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The Oncologist May 2024We performed a systematic literature review to identify and summarize data from studies reporting clinical efficacy and safety outcomes for trifluridine/tipiracil...
We performed a systematic literature review to identify and summarize data from studies reporting clinical efficacy and safety outcomes for trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) combined with other antineoplastic agents in advanced cancers, including metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We conducted a systematic search on May 29, 2021, for studies reporting one or more efficacy or safety outcome with FTD/TPI-containing combinations. Our search yielded 1378 publications, with 38 records meeting selection criteria: 35 studies of FTD/TPI-containing combinations in mCRC (31 studies second line or later) and 3 studies in other tumor types. FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab was extensively studied, including 19 studies in chemorefractory mCRC. Median overall survival ranged 8.6-14.4 months and median progression-free survival 3.7-6.8 months with FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab in refractory mCRC. Based on one randomized and several retrospective studies, FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab was associated with improved outcomes compared with FTD/TPI monotherapy. FTD/TPI combinations with chemotherapy or other targeted agents were reported in small early-phase studies; preliminary data indicated higher antitumor activity for certain combinations. Overall, no safety concerns existed with FTD/TPI combinations; most common grade ≥ 3 adverse event was neutropenia, ranging 5%-100% across all studies. In studies comparing FTD/TPI combinations with monotherapy, grade ≥ 3 neutropenia appeared more frequently with combinations (29%-67%) vs. monotherapy (5%-41%). Discontinuation rates due to adverse events ranged 0%-11% for FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab and 0%-17% with other combinations. This systematic review supports feasibility and safety of FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab in refractory mCRC. Data on non-bevacizumab FTD/TPI combinations remain preliminary and need further validation.
Topics: Humans; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Bevacizumab; Colorectal Neoplasms; Drug Combinations; Pyrrolidines; Thymine; Trifluridine
PubMed: 38366864
DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyae007 -
Radiotherapy and Oncology : Journal of... Jun 2024High-level evidence on hypofractionated proton therapy (PT) for localized and locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa) patients is currently missing. The aim of this study... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
High-level evidence on hypofractionated proton therapy (PT) for localized and locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa) patients is currently missing. The aim of this study is to provide a systematic literature review to compare the toxicity and effectiveness of curative radiotherapy with photon therapy (XRT) or PT in PCa.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched up to April 2022. Men with a diagnosis of PCa who underwent curative hypofractionated RT treatment (PT or XRT) were included. Risk of grade (G) ≥ 2 acute and late genitourinary (GU) OR gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity were the primary outcomes of interest. Secondary outcomes were five-year biochemical relapse-free survival (b-RFS), clinical relapse-free, distant metastasis-free, and prostate cancer-specific survival. Heterogeneity between study-specific estimates was assessed using Chi-square statistics and measured with the I2 index (heterogeneity measure across studies).
RESULTS
A total of 230 studies matched inclusion criteria and, due to overlapped populations, 160 were included in the present analysis. Significant lower rates of G ≥ 2 acute GI incidence (2 % vs 7 %) and improved 5-year biochemical relapse-free survival (95 % vs 91 %) were observed in the PT arm compared to XRT. PT benefits in 5-year biochemical relapse-free survival were maintained for the moderate hypofractionated arm (p-value 0.0122) and among patients in intermediate and low-risk classes (p-values < 0.0001 and 0.0368, respectively). No statistically relevant differences were found for the other considered outcomes.
CONCLUSION
The present study supports that PT is safe and effective for localized PCa treatment, however, more data from RCTs are needed to draw solid evidence in this setting and further effort must be made to identify the patient subgroups that could benefit the most from PT.
Topics: Humans; Male; Photons; Prostatic Neoplasms; Proton Therapy; Radiation Dose Hypofractionation
PubMed: 38561122
DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2024.110264 -
Yonsei Medical Journal Jun 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effectiveness of carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) compared to that of conventional radiotherapy in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effectiveness of carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) compared to that of conventional radiotherapy in patients with various types of solid tumors.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We systematically searched eight electronic databases from inception until August 2022 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The comparative effectiveness of the different treatment options was assessed by a random-effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS
This review included 34 comparative studies and three treatment groups. Overall, the meta-analysis indicated comparable local control rates between the CIRT and control groups [pooled risk ratio (RR)=1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90-1.15]. The local control rate in the CIRT group was higher than that in the photon therapy group, but slightly lower than that in the proton radiation therpy (PRT) group. Additionally, the CIRT group had significantly higher overall survival (OS) (RR=1.19, 95% CI=1.01-1.42) and progression-free survival (PFS) (RR=1.50, 95% CI=1.01-2.21) rates compared to the control group. In the subgroup analysis, survival rates were similar between the CIRT and PRT groups.
CONCLUSION
CIRT was associated with improved toxicity, local tumor control, OS, and PFS compared to conventional treatments. Therefore, CIRT was found to be a safe and effective option for achieving local control in patients with solid tumors.
Topics: Humans; Heavy Ion Radiotherapy; Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38804027
DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2023.0439 -
European Urology Oncology Oct 2023Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies have improved the prognosis for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancers (la/mUC) but little is known about health-related... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies have improved the prognosis for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancers (la/mUC) but little is known about health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with this mode of treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review of changes in HRQoL global health and domain scores in patients with la/mUC receiving mAb therapies.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
MEDLINE and the American Society of Clinical Oncology and European Society for Medical Oncology meeting databases were searched from January 2015 to June 18, 2022 in accordance with the Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data were updated on February 3, 2023. Eligible studies were prospective trials assessing HRQoL in patients with la/mUC treated with mAbs. Patients treated for local disease or with radiotherapy or chemotherapy alone were excluded. Meta-analyses, reviews, and case reports were excluded. The validity of randomized trials was assessed using the Risk-of-Bias-2 (RoB2) tool and the strength of outcome evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. The data were analyzed via qualitative synthesis of the evidence.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Of the 1066 studies identified, nine were included (2364 patients); eight were interventional trials and one was an observational study. The mean change in global health score ranged from -2.8 to 1.9. Constipation, fatigue and pain symptoms, and emotional, physical, role and social functioning improved with treatment in at least two studies. No study demonstrated a significant improvement in global health score. Eight studies reported stability. In the RANGE trial, the global health score decreased. Only two studies had high internal validity according to RoB2 assessment. The HRQoL domain certainty was low, with moderate certainty only for the pain symptom domain. Disease- and treatment-related symptoms, tumor shrinkage, and disease recurrence were correlated to HRQoL.
CONCLUSIONS
Patient HRQoL with mAb therapies for la/mUC did not worsen over time. HRQoL is influenced by several factors related to treatment, tumor characteristics, and the patient's health condition. Evidence was moderate at best and further studies are needed.
PATIENT SUMMARY
We reviewed the evidence on health-related quality-of-life for patients with advanced bladder cancer treated with antibody therapies. We found that quality of life does not worsen on treatment, and sometimes improves. We conclude that these treatments do not negatively affect quality of life, but further studies are needed to draw solid conclusions.
PubMed: 37244802
DOI: 10.1016/j.euo.2023.05.001 -
Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine :... Nov 2023CTNNB1 gene encodes beta catenin, a transcriptional activator of Wnt pathway involved in the pathogenesis of odontogenic lesions. Though located intramembranously, its... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
CTNNB1 gene encodes beta catenin, a transcriptional activator of Wnt pathway involved in the pathogenesis of odontogenic lesions. Though located intramembranously, its translocation into cytoplasm and nucleus could trigger cell proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, invasion and migration of the tumour cell.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Five electronic databases including MEDLINE by PubMed, Google scholar, Scopus, Trip, Cochrane library and EMBASE until 1 January 2023 without period restriction were thoroughly searched. Those articles that identified CTNNB1 mutation and beta catenin in odontogenic lesions were included for review. Risk of bias was analysed for each study using QUADAS 2 tool and Review Manager 5.3 was used to output its result.
RESULTS
Thirty four published articles were included for data synthesis. A total of 1092 cases of odontogenic lesions were assessed for both CTNNB1 mutation and beta catenin expression. CTNNB1 mutation was observed in ameloblastoma, calcifying odontogenic cyst, calcifying cystic odontogenic tumour and all malignant odontogenic tumours. The beta catenin expression (nuclear and cytoplasmic) was maximum in odontogenic keratocyst and calcifying odontogenic cyst. The expression was variable in ameloblastomas, membranous in odontomas, calcifying cystic odontogenic tumour and nuclear in all malignant tumours.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
High recurrence of odontogenic keratocyst and aggressiveness of solid ameloblastoma and malignant odontogenic tumours could be associated with the nuclear translocation of beta catenin. Disparity between CTNNB1 mutation and beta catenin expression within odontogenic lesions suggests alternate routes of beta catenin activation. The review results support the unique localisation of beta catenin as a helpful diagnostic factor in the pathogenesis of odontogenic lesions.
Topics: Humans; Ameloblastoma; beta Catenin; Odontogenic Cyst, Calcifying; Odontogenic Cysts; Odontogenic Tumors
PubMed: 37840228
DOI: 10.1111/jop.13487 -
Drug Safety Apr 2024Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) was first described among patients affected by hematological or solid tumors. Following the human immunodeficiency virus... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) was first described among patients affected by hematological or solid tumors. Following the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, people living with HIV have represented most cases for more than a decade. With the diffusion of highly active antiretroviral therapy, this group progressively decreased in favor of patients undergoing treatment with targeted therapy/immunomodulators. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the objective was to assess which drugs are most frequently related to PML development, and report the incidence of drug-induced PML through a meta-analytic approach.
METHODS
The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Science and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health Database (CADTH) were searched up to May 10, 2022. Articles that reported the risk of PML development after treatment with immunomodulatory drugs, including patients of both sexes under the age of 80 years, affected by any pathology except HIV, primary immunodeficiencies or malignancies, were included in the review. The incidence of drug-induced PML was calculated based on PML cases and total number of patients observed per 100 persons and the observation time. Random-effect metanalyses were conducted for each drug reporting pooled incidence with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and median (interquartile range [IQR]) of the observation time. Heterogeneity was measured by I statistics. Publication bias was examined through funnel plots and Egger's test.
RESULTS
A total of 103 studies were included in the systematic review. In our analysis, we found no includible study reporting cases of PML during the course of treatment with ocrelizumab, vedolizumab, abrilumab, ontamalimab, teriflunomide, daclizumab, inebilizumab, basiliximab, tacrolimus, belimumab, infliximab, firategrast, disulone, azathioprine or danazole. Dalfampridine, glatiramer acetate, dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod show a relatively safe profile, although some cases of PML have been reported. The meta-analysis showed an incidence of PML cases among patients undergoing rituximab treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) of 0.01 cases/100 persons (95% CI - 0.08 to 0.09; I = 20.4%; p = 0.25) for a median observation period of 23.5 months (IQR 22.1-42.1). Treatment of MS with natalizumab carried a PML risk of 0.33 cases/100 persons (95% CI 0.29-0.37; I = 50%; p = 0.003) for a median observation period of 44.1 months (IQR 28.4-60) and a mean number of doses of 36.3 (standard deviation [SD] ± 20.7). When comparing data about patients treated with standard interval dosing (SID) and extended interval dosing (EID), the latter appears to carry a smaller risk of PML, that is, 0.08 cases/100 persons (95% CI 0.0-0.15) for EID versus 0.3 cases/100 persons (95% CI 0.25-0.34) for SID.
CONCLUSIONS
A higher risk of drug-related PML in patients whose immune system is not additionally depressed by means of neoplasms, HIV or concomitant medications is found in the neurological field. This risk is higher in MS treatment, and specifically during long-term natalizumab therapy. While this drug is still routinely prescribed in this field, considering the efficacy in reducing MS relapses, in other areas it could play a smaller role, and be gradually replaced by other safer and more recently approved agents.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Aged, 80 and over; Natalizumab; Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal; Canada; Immunologic Factors; Multiple Sclerosis; HIV Infections
PubMed: 38321317
DOI: 10.1007/s40264-023-01383-4 -
Clinical Nuclear Medicine Sep 2023[ 18 F]fluoroestradiol (FES) can be used for the noninvasive visualization and quantification of tumor estrogen receptor (ER) expression and activity and was...
INTRODUCTION
[ 18 F]fluoroestradiol (FES) can be used for the noninvasive visualization and quantification of tumor estrogen receptor (ER) expression and activity and was FDA-approved as a diagnostic agent in May 2022 for detecting ER-positive lesions in patients with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer. PET imaging was also used to detect ER-positive lesions and malignancy among patients with uterine, ovarian, and other ER-positive solid tumors. We conducted a systemic review of the studies on FES PET imaging used among patients with cancer not limited to breast cancer to better understand the application of FES PET imaging.
METHODS
PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases were used to perform a comprehensive and systematic search and were updated until August 15, 2022. Two authors independently reviewed the titles and abstracts of the retrieved articles by using the search algorithm and selected the articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All statistical analyses were conducted using R statistical software.
RESULTS
Forty-three studies with 2352 patients were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 23 studies with 1388 patients were included in the quantitative analysis, which estimated the FES-positive detection rate. Thirty-two studies (77%) included breast cancer patients in 43 included studies. The FES SUV mean was higher in patients with endometrial cancer (3.4-5.3) than in those with breast cancer (2.05) and uterine sarcoma (1.1-2.6). The pooled detection rates of FES PET imaging were 0.80 for breast and 0.84 for ovarian cancer patients, both similar to that of 18 F-FDG. The FES uptake threshold of 1.1 to 1.82 could detect 11.1% to 45% ER heterogeneity, but the threshold of FES uptake did not have consistent predictive ability for prognosis among patients with breast cancer, unlike uterine cancer. However, FES uptake can effectively predict and monitor treatment response, especially endocrine therapy such as estradiol, ER-blocking agents (fulvestrant and tamifoxen), and aromatase inhibitors (such as letrozole and Z-endoxifen).
CONCLUSIONS
[ 18 F]fluoroestradiol PET is not only a convenient and accurate diagnostic imaging tool for detecting ER-expressing lesions in patients with breast and ovarian cancer but also among patients with uterine cancer. [ 18 F]fluoroestradiol PET is a noninvasive predictive and monitoring tool for treatment response and prognosis.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Estradiol; Positron-Emission Tomography; Receptors, Estrogen; Uterine Neoplasms; Ovarian Neoplasms
PubMed: 37482660
DOI: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000004760 -
Human Pathology Feb 2024Differentiated high-grade thyroid carcinomas (DHGTCs) are a new diagnostic entity most recently defined in the 2022 World Health Organization's (WHO) Classification of...
BACKGROUND
Differentiated high-grade thyroid carcinomas (DHGTCs) are a new diagnostic entity most recently defined in the 2022 World Health Organization's (WHO) Classification of Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumors. This new entity has been minimally described in the literature, and additional cases classified as such are missing.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Cases of DHGTCs diagnosed at our institution from 2012 to 2022 were identified, and the following were reviewed: cytologic and histologic diagnoses, ancillary testing, immunohistochemical staining, treatments, and patient outcomes. Immunohistochemical staining for Ki67 was performed on selected cases lacking this immunostain. A systematic literature review of the English literature on DHGTCs from 2013 to 2023 was performed using PubMed and Embase.
RESULTS
Case cohort included 32 cases of DHGTCs, with an average age of 52.6 years (range 17-84 years) and a male:female ratio of 1.3:1. All cases underwent fine needle aspiration (FNA) and were categorized by The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) as follows: 14 cases as malignant (43.8 %), 10 as follicular neoplasm (31.3 %), 5 as atypia of undetermined significance (15.6 %), 2 as suspicious for malignancy (6.2 %), and 1 as non-diagnostic (3.1 %). The average tumor size was 5.15 cm, and most were papillary thyroid carcinoma (28, 87.5 %), with classic subtype being the most common. Twenty-one cases revealed tumor necrosis and the mitotic activity in lesions without necrosis averaged to 5.5 mitoses per 2 mm (range 0-7). The average Ki67 proliferative index was 5.6 %. Extrathyroidal extension was seen in 17, angioinvasion in 21, lymphatic invasion in 7, and perineural invasion in 1 case. Foci of solid or trabecular growth were identified in five cases. Lymph node metastases at the time of diagnosis were noted in 10 cases and 7 demonstrated distant metastases or locoregional recurrence. To date, 25 patients are alive, and one has died from disease.
CONCLUSIONS
Our institutional experience demonstrates that DHGTC is a rare, but aggressive thyroid tumor subtype that requires consideration in the setting of a well-differentiated thyroid neoplasm to appropriately assess for possible disease recurrence and determination of patient prognosis.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ki-67 Antigen; Thyroid Neoplasms; Thyroid Cancer, Papillary; Necrosis; Adenocarcinoma, Follicular; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38244615
DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2024.01.002 -
Journal of Nuclear Medicine : Official... Jul 2024Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is expressed in the neovasculature of multiple solid tumors, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Studies have demonstrated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is expressed in the neovasculature of multiple solid tumors, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Studies have demonstrated promising results on the utility of PSMA-targeted PET/CT imaging in RCC. This report aims to provide a systematic review and metaanalysis on the utility and detection rate of PSMA PET/CT imaging in staging or evaluation of primary RCC and restaging of metastatic or recurrent RCC. Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, and abstract proceedings (last updated, August 2023). Studies that provided a lesion-level detection rate of PSMA radiotracers in staging or restaging of RCC were included in the metaanalysis. The overall pooled detection rate with a 95% CI was estimated, and subgroup analysis was performed when feasible. Nine studies comprising 152 patients (133 clear cell RCC [ccRCC], 19 other RCC subtypes) were included in the metaanalysis. The pooled detection rate of PSMA PET/CT in evaluation of primary or metastatic RCC was estimated to be 0.83 (95% CI, 0.67-0.92). Subgroup analysis showed a pooled PSMA detection rate of 0.74 (95% CI, 0.57-0.86) in staging or evaluation of primary RCC lesions and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.73-0.95) in restaging of metastatic or recurrent RCC. Analysis based on the type of radiotracer showed a pooled detection rate of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.62-0.95) for Ga-based PSMA tracers and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.76-0.97) for F-DCFPyL PET/CT. Furthermore, in metastatic ccRCC, the available data support a significantly higher detection rate for F-DCFPyL PET/CT than for conventional imaging modalities (2 studies). Our preliminary results show that PSMA PET/CT could be a promising alternative imaging modality for evaluating RCC, particularly metastatic ccRCC. Large prospective studies are warranted to confirm clinical utility in the staging and restaging of RCC.
Topics: Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Neoplasm Staging; Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II; Antigens, Surface
PubMed: 38782453
DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.124.267417 -
Endocrinologia, Diabetes Y Nutricion Nov 2023Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) has been shown to be a valuable treatment for thyroid nodular pathology and metastatic cervical adenopathies. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) has been shown to be a valuable treatment for thyroid nodular pathology and metastatic cervical adenopathies.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of PEI in thyroid nodular pathology and metastatic cervical adenopathies.
METHODS
A systematic review (SR) using meta-analysis was conducted on the effectiveness and safety of PEI. A SR on cost-effectiveness was also performed. The SRs were conducted according to the methodology developed by the Cochrane Collaboration with reporting in accordance with the PRISMA statement. A cost-minimization analysis was carried out using a decision tree model. Assuming equal effectiveness between two minimally invasive techniques (PEI and radiofrequency ablation (RFA)), the model compared the costs of the alternatives with a horizon of six months and from the perspective of the Spanish National Health System.
RESULTS
The search identified three RCTs (n=157) that evaluated PEI versus RFA in patients diagnosed with benign thyroid nodules: ninety-six patients with predominantly cystic nodules and sixty-one patients with solid nodules. No evidence was found on other techniques or thyroid nodular pathology. No statistically significant differences were observed between PEI and RFA in volume reduction (%), symptom score, cosmetic score, therapeutic success and major complications. No economic evaluations were identified. The cost-minimization analysis estimated the cost per patient of the PEI procedure at €326 compared to €4781 for RFA, which means an incremental difference of -€4455.
CONCLUSIONS
There are no differences between PEI and RFA regarding their safety and effectiveness, but the economic evaluation determined that the former option is cheaper.
Topics: Humans; Thyroid Nodule; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Catheter Ablation; Ethanol; Lymphadenopathy
PubMed: 37996202
DOI: 10.1016/j.endien.2023.08.007