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International Journal of Radiation... Dec 2023Evidence of a volume-outcome association in cancer surgery has shaped the centralization of cancer services; however, it is unknown whether a similar association exists... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Evidence of a volume-outcome association in cancer surgery has shaped the centralization of cancer services; however, it is unknown whether a similar association exists for radiation therapy. The objective of this study was to determine the association between radiation therapy treatment volume and patient outcomes.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
This systematic review and meta-analysis included studies that compared outcomes of patients who underwent definitive radiation therapy at high-volume radiation therapy facilities (HVRFs) versus low-volume facilities (LVRFs). The systematic review used Ovid MEDLINE and Embase. For the meta-analysis, a random effects model was used. Absolute effects and hazard ratios (HRs) were used to compare patient outcomes.
RESULTS
The search identified 20 studies assessing the association between radiation therapy volume and patient outcomes. Seven of the studies looked at head and neck cancers (HNCs). The remaining studies covered cervical (4), prostate (4), bladder (3), lung (2), anal (2), esophageal (1), brain (2), liver (1), and pancreatic cancer (1). The meta-analysis demonstrated that HVRFs were associated with a lower chance of death compared with LVRFs (pooled HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.87- 0.94). HNCs had the strongest evidence of a volume-outcome association for both nasopharyngeal cancer (pooled HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62-0.89) and nonnasopharyngeal HNC subsites (pooled HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.75-0.84), followed by prostate cancer (pooled HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-0.98). The remaining cancer types showed weak evidence of an association. The results also demonstrate that some centers defined as HVRFs are undertaking very few procedures per annum (<5 radiation therapy cases per year).
CONCLUSIONS
An association between radiation therapy treatment volume and patient outcomes exists for most cancer types. Centralization of radiation therapy services should be considered for cancer types with the strongest volume-outcome association, but the effect on equitable access to services needs to be explicitly considered.
Topics: Male; Humans; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Prostatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 37227363
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.02.048 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2022Currently, medication for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa) are mainly based on modulating the hormone and nervous systems. However, side... (Review)
Review
Currently, medication for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa) are mainly based on modulating the hormone and nervous systems. However, side effects often affect patients, and might decrease their commitment to continuing the medication and lower their quality of life. Some studies have indicated that chronic inflammation might be the cause of BPH and PCa. Based on this hypothesis, the effect of phloretin, a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative flavonoid, has been researched since 2010. Results from animal and in-vitro studies, obtained from databases, also indicate that the use of phloretin in treating BPH and PCa is promising. Due to its effect on inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis or anti-apoptosis, reactive oxygen species, anti-oxidant enzymes and oxidative stress, phloretin is worthy of further study in human clinical trials regarding safety and effective dosages.
PubMed: 35888117
DOI: 10.3390/life12071029 -
JAMA Oncology Jun 2023Recently, several large, high-quality analyses have shown opposing results regarding the association between 5α-reductase inhibitor (5-ARI) use and prostate cancer... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Recently, several large, high-quality analyses have shown opposing results regarding the association between 5α-reductase inhibitor (5-ARI) use and prostate cancer (PCa) mortality.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically evaluate the current evidence regarding 5-ARI use and PCa mortality.
DATA SOURCES
A literature search began in and was conducted through August 2022 using PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies were deemed eligible if they included male patients of any age who were 5-ARI users and were compared with those who were nonusers if they analyzed PCa mortality in randomized clinical trials and prospective or retrospective cohort studies.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
This study was reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were extracted from published articles. Data analysis was performed in August 2022.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was PCa mortality among 5-ARI users vs nonusers. The inverse variance method with adjusted HRs and random-effect models were used to determine the association between 5-ARI use and PCa mortality. Two subgroup analyses were performed to assess the effect of 2 main confounders: prostate-specific antigen level and PCa diagnosis at baseline.
RESULTS
Among 1200 unique records screened, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 3 243 575 patients were included: 138 477 users of 5-ARI and 3 105 098 nonusers. There was no statistically significant association between 5-ARI use and PCa mortality (adjusted HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.80-1.35; P = .79). No significant association was found when the analysis was restricted to studies that excluded patients with a diagnosis of PCa at baseline (adjusted HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.60-1.67; P = .99) or the analysis was restricted to prostate-specific antigen-adjusted studies (adjusted HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.57-1.03; P = .08).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This systematic review and meta-analysis, which draws on 2 decades of epidemiologic literature and includes more than 3 million patients, found no statistically significant association between 5-ARI use and PCa mortality but provides important data to inform clinical care.
Topics: Humans; Male; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prospective Studies; 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; Retrospective Studies; Prostatic Neoplasms; Oxidoreductases
PubMed: 37079318
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.0260 -
Urologia Internationalis 2023The relationship between cruciferous vegetables and prostate cancer (PCa) risk remains contentious. This study aimed to assess the association between consuming... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between cruciferous vegetables and prostate cancer (PCa) risk remains contentious. This study aimed to assess the association between consuming cruciferous vegetables and PCa risk.
METHODS
We carried out a systematic search through PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library until September 20, 2022. The results of the article will be analyzed using the Stata 14 software. This meta-analysis was reported as directed by the PRISMA guidance, and the study protocol was recorded in PROSPERO (CRD42022361556).
RESULTS
7 case-control studies and 9 cohort studies were eventually included, including 70,201 PCa cases and 1,264,437 members. The higher the intake of cruciferous vegetables, the lower the risk of PCa. In comparison to the lowest dose of cruciferous vegetables, the overall relative risk (RR) of cruciferous vegetables having the highest dose was 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80-0.95; I2 = 59.2%). A significant linear trend (p = 0.002) was observed for the association, with a combined RR of 0.955 (95% CI: 0.928-0.982) for every 15 g of cruciferous vegetables per day.
CONCLUSIONS
The study revealed that consumption of cruciferous vegetables may be linked to reduced PCa risk.
Topics: Male; Humans; Vegetables; Diet; Brassicaceae; Prostatic Neoplasms; Risk; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37343525
DOI: 10.1159/000530435 -
BMJ Open Jan 2021To conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis of cohort studies to evaluate the association of coffee consumption with the risk of prostate cancer. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis of cohort studies to evaluate the association of coffee consumption with the risk of prostate cancer.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Web of Science and Embase were searched for eligible studies up to September 2020.
STUDY SELECTION
Cohort studies were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two researchers independently reviewed the studies and extracted the data. Data synthesis was performed via systematic review and meta-analysis of eligible cohort studies. Meta-analysis was performed with the "" and "" commands in Stata 14.0.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Prostate cancer was the main outcome. It was classified as localised prostate cancer which included localised or non-aggressive cancers; advanced prostate cancer which included advanced or aggressive cancers; or fatal prostate cancer which included fatal/lethal cancers or prostate cancer-specific deaths.
RESULTS
Sixteen prospective cohort studies were finally included, with 57 732 cases of prostate cancer and 1 081 586 total cohort members. Higher coffee consumption was significantly associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Compared with the lowest category of coffee consumption, the pooled relative risk (RR) was 0.91 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.98), I= 53.2%) for the highest category of coffee consumption. There was a significant linear trend for the association (p=0.006 for linear trend), with a pooled RR of 0.988 (95% CI 0.981 to 0.995) for each increment of one cup of coffee per day. For localised, advanced and fatal prostate cancer, the pooled RRs were 0.93 (95% CI 0.87 to 0.99), 0.88 (95% CI 0.71 to 1.09) and 0.84 (95% CI 0.66 to 1.08), respectively. No evidence of publication bias was indicated in this meta-analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that a higher intake of coffee may be associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer.
Topics: Coffee; Cohort Studies; Humans; Male; Prospective Studies; Prostatic Neoplasms; Risk; Risk Factors
PubMed: 33431520
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038902 -
The Permanente Journal 2020Asbestos-related diseases and cancers represent a major public health concern. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Asbestos-related diseases and cancers represent a major public health concern.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to demonstrate that asbestos exposure increases the risk of prostate cancer.
METHODS
The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases were searched using the keywords (prostate cancer OR prostatic neoplasm) AND (asbestos* OR crocidolite* OR chrysotile* OR amphibole* OR amosite*). To be included, articles needed to describe our primary outcome: Risk of prostate cancer after any asbestos exposure.
RESULTS
We included 33 studies with 15,687 cases of prostate cancer among 723,566 individuals. Asbestos exposure increased the risk of prostate cancer (effect size = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-1.15). When we considered mode of absorption, respiratory inhalation increased the risk of prostate cancer (1.10, 95% CI = 1.05-1.14). Both environmental and occupational exposure increased the risk of prostate cancer (1.25, 95% CI = 1.01-1.48; and 1.07, 1.04-1.10, respectively). For type of fibers, the amosite group had an increased risk of prostate cancer (1.12, 95% CI = 1.05-1.19), and there were no significant results for the chrysotile/crocidolite group. The risk was higher in Europe (1.12, 95% CI = 1.05-1.19), without significant results in other continents.
DISCUSSION
Asbestos exposure seems to increase prostate cancer risk. The main mechanism of absorption was respiratory. Both environmental and occupational asbestos exposure were linked to increased risk of prostate cancer.
CONCLUSION
Patients who were exposed to asbestos should possibly be encouraged to complete more frequent prostate cancer screening.
Topics: Asbestos; Asbestos, Amphibole; Asbestos, Serpentine; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Incidence; Inhalation Exposure; Male; Occupational Exposure; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Prostatic Neoplasms; Ronidazole
PubMed: 32097115
DOI: 10.7812/TPP/19.086 -
Cancers Sep 2023Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a rare neoplasm, and the role of both conventional imaging (CI) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT)... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is a rare neoplasm, and the role of both conventional imaging (CI) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for its assessment has not been clearly evaluated and demonstrated. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the diagnostic performances of these imaging modalities in this setting.
METHODS
A wide literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was made to find relevant published articles about the role of CI and PET/CT for the evaluation of NEPC.
RESULTS
13 studies were included in the systematic review. PET/CT imaging with different radiopharmaceuticals has been evaluated in many studies (10) compared to CI (3 studies), which has only a limited role in NEPC. Focusing on PET/CT, a study used [F]FDG, labeled somatostatin analogs were used in 5 cases, a study used [Ga]Ga-FAPI-04, [Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 was evaluated in a single case, and two works used different tracers.
CONCLUSION
Published data on the role of PET/CT for the assessment of NEPC are limited. At present, it is still uncertain which tracer performs best, and although [F]FDG has been evaluated and seems to offer some advantages in availability and clinical staging, other tracers may be more useful to understand tumor biology or identify targets for subsequent radioligand therapy. Further research is therefore desirable. In contrast, data are still limited to draw a final conclusion on the role and the specific characteristics of CI in this rare form of neoplasm, and therefore, more studies are needed in this setting.
PubMed: 37686680
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174404 -
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.) Jan 2023A cancer diagnosis can impact patients' and caregivers' lives, posing different challenging situations. In particular, breast cancer and prostate cancer are two types of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
A cancer diagnosis can impact patients' and caregivers' lives, posing different challenging situations. In particular, breast cancer and prostate cancer are two types of cancer involving families and especially spouses in challenges linked with the diagnosis and treatment process. Caregivers are usually involved in the treatment decision-making (TDM) process concerning patients' clinical pathway, cancer treatment, and ongoing therapies. To date, no contributions provide an exhaustive overview of the role of caregivers in cancer care and their involvement in the TDM process related to the therapies.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of caregiver and patients experiences and perceptions of caregiver involvement in cancer TDM. Articles were searched on Public/Publisher MEDLINE (PubMed), Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), and American Psychological Association APA PsycINFO.
RESULTS
17 studies were included, 10 on prostate cancer and 7 on breast cancer. According to the reviewed studies, patients and caregivers experienced the cancer diagnosis with a sense of unity. Most patients preferred to have an active or collaborative role with caregivers in TDM, feeling it was important to consult or share the decision made with their caregivers. Caregivers preferred to collaborate with patients or let patients decide by themselves after considering their opinions. Caregiver involvement could have a positive influence on the patient's medical decisions, even if cancer diagnosis and treatments overwhelmed patients and caregivers.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings highlight the importance of using a perspective that focuses on the relationship between a patient and caregivers when they receive a cancer diagnosis and have to make a treatment decision. Targeting caregiver-patient dyads, rather than individuals, is important since a supported relationship could have a protective effect on psychological distress, quality of life (QOL), and relationship satisfaction. Moreover, dyads may benefit from interventions that focus on the needs of both the patient and caregiver.
Topics: Male; Humans; Quality of Life; Decision Making, Shared; Prostatic Neoplasms; Breast Neoplasms
PubMed: 36661710
DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30010061 -
Journal of Geriatric Oncology Sep 2023Sarcopenia is a common skeletal muscle disorder in older people. Here we explore the prevalence of sarcopenia and its impact on men with prostate cancer. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Sarcopenia is a common skeletal muscle disorder in older people. Here we explore the prevalence of sarcopenia and its impact on men with prostate cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies with an explicit definition of sarcopenia in men with prostate cancer which were published between years 2000 and 2022. Prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with time to biochemical recurrence (BCR), progression-free survival (PFS), non-cancer mortality, overall survival (OS), and treatment-related complications in men with prostate cancer were explored. The summary prevalence, hazard ratios (HRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.
RESULTS
A total of 24 studies comprising 3,616 patients with early and advanced prostate cancer were included. The prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity was 43.8% (95% CI 19.2%-68.5%) and 24.0% (95% CI 5.0%-43.1%), respectively. Sarcopenia was not associated with a shorter time to BCR (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.64-1.23, p = 0.48), a shorter PFS (HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.73-1.97, p = 0.48), or a shorter OS (HR 1.29, 95% CI 0.90-1.85, p = 0.16). In contrast, sarcopenia was significantly associated with a higher non-cancer mortality (HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.23-2.80, p = 0.003). In four out of five studies eligible for assessment, sarcopenia was not associated with an increased risk of treatment-related complications.
DISCUSSION
Sarcopenia increases the risk of death from other causes in men with prostate cancer. Patients with prostate cancer should be assessed and managed for sarcopenia in everyday clinical practice.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; Sarcopenia; Prostatic Neoplasms; Obesity; Proportional Hazards Models; Prognosis
PubMed: 37482497
DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2023.101594 -
The Oncologist Jul 2021Prostate cancer remains the leading diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of death among American men. Despite improvements in screening modalities, diagnostics,...
Prostate cancer remains the leading diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of death among American men. Despite improvements in screening modalities, diagnostics, and treatment, disparities exist among Black men in this country. The primary objective of this systematic review is to describe the reported disparities in screening, diagnostics, and treatments as well as efforts to alleviate these disparities through community and educational outreach efforts. Critical review took place of retrospective, prospective, and socially descriptive data of English language publications in the PubMed database. Despite more advanced presentation, lower rates of screening and diagnostic procedures, and low rates of trial inclusion, subanalyses have shown that various modalities of therapy are quite effective in Black populations. Moreover, patients treated on prospective clinical trials and within equal-access care environments have shown similar outcomes regardless of race. Additional prospective studies and enhanced participation in screening, diagnostic and genetic testing, clinical trials, and community-based educational endeavors are important to ensure equitable progress in prostate cancer for all patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Notable progress has been made with therapeutic advances for prostate cancer, but racial disparities continue to exist. Differing rates in screening and utility in diagnostic procedures play a role in these disparities. Black patients often present with more advanced disease, higher prostate-specific antigen, and other adverse factors, but outcomes can be attenuated in trials or in equal-access care environments. Recent data have shown that multiple modalities of therapy are quite effective in Black populations. Novel and bold hypotheses to increase inclusion in clinical trial, enhance decentralized trial efforts, and enact successful models of patient navigation and community partnership are vital to ensure continued progress in prostate cancer disparities.
Topics: Black or African American; Early Detection of Cancer; Humans; Male; Prospective Studies; Prostatic Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; United States
PubMed: 33683758
DOI: 10.1002/onco.13749