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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2024Liver metastases (i.e. secondary hepatic malignancies) are significantly more common than primary liver cancer. Long-term survival after radical surgical treatment is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Liver metastases (i.e. secondary hepatic malignancies) are significantly more common than primary liver cancer. Long-term survival after radical surgical treatment is approximately 50%. For people in whom resection for cure is not feasible, other treatments must be considered. One treatment option is microwave coagulation utilising electromagnetic waves. It involves placing an electrode into a lesion under ultrasound or computed tomography guidance.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the beneficial and harmful effects of microwave coagulation versus no intervention, other ablation methods, or systemic treatments in people with liver metastases regardless of the location of the primary tumour.
SEARCH METHODS
We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest date of search was 14 April 2023.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised clinical trials assessing beneficial or harmful effects of microwave coagulation and its comparators in people with liver metastases, irrespective of the location of the primary tumour. We included trials no matter the outcomes reported.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We followed standard Cochrane methodological procedures. Our primary outcomes were: all-cause mortality at the last follow-up and time to mortality; health-related quality of life (HRQoL); and any adverse events or complications. Our secondary outcomes were: cancer mortality; disease-free survival; failure to clear liver metastases; recurrence of liver metastases; time to progression of liver metastases; and tumour response measures. We used risk ratios (RR) and hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to present the results. Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 1 tool. We used GRADE methodology to assess the certainty of the evidence.
MAIN RESULTS
Three randomised clinical trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The control interventions differed in the three trials; therefore, meta-analyses were not possible. The trials were at high risk of bias. The certainty of evidence of the assessed outcomes in the three comparisons was very low. Data on our prespecified outcomes were either missing or not reported. Microwave coagulation plus conventional transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) versus conventional TACE alone One trial, conducted in China, randomised 50 participants (mean age 60 years, 76% males) with liver metastases from various primary sites. Authors reported that the follow-up period was at least one month. The trial reported adverse events or complications in the experimental group only and for tumour response measures. There were no dropouts in the trial. The trial did not report on any other outcomes. Microwave ablation versus conventional surgery One trial, conducted in Japan, randomised 40 participants (mean age 61 years, 53% males) with multiple liver metastases of colorectal cancer. Ten participants were excluded after randomisation (six from the experimental and four from the control group); thus, the trial analyses included 30 participants. Follow-up was three years. The reported number of deaths from all causes was 9/14 included participants in the microwave group versus 12/16 included participants in the conventional surgery group. The mean overall survival was 27 months in the microwave ablation and 25 months in the conventional surgery group. The three-year overall survival was 14% with microwave ablation and 23% with conventional surgery, resulting in an HR of 0.91 (95% CI 0.39 to 2.15). The reported frequency of adverse events or complications was comparable between the two groups, except for the required blood transfusion, which was more common in the conventional surgery group. There was no intervention-related mortality. Disease-free survival was 11.3 months in the microwave ablationgroup and 13.3 months in the conventional surgery group. The trial did not report on HRQoL. Microwave ablation versus radiofrequency ablation One trial, conducted in Germany, randomised 50 participants (mean age 62.8 years, 46% males) who were followed for 24 months. Two-year mortality showed an RR of 0.62 (95% CI 0.26 to 1.47). The trial reported that, by two years, 76.9% of participants in the microwave ablationgroup and 62.5% of participants in the radiofrequency ablation group survived (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.73). The trial reported no deaths or major complications during the procedures in either group. There were two minor complications only in the radiofrequency ablation group (RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.01 to 3.67). The trial reported technical efficacy in 100% of procedures in both groups. Distant recurrence was reported for 10 participants in the microwave ablation group and nine participants in the radiofrequency ablation group (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.50 to 2.08). No participant in the microwave ablation group demonstrated local progression at 12 months, while that occurred in two participants in the radiofrequency ablation group (RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.01 to 3.67). The trial did not report on HRQoL. One trial reported partial support by Medicor (MMS Medicor Medical Supplies GmbH, Kerpen, Germany) for statistical analysis. The remaining two trials did not provide information on funding. We identified four ongoing trials.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of microwave ablation in addition to conventional TACE compared with conventional TACE alone on adverse events or complications. We do not know if microwave ablation compared with conventional surgery may have little to no effect on all-cause mortality. We do not know the effect of microwave ablation compared with radiofrequency ablation on all-cause mortality and adverse events or complications either. Data on all-cause mortality and time to mortality, HRQoL, adverse events or complications, cancer mortality, disease-free survival, failure to clear liver metastases, recurrence of liver metastases, time to progression of liver metastases, and tumour response measures were either insufficient or were lacking. In light of the current inconclusive evidence and the substantial gaps in data, the pursuit of additional good-quality, large randomised clinical trials is not only justified but also essential to elucidate the efficacy and comparative benefits of microwave ablation in relation to various interventions for liver metastases. The current version of the review, in comparison to the previous one, incorporates two new trials in two additional microwave ablation comparisons: 1. in addition to conventional TACE versus conventional TACE alone and 2. versus radiofrequency ablation.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Female; Microwaves; Quality of Life; Liver Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic
PubMed: 38534000
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010163.pub3 -
Journal of Clinical and Experimental... 2019Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is usually a fatal malignancy with rising incidence globally. Surgical resection currently remains the only curative treatment.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is usually a fatal malignancy with rising incidence globally. Surgical resection currently remains the only curative treatment. However, as only a minority of iCCA is amenable to resection, new therapeutic modalities are needed. Our aims were to systematically review and perform a meta-analysis on the existing literature regarding the use of ablative therapies for iCCA and to assess their efficacy as a treatment modality by calculating pooled survival results and investigate associations between prognostic factors and survival.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of the PubMed database for relevant articles was performed. Studies assessing survival in patients with iCCA undergoing ablation were included. Data were extracted on patient, tumour and treatment characteristics and survival. Random effects meta-analysis was used to pool the data. Galbraith plots were used to investigate heterogeneity; bubble plots were formulated using regression-based meta-analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 10 studies were included in the final analysis, yielding an aggregate of 206 patients (69.5% males, median age: 51.2-72.5) and 320 tumours. Of all patients, 70.4% were recurrent cases of iCCA, and 29.6% were cases of primary iCCA. The median overall survival ranged from 8.7 to 52.4 months. Pooled 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 76% (95% confidence interval: 68-83%), 33% (21-44%) and 16% (7-26%), respectively. No significant association was found between the median age, number of tumours or median tumour size and 1-year survival.
CONCLUSIONS
Ablative therapies display promising potential as treatment modalities for iCCA. However, further research is necessary to validate these findings.
PubMed: 31889756
DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2019.08.001 -
Clinics and Research in Hepatology and... Aug 2023To study the efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) by meta-analysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To study the efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) by meta-analysis.
METHODS
PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI and the Cochrane Library were searched from the establishment to May 2023, and studies that report outcomes with comparison between MWA and RFA in CRLM treatment were selected by inclusion and exclusion criteria. Furthermore, the perioperative and survival data were statistically summarized and analyzed by Review Manager 5.4.
RESULTS
Five studies (MWA: 316 patients; RFA: 332 patients) were evaluated. The results of meta-analysis showed that local tumor progression in MWA group was significantly lower than that in RFA group (P < 0.05). The1-year and 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) of the MWA group was significantly better than that of the RFA group with HR of 1.77 (95% CI: 1.04-3.02; P = 0.04) and1.60 (95% CI: 1.09-2.35; P = 0.02), respectively.
CONCLUSION
The local tumor progression and 1-year and 2-year DFS of MWA were superior to RFA. The included articles were retrospective, offering low-quality evidence and limited conclusions.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Microwaves; Treatment Outcome; Radiofrequency Ablation; Liver Neoplasms; Colorectal Neoplasms; Catheter Ablation; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
PubMed: 37479137
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2023.102182 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2022Minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (MIPN) and focal therapy (FT) are popular trends for small renal masses (SRMs). However, there is currently no systematic...
BACKGROUND
Minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (MIPN) and focal therapy (FT) are popular trends for small renal masses (SRMs). However, there is currently no systematic comparison between MIPN and FT of SRMs. Therefore, we systematically study the perioperative, renal functional, and oncologic outcomes of MIPN and FT in SRMs.
METHODS
We have searched the Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed for articles between MIPN (robot-assisted partial nephrectomy and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy) and FT {radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), cryoablation (CA), irreversible electroporation, non-thermal [irreversible electroporation (IRE)] ablation, and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)}. We calculated pooled mean difference (MD), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) (CRD42021260787).
RESULTS
A total of 26 articles (n = 4,420) were included in the study. Compared with MIPN, the operating time (OP) of FT had significantly lower (SMD, -1.20; CI, -1.77 to -0.63; I = 97.6%, P < 0.0001), estimated blood loss (EBL) of FT had significantly less (SMD, -1.20; CI, -1.77 to -0.63; I = 97.6%, P < 0.0001), length of stay (LOS) had shorter (SMD, -0.90; CI, -1.26 to -0.53; I = 92.2%, P < 0.0001), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of FT was significantly lower decrease (SMD, -0.90; CI, -1.26 to -0.53; I = 92.2%, P < 0.0001). However, FT possessed lower risk in minor complications (Clavien 1-2) (OR, 0.69; CI, 0.45 to 1.07; I = 47%, P = 0.023) and overall complications (OR, 0.71; CI, 0.51 to 0.99; I = 49.2%, P = 0.008). Finally, there are no obvious difference between FT and MIPN in local recurrence, distant metastasis, and major complications (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
FT has more advantages in protecting kidney function, reducing bleeding, shortening operating time, and shortening the length of stay. There is no difference in local recurrence, distant metastasis, and major complications. For the minimally invasive era, we need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of all aspects to make comprehensive choices.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, identifier PROSPERO (CRD42021260787).
PubMed: 35692758
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.732714 -
International Journal of Hyperthermia :... 2020The present systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The present systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). The study authors systematically searched the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Ovid databases for studies published in English prior to 7October 2019. All studies included in the meta-analysis measured levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and phosphorus, and included data related to complications following MWA treatment for SHPT. The meta-analysis ultimately included 233 patients from two retrospective cohort studies and six retrospective self-control studies. Compared to PTH level measurements obtained after MWA, measurements obtained at one day (weighted mean differences (WMD): 890.314, 95% confidence interval (CI): 767.121-1013.506, < 0.01) , one week (WMD: 860.298, 95% CI: 759.401-961.194, < 0.01), one month (WMD: 800.846, 95% CI: 687.709-913.983, < 0.01) and six months (WMD: 860.847, 95% CI: 745.214-976.480, < 0.01) after MWA were significantly lower. Calcium and phosphorus levels at one day and one week after MWA were also significantly lower than those measured before MWA. After MWA, the incidence of nerve injury was 1.2% (3/233; effect size (ES): 0.022, 95% CI: -0.003-0.048, < 0.01). After MWA, the incidence of hypocalcemia was 15.8% (37/233; ES: 0.449, 95% CI: 0.341-0.556, < 0.01). The preliminary results of this meta-analysis indicate that MWA may be effective and safe in treating patients with SHPT, and that future prospective research and randomized controlled trials (RCT) are necessary.
Topics: Ablation Techniques; Female; Humans; Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary; Male; Middle Aged
PubMed: 32253954
DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2020.1744741 -
Anticancer Research Jul 2023Pulmonary metastases are the second most common site of metastasis in colorectal cancer after the liver, and microwave ablation (MWA) for its treatment has grown in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND/AIM
Pulmonary metastases are the second most common site of metastasis in colorectal cancer after the liver, and microwave ablation (MWA) for its treatment has grown in popularity in patients who are not suitable for pulmonary metastatectomy. However, its long-term efficacy remains unknown.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review was conducted in July 2022 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, using PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. Studies adopting MWA for colorectal cancer pulmonary metastases were included.
RESULTS
A total of 488 lesions were ablated in 230 patients across eight studies. The median duration of ablation was 10 minutes. The mean length of stay in hospital was 2.3 days. Complications included pneumothorax in 128 (52%) patients; pneumonia, which occurred in 4 (1.7%) patients, and pulmonary haemorrhage in 23 (10.0%) patients. Complete remission was achieved in 85 (37.0%) patients, local control was achieved in 103 (44.8%) patients, and residual or progressive disease remained in 85 (37.0%). Survival post ablation at 1 year was 89.2% and at 3 years was 40.3%. Post-ablation disease-free survival was 43.2% at 3 years.
CONCLUSION
MWA is an alternative treatment for pulmonary metastases of colorectal cancer. It has competitive theoretical properties and local recurrence rate compared to radiofrequency ablation.
Topics: Humans; Treatment Outcome; Microwaves; Catheter Ablation; Radiofrequency Ablation; Lung Neoplasms; Colorectal Neoplasms; Liver Neoplasms
PubMed: 37351979
DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.16461 -
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology Dec 2021This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the clinical effects and safety of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for the treatment of symptomatic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the clinical effects and safety of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for the treatment of symptomatic uterine myomas.
DATA SOURCES
We searched PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies from January 2000 to January 2021.
METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION
We included all studies that reported the clinical outcomes of ultrasound-guided MWA in women with symptomatic uterine myomas. Two researchers conducted the study selection according to the screening criteria.
TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS
We evaluated the risk of bias and evidence quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Two researchers independently extracted information from the included studies. We extracted the standardized mean difference (SMD) and pooled proportion with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for the outcome measures of interest. A total of 10 studies representing 671 patients were included. The Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life (UFS-QoL) questionnaire was used to assess the clinical effects. Compared with baseline, the UFS scores decreased significantly (SMD 3.37; 95% CI, 2.27-4.47; p <.001; reduction rate 65.9%), QoL scores increased significantly (SMD -3.12; 95% CI, -3.93 to -2.30; p <.001; rate of increase 72.0%), and hemoglobin concentration increased significantly (SMD -2.13; 95% CI, -3.44 to -0.81; p = .002; rate of increase 30.3%) at follow-up. The mean operation time was 34.48 minutes (95% CI, 22.82-46.13; p <.001). The rate of reduction in myoma volume after MWA was 85.3% (95% CI, 82.7%-88.0%, p <.001). No major adverse event was reported, and the incidence of minor adverse events was 21.1% (95% CI, 15.1%-27.0%, p <.001).
CONCLUSION
Ultrasound-guided MWA is an effective and safe minimally invasive therapy for symptomatic uterine myomas.
Topics: Female; Humans; Leiomyoma; Microwaves; Myoma; Quality of Life; Ultrasonography, Interventional
PubMed: 34197954
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2021.06.020 -
The Journal of Hospital Infection Nov 2020In pandemics such as COVID-19, shortages of personal protective equipment are common. One solution may be to decontaminate equipment such as facemasks for reuse.
BACKGROUND
In pandemics such as COVID-19, shortages of personal protective equipment are common. One solution may be to decontaminate equipment such as facemasks for reuse.
AIM
To collect and synthesize existing information on decontamination of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) using microwave and heat-based treatments, with special attention to impacts on mask function (aerosol penetration, airflow resistance), fit, and physical traits.
METHODS
A systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42020177036) of literature available from Medline, Embase, Global Health, and other sources was conducted. Records were screened independently by two reviewers, and data was extracted from studies that reported on effects of microwave- or heat-based decontamination on N95 FFR performance, fit, physical traits, and/or reductions in microbial load.
FINDINGS
Thirteen studies were included that used dry/moist microwave irradiation, heat, or autoclaving. All treatment types reduced pathogen load by a log reduction factor of at least three when applied for sufficient duration (>30 s microwave, >60 min dry heat), with most studies assessing viral pathogens. Mask function (aerosol penetration <5% and airflow resistance <25 mmHO) was preserved after all treatments except autoclaving. Fit was maintained for most N95 models, though all treatment types caused observable physical damage to at least one model.
CONCLUSIONS
Microwave irradiation and heat may be safe and effective viral decontamination options for N95 FFR reuse during critical shortages. The evidence does not support autoclaving or high-heat (>90°C) approaches. Physical degradation may be an issue for certain mask models, and more real-world evidence on fit is needed.
Topics: Coronavirus Infections; Decontamination; Equipment Reuse; Guidelines as Topic; Hot Temperature; Humans; Respiratory Protective Devices; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 32841704
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.08.016 -
European Journal of Gastroenterology &... Jun 2009This article reviews the therapeutic efficacy and complications of microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of primary and secondary liver malignancies. A PubMed search... (Review)
Review
This article reviews the therapeutic efficacy and complications of microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of primary and secondary liver malignancies. A PubMed search using keywords 'microwave', 'liver', 'malignancy', 'cancer' and 'tumour' was performed to identify articles related to MWA of liver malignancies published in English from 1975 to February 2008. MWA is an effective treatment options for both primary and secondary liver malignancies with survivals comparable with those of liver resections. Local recurrences can be managed with further ablation. Small tumour size, well-differentiated tumour and a reduced number of lesions are factors associated with good prognosis. Temporary occlusion of the portal venous and hepatic arterial flow may increase the size of ablation but the safety aspect requires further validation. MWA is a minimally invasive technique that has broadened the therapeutic option for patients with conventionally unresectable liver tumours with promising survival data. Future advances in the applicator design and treatment monitoring may further improve its efficacy and widen the indications.
Topics: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Diathermy; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Long-Term Care; Microwaves; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 19282763
DOI: 10.1097/MEG.0b013e328318ed04 -
Cardiovascular and Interventional... Aug 2018To assess safety and outcome of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) as compared to systemic chemotherapy and partial hepatectomy (PH) in the... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
Radiofrequency and Microwave Ablation Compared to Systemic Chemotherapy and to Partial Hepatectomy in the Treatment of Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
PURPOSE
To assess safety and outcome of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) as compared to systemic chemotherapy and partial hepatectomy (PH) in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched. Randomized trials and comparative observational studies with multivariate analysis and/or matching were included. Guidelines from National Guideline Clearinghouse and Guidelines International Network were assessed using the AGREE II instrument.
RESULTS
The search revealed 3530 records; 328 were selected for full-text review; 48 were included: 8 systematic reviews, 2 randomized studies, 26 comparative observational studies, 2 guideline-articles and 10 case series; in addition 13 guidelines were evaluated. Literature to assess the effectiveness of ablation was limited. RFA + systemic chemotherapy was superior to chemotherapy alone. PH was superior to RFA alone but not to RFA + PH or to MWA. Compared to PH, RFA showed fewer complications, MWA did not. Outcomes were subject to residual confounding since ablation was only employed for unresectable disease.
CONCLUSION
The results from the EORTC-CLOCC trial, the comparable survival for ablation + PH versus PH alone, the potential to induce long-term disease control and the low complication rate argue in favour of ablation over chemotherapy alone. Further randomized comparisons of ablation to current-day chemotherapy alone should therefore be considered unethical. Hence, the highest achievable level of evidence for unresectable CRLM seems reached. The apparent selection bias from previous studies and the superior safety profile mandate the setup of randomized controlled trials comparing ablation to surgery.
Topics: Ablation Techniques; Catheter Ablation; Colorectal Neoplasms; Female; Hepatectomy; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Microwaves; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29666906
DOI: 10.1007/s00270-018-1959-3