F Selvaggi studies how various treatments impact patients with multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis. Their research specifically examines the drug ocrelizumab in patients with multiple sclerosis, particularly looking at how it influences levels of antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus, a virus that has been linked to MS. In addition, they explore surgical options and treatment guidelines for patients with severe forms of ulcerative colitis, aiming to enhance the decision-making process for healthcare providers dealing with complex cases.
Key findings
Ocrelizumab treatment during a 4.8-year period resulted in an average 8.2% reduction in Epstein-Barr virus antibody levels, but this was not linked to changes in multiple sclerosis symptoms.
The ECCO guidelines provide updated recommendations for the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis, particularly for severe cases and those unresponsive to medication, improving patient care strategies.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Selvaggi study multiple sclerosis?
Yes, Dr. Selvaggi researches the effects of treatments like ocrelizumab on multiple sclerosis and related antibody levels.
What treatments has Dr. Selvaggi researched?
Dr. Selvaggi has focused on ocrelizumab for multiple sclerosis and surgical options for severe ulcerative colitis.
Is Dr. Selvaggi's work relevant to ulcerative colitis patients?
Absolutely, Dr. Selvaggi provides guidelines that help manage surgical interventions for patients with severe ulcerative colitis.
Publications in plain English
Anastomotic configurations and early endoscopic recurrence following ileocolonic resection in Crohn's disease: systematic review and meta-analysis.
2026
International journal of colorectal disease
Vignali A, Gallo G, Selvaggi F, Gravante G, De Simone V +22 more
Plain English This study looked at how different surgical techniques for connecting the intestine after surgery for Crohn's disease affect the chances of the disease coming back early. Researchers analyzed data from 11 studies involving 1,505 patients and found that the two most common methods, stapled side-to-side and handsewn end-to-end, had similar rates of recurrence, around 48.5% and 46.7%, respectively. They noticed that a new technique, known as Kono-S, appeared to have a lower recurrence rate of about 31.8% compared to stapled side-to-side, but the evidence isn't strong enough to make a definitive conclusion.
Who this helps: This helps patients with Crohn's disease who may need surgery, as it provides insight into surgical options that could affect their recovery.
Acute appendicitis and its treatment: a historical overview.
2025
International journal of colorectal disease
Selvaggi L, Pata F, Pellino G, Podda M, Di Saverio S +4 more
Plain English This paper looks at the history of treating acute appendicitis, which affects 90 to 100 out of every 100,000 people each year and has a lifetime risk of 7 to 12%. It highlights how treatments evolved, from ancient times, when the appendix was sometimes called the "worm of the bowel," to modern techniques like laparoscopic surgery, which uses small incisions for quicker recovery. Understanding this history is important as it shows how far medical practices have come, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.
Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from appendicitis and the doctors who treat them.
The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Colorectal Cancer Initiation and Progression: Perspectives on Theranostic Approaches.
2025
Cancers
Catalano T, Selvaggi F, Cotellese R, Aceto GM
Plain English This study examined how unstable molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) impact the start and growth of colorectal cancer (CRC). Researchers found that these molecules can help cancer cells survive and adapt to treatments like chemotherapy, but also that managing ROS levels might lead to better cancer therapies. The findings suggest that adjusting ROS could improve treatment outcomes and help create personalized medicine approaches for CRC patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with colorectal cancer and their doctors.
Perineural invasion in pancreatic cancer: Current biological function in R status, prognosis, and pain.
2025
Surgery open science
Selvaggi F, Bannone E, Melchiorre E, Diana M, Cotellese R +1 more
Plain English The study focused on perineural invasion (PNI) in pancreatic cancer, which occurs when cancer cells invade nearby nerves, contributing to disease progression and pain. It found that PNI is as important for predicting patient outcomes as the spread of cancer to lymph nodes. Understanding and addressing PNI could lead to better treatment results and pain management for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Who this helps: This helps patients with pancreatic cancer and their doctors.
Circular (purse-string) vs primary skin closure following stoma closure: an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis.
2025
Techniques in coloproctology
Menegon Tasselli F, Pata F, Fuschillo G, Signoriello G, Bondurri A +3 more
Plain English This research compared two methods for closing the skin after stoma reversal surgery: circular skin closure (CSC) and traditional primary skin closure (PS). The findings showed that only 4% of patients with CSC developed surgical site infections (SSI), while 27% of those with PS had infections. This is a significant difference, highlighting that CSC leads to fewer infections without affecting surgery time or hospital stay.
Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing stoma closure surgery by reducing their risk of infection.
Diagnosis of Cholangiocarcinoma: The New Biological and Technological Horizons.
2025
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
Selvaggi F, Lopetuso LR, Delli Pizzi A, Melchiorre E, Murgiano M +7 more
Plain English The study looked at how cholangiocarcinoma (a type of cancer affecting the bile ducts) is diagnosed and explored new methods that could improve accuracy. Currently, the main diagnostic method is limited, as only 30% of cases are correctly identified using traditional techniques. New technologies, like advanced imaging and analysis of biological samples, could enhance diagnosis and lead to more personalized treatments.
Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from cholangiocarcinoma by providing more accurate diagnoses and better treatment options.
Failure rates and complications of four sphincter-sparing techniques for the treatment of fistula-in-ano: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
2025
Techniques in coloproctology
Fuschillo G, Pata F, D'Ambrosio M, Selvaggi L, Pescatori M +2 more
Plain English This research compared four different techniques for treating anal fistulas to see how effective they are and what complications they might cause. The study included 49 articles with a total of 3,520 patients and found that the failure rates for the treatments were 28.6% for LIFT, 22.3% for VAAFT, 43.9% for FiLaC, and 25.9% for EAF. Overall, VAAFT had the lowest failure rate, and no major complications were seen, though minor issues like pain and bleeding occurred in a small number of patients.
Who this helps: This information benefits patients with anal fistulas and their healthcare providers by helping them make informed treatment choices.
Mechanical bowel preparation to prevent infective complications after colon and rectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
2025
Minerva surgery
Martinez-Lopez M, Fuschillo G, Pata F, Kraft Carré M, Cirera DE Tudela A +3 more
Plain English This study looked at the effectiveness of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) to prevent infections after colon and rectal surgeries. It found that using MBP did not significantly reduce the rates of surgical site infections or leaks from the surgery, but it did lower the risk of serious infections inside the abdomen by about 47%. This matters because reducing these complications can lead to better recovery for patients after surgery.
Who this helps: Patients undergoing colon and rectal surgery.
MRI-based radiomics for preoperative T-staging of rectal cancer: a retrospective analysis.
2025
International journal of colorectal disease
Patanè V, Atripaldi U, Sansone M, Marinelli L, Del Tufo S +5 more
Plain English This study looked at using advanced imaging analysis (called radiomics) on MRI scans to better determine the stage of rectal cancer before surgery. It involved 200 patients and found that this method improved accuracy in staging the cancer to 81%, with sensitivity (how well the test identifies the cancer) at 78% and specificity (how well the test correctly identifies non-cancer) at 84%. Improving preoperative staging is important because it can lead to more tailored and effective treatment plans for patients with rectal cancer.
Who this helps: This helps patients with rectal cancer by potentially providing better treatment options.
Adipose-tumor crosstalk in colorectal cancer: Identifying (Epi)genetic biomarkers for tumor progression and cachexia.
2025
Cell death & disease
Pesapane A, Capasso L, Del Sorbo MR, Scisciola L, Troiani T +16 more
Plain English This study looked at how fat tissue interacts with colorectal cancer (CRC) and how this relationship affects cancer growth and muscle wasting in patients. Researchers found that fat located very close to the tumor (within 5 cm) showed significant changes, including increased signs of cancer-related stress and specific genetic mutations. These findings are important because they suggest that this nearby fat tissue might serve as a target for new treatments and help identify patients at higher risk for cancer progression.
Who this helps: This helps patients with colorectal cancer by providing potential new ways to improve treatment.
Comparative analysis of sporadic, IBD-associated, early-onset and late-onset colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
2025
Therapeutic advances in gastroenterology
Fuschillo G, Nardone OM, Calabrese G, Martí-Gallostra M, Selvaggi F +3 more
Plain English This study compared different types of colorectal cancer (CRC) to understand their characteristics and survival rates. It included data from over 6 million patients and found that the overall survival rate for sporadic CRC was about 61.88 months, compared to 55.54 months for CRC linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients with early-onset CRC generally lived longer (about 79.42 months) than those with late-onset CRC (77.58 months), but early-onset patients were more often diagnosed at a severe stage and had a higher risk of certain aggressive tumor types.
Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients by improving understanding of colorectal cancer types and guiding treatment decisions.
Synbiotic Supplementation for Chronic Constipation in Patients Under Peritoneal Dialysis: An Italian Multicenter Prospective Study.
2025
Journal of renal nutrition : the official journal of the Council on Renal Nutrition of the National Kidney Foundation
Argentino G, Paribello G, Foderini A, Marzano F, Amicone M +17 more
Plain English This study looked at how a synbiotic supplement, which includes special fibers and beneficial bacteria, affects chronic constipation in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). After 16 weeks of taking the supplement, patients experienced a significant improvement in their constipation scores, with a reduction of about 5.3 points, and nearly 37% of those who used laxatives stopped taking them, while about 42% reduced their use. This is important because it shows that this type of supplement can help relieve constipation and lessen the need for laxatives, which can improve the quality of life for these patients.
Who this helps: Patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis who suffer from chronic constipation.
Anti-EBV antibody reduction during ocrelizumab treatment is not associated with multiple sclerosis outcomes.
2025
Multiple sclerosis and related disorders
Esposito A, Corsaro L, Delle Cave I, Nicolella V, Palladino R +9 more
Plain English This study looked at how treatment with ocrelizumab, a drug used for multiple sclerosis (MS), affects levels of antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in patients. Over about 4.8 years, patients showed a significant decrease in EBV antibodies by an average of 8.2%, but this change did not relate to improvements or worsening of their MS symptoms. This finding is important because it shows that while ocrelizumab lowers certain antibody levels, it does not appear to impact disease outcomes in MS.
Who this helps: This helps patients with multiple sclerosis and their doctors understand that changes in EBV antibodies during treatment may not affect their disease progression.
Optimising surgical anastomosis in ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease with respect to recurrence and functionality: two international parallel randomized controlled trials comparing handsewn (END-to-end or Kono-S) to stapled anastomosis (HAND2END and the End2End STUDIES).
2024
BMC surgery
Haanappel AEG, Bellato V, Buskens CJ, Armuzzi A, van der Bilt JDW +12 more
Plain English This research studied different surgical techniques used in ileocolic resections for people with Crohn's disease, specifically comparing two types of handsewn anastomoses to a stapled version. The goal was to see which method would lead to fewer complications and better recovery outcomes six months after surgery. The study plans to enroll around 165 patients in the Netherlands and 189 in Italy, and the results could lead to changes in surgical practices, potentially improving the lives of patients by reducing the chances of their disease returning.
Who this helps: Patients with Crohn's disease.
Identification of perineural invasion at imaging staging as a novel potential risk factor in rectal cancer: A case report.
2024
Radiology case reports
Del Tufo S, Atripaldi U, Nicastro A, Panarese I, Ciardiello D +6 more
Plain English This study looked at a patient with rectal cancer who had surgery but later experienced a quick return of the cancer. The researchers discovered that a specific feature called "perineural invasion," which is when cancer spreads to nearby nerves, was linked to a worse outcome for this patient. They propose that doctors could use imaging techniques to spot this feature in future cases, which could help predict how aggressive the disease might be.
Who this helps: This benefits patients by allowing for better risk assessment and treatment planning.
Anal Fissure and Its Treatments: A Historical Review.
2024
Journal of clinical medicine
Riboni C, Selvaggi L, Cantarella F, Podda M, Bracchitta S +6 more
Plain English This research paper looks at anal fissures, which are painful tears in the skin around the anus that can cause bleeding, especially during bowel movements. It reviews how the understanding and treatment of anal fissures have changed over time, highlighting important developments in medical history. The findings show that while there are many effective treatment options today, the condition has been a significant issue for patients for centuries, affecting their quality of life.
Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from anal fissures and their healthcare providers.
Differential Regulation of Wingless-Wnt/c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Crosstalk via Oxidative Eustress in Primary and Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Cells.
2024
Biomedicines
Aceto GM, Pagotto S, Del Pizzo FD, Saoca C, Selvaggi F +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how different levels of stress in the environment around colorectal cancer cells affect their growth and resistance to treatment. Researchers found that primary tumor cells were more affected by mild stress combined with a specific chemical inhibition, leading to lower cell survival rates, while metastatic cells were better able to adapt and survive under the same conditions. Understanding these differences is important as it could help create more targeted treatments for colorectal cancer that take into account the different behaviors of primary versus metastatic cells.
Who this helps: This helps patients with colorectal cancer and their doctors in developing better treatment options.
Risk of metachronous neoplasia in early-onset colorectal cancer: meta-analysis.
2024
BJS open
Pellino G, Fuschillo G, González-Sarmiento R, Martí-Gallostra M, Selvaggi F +2 more
Plain English This study looked at the chances of young people (under 50) with colorectal cancer developing a second cancer after their first one. Researchers found that overall, about 2.6% of these patients face this risk, but it significantly rises to 18.4% for those with Lynch syndrome and 10.5% for those with a family history of cancer. Understanding these risks is important to help doctors create better treatment and monitoring plans for young cancer patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors who care for young individuals facing colorectal cancer.
Obesity-induced neuronal senescence: Unraveling the pathophysiological links.
2024
Ageing research reviews
Ghosh P, Fontanella RA, Scisciola L, Taktaz F, Pesapane A +8 more
Plain English This study looks at how obesity affects brain cells and may lead to problems with thinking and memory. Researchers found that obesity triggers inflammation and other harmful processes in the brain, leading to damaged neurons and increasing the risk of dementia. Addressing these issues could help prevent cognitive decline in people with obesity.
Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with obesity and healthcare providers looking for ways to prevent cognitive issues.
Ileoanal pouch-related fistulae: A systematic review with meta-analysis on incidence, treatment options and outcomes.
2023
Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver
Pellino G, Celentano V, Vinci D, Romano FM, Pedone A +4 more
Plain English This study examined complications called ileoanal pouch-related fistulae (PRF) that can occur after a specific surgery for bowel diseases. Researchers found that the incidence of these fistulae ranged from 1.5% to 12%, and nearly half of the patients had their fistulae come back after treatment. The best surgical option to address this issue, a repeat surgery known as IPAA, had a recurrence rate of 42.1%, which highlights that while treatment can work, there's still a significant chance it will fail.
Who this helps: This information helps patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and their doctors better understand the risks and treatment options for this complication.
Influence of diabetes mellitus on inflammatory bowel disease course and treatment outcomes. A systematic review with meta-analysis.
2023
Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver
Fuschillo G, Celentano V, Rottoli M, Sciaudone G, Gravina AG +5 more
Plain English This research studied how diabetes affects people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Among 71,216 patients, those with both IBD and diabetes had a higher risk of hospitalization (2.52 times more likely) and severe infections, like sepsis (1.56 times more likely), but their risk for surgery and death from IBD didn't change. This matters because it shows that having diabetes can make living with IBD more challenging and expensive, with healthcare costs reaching $10,598 per year compared to $3,747 for those without diabetes.
Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes and IBD by highlighting the need for careful management of their health conditions.
SupportiNg operAtive Photographic documentation in ileocolonic CROHN's disease surgery: The SNAPCROHN study.
2023
Colorectal disease : the official journal of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland
Celentano V, Adamina M, Spinelli A, Fleshner P, Pellino G +9 more
Plain English The SNAPCROHN study focused on creating a standard way for surgeons to take and use photographs during surgery for Crohn's disease, specifically in the ileocolonic area. The study found that there was strong support among colorectal surgeons for this practice, with agreement that photos should capture critical aspects like strictures and complications. This standardization can improve training, research, and the quality of surgical care, helping ensure better outcomes for patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors.
Robuvit® reduces fatigue after chemotherapy for colon cancer. A pilot registry study.
2023
Minerva surgery
Belcaro G, Cox D, Cesarone MR, Scipione C, Scipione V +7 more
Plain English This study looked at how taking Robuvit, an oak wood extract, affects fatigue in patients recovering from chemotherapy for colon cancer. Fifty-one patients participated, with some taking Robuvit for six weeks while others did not. Those who took Robuvit showed significant improvements in areas like energy levels, physical strength, fitness, and overall mood, with no reported side effects; for instance, fatigue scores improved for those taking Robuvit compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from colon cancer and undergoing chemotherapy.
Establishment of patient-derived tumor organoids to functionally inform treatment decisions in metastatic colorectal cancer.
2023
ESMO open
Martini G, Belli V, Napolitano S, Ciaramella V, Ciardiello D +28 more
Plain English Researchers studied how to improve treatment decisions for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) by creating models called patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs) from tumor samples. They found that 83.3% of tumors without certain genetic mutations responded well to a drug called cetuximab, while all tumors with those mutations were resistant. Their approach showed promise in matching treatment to patients, benefiting some individuals with tailored therapies based on their specific tumor characteristics.
Who this helps: This helps patients with metastatic colorectal cancer by providing more personalized treatment options.
Plain English This study looked at how a specific signaling pathway in cells, called Wnt/β-catenin, affects the spread of colorectal cancer to the liver, which is a common and serious issue for patients. Researchers found that this pathway plays a key role in helping cancer cells survive and resist treatment, making them harder to kill. Understanding this process can lead to better treatment options for patients with colorectal liver metastases, which is important because current therapies often struggle with effectiveness.
Who this helps: Patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver.
Case report of unusual synchronous anal and rectal squamous cell carcinoma: clinical and therapeutic lesson.
2023
Frontiers in oncology
Ciardiello D, Del Tufo S, Parente P, Gravina AG, Selvaggi F +9 more
Plain English This paper discusses a rare case of a patient who had squamous cell carcinoma in both the rectum and anus at the same time, which is unusual. The patient, who had tumors linked to HPV, was treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation instead of surgery. Remarkably, the treatment led to the complete disappearance of the tumors, and after two years, there were no signs of the cancer returning.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with similar rare cancers as well as doctors looking for effective treatment options.
Plain English This study looked at how infections in the liver can lead to changes in cell signaling that increase the risk of developing primary liver cancers, like hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. Researchers found that viruses like hepatitis B and C, along with other infectious agents, disrupt a specific pathway in liver cells that normally helps regulate their growth. This matters because targeting the problems in this pathway could lead to new treatment options for liver cancer.
Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for liver cancer from viral infections.
Laparoscopic and open complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation for right colonic adenocarcinoma: a retrospective comparative study.
2022
ANZ journal of surgery
Testa DC, Mazzola L, di Martino G, Cotellese R, Selvaggi F
Plain English This study looked at the outcomes of two surgical methods—laparoscopic and open surgery—for patients with right-side colon cancer between 2013 and 2018. Both methods had similar success rates, with three-year survival at 75% for laparoscopic surgery and 77.8% for open surgery, while patients with earlier stages of cancer had even better survival rates of 88.9% for laparoscopic and 80% for open surgery. The findings show that both techniques are equally effective, but surgeries that remove more than 15 lymph nodes lead to better survival for earlier-stage patients.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with right colonic adenocarcinoma and their doctors by providing insight into effective surgical options.
Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy: mapping surgical maneuvers towards operative standardization.
2022
Annali italiani di chirurgia
Selvaggi F, Testa DC, Panaccio P, Rossi S, Raimondi P +3 more
Plain English This research studied how surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery to remove the tail of the pancreas, sometimes while keeping the spleen intact, mainly for patients with non-cancerous or borderline cancerous growths. The researchers found that there is a lot of variability in techniques, largely because different surgeons have different training and preferences, which means there is no clear standard approach. This matters because creating a standardized method could lead to better outcomes for patients and more consistent surgical practices.
Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing pancreatic surgery and their doctors.
Follow-up Study to Evaluate the Long-term Safety and Efficacy of Darvadstrocel (Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment) in Patients With Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease: ADMIRE-CD Phase 3 Randomized Controlled Trial.
2022
Diseases of the colon and rectum
Garcia-Olmo D, Gilaberte I, Binek M, D Hoore AJL, Lindner D +3 more
Plain English This study examined the long-term effects of a stem cell treatment called darvadstrocel on patients with Crohn's disease who have complex perianal fistulas, following an initial trial period. After two years, 56% of patients treated with darvadstrocel showed clinical remission, meaning their symptoms were significantly reduced, compared to 40% in the control group. This finding is important because it suggests that darvadstrocel can provide lasting relief for patients suffering from this complicated condition.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease.
Standardization of ileoanal J-pouch surgery technique: Quality assessment of minimally invasive ileoanal J-pouch surgery videos.
2022
Surgery
Celentano V, Tekkis P, Nordenvall C, Mills S, Spinelli A +10 more
Plain English This study looked at surgical videos related to a specific procedure called ileal pouch anal anastomosis, which is used to help patients who have had their colon removed. The researchers found a lot of inconsistency in how the surgery was performed, with some techniques being considered safe only 30.7% to 92.3% of the time depending on the specific step shown. This matters because better standardization and training can improve surgical outcomes and reduce complications for patients.
Who this helps: Patients undergoing ileal pouch anal anastomosis surgery.
INSPECT: A Retrospective Study to Evaluate Long-term Effectiveness and Safety of Darvadstrocel in Patients With Perianal Fistulizing Crohn's Disease Treated in the ADMIRE-CD Trial.
2022
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Panés J, Bouma G, Ferrante M, Kucharzik T, Nachury M +11 more
Plain English This study looked at the long-term effectiveness and safety of darvadstrocel, a treatment for complex perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease. After 156 weeks, 53.5% of patients treated with darvadstrocel remained in clinical remission, similar to the control group. The results show that patients can maintain their remission in the long term regardless of the treatment they receive and confirm that darvadstrocel is generally safe.
Who this helps: This helps patients with Crohn's disease who suffer from perianal fistulas.
Abdominal versus perineal approach for external rectal prolapse: systematic review with meta-analysis.
2022
BJS open
Pellino G, Fuschillo G, Simillis C, Selvaggi L, Signoriello G +4 more
Plain English This study looked at two different surgical methods for treating external rectal prolapse: the abdominal approach (AA) and the perineal approach (PA). It found that recurrence of the condition is lower with the abdominal approach, occurring in 7.7% of patients compared to 20.1% for the perineal approach. Also, patients who underwent AA generally experienced less incontinence but faced higher rates of constipation.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with external rectal prolapse by providing clearer guidance on surgical options and their potential outcomes.
Targeting Wnt/β-Catenin Pathways in Primary Liver Tumours: From Microenvironment Signaling to Therapeutic Agents.
2022
Cancers
Selvaggi F, Catalano T, Cotellese R, Aceto GM
Plain English This research paper looks at primary liver cancers, which are rising in number and often hard to treat due to late diagnosis and resistance to standard treatments. The study found that problems with a specific signaling pathway in the liver, called the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, are linked to the development of these cancers. Understanding this connection is crucial because it could lead to new and better treatments for liver cancer, including drugs and improved surgical options.
Who this helps: This helps patients with primary liver cancers and their doctors.
Microsatellite Status Detection in Gastrointestinal Cancers: PCR/NGS Is Mandatory in Negative/Patchy MMR Immunohistochemistry.
2022
Cancers
Zito Marino F, Amato M, Ronchi A, Panarese I, Ferraraccio F +21 more
Plain English This study looked at how well two different tests detect microsatellite instability (MSI) in cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Researchers examined 444 colorectal cancer samples and 176 gastric cancer samples. They found that among the colorectal cases, 15 had a certain type of mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR), with 13 being MSI-high (meaning they are more likely to respond to specific immunotherapy) while in the gastric samples, 13 were dMMR, with 12 being MSI-high. This is important because it highlights the need for additional testing when initial results are unclear, ensuring that patients receive the most effective treatments.
Who this helps: This helps patients with gastrointestinal cancers by improving access to appropriate therapies.
High complication rate in Crohn's disease surgery following percutaneous drainage of intra-abdominal abscess: a multicentre study.
2022
International journal of colorectal disease
Celentano V, Giglio MC, Pellino G, Rottoli M, Sampietro G +3 more
Plain English This study looked at the effects of draining abdominal abscesses in patients with Crohn's disease before they had surgery to remove part of their intestines. Researchers found that among 575 patients, those who had the drainage experienced higher complications: 44.4% faced issues after surgery, and 11.1% suffered leaks in their surgical connections. This matters because it highlights the risks associated with pre-surgery drainage, helping doctors make better decisions about treatment options for these patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with Crohn's disease and their healthcare providers.
BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is safe in a setting of patients on biologic therapy with inflammatory bowel diseases: a monocentric real-life study.
2022
Expert review of clinical pharmacology
Pellegrino R, Pellino G, Selvaggi L, Selvaggi F, Federico A +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how safe the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Researchers tracked side effects in 80 patients who received the vaccine, finding local side effects (like pain at the injection site) occurred in 26.25% of patients after the first dose, 58.75% after the second, and 28.37% after the third dose. Systemic side effects (like fatigue or fever) were reported in 52.2%, 48.75%, and 43.24% of patients following the respective doses, but importantly, the vaccine did not worsen the patients' existing IBD conditions.
Who this helps: This information benefits patients with inflammatory bowel disease who are concerned about vaccine safety.
Perineural Invasion in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: From Molecules towards Drugs of Clinical Relevance.
2022
Cancers
Selvaggi F, Melchiorre E, Casari I, Cinalli S, Cinalli M +4 more
Plain English This research paper examines how pancreatic cancer cells invade nearby nerves, a process called perineural invasion (PNI), which contributes to the cancer's aggressive nature and worsens patient outcomes. It highlights that PNI is linked to higher rates of recurrence and severe pain in patients, and finding ways to target this nerve invasion could improve treatment options. The study emphasizes the need for more research on drugs that could effectively block PNI in pancreatic cancer.
Who this helps: This helps patients with pancreatic cancer, as well as their doctors seeking better treatment options.
Acute esophageal necrosis syndrome. The 2021 update from an Italian survey and personal experience.
2022
Annali italiani di chirurgia
Selvaggi F, Cichella A, Aceto GM, Innocenti P, Cotellese R
Plain English This study looked at a serious condition called black esophagus, where the tissue in the esophagus dies. In a review of 26 cases, researchers found that this condition mostly affects older men, with a death rate of 38.4%. Treatment typically involves supportive care, such as blood transfusions and nutritional support, and while many patients can recover, it's often linked to other health issues that increase the risk of death.
Who this helps: This information helps doctors understand how to treat patients with black esophagus effectively.
ECCO Guidelines on Therapeutics in Ulcerative Colitis: Surgical Treatment.
2022
Journal of Crohn's & colitis
Spinelli A, Bonovas S, Burisch J, Kucharzik T, Adamina M +30 more
Plain English This study looks at how to treat adults with ulcerative colitis, focusing on patients who have severe cases or do not respond to medication. It highlights strategies for preparing patients for surgery, different surgical options, and other practical information. These updated guidelines are important because they help healthcare providers make better treatment decisions, improving outcomes for patients facing serious challenges with this condition.
Who this helps: Patients with severe ulcerative colitis and their doctors.
Correction to: Surgical management of complex ileocolonic Crohn's disease: a survey of IBD colorectal surgeons to assess variability in operative strategy.
2021
International journal of colorectal disease
Garofalo E, Selvaggi F, Spinelli A, Pellino G, Flashman K +9 more
Strangulated richter's hernia with caecum necrosis. Case report.
2021
Annali italiani di chirurgia
Cinalli M, Selvaggi F, Casolino V, Fiordaliso M, Farrukh M +3 more
Plain English This paper examines a rare case of a Richter's hernia, where a part of the intestine (caecum) becomes trapped in a hernia in the right groin, causing tissue death. A 46-year-old woman experienced significant abdominal pain and was diagnosed with this condition, leading to emergency surgery where the damaged intestine was removed and the hernia repaired. Since femoral hernias are small and at high risk for serious complications, recognizing and treating them promptly is crucial to prevent severe health issues.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with hernia-related issues and healthcare providers managing hernia cases.
How Immunotherapy Has Changed the Continuum of Care in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
2021
Cancers
Martini G, Ciardiello D, Paragliola F, Nacca V, Santaniello W +10 more
Plain English This study focused on how immunotherapy has changed the way liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC) is treated. Researchers found that new treatments, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, have significantly improved outcomes for patients with advanced HCC compared to older options. For instance, these newer therapies have provided better survival chances, especially for patients with good liver function, unlike the older drug sorafenib, which had limited effects.
Who this helps: This helps patients with liver cancer and their doctors by providing more effective treatment options.
Colonic Lipoma Causing Bowel Intussusception: An Up-to-Date Systematic Review.
2021
Journal of clinical medicine
Menegon Tasselli F, Urraro F, Sciaudone G, Bagaglini G, Pagliuca F +5 more
Plain English This study looked at rare tumors called colonic lipomas that can cause a blockage in the bowel known as intussusception. The review found that this issue is more common in women aged 40 to 70, with 83% of patients experiencing abdominal pain and 28% of cases occurring in the transverse colon. Proper imaging tests like CT scans and colonoscopy can help diagnose these conditions, which are important for deciding the right surgical treatment.
Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients experiencing bowel blockages due to colonic lipomas.
Oxidative Distress Induces Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Modulation in Colorectal Cancer Cells: Perspectives on APC Retained Functions.
2021
Cancers
Catalano T, D'Amico E, Moscatello C, Di Marcantonio MC, Ferrone A +7 more
Plain English This study looked at how oxidative stress affects colon cancer cells, specifically focusing on a pathway called Wnt/β-Catenin that is often altered in colorectal cancer. Researchers found that when colorectal cancer cells experienced oxidative stress, there was an increase in the activity of β-Catenin, even when the cells didn't have growth factors. This is important because it helps explain why some cancer cells become resistant to treatments and may lead to new ways to target the disease.
Who this helps: This helps patients with colorectal cancer and doctors treating them.
A Case Report on Gallbladder Agenesis: Not a Novelty but Still a Laparoscopic Surprise.
2021
Cureus
Cinalli M, Di Russo S, Panaccio P, Casolino V, D'Arcangelo M +3 more
Plain English This study looked at a rare condition called gallbladder agenesis, where a person is born without a gallbladder. A patient experienced severe abdominal pain and was initially thought to have a gallbladder disease, but during surgery, doctors discovered that the gallbladder was completely absent. After surgery, the patient recovered well and has stayed symptom-free for over four years, highlighting the importance of recognizing this rare condition to avoid unnecessary surgeries.
Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and surgeons who encounter similar cases, helping them recognize gallbladder agenesis and manage patient care effectively.