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Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery Mar 2023Functional muscle transfer (FMT) can provide wound closure and restore adequate muscle function for patients with oncologic extremity defects. Herein we describe our... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Functional muscle transfer (FMT) can provide wound closure and restore adequate muscle function for patients with oncologic extremity defects. Herein we describe our institutional experience with FMT after oncological resection and provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature on this uncommon procedure.
METHODS
A single-institution retrospective review was performed, including all patients who received FMT after oncological resection from 2005 to 2021. For the systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed, Cochrane, Medline, and Embase libraries were queried according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines; results were pooled, weighted by study size, and analyzed.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis consisted of seven studies with 70 patients overall, demonstrating a mean Medical Research Council (MRC) score of 3.78 (95% confidence interval: 2.97-4.56; < 0.01). The systematic review included 28 studies with 103 patients. Receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with significantly lower mean MRC score (3.00 ± 1.35 vs. 3.90 ± 1.36; = 0.019). Seventy-four percent of the patients underwent free FMT, with the most common donor muscle being the latissimus dorsi (55%). The flap loss rate was 0.8%. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy ( = 0.03), radiotherapy ( = 0.05), pedicled FMTs ( = 0.01), and a recipient femoral nerve ( = 0.02) were associated with significantly higher complication rates. The institutional retrospective review identified 13 patients who underwent FMT after oncological resection with a median follow-up time of 21 months (range: 6-74 months). The most common tumor necessitating FMT was undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (77%), and the most common donor muscle was the latissimus dorsi (62%). A high body mass index was associated with prolonged neuromuscular recovery ( = 0.87, = 0.002).
CONCLUSION
FMT after oncological resection may contribute to improved extremity function. Careful consideration of risk factors and preoperative planning is imperative for successful FMT outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Skin Transplantation; Neoplasms; Extremities; Muscles; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35768008
DOI: 10.1055/a-1887-7530 -
Cancer Treatment and Research... 2022To review published scientific evidence evaluating the potential associations between muscle mass/strength and healthcare use/costs for patients with cancer. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To review published scientific evidence evaluating the potential associations between muscle mass/strength and healthcare use/costs for patients with cancer.
METHODS
In accordance with the predefined protocol for a systematic literature review, studies assessing potential associations between muscle mass/strength and healthcare costs/use in cancer patients were searched on MEDLINE (via Ovid) and on the NHS Economic Evaluation Database in September 2021. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers.
RESULTS
Of 613 studies identified, five met our inclusion criteria. Various outcomes were investigated: for length of hospital stay, one out of three studies reported an association between lower muscle mass and longer hospital stay; for hospital admission, the two identified studies did not highlight muscle weakness as a predictor of hospital admission; for hospital readmission, one out of two studies reported that patients with lower muscle mass had higher rates of hospital readmission; for costs and cost-effectiveness, results of two randomized controlled trials were mixed, with total costs of the intervention higher in one study and lower in the other, leading to opposite cost-effectiveness results.
CONCLUSION
Only five studies evaluating potential associations between mass/strength and healthcare use/costs have been highlighted within this systematic review. The amount of evidence is limited but the studies are also very heterogeneous in regards of study designs, sample size, and type of population included. This important heterogeneity prevents drawing strong conclusions. Because of limited data available, more high quality longitudinal studies are needed to further investigate the relationship between muscle mass/strength and healthcare costs/use.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Length of Stay; Health Care Costs; Muscles; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36113192
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2022.100633 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2023MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as biomarkers for the detection and prognosis of cancers due to their inherent stability and resilience. To summarize the evidence... (Review)
Review
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as biomarkers for the detection and prognosis of cancers due to their inherent stability and resilience. To summarize the evidence regarding the role of urinary miRNAs (umiRNAs) in the detection, prognosis, and therapy of genitourinary cancers, we performed a systematic review of the most important scientific databases using the following keywords: (urinary miRNA) AND (prostate cancer); (urinary miRNA) AND (bladder cancer); (urinary miRNA) AND (renal cancer); (urinary miRNA) AND (testicular cancer); (urinary miRNA) AND (urothelial cancer). Of all, 1364 articles were screened. Only original studies in the English language on human specimens were considered for inclusion in our systematic review. Thus, a convenient sample of 60 original articles was identified. UmiRNAs are up- or downregulated in prostate cancer and may serve as potential non-invasive molecular biomarkers. Several umiRNAs have been identified as diagnostic biomarkers of urothelial carcinoma and bladder cancer (BC), allowing us to discriminate malignant from nonmalignant forms of hematuria. UmiRNAs could serve as therapeutic targets or recurrence markers of non-muscle-invasive BC and could predict the aggressivity and prognosis of muscle-invasive BC. In renal cell carcinoma, miRNAs have been identified as predictors of tumor detection, aggressiveness, and progression to metastasis. UmiRNAs could play an important role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of urological cancers.
Topics: Male; Humans; MicroRNAs; Testicular Neoplasms; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell; Urologic Neoplasms; Kidney Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Prostatic Neoplasms; Biomarkers, Tumor
PubMed: 37446024
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310846 -
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Nov 2023This systematic review aimed to analyze the effects of different exercise protocols on physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and body... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aimed to analyze the effects of different exercise protocols on physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and body composition), quality of life, cancer-related fatigue, and sleep quality in patients with different types of cancer undergoing neoadjuvant treatment.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
METHOD
A comprehensive search of existing literature was carried out using four electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library (published until October 19, 2022). All databases were searched for randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental investigations, and pre-post investigations assessing the effects of exercise in cancer patients during neoadjuvant treatment. Excluded articles included multicomponent interventions, such as exercise plus diet or behavioral therapy, and investigations performed during adjuvant treatment or survivorship. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven trials involving 999 cancer patients were included in this review. The interventions were conducted in cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment for rectal (n = 11), breast (n = 5), pancreatic (n = 4), esophageal (n = 3), gastro-esophageal (n = 2), and prostate (n = 1) cancers, and leukemia (n = 1). Among the investigations included, 14 utilized combined exercise protocols, 11 utilized aerobic exercise, and two utilized both aerobic and resistance training separately. Exercise interventions appeared to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, body composition, and quality of life, although many investigations lacked a between-group analysis.
CONCLUSION
Despite limited evidence, exercise interventions applied during neoadjuvant treatment demonstrate promising potential in enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, body composition, and overall quality of life. However, a scarcity of evidence remains on the effects of exercise on cancer-related fatigue and sleep quality. Further research with high-quality randomized controlled trials is warranted.
Topics: Humans; Male; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Fatigue; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Female
PubMed: 37696693
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2023.08.178 -
European Review For Medical and... May 2023The aim of this study was to examine the association of sarcopenia and low muscle attenuation with survival and other clinical outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the association of sarcopenia and low muscle attenuation with survival and other clinical outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Systematic search was done in PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases for observational studies that documented the link between sarcopenia and outcomes of interest in patients with ovarian cancer, with long-term survival as a primary outcome. Other outcomes included risk of recurrence, progression-free survival and complications. Pooled effect sizes were reported as hazards ratio (HR), relative risk ratio (RR) or weighted mean difference (WMD). Random effects model was used for the analysis.
RESULTS
Twenty-two studies were selected, of which all, except one, were retrospective in design. Low skeletal muscle index (SMI, indicating muscle mass) (HR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.58) and low muscle quality (HR 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.49) were associated with poor long-term survival, but not with the risk of recurrence and progression-free survival. Both low skeletal muscle index (SMI) (RR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.98) and low muscle quality (RR 1.99, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.79) were associated with increased risk of complications.
CONCLUSIONS
Both low skeletal muscle mass and low muscle quality showed significant association with poor long-term survival and an increased risk of complications. However, they do not have a significant association with the risk of recurrence and progression-free survival. There is a need for more prospective studies to confirm these associations.
Topics: Humans; Female; Sarcopenia; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Muscle, Skeletal; Ovarian Neoplasms; Prognosis
PubMed: 37259736
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202305_32461 -
The International Journal of Behavioral... May 2021Physical activity has been associated with reduced risk of seven types of cancer. It remains unclear, however, whether muscle-strengthening activities also reduce cancer... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Physical activity has been associated with reduced risk of seven types of cancer. It remains unclear, however, whether muscle-strengthening activities also reduce cancer incidence and mortality.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus were searched from inception to March 2020. Summary hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using random-effects models.
RESULTS
Twelve studies (11 cohorts; 1 case-control), 6 to 25 years of follow-up, including 1,297,620 participants, 32,196 cases and 31,939 deaths, met inclusion criteria. Muscle-strengthening activities were associated with a 26% lower incidence of kidney cancer (HR for high vs low levels of muscle-strengthening activities: 0.74; 95% CI 0.56 to 0.98; I 0%; 2 studies), but not with incidence of other 12 types of cancer. Muscle-strengthening activities were associated with lower total cancer mortality: HRs for high vs low levels of muscle-strengthening activities was 0.87 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.02; I 58%; 6 studies); and HR for ≥2 times/week vs < 2 times/week of muscle-strengthening activities was 0.81 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.87; I 0%; 4 studies). Regarding the weekly duration of muscle-strengthening activities, HR for total cancer mortality were 0.91 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.01; I 0%; 2 studies) for 1-59 min/week and 0.98 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.07; I 0%) for ≥60 min/week vs none. Combined muscle-strengthening and aerobic activities (vs none) were associated with a 28% lower total cancer mortality (HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.98; I 85%; 3 studies).
CONCLUSIONS
Muscle-strengthening activities were associated with reduced incidence of kidney cancer and total cancer mortality. Combined muscle-strengthening and aerobic activities may provide a greater reduction in total cancer mortality.
Topics: Humans; Incidence; Neoplasms; Observational Studies as Topic; Resistance Training
PubMed: 34051796
DOI: 10.1186/s12966-021-01142-7 -
Neuromodulation : Journal of the... Oct 2023This study aims to describe the state of literature regarding the use of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) during spinal cord stimulator surgery. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to describe the state of literature regarding the use of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) during spinal cord stimulator surgery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review of the use of IONM during spinal cord stimulation (SCS) surgery was performed using the following three data bases: PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase. Research techniques included systematic research following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol by Cochrane, and backward searching. Qualitative analysis of included articles was performed using the methodologic index for nonrandomized studies assessment tool. Direction of effect, consistency across studies, and cost-effectiveness were narratively synthesized.
RESULTS
A total of 15 records were identified through data base searching. All records used IONM methods under general anesthesia for guidance of epidural lead placement. IONM techniques used for determining lateralization in the found articles were compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) (n = 8), somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) (n = 3) or both (n = 4). Motor evoked potentials were used in three trials for neuroprotection purposes. Two studies were comparative, and 12 were noncomparative.
CONCLUSIONS
We found a good body of level II evidence that using IONM during SCS surgery is a valid alternative to awake surgery and may even be superior regarding pain management, cost-effectiveness, and postoperative neurologic deficits. In direct comparison, the found evidence suggested using CMAP provided more consistently favorable results than using SSEP for midline placement of epidural leads under general anesthesia. Selection of IONM modality should be made on the basis of pathophysiology of disease, individual IONM experience, and the individual patient.
Topics: Humans; Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring; Spinal Cord Stimulation; Brain Neoplasms; Wakefulness; Neurosurgical Procedures; Evoked Potentials, Motor; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37802585
DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2023.06.010 -
Pediatric Research Mar 2022Research indicates reduced physical performance from diagnosis into survivorship of pediatric cancer patients. However, there is no systematic information or guideline...
BACKGROUND
Research indicates reduced physical performance from diagnosis into survivorship of pediatric cancer patients. However, there is no systematic information or guideline available on the methods to assess physical performance and function in this population. The purpose was to systematically compile and describe assessments of physical performance and function in patients and survivors of pediatric cancer, including cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, speed, balance, flexibility, functional mobility, gait and motor performance test batteries.
METHODS
We searched the databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Database and performed abstract and full-text selection of 2619 articles according to the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews. Information on patients characteristics, assessments, information on validity and reliability, and relevant references was extracted.
RESULTS
In summary, 63 different assessments were found in 149 studies including 11639 participants. Most studies evaluated cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength with the majority conducted off treatment. Some outcomes (e.g. speed) and diagnoses (e.g. neuroblastoma) were severely underrepresented. With the exception of gait, leukemia patients represented the largest group of individuals tested.
CONCLUSIONS
Insufficient data and patient heterogeneity complicate uniform recommendations for assessments. Our results support researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate assessment to meet their specific research questions or individual daily practice needs.
IMPACT
This systematic review includes 149 studies and provides a comprehensive summary of 63 assessments to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, speed, balance, flexibility, functional mobility, gait or motor performance test batteries in patients and survivors of pediatric cancer. We present the most studied fields within the pediatric cancer population, which are cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength, off treatment phase, and leukemia patients. We propose research priorities by identification of subgroups in terms of cancer type, phase of treatment, and outcome of interest that are underrepresented in studies currently available.
Topics: Child; Humans; Leukemia; Neoplasms; Physical Fitness; Physical Functional Performance; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 33859367
DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01523-5 -
Chronic Respiratory Disease 2022Computed tomography (CT) is commonly utilized in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for lung cancer screening and emphysema characterization. Computed... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Computed tomography (CT) is commonly utilized in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for lung cancer screening and emphysema characterization. Computed tomography-morphometric analysis of body composition (muscle mass and adiposity) has gained increased recognition as a marker of disease severity and prognosis. This systematic review aimed to describe the CT-methodology used to assess body composition and identify the association of body composition measures and disease severity, health-related quality of life (HRQL), cardiometabolic risk factors, respiratory exacerbations, and survival in patients with COPD.
METHODS
Six databases were searched (inception-September 2021) for studies evaluating adult COPD patients using thoracic or abdominal CT-muscle or adiposity body composition measures. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
Twenty eight articles were included with 15,431 COPD patients, across all GOLD stages with 77% males, age range (mean/median 59-78 years), and BMI range 19.8-29.3 kg/m. There was heterogeneity in assessment of muscle mass and adiposity using thoracic ( = 22) and abdominal ( = 8) CT-scans, capturing different muscle groups, anatomic locations, and adiposity compartments (visceral, subcutaneous, and epicardial). Low muscle mass and increased adiposity were associated with increased COPD severity measures (lung function, exercise capacity, dyspnea) and lower HRQL, but were not consistent across studies. Increased visceral adiposity ( = 6) was associated with cardiovascular disease or risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes). Low muscle CSA was prognostic of respiratory exacerbations or mortality in three of six studies, whereas the relationship with increased intermuscular adiposity and greater mortality was only observed in one of three studies.
CONCLUSION
There was significant variability in CT-body composition measures. In several studies, low muscle mass was associated with increased disease severity and lower HRQL, whereas adiposity with cardiovascular disease/risk factors. Given the heterogeneity in body composition measures and clinical outcomes, the prognostic utility of CT-body composition in COPD requires further study.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Cardiovascular Diseases; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Quality of Life; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 36223552
DOI: 10.1177/14799731221133387 -
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and... Apr 2022Cancer cachexia is an unmet clinical need that affects more than 50% of patients with cancer. The systemic inflammatory response, which is mediated by a network of... (Review)
Review
Cancer cachexia is an unmet clinical need that affects more than 50% of patients with cancer. The systemic inflammatory response, which is mediated by a network of cytokines, has an established role in the genesis and maintenance of cancer as well as in cachexia; yet, the specific role of the cytokine milieu in cachexia requires elucidation. This systematic review aims to examine the relationship between cytokines and the cachexia syndrome in patients with incurable cancer. The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were searched for studies published between 01/01/2004 and 06/01/2020. Included studies measured cytokines and their relationship with cachexia and related symptoms/signs in adults with incurable cancer. After title screening (n = 5202), the abstracts (n = 1264) and the full-text studies (n = 322) were reviewed independently by two authors. The quality assessment of the selected papers was conducted using the modified Downs and Black checklist. Overall, 1277 patients with incurable cancer and 155 healthy controls were analysed in the 17 eligible studies. The mean age of the patients was 64 ± 15 (mean ± standard deviation). Only 34% of included participants were female. The included studies were assessed as moderate-quality to high-quality evidence (mean quality score: 7.8; range: 5-10). A total of 31 cytokines were examined in this review, of which interleukin-6 (IL-6, 14 studies) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, 12 studies) were the most common. The definitions of cachexia and the weight-loss thresholds were highly variable across studies. Although the data could not be meta-analysed due to the high degree of methodological heterogeneity, the findings were discussed in a systematic manner. IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-8 were greater in cachectic patients compared with healthy individuals. Also, IL-6 levels were higher in cachectic participants as opposed to non-cachectic patients. Leptin, interferon-γ, IL-1β, IL-10, adiponectin, and ghrelin did not demonstrate any significant difference between groups when individuals with cancer cachexia were compared against non-cachectic patients or healthy participants. These findings suggest that a network of cytokines, commonly IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-8, are associated with the development of cachexia. Yet, this relationship is not proven to be causative and future studies should opt for longitudinal designs with consistent methodological approaches, as well as adequate techniques for analysing and reporting the results.
Topics: Aged; Cachexia; Cytokines; Female; Humans; Interleukin-6; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
PubMed: 35080147
DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12912