Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo F. Vito n.1, Rome, 00168, Italy.; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli n. 8, Rome, 00168, Italy.
D M D'Ugo studies the therapeutic use of mesenchymal stem cells in the context of liver injuries. MSCs are specialized cells that can develop into different types of cells, including liver cells. This research is particularly relevant for patients suffering from liver diseases such as severe liver failure. By investigating how MSCs can reduce inflammation, prevent the death of liver cells, and enhance liver function, D'Ugo's work aims to open up new possibilities for treatment options in the future.
Key findings
Mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into liver cells and support liver recovery in laboratory models of severe liver failure.
The study demonstrated that MSCs reduce inflammation and protect against liver cell death, providing a dual benefit for liver health.
There are significant challenges to overcome before MSCs can be effectively implemented in hospital settings, despite the promising results observed.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. D'Ugo study liver diseases?
Yes, Dr. D'Ugo's research specifically focuses on liver diseases, particularly severe liver failure.
What treatments has Dr. D'Ugo researched?
Dr. D'Ugo has researched the use of mesenchymal stem cells as a treatment for liver injuries.
Is Dr. D'Ugo's work relevant to patients with severe liver failure?
Yes, D'Ugo's research is highly relevant to patients facing severe liver failure, as it explores potential new therapies using stem cells.
Publications in plain English
Radiomic-based models are able to predict the pathologic response to different neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens in patients with gastric and gastroesophageal cancer: a cohort study.
2025
World journal of surgical oncology
Agnes A, Boldrini L, Perillo F, Tran HE, Brizi MG +8 more
Plain English This study explored how advanced imaging techniques, known as radiomics, can help predict how well patients with stomach cancer respond to different chemotherapy treatments before surgery. Researchers examined the CT scans of 77 patients and developed models that showed high accuracy: one model predicted major responses to treatment with 83% sensitivity and a notable negative predictive value of 96%. This is important because it can guide doctors in choosing the most effective treatment plans for patients, potentially improving outcomes.
Who this helps: This helps patients with gastric and gastroesophageal cancer and their doctors in making more informed treatment decisions.
Plain English This study looked at how mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could be used to treat liver injuries. Researchers found that MSCs can help by turning into liver cells, reducing inflammation, preventing liver cell death, and improving liver function. They noted promising results in lab experiments for conditions like severe liver failure, but there are still challenges before MSCs can be widely used in hospitals.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with liver diseases, particularly those facing severe liver failure.
Outcomes of clinical T4M0 extra-peritoneal rectal cancer treated with preoperative radiochemotherapy and surgery: a prospective evaluation of a single institutional experience.
2009
Surgery
Valentini V, Coco C, Rizzo G, Manno A, Crucitti A +13 more
Plain English This study looked at how effective a combination of radiation and chemotherapy before surgery is for patients with advanced rectal cancer that hasn’t spread beyond the rectum. Out of 100 patients, 78 were able to have a successful surgery that removed all cancer, with women doing better than men in achieving this (93% versus 67%). After five years, about 59% of patients were still alive, and local cancer control improved significantly for those who received intraoperative radiation.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with advanced rectal cancer and their doctors by providing insights into effective treatment options.
Selection of locally advanced gastric carcinoma by preoperative staging laparoscopy.
1997
Surgical endoscopy
D'Ugo DM, Persiani R, Caracciolo F, Ronconi P, Coco C +1 more
Plain English This research studied the effectiveness of a procedure called preoperative laparoscopy for staging gastric cancer, comparing it to traditional imaging methods like ultrasound and CT scans in 100 patients. The study found that laparoscopy identified 21 cases of cancer spread that were previously missed, and it was much better at correctly assessing the severity of advanced tumors, correctly identifying 69.7% of T3 tumors and 89.6% of T4 tumors, compared to much lower rates with ultrasound/CT. This matters because using laparoscopy can help doctors avoid unnecessary surgeries and improve treatment planning for patients with advanced gastric cancer.
Who this helps: This helps patients with gastric cancer and their doctors in determining the right treatment approach.
Immediately preoperative laparoscopic staging for gastric cancer.
1996
Surgical endoscopy
D'Ugo DM, Coppola R, Persiani R, Ronconi P, Caracciolo F +1 more
Plain English The study examined the effectiveness of a technique called laparoscopic staging for assessing gastric cancer just before surgery, comparing it to traditional methods like ultrasound and CT scans. Out of the first 70 cases analyzed, laparoscopic staging was more accurate, correctly identifying the cancer stage 68.6% of the time, while ultrasound and CT scans only had a 32.8% accuracy rate. This is important because better staging helps determine if a tumor can be safely removed and ensures patients receive the most appropriate treatment, reducing unnecessary surgeries.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with gastric cancer by improving their treatment options and outcomes.
Double stapling technique for low colorectal anastomoses after anterior resection for rectal cancer.
1988
International surgery
Picciocchi A, D'Ugo DM, Durastante V, Cardillo G
Plain English This study looked at 26 patients who underwent surgery for rectal cancer, using a method called the Double Stapling Technique (DST) to join the cut ends of their intestines. The researchers found that DST is better than older methods because it saves time, reduces risks during surgery, and maintains a clean environment, which helps lower the chances of cancer spreading. Overall, the DST not only simplifies the procedure but also makes it safer and more efficient.
Who this helps: Patients undergoing surgery for rectal cancer.
Venous involvement by follicular carcinoma of the thyroid gland.
1986
The Italian journal of surgical sciences
Puglionisi A, Picciocchi A, D'Ugo DM, Bruni V, Lemmo GM
Plain English This study focused on how thyroid cancer, specifically follicular carcinoma, can invade large veins, which is an uncommon occurrence. The researchers describe one case where the cancer had grown into a major vein, but the vein's inner layer remained intact, and they successfully removed the cancer through a major surgical operation. Understanding this condition is important because it highlights the need for careful surgical strategies when treating thyroid cancer that spreads to nearby blood vessels.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and surgeons who treat patients with advanced thyroid cancer.
Extent of axillary dissection preceding irradiation for carcinoma of the breast.
1986
Archives of surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
Schwartz GF, D'Ugo DM, Rosenberg AL
Plain English This study looked at the effects of surgery on lymph nodes in women with early-stage breast cancer. Out of 277 women, 127 had cancer spread to lymph nodes, with a small number (13%) having "skip metastases," where cancer skips certain nodes. The research found that it's important to remove lymph nodes from the first two levels before radiation treatment to ensure better care for patients with invasive breast cancer.
Who this helps: This helps breast cancer patients by improving treatment protocols.