Dr. Schiano studies different aspects of cancer, particularly how to evaluate and choose the best treatments for conditions like breast cancer, vulvar cancer, endometrial cancer, and Struma Ovarii. He also looks at ways to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and better understand the nature of cancer spread. Additionally, his research addresses respiratory diseases, including how asthma patients respond to allergens and the effectiveness of certain medications in managing their symptoms. Dr. Schiano's findings help doctors make informed choices that can lead to better care for patients with these conditions.
Key findings
In a study on breast cancer, Dr. Schiano's research identified that multigene tests like Oncotype Dx and MammaPrint are useful for personalizing treatment, but there's no consensus on which test is best, impacting how doctors choose treatments.
A case study on vulvar squamous cell carcinoma revealed that the cancer can aggressively spread, impacting areas like soft tissues and bones, which informs treatment strategies for advanced cases.
His research on bronchial hyperreactivity found that 84% of asthma patients exhibit high sensitivity, showing significant differences in responsiveness across various respiratory conditions.
Dr. Schiano discovered that combining substances like caffeine with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin greatly enhances its effectiveness against ovarian and cervical cancer cells, suggesting improved treatment potential.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Schiano study breast cancer?
Yes, Dr. Schiano evaluates how multigene tests can help tailor treatments for patients with early-stage breast cancer.
What treatments has Dr. Schiano researched?
Dr. Schiano has researched chemotherapy effectiveness, particularly using cisplatin for ovarian and cervical cancer, as well as treatments for asthma using fenoterol.
Is Dr. Schiano's work relevant to patients with vulvar cancer?
Yes, his research on the metastasis of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma provides valuable insights into the aggressive nature of this cancer.
How does Dr. Schiano help asthma patients?
His studies on allergens and medications help identify effective treatments and management strategies for patients suffering from asthma.
Does Dr. Schiano focus on any rare cancers?
Yes, he has conducted research on Struma Ovarii, a rare ovarian tumor, to improve understanding and treatment options.
Publications in plain English
Evaluation and Comparison of Prognostic Multigene Tests in Early-Stage Breast Cancer: Which Is the Most Effective? A Literature Review Exploring Clinical Utility to Enhance Therapeutic Management in Luminal Patients.
2025
Molecular carcinogenesis
Brogna MR, Ferrara G, Varone V, Montone A, Schiano M +2 more
Plain English This paper examines different tests that analyze multiple genes to predict how early-stage breast cancer might behave, focusing on whether these tests can help doctors make better treatment decisions. The researchers found that while tests like Oncotype Dx and MammaPrint are validated and useful for personalizing care, there is still no clear consensus on how to choose the best test, as each assesses patients differently. This research matters because effective use of these tests can help patients avoid unnecessary chemotherapy and tailor treatments to their specific cancer profile, leading to better outcomes.
Who this helps: Patients with early-stage breast cancer.
Rare phalanges soft tissue and bony metastasis in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma: Case report.
2024
Gynecologic oncology reports
Foulger L, Simmons K, Schiano M, Bush S
Plain English This study looked at an unusual case of vulvar cancer that spread to uncommon places in the body, including the bones of the fingers and the lungs. The patient had vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, which is a type of skin cancer in the genital area, and in this case, it had spread significantly, leading to advanced symptoms. This is important because metastatic vulvar cancer is rare and often difficult to treat, and there isn’t much information available on how to manage it effectively.
Who this helps: This research helps doctors understand rare cases of advanced vulvar cancer to improve treatment options for patients.
Endometrial carcinoma diagnosed by scapular biopsy: A case report.
2011
Gynecologic oncology case reports
Turner S, Schiano M, Jubelirer S, Campbell J
Plain English This paper discusses a case where doctors found endometrial cancer by examining a biopsy taken from a patient's shoulder blade. It highlights that advanced cases of this cancer can spread to bones, which is not commonly expected. Understanding this can improve how doctors recognize and treat patients with advanced endometrial cancer.
Who this helps: Patients with endometrial cancer and their doctors.
Struma Ovarii with a focus of follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer: a case report.
2008
The West Virginia medical journal
Lao M, Koike J, Chauhan S, Schiano M, Plata M
Plain English This research paper reports on a rare case of Struma Ovarii, a type of ovarian tumor primarily made up of thyroid tissue, which was found to contain a specific type of thyroid cancer called follicular variant papillary thyroid cancer. A 36-year-old woman discovered a pelvic mass during her routine check-up, and after surgery, she underwent several additional procedures to address the cancer. The study highlights that there are no clear guidelines for treating this uncommon condition, which underscores the need for more research in this area.
Who this helps: This helps patients diagnosed with Struma Ovarii and their doctors by improving understanding and treatment options.
Measurement of birefringence correlation length in long, single-mode fibers.
2001
Optics letters
Galtarossa A, Palmieri L, Schiano M, Tambosso T
Plain English This study looked at how light travels in long optical fibers, specifically focusing on a property called birefringence, which affects the way light waves are polarized. The researchers measured the correlation length, which is a way to describe how uniform the birefringence is over distances in the fiber. They found that their measurements matched well with existing theories, indicating that their technique is reliable.
Who this helps: This helps engineers and companies that design and manufacture optical fibers for telecommunications.
Measurements of beat length and perturbation length in long single-mode fibers.
2000
Optics letters
Galtarossa A, Palmieri L, Schiano M, Tambosso T
Plain English This study looked at how light behaves in long single-mode fibers used in telecommunications. Researchers measured the "beat length," a key factor in how light signals interact, and found that the correlation length of the fiber's random birefringence affects this interaction. Understanding these measurements helps improve the performance and efficiency of fiber optic cables, which can lead to better internet and communication services.
Who this helps: This benefits internet providers and their customers by enhancing connection quality.
Statistical characterization of fiber random birefringence.
2000
Optics letters
Galtarossa A, Palmieri L, Schiano M, Tambosso T
Plain English This study looked at how light behaves in special optical fibers, focusing on a phenomenon called birefringence, which can affect signal quality. The researchers found that the variations in the way light travels through the fibers follow a predictable pattern, specifically that they fit a Gaussian distribution. This understanding is important because it can help improve the reliability of fiber optic communications, making them more efficient.
Who this helps: This helps telecommunications companies and engineers working on fiber optic technology.
Chemical enhancement of cisplatin cytotoxicity in a human ovarian and cervical cancer cell line.
1990
Gynecologic oncology
Boike GM, Petru E, Sevin BU, Averette HE, Chou TC +5 more
Plain English This study looked at ways to make the chemotherapy drug cisplatin more effective against ovarian and cervical cancer cells. Researchers tested two substances, caffeine and pentoxifylline, along with another compound called 3-aminobenzamide, to see if they could boost cisplatin's ability to kill cancer cells. They found that combining these agents with cisplatin significantly increased the drug’s effectiveness, which could lead to better treatment options for patients in the future.
Who this helps: This helps patients with ovarian and cervical cancers.
Evaluation of non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity in different respiratory diseases.
1986
European journal of respiratory diseases. Supplement
Melillo G, Cocco G, Balzano G, Schiano M
Plain English This study looked at how sensitive the airways are in different respiratory diseases, focusing on bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR). The researchers found that 84% of asthma patients had high BHR, while it was observed in lower numbers among other conditions: 36% in patients with a persistent cough, 50% in those with laryngeal spasms, 66% in Kartagener's syndrome, and cystic fibrosis. Understanding these differences is important because it helps doctors identify and treat respiratory issues more effectively.
Who this helps: Patients with respiratory diseases and their doctors.
Allergy to Olea europaea pollen: relationship between skin prick tests, RAST, ELISA and bronchial provocations tests.
1985
Allergologia et immunopathologia
Melillo G, D'Amato G, Liccardi G, D'Agostino F, Schiano M
Plain English This study looked at how allergic reactions to Olea europaea (olive tree) pollen affect patients in Southern Italy, particularly in Naples, where about 13% of allergy sufferers are sensitized to this pollen. The researchers tested 24 asthma patients using different allergy tests and found that while all patients reacted positively to the bronchial test with Olea pollen, the results from other tests like skin prick tests and blood tests did not necessarily correlate well with each other, suggesting inconsistencies in the allergy testing methods. This is important because it highlights a need for better allergy tests to accurately identify and treat patients with olive pollen allergies.
Who this helps: Patients with olive pollen allergies and their doctors.
Double-blind crossover study on the protective effect of fenoterol--administered by pressurized aerosol and in powder form--in allergen-induced asthma.
1984
Respiration; international review of thoracic diseases
D'Amato G, Schiano M, Cocco G, Melillo G
Plain English This study looked at how well a medication called fenoterol protects against asthma attacks triggered by allergens when given in two forms: a pressurized aerosol and a powder. Researchers tested 14 asthma patients and found that both forms of fenoterol provided protection, but there were notable differences in effectiveness when looking at overall results. This matters because understanding which delivery method works better can help improve asthma treatment options.
Who this helps: This helps asthma patients and their doctors choose the best way to use fenoterol.
Evaluation of protective effect of fenoterol in allergen-induced bronchospasm.
1983
Allergy
D'Amato G, Schiano M, Balzano G, Cocco G, Melillo G
Plain English This study looked at how well fenoterol, a medication given in two puffs, protects against breathing problems caused by allergens in people with asthma. The research involved 12 people with asthma, and it found that fenoterol provided significant protection for up to 4 hours after taking the medication, even when allergens were introduced afterward. This is important because it shows that fenoterol can continue to help manage asthma symptoms, making it a valuable option for patients dealing with allergen exposure.
Who this helps: This helps asthma patients who are sensitive to allergens.