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Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official... Mar 2021The aim of this joint guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations to practicing physicians and other healthcare providers on definitive-intent...
PURPOSE
The aim of this joint guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations to practicing physicians and other healthcare providers on definitive-intent chemoradiotherapy for patients with stage II-IVA nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
METHODS
The Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) and ASCO convened an expert panel of radiation oncology, medical oncology, surgery, and advocacy representatives. The literature search included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials published from 1990 through 2020. Outcomes of interest included survival, distant and locoregional disease control, and quality of life. Expert panel members used this evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations.
RESULTS
The literature search identified 108 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline. Five overarching clinical questions were addressed, which included subquestions on radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy sequence, and concurrent, induction, and adjuvant chemotherapy options.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Evidence-based recommendations were developed to address aspects of care related to chemotherapy in combination with RT for the definitive-intent treatment of stage II to IVA NPC.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/head-neck-cancer-guidelines.
Topics: Chemoradiotherapy; Consensus; Humans; Medical Oncology; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Neoplasm Staging; Quality of Life; Radiation Oncology; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33405943
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.20.03237 -
Otolaryngology--head and Neck Surgery :... Apr 2023To develop an expert consensus statement (ECS) on the management of dysphagia in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients to address controversies and offer opportunities for...
OBJECTIVE
To develop an expert consensus statement (ECS) on the management of dysphagia in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients to address controversies and offer opportunities for quality improvement. Dysphagia in HNC was defined as swallowing impairment in patients with cancers of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, or hypopharynx.
METHODS
Development group members with expertise in dysphagia followed established guidelines for developing ECS. A professional search strategist systematically reviewed the literature, and the best available evidence was used to compose consensus statements targeted at providers managing dysphagia in adult HNC populations. The development group prioritized topics where there was significant practice variation and topics that would improve the quality of HNC patient care if consensus were possible.
RESULTS
The development group identified 60 candidate consensus statements, based on 75 initial proposed topics and questions, that focused on addressing the following high yield topics: (1) risk factors, (2) screening, (3) evaluation, (4) prevention, (5) interventions, and (6) surveillance. After 2 iterations of the Delphi survey and the removal of duplicative statements, 48 statements met the standardized definition for consensus; 12 statements were designated as no consensus.
CONCLUSION
Expert consensus was achieved for 48 statements pertaining to risk factors, screening, evaluation, prevention, intervention, and surveillance for dysphagia in HNC patients. Clinicians can use these statements to improve quality of care, inform policy and protocols, and appreciate areas where there is no consensus. Future research, ideally randomized controlled trials, is warranted to address additional controversies related to dysphagia in HNC patients.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Consensus; Deglutition Disorders; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Risk Factors
PubMed: 36965195
DOI: 10.1002/ohn.302 -
International Journal of Radiation... Nov 2019The treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma requires high radiation doses. The balance of the risks of local recurrence owing to inadequate tumor coverage versus the...
PURPOSE
The treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma requires high radiation doses. The balance of the risks of local recurrence owing to inadequate tumor coverage versus the potential damage to the adjacent organs at risk (OARs) is of critical importance. With advancements in technology, high target conformality is possible. Nonetheless, to achieve the best possible dose distribution, optimal setting of dose targets and dose prioritization for tumor volumes and various OARs is fundamental. Radiation doses should always be guided by the As Low As Reasonably Practicable principle. There are marked variations in practice. This study aimed to develop a guideline to serve as a global practical reference.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
A literature search on dose tolerances and normal-tissue complications after treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma was conducted. In addition, published guidelines and protocols on dose prioritization and constraints were reviewed. A text document and preliminary set of variants was circulated to a panel of international experts with publications or extensive experience in the field. An anonymized voting process was conducted to rank the proposed variants. A summary of the initial voting and different opinions expressed by members were then recirculated to the whole panel for review and reconsideration. Based on the comments of the panel, a refined second proposal was recirculated to the same panel. The current guideline was based on majority voting after repeated iteration for final agreement.
RESULTS
Variation in opinion among international experts was repeatedly iterated to develop a guideline describing appropriate dose prioritization and constraints. The percentage of final agreement on the recommended parameters and alternative views is shown. The rationale for the recommendations and the limitations of current evidence are discussed.
CONCLUSIONS
Through this comprehensive review of available evidence and interactive exchange of vast experience by international experts, a guideline was developed to provide a practical reference for setting dose prioritization and acceptance criteria for tumor volumes and OARs. The final decision on the treatment prescription should be based on the individual clinical situation and the patient's acceptance of optimal balance of risk.
Topics: Delphi Technique; GRADE Approach; Humans; International Cooperation; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Organs at Risk; Radiation Injuries; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; Tumor Burden
PubMed: 31276776
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.06.2540 -
Clinical Interventions in Aging 2020The purpose of this review was to summarize the latest best scientific evidence on the efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on swallowing function in...
The purpose of this review was to summarize the latest best scientific evidence on the efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on swallowing function in dysphagic stroke patients. A comprehensive systematic search of literature published between November 2014 and May 2020 was performed using the following electronic databases: PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, PEDro, Science Direct, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Scopus. Only randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on swallowing function in dysphagic stroke patients were included. Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) has been used to evaluate the risk of bias of included trials. This review was reported in accordance with PRISMA statement guideline. The methodological quality of the studies was determined using PEDro scale and GRADE approach. Evidence of overall quality was graded from moderate to high. Eleven RCTs involving 784 patients were analyzed. The primary outcome measures of this review were functional dysphagia scale (FDS) and standard swallowing assessment. This review found neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) coupled with traditional swallowing therapy could be an optional intervention to improve swallowing function after stroke in rehabilitation department.
Topics: Deglutition Disorders; Electric Stimulation; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Humans; Male; Physical Therapy Modalities; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32943855
DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S262596 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2015Nasopharyngeal cancer is endemic in a few well-defined populations. The prognosis for advanced nasopharyngeal cancer is poor, but early-stage disease is curable and a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Nasopharyngeal cancer is endemic in a few well-defined populations. The prognosis for advanced nasopharyngeal cancer is poor, but early-stage disease is curable and a high survival rate can be achieved. Screening for early-stage disease could lead to improved outcomes. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) serology and nasopharyngoscopy are most commonly used for screening. The efficacy and true benefit of screening remain uncertain due to potential selection, lead-time and length-time biases.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effectiveness of screening of asymptomatic individuals by EBV serology and/or nasopharyngoscopy in reducing the mortality of nasopharyngeal cancer compared to no screening. To assess the impact of screening for nasopharyngeal cancer on incidence, survival, adverse effects, cost-effectiveness and quality of life.
SEARCH METHODS
The Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group (CENTDG) Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the CENTDG Trials Register; Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2015, Issue 6); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; Clinicaltrials.gov; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 6 July 2015.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCT) and controlled clinical trials (CCT) evaluating screening for nasopharyngeal cancer versus no screening. Randomisation either by clusters or individuals was acceptable.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used the standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. Our primary outcome measure was nasopharyngeal cancer-specific mortality. Secondary outcomes were incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer by stage and histopathological classification at diagnosis, survival (two-year, three-year, five-year and 10-year), harms of screening (physical and psychosocial), quality of life (via validated tools such as the SF-36 and patient satisfaction), cost-effectiveness and all-cause mortality.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified no trials that met the review inclusion criteria. We retrieved 31 full-text studies for further investigation following the search. However, none met the eligibility criteria for a RCT or CCT investigation on the efficacy of screening for nasopharyngeal cancer.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
No data from RCTs or CCTs are available to allow us to determine the efficacy of screening for nasopharyngeal cancer, or the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of a screening strategy. High-quality studies with long-term follow-up of mortality and cost-effectiveness are needed.
Topics: Asymptomatic Diseases; Carcinoma; Early Detection of Cancer; Endoscopy; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Humans; Mass Screening; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms
PubMed: 26544798
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008423.pub2 -
Cancer Letters Dec 2015Oropharyngeal cancer is a multifactorial disease. Alcohol and tobacco are the main risk factors. Radon is a human carcinogen linked to lung cancer risk, but its... (Review)
Review
Oropharyngeal cancer is a multifactorial disease. Alcohol and tobacco are the main risk factors. Radon is a human carcinogen linked to lung cancer risk, but its influence in other cancers is not well known. We aim to assess the effect of radon exposure on the risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer through a systematic review of the scientific literature. This review performs a qualitative analysis of the available studies. 13 cohort studies were included, most of them mortality studies, which analysed the relationship between occupational or residential radon exposure with oropharyngeal cancer mortality or incidence. Most of the included studies found no association between radon exposure and oral and pharyngeal cancer. This lack of effect was observed in miners studies and in general population studies. Further research is necessary to quantify if this association really exists and its magnitude, specially performing studies in general population, preferably living in areas with high radon levels.
Topics: Air Pollutants, Radioactive; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Radon; Risk Factors
PubMed: 26335172
DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.08.025 -
Journal of Parkinson's Disease 2023Swallowing impairment, including altered physiology and aspiration, occur across the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). The phase of respiration during which a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Swallowing impairment, including altered physiology and aspiration, occur across the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). The phase of respiration during which a swallow is initiated has been linked to swallowing impairment and aspiration in cohorts with dysphagia following stroke and head and neck cancer treatment, but has been understudied in PD. If similar findings are shown in individuals with PD, the implications for swallowing assessment and treatment are significant.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of literature was to examine respiratory-swallow coordination measures and potential implications on swallowing physiology in individuals with PD.
METHODS
An extensive search of 7 databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Central, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, Scopus, and CINAHL) with predetermined search terms was conducted. Inclusion criteria were individuals with PD and the use of objective evaluations of respiratory-swallow coordination.
RESULTS
Of the 13,760 articles identified, 11 met the inclusion criteria. This review supports the presence of atypical respiratory swallow patterning, respiratory pause duration and lung volume at swallow initiation in individuals with PD. The meta-analysis estimated an occurrence of 60% of non-expiration-expiration and 40% of expiration-expiration respiratory phase patterns surrounding swallowing.
CONCLUSION
Although this systematic review supports the occurrence of atypical respiratory-swallow coordination in individuals with PD, the evidence is limited by the variability in the methods of data acquisition, analysis, and reporting. Future research examining the impact of respiratory swallow coordination on swallowing impairment and airway protection using consistent, comparable, and reproducible methods and metrics in individuals with PD is warranted.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Respiration
PubMed: 37393516
DOI: 10.3233/JPD-230057 -
Neurogastroenterology and Motility Sep 2023Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by distinctive skin rash, muscle inflammation with symmetrical and progressive muscle weakness, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by distinctive skin rash, muscle inflammation with symmetrical and progressive muscle weakness, and elevated serum levels of muscle-associated enzymes. DM may affect skeletal muscles involved in swallowing, leading to dysphagia, which can negatively impact individual's physical and psychosocial well-being. Despite this, dysphagia in patients with DM remains poorly understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical features of dysphagia in patients with DM and juvenile DM (JDM).
METHODS
Four electronic databases were systematically searched until September 2022. Studies with patients with DM or JDM and dysphagia were included. The pooled prevalence of all included studies was calculated, and the clinical characteristics of dysphagia were qualitatively analyzed.
KEY RESULTS
Thirty-nine studies with 3335 patients were included. The overall pooled prevalence of dysphagia was 32.3% (95% CI: 0.270, 0.373) in patients with DM and 37.7% (95% CI: -0.031, 0.785) in patients with JDM. Subgroup analyses revealed that Sweden had the highest prevalence (66.7% [95% CI: 0.289, 1.044]), whereas Tunisia had the lowest prevalence (14.3% [95% CI: -0.040, 0.326]). Moreover, South America had the highest prevalence (47.0% [95% CI: 0.401, 0.538]), whereas Africa had the lowest prevalence (14.3% [95% CI: -0.040, 0.326]). Dysphagia in patients with DM and JDM was characterized by both oropharyngeal and esophageal dysfunctions, with predominant difficulties in motility.
CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES
Our findings showed that dysphagia affects one in three patients with DM or JDM. However, the documentation on the diagnosis and management of dysphagia in the literature is inadequate. Our results highlighted the need to use both clinical and instrumental assessments to evaluate swallowing function in this population.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Dermatomyositis; Prevalence; Esophageal Diseases; Deglutition
PubMed: 37010885
DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14572 -
Rheumatology (Oxford, England) Oct 2023Dysphagia is a common debilitating clinical feature of IBM. However, the impact of dysphagia in IBM has been historically overlooked. This study aimed to identify,...
OBJECTIVES
Dysphagia is a common debilitating clinical feature of IBM. However, the impact of dysphagia in IBM has been historically overlooked. This study aimed to identify, evaluate and summarize the evidence regarding the assessment and management of dysphagia in persons with IBM undergoing treatment.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted using a multiengine search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. Eligible studies had to employ an intervention for persons with IBM, report a swallowing outcome and be published in English. Quality assessments of the eligible studies were performed.
RESULTS
Of 239 studies found, 19 met the inclusion criteria. One study was rated as 'fair' and the rest as 'poor' quality, particularly due to the lack of published and validated swallowing assessment procedures and outcome measures. Cricopharyngeal (CP) dysfunction (12/19) was the most commonly reported swallowing abnormality. Interventions for disease management included pharmacological agents (10/19), followed by surgical (3/19), behavioral (1/19) and combined approaches (5/19). Interventions with immunosuppressants, botulinum toxin injection, balloon dilation and/or CP myotomy led to mixed and transient benefits. Few studies examining statins or behavioral therapies (primarily focused on respiratory function) showed no effects for dysphagia.
CONCLUSION
Various interventions have been reported to temporarily improve dysphagia in persons with IBM. However, these findings are based on limited and overall low-quality evidence. This study cautions against the generalization of these findings and emphasizes the need for further systematic research to improve the diagnosis and management of dysphagia in IBM.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Myositis, Inclusion Body; Pharyngeal Muscles; Endoscopy
PubMed: 37115631
DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead194 -
International Journal of Radiation... Dec 2023Evidence of a volume-outcome association in cancer surgery has shaped the centralization of cancer services; however, it is unknown whether a similar association exists... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Evidence of a volume-outcome association in cancer surgery has shaped the centralization of cancer services; however, it is unknown whether a similar association exists for radiation therapy. The objective of this study was to determine the association between radiation therapy treatment volume and patient outcomes.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
This systematic review and meta-analysis included studies that compared outcomes of patients who underwent definitive radiation therapy at high-volume radiation therapy facilities (HVRFs) versus low-volume facilities (LVRFs). The systematic review used Ovid MEDLINE and Embase. For the meta-analysis, a random effects model was used. Absolute effects and hazard ratios (HRs) were used to compare patient outcomes.
RESULTS
The search identified 20 studies assessing the association between radiation therapy volume and patient outcomes. Seven of the studies looked at head and neck cancers (HNCs). The remaining studies covered cervical (4), prostate (4), bladder (3), lung (2), anal (2), esophageal (1), brain (2), liver (1), and pancreatic cancer (1). The meta-analysis demonstrated that HVRFs were associated with a lower chance of death compared with LVRFs (pooled HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.87- 0.94). HNCs had the strongest evidence of a volume-outcome association for both nasopharyngeal cancer (pooled HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62-0.89) and nonnasopharyngeal HNC subsites (pooled HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.75-0.84), followed by prostate cancer (pooled HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-0.98). The remaining cancer types showed weak evidence of an association. The results also demonstrate that some centers defined as HVRFs are undertaking very few procedures per annum (<5 radiation therapy cases per year).
CONCLUSIONS
An association between radiation therapy treatment volume and patient outcomes exists for most cancer types. Centralization of radiation therapy services should be considered for cancer types with the strongest volume-outcome association, but the effect on equitable access to services needs to be explicitly considered.
Topics: Male; Humans; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Prostatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 37227363
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.02.048