-
BMC Cancer Aug 2023Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer have a poor prognosis and high burden of cancer-related symptoms. It is necessary to assess the trade-off of clinical benefits...
BACKGROUND
Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer have a poor prognosis and high burden of cancer-related symptoms. It is necessary to assess the trade-off of clinical benefits and possible harms of treatments with anticancer drugs (TAD). This systematic review aims to compare the effectiveness of TAD versus supportive care or no treatment, considering all patient-important outcomes.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Epistemonikos. Two reviewers performed selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment. We assessed certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.
RESULTS
We included 14 randomised controlled trials. Chemotherapy may result in a slight increase in overall survival (MD: 2.97 months (95%CI 1.23, 4.70)) and fewer hospital days (MD: -6.7 (-8.3, -5.1)), however, the evidence is very uncertain about its effect on symptoms, quality of life, functional status, and adverse events. Targeted/biological therapy may result in little to no difference in overall survival and a slight increment in progression-free survival (HR: 0.83 (95%CI 0.63, 1.10)), but probably results in more adverse events (RR: 5.54 (95%CI 1.24, 23.97)). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of immunotherapy in overall survival and functional status.
CONCLUSIONS
The evidence is very uncertain about whether the benefits of using treatment with anticancer drugs outweigh their risks for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. This uncertainty is further highlighted when considering immunotherapy or a second line of chemotherapy and thus, best supportive care would be an appropriate alternative. Future studies should assess their impact on all patient-important outcomes to inform patients in setting their goals of care.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Antineoplastic Agents; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Immunotherapy
PubMed: 37573294
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11207-4 -
BMC Medicine Jul 2023Probiotics are often used to prevent antibiotic-induced low-diversity dysbiosis, however their effect is not yet sufficiently summarized in this regard. We aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Probiotics are often used to prevent antibiotic-induced low-diversity dysbiosis, however their effect is not yet sufficiently summarized in this regard. We aimed to investigate the effects of concurrent probiotic supplementation on gut microbiome composition during antibiotic therapy.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials reporting the differences in gut microbiome diversity between patients on antibiotic therapy with and without concomitant probiotic supplementation. The systematic search was performed in three databases (MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)) without filters on 15 October 2021. A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). This review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021282983).
RESULTS
Of 11,769 identified articles, 15 were eligible in the systematic review and 5 in the meta-analyses. Quantitative data synthesis for Shannon (MD = 0.23, 95% CI: [(-)0.06-0.51]), Chao1 (MD = 11.59 [(-)18.42-41.60]) and observed OTUs (operational taxonomic unit) (MD = 17.15 [(-)9.43-43.73]) diversity indices revealed no significant difference between probiotic supplemented and control groups. Lacking data prevented meta-analyzing other diversity indices; however, most of the included studies reported no difference in the other reported α- and ß-diversity indices between the groups. Changes in the taxonomic composition varied across the eligible studies but tended to be similar in both groups. However, they showed a potential tendency to restore baseline levels in both groups after 3-8 weeks. This is the first meta-analysis and the most comprehensive review of the topic to date using high quality methods. The limited number of studies and low sample sizes are the main limitations of our study. Moreover, there was high variability across the studies regarding the indication of antibiotic therapy and the type, dose, and duration of antimicrobials and probiotics.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results showed that probiotic supplementation during antibiotic therapy was not found to be influential on gut microbiome diversity indices. Defining appropriate microbiome diversity indices, their standard ranges, and their clinical relevance would be crucial.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Probiotics; Dietary Supplements; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Dysbiosis
PubMed: 37468916
DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02961-0 -
Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery :... Nov 2023Pancreatic benign, cystic, and neuroendocrine neoplasms are increasingly detected and recommended for surgical treatment. In multiorgan resection pancreatoduodenectomy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pancreatic benign, cystic, and neuroendocrine neoplasms are increasingly detected and recommended for surgical treatment. In multiorgan resection pancreatoduodenectomy or parenchyma-sparing, local extirpation is a challenge for decision-making regarding surgery-related early and late postoperative morbidity.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Libraries were searched for studies reporting early surgery-related complications following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and duodenum-preserving total (DPPHRt) or partial (DPPHRp) pancreatic head resection for benign tumors. Thirty-four cohort studies comprising data from 1099 patients were analyzed. In total, 654 patients underwent DPPHR and 445 patients PD for benign tumors. This review and meta-analysis does not need ethical approval.
RESULTS
Comparing DPPHRt and PD, the need for blood transfusion (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.10-0.41, p<0.01), re-intervention for serious surgery-related complications (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.31-0.73, p<0.001), and re-operation for severe complications (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.26-0.95, p=0.04) were significantly less frequent following DPPHRt. Pancreatic fistula B+C (19.0 to 15.3%, p=0.99) and biliary fistula (6.3 to 4.3%; p=0.33) were in the same range following PD and DPPHRt. In-hospital mortality after DPPHRt was one of 350 patients (0.28%) and after PD eight of 445 patients (1.79%) (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.10-1.09, p=0.07). Following DPPHRp, there was no mortality among the 192 patients.
CONCLUSION
DPPHR for benign pancreatic tumors is associated with significantly fewer surgery-related, serious, and severe postoperative complications and lower in-hospital mortality compared to PD. Tailored use of DPPHRt or DPPHRp contributes to a reduction of surgery-related complications. DPPHR has the potential to replace PD for benign tumors and premalignant cystic and neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreatic head.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatectomy; Pancreas; Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Duodenum; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Pancreatic Cyst
PubMed: 37670106
DOI: 10.1007/s11605-023-05789-4 -
Nutrients Nov 2023Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a reliable, non-invasive, objective, and cost-effective body composition assessment method, with high reproducibility. This... (Review)
Review
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a reliable, non-invasive, objective, and cost-effective body composition assessment method, with high reproducibility. This scoping review aims to evaluate the current scientific and clinical evidence on BIA for body composition assessment in oncology patients, under active treatment. Literature search was conducted through MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science databases, following PRISMA-ScR Guidelines. Inclusion criteria comprised studies reporting the use of BIA for body composition evaluation in adults with cancer diagnosis. Studies including non-cancer pathology or only assessing nutritional status were excluded. This scoping review comprised a total of 36 studies: 25 were original studies including 18 prospective studies, six cross-sectional studies and one retrospective study and 11 were systematic reviews. Population size for the included original articles ranged from 18 to 1217 participants, comprising a total of 3015 patients with cancer with a mean baseline Body Mass Index (BMI) ranging from 20.3 to 30.0 kg/m and mean age ranging between 47 and 70 years. Review articles included a total of 273 studies, with a total of 78,350 participants. The current review considered studies reporting patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) ( = 8), breast cancer (BC) ( = 4), esophageal cancer (EC) ( = 2), liver cancer ( = 2), pancreatic cancer (PC) ( = 3), gastric cancer (GC) ( = 3), colorectal cancer (CRC) ( = 8), lung cancer (LC) ( = 1), skin cancer (SK) ( = 1) and multiple cancer types ( = 6). BIA is a suitable and valid method for the assessment of body composition in oncology. BIA-derived measures have shown good potential and relevant clinical value in preoperative risk evaluation, in the reduction of postoperative complications and hospital stay and as an important prognostic indicator in persons with cancer. Future research on the diagnostic value and clinical applications of BIA and BIA-derived phase angle (PhA) should be conducted in order to predict its impact on patient survival and other clinical outcomes.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Middle Aged; Aged; Electric Impedance; Reproducibility of Results; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Body Composition; Head and Neck Neoplasms
PubMed: 38004186
DOI: 10.3390/nu15224792 -
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) Jul 2023Chronic pancreatitis results in irreversible pancreatic dysfunction and malnutrition which, alongside excess alcohol intake, can increase the risk of low bone density.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Chronic pancreatitis results in irreversible pancreatic dysfunction and malnutrition which, alongside excess alcohol intake, can increase the risk of low bone density. Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures and chronic bone pain, reduces quality of life, and poses considerable costs to healthcare. Despite this, there remains a paucity of literature evaluating bone health in this patient population. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the prevalences of osteopaenia, osteoporosis and fractures in patients with chronic pancreatitis.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and CENTRAL databases was undertaken to identify eligible studies from January 2000 to May 2022. The prevalences of osteopenia, osteoporosis and fragility fractures were extracted from the included studies. Where available, a subgroup analysis was performed to compare the likelihood of developing osteoporosis in patients with chronic pancreatitis compared with control.
RESULTS
Nineteen studies reporting on 2,027,764 participants (20,460 with chronic pancreatitis and 2,007,304 controls) were included. The pooled prevalence of osteoporosis was 19% (95% CI 13 to 26%; I = 94%). Patients with chronic pancreatitis were more likely to have osteoporosis when compared with those in the control group (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.86 to 4.21; I = 21%). The prevalences of osteopaenia and fractures in patients with chronic pancreatitis were 37% (95% CI 31 to 44%; I = 81%) and 14% (95% CI 7 to 22%; I = 99%) respectively.
CONCLUSION
The prevalences of osteopenia and osteoporosis are significant in patients with chronic pancreatitis and can increase the risk of developing fractures. Further population-based studies are required to evaluate the disease burden of osteoporotic fractures and associated morbidity and mortality in chronic pancreatitis.
Topics: Humans; Osteoporotic Fractures; Quality of Life; Bone Density; Osteoporosis; Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Pancreatitis, Chronic
PubMed: 37271708
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.05.019 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2023Adiposity has been previously associated with cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD). Body mass index (BMI) is the most common measure... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Adiposity has been previously associated with cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD). Body mass index (BMI) is the most common measure of global adiposity, but inconsistent results were found since it is a global measurement. BMI does not represent regional fat distribution which differs between sexes, race, and age. Regional fat distribution may contribute differently to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related brain changes. Fat-specific targeted therapies could lead to personalized improvement of cognition. The goal of this systematic review is to explore whether regional fat depots, rather than central obesity, should be used to understand the mechanism underlying the association between adiposity and brain.
METHODS
This systematic review included 33 studies in the English language, conducted in humans aged 18 years and over with assessment of regional adiposity, cognitive function, dementia, and brain measures. We included only studies that have assessed regional adiposity using imaging technics and excluded studies that were review articles, abstract only or letters to editor. Studies on children and adolescents, animal studies, and studies of patients with gastrointestinal diseases were excluded. PubMed, PsychInfo and web of science were used as electronic databases for literature search until November 2022.
RESULTS
Based on the currently available literature, the findings suggest that different regional fat depots are likely associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment, brain changes and dementia, especially AD. However, different regional fat depots can have different cognitive outcomes and affect the brain differently. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was the most studied regional fat, along with liver fat through non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Pancreatic fat was the least studied regional fat.
CONCLUSION
Regional adiposity, which is modifiable, may explain discrepancies in associations of global adiposity, brain, and cognition. Specific regional fat depots lead to abnormal secretion of adipose factors which in turn may penetrate the blood brain barrier leading to brain damage and to cognitive decline.
PubMed: 37457589
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1160426 -
Cureus Aug 2023Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most common cancers and has a high mortality rate due to high invasiveness and rapid progression. Microribonucleic acid (microRNA)... (Review)
Review
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most common cancers and has a high mortality rate due to high invasiveness and rapid progression. Microribonucleic acid (microRNA) plays an essential role in diagnosing PC in the early stages, which improves the five-year survival rate. This systematic review aims to highlight the different subtypes of serum and plasma microRNAs and panel-based assays of microRNAs and how they play a crucial role in the diagnosis and prognosis of PC as a high-sensitive and specific novel biomarker. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, an in-depth search was performed by using regular keywords and major Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) keywords in PubMed (MEDLINE), PubMed Central, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library for articles related to this topic and published between 2013 and 2023, up to April 18, 2023. Further eligibility criteria and quality assessment tools were employed to assess the risk of bias, and 13 articles were finalized to be used in this review. The chosen articles included five cross-sectional studies, six systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and two literature reviews. This review provides strong evidence of the usage of microRNA for early diagnosis. It can also be used to exclude differential diagnoses of other diseases, and its prognostic value for determining metastasis and therapeutic efficacy in PC patients. Also, combining microRNA panels with carbohydrate antigen 19.9 (CA19-9) improves the sensitivity and specificity of microRNA as a biomarker.
PubMed: 37746488
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43931 -
European Journal of Cancer (Oxford,... Feb 2024Emerging cancer trends suggest an increase in pancreatic cancer incidence in individuals younger than its typical age of onset, potentially reflecting changes in...
BACKGROUND
Emerging cancer trends suggest an increase in pancreatic cancer incidence in individuals younger than its typical age of onset, potentially reflecting changes in population exposures and lifestyles.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We conducted a PRISMA-standard systematic literature review to identify non-heritable risk factors for early-onset pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) (PROSPERO number: CRD42022299397). Systematic searches of MEDLINE and Embase bibliographic databases were performed (January 2022), and publications were screened against predetermined eligibility criteria; data were extracted using standardised data fields. The STROBE checklist was used to assess the completeness of reporting as a proxy for publication quality. Data were categorised by risk factor and analysed descriptively.
RESULTS
In total, 24 publications were included. All publications reported observational study data; thresholds for age group comparisons ranged between 40 and 65 years. Lifestyle factors investigated included smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, meat intake, socioeconomic status and geographical residence. Clinical factors investigated included pancreatitis, diabetes/insulin resistance, prior cancer and cancer stage at diagnosis, hepatitis B infection, metabolic syndrome and long-term proton pump inhibitor exposure. Publication STROBE scores were 6-21 (maximum, 22). Eight studies reported results adjusted for confounders. Potential non-heritable risk factors for early-onset PDAC that warrant further investigation included smoking, alcohol consumption, pancreatitis and hepatitis B infection.
CONCLUSION
Evidence for non-heritable risk factors for early-onset PDAC is heterogeneous, but four factors were identified that might aid the identification of at-risk individuals who may benefit from screening and risk reduction strategies.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Humans; Middle Aged; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Hepatitis B; Observational Studies as Topic; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Pancreatitis; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38154392
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113471 -
International Journal of Surgery... Jul 2023The best approach for treating benign or low-grade malignant lesions localized in the pancreatic neck or body remains debatable. Conventional pancreatoduodenectomy and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The best approach for treating benign or low-grade malignant lesions localized in the pancreatic neck or body remains debatable. Conventional pancreatoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy (DP) are associated with a risk of impairment of pancreatic function at long-term follow-up. With advances in technology and surgical skills, the use of central pancreatectomy (CP) has gradually increased.
OBJECTIVES
The objective was to compare the safety, feasibility, and short-term and long-term clinical benefits of CP and DP in matched cases.
METHODS
The PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases were systematically searched to identify studies published from database inception to February 2022 that compared CP and DP. This meta-analysis was performed using R software.
RESULTS
Twenty-six studies matched the selection criteria, including 774 CP and 1713 DP cases. CP was significantly associated with longer operative time ( P <0.0001), less blood loss ( P <0.01), overall and clinically relevant pancreatic fistula ( P <0.0001), postoperative hemorrhage ( P <0.0001), reoperation ( P =0.0196), delayed gastric emptying ( P =0.0096), increased hospital stay ( P =0.0002), intra-abdominal abscess or effusion ( P =0.0161), higher morbidity ( P <0.0001) and severe morbidity ( P <0.0001) but with a significantly lower incidence of overall endocrine and exocrine insufficiency ( P <0.01), and new-onset and worsening diabetes mellitus ( P <0.0001) than DP.
CONCLUSIONS
CP should be considered as an alternative to DP in selected cases such as without pancreatic disease, length of the residual distal pancreas is more than 5 cm, branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, and a low risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula after adequate evaluation.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatectomy; Pancreatic Fistula; Retrospective Studies; Pancreas; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 37300889
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000326 -
Annals of Medicine Dec 2023Pancreatic fluid collections (PFC) are debris or fluid of the pancreas that needs to be drained out. This may result from surgery or necrotizing pancreatitis. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Pancreatic fluid collections (PFC) are debris or fluid of the pancreas that needs to be drained out. This may result from surgery or necrotizing pancreatitis. This meta-analysis compared the outcomes of PFC through endoscopic and percutaneous interventions.
METHODS
A medical database was searched up to June 2022, comparing the outcomes of endoscopic drainage (ED) and percutaneous drainage (PD) for the PFC. Eligible studies reporting clinical and technical success and adverse events were selected.
RESULTS
Seventeen studies with 1170 patients were included for meta-analysis, of which 543 patients underwent ED and 627 underwent PD. The odd ratio (OR) of technical success was 0.81 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31, 2.1) and clinical success was in the favor of the ED group at OR 2.23 (95% CI 1.45, 3.41). Adverse events OR 0.62 (95% CI 0.27, 1.39) and stent migration OR 0.61 (95% CI 0.10, 3.88) were the same in both groups, but hospital stay pooled mean difference of 15.02 days (95% CI 9.86, 20.18), mortality OR 0.24 (95% CI 0.09, 0.67), and re-interventions OR 0.25 (95% CI 0.16, 0.40) favored ED.
CONCLUSIONS
ED is safe and efficient for PFC with higher clinical success, lower mortality rate, hospital stay, and re-interventions compared with PD.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatic Diseases; Pancreas; Endoscopy; Stents; Drainage; Treatment Outcome; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37243522
DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2213898