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Medicine Aug 2019Kanglaite (KLT) injection, a kind of Chinese medicine, is considered a promising complementary therapeutic option for malignant cancer treatment. This study aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Kanglaite (KLT) injection, a kind of Chinese medicine, is considered a promising complementary therapeutic option for malignant cancer treatment. This study aimed to systematically investigate the efficacy and safety of the combination of KLT injection and radiochemotherapy for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer (PC).
METHODS
Studies were identified by searching Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biological Medicine Database (CBM), Wanfang database and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP) before October 2018. The primary reported outcomes including efficacy, quality of life (QoL), and adverse events were systematically evaluated.
RESULTS
Data from 16 trials with 960 patients with advanced PC were included. Compared with radiochemotherapy alone, the combination of KLT injection and radiochemotherapy significantly improved the 1-year overall survival (OS, odds ratio [OR] = 2.58 95% CI: 1.12-5.93 P = .03), overall response (ORR, OR = 2.16 95% CI: 1.58-2.94 P <.00001) and disease control rates (DCR, OR = 2.50 95% CI: 1.84-3.38 P <.00001). The QoL of patients, who received a combination of radiochemotherapy and KLT injection, also improved compared with radiochemotherapy treatment alone as indicated by the increased quality of life improved rate (QIR, OR = 3.68 95%CI: 2.36-5.75 P <.00001), pain relief rate (PRR, OR = 3.70 95% CI: 2.23-6.14 P <.00001) and weight gain rate (WGR, OR = 3.69 95% CI: 2.22-6.13 P <.00001). Adverse events related to radiochemotherapy including gastrointestinal side effects, nephrotoxicity, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and myelosuppression were alleviated (P <.05) when KLT was injected to patients with PC.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence from the Meta-analysis suggested that the combinational treatment of radiochemotherapy and KLT injection is more effective in advanced PC treatment than radiochemotherapy alone. Additionally, the combination therapy improved QoL of the patients. KLT injection can alleviate the adverse effects associated with the radiochemotherapy.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Chemoradiotherapy; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Injections; Middle Aged; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 31393364
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000016656 -
Biology Methods & Protocols 2024Pyrimethamine (PYR), a STAT3 inhibitor, has been shown to reduce tumour burden in mouse cancer models. It is unclear how much of a reduction occurred or whether the PYR... (Review)
Review
Pyrimethamine (PYR), a STAT3 inhibitor, has been shown to reduce tumour burden in mouse cancer models. It is unclear how much of a reduction occurred or whether the PYR dosages and route of administration used in mice were consistent with the FDA's recommendations for drug repurposing. Search engines such as ScienceDirect, PubMed/MEDLINE, and other databases, including Google Scholar, were thoroughly searched, as was the reference list. The systematic review includes fourteen (14) articles. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using SYRCLE's guidelines. Due to the heterogeneity of the data, no meta-analysis was performed. According to the RoB assessment, 13/14 studies fall into the moderate RoB category, with one study classified as high RoB. None adhered to the ARRIVE guideline for transparent research reporting. Oral (FDA-recommended) and non-oral routes of PYR administration were used in mice, with several studies reporting very high PYR dosages that could lead to myelosuppression, while oral PYR dosages of 30 mg/kg or less are considered safe. Direct human equivalent dose translation is probably not the best strategy for comparing whether the used PYR dosages in mice are in line with FDA-approved strength because pharmacokinetic profiles, particularly PYR's half-life (t), between humans (t = 96 h) and mice (t = 6 h), must also be considered. Based on the presence of appropriate control and treatment groups, as well as the presence of appropriate clinically proven chemotherapy drug(s) for comparison purposes, only one study (1/14) involving liver cancer can be directed into a clinical trial. Furthermore, oesophageal cancer too can be directed into clinical trials, where the indirect effect of PYR on the NRF2 gene may suppress oesophageal cancer in patients, but this must be done with caution because PYR is an investigational drug for oesophageal cancer, and combining it with proven chemotherapy drug(s) is recommended.
PubMed: 38618181
DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpae021 -
Medicine Apr 2020The digestive tract malignancies are a series of malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with chemotherapy drugs... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Kanglaite injection plus fluorouracil-based chemotherapy on the reduction of adverse effects and improvement of clinical effectiveness in patients with advanced malignant tumors of the digestive tract: A meta-analysis of 20 RCTs following the PRISMA guidelines.
BACKGROUND
The digestive tract malignancies are a series of malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with chemotherapy drugs interventions have been applied for the treatment of malignant tumors in Asian countries for dacades. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety on the combination of Kanglaite injection and fluorouracil-based chemotherapy for treating digestive tract malignancies.
PURPOSE
To assess the effectiveness and safety on the combination of Kanglaite injection and fluorouracil-based chemotherapy for digestive tract malignancies.
METHODS
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed when conducting the meta-analysis. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Kanglaite injection combined with fluorouracil-based chemotherapy in the treatment of digestive tract malignant tumors were selected and assessed for inclusion. RevMan 5.3 software (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) was used for meta-analysis. The objective response rate (ORR) was defined as the primary endpoint, and the disease control rate (DCR), quality of life (QoL), and toxicities were the secondary outcomes.
RESULTS
20 RCTs enrolling 1339 patients with advanced digestive tract malignancies were included. The methodological quality of most included trials was low to moderate. Compared with fluorouracil-based chemotherapy alone, Kanglaite injection plus fluorouracil-based chemotherapy can improve DCR (risk ratio (RR) = 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-1.25, P < .00001), ORR (RR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.18-1.54, P < .00001), QoL (RR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.35-1.85, P < .00001), and can reduce adverse drug reactions (ADRs) such as myelosuppression (RR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.25-0.43, P < .00001), leukopenia (RR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.22-0.43, P < .00001), thrombocytopenia (RR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.38-0.49, P = .03), neutropenia (RR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.12-0.55, P = .0005), anemia (RR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.23-0.75, P = .004), gastrointestinal reaction (RR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.27-0.46, P < .00001), nausea/vomiting (RR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.28-0.61, P < .00001), diarrhea (RR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.18-0.62, P = .0004), hepatotoxicity (RR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.17-0.47, P < .00001), neurotoxicity (RR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.41-0.82, P = .002), mucositis (RR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.29-1.21, P = .15).
CONCLUSION
Kanglaite injection combined with fluorouracil-based chemotherapy could remarkably improve the clinical effectiveness and reduce the adverse effects in patients with advanced malignant tumors of the digestive tract which may provide evidence to judge whether TCM is an effective and safe intervention for the digestive tract malignancies.
Topics: Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Digestive System Neoplasms; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Fluorouracil; Neoplasm Staging; Odds Ratio
PubMed: 32332600
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000019480 -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Aug 2020This meta-analysis systematically evaluated the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) combined with chemotherapy and provided evidence-based evidence for the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This meta-analysis systematically evaluated the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) combined with chemotherapy and provided evidence-based evidence for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
METHODS
Biomedical databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, Wanfang Database, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched from January 2005 to October 2019 for the clinical literature on Chinese medicine for treating non-small cell lung cancer. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning the TCM combined with chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer were selected. The total effective rate of clinical efficacy, quality of life (QOL), Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were extracted and analyzed. Review Manager 5.3 software was used for heterogeneity testing and combined statistical analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 20 RCTs were included, with a total sample of 1669 cases, including 845 in the experimental group (TCM combined with chemotherapy) and 824 in the control group (chemotherapy alone). Compared with the control group, the experimental group significantly improved patients' QOL [OR = 2.79, 95% CI (1.87, 4.16), P < 0.00001], improved clinical efficacy [OR = 2.88, 95% CI (2.32, 3.58), P < 0.00001], increased KPS score [OR = 2.88, 95% CI (1.79, 4.62), P < 0.00001], and reduced the incidence of leukopenia [OR = 0.21, 95% CI (0.12, 0.37), P < 0.0001], thrombocytopenia [OR = 0.23, 95% CI (0.13, 0.40), P < 0.00001], hemoglobin reduction [OR = 0.17, 95% CI (0.10, 0.30), P < 0.00001], myelosuppression [OR = 0.24, 95% CI (0.10, 0.58), P < 0.001], nausea and vomiting [OR = 0.16, 95% CI (0.11, 0.22), P < 0.00001], diarrhea [OR = 0.21, 95% CI (0.12, 0.37), P < 0.00001], liver damage [OR = 0.17, 95% CI (0.10, 0.27), P < 0.00001], and kidney damage [OR = 0.30, 95% CI (0.10, 0.90), P = 0.03].
CONCLUSION
TCM combined with chemotherapy can improve clinical efficacy and KPS score, as well as improve patients' QOL and reduce ADRs caused by chemotherapy drugs.
Topics: Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 32266566
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05433-w -
PloS One 2024Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent hematological complication associated with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers due to an increased loss of iron and decreased iron...
BACKGROUND
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent hematological complication associated with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers due to an increased loss of iron and decreased iron absorption. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the use of parenteral iron to treat IDA in patients with GI cancer.
METHODS
PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, CINHAL and Scopus were searched from January 1, 2010 to September 29, 2023 with no language restrictions. We excluded editorials, case reports, abstracts, conference papers, and poster presentations. Studies were included if they discussed IDA, GI neoplasms, use of iron supplementation (with or without erythropoietin-stimulating agents [ESAs]), defined anemia and had an adult patient population. We assessed the efficacy of parenteral iron in comparison to other iron supplementation methods when treating IDA in patients with GI cancer. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2 (RoB 2) and the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) assessment tools were used to assess the quality of the included studies. Moreover, the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization data collection form was used to collect pertinent study information.
RESULTS
Our search yielded 3,969 studies across all databases. Twenty-one studies were included (6 randomized control trials; 15 non-randomized studies). Of the 15 studies evaluating hemoglobin (Hb) response, seven studies found an increase in Hb levels when patients were treated with IV iron. The 14 studies evaluating red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rates found conflicting differences in RBC transfusion needs when treated with IV iron. Studies analyzing health related outcomes typically found an increase in quality of life and decreased post-operative complications.
DISCUSSION
This review demonstrates improved outcomes of IDA in patients with GI cancer treated with IV iron instead of other iron supplementation methods. Timely diagnosis and appropriate IDA management can greatly improve quality of life in this patient population, especially if myelosuppressive chemotherapy is required.
Topics: Humans; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Iron; Administration, Intravenous
PubMed: 38776289
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302964 -
European Journal of Haematology Oct 2019Clozapine is the favoured antipsychotic for treatment-refractory schizophrenia, but has a 1%-2% incidence of agranulocytosis. Patients who require chemotherapy therefore... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Clozapine is the favoured antipsychotic for treatment-refractory schizophrenia, but has a 1%-2% incidence of agranulocytosis. Patients who require chemotherapy therefore pose a unique management dilemma for haematologists, oncologists and psychiatrists.
METHODS
The Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched to identify reports describing use of clozapine concurrent with chemotherapy until 31 March 2019. The following terms (with variations) were used: neoplasm, cancer, tumour, malignancy, chemotherapy, antineoplastic and clozapine.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven cases were included after reviewing titles and abstracts for relevance. Fifteen patients had solid organ tumours, and 12 had haematological malignancies, including three who underwent autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AutoHSCT). Clozapine was continued in 14 cases (albeit dose reduced in 2), with a reported median neutropaenic nadir of 0.29 × 10 /L (range 2.2 to <0.0 × 10 /L). Clozapine was discontinued or substituted for another antipsychotic in the remaining 13 cases, all except one of whom experienced marked psychiatric deterioration. The only neutropenia-related complication was one case of bacteraemia with high-dose melphalan conditioning for AutoHSCT.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings argue in favour of clozapine continuation during chemotherapy. Further research is needed to develop guidance to minimise the risk of neutropenia-related complications from concurrent treatment.
Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Antipsychotic Agents; Clozapine; Disease Management; Humans; Leukocytosis; Mental Disorders; Myelopoiesis; Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31257631
DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13285 -
BMC Cancer May 2021Pegfilgrastim, a long-acting granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), is commonly used to prevent febrile neutropenia (FN), a potentially life-threatening...
Prophylactic pegfilgrastim to prevent febrile neutropenia among patients receiving biweekly (Q2W) chemotherapy regimens: a systematic review of efficacy, effectiveness and safety.
BACKGROUND
Pegfilgrastim, a long-acting granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), is commonly used to prevent febrile neutropenia (FN), a potentially life-threatening complication, following myelosuppressive chemotherapy. The FDA label for pegfilgrastim specifies that it should not be administered 14 days before or within 24 h of administration of myelosuppressive chemotherapy, precluding the use of pegfilgrastim in biweekly (Q2W) regimens. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer guidelines support the use of prophylactic pegfilgrastim in patients receiving Q2W regimens. The objective of this study was to systematically review evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies that describe the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic pegfilgrastim in preventing FN among patients receiving Q2W regimens.
METHODS
An Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library literature search was conducted to evaluate the evidence regarding efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of prophylactic pegfilgrastim versus no prophylactic pegfilgrastim or prophylaxis with other G-CSF in patients who were receiving Q2W chemotherapy regimens with high (> 20%) or intermediate (10-20%) risk of FN for a non-myeloid malignancy. Studies that addressed absolute or relative risk of FN, grade 1-4 neutropenia, all-cause or any hospitalization, dose delays or dose reductions, adverse events, or mortality were included. Studies where the comparator was a Q3W chemotherapy regimen with primary prophylactic pegfilgrastim were also included.
RESULTS
The initial literature search identified 2258 publications. Thirteen publications met the eligibility criteria, including eight retrospective, one prospective, one phase 1 dose escalation study, and three RCTs. In nine of the 13 studies reporting incidence of FN, and in seven of the nine studies reporting incidence of neutropenia, administration of prophylactic pegfilgrastim in patients receiving Q2W regimens resulted in decreased or comparable rates of FN or neutropenia compared with patients receiving filgrastim, no G-CSF, lipefilgrastim or pegfilgrastim in Q3W regimens. In six of the nine studies reporting safety data, lower or comparable safety profiles were observed between pegfilgrastim and comparators.
CONCLUSIONS
In a variety of non-myeloid malignancies, administration of prophylactic pegfilgrastim was efficacious in reducing the risk of FN in patients receiving high- or intermediate-risk Q2W regimens, with an acceptable safety profile.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration no: CRD42019155572 .
Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Chemotherapy-Induced Febrile Neutropenia; Drug Administration Schedule; Filgrastim; Humans; Incidence; Polyethylene Glycols; Prospective Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 34044798
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08258-w -
International Journal of Clinical... Jun 2024Multidrug chemotherapy for Ewing sarcoma can lead to severe myelosuppression. We proposed two clinical questions (CQ): CQ #1, "Does primary prophylaxis with G-CSF...
Effectiveness and safety of primary prophylaxis with G-CSF for patients with Ewing sarcomas: a systematic review for the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Use of G-CSF 2022 of the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology.
BACKGROUND
Multidrug chemotherapy for Ewing sarcoma can lead to severe myelosuppression. We proposed two clinical questions (CQ): CQ #1, "Does primary prophylaxis with G-CSF benefit chemotherapy for Ewing sarcoma?" and CQ #2, "Does G-CSF-based intensified chemotherapy improve Ewing sarcoma treatment outcomes?".
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Ichushi web databases, including English and Japanese articles published from 1990 to 2019. Two reviewers assessed the extracted papers and analyzed overall survival (OS), febrile neutropenia (FN) incidence, infection-related mortality, quality of life (QOL), and pain.
RESULTS
Twenty-five English and five Japanese articles were identified for CQ #1. After screening, a cohort study of vincristine, ifosfamide, doxorubicin, and etoposide chemotherapy with 851 patients was selected. Incidence of FN was 60.8% with G-CSF and 65.8% without; statistical tests were not conducted. Data on OS, infection-related mortality, QOL, or pain was unavailable. Consequently, CQ #1 was redefined as a future research question. As for CQ #2, we found two English and five Japanese papers, of which one high-quality randomized controlled trial on G-CSF use in intensified chemotherapy was included. This trial showed trends toward lower mortality and a significant increase in event-free survival for 2-week interval regimen with the G-CSF primary prophylactic use compared with 3-week interval.
CONCLUSION
This review indicated that G-CSF's efficacy as primary prophylaxis in Ewing sarcoma, except in children, is uncertain despite its common use. This review tentatively endorses intensified chemotherapy with G-CSF primary prophylaxis for Ewing sarcoma.
PubMed: 38904887
DOI: 10.1007/s10147-024-02572-6 -
International Journal of Clinical... Jun 2024Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is an essential supportive agent for chemotherapy-induced severe myelosuppression. We proposed two clinical questions (CQ):...
Primary prophylaxis with G-CSF for patients with non-round cell soft tissue sarcomas: a systematic review for the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Use of G-CSF 2022 of the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology.
BACKGROUND
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is an essential supportive agent for chemotherapy-induced severe myelosuppression. We proposed two clinical questions (CQ): CQ #1, "Does primary prophylaxis with G-CSF benefit chemotherapy for non-round cell soft tissue sarcoma (NRC-STS)?" and CQ #2, "Does G-CSF-based intensified chemotherapy improve NRC-STS treatment outcomes?" for the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Use of G-CSF 2022 of the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology.
METHODS
A literature search was performed on the primary prophylactic use of G-CSF for NRC-STSs. Two reviewers assessed the extracted papers and analyzed overall survival, incidence of febrile neutropenia, infection-related mortality, quality of life, and pain.
RESULTS
Eighty-one and 154 articles were extracted from the literature search for CQs #1 and #2, respectively. After the first and second screening, one and two articles were included in the final evaluation, respectively. Only some studies have addressed these two clinical questions through a literature review.
CONCLUSION
The clinical questions were converted to future research questions because of insufficient available data. The statements were proposed: "The benefit of primary G-CSF prophylaxis is not clear in NRC-STS" and "The benefit of intensified chemotherapy with primary G-CSF prophylaxis is not clear in NRC-STSs." G-CSF is often administered as primary prophylaxis when chemotherapy with severe myelosuppression is administered. However, its effectiveness and safety are yet to be scientifically proven.
PubMed: 38865026
DOI: 10.1007/s10147-024-02569-1