicine and
Supportive Care. 2nd ed. 2014.
Taralli S, Stefanelli A, Treglia G.
Role of PET in Cancer Diagnosis.
In: Barh D, Carpi A, Verma M, Gunduz M, editors.
Cancer Biomarkers: Minimal and Noninvasive Early
Diagnosis and Prognosis. CRC Press, 2014:3946.
ISBN: 978-1-4665-8428-0 (Print), 978-1-46658429-7 (Online).
Sarcoidosis.
Treglia G, Salsano M, Annunziata S.
PET tracers in glioma imaging.
In: Adamson DC, editors. Gliomas: Classification,
Symptoms, Treatment and Prognosis. Nova
Publisher, 2014:139-143.
ISBN:978-1-63117-868-9 (Print) ISBN: 978-163117-875-7 (Online).
Oncology
Zucca E, Bertoni F, Cavalli F.
MALT and other marginal zone lymphoma. Chapter
7.
In: Marcus R, Sweetenham JW, Williams ME
editors. Lymphoma. Pathology, Diagnosis, and
Treatment. 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge, 2014.
Palliative Care
Gamondi C, Neuenschwander H.
Pathophysiology of fatigue.
Treglia G, Alongi P.
157
8
Appendices
8.Appendices
160
Lead Investigator
Other researchers
Institute
Study title
Status report (December 2014)
Andreas Perren
Roberto Malacrida / Elena Iapichino/ Davide Corbella / Fabrizio Barazzoni /
Valentina di Bernardo / Ines Sperandino/ Cristina Sommacal
Regional Hospital of Bellinzona
and Valli - Intensive Care Medicine
Contenzione fisica vs farmacologica nel paziente intubato: conseguenze cliniche (Physical vs. drug restraint in
the intubated patient: clinical consequences)
Closed. Publication still ongoing
Gianfranco John Petri
Fabio Garofalo / Robin Chanda / M. Lazzaro / Luca Deabate / F. Strano /
Paola Genini / Ivana Roguljic
and Valli - Orthopaedics
Diabete in ortopedia: gestione peri-operatoria del
paziente diabetico - Infusione endovenosa continua
d'insulina rapida (IECI) versus correzioni con insulina
sottocute (regime standard) (Diabetes in orthopedics:
perioperative management of the diabetic patient - a
continuous intravenous infusion of rapid insulin (IEC)
versus corrections with subcutaneous insulin (standard
regimen))
Closed. (final report presented)
Piercarlo Saletti
Sara De Dosso / Milo Frattini / Luca Mazzucchelli / Emanuele Zucca
IOSI Oncology
Analisi dei marcatori molecolari ERCC-1, TS, p53 e
pTEN in pazienti affetti da adenocarcinoma gastrico o
della giunzione esofagogastrica operati radicalmente e
sottoposti a chemioterapia precauzionale (Analysis of
molecular markers ERCC-1, TS, p53 and PTEN in patients affected by gastric or esophagogastric junction
adenocarcinoma, who are radically operated and have
undergone a preventive chemotherapy)
Closed and published in Cancer Chemother
Pharmacol, 72(1):159-65, 2013: "ERCC1 predicts
outcome in patients with gastric cancer treated with
adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy"
Olivia Pagani
Monica Taborelli / Gabriella Bianchi-Micheli / Manuela Sarti
IOSI Oncology
Analisi della qualità dell'informazione nei colloqui di consulenza genetica per predisposizione a malattie tumorali
(Analysis of the quality of information in genetic counseling for predisposition to cancer diseases)
Luca Giovanella
Luca Ceriani / Franco Keller
IOSI Nuclear Medicine
Metabolismo calcico nel morbo di Basedow
(Calcium metabolism in Basedow disease)
Closed and published in Eur J Clin Invest, 41(1):93-7,
2011: "Evaluation of serum parathyroid hormonerelated peptide in hyperthyroid patients"
Luca Giovanella /
Emanuele Zucca
Luca Mazzucchelli / Luca Ceriani / Sergio Suriano
IOSI Nuclear Medicine/Oncology
Significato prognostico della 18fdg-PET/CT (Prognostic
significance of 18fdg-PET/CT)
In progress
Mario Bianchetti
Peter Johannes Schulz / Maria Caiata Zufferey
and Valli - Paediatrics
Convivere con una malattia cronica e genetica: il caso
della sindrome di Gitelman (Living with a chronic and genetic disease: the Gitelman syndrome)
Closed and published in Nephrol Dial Transplant,
27(8): 3196-3201, 2012: "Living with Gitelman disease: an insight into patients' daily experiences"
Michele Ghielmini
Jürg Stamm / Alden Moccia / Alessandra Fusconi
IOSI Oncology
Preservazione della fertilità mediante crioconservazione
di tessuto ovarico (Fertility preservation through cryopreservation of ovarian tissue)
In progress
8. Appendices
161
162
Lead Investigator
Other researchers
Institute
Title
Olivia Pagani
Aron Goldhirsch / Franco Cavalli / Laura Richetti
IOSI - Oncology
Database CARMA: raccolta di dati clinici, retrospettivi
e prospettici, in pazienti con carcinoma mammario per
valutare l’impatto sull’outcome dei fattori prognostici
e predittivi identificati alla diagnosi (CARMA database:
collection of retrospective and prospective clinical data
in breast cancer patients to assess the impact on outcome of prognostic and predictive factors identified
when diagnosed)
In progress
Luca Giovanella
Franco Keller / Sergio Suriano
IOSI nuclear Medicine
Procalcitonina e carcinoma midollare tiroideo (Procalcitonin and medullary thyroid carcinoma)
Closed and published in Clin Chem Lab Med,
51(7):1477-81, 2013: "Comparison of serum calcitonin and procalcitonin in detecting medullary thyroid
carcinoma among patients with thyroid nodules"
Gian Paolo Ramelli
Alessandra Ferrarini
Creazione di una banca dati dei pazienti pediatrici con
ritardo mentale assistiti dal Servizio di Neuropediatria
dell’Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona e Valli, Bellinzona,
San Giovanni (Database creation of pediatric patients
with mental retardation assisted by neuropaediatrics
Service of the Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valli,
Bellinzona, San Giovanni)
Closed and published in Dev Med Child Neurol,
56(3):290, 2014: "Chromosomal microarray among
children with intellectual disability: a useful diagnostic
tool for the clinical geneticist"
Martin Bolli
Riccardo Vandoni / Luca Mazzucchelli / Milo Frattini
and Valli - Surgery
Espressione e ruolo prognostico di marcatori molecolari, biologici e clinici nell'epatocarcinoma (Expression
and prognostic role of molecular, biological and clinical
markers in hepatocarcinoma)
Closed (final report presented)
Carlo Cereda
Claudio Bassetti / Claudio Staedler / Laura Zampieri / Antonio Carota
Regional Hospital of Lugano Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland
(NSI)
Impatto sanitario dell’implementazione di una struttura
di cure continue neurologiche (Stroke Unit) in seno al
Neurocentro (EOC) della Svizzera Italiana - studio osservazionale community-based sulle malattie cerebrovascolari acute in territorio ticinese. (Health impact of a
structure of continuous neurological treatment (stroke
unit) within the Neurocenter (EOC) of Southern Switzerland- observational community-based study of acute cerebrovascular diseases in Ticino)
In progress
Pierluigi Quadri
Fabiano Meroni /Rita Pezzati / Damiano Zemp / Lorena Curia/ Carola
Celeste / Silvia Ambrogio / Simona Chiari / Francesca Gallina / Nicola
Schiavone / Gianluca Guffanti
Regional Hospital of Mendrisio Geriatrics
La paura di cadere negli anziani: intervento fisioterapico
e approccio cognitivo (imagery) (Fear of falling in the elderly: physiotherapy intervention and cognitive approach
(imagery))
Closed (ongoing data analysis)
Claudia Gamondi
M. Caiata Zufferey / Joyce Pellandini
IOSI Oncology (Palliative Care Unit)
Assisted Suicide: attitudes and experiences of bereaved
families and beloved ones. An exploratory study
Closed and published in Ann Oncol, 24(6):1639-44,
2013: "Families’ experiences with patients who died
after assisted suicide: a retrospective interview study
in southern Switzerland"
Emanuele Zucca
Francesco Bertoni / Marco Zaffalon / Cassio Polpo de Campos
IOSI Oncology
Sviluppo di nuovi algoritmi per l'identificazione di modelli prognostici in pazienti affetti da linfomi mediante
l'ottimizzazione della gestione dei dati mancanti (Development of new algorithms for the identification of prognostic models in patients with lymphomas by optimizing
the management of missing data)
Closed and publication is ongoing in Computational
Statistics and Data Analysis
Marcello Di Valentino
Augusto Gallino / Stefano Muzzarelli
and Valli - Cardiology
No Smoke Pub Study
Closed and published in Eur J Public Health. 2014;
pii: cku067. [Epub ahead of print]: Reduction of STelevation myocardial infarction in Canton Ticino
(Switzerland) after smoking bans in enclosed public
places-: No Smoke Pub Study
Michele Ghielmini
Oreste Mora / Lucia Marelli / Carla Pedrazzani / Monica Bianchi / Mauro
Tettamanti / Pierluigi Quadri
IOSI Oncology
Fattibilità e accettabilità di una valutazione rapida multidimensionale per il paziente oncologico anziano: studio
pilota osservazionale (Feasibility and acceptability of a
quick multidimensional assessment for the elderly cancer patient: an observational pilot study)
8. Appendices
163
164
Lead Investigator
Other researchers
Institute
Study title
Rolf Wyttenbach
Zsolt Szücs-Farkas / Nathalie Médioni
and Valli - Radiology
Extracardiac Findings on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance
Imaging Studies
Closed and published in Eur Radiol, 22(6):1295-302,
2012:"Extracardiac findings detected by cardiac
magnetic resonance imaging"
Luca Giovanella
Franco Keller / Sergio Suriano / Luca Ceriani
Dosaggio calcitonina su agoaspirato tiroideo (Dosage of
calcitonin in thyroid fine-needle aspiration)
Closed and published in Diagn Cytopathol, 41(3): 226229, 2013: "Calcitonin measurement on fine needle
washouts: preanalytical issues and normal reference
values" and in Clin Endocrinol (Oxf), 80(1):135-140,
2014: "Calcitonin measurement in aspiration needle
washout fluids has higher sensitivity than cytology in
detecting medullary thyroid cancer: a retrospective
multicentre study"
Luca Giovanella
Luca Ceriani / Sergio Suriano / Riccardo Ricci
Diagnosi differenziale dei noduli tiroidei con citologia nondiagnostica mediante 18FDG-PET/CT (Differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules with non-diagnostic cytology by
18FDG-PET/CT)
Luca Giovannacci
Raffaele Rosso / Filippo Del Grande / Reto Canevascini / Stephane
Schlunke / Josua van den Berg / Hans Stricker
Regional Hospital
of Lugano - Vascular Surgery
Fattibilità di un programma di screening ecografico
dell'aneurisma dell'aorta addominale nella popolazione
afferente all'Ospedale Regionale di Lugano (Feasibility
of a abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound screening
program in the population served by Regional Hospital
of Lugano)
Closed. Publication still ongoing.
Gian Paolo Ramelli
Tamara Gonzalez / Nadia Zanda / Emanuelle Rossini
ORBV Paediatrics
Creazione di una banca dati dei pazienti pediatrici con
disturbo dello spettro autistico assistiti dal Servizio di
Neuropediatria dell’Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona
e Valli, Bellinzona (San Giovanni) (Database creation of
paediatric patients with autism spectrum disorder assisted by neuropaediatrics Service of Regional Hospital
of Bellinzona and Valli, Bellinzona (San Giovanni)
Closed and published in Eur J Paediatr Neurol, 19
(3): 386-387, 2015: "High prevalence of pathologic
copy number variants detected by chromosomal microarray in Swiss-Italian children with autism spectrum disorders"
Michele Ghielmini
Andrea Bordoni / Luca Mazzucchelli / Alessandra Spitale
IOSI Oncology
Indicatori di qualità nel trattamento oncologico: progetto
di ricerca nella Svizzera Italiana (Indicators of Quality of
Cancer Care in Southern Switzerland)
Closed and published in BMJ Open, 3(7), 2013:
"Quality indicators of clinical cancer care (QC3) in
colorectal cancer"; in Schweizer Krebsbulletin, 3:
205-208, 2012: "Quality Indicators of Clinical Cancer Care (QC3) in the territory of Canton Ticino: a
population-based study"; in Tribuna Medica Ticinese,
76: 51-55, 2011: "Indicatori di qualità nelle cure oncologiche studio QC3"
Augusto Gallino
Marcello Di Valentino / Julija Klimusina / Regional Group of Ticino cardiologists
Regional Hospital
of Bellinzona and Valli - Cardiology
Sindrome X coronarica: ruolo della funzione endoteliale:
un sotto-studio della coorte svizzera italiana del registro
italiano sulla sindrome X (Cardiac X Syndrome: role of
endothelial function: a substudy of the Swiss-Italian cohort of the italian Registry on X Syndrome)
Closed and published in Cardiovascular Medicine,16(1): 20–28, 2013: "Cardiac X syndrome: an
overview of the literature and the local experience in
Southern Switzerland"
Andrea Menafoglio
Marcello Di Valentino / Reto Pezzoli / Julija Klimusina / Augusto Gallino
Regional Hospital
of Bellinzona and Valli - Cardiology
Impatto dello screening cardiovascolare con elettrocardiogramma in giovani atleti (Impact of cardiovascular
screening with ECG in young (12-35 years) competitive
athletes)
Closed and published in Cardiovascular Medicine,
16:11-19, 2013
Dario Valcarenghi
Paola Di Giulio / Monica Bianchi / Carla Pedrazzani / Sonia Tosi Casado /
Christa Pedrazzoli Hutz
IOSI nursing Service
La sorveglianza del dolore allo IOSI: a che punto siamo?
(Pain monitoring at the IOSI: where are we?)
Claudio Gobbi
Chiara Zecca / Ursula Candrian / Marta Garcia Calle / Mara Gola /
Costanzo Limoni / Liliane Petrini
Regional Hospital of Lugano Neurocenter of Southern
Switzerland (NSI)
A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase IV study of oral prednisone
taper vs. placebo following intravenous steroids for the
treatment of acute relapses in multiple sclerosis within
the Ticino cohort
In progress
8. Appendices
165
166
Lead Investigator
Other researchers
Institute
Study title
Piercarlo Saletti
Milo Frattini / Luca Mazzucchelli / Sara De Dosso
IOSI Oncology
Ruolo predittivo di EGFR, PIK3CA e PTEN nella risposta
al trattamento radio-chemioterapico preoperatorio in
pazienti affetti da carcinoma rettale localmente avanzato (Predictive role of EGFR, PIK3CA and PTEN in the response to preoperative radio-chemotherapy in patients
with locally advanced rectal carcinoma)
In progress
Roberto Malacrida
Valentina Di Bernardo / Nicola Grignoni / Chantal Marazia / Andreas
Perren / Michael Llamas / Alberto Pagnamenta / Ines Sperandio /
Rosanna Di Nocolantonio / Attilio Sicilia / Barbara Schulte
Regional Hospital of Lugano intensive care Medicine
L'intimità nelle cure intensive del Canton Ticino (Intimacy
in the intensive care unit of the Canton Ticino)
Alberto Pagnamenta
Moreno Doninelli / Michael Llamas / Andreas Perren / Roberto Malacrida
/ Kurt Schmidlin / Hans Ulrich Rothen
Regional Hospital of Mendrisio intensive care Medicine
Impatto di una strategia comunicativa sulla soddisfazione dei familiari in medicina intensiva (Impact of a communication strategy on the relatives' satisfaction in intensive care medicine)
Manuela Sarti
Sandra Pinton / Pina Carbone / Carlo Catapano / Enrico Roggero /
Franco Cavalli
IOSI Oncology
Expression analysis of putative stem cell markers in
human malignant prostate tumour and prognostic
implications
Closed and presented as scientific communications at national and international conferences and
published in Nature, 515(7525): 134-137, 2014:
"Tumour-infiltrating Gr-1+ myeloid cells antagonize
senescence in cancer"
Dario Valcarenghi
Monica Bianchi / Claudia Gamondi Palmesino / Sonia Tosi Casado /
Christa Pedrazzoli Hutz / Carla Pedrazzani
IOSI nursing Service / Oncology
L'inserimento di un programma di arte-terapia per
pazienti oncologici ricoverati allo IOSI: uno studio pilota
(Introduction of art therapy program for cancer patients admitted to the IOSI: a pilot study)
Enrico Roggero
Barbara Marongiu / Mariarosa Pascale / Andrea Alimonti / Flavio Stoffel
/ Franco Cavalli
IOSI Oncology
Studio pilota per confrontare i profili genomici e metabolomici di pazienti con cancro alla prostata alla diagnosi
e durante la progressione della malattia con lo scopo di
identificare specifiche alterazioni genetiche e metaboliche intra-individuali (Pilot study comparing genomic and
metabolomic profiling of patients with prostate cancer at
diagnosis and during disease progression to find specific
intra-individual genetic and metabolic alterations)
Closed and published in Tribuna medica ticinese,
79: 245-248, 2014: "Gestione multidisciplinare dei
pazienti con tumori urogenitali presso l'ente ospedaliero cantonale"
8. Appendices
167
168
Lead Investigator
Other researchers
Institute
Study title
Luca Giovanella
Massimo Bongiovanni / Sergio Suriano
Noduli tiroidei con citologia indeterminata: ruolo diagnostico di elastosonografia e marcatori immunocitochimici.
(Thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology: diagnostic
role of elastography and immunocytochemical markers)
In progress
Claudia Gamondi
Chantal Corti Polti / Murielle Pott
Parteciper à un suicide assisté: étude exploratoire sur
l'expérience des proches et leurs représentations de la
fin de vie, de la mort et du deuil. (The experience of the
family in assisted suicide)
Claudia Gamondi
Paola Di Giulio / Michele Egloff
Epidemiology of dying in Southern Switzerland: circumstances of death.
Dimitri Christoforidis
Mike Schmalzbauer / Alberto Posabella / Raffaele Rosso
Regional Hospital of Lugano - Surgery
Due tecniche chirurgiche per il trattamento delle cisti
sacro-coccigee: uno studio randomizzato e controllato
(Two surgical techniques for the treatment of sacrococcygeal cysts: a randomized and controlled study)
In progress
Florian Bihl
Antonio Lanzavecchia
and Valli - Gastroenterology
Valutazione della risposta immunitaria cellulare nei confronti del virus dell'epatite B in vari stadi dell'infezione:
caratterizzazione di risposte di linfociti T e B ed analisi
di nuovi epitopi virali (Evaluation of the cellular immune
response against the hepatitis B virus in various stages
of infection: characterization of responses of T and B
lymphocytes and analysis of new viral epitopes)
In progress
Christina Caporale/
Carlo Cereda
Claudio Bassetti / Fabio Conti / Claudio Petrillo / René Müri / Thomas
Nyffeler / Antonino Uncini / Daniel Zutter
Switzerland (NSI)
Riabilitazione combinata alla stimolazione biemisferica
transcranica con corrente continua diretta in pazienti
con ictus subacuto al fine di aumentare il recupero motorio degli arti superiori. (Rehabilitation combined with
bihemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation in
subacute ischemic stroke to increase upper limb motor
recovery)
In progress
Franco Keller
Mauro Imperiali / Roberto Della Bruna/ Luca Martinolli
EOLAB Department
Valutazione dell'introduzione di apparecchi POCT per
l'emogasanalisi nell'urgenza ospedaliera e pre-ospedaliera (Evaluation of the introduction of POCT devices
for blood gas analysis in the hospital and pre-hospital
emergency)
Closed (presented at "Congresso Svizzero di medicina di laboratorio -Swiss conference of laboratory
medicine (Swiss medLab)"
Marco Pons
Andrea Azzola / Alessia Riglietti / Claudio Bassetti / Mauro Manconi / Carlo
Cereda / Liliane Petrini / Guido Ferretti / Massimo Pagani / Fabio Esposito /
Costanzo Limoni
Regional Hospital
of Lugano - internal Medicine
Le apnee centrali in corso di TIA/ictus ischemico: elementi clinici, prognostici e fiosiopatologici (The central
apneas during the TIA / ischemic stroke: clinical, prognostic and physiopathological elements)
In progress
Rolf Wyttenbach
Stefano Colagrande / Francesco Regini / Elisa Ardemagni
and Valli -Radiology
Multi-parametric evaluation of liver perfusion by MR-Dwl
under fasting and postprandial conditions in healthly
volunteers: correlation with quantitative phase-contrast
portal venous flow measurements
closed and published in J Comput Assist Tomogr,
2015 Feb 13 [Epub ahead of print]: "Assessment
of Liver Perfusion by IntraVoxel Incoherent Motion
(IVIM) Magnetic Resonance-Diffusion-Weighted Imaging: Correlation With Phase-Contrast Portal Venous Flow Measurements"
Salvatore Galati
Carsten Möller / Claudio Städler/ Chiara Prosperetti / Mauro Manconi /
Simone Sarasso / Marcello Massimini
Switzerland (NSI)
Ruolo della sleep homeostasis nello sviluppo delle discinesie indotte dalla L-Dopa nei pazienti affetti da malattia
di Parkinson in fase avanzata (Role of sleep homeostasis
in the development of dyskinesias induced by L-dopa in
patients with advanced stage of Parkinson's disease)
In progress
Gianfranco Pesce
Azinwi Ngwa Che / Antonella Richetti / Jolanda De Jong
IOSI Radio-Oncology
Protocollo di irradiazione cerebrale ipofrazionata o radiochirurgia (IGRT o modalità stereotassica della cavità
di resezione in pazienti sottoposti ad asportazione chirurgica di metastasi cerebrale singola da tumori solidi
(Hypofractionated cerebral irradiation protocol or radiosurgery (IGRT or stereotaxic mode) of the resection
cavity in patients undergoing surgical removal of single
cerebral metastasis from solid tumours)
In progress
8. Appendices
169
Appendix 5 - Research projects funded by ABREOC in 2012-2013
170
Lead Investigator
Other researchers
Institute
Study title
Status report
(December 2014)
Andrea Menafoglio
Marcello Di Valentino / Patrick Siragusa / Gian-Antonio Romano / Reto
Pezzoli / Giorgio Moschovitis
Impatto dello screening cardiovascolare in atleti master tra 35 e 65 anni (Preparticipation Screening and Assessment of Cardiovascular diseases in Masters
Athletes (PSA-Masters Study))
Closed and published in Br
J Sports Med. 2014 Nov
13 [Epub ahead of print]:
"Cardiovascular evaluation
of middle-aged individuals
engaged in high-intensity
sport activities: implications
for workload, yield and
economic costs"
Leonardo Sacco
Leonardo Sacco / Guido Ongaro / Fabiano Meroni / Riccardo Pignatti /
Claudio Staedler / Franco Keller
Switzerland (NSI)
L'alterazione di A-BETA 42, TAU e FOSFO-TAU nel liquor di pazienti con deficit
cognitivo lieve (CDR 0.5) sono indice indiretto di accumulo di amiloide e danno
neuronale. I test di memoria semantica, memoria ecologica e dual task sono
congruenti con il processo neurodegenerativo? (The alteration in A-BETA 42,
TAU and PHOSPHO-TAU in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with mild cognitive
impairment (CDR 0.5) is an indirect sign of amyloid accumulation and neuronal
damage. Are semantic memory, ecological memory and dual task tests consistent with the neurodegenerative process?)
In progress
Enos Bernasconi
Francesco Bertoni / Emanuele Zucca / Stephan Dirnhofer
Regional Hospital of Lugano Infectious diseases
A survey of treatment modalities and outcome analysis of HIV-related B-cell lymphomas from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Closed. Publication still
ongoing
Dario Valcarenghi
Monica Bianchi / Carla Pedrazzani / Agostino Chiriatti / Massimiliano
Zanon
IOSI nursing Service
L'educazione del paziente al trattamento farmacologico antitumorale orale (Patient education to oral cancer therapy)
Closed (ongoing data
analysis)
Luciano Wannesson
Milo Frattini / Luca Mazzucchelli / Francesca Molinari
IOSI Oncology
Analisi dell'espressione genica di ROR1 nei carcinomi polmonari: un nuovo marcatore nell'ottica di nuove terapie bersaglio-specifiche (Gene expression analysis
of ROR1 in lung carcinomas: a new marker in view of new target-specific therapies)
In progress
Manuela Sarti
Gianluca Civenni / Flavio Stoffel / Carlo Catapano / Giuseppina Carbone
IOSI Oncology
Isolation and characterization of epithelial stem cells from human prostate biopsies
In progress
Cristiana Sessa
Sara De Dosso / Anastasios Stathis
IOSI Oncology
Studio di Fase I con la combinazione di chemioterapia contenente platino e endometacina (Phase I study evaluating indomethacin in combination with platinumbased chemotherapy)
In progress
Claudio Gobbi
Emanuele Pravatà / Chiara Zecca / Valeria Pifferini / Navarajah Nadarajah /
Alessandro Cianfoni / Leonardo Sacco / Riccardo Pignatti
Switzerland (NSI)
Brain Default Mode and Attention Network MR Functional Connectivity Changes
After Task-induced Precipitation of Cognitive Fatigue in Patients with Multiple
Sclerosis
Closed (final report and a
poster presented at conferences)
Mauro Imperiali /
Luca Giovanella
Franco Keller
EOLAB Department /
Studio di marcatori biochimici tiroidei (Study of thyroid biochemical markers)
In progress
Olivier Giannini
Damiano Zemp / Claudio Cereghetti / Mauro Tettamanti / Pierluigi Quadri
Regional Hospital of Mendrisio internal Medicine
Influenza dell'emodialisi sull'attività fisica e sulle capacità motorie in pazienti con
insufficienza renale cronica stadio 5 (K/DOQI) (Influence of haemodyalisis on
physical activity and motor skills of patients with chronic kidney disease, stage
5 (K/DOQI).
In progress
Mario G. Bianchetti
Giacomo D. Simonetti / Alberto Bettinelli / Francesco Barretta
Meccanismi soggiacenti l'iponatriemia della polmonite del bambino acquisita in
comunità (Mechanisms underlying hyponatremia of community-acquired pneumonia in children)
In progress
Alessandra Pia
Porretta
Augusto Gallino / Peter J. Schwartz /Isabella Sudano /Juljia Klimusina
Cardiomiopatia di Tako-Tsubo e Sindrome X Cardiaca: nuove prospettive patofisiologiche nell'ambito di due cardiopatie orfane (Tako-Tsubo Cardiomyopathy and
Cardiac Syndrome X: New Insights into the pathophysiology of two orphan cardiac diseases)
In progress
Manuela Sarti
Carlo Catapano / Giuseppina Carbone / Enrico Roggero / Sandra Pinton
/ Ramon Garcia-Escudero / Flavio Stoffel / Brunello Mazzola / Fernando
Jermini / Mauro Castelnuovo
IOSI Oncology
Circulating microRNAs in plasma/serum as biomarkers for prostate cancer
In progress
Michele Ghielmini
Vilma Ratti / Cristina Marini / Carla Pedrazzani
IOSI Oncology
Studio caso-controllo dell'impatto di una scelta terapeutica basata sulla valutazione multidimensionale del paziente oncologico in età geriatrica (Case-control
study of the impact of a therapeutic choice based on multi-dimensional assessment of elderly cancer patients)
In progress
8. Appendices
171
Lead Investigator
Other researchers
Institute
Study title
Expected study duration
Luca Giovanella
Luca Ceriani / Pierpaolo Trimboli
Analisi Ecostrutturale quantitativa: ruolo diagnostico differenziale nella patologia nodulare tiroidea (Echostructural quantitative analysis: differential diagnostic role in
nodular thyroid disease)
36 months
Luca Gabutti
Igor Salvadé / Giorgia Bianchi
Regional Hospital
of Locarno - Internal Medicine
A. Valore predittivo del magnesio ionizzato sulla magnesemia totale e variazioni intradialitiche: uno studio di
popolazione; B. Conseguenze emodinamiche del cambiamento di concentrazione di magnesio nel dializzato: uno
studio in cross-over (A. Predictive value of ionized magnesium on total magnesemia and intradialytic variations:
a population study; B. Consequences of hemodynamic
change in magnesium concentration in the dialysate: a
cross-over study)
2 months (in progress)
Silvia Miano
Mauro Manconi / Valdo Pezzoli / Gian Paolo Ramelli
Regional Hospital
of Lugano - Neurocenter
of Southern Switzerland (NSI)
Markers polisonnografici del disturbo dell’attenzione ed
iperattività in età pediatrica e disturbi del sonno (Polysomnographic markers of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in pediatric age and sleep disorders)
24 months
Stephany Fulda
Chiara Prosperetti
Switzerland (NSI)
"Infra-slow oscillations during sleep in healthy subjects
and subjects with restless legs syndrome/periodic leg
movements during sleep (RLS/PLMS)"
18 months
Enrico Roggero
Luca Mazzucchelli / Mariarosa Pascale
IOSI Oncology
Studio pilota epidemiologico sulla prevalenza del virus
del papilloma umano nei soggetti affetti da carcinoma
della prostata nella popolazione ticinese (Epidemiological
pilot study on prevalence of human papillomavirus in individuals with prostate cancer in the population in Ticino)
12 months
Giorgio Treglia
Ramin Sadeghi / Salvatore Annunziata
Meta-analisi sull’accuratezza diagnostica della PET/TC
con fluorodesossiglucosio nello studio dei tumori delle
vie biliari (Meta-analysis on diagnostic accuracy of PET/
CT scans with fluorodeoxyglucose in the study of biliary
tract tumours)
12 months
Gianfranco Pesce
Azinwi Ngwa Che / Antonella Richetti / Yolanda De Jong / Luca Giovanella /
Rolf Wyttenbach
IOSI Radio-Oncology
Radioterapia ipofrazionata ad alta conformazionalità
(IGRT) in pazienti con recidiva biochimica di adenocarcinoma della prostata e malattia oligometastatica: studio
pilota prospettico di fase II (Highly conformational hypofractionated radiation therapy (IGRT) in patients with
biochemical recurrence of prostate adenocarcinoma
and oligometastatic disease: a prospective phase II pilot
study)
48 months
Carla Pedrazzani
Dario Valcarenghi / Monica Bianchi / Christa Pedrazzoli Hutz / Andrea
Bordoni
IOSI Nursing Service
L'astenia nei pazienti oncologici allo IOSI (Asthenia in
cancer patients at the IOSI)
12 months
Chiara Zecca
Claudio Gobbi / Gianna Riccitelli / Alessandro Cianfoni / Emanuele Pravatà
Switzerland (NSI)
Brain MRI functional connectivity and neuropsychological assessment in multiple sclerosis patients with migraine
30 months
Appendix 7 - 2014 EOC Projects subject to General Authorisation (AG)
172
No.
Study title
Lead Investigator (LI)
Other researchers
1/AG14
Analisi dell'espressione genica di ROR1 nei carcinomi polmonari: un nuovo marcatore
nell'ottica di nuove terapie bersaglio-specifiche (Analysis of gene expression of ROR1 in
lung cancers: a new marker in view of new target-specific therapies)
Luciano Wanesson
Milo Frattini, Luca
Mazzucchelli, Francesca
Molinari
8. Appendices
Collaborators (in addition
to the LI) having access
to non-anonymized data
Milo Frattini, Luca Mazzucchelli, Samantha Epistolo,
Francesca Molinari, Alice
Riva, Giovanna Schiavone,
Vittoria Martin
Expected study
duration
12 months
Approval by Ethics
Committee of Canton
Ticino
Approved
(7th May 2014)
Ref. EC 2800
173
Impressum
Copyright
© Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale
Editing
EOC Head Office
Communication Service
EOC Medical Area
Simonetta Incerpi (translation/revision)
Graphic concept and layout
mhi identity design consultants, Sorengo
Photos
Francesco Ciriello
Gianluca Chiarello
Alessandro Crinari
EOC Archive

Scientific Report

Transcription

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