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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2016Cancer is a significant global health problem. Radiotherapy is a treatment for many cancers and about 50% of people having radiotherapy will be long-term survivors. Some... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Cancer is a significant global health problem. Radiotherapy is a treatment for many cancers and about 50% of people having radiotherapy will be long-term survivors. Some will experience late radiation tissue injury (LRTI) developing months or years later. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been suggested as a treatment for LRTI based upon the ability to improve the blood supply to these tissues. It is postulated that HBOT may result in both healing of tissues and the prevention of problems following surgery.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the benefits and harms of HBOT for treating or preventing LRTI.
SEARCH METHODS
We updated the searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2015, Issue 11), MEDLINE, EMBASE, DORCTIHM and reference lists of articles in December 2015. We also searched for ongoing trials at clinicaltrials.gov.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of HBOT versus no HBOT on LRTI prevention or healing.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Three review authors independently evaluated the quality of the relevant trials using the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and extracted the data from the included trials.
MAIN RESULTS
Fourteen trials contributed to this review (753 participants). There was some moderate quality evidence that HBOT was more likely to achieve mucosal coverage with osteoradionecrosis (ORN) (risk ratio (RR) 1.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 1.6, P value = 0.003, number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 5; 246 participants, 3 studies). There was also moderate quality evidence of a significantly improved chance of wound breakdown without HBOT following operative treatment for ORN (RR 4.2; 95% CI 1.1 to 16.8, P value = 0.04, NNTB 4; 264 participants, 2 studies). From single studies there was a significantly increased chance of improvement or cure following HBOT for radiation proctitis (RR 1.72; 95% CI 1.0 to 2.9, P value = 0.04, NNTB 5), and following both surgical flaps (RR 8.7; 95% CI 2.7 to 27.5, P value = 0.0002, NNTB 4) and hemimandibulectomy (RR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.8, P value = 0.001, NNTB 5). There was also a significantly improved probability of healing irradiated tooth sockets following dental extraction (RR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.7, P value = 0.009, NNTB 4).There was no evidence of benefit in clinical outcomes with established radiation injury to neural tissue, and no randomised data reported on the use of HBOT to treat other manifestations of LRTI. These trials did not report adverse events.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
These small trials suggest that for people with LRTI affecting tissues of the head, neck, anus and rectum, HBOT is associated with improved outcome. HBOT also appears to reduce the chance of ORN following tooth extraction in an irradiated field. There was no such evidence of any important clinical effect on neurological tissues. The application of HBOT to selected participants and tissues may be justified. Further research is required to establish the optimum participant selection and timing of any therapy. An economic evaluation should be undertaken.
Topics: Anus Neoplasms; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Neoplasms; Organs at Risk; Osteoradionecrosis; Radiation Injuries; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rectal Neoplasms
PubMed: 27123955
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005005.pub4 -
Radiotherapy and Oncology : Journal of... Apr 2021This systematic review summarised and critically appraised evidence on the efficacy and safety of interventions for anal cancer to support the panel of experts... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
This systematic review summarised and critically appraised evidence on the efficacy and safety of interventions for anal cancer to support the panel of experts developing the national evidence-based anal cancer guideline in Germany.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses of interventions for the treatment of stage I to III anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA). We systematically searched several databases and included any randomised controlled trial (RCT) assessing the pre-specified patient populations, regardless of the interventions studied. Non-randomised controlled studies of selected, pre-specified interventions were included if RCTs were not available or contained insufficient information. Where possible, we conducted meta-analyses and critically assessed confidence in the effect estimates using the GRADE approach.
RESULTS
Our searches yielded 10,325 (25 October 2018) and 889 hits (update search on 18 July 2019). Among the 41 studies (47 publications) included, we identified 19 comparisons of interventions for SCCA, and confidence in the effect estimates ranged from very low to high. Most RCTs compared various chemoradiation regimes. For other treatment options, such as local excision in early stages or different radiotherapies, we mostly identified comparative cohort studies.
CONCLUSION
Our findings indicate that, in most clinical situations, primary chemoradiation based on 5-FU and MMC is still the gold standard. However, treatment options for stage I anal cancer, particularly of the anal margin, as well as newer treatment approaches should be investigated in future RCTs. Overall, our findings may help health care professionals and patients make informed decisions about treatment choices.
Topics: Anus Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Chemoradiotherapy; Germany; Humans
PubMed: 33549645
DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.01.031 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... May 2021The term ''Human Papillomavirus'' or ''HPV'' has become synonymous with uterine cervical cancer leading to feminisation of all the preventive measures, especially... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The term ''Human Papillomavirus'' or ''HPV'' has become synonymous with uterine cervical cancer leading to feminisation of all the preventive measures, especially immunisation. Taking into consideration the rising number of HPV associated cancers among men in many developed countries and the risk of transmission to women, male HPV infection is a serious concern. A systematic review and meta-analysis of literature was performed to determine the global prevalence of HPV among men with oropharyngeal and anogenital cancers.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis of literature was performed searching electronic databases for published articles in English between January 1984- April 2020 based on standard systematic review guidelines. The meta-analysis component was modified appropriately for the synthesis of prevalence study results. National Institutes of Health checklist for observational, cohort and cross-sectional studies was used to assess the quality of the studies selected after the abstract and content review. The meta-analysis was performed in STATA version 13.0 (College Station, Texas 77,845 USA) and the forest plots were constructed using metan package in STATA.
RESULTS
Through the electronic search of databases, 3486 original articles were screened for eligibility. Fifty-eight articles were systematically reviewed and 42 articles were qualified for meta-analysis including 4,250 men with oropharyngeal, penile and prostate cancers. The pooled prevalence of HPV DNA in oropharyngeal cancers was 45% (95%CI 24.0%-66.0%). Meanwhile the pooled prevalence rates of 48% (CI 40.0%- 57.0%) and 19% (CI 10.0%-29.0%) were observed in penile and prostate cancers respectively. Even though, articles regarding HPV prevalence in anal cancers were systematically reviewed, none of the studies were qualified for meta-analysis.
CONCLUSION
Higher pooled prevalence of HPV DNA was observed among men with oropharyngeal and penile cancers. Multicentric molecular studies investigating the prevalence of HPV in prostate cancers have to be planned in future.
Topics: Alphapapillomavirus; Anus Neoplasms; DNA, Viral; Genital Neoplasms, Male; Humans; Male; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Papillomavirus Infections
PubMed: 34048162
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.5.1351 -
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery Dec 2022Primary mucosal anorectal malignant melanoma (AMM) is an invasive malignancy with poor survival. Management options have been variable, due to limited data and lack of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Primary mucosal anorectal malignant melanoma (AMM) is an invasive malignancy with poor survival. Management options have been variable, due to limited data and lack of randomised control trials available on the optimal surgical strategy. The aim of this review was to compare local excision versus radical resection.
METHODS
A systematic search of articles in PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library database was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The outcomes of interest were the impact that surgical strategy had on survival (primary) and recurrence rates (secondary) for the treatment of AMM, comparing sphincter sparing local excision (LE) versus extensive abdominoperineal resection (APR).
RESULTS
Ten studies met the predefined criteria. Overall, there were 303 patients, with a median age of 58.2 years. Sixty-one percent (n = 187/303) had radical surgery (abdominoperineal resection) for the primary treatment of AMM. Overall, 5-year survival for the APR and LE was 23% and 32% respectively. Meta-analysis on the median OS noted no statistical difference between the two groups. However, local recurrence occurred in 20.82% and 47.04% in the APR and LE groups respectively. Meta-analysis observed a statistically significant reduction in recurrence when patients had an APR as primary treatment (OR 0.15, 95% CI = 0.08-0.28, p < 0.00001).
CONCLUSION
Though local recurrence rates are more common with local excision of AMM, this does not confer an inferior OS when comparing LE versus APR. The decision to proceed with LE vs. APR should be made on a case-by-case basis.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Anus Neoplasms; Rectal Neoplasms; Anal Canal; Organ Sparing Treatments; Melanoma; Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
PubMed: 36331615
DOI: 10.1007/s00423-022-02715-1 -
PloS One 2014It is unclear whether L1-VLP-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are efficacious in reducing the likelihood of anogenital pre-cancer in women with evidence of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
It is unclear whether L1-VLP-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are efficacious in reducing the likelihood of anogenital pre-cancer in women with evidence of prior vaccine-type HPV exposure. This study aims to determine whether the combined results of the vaccine trials published to date provide evidence of efficacy compared with control (hepatitis A vaccine/placebo).
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and references of identified studies. The bivalent vaccine containing HPV-16 and 18 VLPs from GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (Rixenstart, Belgium), the quadrivalent vaccine containing HPV-6, 11, 16, and 18 VLPs from Merck & Co., Inc., (Whitehouse Station, NJ USA), and the HPV-16 monovalent vaccine from Merck Research Laboratories (West Point, PA USA) were evaluated.
FINDINGS
Three RCT reports and two post-trial cohort studies were eligible, comprising data from 13,482 women who were included in the vaccine studies but had evidence of HPV infection at study entry. Data on efficacy was synthesized using the Mantel-Haenszel weighted fixed-effect approach, or where there was heterogeneity between studies, the DerSimonian and Laird weighted random-effect approach. The mean odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between Cervarix, Gardasil and HPV-16 monovalent vaccine and HPV-associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse was 0·90 (95% CI: 0·56, 1·44). For the association between Gardasil and HPV-associated vulval/vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2-3, the overall OR and 95% CI was 2.25 (95% CI: 0·78, 6.50). Sample size and follow-up were limited.
CONCLUSIONS
There was no evidence that HPV vaccines are effective in preventing vaccine-type HPV associated pre-cancer in women with evidence of prior HPV exposure. Small effects of vaccination however cannot be excluded and a longer-term benefit in preventing re-infection remains possible.
Topics: Alphapapillomavirus; Anus Neoplasms; Cohort Studies; Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Quadrivalent, Types 6, 11, 16, 18; Humans; Papillomavirus Vaccines; Precancerous Conditions; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 24595046
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090348 -
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery Jun 2021To evaluate comparative outcomes of incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess with and without packing of the abscess cavity. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess with or without cavity packing: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis of randomised controlled trials.
AIMS
To evaluate comparative outcomes of incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess with and without packing of the abscess cavity.
METHODS
A systematic search of multiple electronic data sources was conducted, and all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess with and without packing were included. Abscess recurrence at maximum follow-up period, need for second intervention, and development of fistula in-ano were the evaluated outcome parameters for the meta-analysis A Trial Sequential Analysis was conducted to determine the robustness of the findings.
RESULTS
Eight RCTs reporting a total number of 485 patients who underwent incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess with (n = 243) or without (n = 242) packing of the abscess cavity were included. There was no significant difference in the risk of recurrence (risk ratio (RR) 1.31, P = 0.56), fistula-in-ano (RR 0.63, P = 0.28), and need for second intervention (RR 0.70, P = 0.05) between two groups. The results remained unchanged on sub-group analyses for ano-rectal abscess, paediatric patients, adult patients, and the use of antibiotics. The Trial Sequential Analysis demonstrated that the meta-analysis was not conclusive, and the results for recurrence were subject to type 2 error.
CONCLUSION
Incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess with or without packing have comparable outcomes. However, considering the cost and post-operative pain associated with packing, performing the procedure without packing of the abscess cavity may be more favourable. The findings of the better quality ongoing RCTs may provide stronger evidence in favour of packing or non-packing.
Topics: Abscess; Adult; Anus Diseases; Bandages; Child; Drainage; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rectal Fistula
PubMed: 32740696
DOI: 10.1007/s00423-020-01941-9 -
International Journal of Colorectal... Jun 2012The incidence of anal abscess is relatively high, and the condition is most common in young men. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The incidence of anal abscess is relatively high, and the condition is most common in young men.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was undertaken.
RESULTS
This abscess usually originates in the proctodeal glands of the intersphincteric space. A distinction is made between subanodermal, intersphincteric, ischioanal, and supralevator abscesses. The patient history and clinical examination are diagnostically sufficient to establish the indication for surgery. Further examinations (endosonography, MRI) should be considered in recurrent abscesses or supralevator abscesses. The timing of the surgical intervention is primarily determined by the patient's symptoms, and acute abscess is generally an indication for emergency treatment. Anal abscesses are treated surgically. The type of access (transrectal or perianal) depends on the abscess location. The goal of surgery is thorough drainage of the focus of infection while preserving the sphincter muscles. The wound should be rinsed regularly (using tap water). The use of local antiseptics is associated with a risk of cytotoxicity. Antibiotic treatment is only necessary in exceptional cases. Intraoperative fistula exploration should be conducted with extreme care if at all; no requirement to detect fistula should be imposed. The risk of abscess recurrence or secondary fistula formation is low overall, but they can result from insufficient drainage. Primary fistulotomy should only be performed in case of superficial fistulas and by experienced surgeons. In case of unclear findings or high fistulas, repair should take place in a second procedure.
CONCLUSION
In this clinical S3 guideline, instructions for diagnosis and treatment of anal abscess are described for the first time in Germany.
Topics: Abscess; Anus Diseases; Germany; Humans; Male; Postoperative Complications; Rectal Fistula
PubMed: 22362468
DOI: 10.1007/s00384-012-1430-x -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2022Lichen sclerosus (LS) is defined as a chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disease with a localization predominantly to the anus and genitals (vulvar sclerosus (VLS)).... (Review)
Review
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is defined as a chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disease with a localization predominantly to the anus and genitals (vulvar sclerosus (VLS)). Pediatric lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with predilection for the anogenital area that if untreated can lead to scarring. Vulvar LS is characterized by two peaks in incidence: it occurs in prepubertal girls and in postmenopausal women. To date, several mechanisms and risk factors have been proposed in the pathogenesis of pediatric vulvar LS; however, the etiology of this condition is still not fully understood and constitutes a challenge for scientists and clinicians. The presented research aimed to systematically review the existing literature on the pathogenesis of pediatric LS and to identify possible underlying autoimmune mechanisms and molecular networks. The clinical presentation of pediatric lichen sclerosus and available treatment modalities are also presented to acquaint a broader audience with this underdiagnosed and undertreated condition. As a result of our review, we discuss several potential mechanisms, molecules, and pathways that have been recognized in this disease. The purpose of our review was also to summarize what we can induce in further studies, which will ultimately help to identify the mechanism responsible for the disease and aid in the development of new, more effective treatment strategies for diagnosis and treatment by clinicians and researchers.
Topics: Humans; Female; Child; Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus; Vulva; Immune System Diseases; Genitalia; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36430687
DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214212 -
Sexually Transmitted Infections May 2017Anogenital warts (AGWs, condylomata acuminata) are among the most common STIs and may severely impact quality of life (QoL). Available treatment options are... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Anogenital warts (AGWs, condylomata acuminata) are among the most common STIs and may severely impact quality of life (QoL). Available treatment options are characterised by a high proportion of non-responders and recurrences.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review and meta-analyse the available evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on topical treatments for AGWs considering short-term and long-term efficacy, effects on QoL and adverse events (AE).
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was performed in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase and MEDLINE. Included studies were evaluated with the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. The confidence in the pooled effect estimates was evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and categorised as 'very low', 'low', 'moderate' or 'high'.
RESULTS
Eighteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Regarding complete clearance (CC), imiquimod 3.75% and 5% cream, podophyllotoxin 0.5% solution and gel and polyphenon E 10% and 15% ointment were superior to placebo. Although more local AE and pain occurred in the actively treated groups, differences regarding dropouts due to AE were not statistically significant. For podophyllotoxin 0.15% cream, no placebo-controlled trials were available; however, in an active-controlled trial, it was inferior to podophyllotoxin 0.5% solution with respect to CC. No significant differences were detected between imiquimod 5% cream and podophyllotoxin 0.5% solution and between polyphenon E 10% and 15% ointment. No data on the influence on health-related QoL were available.
CONCLUSION
Our confidence in the pooled estimates (GRADE quality of the evidence) ranged from very low to high. Apart from the given results, other aspects such as availability, costs or patient preference have to be considered when making a treatment choice. Due to the limited number of direct comparisons, conclusions on the relative efficacy of the different treatment options are restricted.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Anus Diseases; Condylomata Acuminata; Humans; Immunocompetence; Interferon Inducers; Papillomaviridae; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recurrence; Self Administration
PubMed: 27803240
DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-052768 -
World Journal of Surgery Dec 2006Anal fissure is a common and distressing problem the true incidence of which is probably higher than recorded. There is a progressive understanding of the... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Anal fissure is a common and distressing problem the true incidence of which is probably higher than recorded. There is a progressive understanding of the etiopathogenesis of this entity and the changing trend in its management approach. This is a systematic review of available published literature looking at current management options in anal fissures.
METHODS
A MEDLINE-based search of the relevant literature from 1970 to 2004 was performed on the current concepts in etiopathogenesis and management of anal fissure.
RESULTS
The current opinion is a drift toward conservative measures as the first- and second-line approaches rather than surgery for treatment of anal fissure. Simple and readily available measures with less complication, good patient compliance, and satisfaction requiring no hospitalization should first be considered.
CONCLUSIONS
Most anal fissures heal with medical therapy, but their limitations include side effects, poor compliance, and recurrence of the fissure. A cautious surgical approach is required to treat those who do not respond to medical therapy.
Topics: Botulinum Toxins; Calcium Channel Blockers; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Fissure in Ano; Humans; Nitric Oxide
PubMed: 17102918
DOI: 10.1007/s00268-005-0664-y