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Arthritis & Rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.) Oct 2023Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) are life-threatening systemic hyperinflammatory syndromes that can develop in most...
The 2022 EULAR/ACR Points to Consider at the Early Stages of Diagnosis and Management of Suspected Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (HLH/MAS).
OBJECTIVE
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) are life-threatening systemic hyperinflammatory syndromes that can develop in most inflammatory contexts. They can progress rapidly, and early identification and management are critical for preventing organ failure and mortality. This effort aimed to develop evidence-based and consensus-based points to consider to assist clinicians in optimising decision-making in the early stages of diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of HLH/MAS.
METHODS
A multinational, multidisciplinary task force of physician experts, including adult and paediatric rheumatologists, haematologist/oncologists, immunologists, infectious disease specialists, intensivists, allied healthcare professionals and patients/parents, formulated relevant research questions and conducted a systematic literature review (SLR). Delphi methodology, informed by SLR results and questionnaires of experts, was used to generate statements aimed at assisting early decision-making and optimising the initial care of patients with HLH/MAS.
RESULTS
The task force developed 6 overarching statements and 24 specific points to consider relevant to early recognition of HLH/MAS, diagnostic approaches, initial management and monitoring of HLH/MAS. Major themes included the simultaneous need for prompt syndrome recognition, systematic evaluation of underlying contributors, early intervention targeting both hyperinflammation and likely contributors, careful monitoring for progression/complications and expert multidisciplinary assistance.
CONCLUSION
These 2022 EULAR/American College of Rheumatology points to consider provide up-to-date guidance, based on the best available published data and expert opinion. They are meant to help guide the initial evaluation, management and monitoring of patients with HLH/MAS in order to halt disease progression and prevent life-threatening immunopathology.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic; Macrophage Activation Syndrome; Consensus; Physicians; Advisory Committees
PubMed: 37486733
DOI: 10.1002/art.42636 -
Seminars in Oncology Oct 2022Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in men. In patients undergoing a failure after radical treatment, one of the therapeutic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in men. In patients undergoing a failure after radical treatment, one of the therapeutic option is androgen deprivation: despite initial response rates, a progression to a state of castration resistance is observed in most of the patients. In the present article, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all clinical trials assessing treatment for nmCRPC with next-generation androgen receptor inhibitors. We performed a review and meta-analysis of phase III randomized controlled trials comparing new agents (apalutamide, enzalutamide, darolutamide) with placebo as control arm, in the setting of nmCRPC. Patients treated with next-generation ARIs had a 26% reduction in the risk of death compared with placebo; compared with other ARIs, darolutamide had the lowest rate of grade 3 and 4 AEs and the lowest therapy discontinuation rate due to any grade AEs. This meta-analysis shows that treatment with new ARIs is safe and significantly reduces the risk of death and of metastasis onset in nmCRPC patients. Under way studies on new biomarkers such as genomic classifiers will probably allow the stratification in more specific subsets of disease. New imaging modalities such as PSMA-PET have shown greater sensibility and specificity than conventional imaging in metastases detection. All patients were randomized in a 2:1 fashion, with a total of 2,694 who underwent next-generation ARIs (806 apalutamide, 955 darolutamide, 933 enzalutamide) and 1,423 in the placebo arm.
Topics: Male; Humans; Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant; Androgen Antagonists; Radiation Oncologists; Treatment Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36192243
DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2022.09.005 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2018This is the third update of a review that was originally published in the Cochrane Library in 2002, Issue 2. People with cancer, their families and carers have a high... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
This is the third update of a review that was originally published in the Cochrane Library in 2002, Issue 2. People with cancer, their families and carers have a high prevalence of psychological stress, which may be minimised by effective communication and support from their attending healthcare professionals (HCPs). Research suggests communication skills do not reliably improve with experience, therefore, considerable effort is dedicated to courses that may improve communication skills for HCPs involved in cancer care. A variety of communication skills training (CST) courses are in practice. We conducted this review to determine whether CST works and which types of CST, if any, are the most effective.
OBJECTIVES
To assess whether communication skills training is effective in changing behaviour of HCPs working in cancer care and in improving HCP well-being, patient health status and satisfaction.
SEARCH METHODS
For this update, we searched the following electronic databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2018, Issue 4), MEDLINE via Ovid, Embase via Ovid, PsycInfo and CINAHL up to May 2018. In addition, we searched the US National Library of Medicine Clinical Trial Registry and handsearched the reference lists of relevant articles and conference proceedings for additional studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The original review was a narrative review that included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled before-and-after studies. In updated versions, we limited our criteria to RCTs evaluating CST compared with no CST or other CST in HCPs working in cancer care. Primary outcomes were changes in HCP communication skills measured in interactions with real or simulated people with cancer or both, using objective scales. We excluded studies whose focus was communication skills in encounters related to informed consent for research.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trials and extracted data to a pre-designed data collection form. We pooled data using the random-effects method. For continuous data, we used standardised mean differences (SMDs).
MAIN RESULTS
We included 17 RCTs conducted mainly in outpatient settings. Eleven trials compared CST with no CST intervention; three trials compared the effect of a follow-up CST intervention after initial CST training; two trials compared the effect of CST and patient coaching; and one trial compared two types of CST. The types of CST courses evaluated in these trials were diverse. Study participants included oncologists, residents, other doctors, nurses and a mixed team of HCPs. Overall, 1240 HCPs participated (612 doctors including 151 residents, 532 nurses, and 96 mixed HCPs).Ten trials contributed data to the meta-analyses. HCPs in the intervention groups were more likely to use open questions in the post-intervention interviews than the control group (SMD 0.25, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.48; P = 0.03, I² = 62%; 5 studies, 796 participant interviews; very low-certainty evidence); more likely to show empathy towards their patients (SMD 0.18, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.32; P = 0.008, I² = 0%; 6 studies, 844 participant interviews; moderate-certainty evidence), and less likely to give facts only (SMD -0.26, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.01; P = 0.05, I² = 68%; 5 studies, 780 participant interviews; low-certainty evidence). Evidence suggesting no difference between CST and no CST on eliciting patient concerns and providing appropriate information was of a moderate-certainty. There was no evidence of differences in the other HCP communication skills, including clarifying and/or summarising information, and negotiation. Doctors and nurses did not perform differently for any HCP outcomes.There were no differences between the groups with regard to HCP 'burnout' (low-certainty evidence) nor with regard to patient satisfaction or patient perception of the HCPs communication skills (very low-certainty evidence). Out of the 17 included RCTs 15 were considered to be at a low risk of overall bias.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Various CST courses appear to be effective in improving HCP communication skills related to supportive skills and to help HCPs to be less likely to give facts only without individualising their responses to the patient's emotions or offering support. We were unable to determine whether the effects of CST are sustained over time, whether consolidation sessions are necessary, and which types of CST programs are most likely to work. We found no evidence to support a beneficial effect of CST on HCP 'burnout', the mental or physical health and satisfaction of people with cancer.
Topics: Anxiety; Caregivers; Communication; Empathy; Health Personnel; Humans; Medical Oncology; Neoplasms; Oncology Nursing; Professional-Patient Relations; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 30039853
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003751.pub4 -
The Oncologist Feb 2020The loss of muscle mass, known as sarcopenia, is a natural process of aging that is associated with adverse health outcomes regardless of age. Because cancer is a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The loss of muscle mass, known as sarcopenia, is a natural process of aging that is associated with adverse health outcomes regardless of age. Because cancer is a disease of aging, interest in sarcopenia and its potential impact in multiple cancer populations has increased significantly. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a guideline-accepted method for sarcopenia detection. This systematic review assesses the literature pertaining to BIA use in the detection of sarcopenia in adults with cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this systematic review, a search of the literature for randomized controlled trials and observational studies was conducted using MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and EMBASE, through July 15, 2019. The study is registered at Prospero (CRD 42019130707). For study inclusion, patients had to be aged 18 years or older and diagnosed with solid or hematological neoplasia, and BIA had to be used to detect sarcopenia.
RESULTS
Through our search strategy, 5,045 articles were identified, of which 24 studies were selected for inclusion in the review (total number of 3,607 patients). In five studies, BIA was rated comparable to axial computed tomography (CT) scan, calf circumference, or grip strength for sarcopenia screening. In 14 studies, BIA-identified sarcopenia was associated with adverse clinical outcomes.
CONCLUSION
BIA is an accurate method for detecting sarcopenia in adults with cancer prior to treatment and is a viable alternative to CT, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and magnetic resonance imaging in oncology clinical practice.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is an attractive method for identifying sarcopenic patients in clinical practice because it provides an affordable, noninvasive test that can be completed within a few minutes during a clinic visit. BIA does not require highly skilled personnel, and results are immediately available. This systematic review summarizes the literature pertaining to BIA assessment of sarcopenia in adults with cancer, with a focus on its use in diverse cancer populations.
Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Adult; Body Composition; Electric Impedance; Humans; Neoplasms; Sarcopenia
PubMed: 32043785
DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2019-0600 -
Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official... Jul 2013To update guidance for health care providers about fertility preservation for adults and children with cancer. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To update guidance for health care providers about fertility preservation for adults and children with cancer.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature published from March 2006 through January 2013 was completed using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Collaboration Library. An Update Panel reviewed the evidence and updated the recommendation language.
RESULTS
There were 222 new publications that met inclusion criteria. A majority were observational studies, cohort studies, and case series or reports, with few randomized clinical trials. After review of the new evidence, the Update Panel concluded that no major, substantive revisions to the 2006 American Society of Clinical Oncology recommendations were warranted, but clarifications were added.
RECOMMENDATIONS
As part of education and informed consent before cancer therapy, health care providers (including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, urologists, hematologists, pediatric oncologists, and surgeons) should address the possibility of infertility with patients treated during their reproductive years (or with parents or guardians of children) and be prepared to discuss fertility preservation options and/or to refer all potential patients to appropriate reproductive specialists. Although patients may be focused initially on their cancer diagnosis, the Update Panel encourages providers to advise patients regarding potential threats to fertility as early as possible in the treatment process so as to allow for the widest array of options for fertility preservation. The discussion should be documented. Sperm and embryo cryopreservation as well as oocyte cryopreservation are considered standard practice and are widely available. Other fertility preservation methods should be considered investigational and should be performed by providers with the necessary expertise.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Communication; Cryopreservation; Decision Making; Embryo, Mammalian; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Fertility; Health Services Accessibility; Healthcare Disparities; Humans; Infertility; Infertility, Female; Infertility, Male; Interdisciplinary Communication; Male; Neoplasms; Oocytes; Ovary; Patient Care Team; Patient Education as Topic; Referral and Consultation; United States
PubMed: 23715580
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2013.49.2678 -
Veterinary and Comparative Oncology Jun 2022The use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) has gained significant importance in veterinary cancer patients over the last decade. Toceranib phosphate has been licensed... (Review)
Review
The use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) has gained significant importance in veterinary cancer patients over the last decade. Toceranib phosphate has been licensed for the treatment of dogs with mast cell tumours. Its molecular similarity to sunitinib, a TKI used in human medicine, has led many veterinary oncologists to use this agent for multiple neoplastic diseases. The aim of the current study was to perform a systematic review of the evidence for the use of toceranib in dogs with non-mast cell neoplasia. Two electronic databases were searched. Publications were included if toceranib was used as a treatment option in canine patients. Studies and case reports were excluded if toceranib was used as part of a multi-modal treatment plan and response or outcome data related to toceranib therapy were not described. A total of 28 studies were included from 122 references. The most common types of neoplasias identified were neuroendocrine tumours, anal gland sac adenocarcinoma, and osteosarcoma. Multiple other neoplasias had one or two studies identified to describe the use of toceranib. Results of the study support that toceranib phosphate may have efficacy against certain types of neoplasia under certain conditions, such as neuroendocrine tumours, gastrointestinal stromal tumours and anal sac adenocarcinomas, while it is probably not effective for the management of metastatic osteosarcoma based on the findings of the review.
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Bone Neoplasms; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Humans; Indoles; Osteosarcoma; Pyrroles
PubMed: 34981886
DOI: 10.1111/vco.12799 -
Neurology Apr 2021To define the clinical characteristics, management, and outcome of neurologic immune-related adverse events (n-irAEs) of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
OBJECTIVE
To define the clinical characteristics, management, and outcome of neurologic immune-related adverse events (n-irAEs) of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
METHODS
Systematic review of the literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.
RESULTS
A total of 694 articles were identified. Two hundred fifty-six articles, with 428 individual patients, met the inclusion criteria. Reports regarding neuromuscular disorders (319/428, 75%) were more frequent than those on CNS disorders (109/428, 25%). The most common n-irAEs reports were myositis (136/428, 32%), Guillain-Barré syndrome and other peripheral neuropathies (94/428, 22%), myasthenic syndromes (58/428, 14%), encephalitis (56/428, 13%), cranial neuropathies (31/428, 7%), meningitis (13/428, 3%), CNS demyelinating diseases (8/428, 2%), and myelitis (7/428, 2%). Other CNS disorders were detected in 25/428 (6%) patients. Compared with the whole sample, myasthenic syndromes were significantly more Ab positive (33/56, 59%; < 0.001). Anti-programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 was more frequent in myasthenic syndromes (50/58, 86%; = 0.005) and less common in meningitis (2/13, 15%; < 0.001) and cranial neuropathies (13/31, 42%; = 0.005). Anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 ICIs were more frequent in meningitis (8/13, 62%; < 0.001) and less common in encephalitis (2/56, 4%; = 0.009) and myositis (12/136, 9%; = 0.01). Combination of different ICIs was more frequent in cranial neuropathies (12/31, 39%; = 0.005). Melanoma was more frequent in patients with peripheral neuropathies (64/94, 68%; = 0.003) and less common in encephalitis (19/56, 34%; = 0.001). The highest mortality rate was reached in myasthenic syndromes (28%).
CONCLUSION
Considering the increasing use of ICI therapy in the forthcoming future, this information can be valuable in assisting neurologists and oncologists in early n-irAEs diagnosis and treatment.
Topics: Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Nervous System Diseases
PubMed: 33653902
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000011795 -
Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official... Aug 2022To update evidence-based guideline recommendations to practicing oncologists and others on systemic therapy for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2...
PURPOSE
To update evidence-based guideline recommendations to practicing oncologists and others on systemic therapy for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive advanced breast cancer.
METHODS
An Expert Panel conducted a targeted systematic literature review (for both systemic treatment and CNS metastases) and identified 545 articles. Outcomes of interest included efficacy and safety.
RESULTS
Of the 545 publications identified and reviewed, 14 were identified to form the evidentiary basis for the guideline recommendations.
RECOMMENDATIONS
HER2-targeted therapy is recommended for patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer, except for those with clinical congestive heart failure or significantly compromised left ventricular ejection fraction, who should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and taxane for first-line treatment and trastuzumab deruxtecan for second-line treatment are recommended. In the third-line setting, clinicians should offer other HER2-targeted therapy combinations. There is a lack of head-to-head trials; therefore, there is insufficient evidence to recommend one regimen over another. The patient and the clinician should discuss differences in treatment schedule, route, toxicities, etc during the decision-making process. Options include regimens with tucatinib, trastuzumab emtansine, trastuzumab deruxtecan (if either not previously administered), neratinib, lapatinib, chemotherapy, margetuximab, hormonal therapy, and abemaciclib plus trastuzumab plus fulvestrant, and may offer pertuzumab if the patient has not previously received it. Optimal duration of chemotherapy is at least 4-6 months or until maximum response, depending on toxicity and in the absence of progression. HER2-targeted therapy can continue until time of progression or unacceptable toxicities. For patients with HER2-positive and estrogen receptor-positive or progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer, clinicians may recommend either standard first-line therapy or, for selected patients, endocrine therapy plus HER2-targeted therapy or endocrine therapy alone.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/breast-cancer-guidelines.
Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Receptor, ErbB-2; Stroke Volume; Trastuzumab; Ventricular Function, Left
PubMed: 35640077
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.22.00519 -
Psycho-oncology Nov 2017High mortality from cancer and rising patient numbers can trigger distress among oncologists because of a heavy and emotionally demanding workload. This systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
High mortality from cancer and rising patient numbers can trigger distress among oncologists because of a heavy and emotionally demanding workload. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses the prevalence of high levels of distress among oncologists.
METHODS
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol is registered at the PROSPERO international prospective register (ref. 2015:CRD42015016325). We categorised data items according to the following distress factors: burnout, psychiatric morbidity, stress, depression, disrupted sleep, stress-induced physical symptoms, and substance use. We meta-analysed the prevalence of burnout and psychiatric morbidity using random effects models with MetaXL software.
RESULTS
The meta-analyses showed that 32% of 4876 oncologists had high burnout (±CI 28%-36%) and 27% of 2384 had high psychiatric morbidity (±CI 23%-32%). Studies also showed that 42% to 69% feel stressed at work, >12% of oncologists screen positive for depression, many oncologists suffer from sleep deprivation, up to 30% drink alcohol in a problematic way, and up to 20% of junior oncologists use hypnotic drugs, and some frequently experience stress-induced complaints such as ulcers, gastric problems, headaches, and arrhythmia.
CONCLUSIONS
Occupational distress reduces career satisfaction, affects patient care, and increases the chances of oncologists switching to another area of medicine; therefore, future research should explore appropriate interventions.
Topics: Alcohol Drinking; Burnout, Professional; Depression; Female; Humans; Medical Oncology; Neoplasms; Oncologists; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Stress, Psychological; Workload
PubMed: 28116833
DOI: 10.1002/pon.4382 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Oct 2023Following compelling evidence that open techniques may be related to better survival and disease free survival rates, many gynecologic oncologists in the US have turned... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Following compelling evidence that open techniques may be related to better survival and disease free survival rates, many gynecologic oncologists in the US have turned away from performing laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) and robotic radical hysterectomy (RRH) for the treatment of early-stage cervical cancer. While this may be warranted as a safety concern, there is little high-quality data on the head-to-head comparison of LRH and RRH and therefore little evidence to answer the question of where this decrease in patient survival is originating from. In our systematic review, we aimed to compare the complications and outcomes of LRH against those of RRH.
DATA SOURCES
We searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Medline, ClinicalTrials.Gov, SCOPUS, and Web of Science from database inception until February 1st, 2022.
METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION
A total of 676 studies were identified and screened through a manual three-step process. Ultimately 33 studies were included in our final analysis. We included all studies that compared LRH and RRH and included at least one of our selected outcomes. We included retrospective cohorts, prospective cohorts, case-control, and randomized clinical trials.
TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS
Data was independently extracted manually by multiple observers and the analysis was performed using Review Manager Software. PRISMA guidelines were followed. We analyzed homogenous data using a fixed-effects model, while a random-effects model was used for heterogeneous outcomes. We found that following RRH, women had a decreased hospital stay (MD = 0.80[0.38,1.21],(P < 0.002). We found no differences in estimated blood loss (MD = 35.24[-0.40,70.89],(P = 0.05), blood transfusion rate ((OR = 1.32[0.86,2.02],(P = 0.20), rate of post-operative complications (OR = 0.84[0.60,1.17],(P = 0.30), the operative time (MD = 6.01[-4.64,16.66],(P = 0.27), number of resected lymph node (MD = -1.22[-3.28,0.84],(P = 0.25) intraoperative complications (OR = 0.78[0.51,1.19],(P = 0.25), five-year overall survival (OR = 1.37[0.51,3.69],(P = 0.53), lifetime disease free survival (OR = 0.89[0.59,1.32],(P = 0.55), intraoperative and postoperative mortality (within 30 days) (OR = 1.30[0.66,2.54],(P = 0.44), and recurrence (OR = 1.14[0.79,1.64],(P = 0.50).
CONCLUSIONS
RRH seems to result in the patient leaving the hospital sooner after surgery. We were unable to find any differences in our ten other outcomes related to complications or efficacy. These findings suggest that the decreased survival seen in minimally invasive RH in previous studies could be due to factors inherent to both LRH and RRH.
PROSPERO PROSPECTIVE REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022273727.
Topics: Female; Humans; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Hysterectomy; Laparoscopy
PubMed: 37690282
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.09.002