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Health Technology Assessment... Dec 2023A wide range of ablative and non-surgical therapies are available for treating small hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with very early or early-stage disease and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
A wide range of ablative and non-surgical therapies are available for treating small hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with very early or early-stage disease and preserved liver function.
OBJECTIVE
To review and compare the effectiveness of all current ablative and non-surgical therapies for patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (≤ 3 cm).
DESIGN
Systematic review and network meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Nine databases (March 2021), two trial registries (April 2021) and reference lists of relevant systematic reviews.
REVIEW METHODS
Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials of ablative and non-surgical therapies, versus any comparator, for small hepatocellular carcinoma. Randomised controlled trials were quality assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and mapped. The comparative effectiveness of therapies was assessed using network meta-analysis. A threshold analysis was used to identify which comparisons were sensitive to potential changes in the evidence. Where comparisons based on randomised controlled trial evidence were not robust or no randomised controlled trials were identified, a targeted systematic review of non-randomised, prospective comparative studies provided additional data for repeat network meta-analysis and threshold analysis. The feasibility of undertaking economic modelling was explored. A workshop with patients and clinicians was held to discuss the findings and identify key priorities for future research.
RESULTS
Thirty-seven randomised controlled trials (with over 3700 relevant patients) were included in the review. The majority were conducted in China or Japan and most had a high risk of bias or some risk of bias concerns. The results of the network meta-analysis were uncertain for most comparisons. There was evidence that percutaneous ethanol injection is inferior to radiofrequency ablation for overall survival (hazard ratio 1.45, 95% credible interval 1.16 to 1.82), progression-free survival (hazard ratio 1.36, 95% credible interval 1.11 to 1.67), overall recurrence (relative risk 1.19, 95% credible interval 1.02 to 1.39) and local recurrence (relative risk 1.80, 95% credible interval 1.19 to 2.71). Percutaneous acid injection was also inferior to radiofrequency ablation for progression-free survival (hazard ratio 1.63, 95% credible interval 1.05 to 2.51). Threshold analysis showed that further evidence could plausibly change the result for some comparisons. Fourteen eligible non-randomised studies were identified ( ≥ 2316); twelve had a high risk of bias so were not included in updated network meta-analyses. Additional non-randomised data, made available by a clinical advisor, were also included ( = 303). There remained a high level of uncertainty in treatment rankings after the network meta-analyses were updated. However, the updated analyses suggested that microwave ablation and resection are superior to percutaneous ethanol injection and percutaneous acid injection for some outcomes. Further research on stereotactic ablative radiotherapy was recommended at the workshop, although it is only appropriate for certain patient subgroups, limiting opportunities for adequately powered trials.
LIMITATIONS
Many studies were small and of poor quality. No comparative studies were found for some therapies.
CONCLUSIONS
The existing evidence base has limitations; the uptake of specific ablative therapies in the United Kingdom appears to be based more on technological advancements and ease of use than strong evidence of clinical effectiveness. However, there is evidence that percutaneous ethanol injection and percutaneous acid injection are inferior to radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation and resection.
STUDY REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42020221357.
FUNDING
This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR131224) and is published in full in ; Vol. 27, No. 29. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Ethanol; Liver Neoplasms; Network Meta-Analysis; Prospective Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Ablation Techniques
PubMed: 38149643
DOI: 10.3310/GK5221 -
Cancers Sep 2023Solid pancreatic neoplasms are one of the most diagnosed gastrointestinal malignancies thanks to the current and progressive advances in radiologic methods. Endoscopic... (Review)
Review
Solid pancreatic neoplasms are one of the most diagnosed gastrointestinal malignancies thanks to the current and progressive advances in radiologic methods. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided techniques have over time gained a prominent role in the differential diagnosis and characterization of these pancreatic lesions, including pancreatic cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, and metastases. Recently, several endoscopic ultrasound-guided locoregional treatment techniques, which are divided into thermal ablative techniques and non-thermal injection techniques, have been developed and applied in different settings for the treatment of solid pancreatic neoplasms. The most common ablative techniques are radiofrequency, microwave, laser, photodynamic therapy and hybrid techniques such as hybrid cryothermal ablation. The most common injection techniques are ethanol injection, immunotherapy and brachytherapy. In this review, we update evidence about the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided locoregional treatments for solid pancreatic neoplasms.
PubMed: 37835413
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194718 -
Lung Cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Aug 2023Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is the standard of care for inoperable early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Use of image guided thermal ablation... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
RATIONALE
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is the standard of care for inoperable early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Use of image guided thermal ablation (IGTA; including microwave ablation [MWA] and radiofrequency ablation [RFA]) has increased in NSCLC, however there are no studies comparing all three.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of IGTA (including MWA and RFA) and SBRT for the treatment of NSCLC.
METHODS
Published literature databases were systematically searched for studies assessing MWA, RFA, or SBRT. Local tumor progression (LTP), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed with single-arm pooled analyses and meta-regressions in NSCLC patients and a stage IA subgroup. Study quality was assessed with a modified methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) tool.
RESULTS
Forty IGTA study-arms (2,691 patients) and 215 SBRT study-arms (54,789 patients) were identified. LTP was lowest after SBRT at one and two years in single-arm pooled analyses (4% and 9% vs. 11% and 18%) and at one year in meta-regressions when compared to IGTA (OR = 0.2, 95%CI = 0.07-0.63). MWA patients had the highest DFS of all treatments in single-arm pooled analyses. In meta-regressions at two and three-years, DFS was significantly lower for RFA compared to MWA (OR = 0.26, 95%CI = 0.12-0.58; OR = 0.33, 95%CI = 0.16-0.66, respectively). OS was similar across modalities, timepoints, and analyses. Older age, male patients, larger tumors, retrospective studies, and non-Asian study region were also predictors of worse clinical outcomes. In high-quality studies (MINORS score ≥ 7), MWA patients had better clinical outcomes than the overall analysis. Stage IA MWA patients had lower LTP, higher OS, and generally lower DFS, compared to the main analysis of all NSCLC patients.
CONCLUSIONS
NSCLC patients had comparable outcomes after SBRT and MWA, which were better than those with RFA.
Topics: Humans; Male; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Radiosurgery; Lung Neoplasms; Catheter Ablation; Liver Neoplasms
PubMed: 37321074
DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2023.107259 -
Respiration; International Review of... 2024Early detection and accurate diagnosis of pulmonary nodules are crucial for improving patient outcomes. While surgical resection of malignant nodules is still the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Early detection and accurate diagnosis of pulmonary nodules are crucial for improving patient outcomes. While surgical resection of malignant nodules is still the preferred treatment option, it may not be feasible for all patients. We aimed to discuss the advances in the treatment of pulmonary nodules, especially stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and interventional pulmonology technologies, and provide a range of recommendations based on our expertise and experience.
SUMMARY
Interventional pulmonology is an increasingly important approach for the management of pulmonary nodules. While more studies are needed to fully evaluate its long-term outcomes and benefits, the available evidence suggests that this technique can provide a minimally invasive and effective alternative for treating small malignancies in selected patients. We conducted a systematic literature review in PubMed, designed a framework to include the advances in surgery, SBRT, and interventional pulmonology for the treatment of pulmonary nodules, and provided a range of recommendations based on our expertise and experience.
KEY MESSAGES
As such, alternative therapeutic options such as SBRT and ablation are becoming increasingly important and viable. With recent advancements in bronchoscopy techniques, ablation via bronchoscopy has emerged as a promising option for treating pulmonary nodules. This study reviewed the advances of interventional pulmonology in the treatment of peripheral lung cancer patients that are not surgical candidates. We also discussed the challenges and limitations associated with ablation, such as the risk of complications and the potential for incomplete nodule eradication. These advancements hold great promise for improving the efficacy and safety of interventional pulmonology in treating pulmonary nodules.
Topics: Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Multiple Pulmonary Nodules; Bronchoscopy
PubMed: 38382478
DOI: 10.1159/000535824 -
Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases Jul 2023Focal therapy (FT) is a promising alternative with curative intent for Low- to Intermediate-risk localized Prostate Cancer (PCa), claiming better functional outcomes and... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Focal therapy (FT) is a promising alternative with curative intent for Low- to Intermediate-risk localized Prostate Cancer (PCa), claiming better functional outcomes and safety profile than standard whole-gland treatments. Ten different FT modalities have been described in the literature. The objective of our narrative review is to evaluate the safety profile and functional outcomes of these different modalities and the current most used tools of assessment for those outcomes.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Literature search was performed on 21st February 2023 using PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (PRISMA). Articles reporting whole-gland treatments were excluded. All articles reporting functional outcomes were included.
RESULTS
One-hundred-seven studies, reporting data on 6933 patients, were included (26 on High Intensity Focal Ultrasound, 22 on Focal Cryotherapy, 14 on Irreversible Electroporation, 11 on Focal brachytherapy, 10 on Focal Laser Ablation, 8 on Photodynamic Therapy, 3 on Microwave ablation, 3 on Robotic Partial Prostatectomy, 2 on bipolar Radio Frequency Ablation, 1 on Prostatic Artery Embolization, and 7 studies comparing different FTs). Post-operative pad-free rate ranged between 92.3-100%. Greater heterogeneity exists considering the Change in Erectile Function, with Changing in Erectile function- rates ranging between 0-94.4% (Cryotherapy). The most used Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) were the International Prostate Symptom Score and the International Index of Erectile Function for incontinence/urinary function and potency, respectively. The most common reported complications were hematuria, infections, and urethral strictures, with rates widely ranging among different treatments. The Clavien-Dindo Classification was the most used (40/88 papers) to describe adverse events.
CONCLUSION
FT is a promising treatment for localized PCa, achieving excellent results in terms of safety and functional outcomes. There is a wide heterogeneity in the definition of PROMS and time of collection between studies. High quality comparative studies with standard treatments are needed to reinforce these findings.
PubMed: 37491432
DOI: 10.1038/s41391-023-00698-8 -
Current Opinion in Gastroenterology Sep 2023Patients with pancreatic tumors may have limited treatment options. Pancreatic tumor ablation is a novel and emerging treatment modality which can now be performed using... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Patients with pancreatic tumors may have limited treatment options. Pancreatic tumor ablation is a novel and emerging treatment modality which can now be performed using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guidance. This modality is well suited to guide energy delivery for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation. These approaches provide minimally invasive, nonsurgical methods for delivering energy to ablate pancreatic tumors in situ . This review summarizes the current data and safety profile for ablation in managing pancreatic cancer and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
RECENT FINDINGS
RFA uses thermal energy to induce cell death by coagulative necrosis and protein denaturation. Studies have reported increased overall survival in patients with pancreatic tumors treated with EUS-guided RFA in a multimodality systemic approach and when used in palliative surgeries. Radiofrequency ablation may have corollary benefits in inducing an immune-modulatory effect. Tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 19-9 has been reported to decrease in response to RFA. Microwave ablation is an emerging modality.
SUMMARY
RFA utilizes focal thermal energy to induce cell death. RFA has been applied through open, laparoscopic, and radiographic modalities. EUS-guided approaches are now allowing RFA and microwave ablation to be performed for pancreatic tumors in situ .
Topics: Humans; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Radiofrequency Ablation; Pancreas; Endosonography; Laparoscopy; Catheter Ablation
PubMed: 37097824
DOI: 10.1097/MOG.0000000000000939 -
Abdominal Radiology (New York) Jun 2024Cholangiocarcinoma is a hepatobiliary malignancy which can manifest anywhere along the biliary tree. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma occurs in the liver within or beyond... (Review)
Review
Cholangiocarcinoma is a hepatobiliary malignancy which can manifest anywhere along the biliary tree. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma occurs in the liver within or beyond the second order bile ducts. The prognosis for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is poor, even when successfully resected there is a very high rate of local recurrence. The available systemic therapies are currently limited and have high rates of toxicity. Percutaneous and transarterial liver-directed therapies can be used to treat intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with results comparable to current standard of care systemic therapies in some circumstances. This manuscript will review these the techniques and efficacy of percutaneous and transarterial liver-directed therapies for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
PubMed: 38900318
DOI: 10.1007/s00261-024-04410-9 -
Thyroid : Official Journal of the... Aug 2023Image-guided thermal ablation interventions are novel thermal-based modalities used for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. We conducted a systematic review and a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Image-guided thermal ablation interventions are novel thermal-based modalities used for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. We conducted a systematic review and a Bayesian network meta-analysis, examining studies using thermal ablation interventions in the treatment of benign nodular thyroid disease (PROSPERO CRD42022367680). The primary endpoints included volume reduction rate (VRR), and symptomatic score and cosmetic score improvement. Secondary endpoints included vocal disturbances, laryngeal nerve palsy, hypothyroidism, and nodular regrowth (defined by increased nodular volume of >50% for thermal ablation or new nodules arising in remaining thyroid tissue conventional surgery [CS]). We included 16 studies (3 randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and 13 comparative case series), describing radiofrequency ablation (RFA), laser ablation (LA), microwave ablation (MWA), high-intensity focus ultrasound (HIFU), and CS, respectively. The review included data from 4112 patients followed for a mean of 11.9 months. Meta-analyses showed no significant differences among RFA, LA, MWA, HIFU, and CS regarding any of the primary endpoints of VRR, symptomatic score, and cosmetic score. In examining the surface under the cumulative ranking area (SUCRA) ranking, CS (SUCRA, 98.49), LA (SUCRA, 51.58), and MWA (SUCRA, 57.0) were identified as the three interventions that were most likely to result in the largest VRR, symptomatic and cosmetic score reduction. RFA, relative risk (RR) 0.19 [95% credibility interval (CI): 0.06 to 0.48], LA RR 0.23 [CI: 0.06 to 0.79], and MWA RR 0.25 [CI: 0.09 to 0.60] were associated with the greatest reduction in risk for postintervention vocal complications compared with CS, with RFA (SUCRA, 61.62) being ranked as the highest in safety. RFA RR 0.05 [CI: 0.00 to 0.40] and MWA RR 0.16 [CI: 0.02 to 0.73] were associated with a reduced risk of transient laryngeal nerve injury compared with CS. RFA RR 0.00 [CI: 0.00 to 0.00] and MWA RR 0.00 [CI: 0.00 to 0.03] were associated with a reduced risk of hypothyroidism occurrence compared with CS, with RFA (SUCRA, 99.86) yielding the highest safety ranking. RFA was associated with a reduced risk for nodular regrowth RR 0.09 [CI: 0.00 to 0.85], compared with CS. We have comprehensively reviewed the published literature on the efficacy and safety of thermal ablation modalities for benign thyroid nodules. Important research gaps remain regarding a paucity of both long-term data and high-quality RCTs.
Topics: Humans; Thyroid Nodule; Network Meta-Analysis; Radiofrequency Ablation; Laser Therapy; Hypothyroidism; Treatment Outcome; Catheter Ablation; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37166390
DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0671 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Surgical treatment is important for male lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) management, but there are few reviews of the risks of reoperation. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Surgical treatment is important for male lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) management, but there are few reviews of the risks of reoperation.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically evaluate the current evidence regarding the reoperation rates of surgical treatment for LUTS in accordance with current recommendations and guidelines.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Eligible studies published up to July 2023, were searched for in the PubMed (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA), Embase (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), and Web of Science™ (Clarivate™, Philadelphia, PA, USA) databases. STATA (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, USA) software was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled incidences (PIs) of reoperation and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
A total of 119 studies with 130,106 patients were included. The reoperation rate of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 4.0%, 5.0%, 6.0%, and 7.7%, respectively. The reoperation rate of plasma kinetic loop resection of the prostate (PKRP) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 3.5%, 3.6%, 5.7%, and 6.6%, respectively. The reoperation rate of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 2.4%, 3.3%, 5.4%, and 6.6%, respectively. The reoperation rate of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 3.3%, 4.1%, 6.7%, and 7.1%, respectively. The reoperation rate of surgery with AquaBeam at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 2.6%, 3.1%, 3.0%, and 4.1%, respectively. The reoperation rate of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 12.2%, 20.0%, 26.4%, and 23.8%, respectively. The reoperation rate of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 9.9%, 19.9%, 23.3%, and 31.2%, respectively. The reoperation rate of transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) at 5 years was 13.4%. The reoperation rate of open prostatectomy (OP) at 1 and 5 years was 1.3% and 4.4%, respectively. The reoperation rate of thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) at 1, 2, and 5 years was 3.7%, 7.7%, and 8.4%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Our results summarized the reoperation rates of 10 surgical procedures over follow-up durations of 1, 2, 3, and 5 years, which could provide reference for urologists and LUTS patients.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023445780.
Topics: United States; Humans; Male; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Transurethral Resection of Prostate; Prostate; Reoperation; Embolization, Therapeutic; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
PubMed: 38027158
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1287212 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Carbon quantum dots are a novel form of carbon material. They offer numerous benefits including particle size adjustability, light resistance, ease of functionalization,... (Review)
Review
Carbon quantum dots are a novel form of carbon material. They offer numerous benefits including particle size adjustability, light resistance, ease of functionalization, low toxicity, excellent biocompatibility, and high-water solubility, as well as their easy accessibility of raw materials. Carbon quantum dots have been widely used in various fields. The preparation methods employed are predominantly top-down methods such as arc discharge, laser ablation, electrochemical and chemical oxidation, as well as bottom-up methods such as templates, microwave, and hydrothermal techniques. This article provides an overview of the properties, preparation methods, raw materials for preparation, and the heteroatom doping of carbon quantum dots, and it summarizes the applications in related fields, such as optoelectronics, bioimaging, drug delivery, cancer therapy, sensors, and environmental remediation. Finally, currently encountered issues of carbon quantum dots are presented. The latest research progress in synthesis and application, as well as the challenges outlined in this review, can help and encourage future research on carbon quantum dots.
PubMed: 38731492
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29092002