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Radiation Oncology (London, England) Feb 2019This systematic review aims to elucidate the diagnostic accuracy of radiological examinations to distinguish between brain radiation necrosis (BRN) and tumor progression...
INTRODUCTION
This systematic review aims to elucidate the diagnostic accuracy of radiological examinations to distinguish between brain radiation necrosis (BRN) and tumor progression (TP).
METHODS
We divided diagnostic approaches into two categories as follows-conventional radiological imaging [computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): review question (RQ) 1] and nuclear medicine studies [single photon emission CT (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET): RQ2]-and queried. Our librarians conducted a comprehensive systematic search on PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Japan Medical Abstracts Society up to March 2015. We estimated summary statistics using the bivariate random effects model and performed subanalysis by dividing into tumor types-gliomas and metastatic brain tumors.
RESULTS
Of 188 and 239 records extracted from the database, we included 20 and 26 studies in the analysis for RQ1 and RQ2, respectively. In RQ1, we used gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced MRI, diffusion-weighted image, MR spectroscopy, and perfusion CT/MRI to diagnose BRN in RQ1. In RQ2, Tl-, Tc-MIBI-, and Tc-GHA-SPECT, and F-FDG-, C-MET-, F-FET-, and F-BPA-PET were used. In meta-analysis, Gd-enhanced MRI exhibited the lowest sensitivity [63%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 28-89%] and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and combined multiple imaging studies displayed the highest sensitivity (96%; 95% CI: 83-99%) and DOR among all imaging studies. In subanalysis for gliomas, Gd-enhanced MRI and F-FDG-PET revealed low DOR. Conversely, we observed no difference in DOR among radiological imaging in metastatic brain tumors. However, diagnostic parameters and study subjects often differed among the same imaging studies. All studies enrolled a small number of patients, and only 10 were prospective studies without randomization.
CONCLUSIONS
Differentiating BRN from TP using Gd-enhanced MRI and F-FDG-PET is challenging for patients with glioma. Conversely, BRN could be diagnosed by any radiological imaging in metastatic brain tumors. This review suggests that combined multiparametric imaging, including lesional metabolism and blood flow, could enhance diagnostic accuracy, compared with a single imaging study. Nevertheless, a substantial risk of bias and indirectness of reviewed studies hindered drawing firm conclusion about the best imaging technique for diagnosing BRN.
Topics: Brain; Brain Neoplasms; Cranial Irradiation; Humans; Multimodal Imaging; Radiation Injuries
PubMed: 30728041
DOI: 10.1186/s13014-019-1228-x -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2021Chordoma is a rare primary bone tumour with a high propensity for local recurrence. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment, but complete resection is often... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Chordoma is a rare primary bone tumour with a high propensity for local recurrence. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment, but complete resection is often morbid due to tumour location. Similarly, the dose of radiotherapy (RT) that surrounding healthy organs can tolerate is frequently below that required to provide effective tumour control. Therefore, clinicians have investigated different radiation delivery techniques, often in combination with surgery, aimed to improve the therapeutic ratio.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects and toxicity of proton and photon adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) in people with biopsy-confirmed chordoma.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL (2021, Issue 4); MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to April 2021); Embase Ovid (1980 to April 2021) and online registers of clinical trials, and abstracts of scientific meetings up until April 2021.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included adults with pathologically confirmed primary chordoma, who were irradiated with curative intent, with protons or photons in the form of fractionated RT, SRS (stereotactic radiosurgery), SBRT (stereotactic body radiotherapy), or IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy). We limited analysis to studies that included outcomes of participants treated with both protons and photons.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
The primary outcomes were local control, mortality, recurrence, and treatment-related toxicity. We followed current standard Cochrane methodological procedures for data extraction, management, and analysis. We used the ROBINS-I tool to assess risk of bias, and GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence.
MAIN RESULTS
We included six observational studies with 187 adult participants. We judged all studies to be at high risk of bias. Four studies were included in meta-analysis. We are uncertain if proton compared to photon therapy worsens or has no effect on local control (hazard ratio (HR) 5.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66 to 43.43; 2 observational studies, 39 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Median survival time ranged between 45.5 months and 66 months. We are uncertain if proton compared to photon therapy reduces or has no effect on mortality (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.57; 4 observational studies, 65 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Median recurrence-free survival ranged between 3 and 10 years. We are uncertain whether proton compared to photon therapy reduces or has no effect on recurrence (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.10 to 1.17; 4 observational studies, 94 participants; very low-certainty evidence). One study assessed treatment-related toxicity and reported that four participants on proton therapy developed radiation-induced necrosis in the temporal bone, radiation-induced damage to the brainstem, and chronic mastoiditis; one participant on photon therapy developed hearing loss, worsening of the seventh cranial nerve paresis, and ulcerative keratitis (risk ratio (RR) 1.28, 95% CI 0.17 to 9.86; 1 observational study, 33 participants; very low-certainty evidence). There is no evidence that protons led to reduced toxicity. There is very low-certainty evidence to show an advantage for proton therapy in comparison to photon therapy with respect to local control, mortality, recurrence, and treatment related toxicity.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is a lack of published evidence to confirm a clinical difference in effect with either proton or photon therapy for the treatment of chordoma. As radiation techniques evolve, multi-institutional data should be collected prospectively and published, to help identify persons that would most benefit from the available radiation treatment techniques.
Topics: Adult; Bias; Bone Neoplasms; Chordoma; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Observational Studies as Topic; Photons; Progression-Free Survival; Proton Therapy; Radiosurgery; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; Time Factors
PubMed: 34196007
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013224.pub2 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Oct 2023Breast-conserving therapy with oncoplastic reduction is a useful strategy for partial mastectomy defect reconstruction. The most recently published systematic review of...
BACKGROUND
Breast-conserving therapy with oncoplastic reduction is a useful strategy for partial mastectomy defect reconstruction. The most recently published systematic review of oncoplastic breast reduction outcomes from 2015 showed wound dehiscence in 4.3%, hematoma in 0.9%, infection in 2.8%, and nipple necrosis in 0.9% of patients. We performed a systematic review of oncoplastic breast reduction literature, comparing outcomes and complication rates reported over the past 8 years.
METHODS
Studies describing the use of oncoplastic breast reduction and discussion of postoperative complications were included. The primary outcome assessed was the postoperative complication rate; secondary outcomes analyzed were rates of margin expansion, completion mastectomy, and delays in adjuvant therapy due to complications.
RESULTS
Nine articles met inclusion criteria, resulting in 1715 oncoplastic breast reduction patients. The mean rate of hematoma was 3%, nipple necrosis was 2%, dehiscence was 4%, infection was 3%, and seroma was 2%. The need for re-excision of margins occurred in 8% of patients, and completion mastectomy in 2%. Finally, delay in adjuvant treatment due to a postoperative complication occurred in 4% of patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Oncoplastic breast reduction is an excellent option for many patients undergoing breast-conserving therapy; however, postoperative complications can delay adjuvant radiation therapy. Results of this systematic literature review over the past 8 years showed a slight increase in complication rate compared to the most recent systematic review from 2015. With increased popularity and surgeon familiarity, oncoplastic breast reduction remains a viable option for reconstruction of partial mastectomy defects despite a slight increase in complication rate.
PubMed: 37850204
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005355 -
Neuro-oncology Jan 2017Distinction between tumor and treatment related changes is crucial for clinical management of patients with high-grade gliomas. Our purpose was to evaluate whether... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Distinction between tumor and treatment related changes is crucial for clinical management of patients with high-grade gliomas. Our purpose was to evaluate whether dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced (DSC) and dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) metrics can effectively differentiate between recurrent tumor and posttreatment changes within the enhancing signal abnormality on conventional MRI.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was performed for studies evaluating PWI-based differentiation of recurrent tumor and posttreatment changes in patients with high-grade gliomas (World Health Organization grades III and IV). Only studies published in the "temozolomide era" beginning in 2005 were included. Summary estimates of diagnostic accuracy were obtained by using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Of 1581 abstracts screened, 28 articles were included. The pooled sensitivities and specificities of each study's best performing parameter were 90% and 88% (95% CI: 0.85-0.94; 0.83-0.92) and 89% and 85% (95% CI: 0.78-0.96; 0.77-0.91) for DSC and DCE, respectively. The pooled sensitivities and specificities for detecting tumor recurrence using the 2 most commonly evaluated parameters, mean relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) (threshold range, 0.9-2.15) and maximum rCBV (threshold range, 1.49-3.1), were 88% and 88% (95% CI: 0.81-0.94; 0.78-0.95) and 93% and 76% (95% CI: 0.86-0.98; 0.66-0.85), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
PWI-derived thresholds separating viable tumor from treatment changes demonstrate relatively good accuracy in individual studies. However, because of significant variability in optimal reported thresholds and other limitations in the existing body of literature, further investigation and standardization is needed before implementing any particular quantitative PWI strategy across institutions.
Topics: Brain Neoplasms; Combined Modality Therapy; Contrast Media; Glioma; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Angiography; Neoplasm Grading; Prognosis
PubMed: 27502247
DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/now148 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Feb 2024Melanoma has a high degree of central nervous system tropism, and there are many treatment modalities for melanoma brain metastases (MBM). The efficacy and toxicity of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Melanoma has a high degree of central nervous system tropism, and there are many treatment modalities for melanoma brain metastases (MBM). The efficacy and toxicity of various treatments are still controversial. Therefore, they were evaluated by direct and indirect comparison to assist clinical decision-making in this study.
METHOD
A total of 7 therapeutic modalities for MBM were studied. Retrieval was conducted through Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of science databases and the quality of the included literature was evaluated. Meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis were performed using Review Manager and R language.
RESULTS
A total of 10 articles were included with 836 MBM patients. Direct comparison showed that stereotactic radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy (SRS + IT) was superior to IT (HR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.52-0.84) or SRS (HR = 0.81, 95%CI = 0.63-1.03) alone in improving intracranial progression-free survival (PFS). In terms of overall survival (OS), SRS + IT was superior to SRS alone (HR = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.49-0.83), or IT (HR = 0.59, 95%CI = 0.29-1.21). Rank probability and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) by indirect comparison showed that SRS + IT had the best effect on improving intracranial PFS (0.88) and OS (0.98). Additionally, various combination therapies, especially SRS + IT (0.72), increased the incidence of radiation necrosis (RN). In direct comparisons, SRS + IT (RR = 0.93, 95%CI = 0.47-1.83) and SRS + TT (targeted therapy) (RR = 0.24, 95%CI = 0.10-0.56) did not increase intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) compared with SRS.
CONCLUSIONS
SRS + IT treatment was the best choice for MBM patients in both intracranial PFS and OS, even though it also led to an increased probability of RN.
Topics: Humans; Melanoma; Bayes Theorem; Network Meta-Analysis; Combined Modality Therapy; Brain Neoplasms; Radiosurgery
PubMed: 38220124
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104227 -
Journal of Medical Imaging and... Sep 2022Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can produce treatment-related effects, which may mimic tumour progression. Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) offer the potential to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Machine learning imaging applications in the differentiation of true tumour progression from treatment-related effects in brain tumours: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
INTRODUCTION
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can produce treatment-related effects, which may mimic tumour progression. Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) offer the potential to provide a more consistent approach of diagnosis with improved accuracy. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of machine learning models to differentiate treatment-related effects (TRE), consisting of pseudoprogression (PsP) and radiation necrosis (RN), and true tumour progression (TTP).
METHODS
The systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-DTA guidelines. Searches were performed on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Medline (Ovid) and ProQuest databases. Quality was assessed according to the PROBAST and CLAIM criteria. There were 25 original full-text journal articles eligible for inclusion.
RESULTS
For gliomas: PsP versus TTP (16 studies, highest AUC = 0.98), RN versus TTP (4 studies, highest AUC = 0.9988) and TRE versus TTP (3 studies, highest AUC = 0.94). For metastasis: RN vs. TTP (2 studies, highest AUC = 0.81). A meta-analysis was performed on 9 studies in the gliomas PsP versus TTP group using STATA. The meta-analysis reported a high sensitivity of 95.2% (95%CI: 86.6-98.4%) and specificity of 82.4% (95%CI: 67.0-91.6%).
CONCLUSION
TRE can be distinguished from TTP with good performance using machine learning-based imaging models. There remain issues with the quality of articles and the integration of models into clinical practice. Future studies should focus on the external validation of models and utilize standardized criteria such as CLAIM to allow for consistency in reporting.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence; Brain Neoplasms; Diagnostic Imaging; Glioma; Humans; Machine Learning
PubMed: 35599360
DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13436 -
Radiation Oncology (London, England) Jun 2017In patients with one to three brain metastases who undergo resection, options for post-operative treatments include whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) or stereotactic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
In patients with one to three brain metastases who undergo resection, options for post-operative treatments include whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) of the resection cavity. In this meta-analysis, we sought to compare the efficacy of each post-operative radiation modality with respect to tumor recurrence and survival.
METHODS
Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched through June 2016 for cohort studies reporting outcomes of SRS or WBRT after metastasis resection. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using fixed-effect and random-effect models for local recurrence, distant recurrence, and overall survival.
RESULTS
Eight retrospective cohort studies with 646 patients (238 with SRS versus 408 with WBRT) were included in the analysis. Comparing SRS to WBRT, the overall crude risk ratio using the fixed-effect model was 0.59 for local recurrence (95%-CI: 0.32-1.09, I: 3.35%, P-heterogeneity = 0.36, 3 studies), 1.09 for distant recurrence (95%-CI: 0.74-1.60, I: 50.5%, P-heterogeneity = 0.13; 3 studies), and 2.99 for leptomeningeal disease (95% CI 1.55-5.76; I: 14.4% p-heterogeneity: 0.28; 2 studies). For the same comparison, the risk ratio for median overall survival was 0.47 (95% CI: 0.41-0.54; I: 79.1%, P-heterogeneity < 0.01; 4 studies) in a fixed-effect model, but was no longer significant (0.63; 95%-CI: 0.40-1.00) in a random-effect model. SRS was associated with a lower risk of leukoencephalopathy (RR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.07-0.33, 1 study), yet with a higher risk of radiation-necrosis (RR: 19.4, 95% CI: 1.21-310, 1 study).
CONCLUSION
Based on retrospective cohort studies, the results of this study suggest that SRS of the resection cavity may offer comparable survival and similar local and distant control as adjuvant WBRT, yet may be associated with a higher risk for developing leptomeningeal disease. Future research on SRS should focus on achieving a better understanding of the various factors that may favor SRS over WBRT.
Topics: Brain Neoplasms; Cranial Irradiation; Humans; Radiosurgery; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28646895
DOI: 10.1186/s13014-017-0840-x -
Frontiers in Oncology 2020Intracranial activity of lapatinib has been demonstrated in several studies in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 positive breast cancers (HER-2+...
BACKGROUND
Intracranial activity of lapatinib has been demonstrated in several studies in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 positive breast cancers (HER-2+ BC). Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been increasingly used as the local therapy for brain metastases in breast cancer patients. Increased objective response rate was observed for lapatinib plus whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is such patients with high toxicity.
OBJECTIVE
We seek to obtain clinical evidence of synergistic efficacy of lapatinib in combination with radiation therapy, in particular, SRS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We carried out a comprehensive research using the following databases: PubMed; Medline; EMBASE; Cochrane library. These databases were searched until 10 June 2020. PRISMA guidelines were followed step by step for carrying out this systematic review and meta-analysis. Review Manager v 5.4 software was used for statistical evaluation of data.
RESULTS
Overall 6 studies with 843 HER-2 positive breast cancer patients (442 HER-2 amplified disease, 399 luminal B disease) were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. A total 279 patients had received lapatinib in addition to HER-2 antibody (trastuzumab) plus/minus chemoradiotherapy, while 610 patients had received trastuzumab-based management or only chemoradiotherapy. Lapatinib-based management of BM was associated with significant increase in overall survival (HR 0.63 [0.52, 0.77], p < 0.00001). Combination of the two (trastuzumab plus lapatinib) was associated with increased survival advantage compared to each agent alone (0.55 [0.32, 0.92], p = 0.02). SRS in combination with lapatinib was associated with increased local control (HR 0.47 [0.33, 0.66], p = 0.0001). Ever use of lapatinib with SRS was associated an increased survival as reported in two studies (Shireen et al.: 27.3 vs. 19.5 months, p = 0.03; Kim et al.: 33.3 vs. 23.6 months, p = 0.009). Kim et al. also revealed significant increase in intracranial activity with concurrent lapatinib reporting 57% complete response compared to 38% (p < 0.001) and lower progressive disease rate of 11 vs. 19% (p < 0.001). Risk of radiation necrosis was decreased with lapatinib use.
CONCLUSIONS
Lapatinib has shown intracranial activity and yielded better survival for HER-2+ BC patients with BMs. SRS in combination with ever use of lapatinib had better local control and were associated with better survival. Radiation necrosis risk was reduced with the use of lapatinib.
PubMed: 33240815
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.576926 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2022Amide proton transfer (APT) imaging as an emerging MRI approach has been used for distinguishing tumor recurrence (TR) and treatment effects (TEs) in glioma patients,...
BACKGROUND
Amide proton transfer (APT) imaging as an emerging MRI approach has been used for distinguishing tumor recurrence (TR) and treatment effects (TEs) in glioma patients, but the initial results from recent studies are different.
AIM
The aim of this study is to systematically review and quantify the diagnostic performance of APT in assessing treatment response in patients with post-treatment gliomas.
METHODS
A systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Web of Science was performed to retrieve related original studies. For the single and added value of APT imaging in distinguishing TR from TEs, we calculated pooled sensitivity and specificity by using Bayesian bivariate meta-analyses.
RESULTS
Six studies were included, five of which reported on single APT imaging parameters and four of which reported on multiparametric MRI combined with APT imaging parameters. For single APT imaging parameters, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.85 (95% CI: 0.75-0.92) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.74-0.97). For multiparametric MRI including APT, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.92 (95% CI: 0.85-0.97) and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.55-0.97), respectively. In addition, in the three studies reported on both single and added value of APT imaging parameters, the combined imaging parameters further improved diagnostic performance, yielding pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.80-0.97) and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.79-0.98), respectively, but the pooled sensitivity was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.65-0.93) and specificity was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.61-0.94) for single APT imaging parameters.
CONCLUSION
APT imaging showed high diagnostic performance in assessing treatment response in patients with post-treatment gliomas, and the addition of APT imaging to other advanced MRI techniques can improve the diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing TR from TE.
PubMed: 35978813
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.852076 -
International Journal of Particle... 2021To evaluate the clinical outcomes and treatment related toxicities of charged particle-based re-irradiation (reRT; protons and carbon ions) for the definitive management...
PURPOSE
To evaluate the clinical outcomes and treatment related toxicities of charged particle-based re-irradiation (reRT; protons and carbon ions) for the definitive management of recurrent or second primary skull base and head and neck tumors.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were applied for the conduct of this systematic review. Published work in English language evaluating the role of definitive charged particle therapies in the clinical setting of reRT for recurrent or second primary skull base and head and neck tumors were eligible for this analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 26 original studies (15 protons, 10 carbon ions, and 1 helium/neon studies) involving a total of 1,118 patients (437 with protons, 670 with carbon ions, and 11 with helium/neon) treated with curative-intent charged particle reRT were included in this systematic review. All studies were retrospective in nature, and the majority of them (n=23, 88 %) were reported as single institution experiences (87% for protons, and 90% for carbon ion-based studies). The median proton therapy reRT dose was 64.5 Gy (RBE 1.1) (range, 50.0 - 75.6 Gy ), while the median carbon ion reRT dose was 53.8 Gy (RBE 2.5 - 3.0) (range, 44.8 - 60 Gy ). Induction and/or concurrent chemotherapy was administered to 232 (53%) of the patients that received a course of proton reRT, and 122 (18%) for carbon ion reRT patients. ReRT with protons achieved 2-year local control rates ranging from 50% to 86%, and 41% to 92% for carbon ion reRT. The 2-year overall survival rates for proton and carbon ion reRT ranged from 33% to 80%, and 50% to 86% respectively. Late ≥ G3 toxicities ranged from 0% to 37%, with brain necrosis, ototoxicity, visual deficits, and bleeding as the most common complications. Grade 5 toxicities for all treated patients occurred in 1.4% (n= 16/1118) with fatal bleeding as the leading cause.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on current data, curative intent skull base and head and neck reRT with charged particle radiotherapy is feasible and safe in well-selected cases, associated with comparable or potentially improved local control and toxicity rates compared to historical reRT studies using photon radiotherapy. Prospective multi-institutional studies reporting oncologic outcomes, toxicity, and dosimetric treatment planning data are warranted to further validate these findings and to improve the understanding of the clinical benefits of charged particle radiotherapy in the reRT setting.
PubMed: 34285942
DOI: 10.14338/IJPT-20-00064.1