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Lung Cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Dec 2021The role of PET and integrated PET-CT in the diagnostic workup of suspected malignant pleural effusions is unknown. Earlier systematic reviews (published 2014 and 2015)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The role of PET and integrated PET-CT in the diagnostic workup of suspected malignant pleural effusions is unknown. Earlier systematic reviews (published 2014 and 2015) both included pleural pathology without effusion, and reached contradictory conclusions. Five studies have been published since the latest review. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarise the evidence of PET and integrated PET-CT in predicting pleural malignancy in patients suspected of having malignant pleural effusions. A meta-analysis based on a systematic literature search in Cochrane Library, Medline, EMBASE and Clinicaltrials.gov was performed. Diagnostic studies evaluating the performance of PET or PET-CT in patients with suspected malignant pleural effusion, using pleural fluid cytology or histopathology as the reference test, and presenting sufficient data for constructing a 2x2 table were included. The quality of the studies was assessed by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 score. Subgroup analyses on image modality, interpretation method and known malignancy status pre index-test application were planned. Seven studies with low risk of bias were included. The pooled ability to separate benign from malignant effusions varied with image modality, interpretation method and known malignancy status pre index-test application. In studies using PET-CT, visual/qualitative image analysis was superior to semi-quantitative with positive (LR + ) and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of 9.9 (4.5-15.3) respectively 0.1 (0.1-0.2). There was considerable heterogeneity among studies. In conclusion, visual/qualitative image analysis of integrated PET-CT seems to add relevant information in the work-up of suspected malignant pleural effusions with LR + and LR- close to rigorous pre-set cut-offs of > 10 and < 0.1. However, the quality of evidence was low due to inter-study heterogeneity, and inability to assess meta-bias. Clinical Trial Registration: The protocol was uploaded to the PROSPERO database (CRD42020213319) on the 13th of October 2020.
Topics: Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Pleural Effusion; Pleural Effusion, Malignant; Pleural Neoplasms; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Positron-Emission Tomography; Radiopharmaceuticals; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 34775214
DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2021.10.018 -
European Journal of Radiology Feb 2024The aim of our meta-analysis and systematic review was to contrast the positivity rates of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET and [18F]FDG PET in detecting bone and lymph node metastases... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Head-to-head comparison of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET and [18F]FDG PET in the detection of bone and lymph node metastasis in various cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
PURPOSE
The aim of our meta-analysis and systematic review was to contrast the positivity rates of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET and [18F]FDG PET in detecting bone and lymph node metastases across diverse cancer types.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search for eligible articles up until August 2023, utilizing databases including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Studies focusing on the positivity rate of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET vs. [18F]FDG PET for bone and lymph metastasis were included. Using random-effect model, the positivity rate for [68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET and [18F]FDG PET were generated. In order to gauge the heterogeneity among aggregated studies, we utilized the I statistic. Additionally, we applied the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Performance Studies (QUADAS-2) methodology to evaluate the caliber of the studies encompassed in our analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 430 publications were initially identified in the search. Eventually, 25 studies, involving 779 patients, met the inclusion criteria. In terms of bone metastasis, the findings indicate no statistically significant difference between the use of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET and [18F]FDG PET (P = 0.34). However, concerning lymph node metastasis, the results demonstrate significant difference between the two imaging agents (P = 0.04).
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review suggests that [68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET appears to outperform [18F]FDG PET in detecting lymph node metastases. However, when it comes to bone metastasis, no statistically significant difference was observed. It is crucial to acknowledge that the insights concerning bone metastasis stem from studies with comparatively modest sample sizes. Consequently, there is a pressing demand for further, expansive prospective studies in this field.
Topics: Humans; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Lymphatic Metastasis; Prospective Studies; Databases, Factual; Positron-Emission Tomography; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Gallium Radioisotopes
PubMed: 38219352
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2024.111302 -
Journal of Cardiac Surgery Nov 2022The introduction of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique for total arch replacement (TAR) has revolutionized the field of aortovascular surgery. However, although... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The introduction of the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique for total arch replacement (TAR) has revolutionized the field of aortovascular surgery. However, although FET yields excellent results, the risk of certain complications requiring secondary intervention remains present, negating its one-step hybrid advantage over conventional techniques. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to evaluate controversies regarding the incidence of FET-related complications, with a focus on aortic remodeling, distal stent-graft induced new entry (dSINE) and endoleak, in patients with type A aortic dissection (TAAD) and/or thoracic aortic aneurysm.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using multiple electronic databases including EMBASE, Scopus, and PubMed/MEDLINE to identify evidence on TAR with FET in patients with TAAD and/or aneurysm. Studies published up until January 2022 were included, and after applying exclusion criteria, a total of 43 studies were extracted.
RESULTS
A total of 5068 patients who underwent FET procedure were included. The pooled estimates of dSINE and endoleak were 2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01-0.06, I = 78%) and 3% (95% CI 0.01-0.11, I = 89%), respectively. The pooled rate of secondary thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) post-FET was 7% (95% CI 0.05-0.12, I = 89%) while the pooled rate of false lumen thrombosis at the level of stent-graft was 91% (95% CI 0.75-0.97, I = 92%). After subgroup analysis, heterogeneity for distal stent-graft induced new entry (dSINE) and endoleak resolved among European patients, where Thoraflex Hybrid (THP) and E-Vita stent-grafts were used (both I = 0%). In addition, heterogeneity for secondary TEVAR after FET resolved among Asians receiving Cronus (I = 15.1%) and Frozenix stent-grafts (I = 1%).
CONCLUSION
Our results showed that the FET procedure in patients with TAAD and/or aneurysm is associated with excellent results, with a particularly low incidence of dSINE and endoleak as well as highly favorable aortic remodeling. However the type of stent-graft and the study location were sources of heterogeneity, emphasizing the need for multicenter studies directly comparing FET grafts. Finally, THP can be considered the primary FET device choice due to its superior results.
Topics: Aortic Dissection; Aorta, Thoracic; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic; Azides; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Deoxyglucose; Endoleak; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Stents; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36069163
DOI: 10.1111/jocs.16918 -
Annals of Surgical Oncology Jan 2024The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in therapy response and modulation of immunologic surveillance. Adjuvant immunotherapy has recently been introduced... (Review)
Review
Potential Predictive Immune and Metabolic Biomarkers of Tumor Microenvironment Regarding Pathological and Clinical Response in Esophageal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy: A Systematic Review.
INTRODUCTION
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in therapy response and modulation of immunologic surveillance. Adjuvant immunotherapy has recently been introduced in post-surgery treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer (EC) with residual pathological disease after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-FDG-PET/CT) remains a valuable imaging tool to assess therapy response and to visualize metabolic TME; however, there is still a paucity in understanding the interaction between the TME and nCRT response. This systematic review investigated the potential of TME biomarkers and F-FDG-PET/CT features to predict pathological and clinical response (CR) after nCRT in EC.
METHODS
A literature search of the Medline and Embase electronic databases identified 4190 studies. Studies regarding immune and metabolic TME biomarkers and F-FDG-PET/CT features were included for predicting pathological response (PR) and/or CR after nCRT. Separate analyses were performed for F-FDG-PET/CT markers and these TME biomarkers.
RESULTS
The final analysis included 21 studies-10 about immune and metabolic markers alone and 11 with additional F-FDG-PET/CT features. High CD8 infiltration before and after nCRT, and CD3 and CD4 infiltration after nCRT, generally correlated with better PR. A high expression of tumoral or stromal programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) after nCRT was generally associated with poor PR. Moreover, total lesion glycolysis (TLG) and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) of the primary tumor were potentially predictive for clinical and PR.
CONCLUSION
CD8, CD4, CD3, and PD-L1 are promising immune markers in predicting PR, whereas TLG and MTV are potential F-FDG-PET/CT features to predict clinical and PR after nCRT in EC.
Topics: Humans; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Neoadjuvant Therapy; B7-H1 Antigen; Tumor Microenvironment; Chemoradiotherapy; Esophageal Neoplasms; Biomarkers, Tumor; Radiopharmaceuticals; Tumor Burden; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37777688
DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14352-z -
Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic... Feb 2024In the last years growing evidences on the role of radiomics and machine learning (ML) applied to different nuclear medicine imaging modalities for the assessment of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
In the last years growing evidences on the role of radiomics and machine learning (ML) applied to different nuclear medicine imaging modalities for the assessment of thyroid diseases are starting to emerge. The aim of this systematic review was therefore to analyze the diagnostic performances of these technologies in this setting.
METHODS
A wide literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science databases was made in order to find relevant published articles about the role of radiomics or ML on nuclear medicine imaging for the evaluation of different thyroid diseases.
RESULTS
Seventeen studies were included in the systematic review. Radiomics and ML were applied for assessment of thyroid incidentalomas at F-FDG PET, evaluation of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules, assessment of thyroid cancer and classification of thyroid diseases using nuclear medicine techniques.
CONCLUSION
Despite some intrinsic limitations of radiomics and ML may have affect the results of this review, these technologies seem to have a promising role in the assessment of thyroid diseases. Validation of preliminary findings in multicentric studies is needed to translate radiomics and ML approaches in the clinical setting.
Topics: Humans; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Machine Learning; Nuclear Medicine; Radiomics; Thyroid Neoplasms; Thyroid Nodule; Thyroid Diseases
PubMed: 37434097
DOI: 10.1007/s11154-023-09822-4 -
PET Clinics Jan 2015The development of clinical diagnostic procedures comprises early-phase and late-phase studies to elucidate diagnostic accuracy and patient outcome. Economic assessments... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The development of clinical diagnostic procedures comprises early-phase and late-phase studies to elucidate diagnostic accuracy and patient outcome. Economic assessments of new diagnostic procedures compared with established work-ups indicate additional cost for 1 additional unit of effectiveness measure by means of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios when considering the replacement of the standard regimen by a new diagnostic procedure. This article discusses economic assessments of PET and PET/computed tomography reported until mid-July 2014. Forty-seven studies on cancer and noncancer indications were identified but, because of the widely varying scope of the analyses, a substantial amount of work remains to be done.
Topics: Cost-Benefit Analysis; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Health Care Costs; Humans; Internationality; Multimodal Imaging; Neoplasms; Positron-Emission Tomography; Radiopharmaceuticals; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 25455883
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpet.2014.09.008 -
Journal of Nuclear Cardiology :... Aug 2023Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) are frequently used advanced cardiac imaging to diagnose... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Comparison of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the assessment of cardiac sarcoidosis: Meta-analysis and systematic review.
AIM
Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) are frequently used advanced cardiac imaging to diagnose cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to compare diagnostic parameters of FDG-PET and CMR in the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS).
METHODS
We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases from their inception to 9/30/2021 with search terms "cardiac sarcoidosis" AND "cardiac magnetic resonance imaging" AND "positronemission tomography". We extracted patient characteristics, results of the FDG-PET and CMR, and adverse outcomes from the included studies. Adverse outcomes served as a reference standard for the evaluation of FDG-PET and CMR.
RESULTS
We included 4 studies in the meta-analysis which provided adverse outcomes and all patients underwent FDG-PET and CMR. There were 237 patients, 60.3% male, and ages ranged from 50-53 years. There were 45 events in 237 patients from four studies included in the meta-analyses. The pooled sensitivity (95% confidence interval-CI) and specificity (CI) of CMR in predicting an adverse event were 0.94 (0.79-0.98) and 0.49 (0.40-0.59), respectively. The pooled sensitivity (CI) and specificity (CI) of FDG-PET in predicting an adverse event were 0.51 (0.26-0.75) and 0.60 (0.35-0.81), respectively.
CONCLUSION
CMR was more sensitive but less specific than FDG-PET in predicting adverse events; however, the study population and definition of a positive test need to be considered while interpreting the results.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Cardiomyopathies; Positron-Emission Tomography; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Myocarditis; Sarcoidosis; Radiopharmaceuticals; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 36443587
DOI: 10.1007/s12350-022-03129-8 -
Clinical Nuclear Medicine Feb 2021The aims of this study were to determine the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in vulvar cancer patients and to extract summary estimates of its diagnostic performance for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIM
The aims of this study were to determine the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in vulvar cancer patients and to extract summary estimates of its diagnostic performance for preoperative lymph node staging.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
PubMed/Medline and Embase databases were searched to identify studies evaluating 18F-FDG PET/CT in vulvar cancer patients. The assessment of methodological quality of the included articles was performed. Per-patient and per-groin pooled estimates, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated.
RESULTS
Ten articles were included in the systematic review, 7 among which evaluated the diagnostic performance of preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT for lymph node staging. Qualitative per-patient analysis (72 patients from 4 studies) resulted in estimated pooled sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and DOR of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.44-0.95), 0.90 (95% CI, 0.76-1.04), 0.86 (95% CI, 0.66-1.06), 0.77 (95% CI, 0.56-0.97), and 10.49 (95% CI, 1.68-65.50), respectively. Qualitative per-groin analysis (245 groins from 5 studies) resulted in estimated pooled sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and DOR of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.57-0.94), 0.88 (95% CI, 0.82-0.94), 0.70 (95% CI, 0.55-0.85), 0.92 (95% CI, 0.86-0.97), and 19.43 (95% CI, 6.40-58.95), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite limited literature data, this systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that a negative preoperative PET/CT scan may exclude groin metastases in at least early-stage vulvar cancer patients currently unfit for sentinel node biopsy and select those eligible for a less invasive surgical treatment. A positive PET/CT result should otherwise be interpreted with caution. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these results and to evaluate the diagnostic value of standardized semiquantitative analysis compared with the qualitative one.
Topics: Female; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Humans; Neoplasm Staging; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Vulvar Neoplasms
PubMed: 33234921
DOI: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000003411 -
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine... Nov 2021To consolidate current understanding of detection sensitivity of brain F-FDG PET scans in the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis and to define specific metabolic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To consolidate current understanding of detection sensitivity of brain F-FDG PET scans in the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis and to define specific metabolic imaging patterns for the most frequently occurring autoantibodies.
METHODS
A systematic and exhaustive search of data available in the literature was performed by querying the PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane databases for the search terms: ((PET) OR (positron emission tomography)) AND ((FDG) OR (fluorodeoxyglucose)) AND ((encephalitis) OR (brain inflammation)). Studies had to satisfy the following criteria: (i) include at least ten pediatric or adult patients suspected or diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis according to the current recommendations, (ii) specifically present F-FDG PET and/or morphologic imaging findings. The diagnostic F-FDG PET detection sensitivity in autoimmune encephalitis was determined for all cases reported in this systematic review, according to a meta-analysis following the PRISMA method, and selected publication quality was assessed with the QUADAS-2 tool.
RESULTS
The search strategy identified 626 articles including references from publications. The detection sensitivity of F-FDG PET was 87% (80-92%) based on 21 publications and 444 patients included in the meta-analysis. We also report specific brain F-FDG PET imaging patterns for the main encephalitis autoantibody subtypes.
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
Brain F-FDG PET has a high detection sensitivity and should be included in future diagnostic autoimmune encephalitis recommendations. Specific metabolic F-FDG PET patterns corresponding to the main autoimmune encephalitis autoantibody subtypes further enhance the value of this diagnostic.
Topics: Adult; Brain; Child; Encephalitis; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Hashimoto Disease; Humans; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Positron-Emission Tomography; Radiopharmaceuticals
PubMed: 33677643
DOI: 10.1007/s00259-021-05299-y -
European Journal of Surgical Oncology :... Sep 2011Oesophageal cancer is the 7th most common cause of cancer-related death in the developed world and the incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma is now the fastest growing... (Review)
Review
Oesophageal cancer is the 7th most common cause of cancer-related death in the developed world and the incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma is now the fastest growing of any gastrointestinal cancer. Lymph node involvement is the single most important prognostic factor in oesophageal cancer. Imaging to determine the extent of lymph node involvement and plan treatment often requires a combination of modalities to avoid under-staging. The 7th edition of the staging system released by the International Union Against Cancer (IUCC) has stratified lymph node involvement according to the number of lymph nodes involved and redefined its groupings for location of metastatic lymph node involvement. This review discusses the prognostic and treatment implications of these modifications and explores micrometastatic lymph node involvement, capsular infiltration and lymph node ratio as possible additions to the staging system.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Endosonography; Esophageal Neoplasms; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis; Neoplasm Staging; Positron-Emission Tomography; Prognosis; Radiopharmaceuticals; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 21839394
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2011.06.018