Bianca Santo

Dr. Bianca Santo

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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19 February 2024 in La radiologia medica
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Gianluca IngrossoGianluca Ingrosso
Gianluca Ingrosso
EPElisabetta Ponti
Elisabetta Ponti
GFGiulio Francolini
Giulio Francolini
Saverio CainiSaverio Caini
Saverio Caini
SFSimona Fondelli
Simona Fondelli
BDBeatrice Detti
Beatrice Detti
Background: Moderate hypofractionated radiotherapy is a treatment option for the cure of localized prostate cancer (PCa) patients based on the results of randomized prospective trials, but there is a clinical concern about the relatively short length of follow-up, and real-world results on outcome and toxicity based on cutting-edge techniques are lacking. The objective of this study is to present the long-term results of a large multicentric series. Materials and methods: We retrospectively evaluated 1325 PCa patients treated with daily volumetric image-guided hypofractionated radiotherapy between 2007 and 2020 in 16 Centers. For survival endpoints, we used Kaplan–Meier survival curves and fitted univariate and multivariable Cox’s proportional hazards regression models to study the association between the clinical variables and each survival type. Results: At the end of the follow-up, 11 patients died from PCa. The 15-year values of cancer-specific survival (CSS) and biochemical relapse-free survival (b-RFS) were 98.5% (95%CI 97.3–99.6%) and 85.5% (95%CI 81.9–89.4%), respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that baseline PSA, Gleason score, and the use of androgen deprivation therapy were significant variables for all the outcomes. Acute gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicities of grade ≥ 2 were 7.0% and 16.98%, respectively. The 15-year late grade ≥ 2 GI and GU toxicities were 5% (95%CI 4–6%) and 6% (95%CI 4–8%), respectively. Conclusion: Real-world long-term results of this multicentric study on cutting-edge techniques for the cure of localized PCa demonstrated an excellent biochemical-free survival rate of 85.5% at 15 years, and very low rates of ≥ G3 late GU and GI toxicity (1.6% and 0.9% respectively), strengthening the results of the available published trials.

17 January 2025 in Frontiers in Oncology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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ECElisa Ciurlia
Elisa Ciurlia
BSBianca Santo
Bianca Santo
MBMaria Cristina Barba
Maria Cristina Barba
ECElisa Cavalera
Elisa Cavalera
PFPaola De Franco
Paola De Franco
ASAngela Sardaro
Angela Sardaro
Background: Non-melanoma skin carcinoma (NMSC) is the most common malignant tumor in the population, with a steadily increasing incidence due to an aging population and sun exposure. The two main subtypes of NMSC are basal cell carcinoma(BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma(SCC). Therapeutic management of NMSC includes a variety of options, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and topical or systemic treatments. High-dose fractionated contact brachytherapy (c-HDR-BRT) is a viable therapeutic option for treating NMSCs.Methods: At our center, we treated 39 patients with BCC or SCC, with a total of 46 lesions, treated with c-HDR-BRT. The patients underwent two different radiotherapy schedules: 40 Gy in four fractions and 30 Gy in three fractions.Results: Two-year results showed 100% local control (LC) and 100% disease-specific survival (DSS), indicating high efficacy of c-HDR-BRT in terms of tumor control. Furthermore, the observed toxicity profile was favorable with no significant late toxicity.Conclusions: These results suggest that c-HDR-BRT represents a viable therapeutic alternative for NMSC, combining high oncological efficacy with an acceptable safety profile, while minimizing the aesthetic and functional impact of therapy. Finally, the study emphasizes the importance of personalization of treatment and careful evaluation of individual cases to optimize the treatment approach in NMSC.

17 March 2025 in Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
Gianluca IngrossoGianluca Ingrosso
Gianluca Ingrosso
EFEleonora Festa
Eleonora Festa
SCSaverio Caini
Saverio Caini
EPElisabetta Ponti
Elisabetta Ponti
GFGiulio Francolini
Giulio Francolini
BDBeatrice Detti
Beatrice Detti

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BSBianca Santo
Bianca Santo
MRMatteo Romanello
Matteo Romanello
PFPAOLA DE FRANCO
PAOLA DE FRANCO
ECElisa Cavalera
Elisa Cavalera
DRDonatella Russo
Donatella Russo
ASAngela Sardaro
Angela Sardaro
Background/Objectives: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple biomarker reflecting systemic inflammatory status and has been investigated in head and neck cancer (HNC) as a potential prognostic indicator. Its role in relation to radiotherapy-related toxicity remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to provide a descriptive evaluation of NLR values in relation to oral mucositis severity and swallowing-related quality of life in patients undergoing radiotherapy-based treatment. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 32 patients with locally advanced HNC treated with radiotherapy, with or without concomitant chemotherapy, in the definitive or adjuvant setting (March 2025–January 2026). NLR was calculated at baseline (T0), at a predefined mid-treatment timepoint (T3), and during week 6 of treatment (T6). Mucositis severity was assessed using CTCAE and the Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale (OMAS), while swallowing-related quality of life was measured using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI). Relationships between NLR values and toxicity endpoints were descriptively assessed using Spearman correlation analysis. Results: No statistically significant correlations were observed between NLR values and OM severity or swallowing-related outcomes at any evaluated timepoint. At T3, non-significant correlations were observed between NLR and CTCAE mucositis grade and between NLR and MDADI global score. No statistically significant correlations were observed between NLR values and OMAS at any evaluated timepoint. Conclusions: In this retrospective cohort, no association between NLR and radiotherapy-related mucositis severity or swallowing-related quality of life was demonstrated. These findings are descriptive and limited by the small sample size, the retrospective design, and the absence of control for potential confounding factors. No inferential or causal conclusions can be drawn. Further prospective studies with larger and more homogeneous cohorts are required to better characterize NLR behavior in this clinical setting.

20 January 2026 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BSBianca Santo
Bianca Santo
ECElisa Ciurlia
Elisa Ciurlia
MBMaria Cristina Barba
Maria Cristina Barba
ECElisa Cavalera
Elisa Cavalera
RCRosa Coppola
Rosa Coppola
ASAngela Sardaro
Angela Sardaro
Background: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a multifocal, angioproliferative neoplasm strongly associated with human herpesvirus-8 infection. Radiotherapy(RT) is a well established treatment due to the intrinsic radiosensitivity of KS lesions. High-dose-rate contact brachytherapy allows precise dose delivery with optimal sparing of surrounding tissues; however, its application in KS remains poorly documented. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 10 patients with histologically confirmed KS treated with c-HDR-BRT between June 2010 and June 2023. A total of 40 cutaneous lesions were treated using Leipzig applicators with hypofractionated regimens: 10 Gy in 1 fraction, 20 Gy in 2 fractions, or 30 Gy in 3 fractions. Treatment parameters were individualized based on lesion size and location. Local control (LC), overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and toxicity (graded by the RTOG criteria) were evaluated. Follow-up assessments were performed every four months during the first year and annually thereafter. Results: At a median follow-up of 10.3 years, the 2-year LC, OS, and DSS rates were 100%. Complete response was achieved in 62.5% of lesions, with a partial response observed in 37.5%. Grade 1–2 acute skin toxicities were recorded in 55% of treated lesions, while grade 3 toxicity occurred in a single case (2.5%) and was managed conservatively. The hypofractionated schedule significantly improved patient compliance, particularly in those with multiple lesions requiring sequential irradiation. Conclusions: Our long-term institutional experience supports c-HDR-BRT as a feasible and well tolerated local treatment option for the management of KS, providing favorable long-term local outcomes. These results support the inclusion of c-HDR-BRT in the multidisciplinary treatment of KS, warranting further prospective evaluation.

26 June 2026 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BSBianca Santo
Bianca Santo
MRMatteo Romanello
Matteo Romanello
PFPAOLA DE FRANCO
PAOLA DE FRANCO
ECElisa Cavalera
Elisa Cavalera
DRDonatella Russo
Donatella Russo
ASAngela Sardaro
Angela Sardaro
Background/Objectives: Oral mucositis is a frequent and clinically significant acute toxicity in patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer, with substantial consequences for swallowing function, nutritional status, and quality of life. Conventional clinician-reported toxicity grading may not fully capture the multidimensional burden experienced by patients. This study aimed to perform a longitudinal multidimensional assessment of treatment-related oral mucositis by evaluating the relationship between clinician-reported toxicity, objective mucosal injury, patient-reported swallowing-related quality of life, and nutritional status. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, 32 of 54 consecutively screened patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer treated with curative-intent radiotherapy, with or without concurrent chemotherapy, were included. Oral mucositis was assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) and the Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale (OMAS). Swallowing-related quality of life was evaluated using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI). Body weight was recorded longitudinally as an indicator of nutritional status. Correlations between OMAS scores and clinical outcome measures were analyzed at predefined timepoints using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results: All patients developed treatment-related oral mucositis, with peak severity occurring during the acute treatment phase. During the acute treatment phase, OMAS scores demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with clinician-reported toxicity (CTCAE) and inverse correlations with MDADI scores. A significant inverse association between OMAS and MDADI composite score persisted at treatment completion (ρ = −0.41, p = 0.022). Body weight progressively declined during treatment, although no statistically significant correlation with OMAS severity was observed. Conclusions: A multidimensional assessment integrating clinician-reported toxicity, objective mucosal evaluation, and patient-reported functional outcomes provides a broader characterization of oral mucositis burden in patients undergoing radiotherapy-based treatment for head and neck cancer. These findings support the potential value of integrated toxicity assessment strategies to improve supportive care monitoring in clinical practice.