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BMC Cancer Oct 2023Brain metastases are the most common intracranial tumours. Variation exists in the use of stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with 10 or more brain metastases.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Brain metastases are the most common intracranial tumours. Variation exists in the use of stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with 10 or more brain metastases. Concerns include an increasing number of brain metastases being associated with poor survival, the lack of prospective, randomised data and an increased risk of toxicity.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess overall survival of patients with ten or more brain metastases treated with stereotactic radiosurgery as primary therapy. The search strings were applied to MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Log hazard ratios and standard errors were estimated from each included study. A random-effects meta-analysis using the DerSimonian and Laird method was applied using the derived log hazard ratios and standard errors on studies which included a control group.
RESULTS
15 studies were included for systematic review. 12 studies were used for pooled analysis for overall survival at set time points, with a predicted 12 month survival of 20-40%. The random-effects meta-analysis in five studies of overall survival comparing ten or greater metastases against control showed statistically worse overall survival in the 10 + metastases group (1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.18, p-value = < 0.01, I = 6%). A funnel plot showed no evidence of bias. There was insufficient information for a meta-analysis of toxicity.
DISCUSSION
Overall survival outcomes of patients with ten or more brain metastases treated with SRS is acceptable and should not be a deterrent for its use. There is a lack of prospective data and insufficient real-world data to draw conclusions on toxicity.
PROSPERO ID
CRD42021246115.
Topics: Humans; Radiosurgery; Cranial Irradiation; Brain Neoplasms; Combined Modality Therapy; Proportional Hazards Models; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37858075
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11452-7 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Feb 2024This study aimed to assess the effects on oncologic outcomes of intrauterine manipulator use during laparoscopic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the effects on oncologic outcomes of intrauterine manipulator use during laparoscopic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic literature search was performed by an expert librarian in multiple electronic databases from inception to January 31, 2023.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
We included all studies in the English language that compared oncologic outcomes (recurrence-free, cause-specific, or overall survival) between endometrial cancer patients who underwent total laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer with vs without the use of an intrauterine manipulator. Studies comparing only peritoneal cytology status or lymphovascular space invasion were summarized for completeness. No selection criteria were applied to the study design.
METHODS
Four reviewers independently reviewed studies for inclusion, assessed their risk of bias, and extracted data. Pooled hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated for oncologic outcomes using the random effect model. Heterogeneity was quantified using the I tests. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot and Egger test.
RESULTS
Out of 350 identified references, we included 2 randomized controlled trials and 12 observational studies for a total of 14 studies and 5,019 patients. The use of an intrauterine manipulator during hysterectomy for endometrial cancer was associated with a pooled hazard ratio for recurrence of 1.52 (95% confidence interval, 0.99-2.33; P=.05; I=31%; chi square P value=.22). Pooled hazard ratio for recurrence was 1.48 (95% confidence interval, 0.25-8.76; P=.62; I=67%; chi square P value=.08) when only randomized controlled trials were considered. Pooled hazard ratio for overall survival was 1.07 (95% confidence interval, 0.65-1.76; P=0.79; I=44%; chi square P value=.17). The rate of positive peritoneal cytology or lymphovascular space invasion did not differ using an intrauterine manipulator.
CONCLUSION
Intrauterine manipulator use during hysterectomy for endometrial cancer was neither significantly associated with recurrence-free and overall survival nor with positive peritoneal cytology or lymphovascular space invasion, but further prospective studies are needed.
Topics: Female; Humans; Endometrial Neoplasms; Hysterectomy; Laparoscopy; Peritoneum; Recurrence
PubMed: 37704174
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.09.004 -
Chest May 2024Standard treatment for early-stage or locoregionally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) includes surgical resection. Recurrence after surgery is commonly... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Standard treatment for early-stage or locoregionally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) includes surgical resection. Recurrence after surgery is commonly reported, but a summary estimate for postsurgical recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with NSCLC is lacking.
RESEARCH QUESTION
What is the RFS after surgery in patients with stage I-III NSCLC at different time points, and what factors are associated with RFS?
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases between January 2011 and June 2021. The primary outcome was RFS at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years postresection. Single-arm, random-effects meta-analyses were done to calculate effect estimates and 95% CIs. Analyses were stratified by stage/substage as per the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, and RFS was estimated (1) after pooling studies, using seventh or eighth edition staging criteria; and (2) among studies using only the eighth edition. Meta-regressions were performed to assess associations between RFS and patient demographic/clinical characteristics of interest.
RESULTS
Data from 471 studies comprising 1,060 surgical study arms were extracted. RFS estimates from 60,695 patients staged with the seventh or eighth edition were analyzed. RFS ranged from 96% at 1 year postresection to 82% at 5 years for stage I, and from 68% at 1 year to 34% at 5 years for stage III. Estimates for patients staged using only eighth edition criteria were slightly higher. Older age, higher percentage of male patients, advancing stage, larger tumor size, and geographic region (North America/Europe vs Asia) were significantly associated with worse RFS.
INTERPRETATION
This study presents a comprehensive assessment of reported RFS from published clinical literature, offering estimates at multiple postsurgical time points and by geographic region. Findings can inform treatment decisions, clinical trial design, and future research to improve outcomes among patients with NSCLC.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Pneumonectomy; Neoplasm Staging; Disease-Free Survival
PubMed: 38065405
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.11.042 -
International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2023Language development starts during the fetal period when the brain is sensitive to endocrine disruptions from environmental contaminants. This systematic review aims to... (Review)
Review
Language development starts during the fetal period when the brain is sensitive to endocrine disruptions from environmental contaminants. This systematic review aims to systematically summarize the existing literature on early-life exposure to PFAS and children's language and communication development, which is an indicator of neurocognitive development. A structured literature search was conducted using three databases, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL, last updated in April 2023. The population was defined as children and young adults. PFAS exposure was assessed pre- or postnatally. The outcome was defined as a language and communication ability assessed with validated instruments, parental self-reports, or clinical language disorder diagnoses. In total, 15 studies were identified for subsequent analyses. Thirteen were performed in background-exposed populations and two in highly exposed populations. There were some indications of potential adverse effects; however, these were not consistent across child sex, age of assessment, or PFAS exposure levels. No systematic effect of early-life PFAS exposure on language and communication development was found. These inconclusive findings may partly be explained by the use of general test instruments with limited validity as to children's language and communication development. Further studies over a wider exposure range using specific language test instruments are needed.
Topics: Child; Female; Young Adult; Humans; Child Language; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Fluorocarbons; Language Development; Communication; Environmental Pollutants; Alkanesulfonic Acids
PubMed: 38131721
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20247170 -
Neurobiology of Disease Mar 2024Transgenic models of familial Alzheimer's disease (AD) serve as valuable tools for probing the molecular mechanisms associated with amyloid-beta (Aβ)-induced pathology.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Transgenic models of familial Alzheimer's disease (AD) serve as valuable tools for probing the molecular mechanisms associated with amyloid-beta (Aβ)-induced pathology. In this meta-analysis, we sought to evaluate levels of phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and explore potential age-related variations in tau hyperphosphorylation, within mouse models of AD. The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for studies measuring soluble p-tau in 5xFAD, APP/PSEN1, J20 and APP23 mice. Data were extracted and analyzed using standardized procedures. For the 5xFAD model, the search yielded 36 studies eligible for meta-analysis. Levels of p-tau were higher in 5xFAD mice relative to control, a difference that was evident in both the carboxy-terminal (CT) and proline-rich (PR) domains of tau. Age negatively moderated the relationship between genotype and CT phosphorylated tau in studies using hybrid mice, female mice, and preparations from the neocortex. For the APP/PSEN1 model, the search yielded 27 studies. Analysis showed tau hyperphosphorylation in transgenic vs. control animals, evident in both the CT and PR regions of tau. Age positively moderated the relationship between genotype and PR domain phosphorylated tau in the neocortex of APP/PSEN1 mice. A meta-analysis was not performed for the J20 and APP23 models, due to the limited number of studies measuring p-tau levels in these mice (<10 studies). Although tau is hyperphosphorylated in both 5xFAD and APP/PSEN1 mice, the effects of ageing on p-tau are contingent upon the model being examined. These observations emphasize the importance of tailoring model selection to the appropriate disease stage when considering the relationship between Aβ and tau, and suggest that there are optimal intervention points for the administration of both anti-amyloid and anti-tau therapies.
Topics: Mice; Female; Animals; Alzheimer Disease; Phosphorylation; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; Mice, Transgenic; tau Proteins; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 38307366
DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106427 -
Medicine Nov 2023This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with endocrine therapy against the backdrop of single... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with endocrine therapy against the backdrop of single neoadjuvant chemotherapy or endocrine therapy, specifically in the context of hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer treatment.
METHODS
We conducted a thorough literature search across several databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Weipu, Chinese Journal Full-text Database, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE, adhering to the guidelines outlined in the PRISMA statement. Our specific focus was on identifying randomized controlled trials that directly compared the combined approach of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and endocrine therapy with single chemotherapy or endocrine therapy in the context of treating HR+ breast cancer. Subsequently, we utilized statistical packages implemented in R software to perform comparative analyses of key clinical indicators, encompassing the complete response, objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate, pathological complete response (pCR), and adverse reactions.
RESULTS
A total of 11 randomized controlled trials, involving 1359 patients, all of whom met our inclusion criteria and were thus included in our comprehensive analysis. Within this cohort, 688 patients (50.63%) administered neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with endocrine therapy (NCET), 642 patients (47.24%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) alone, while 29 patients (2.13%) underwent neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) alone. The results of our meta-analysis revealed that NCET exhibited a statistically significant enhancement in both ORR and pCR (P < .05). Nonetheless, when compared to NCT or NET, NCET did not yield a significant impact on complete response, disease control rate, and safety (P > .05). In addition, NCET demonstrated a significant improvement in ORR among patients with HR+, HER2-negative breast cancer (P < .05). However, it was also linked to a heightened incidence of serious adverse reactions within this particular patient subgroup (P < .05).
CONCLUSION
The combination of Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and endocrine therapy stands out as a significant contributor to enhancing the ORR and pCR for HR+ breast cancer patients. For breast cancer patients with HER2- status, NCET demonstrates a remarkable improvement in ORR but is also associated with the emergence of adverse reactions.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Receptor, ErbB-2; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; China
PubMed: 37986364
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035928 -
Gastroenterology Apr 2024Current international guidelines recommend duodenal biopsies to confirm the diagnosis of celiac disease in adult patients. However, growing evidence suggests that... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Current international guidelines recommend duodenal biopsies to confirm the diagnosis of celiac disease in adult patients. However, growing evidence suggests that immunoglobulin A (IgA) anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTg) antibody levels ≥10 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) can accurately predict celiac disease, eliminating the need for biopsy. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of the no-biopsy approach to confirm the diagnosis of celiac disease in adults.
METHODS
We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from January 1998 to October 2023 for studies reporting the sensitivity and specificity of IgA-tTG ≥10×ULN against duodenal biopsies (Marsh grade ≥2) in adults with suspected celiac disease. We used a bivariate random effects model to calculate the summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were used to calculate the positive predictive value of the no-biopsy approach across different pretest probabilities of celiac disease. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the QUADAS-2 tool. This study was registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42023398812.
RESULTS
A total of 18 studies comprising 12,103 participants from 15 countries were included. The pooled prevalence of biopsy-proven celiac disease in the included studies was 62% (95% confidence interval [CI], 40%-83%). The proportion of patients with IgA-tTG ≥10×ULN was 32% (95% CI, 24%-40%). The summary sensitivity of IgA-tTG ≥10×ULN was 51% (95% CI, 42%-60%), and the summary specificity was 100% (95% CI, 98%-100%). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.77 - 0.89). The positive predictive value of the no-biopsy approach to identify patients with celiac disease was 65%, 88%, 95%, and 99% if celiac disease prevalence was 1%, 4%, 10%, and 40%, respectively. Between-study heterogeneity was moderate (I =30.3%), and additional sensitivity analyses did not significantly alter our findings. Only 1 study had a low risk of bias across all domains.
CONCLUSION
The results of this meta-analysis suggest that selected adult patients with IgA-tTG ≥10×ULN and a moderate to high pretest probability of celiac disease could be diagnosed without undergoing invasive endoscopy and duodenal biopsy.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Celiac Disease; Transglutaminases; Protein Glutamine gamma Glutamyltransferase 2; Immunoglobulin A; GTP-Binding Proteins; Biopsy; Sensitivity and Specificity; Autoantibodies
PubMed: 38176661
DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.12.023 -
World Journal of Surgical Oncology Apr 2024The anatomic variants of the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) represent a potential risk of injuries during surgical procedure such as axillary lymph node dissection and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The anatomic variants of the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) represent a potential risk of injuries during surgical procedure such as axillary lymph node dissection and sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer and melanoma patients. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the different origins and branching patterns of the intercostobrachial nerve also providing an analysis of the prevalence, through the analysis of the literature available up to September 2023.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The protocol for this study was registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023447932), an international prospective database for reviews. The PRISMA guideline was respected throughout the meta-analysis. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. A search was performed in grey literature through google.
RESULTS
We included a total of 23 articles (1,883 patients). The prevalence of the ICBN in the axillae was 98.94%. No significant differences in prevalence were observed during the analysis of geographic subgroups or by study type (cadaveric dissections and in intraoperative dissections). Only five studies of the 23 studies reported prevalence of less than 100%. Overall, the PPE was 99.2% with 95% Cis of 98.5% and 99.7%. As expected from the near constant variance estimates, the heterogeneity was low, I = 44.3% (95% CI 8.9%-65.9%), Q = 39.48, p = .012. When disaggregated by evaluation type, the difference in PPEs between evaluation types was negligible. For cadaveric dissection, the PPE was 99.7% (95% CI 99.1%-100.0%) compared to 99.0% (95% CI 98.1%-99.7%).
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of ICBN variants was very high. The dissection of the ICBN during axillary lymph-node harvesting, increases the risk of sensory disturbance. The preservation of the ICBN does not modify the oncological radicality in axillary dissection for patients with cutaneous metastatic melanoma or breast cancer. Therefore, we recommend to operate on these patients in high volume center to reduce post-procedural pain and paresthesia associated with a lack of ICBN variants recognition.
Topics: Humans; Female; Melanoma; Intercostal Nerves; Lymph Node Excision; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Breast Neoplasms; Axilla; Cadaver
PubMed: 38605346
DOI: 10.1186/s12957-024-03374-w -
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics Apr 2024Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder distinguished by a swift cognitive deterioration accompanied by distinctive pathological hallmarks such as... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder distinguished by a swift cognitive deterioration accompanied by distinctive pathological hallmarks such as extracellular Aβ (β-amyloid) peptides, neuronal neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), sustained neuroinflammation, and synaptic degeneration. The elevated frequency of AD cases and its proclivity to manifest at a younger age present a pressing challenge in the quest for novel therapeutic interventions. Numerous investigations have substantiated the involvement of C/EBPβ in the progression of AD pathology, thus indicating its potential as a therapeutic target for AD treatment.
AIMS
Several studies have demonstrated an elevation in the expression level of C/EBPβ among individuals afflicted with AD. Consequently, this review predominantly delves into the association between C/EBPβ expression and the pathological progression of Alzheimer's disease, elucidating its underlying molecular mechanism, and pointing out the possibility that C/EBPβ can be a new therapeutic target for AD.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed across multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and so on, utilizing predetermined keywords and MeSH terms, without temporal constraints. The inclusion criteria encompassed diverse study designs, such as experimental, case-control, and cohort studies, restricted to publications in the English language, while conference abstracts and unpublished sources were excluded.
RESULTS
Overexpression of C/EBPβ exacerbates the pathological features of AD, primarily by promoting neuroinflammation and mediating the transcriptional regulation of key molecular pathways, including δ-secretase, apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4), acidic leucine-rich nuclear phosphoprotein-32A (ANP32A), transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPC1), and Forkhead BoxO (FOXO).
DISCUSSION
The correlation between overexpression of C/EBPβ and the pathological development of AD, along with its molecular mechanisms, is evident. Investigating the pathways through which C/EBPβ regulates the development of AD reveals numerous multiple vicious cycle pathways exacerbating the pathological progression of the disease. Furthermore, the exacerbation of pathological progression due to C/EBPβ overexpression and its molecular mechanism is not limited to AD but also extends to other neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS).
CONCLUSION
The overexpression of C/EBPβ accelerates the irreversible progression of AD pathophysiology. Additionally, C/EBPβ plays a crucial role in mediating multiple pathways linked to AD pathology, some of which engender vicious cycles, leading to the establishment of feedback mechanisms. To sum up, targeting C/EBPβ could hold promise as a therapeutic strategy not only for AD but also for other degenerative diseases.
Topics: Humans; Alzheimer Disease; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta; Disease Progression; Animals; Amyloid beta-Peptides
PubMed: 38644578
DOI: 10.1111/cns.14721 -
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine Aug 2023Post-stroke shoulder pain is a serious challenge for stroke survivors. The aim of this meta-analysis was to review the literature to confirm information on structural... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Post-stroke shoulder pain is a serious challenge for stroke survivors. The aim of this meta-analysis was to review the literature to confirm information on structural changes in post-stroke shoulders detected by ultrasound examination.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched until 7 December 2022, for studies describing shoulder sonographic findings in stroke patients. Two independent authors selected the studies, extracted the data, and performed the critical appraisal.
RESULTS
A total of 23 clinical studies were included. The most prevalent pathologies in hemiplegic shoulders pertained to the biceps long head tendon (41.4%), followed by the supraspinatus tendon (33.2%), subdeltoid bursa (29.3%), acromioclavicular joint (15.0%), and subscapularis tendon (9.2%). The common pathological findings encompassed bicipital peritendinous effusion (39.2%), biceps tendinopathy (35.5%), subdeltoid bursitis (29.3%) and supraspinatus tendinopathy (24.6%). Biceps long head tendon and supraspinatus tendon abnormalities were observed significantly more in the hemiplegic (vs contralateral) shoulders, with odds ratios of 3.814 (95% confidence interval 2.044-7.117) and 2.101 (95% confidence interval 1.257-3.512), respectively. No correlation was observed between motor function and shoulder pathology.
CONCLUSION
Ultrasonography enabled the identification of common shoulder pathologies after stroke. Further research is needed to establish the association between these changes and the clinical course of stroke patients.
Topics: Humans; Shoulder; Hemiplegia; Rotator Cuff; Tendons; Bursitis; Pain
PubMed: 37615388
DOI: 10.2340/jrm.v55.13432