Monica Verrico

Dr. Monica Verrico


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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31 January 2024 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Michela RobertoMichela Roberto
Michela Roberto
GBGiacomo Barchiesi
Giacomo Barchiesi
BRBlerina Resuli
Blerina Resuli
MVMonica Verrico
Monica Verrico
ISIolanda Speranza
Iolanda Speranza
Daniele SantiniDaniele Santini
Daniele Santini
(1) Background: We estimated the prevalence and clinical outcomes of sarcopenia among breast cancer patients. (2) Methods: A systematic literature search was carried out for the period between July 2023 and October 2023. Studies with breast cancer patients evaluated for sarcopenia in relation to overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), relapse of disease (DFS), pathological complete response (pCR), or toxicity to chemotherapy were included. (3) Results: Out of 359 screened studies, 16 were eligible for meta-analysis, including 6130 patients, of whom 5284 with non-MBC. Sarcopenia was evaluated with the computed tomography (CT) scan skeletal muscle index and, in two studies, with the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) appendicular lean mass index. Using different classifications and cut-off points, overall, there were 2007 sarcopenic patients (33%), of whom 1901 (95%) presented with non-MBC. Sarcopenia was associated with a 33% and 29% higher risk of mortality and progression/relapse of disease, respectively. Sarcopenic patients were more likely to develop grade 3–4 toxicity (OR 3.58, 95% CI 2.11–6.06, p < 0.0001). In the neoadjuvant setting, a higher rate of pCR was observed among sarcopenic patients (49%) (OR 2.74, 95% CI 0.92–8.22). (4) Conclusions: Our meta-analysis confirms the correlation between sarcopenia and negative outcomes, especially in terms of higher toxicity.

24 August 2022 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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TFTiziana Feola
Tiziana Feola
FCFrancesca Carbonara
Francesca Carbonara
MVMonica Verrico
Monica Verrico
RCRosa Maria Di Crescenzo
Rosa Maria Di Crescenzo
FGFrancesca Gianno
Francesca Gianno
MJMarie-Lise Jaffrain-Rea
Marie-Lise Jaffrain-Rea
Background: Aggressive and metastatic PitNETs are challenging conditions. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are currently considered in cases resistant to temozolomide (TMZ). However, clinical experience is essentially limited to case reports, with variable outcomes. Material and Methods: The effects of ICIs on 12 aggressive/metastatic PitNETs from the literature were reviewed and analyzed according to tumor characteristics, with the additional description of a silent-Pit1 metastatic tumor responding to pembrolizumab. Results: Most cases were metastatic (10/13: 6 corticotroph, 3 lactotroph, 1 silent Pit1); 3 were aggressive (2 corticotroph, 1 lactotroph). ICIS was used either as monotherapy or in combination. At last follow-up on ICI, a complete response (CR) was present in 3 cases and a partial response (PR) in 2 cases (4/5 metastatic). One sustained stable disease (SD) was reported. Progressive disease (PD) was observed in 7 cases, 3 of them after initial SD (n = 1) or PR (n = 3), with 2 reported deaths. PDL1 expression was studied in 10 cases and was high (>95%) in 2 Pit1-derived metastatic PitNETs (1 CR and 1 remarkable PR) but absent/low (<1%) in the remaining cases (including 1 CP and 2 PR). Elevated tumor mutation burden could be informative in corticotroph PitNETs, especially in mismatch repair-deficient tumors. Conclusion: Significant benefits from ICIs were documented in about half of TMZ-resistant PitNETS. High PDL1 expression was associated with remarkable responses but may be dispensable. Based on their acceptable tolerance and awaiting recognized predictors of response, ICIs may be considered a valuable option for such patients.

12 March 2021 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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TFTiziana Feola
Tiziana Feola
RCRoberta Centello
Roberta Centello
FSFranz Sesti
Franz Sesti
GPGiulia Puliani
Giulia Puliani
MVMonica Verrico
Monica Verrico
AFAntongiulio Faggiano
Antongiulio Faggiano
Background: Highly proliferative (G3) neuroendocrine neoplasms are divided into well differentiated tumors (NETs) and poorly differentiated carcinomas (NECs), based on the morphological appearance. This systematic review aims to evaluate the clinicopathological features and the treatment response of the NEC subgroup with a Ki67 labeling index (LI) < 55%. Methods: A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus between December 2019 and April 2020, last update in October 2020. We included studies reporting data on the clinicopathological characteristics, survival, and/or therapy efficacy of patients with NECs, in which the Ki67 LI was specified. Results: 8 papers were included, on a total of 268 NEC affected patients. NECs with a Ki67 LI < 55% have been reported in patients of both sexes, mainly of sixth decade, pancreatic origin, and large-cell morphology. The prevalent treatment choice was chemotherapy, followed by surgery and, in only one study, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. The subgroup of patients with NEC with a Ki67 LI < 55% showed longer overall survival and progression free survival and higher response rates than the subgroup of patients with a tumor with higher Ki67 LI (≥55%). Conclusions: NECs are heterogeneous tumors. The subgroup with a Ki67 LI < 55% has a better prognosis and should be treated and monitored differently from NECs with a Ki67 LI ≥ 55%.

7 December 2023 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
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Giuseppe FanciulliGiuseppe Fanciulli
Giuseppe Fanciulli
ASANNA LA SALVIA
ANNA LA SALVIA
SMSergio Di Molfetta
Sergio Di Molfetta
GCGiuseppe Cannavale
Giuseppe Cannavale
GPGiulia Puliani
Giulia Puliani
NGNIKE Group
NIKE Group
Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (Pan-NENs) may exhibit a heterogeneous clinical course, ranging from indolent to progressive/metastatic behavior. In the latter scenario, streptozocin (STZ) is considered the cornerstone of systemic treatment; however, response to STZ-based chemotherapy may vary among individuals. In this narrative review, we aimed to identify the predictive factors of response to STZ in advanced Pan-NENs. We performed an extensive search in international online databases for published studies and ongoing clinical trials evaluating STZ in Pan-NENs. We found 11 pertinent studies evaluating 17 patient-, tumor-, or treatment-related factors. Age, CgA blood levels, tumor grade, Ki-67% index, anatomical location of the primary tumor, tumor stage, site of metastasis origin, liver tumor burden, extrahepatic spread, functional status, O6-methylguanine-methyltransferase (MGMT) status, line of therapy, and response to previous treatments were all statistically associated with radiological response and/or survival. The identified predictors may help clinicians make appropriate treatment decisions, in this way improving clinical outcomes in patients with advanced Pan-NENs.

23 February 2026 in Journal of Immunotherapy
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
DADario De Alcubierre
Dario De Alcubierre
TFTiziana Feola
Tiziana Feola
FGFrancesca Gianno
Francesca Gianno
MVMonica Verrico
Monica Verrico
FCFrancesca Carbonara
Francesca Carbonara
MJMarie-Lise Jaffrain-Rea
Marie-Lise Jaffrain-Rea
Metastatic pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (metPitNETs) are rare neoplasms with limited therapeutic options. Temozolomide is the first-line therapy, but primary or secondary resistance frequently occurs. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are emerging as a promising second-line option; however, clinical experience remains limited. We report the long-term follow-up of a 62-year-old male patient who received pembrolizumab (PBZ) treatment for a silent metPitNET derived from the PIT1 lineage after multiple surgical and radiation therapies and temozolomide failure. PBZ was proposed based on extensive PD‐L1 expression by tumor cells. A remarkable clinical, radiologic, and metabolic response was soon observed, progressively leading to complete disease remission after 21 months of treatment, with moderate immune-related adverse events. However, an unexpected rapid neurological deterioration occurred, due to the progression of a pseudotumoral temporal radionecrosis surrounded by an impressive vasogenic oedema, requiring emergency neurosurgery 7 weeks after PBZ withdrawal. The temporal mass had progressively developed on a previous small temporal metastasis treated through stereotactic radiosurgery, the corresponding area was hypometabolic at 18 FDG PET-CT imaging, and histopathologic examination confirmed extensive radionecrosis and the absence of residual tumor cells. This is the first documented complete response to ICI in a PIT1-derived metPitNET. However, this remarkable response was complicated by the severe evolution of a brain radionecrosis, probably favoured by long-term PBZ. This case underscores the need for multidisciplinary expertise to differentiate treatment effects from neoplastic progression and to carefully follow-up the patients for potentially severe late treatment-related complications. It also questions the optimal duration of treatment in responsive cases.

16 September 2026 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Federica ValerianiFederica Valeriani
Federica Valeriani
Francesca GallèFrancesca Gallè
Francesca Gallè
GSGiulia Scalese
Giulia Scalese
RVRomy Angela Valia
Romy Angela Valia
MFMarco Ferrante
Marco Ferrante
Carmela ProtanoCarmela Protano
Carmela Protano
Background/Objectives: Breast cancer (BC) survivors frequently experience persistent psychological and physical symptoms and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Yoga has emerged as a promising supportive intervention in this context; however, evidence regarding remotely delivered yoga programs remains limited. This systematic review aimed primarily to evaluate the effects of remotely delivered yoga interventions on HRQoL among women with BC. Secondary outcomes included psychological and physical symptoms, as well as feasibility, adherence, and safety. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies assessing remote, home-based, or hybrid yoga interventions delivered through digital platforms, videos, or remote support were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library (PROSPERO registration number: CRD420261362619). Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed for HRQoL outcomes from independent RCT populations, using standardized mean differences (Hedges’ g). Results: Twenty-six publications representing 19 independent study cohorts were included. Eighteen publications reported randomized controlled trials and eight reported non-randomized studies. In the meta-analysis, the 9 RCTs that reported effects on HRQoL showed a moderate improvement in this outcome (Hedges’ g = 0.56, 95% CI 0.17–0.96), with substantial between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 72.4%). Secondary psychological and physical outcomes showed potential benefits, but findings varied across studies. Feasibility and adherence were generally favorable, while no serious yoga-related adverse events were reported among studies assessing safety. Conclusions: Remote and home-based yoga interventions may improve HRQoL in women with BC; however, the consistency and generalizability of this effect are limited by substantial between-study heterogeneity and variability in intervention delivery. Further standardized and adequately powered RCTs are needed to confirm clinical effectiveness and inform long-term implementation in breast cancer care.