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Journal of Digestive Diseases Jan 2024Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly prevalent worldwide and is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have recently attracted... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Efficacy and safety of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics for the prevention of colorectal cancer and precancerous lesion in high-risk populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
OBJECTIVES
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly prevalent worldwide and is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have recently attracted attention as preventive measures against colorectal neoplasms. We aimed to analyze the findings of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in patients at a high risk of CRC, outlining the challenges and future prospects of using probiotics to prevent colorectal tumors and providing evidence for clinical physicians in particular.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies published up to January 7, 2022. RCTs conducted on populations with a high risk of CRC who received probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotics in comparison with placebo, candidate agent or no treatment were included. The primary outcome was the incidence or recurrence of any colorectal neoplasms. Additional outcomes included their effects on the diversity of gut microbiota and relevant inflammatory biomarkers. Safety outcomes were also analyzed. Two authors independently screened and selected studies based on pre-specified eligible criteria, performed data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment independently.
RESULTS
Nine RCTs were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Probiotic supplementation significantly reduced adenoma incidence, but no significant benefit was observed in CRC incidence. Additionally, probiotics modulated gut microbiota and inflammatory biomarkers.
CONCLUSION
Probiotics may have beneficial effects in the prevention of CRC. More RCTs with larger sample sizes are warranted to further confirm these findings.
Topics: Humans; Prebiotics; Synbiotics; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Probiotics; Colorectal Neoplasms; Biomarkers; Precancerous Conditions
PubMed: 38126945
DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13247 -
Archives of Dermatological Research Mar 2024Cutaneous field cancerization in dermatology describes the anatomic region of photodamaged skin with actinic keratoses (AKs) or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC)... (Review)
Review
Cutaneous field cancerization in dermatology describes the anatomic region of photodamaged skin with actinic keratoses (AKs) or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) that is surrounded by cellular atypia, forming a dysplastic field. The concept of field cancerization is especially relevant in dermatology, as actinic keratoses and the surrounding dysplastic region can progress to carcinomas, necessitating the treatment of the field. Recent research has focused on field-directed therapy using topical agents. This study aims to systematically review randomized controlled trials on topical treatments for actinic keratosis field cancerization, following the PRISMA guidelines. Clinical recommendations were based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. We identified 20 original randomized controlled trials for topical cutaneous field therapy. 0.5% 5-Fluorouracil/salicylic acid and 0.5% 5-fluorouracil received a clinical recommendation grade of A, while diclofenac sodium received a clinical recommendation grade of B. Calcipotriol/5-fluorouracil, Imiquimod, sunscreen combination therapies, and tirbanibulin received a recommendation grade of C. This review provides a framework for clinicians when considering topical treatments for patients with field cancerization.
Topics: Humans; Keratosis, Actinic; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Skin Neoplasms; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Fluorouracil; Hyperplasia
PubMed: 38498070
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-02839-y -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023From a global perspective, gastric cancer (GC) persists as a significant healthcare issue. In the Western world, the majority of cases are discovered at late stages,... (Review)
Review
From a global perspective, gastric cancer (GC) persists as a significant healthcare issue. In the Western world, the majority of cases are discovered at late stages, when the treatment is generally unsuccessful. There are no organized screening programs outside of Asia (Japan and Republic of Korea). Traditional diagnosis techniques (such as upper endoscopy), conventional tumor markers (CEA, CA19-9, and CA72-4), radiographic imaging, and CT scanning all have drawbacks. The gold standard for the earliest detection of cancer and related premalignant lesions is still endoscopy with a proper biopsy follow-up. Since there are currently no clinically approved biomarkers for the early diagnosis of GC, the identification of non-invasive biomarkers is expected to help improve the prognosis and survival rate of these patients. The search for new screening biomarkers is currently underway. These include genetic biomarkers, such as circulating tumor cells, microRNAs, and exosomes, as well as metabolic biomarkers obtained from biofluids. Meanwhile, cutting-edge high-resolution endoscopic technologies are demonstrating promising outcomes in the visual diagnosis of mucosal lesions with the aid of linked color imaging and machine learning models. Following the PRISMA guidelines, this study examined the articles in databases such as PubMed, resulting in 167 included articles. This review discusses the currently available and emerging methods for diagnosing GC early on, as well as new developments in the endoscopic detection of early lesions of the stomach.
PubMed: 38132192
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13243608 -
Clinical Otolaryngology : Official... Jul 2024Laryngeal leukoplakia (LL) is a white lesion with high potential of recurrence and malignant transformation. Currently, CO laser has become the primary surgical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Laryngeal leukoplakia (LL) is a white lesion with high potential of recurrence and malignant transformation. Currently, CO laser has become the primary surgical treatment for LL, and the recurrence and malignant transformation rates after treatment vary widely.
OBJECTIVE
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis dedicated to evaluating the rates of recurrence and malignant transformation of LL lesions treated with CO laser and exploring relevant risk factors for recurrence or malignant transformation.
METHODS
Literature searches were conducted on ProQuest, PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Some articles identified through hand searching were included.
RESULTS
A total of 14 articles and 1462 patients were included in this review. Pooled results showed that the overall recurrence rate was 15%, and the malignant transformation rate was 3%. Subgroup analysis showed that the dysplasia grade was not a significant risk factor for the recurrence and malignant transformation of LL (P > .05).
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that the CO laser is a safe and effective surgical instrument for the excision of LL, which yields low rates of recurrence and malignant transformation. The risk factors relevant to recurrence or malignant transformation remain unclear and require further investigation.
Topics: Humans; Lasers, Gas; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Leukoplakia; Laser Therapy; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38558499
DOI: 10.1111/coa.14151 -
Cancers Nov 2023Survival in oesophago-gastric cancer (OGC) is poor due to early diagnostic challenges. Non-invasive risk stratification may identify susceptible patients with... (Review)
Review
Survival in oesophago-gastric cancer (OGC) is poor due to early diagnostic challenges. Non-invasive risk stratification may identify susceptible patients with pre-malignant or benign disease. Following diagnostic confirmation with endoscopic biopsy, early OGC may be treated sooner. Mucins are transmembrane glycoproteins implicated in OGC with potential use as biomarkers of malignant transformation. This systematic review defines the role of mucins in OGC diagnosis. A literature search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane databases was performed following PRISMA protocols for studies published January 1960-December 2022. Demographic data and data on mucin sampling and analysis methods were extracted. The review included 124 studies ( = 11,386 patients). Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAc) was the commonest OG malignancy ( = 101) followed by oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAc, = 24) and squamous cell carcinoma (OSqCc, = 10). Mucins MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC6 were the most frequently implicated. High MUC1 expression correlated with poorer prognosis and metastases in OSqCc. MUC2 expression decreases during progression from healthy mucosa to OAc, causing reduced protection from gastric acid. MUC5AC was upregulated, and MUC6 downregulated in GAc. Mucin expression varies in OGC; changes may be epigenetic or mutational. Profiling upper GI mucin expression in OGC, with pre-malignant, benign and healthy controls may identify potential early diagnostic biomarkers.
PubMed: 37958425
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215252 -
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral... Sep 2023To determine the prevalence of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use and its association with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and head and neck cancer (HNC) in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Pan-American prevalence of smokeless tobacco use and association with oral potentially malignant disorders and head and neck cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the prevalence of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use and its association with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and head and neck cancer (HNC) in the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) region.
STUDY DESIGN
A literature search was conducted across 9 databases and other sources. The eligibility criteria were pediatric (0-18 years old) and adult (19 years and older) populations consuming any type of SLT. Meta-analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of SLT and the association between its use and OPMDs/HNC in the PAHO region; the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool was used to verify the certainty of evidence.
RESULTS
Fifty-nine studies from 6 PAHO countries were included, of which 51 were also subjected to quantitative analysis. The pooled SLT prevalence of use was 15% (95%CI: 11.93-18.69) overall, 17% (95%CI: 13.25-22.65) in adults, and 11% (95%CI: 8.54-14.78) in the pediatric population. The highest reported SLT prevalence of use was 33.4% (95%CI: 27.17-39.93) in Venezuela. HNC was positively associated with SLT use (OR = 1.98, 95%CI: 1.54-2.55), with a moderate certainty of evidence. Among OPMDs, only leukoplakia reported a positive association with SLT use (OR = 8.38; 95%CI: 1.05-67.25). However, the quality of the evidence was very low.
CONCLUSION
A high consumption of SLT use, chewing tobacco and snuff, is reported among the adult population residing in the PAHO region with a positive association with the development of oral leukoplakia and HNC.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Child; United States; Infant, Newborn; Infant; Child, Preschool; Adolescent; Tobacco, Smokeless; Prevalence; Tobacco Use; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Precancerous Conditions
PubMed: 37076380
DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2023.02.019 -
Cureus Oct 2023This review aimed to comprehensively assess the association between tobacco use and oral health outcomes, specifically the presence of premalignant lesions (PMLs),... (Review)
Review
This review aimed to comprehensively assess the association between tobacco use and oral health outcomes, specifically the presence of premalignant lesions (PMLs), through a synthesis of multiple assessments conducted in diverse populations. A systematic search of relevant literature was performed, and studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected using appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) words and Boolean operators. Data from these studies was pooled and analysed using Review Manager 5.4 (The Cochrane Collaboration, The Nordic Cochrane Centre, Copenhagen). The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies included. The pooled analysis of the five selected papers revealed a significant correlation between tobacco use and an increased prevalence of PMLs among tobacco users. Tobacco users had an odds ratio of 15.22 (95% CI: 10.01-23.15) as compared to non-user cohorts, significant at p 0.0001. This comprehensive synthesis of assessments underscores the detrimental impact of tobacco use on oral health, particularly in terms of potentially malignant lesions. The findings emphasise the urgency of targeted public health interventions to address tobacco consumption and promote oral health awareness, especially in populations with high tobacco consumption rates. Standardisation of methodologies and representation of diverse populations in future research would strengthen the evidence base and facilitate more effective strategies to improve oral health outcomes globally.
PubMed: 38022083
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47162 -
The British Journal of Dermatology Mar 2024Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common dermatological condition, and among the most common dermatological diagnoses in older populations. Although the prevalence of AK... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common dermatological condition, and among the most common dermatological diagnoses in older populations. Although the prevalence of AK depends on demographic and environmental factors, little is known about the global context of AK.
OBJECTIVES
To provide a comprehensive and updated analysis of the global prevalence rate and incidence of AK in the general population through a systematic review and meta-analysis, and - through subgroup analyses - to identify high-risk phenotypes, demographic and lifestyle risk factors and regional variations in disease prevalence.
METHODS
A systematic search of Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Google Scholar was performed on 20 May 2022. Two reviewers independently screened and assessed the quality of each study using a validated critical appraisal checklist. Epidemiological measurements (e.g. prevalence) from individual studies performed in the general population were then pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses (i.e. population age, geographical region, occupation, sex and study quality) were conducted.
RESULTS
Of the 65 articles that made it through the full-text screening, 60 reported a point prevalence. A meta-analysis of these articles yielded an overall point prevalence of 14% [95% confidence interval (CI) 14-15]. In further analyses, the calculated prevalence rate varied depending on subgroup. The pooled incidence rate from the seven eligible studies analysed was 1928 per 100 000 person-years (PY; 95% CI -439 to 4294).
CONCLUSIONS
This comprehensive meta-analysis provides an updated global prevalence rate of AK of 14%, indicating a significant worldwide disease burden. The incidence rate of AK was found to be 1928 per 100 000 PY, emphasizing a growing public health concern. However, high heterogeneity among studies suggests that various factors influence the AK prevalence rate, necessitating further research to understand the observed differences.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Keratosis, Actinic; Risk Factors; Prevalence; Cost of Illness; Incidence
PubMed: 37890083
DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljad371 -
Biomarkers : Biochemical Indicators of... Dec 2023In order to detect genetic damage, different methods have been developed, such as micronuclei and comet assay. The comet assay presents some advantages when compared to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
In order to detect genetic damage, different methods have been developed, such as micronuclei and comet assay. The comet assay presents some advantages when compared to the other aforementioned methods, including wide versatility, as any eukaryotic cell can be evaluated at an individual cellular level. In this context, the aim of this systematic review was designed to help further elucidate the following question: is the comet assay a suitable biomarker of oral carcinogenesis?
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The present systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Full manuscripts from 18 studies were carefully selected in this setting.
RESULTS
A total of 15 studies demonstrated positive findings for genotoxicity in peripheral blood or oral cells in patients with pre-malignant lesions or oral cancer. In the quality assessment of studies, 1 was classified as Strong, 5 were considered as Moderate, and 12 were classified as Weak.
CONCLUSION
In summary, the comet assay can be a useful biomarker for oral carcinogenesis. However, further studies with more strict parameters are suggested (with less uncontrolled confounders) in order to increase findings reliability for diagnosis of oral potentially malignant lesions.
Topics: Humans; Carcinogenesis; Comet Assay; DNA Damage; Mouth Neoplasms; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 38131287
DOI: 10.1080/1354750X.2023.2298182 -
Oral Diseases Nov 2023To systematically identify and summarise current research on the utility of confocal microscopy in oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral epithelial dysplasia in oral... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To systematically identify and summarise current research on the utility of confocal microscopy in oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral epithelial dysplasia in oral potentially malignant disorders.
METHODS
Databases Medline, Embase, Evidence-Based Medicine, and Web of Science were searched with articles screened and included if their primary objective was the use of a confocal microscope in diagnosis of oral cancer or epithelial dysplasia, in vivo or ex vivo.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Twenty-eight relevant studies were identified of which 21 studies included oral squamous cell carcinoma specimens. Fifteen studies included in vivo use. The studies included both qualitative and fluorescence confocal microscope and reflectance confocal microscope analysis along with quantitative analysis of carcinoma and dysplasia. Thirteen studies reported the predictive value of their confocal device in the diagnosis of dysplasia and carcinoma. The quantitative software-based studies show promise in objectifying the diagnostic process for identifying abnormalities within the microstructure of the oral mucosa.
CONCLUSIONS
There was heterogeneity in the criteria for diagnosis of dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma with experience levels of assessors impacting method efficacy. Both qualitative and quantitative confocal assessment methodologies have been explored, the latter highlighting the potential of future machine-augmented diagnostic precision.
Topics: Humans; Mouth Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Mouth Diseases; Precancerous Conditions; Microscopy, Confocal; Head and Neck Neoplasms
PubMed: 35765235
DOI: 10.1111/odi.14291