Pierluigi Russo

Dr. Pierluigi Russo


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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28 June 2025 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Francesco Pio BizzarriFrancesco Pio Bizzarri
Francesco Pio Bizzarri
Marco CampetellaMarco Campetella
Marco Campetella
PRPierluigi Russo
Pierluigi Russo
GPGiuseppe Palermo
Giuseppe Palermo
SMSeyed Koosha Moosavi
Seyed Koosha Moosavi
BRBernardo Rocco
Bernardo Rocco
Background/Objectives: Given the increasing interest in the predictive role of inflammation in oncology, we aimed to assess the association between inflammatory factors (IFs) and the histopathological characteristics of bladder cancer (BC). Our objective was to correlate some of these IFs with BC progression and recurrence, identifying possible new diagnostic tools. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 285 patients (79.8% male, 20.4% female; median age 73) who underwent transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB) between January 2016 and January 2022. The preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and standard clinical variables were collected one month before TURB and evaluated as predictors of recurrence and progression. Patients were stratified using the Youden Index and ROC analysis. Cox regression models were applied to identify independent predictors. Results: High-grade tumors were present in 74.6% of cases, and 34% were recurrent. Carcinoma in situ was found in 5%. After 72 months, 53% underwent radical cystectomy, and 13.7% died within 5 years. The optimal cutoffs were PLR 139, SIRI 1.12, PIV 248.49, NLR 2, SII 327. Smoking, primary MIBC, age, and lymph node status were significantly associated with recurrence. Elevated PLR correlated with recurrence and T2 progression (p = 0.004). Higher SIRI, PIV, and PLR levels were significantly associated with lymphovascular invasion and nodal metastasis (p < 0.05). PLR was linked to recurrence in tumors ≥ 3 cm post-BCG (p = 0.004); high SIRI predicted recurrence within 48 months (p = 0.05). Conclusions: High PLR and SIRI levels were associated with recurrence. Our findings support the emerging role of IFs in predicting BC outcomes and suggest their potential inclusion in future prognostic models.

2 September 2025 in Journal of Personalized Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Francesco Pio BizzarriFrancesco Pio Bizzarri
Francesco Pio Bizzarri
Marco CampetellaMarco Campetella
Marco Campetella
SRSalvatore Marco Recupero
Salvatore Marco Recupero
FBFabrizio Bellavia
Fabrizio Bellavia
LDLorenzo D’amico
Lorenzo D’amico
BRBernardo Rocco
Bernardo Rocco
Background: Sexuality in women with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) undergoing radical treatment represents a crucial aspect of their overall quality of life, which is increasingly recognized as a key component of patient-centered care and long-term well-being. This review aimed to analyze the available literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the effects of treatments on female sexual function. Methods: We included all qualitative and quantitative studies addressing sexual function in patients treated for MIBC. Excluded were narrative reviews, case reports, conference abstracts, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. The included studies involved women undergoing either robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) or open RC (ORC), often with nerve-sparing, vaginal-sparing, or pelvic organ-preserving techniques. Data on oncological and functional outcomes were collected. Results: A systematic review of 29 studies including 1755 women was conducted. RC was performed via robotic/laparoscopic approaches in 39% of cases and open techniques in 61%. Urinary diversions included orthotopic neobladders (48%), ileal conduits (42%), ureterocutaneostomies (3%), and Indiana pouches (7%). Radiotherapy, used in 6% of patients, was mainly applied in a curative, trimodal setting. Sexual function was evaluated using various pre- and/or postoperative questionnaires, most commonly the EORTC QLQ-C22, FACT-BL, Bladder Cancer Index (BCI), LENT SOMA, and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Radiotherapy was associated with reduced sexual function, though outcomes were somewhat better than with surgery. Among surgical approaches, no differences in sexual outcomes were observed. Conclusions: Further qualitative research is essential to better understand the experience of FSD after treatment. Incorporating both patient and clinician perspectives will be key to developing tailored interventions. In addition, efforts should be made to standardize the questionnaires used to assess female sexual dysfunction, in order to improve comparability across studies and ensure consistent evaluation.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Emilio SaccoEmilio Sacco
Emilio Sacco
Francesco Pio BizzarriFrancesco Pio Bizzarri
Francesco Pio Bizzarri
Marco CampetellaMarco Campetella
Marco Campetella
LDLorenzo D’Amico
Lorenzo D’Amico
FGFilippo Gavi
Filippo Gavi
BRBernardo Cesare Maria Rocco
Bernardo Cesare Maria Rocco
Background and Objective: Male stress urinary incontinence (UI), particularly after radical prostatectomy, remains a clinically relevant condition with a detrimental impact on patients’ quality of life. Non-adjustable male slings are widely used for the treatment of this condition. Although baseline UI severity is an established predictor of sling outcomes, the true relationship between UI severity and sling efficacy remains unknown. This protocol describes a systematic review with dose–response meta-analysis designed to investigate the association between UI severity and the outcomes of non-adjustable slings. Methods: A comprehensive literature search will be conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from database inception. Eligible studies will include randomized controlled trials and observational studies enrolling adult men undergoing sling surgery, with at least six months of follow-up. UI severity must be measured preoperatively using objective metrics and reported across at least two severity categories. The primary outcomes will be failure to achieve cure or failure to achieve overall success defined as cure or clinically meaningful improvement. Study quality will be assessed using the QUIPS tool. Dose–response relationships will be analyzed using advanced meta-analytic methods, allowing assessment of both linear and nonlinear associations. Potential sources of heterogeneity will be explored through subgroup analyses and meta-regression. The robustness of the findings will be evaluated through sensitivity analyses and assessment of publication bias. Finally, the certainty of evidence will be graded using the GRADE framework. We will adhere to the PRISMA recommendations in the reporting of this review. Conclusions: This analysis will provide quantitative evidence to improve patient selection, refine counseling, and support evidence-based decision-making in the surgical management of male stress UI.