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Gynecologic Oncology Apr 2023The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) pathway plays a role in ovarian carcinogenesis. Low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSOC) frequently harbors activating MAPK mutations. MAPK... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) pathway plays a role in ovarian carcinogenesis. Low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSOC) frequently harbors activating MAPK mutations. MAPK inhibitors have been used in small subsets of ovarian carcinoma (OC) patients to control tumor growth. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of MAPK inhibitors in OC patients. We aimed to determine the clinical benefit rate (CBR), the subgroup of MAPK inhibitors with the best CBR and overall response rate (ORR), and the most common adverse events.
METHODS
We conducted a search in PubMed, Embase via Ovid, the Cochrane library and clinicaltrials.gov on studies evaluating the efficacy of single MAPK pathway inhibition with MAPK pathway inhibitors in OC patients. Our primary outcome included the CBR, defined by the proportion of patients with stable disease (SD), complete (CR) and partial response (PR). Secondary outcomes included the ORR (including PR and CR) and grade 3 and 4 adverse events. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
We included nine studies with a total of 319 OC patients, for which we determined a pooled CBR of 63% (95%-CI 39-84%, I = 92%). Combined treatment with Raf- and MEK inhibitors in in BRAF mutated LGSOC (n = 6) had the greatest efficacy with a CBR of 100% and ORR of 83%. MEK inhibitors had the best efficacy as a single agent. Subgroup analysis by tumor histology demonstrated a significantly higher CBR and ORR in patients with LGSOC, with a pooled CBR and ORR of 87% (95%-CI 81-92%, I = 0%) and 27% (95%-CI 10-48%, I = 77%) respectively. Adverse events of grade 3 or higher were reported frequently: 123 in 167 patients.
CONCLUSIONS
MEK inhibitors are the most promising single agents in (LGS)OC. However, dual MAPK pathway inhibition should be considered in patients with a BRAF mutation, or non-mutated OC with depleted treatment options due indications of higher efficacy and tolerable toxicity profiles.
Topics: Humans; Female; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Signal Transduction; Ovarian Neoplasms; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial; Mutation; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
PubMed: 36841040
DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.01.038 -
Cancer Metastasis Reviews Mar 2023Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare, progressive, slowly growing neoplastic condition which is poorly understood, with a 5-year progression-free survival rate as low... (Review)
Review
Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare, progressive, slowly growing neoplastic condition which is poorly understood, with a 5-year progression-free survival rate as low as 48%. PMP is most commonly caused by appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (AMN), and understanding their genetic biology and pathogenicity may allow for the development of better novel systemic treatments to target key deleterious mutations and the implicated pathways. The primary aim of this systematic review was to identify the genetic profile of histologically confirmed human PMP or AMN samples. The secondary aim was to identify whether genetic marks could be used to predict patient survival. Ovid EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched to identify studies investigating the genetic profile of histologically-confirmed human PMP or AMN samples. We review findings of 46 studies totalling 2181 tumour samples. The most frequently identified somatic gene mutations in patients with PMP included KRAS (38-100%), GNAS (17-100%), and TP53 (5-23%); however, there were conflicting results of their effect on survival. Three studies identified molecular subtypes based on gene expression profiles classifying patients into oncogene-enriched, immune-enriched, and mixed molecular subtypes with prognostic value. This review summarises the current literature surrounding genetic aberrations in PMP and AMNs and their potential utility for targeted therapy. Given the recent advances in clinical trials to directly target KRAS and GNAS mutations in other cancers, we propose a rationale to explore these mutations in future pre-clinical studies in PMP with a view for a future clinical trial.
Topics: Humans; Pseudomyxoma Peritonei; Peritoneal Neoplasms; Appendiceal Neoplasms; Genetic Profile; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)
PubMed: 36723696
DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10088-0 -
Anticancer Research Dec 2017Primary melanoma of the vagina (PMV) is a rare entity. The prognosis of women with PMV is poor and there is no standardized therapy for this type of malignancy. We... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Primary melanoma of the vagina (PMV) is a rare entity. The prognosis of women with PMV is poor and there is no standardized therapy for this type of malignancy. We present the case of a 72-year-old woman with PMV (cT2, pN0, M0).
CASE REPORT
Imaging studies showed no evidence of regional or distant metastases. Molecular analysis demonstrated wild-type B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF). Staging laparoscopy with pelvic lymphadenectomy and subsequent radiotherapy with 60 Gy delivered as pelvic teletherapy and vaginal brachytherapy was applied. Systematic literature review: A total of 805 cases of PMV were identified. Most lesions were melanotic (65%) and localized (66%), whereas amelanotic (35%) and primary advanced lesions (34%) were only seen in a minority of patients. BRAF mutation was detected in none out of 33 cases, tumor protein 53 (TP53) mutations and mast/stem cell growth factor receptor CD117 (KIT) amplification were identified in one case each. The most common treatment was surgery, reported in 43% of cases. Surgery combined with adjuvant radiotherapy, adjuvant immunotherapy (mostly with interferon-alpha), or adjuvant chemotherapy were given in 35%, 8%, and 3% of cases, respectively. Radiotherapy or chemotherapy as sole treatments were used in 5% and 1% of patients, respectively. Among patients with recurrence, chemotherapy (mostly dacarbazine) alone or in combination with surgery, radiotherapy or immunotherapy was the most common treatment in 61% of cases. The mean durations of recurrence-free and overall survival were 16.4 and 22.2 months, respectively.
CONCLUSION
PMV is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. Surgery, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy with interferon-alpha are the mainstay of treatment for localized disease, while chemotherapy with dacarbazine is mostly used for unresectable and recurrent disease. No data on the clinical value of immune checkpoint inhibitors in PMV have been published.
Topics: Aged; Chemoradiotherapy; Female; Humans; Laparoscopy; Lymph Node Excision; Melanoma; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Proto-Oncogene Mas; Vaginal Neoplasms
PubMed: 29187473
DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.12155 -
Dermatologic Therapy Mar 2020The current systematic review aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of dabrafenib-trametinib with those of other therapeutic alternatives in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Efficacy and safety of dabrafenib-trametinib in the treatment of unresectable advanced/metastatic melanoma with BRAF-V600 mutation: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
The current systematic review aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of dabrafenib-trametinib with those of other therapeutic alternatives in the treatment of patients with unresectable advanced/metastatic melanoma with BRAF-V600 mutation. The search was carried out on four databases up to July 2018. Two separate network meta-analyses (NMA) were performed using the frequentist method (random effects): one with an exclusive population with BRAF-V600 mutation (NMA-pBRAFV600) and another with mixed population (with or without the mutation: NMA-pMixed). An evidence profile was included using the GRADE method for NMA. The validity of the final estimator in the NMA-pMixed was assessed via a sensitivity analysis. Nine clinical trials were included in the NMA-pBRAFV600. Dabrafenib-trametinib was found to have a favorable effect on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) compared with dabrafenib, vemurafenib, and dacarbazine and on partial response rate (PRR) and overall response rate compared with dacarbazine and vemurafenib. In the NMA-pMixed, dabrafenib-trametinib was found to have a positive effect on OS versus ipilimumab 3 mg/kg and on PFS and PRR versus ipilimumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab. However, dabrafenib-trametinib and vemurafenib-cobimetinib significantly differed in terms of efficacy. In addition, dabrafenib-trametinib has a favorable effect on Grades 3 and 4 adverse events.
Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Humans; Imidazoles; Melanoma; Mutation; Network Meta-Analysis; Oximes; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf; Pyridones; Pyrimidinones; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 31664762
DOI: 10.1111/dth.13145 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Nov 2021Despite a well-known prognostic role in colorectal cancer, the genomic profiling of tumour budding remains to be elucidated. We aim to review the association of common... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Despite a well-known prognostic role in colorectal cancer, the genomic profiling of tumour budding remains to be elucidated. We aim to review the association of common mutations with tumour budding.
METHODS
A systematic review of studies relating to tumour budding and genetic mutation in CRC was performed. The relationship between mutational status and tumour budding was evaluated using meta-analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 6153 patients from 17 articles were included. According to the meta-analysis, high-grade tumour budding was significantly associated with KRAS mutation (OR = 1.52, 95 %CI: 1.13-2.02, P = 0.005) and MSS/pMMR (OR = 2.06, 95 %CI: 1.42-2.97, P = 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
The significant association between high-grade tumour budding and mutated KRAS or MSS/pMMR may suggest a role of these mutations in the development of the tumour budding phenotype and be useful for stratifying patient outcome in CRC.
Topics: Colorectal Neoplasms; Humans; Mutation; Phenotype; Prognosis; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)
PubMed: 34619332
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103490 -
Pathology, Research and Practice Apr 2022To assess the prognostic value of Bcl2 and Bcl6 in primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (pcDLBCL), through a systematic review and meta-analysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIMS
To assess the prognostic value of Bcl2 and Bcl6 in primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (pcDLBCL), through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched from their inception to April 2021 for studies reporting Bcl2 and Bcl6 expression and survival outcomes in pcDLBCL series. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression survival analyses with hazard ratio calculation were performed for overall survival (OS), with a significant p-value< 0.05.
RESULTS
Eight studies with 148 patients were included. OS was significantly decreased in Bcl2-pos itive pcDLBCLs (5-year OS= 52.9 ± 5.2%) compared to Bcl2 negative pcDLBCLs (5-year OS= 86.6 ± 7.2%), with a HR of 4.615 (95% CI, 1.827-11.657; p = 0.001); no significant difference in OS was found between Bcl6-positive pcDLBCLs (5-year OS= 61.3 ± 6.5%) and Bcl6-negative pcDLBCLs (5-year OS= 56.8 ± 7.2%), with a HR of 0.789 (95% CI, 0.462-1.350; p = 0.388).
CONCLUSIONS
In pcDLBCL, Bcl2 expression is a strong unfavourable prognostic marker; Bcl6 does not seem to be associated with survival instead. Further studies are necessary in this field.
Topics: Humans; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse; Prognosis; Proportional Hazards Models; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6; Survival Analysis
PubMed: 35220171
DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153812 -
Tumour Biology : the Journal of the... Feb 2015Recent studies have shown that c-Met is an important signal in the development of colorectal cancer, but the prognostic value of c-Met remains unclear. We aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Recent studies have shown that c-Met is an important signal in the development of colorectal cancer, but the prognostic value of c-Met remains unclear. We aimed to analyze the prognostic effect of c-Met in colorectal cancer through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Through database searches, we identified six articles describing how c-Met status affects colorectal cancer prognosis. A meta-analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the hazard ratio and survival. The available outcome data from six articles were examined. A meta-analysis of the HR and the 95% confidence interval (CI) indicated a significantly poor overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with high expression levels of c-Met. The subgroup analysis showed that the prognostic effect of the c-Met level was similar in different methods and was not associated with disease stages. High c-Met expression levels could predict a poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients. The c-Met status could be used to evaluate the prognosis in clinical patients.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Colorectal Neoplasms; Disease-Free Survival; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Humans; Prognosis; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met
PubMed: 25636446
DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2659-5 -
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Sep 2022Epimedii has long been used as a traditional medicine in Asia for the treatment of various common diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, erectile dysfunction,...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Epimedii has long been used as a traditional medicine in Asia for the treatment of various common diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, erectile dysfunction, and stroke. Studies have reported the ameliorative effects of Icariside II (ICS II), a major metabolite of Epimedii, on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in animal models. Based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effects and neuroprotective mechanisms of ICS II on AIS.
METHODS
First, we have searched 6 databases using studies with ICS II treatment on AIS animal models to explore the efficacy of ICS II on AIS in preclinical studies. The literature retrieval time ended on March 8, 2022 (Systematic Review Registration ID: CRD42022306291). There were no restrictions on the language of the search strategy. Systematic review follows the Patient, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome (PICO) methodology and framework. SYCLE's RoB tool was used to evaluate the the risk of bias. In network pharmacology, AIS-related genes were identified and the target-pathway network was constructed. Then, these targets were used in the enrichments of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways and gene ontology (GO). Molecular docking and MD simulation were finally employed between ICS II and the potential target genes.
RESULTS
Twelve publications were included describing outcomes of 1993 animals. The literature details, animal strains, induction models, doses administered, duration of administration, and outcome measures were extracted from the 12 included studies. ICS II has a good protective effect against AIS. Most of the studies in this systematic review had the appropriate methodological quality, but some did not clearly state the controlling for bias of potential study. Network pharmacology identified 246 targets with SRC, CTNNB1, HSP90AA1, MAPK1, and RELA as the core target proteins. Besides, 215 potential pathways of ICS II were identified, such as PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and cGMP-PKG signaling pathway. GO enrichment analysis showed that ICS II was significantly enriched in subsequent regulation such as MAPK cascade. Molecular docking and MD simulations showed that ICS II can closely bind with important targets.
CONCLUSIONS
ICS II is a promising drug in the treatment of AIS. However, this systematic review reveals key knowledge gaps (i.e., the protective role of ICS II in women) that ICS II must address before it can be used for the treatment of human AIS. Our study shows that ICS II plays a protective role in AIS through multi-target and multi-pathway characteristics, providing ideas for the development of drugs for the treatment of AIS.
Topics: Animals; Female; Flavonoids; Humans; Ischemic Stroke; Male; Molecular Docking Simulation; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
PubMed: 36180911
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03732-9 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2018The role of gefitinib for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is evolving. We undertook a systematic review to evaluate the available evidence... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The role of gefitinib for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is evolving. We undertook a systematic review to evaluate the available evidence from all randomised trials.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effectiveness and safety of gefitinib as first-line, second-line or maintenance treatment for advanced NSCLC.
SEARCH METHODS
We performed searches in CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Embase from inception to 17 February 2017. We handsearched relevant conference proceedings, clinical trial registries and references lists of retrieved articles.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included trials assessing gefitinib, alone or in combination with other treatment, compared to placebo or other treatments in the first- or successive-line treatment of patients with NSCLC, excluding compassionate use.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used the standard Cochrane methodology. Two authors independently assessed the search results to select those with sound methodological quality. We carried out all analyses on an intention-to-treat basis. We recorded the following outcome data: overall survival, progression-free survival, toxicity, tumour response and quality of life. We also collected data for the following subgroups: Asian ethnicity and positive epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 35 eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which examined 12,089 patients.General populationGefitinib did not statistically improve overall survival when compared with placebo or chemotherapy in either first- or second-line settings. Second-line gefitinib prolonged time to treatment failure (TTF) (hazard ratio (HR) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75 to 0.90, P < 0.0001) when compared with placebo. Maintenance gefitinib improved progression-free survival (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.91, P = 0.007) after first-line therapy.Studies in patients of Asian ethnicity or that conducted subgroup analysesSecond-line gefitinib prolonged overall survival over placebo (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.91, P = 0.01). In the first-line setting, progression-free survival was improved with gefitinib over chemotherapy alone (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.98, P = 0.04, moderate quality of evidence). Gefitinib given in combination with a chemotherapy regimen improved progression-free survival versus either gefitinib alone or chemotherapy alone (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.96, P = 0.03; HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.77, P < 0.00001, respectively). In the second-line setting, progression-free survival was superior in patients given gefitinib over placebo or chemotherapy (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.91, P = 0.009; HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.88, P = 0.002; moderate quality of evidence, respectively). Combining gefitinib with chemotherapy in the second-line setting was superior to gefitinib alone (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.97, P = 0.04). As maintenance therapy, gefitinib improved progression-free survival when compared with placebo (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.54, P < 0.00001).Patients with EGFR mutation-positive tumoursStudies in patients with EGFR mutation-positive tumours showed an improvement in progression-free survival in favour of gefitinib over first-line and second-line chemotherapy (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.61, P < 0.00001; HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.47, P < 0.0001, respectively). Gefitinib as maintenance therapy following chemotherapy improved overall and progression-free survival (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.98, P = 0.05; HR 0.17, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.41, P < 0.0001, respectively) in one phase III study when compared to placebo.Toxicities from gefitinib included skin rash, diarrhoea and liver transaminase derangements. Toxicities from chemotherapy included anaemia, neutropenia and neurotoxicity.In terms of quality of life, gefitinib improved Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (FACT-L) (standardised mean difference (SMD) 10.50, 95% CI 9.55 to 11.45, P < 0.000001), lung cancer subscale (SMD 3.63, 95% CI 3.08 to 4.19, P < 0.00001) and Trial Outcome Index (SMD 9.87, 95% CI 1.26 to 18.48, P < 0.00001) scores when compared with chemotherapy.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review shows that gefitinib, when compared with standard first- or second-line chemotherapy or maintenance therapy, probably has a beneficial effect on progression-free survival and quality of life in selected patient populations, particularly those with tumours bearing sensitising EGFR mutations.Patients with EGFR mutations lived longer when given maintenance gefitinib than those given placebo.One study conducted subgroup analysis and showed that gefitinib improved overall survival over placebo in the second-line setting in patients of Asian ethnicity. All other studies did not detect any benefit on overall survival. The data analysed in this review were very heterogenous. We were limited in the amount of data that could be pooled, largely due to variations in study design. The risk of bias in most studies was moderate, with some studies not adequately addressing potential selection, attrition and reporting bias. This heterogeneity may have an impact on the applicability of the resultsCombining gefitinib with chemotherapy appears to be superior in improving progression-free survival to either gefitinib or chemotherapy alone, however further data and phase III studies in these settings are required.Gefitinib has a favourable toxicity profile when compared with current chemotherapy regimens. Although there is no improvement in overall survival, gefitinib compares favourably with cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with EGFR mutations with a prolongation of progression-free survival and a lesser side effect profile.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Disease-Free Survival; Gefitinib; Genes, erbB-1; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mutation; Quality of Life; Quinazolines; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Failure
PubMed: 29336009
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006847.pub2 -
Parkinsonism & Related Disorders Apr 2017There are now a number genes, known to be associated with familial primary brain calcification (PFBC), causing the so called 'Fahr's' disease or syndrome. These are... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
There are now a number genes, known to be associated with familial primary brain calcification (PFBC), causing the so called 'Fahr's' disease or syndrome. These are SCL20A2, PDGFB, PDGFRB and XPR1. In this systematic review, we analyse the clinical and radiological features reported in genetically confirmed cases with PFBC. We have additionally reviewed pseudohypoparathyroidism which is a close differential diagnosis of PFBC in clinical presentation and is also genetically determined.
METHODS
We performed a Medline search, from 1st Jan 2012 through to 7th November 2016, for publications with confirmed mutations of SCL20A2, PDGFB, PDGFRB, and XPR1 and found twenty papers with 137 eligible cases. A second search was done for publications of cases with Pseudohypoparathyroidism or pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism, and found 18 publications with 20 eligible cases.
RESULTS
SLC20A2 was the most common gene involved with 75 out of 137 cases included with PFBC (55%) followed by PDGFB (31%) and PDGFRB (11%). Statistically significant correlation was found between the presence of parkinsonism with SLC20A2 mutations, headache in PDGFB and generalised tonic-clonic seizures in patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism.
CONCLUSION
We combine statistical analysis and clinical inference to suggest a diagnostic algorithm based on the observations in this study to help with investigation of a patient with neurological features and brain calcification.
Topics: Brain Diseases; Calcinosis; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Mutation; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta; Sodium-Phosphate Cotransporter Proteins, Type III; Xenotropic and Polytropic Retrovirus Receptor
PubMed: 28162874
DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2016.12.024