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International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2021Medical staff represent the largest group of workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). Chronic exposure to low-dose IR may result in DNA damage and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Medical staff represent the largest group of workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). Chronic exposure to low-dose IR may result in DNA damage and genotoxicity associated with increased risk of cancer. This review aims to identify the genotoxicity biomarkers that are the most elevated in IR-exposed vs. unexposed health workers. A systematic review of the literature was performed to retrieve relevant studies with various biomarkers of genotoxicity. Subsequent meta-analyses produced a pooled effect size for several endpoints. The search procedure yielded 65 studies. Chromosome aberrations (CA) and micronuclei (MN) frequencies were significantly different between IR-exposed and unexposed workers (θ = 3.19, 95% CI 1.46-4.93; and θ = 1.41, 95% CI 0.97-1.86, for total aberrant cells and MN frequencies, respectively), which was not the case for ring chromosomes and nucleoplasmic bridges. Although less frequently used, stable translocations, sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and comet assay endpoints were also statistically different between IR-exposed and unexposed workers. This review confirms the relevance of CA and MN as genotoxicity biomarkers that are consistently elevated in IR-exposed vs. unexposed workers. Other endpoints are strong candidates but require further studies to validate their usefulness. The integration of the identified biomarkers in future prospective epidemiological studies is encouraged.
Topics: Biomarkers; Chromosome Aberrations; DNA Damage; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Health Personnel; Humans; Occupational Exposure; Radiation, Ionizing
PubMed: 34299125
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147504 -
BMC Cancer May 2021It has been shown that a subgroup of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) would progress to advanced stages of thyroid...
Efficacy and safety of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in advanced radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer and metastatic medullary thyroid cancer: a systematic review.
BACKGROUND
It has been shown that a subgroup of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) would progress to advanced stages of thyroid cancer. Therefore, the present study was done to systematically review available evidence in order to investigate efficacy and safety of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) in the patients with advanced radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RR-DTC) and metastatic MTC.
METHODS
For this purpose, relevant studies investigated safety and efficacy of PRRT in the patients with advanced RR-DTC and metastatic MTC were identified by searching Medline (Pubmed, Ovid, and Ebsco), Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases (from database inception to March 24, 2021). The review was performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. Searching was done independently by two investigators. Two researchers independently extracted the data and any disagreement was adjudicated by consensus. Quality of the studies was assessed using the tool of case reports/series in systematic reviews.
RESULTS
Among 2284 related papers, 41 papers met the inclusion criteria. A total of 157 patients with RR-DTC were treated with PPRT. Biochemical and objective responses (partial and complete) were observed in 25.3 and 10.5% of patients, respectively. Among 220 patients with metastatic MTC, biochemical and objective responses were observed in 37.2 and 10.6% of the patients, respectively. Forty-six deaths were reported in 95 patients with advanced RR-DTC. In addition, 63 deaths were observed in 144 patients with metastatic MTC. Major side effects were reported in 124 patients treated with Y -based agent. In the patients treated with 177Lu-DOTA-TATE and 111In-Octreotide, mild and transient hematologic or renal complications were reported.
CONCLUSION
Findings of the study revealed that in the absence of the established treatment for the patients with RR-DTC and metastatic MTC, PRRT could be effective with few adverse events.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019125245 .
Topics: Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine; Hematologic Diseases; Humans; Iodine Radioisotopes; Octreotide; Organometallic Compounds; Radiation Injuries; Radiation Tolerance; Radiopharmaceuticals; Renal Insufficiency; Thyroid Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome; Yttrium Radioisotopes
PubMed: 34016077
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08257-x -
Oncology 2020The present study evaluated the potential benefit of adding cetuximab to neoadjuvant, adjuvant, or palliative standard therapy for pancreatic cancer. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
The present study evaluated the potential benefit of adding cetuximab to neoadjuvant, adjuvant, or palliative standard therapy for pancreatic cancer.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of adding cetuximab to standard chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer were included. Evaluated outcomes were overall survival, progression-free survival, objective response, and toxicity. For overall survival and progression-free survival, hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were chosen as effect measure. For objective response, odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI were used. Analysis was based on a random effects model.
RESULTS
After screening 568 publications, a total of 4 RCTs with 924 patients were included. In all trials, patients were adequately randomised with balanced intervention and control groups. There was no significant difference in overall survival (HR 1.04; 95% CI: 0.90-1.19; p = 0.60), progression-free survival (HR 1.06; 95% CI: 0.93-1.22; p = 0.36), or objective response (OR 0.99; 95% CI: 0.66 -1.49; p = 0.96) when adding cetuximab to a standard therapy. Toxicity was the same or higher in each of the included trials. According to GRADE, the certainty of the evidence is high. Therefore, adding cetuximab to pancreatic cancer therapy has no clinically relevant benefit.
CONCLUSION
In the presence of no survival benefit, increased toxicity, and higher costs, a decreased cost-benefit ratio compared to the standard care must be suggested. Conducting further RCTs in unselected pancreatic cancer populations is unlikely to change this conclusion.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Cetuximab; Humans; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Prognosis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31578019
DOI: 10.1159/000502844 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2020Functional imaging modalities enable practitioners to identify functional lung regions. This analysis evaluated the feasibility of nuclear medicine imaging to avoid... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Functional imaging modalities enable practitioners to identify functional lung regions. This analysis evaluated the feasibility of nuclear medicine imaging to avoid doses to the functional lung in radiotherapy (RT) planning for patients with lung cancer. This systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out according to PRISMA-P guidelines. A search of EMBASE and PubMed for studies published throughout the last 20 years was performed using the following search criteria: (a) 'lung cancer' or 'lung malignancy' and (b) 'radiotherapy' or 'radiation therapy' or 'RT planning' and (c) 'SPECT' or 'single positron emission computed tomography' or 'functional image.' The analyzed planning parameters were the volumes of the normal lung that have received ≥ 10 Gy and ≥ 20 Gy of radiation (V10 and V20, respectively) and the mean lung dose (MLD). We compared the planning parameters obtained from anatomical RT planning and functional RT planning using perfusion or ventilation imaging ('V10, V20 or MLD' in anatomical plan vs. 'fV10, fV20 or fMLD' in functional plan). A total of 309 patients with 344 RT plan sets from 15 publications (11 perfusion SPECT, 2 ventilation SPECT, and 1 SPECT and 1 PET with both perfusion and ventilation) were included in the meta-analysis. The standard mean differences in planning parameters in functional plans using nuclear imaging were significantly reduced compared to those of anatomical plans (P < 0.01 for all): - 0.42 (95% confidence interval (CI) - 0.78 to - 0.07) for 'V10 vs. fV10', - 0.41 (95% CI - 0.64 to - 0.17) for 'V20 vs. fV20', and - 0.24 (95% CI - 0.45 to - 0.03) for 'MLD vs. fMLD'. In subgroup analysis, the functional plan using perfusion was significantly lower than the anatomical plan in all planning parameters, but there was no significant difference for ventilation. RT planning with nuclear functional lung imaging has potential to reduce radiation-induced lung injury. Perfusion imaging seems to be more promising than ventilation imaging for all planning parameters. There were not enough studies using ventilation imaging to determine what the effect is on the lung plan parameters.
Topics: Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography; Humans; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Positron-Emission Tomography; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; Radiotherapy, Image-Guided; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon
PubMed: 32913277
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71445-5 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery May 2024Despite the existence of several Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) investigating Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) as a guide in lung biopsies, conclusive findings... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Despite the existence of several Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) investigating Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) as a guide in lung biopsies, conclusive findings remain elusive. To address this contention, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LDCT-guided lung biopsies.
METHODS
A comprehensive search across major databases identified RCTs comparing the effectiveness of LDCT-guided with Standard-Dose Computed Tomography (SDCT)-guided lung biopsies. Subsequently, we utilized a random-effects model meta-analysis to assess diagnostic accuracy, radiation dose, operation duration, and clinical complications associated with these procedures.
RESULTS
Out of 292 scrutinized studies, six RCTs representing 922 patients were included in the final analysis. Results indicated the differences between the LDCT and SDCT groups were not different with statistical significance in terms of diagnostic accuracy rates (Intent-to-Treat (ITT) populations: Relative Risk (RR) 1.01, 95% Confidence interval [CI] 0.97-1.06, p = 0.61; Per-Protocol (PP) populations: RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.98-1.04, p = 0.46), incidence of pneumothorax (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.75-1.35, p = 0.98), incidence of hemoptysis (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.63-1.43, p = 0.80), and operation duration (minutes) (Mean Differences [MD] -0.34, 95% CI -1.67-0.99, p = 0.61). Notably, LDCT group demonstrated a lower radiation dose (mGy·cm) with statistical significance (MD -188.62, 95% CI -273.90 to -103.34, p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS
The use of LDCT in lung biopsy procedures demonstrated equivalent efficacy and safety to standard methods while notably reducing patient radiation exposure.
Topics: Humans; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Lung; Image-Guided Biopsy; Radiation Dosage
PubMed: 38778306
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-024-02792-x -
Radiation Oncology (London, England) Jul 2020Lentigo maligna (LM) is the most common subtype of in situ melanoma und occurs frequently in the sun-exposed head and neck region in elderly patients. The therapeutic...
Lentigo maligna (LM) is the most common subtype of in situ melanoma und occurs frequently in the sun-exposed head and neck region in elderly patients. The therapeutic "gold standard" is surgical excision, as there is the risk of progression to invasive (lentigo maligna) melanoma (LMM). However, surgery is not feasible in certain patients due to age, comorbidities or patient preference. Radiotherapy using Grenz rays or superficial X-rays has been established as non-invasive alternative for the treatment of LM and LMM. We performed a systematic literature search of MEDLINE and Embase databases in September 2019 and identified 14 patient series using radiotherapy for LM or LMM. No prospective trials were found. The 14 studies reported a total of 1243 lesions (1075 LM and 168 LMM) treated with radiotherapy. Local recurrence rates ranged from 0 to 31% and were comparable to surgical series in most of the reports on radiotherapy. Superficial radiotherapy was prescribed in 5-23 fractions with a total dose of 35-57 Gy. Grenz ray therapy was prescribed in 42-160 Gy in 3-13 fractions with single doses up to 20 Gy. Cosmetic results were reported as "good" to "excellent" for the majority of patients.In conclusion, the available low-level evidence suggests that radiotherapy may be a safe and effective treatment for LM and LMM. Data from prospective trials such as the phase 3 RADICAL trial are needed to confirm these promising findings and to compare radiotherapy to other non-surgical therapies and to surgery.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Hutchinson's Melanotic Freckle; Melanoma; Middle Aged; Radiation Dosage; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 32664998
DOI: 10.1186/s13014-020-01615-2 -
The British Journal of Radiology Oct 2021To systematically review the published data regarding the cumulative exposure to radiation in selected cohorts of adults or paediatric patients due to diagnostic nuclear...
OBJECTIVES
To systematically review the published data regarding the cumulative exposure to radiation in selected cohorts of adults or paediatric patients due to diagnostic nuclear medicine examinations.
METHODS
We conducted PubMed/Medline searches of peer-reviewed papers on cumulated effective dose (CED) from diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures published between 01 January 2010 until 31 January 2021. Studies were considered eligible if the contribution of nuclear medicine examinations to total CED was >10%. Studies reporting cumulative doses in a single episode of care or in a limited time (≤1 year) were excluded. The main outcomes for which data were sought were the CED accrued by patients, the period in which the CED was accrued, the percentage of patients with CED > 100 mSv and the percentage contribution due to nuclear medicine procedures to the overall CED.
RESULTS
The studies included in the synthesis were 18 which enrolled a total of 1,76,371 patients. Eleven (1,757 patients), three (1,74,079 patients) and four (535 patients) were related to oncological, cardiologic and transplanted patients, respectively. All the studies were retrospective; some of the source materials referred to small number of patients and some of the patients were followed for a short time. Not many studies accurately quantified the contribution of nuclear medicine procedures to the overall radiation exposure due to medical imaging. Finally, most of the studies covered an observation period which extended mainly in the 2000-2010 decade.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a need of prospective, multicentric studies enrolling a greater number of patients, followed for longer period in selected groups of patients to fully capture the cumulative exposure to radiation in these settings.
ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE
This systematic review allows to identify selected group of patients with a specific health status in which the cumulated exposure to radiation may be of concern and where the contribution of nuclear medicine procedures to the total CED is significant.
Topics: Adult; Child; Diagnostic Imaging; Humans; Nuclear Medicine; Organs at Risk; Radiation Dosage; Radiation Monitoring
PubMed: 34379454
DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20210444 -
International Journal of Radiation... May 2021To quantitatively evaluate published experiences with hepatic stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), to determine local control rates after treatment of primary and...
PURPOSE
To quantitatively evaluate published experiences with hepatic stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), to determine local control rates after treatment of primary and metastatic liver tumors and to examine whether outcomes are affected by SBRT dosing regimen.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
We identified published articles that reported local control rates after SBRT for primary or metastatic liver tumors. Biologically effective doses (BEDs) were calculated for each dosing regimen using the linear-quadratic equation. We excluded series in which a wide range of BEDs was used. Individual lesion data for local control were extracted from actuarial survival curves, and data were aggregated to form a single dataset. Actuarial local control curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method after grouping lesions by disease type and BED (<100 Gy vs >100 Gy). Comparisons were made using log-rank testing.
RESULTS
Thirteen articles met all inclusion criteria and formed the dataset for this analysis. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year actuarial local control rates after SBRT for primary liver tumors (n = 431) were 93%, 89%, and 86%, respectively. Lower 1- (90%), 2- (79%), and 3-year (76%) actuarial local control rates were observed for liver metastases (n = 290, log-rank P = .011). Among patients treated with SBRT for primary liver tumors, there was no evidence that local control is influenced by BED within the range of schedules used. For liver metastases, on the other hand, outcomes were significantly better for lesions treated with BEDs exceeding 100 Gy (3-year local control 93%) than for those treated with BEDs of ≤100 Gy (3-year local control 65%, P < .001).
CONCLUSIONS
Stereotactic body radiation therapy for primary liver tumors provides high rates of durable local control, with no clear evidence for a dose-response relationship among commonly utilized schedules. Excellent local control rates are also seen after SBRT for liver metastases when BEDs of >100 Gy are utilized.
Topics: Actuarial Analysis; Colorectal Neoplasms; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Linear Models; Liver Neoplasms; Models, Biological; Models, Theoretical; Probability; Radiosurgery; Radiotherapy Dosage; Relative Biological Effectiveness; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29395629
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2017.12.288 -
Technology in Cancer Research &... 2024This review investigates peripheral dose levels in electron beam treatments, comparing different manufacturers including Varian, Elekta, and Siemens. Accurate... (Review)
Review
This review investigates peripheral dose levels in electron beam treatments, comparing different manufacturers including Varian, Elekta, and Siemens. Accurate measurement of peripheral dose is vital for patient safety and precise radiation delivery in radiation therapy. This review followed PRISMA standards, conducting a comprehensive literature search from 1978 to July 2023. Emphasis was on identifying studies analyzing peripheral doses related to various electron beam energies, beam angle, field sizes, cutouts, and applicator combinations. Three major databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched. A total of 7 articles were included in this review. Strategies such as bolus materials, personalized cutouts, and optimal treatment procedures have all been developed to reduce peripheral radiation exposure and enhance patient safety. Ongoing research in this field is focused on further minimizing the risks associated with out-of-field radiation by improving dose delivery systems. The literature emphasizes importance of precision in electron beam radiation therapy, highlighting the critical need for managing peripheral doses and optimizing hardware to ensure patient safety. It advocates for the use of advanced tools and protocols to maintain a balance between effective treatment while protecting healthy tissues. Continuous research, careful treatment planning, and effective management of peripheral doses are essential.
Topics: Humans; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; Electrons; Phantoms, Imaging; Particle Accelerators
PubMed: 38515394
DOI: 10.1177/15330338241239144 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2022Pain relief is one of the main objectives of radiotherapy for cancer patients with bone metastases. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) enables precise delivery of a...
BACKGROUND
Pain relief is one of the main objectives of radiotherapy for cancer patients with bone metastases. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) enables precise delivery of a higher dosage to the target area. Several trials have reported comparisons between SBRT and conventional radiotherapy (cRT) in patients with painful bone metastasis. However, the results of those investigations were inconsistent, and no systematic review or meta-analysis has been done till now.
METHODS
We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Clinicaltrials.gov up to May 1, 2022 for relevant studies. Patients with painful bone metastasis who received SBRT or cRT were included. The primary outcome was the patients' pain response rate at three months. The secondary outcomes included the rate of pain responders at one month and six months, oral morphine equivalent dose (OMED) use, and any adverse events. STATA software 12.0 was used for the statistical analysis.
RESULTS
We collected 533 patients' data from 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), there was a significant difference of pain response rate at 3 months between two groups (RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.12-1.77, = 0.0%, P = 0.003). However, no significant difference was found in pain response rate at 1 month (RR = 1.19, 95% CI: 0.91-1.54, = 31.5%, P = 0.201) and 6 months (RR = 1.25, 95% CI: 0.93-1.69, = 0.0%, P = 0.140). OMED consumption was not significantly different in patients treated with SBRT compared with control group (WMD = -1.11, 95% CI: -17.51-15.28, = 0.0%, P = 0.894). For safety outcome, no statistical difference was found between SBRT and cRT (RR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.46-1.14, 20.1%, P = 0.162).
CONCLUSION
This study shows that for painful bone metastases, patients with SBRT experienced better pain relief 3 months after radiation than patients with cRT, and SBRT did not increase the incidence of adverse events.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-6-0099/, identifier INPLASY202260099.
PubMed: 36338685
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.979201