-
Minerva Obstetrics and Gynecology Aug 2022Krukenberg tumor (KT) is defined as a secondary neoplasm of the ovary. While ovarian metastases account for about 30% of ovarian tumors, KTs are rare, accounting for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Krukenberg tumor (KT) is defined as a secondary neoplasm of the ovary. While ovarian metastases account for about 30% of ovarian tumors, KTs are rare, accounting for about 1-2% of the total. The rarity of KT is at least in part responsible for the lack of a precise clinic-pathological characterization of these tumors. Clinically, KT may have a subtle clinical presentation, with few symptomatic manifestations and nonspecific clinical signs, even though in literature there is disagreement about the clinical presentation of these patients; such difficulties in the diagnostic framework often leads to a delayed diagnosis with serious consequences on the patient outcome. We aimed to provide a clinico-pathological characterization of Krukenberg Tumor (KT) through a systematic review and meta-analysis to improve the diagnosis and management of KT.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Electronic databases were searched for all studies assessing clinico-pathological features of KT series. Pooled prevalence of each clinical or pathological factor was calculated according to the random-effect model.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Forty-eight studies with 3025 KT patients were included; 39.7% of patients were ≥50 and 39.8% were postmenopausal. The most common primary tumor sites were stomach (42.5%), colon-rectum (26.1%), breast (9.3%), and appendix (5%); 48.7% of KTs were synchronous with the primary tumor, 64.3% were bilateral, 40.5% had a diameter ≥10 cm; 55.3% showed extraovarian extent and 49% showed peritoneal involvement. The most common presenting symptoms were ascites (51.7%), palpable mass (31.3%), pain (29.3%), abdominal distention (28.7%), irregular bleeding (9.1%), asymptomatic (11.2%).
CONCLUSIONS
KT shows a highly variable presentation. Understanding the prevalence of clinico-pathological factors may be helpful to improve the diagnosis and management of KT.
Topics: Female; Humans; Krukenberg Tumor; Ovarian Neoplasms
PubMed: 33944524
DOI: 10.23736/S2724-606X.21.04797-7 -
Integrative Cancer Therapies 2021Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs; leucine, isoleucine, and valine) are essential amino acids involved in immune responses, and may have roles in protein malnutrition... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs; leucine, isoleucine, and valine) are essential amino acids involved in immune responses, and may have roles in protein malnutrition and sarcopenia. Furthermore, certain liver diseases have been associated with a decreased Fischer's ratio (BCAAs to aromatic amino acids; phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan). We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BCAAs use in patients with cancer undergoing surgery.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched (inception to July 24, 2020) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative observational studies in English evaluating BCAAs (alone or in combinations) during the oncological peri-operative period. Study selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal were done in duplicate. RCT risk-of-bias was appraised using Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool, and observational studies' quality assessment was conducted with Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses were conducted when appropriate.
RESULTS
20 articles were included comprising 13 RCTs and 6 observational cohort studies in 7 reports and 2019 total participants overall. Among 13 RCTs, 77% involved liver cancer. Methodological study quality scored substantial risk-of-bias across most RCTs. Meta-analysis of RCTs found a 38% decreased risk of post-operative infections in BCAAs group compared to controls (RR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.44 to 0.87; = .006; number of RCTs, = 6; total sample size, N = 389; = 0%). BCAAs were also found to be beneficial for ascites (RR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.35 to 0.86; = .008; = 4; N = 296; = 0%), body weight (MD = 3.24 kg; 95% CI = 0.44 to 6.04; = .02; = 3; N = 196; = 24%), and hospitalization length (MD = -2.07 days; 95% CI = -3.97 to -0.17; = .03; = 5; N = 362; = 59%). No differences were found between BCAAs and controls for mortality, recurrence, other post-operative complications (liver failure, edema, pleural effusion), blood loss, quality of life, ammonia level, and prothrombin time. No serious adverse events were related to BCAAs; however, serious adverse events were reported due to intravenous catheters. No safety concerns from observational studies were identified.
CONCLUSIONS
Branched-chain amino acids during the oncological surgical period demonstrated promise in reducing important post-operative morbidity from infections and ascites compared to controls. Blinded, placebo-controlled confirmatory trials of higher methodological quality are warranted, especially using oral, short-term BCAAs-enriched supplements within the context of recent ERAS programs.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION
CRD42018086168.
Topics: Amino Acids, Branched-Chain; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Postoperative Complications; Quality of Life
PubMed: 33648360
DOI: 10.1177/1534735421997551 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Feb 2021The value of cytokines as epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) prognostic factors has been widely investigated. This study aimed to determine the role of single cytokine as a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
The value of cytokines as epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) prognostic factors has been widely investigated. This study aimed to determine the role of single cytokine as a biomarker prognosis in EOC.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting cytokine as the prognostic predictor in EOC based on PRISMA guideline. We included English articles investigating associations of preoperative cytokines level in tissue, blood or ascites with overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS) from PUBMED and EBSCO. Summary hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.
RESULTS
Fifty studies investigating twenty types of cytokines in tumor tissue, serum, and ascites from 5,376 patients were included. Pre-operative high VEGF level was associated with poor OS (HR 2.28, 95%CI [1.28, 3.28]) and DFS (HR 2.13, 95%CI [1.63, 2.78]) in serum and OS (HR 1.80, 95%CI [1.45, 2.23]) in tissue. IL-6 level in blood was associated with DFS (HR 1.60, 95%CI [1.21, 2.11]). There was no single cytokine which investigated by at least 2 studies reporting hazard ratio in ascites, so we did not conduct the meta-analysis. Other cytokines (serum IL-8; ascites fluid IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α; and ovarian tissue TGF-α, CSF-1, IL-10 ,TGF-β1, IL-17) associated with the poorer prognosis, could not be pooled due to lack of studies.
CONCLUSION
Pre-operative VEGF level in serum and tissue specimen seem to be the potential candidate of an unfavorable prognostic biomarker for EOC. The evidence was lacking to support the other cytokines investigated in blood, tissue and ascites as prognostic biomarkers for EOC.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial; Cytokines; Female; Humans; Prognosis
PubMed: 33639643
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.2.315 -
BMC Gastroenterology Feb 2021Disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) is a complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis in the neck and body of the pancreas often manifesting as persistent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS) is a complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis in the neck and body of the pancreas often manifesting as persistent pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) or external pancreatic fistula (EPF). This systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis aimed to review the definitions, clinical presentation, intervention, and outcomes for DPDS.
METHODS
The PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS databases were systematically searched until February 2020 using the PRISMA framework. A meta-analysis was performed to assess the success rates of endoscopic and surgical interventions for the treatment of DPDS. Success of DPDS treatment was defined as long-term resolution of symptoms without recurrence of PFC, EPF, or pancreatic ascites.
RESULTS
Thirty studies were included in the quantitative analysis comprising 1355 patients. Acute pancreatitis was the most common etiology (95.3%, 936/982), followed by chronic pancreatitis (3.1%, 30/982). DPDS commonly presented with PFC (83.2%, 948/1140) and EPF (13.4%, 153/1140). There was significant heterogeneity in the definition of DPDS in the literature. Weighted success rate of endoscopic transmural drainage (90.6%, 95%-CI 81.0-95.6%) was significantly higher than transpapillary drainage (58.5%, 95%-CI 36.7-77.4). Pairwise meta-analysis showed comparable success rates between endoscopic and surgical intervention, which were 82% (weighted 95%-CI 68.6-90.5) and 87.4% (95%-CI 81.2-91.8), respectively (P = 0.389).
CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopic transmural drainage was superior to transpapillary drainage for the management of DPDS. Endoscopic and surgical interventions had comparable success rates. The significant variability in the definitions and treatment strategies for DPDS warrant standardisation for further research.
Topics: Acute Disease; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; Drainage; Humans; Pancreatic Ducts; Pancreatic Pseudocyst; Pancreatitis; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33632128
DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-01663-2 -
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery Mar 2021
Topics: Albumins; Alpha-Globulins; Ascites; Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins; Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; Female; Heart Atria; Humans; Hydrocephalus; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma; Middle Aged; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary; Paracentesis; Postoperative Complications; Prealbumin; Reoperation; Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
PubMed: 33540175
DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106519 -
Gynecologic Oncology Feb 2021Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed in an advanced stage and is associated with a high mortality rate. It is assumed that early detection of ovarian cancer could improve...
Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed in an advanced stage and is associated with a high mortality rate. It is assumed that early detection of ovarian cancer could improve patient outcomes. Unfortunately, effective screening methods for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer are still lacking. Extracellular RNAs circulating in human biofluids can reliably be measured and are emerging as potential biomarkers in cancer. In this systematic review, we present 75 RNA biomarkers detectable in human biofluids that have been studied for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The majority of these markers are microRNAs identified using RT-qPCR or microarrays in blood-based fluids. A handful of studies used RNA-sequencing and explored alternative fluids, such as urine and ascites. Candidate RNA biomarkers that were more abundant in biofluids of ovarian cancer patients compared to controls in at least two independent studies include miR-21, the miR-200 family, miR-205, miR-10a and miR-346. Amongst the markers confirmed to be lower in at least two studies are miR-122, miR-193a, miR-223, miR-126 and miR-106b. While these biomarkers show promising diagnostic potential, further validation is required before implementation in routine clinical care. Challenges related to biomarker validation and reflections on future perspectives to accelerate progress in this field are discussed.
Topics: Ascitic Fluid; Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Humans; Liquid Biopsy; MicroRNAs; Ovarian Neoplasms; RNA-Seq
PubMed: 33257015
DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.11.018 -
Gynecologic Oncology Feb 2021Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with ovarian malignancy. There is no meta-analysis available on this topic so far.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with ovarian malignancy. There is no meta-analysis available on this topic so far. The aim of our study was to quantitatively synthesize the data from studies with respect to the incidence and risk factors for postoperative VTE among cases with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).
METHODS
PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for papers containing the key words "venous thromboembolism", "postoperative", "postoperation", "ovarian neoplasm", "ovary neoplasm", "ovarian cancer", "ovary cancer", and "cancer of ovary". Studies selection, data extraction, quality assessment of eligible studies were performed independently by our different reviewers. Meta-analyses were conducted to determine postoperative VTE incidence and risk factors in women with EOC. Sensitivity analysis were used to verify the robustness of the results of meta-analyses if necessary.
RESULTS
In total, 19 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled incidence for postoperative symptomatic VTE was 3% (95% CI, 0.03-0.04) and for postoperative symptomatic as well as asymptomatic VTE was 8% (95% CI, 0.07-0.09). The presence of history of VTE (OR, 2.37), advanced-stages (OR, 2.35), high complexity of surgery (OR, 2.20), clear cell carcinoma of ovary (OR, 2.53) and residual disease>1 cm (OR, 2.57) significantly increase the likelihood of having postoperative VTE. Other risk factors for postoperative VTE in EOC patients were BMI>30 (OR, 1.58), per 10-years increase in age (OR, 1.22), ASA score>2 (OR, 1.45), ascites (OR, 2.07), the diameter of residual disease is between 0 cm to 1 cm (OR, 2.06) and smoking history (OR, 1.54).
CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed that VTE, especially subclinical VTE, is a prevalent complication in postoperative patients with EOC. History of VTE, advanced FIGO stages, high complexity of surgery, obesity, older age, ascites, higher ASA score, smoking history and suboptimal debulking are associated with this increased incidence of postoperative VTE among patients with EOC. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020209662.
Topics: Ascites; Body Mass Index; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial; Cytoreduction Surgical Procedures; Female; Humans; Incidence; Neoplasm Staging; Neoplasm, Residual; Observational Studies as Topic; Ovarian Neoplasms; Ovary; Postoperative Complications; Risk Factors; Smoking; Venous Thromboembolism
PubMed: 33221022
DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.11.010 -
World Journal of Surgery Feb 2021Cirrhosis has been considered a contraindication to major abdominal surgeries, due to increased risk for postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cirrhosis has been considered a contraindication to major abdominal surgeries, due to increased risk for postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of pancreatectomy in cirrhotic versus non-cirrhotic patients.
METHODS
The present systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. All meta-analyses were performed using the random effects model.
RESULTS
Eight studies were eventually included, enrolling 1229 patients (cirrhotics: 722; and Child-Pugh A: 593; Child-Pugh B/C: 129) who underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer. The overall postoperative morbidity rate was 66% (51%-80%). Infections (26%) and ascites formation/worsening (23%) were the most common postoperative complications, followed by anastomotic leak/fistula (17%). Non-cirrhotic patients were less likely to suffer from anastomotic leak/fistula (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.23-0.65) and infections (OR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.25-0.67). Postoperative mortality rate was statistically significantly lower in non-cirrhotic versus cirrhotic patients (OR: 0.18; 95% CI:0.18-0.39). The odds ratios of 1 year (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.30-1.30), 2 year (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.25-1.83) and 3 year all-cause mortality (OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 20.03-2.99) were not significantly different between cirrhotic versus non-cirrhotic patients.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated that non-cirrhotic patients were less likely to undergo any type of re-intervention and had statistically significant lower postoperative mortality rates compared to patients with cirrhosis.
Topics: Esophagectomy; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Pancreatectomy; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Reoperation
PubMed: 33073316
DOI: 10.1007/s00268-020-05821-7 -
Life Sciences Jan 2021Traditionally, Ehrlich's tumor is used in experimental oncology to investigate the therapeutic capacity of different synthetic chemotherapeutic agents or to evaluate the...
Traditionally, Ehrlich's tumor is used in experimental oncology to investigate the therapeutic capacity of different synthetic chemotherapeutic agents or to evaluate the antitumoral activity of different substances of natural origin. However, the understanding of immune mechanisms during Ehrlich carcinogenesis is still limited. In this review, we seek to describe the immune response during Ehrlich's tumor growth, and natural response without the influence of pharmacological administration, immunotherapies or concomitant challenges. The study followed the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). A systematic review was carried out that included experimental trials with mice challenged with Ehrlich's tumor. The research was carried out in three databases including MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS). The searches resulted in 913 papers being found, of which 55 articles were considered eligible, and of these 55, 29 were selected for analysis. Findings indicate that there is an increase in the expression of M2 and T Helper (TH2) macrophages and of the cytokines IL-17, IL-1B, IL-6 and PGE in the ascitic form of Ehrlich. These phenotypic expressions are also found in ascitic neoplasms in humans. Ehrlich's solid tumor was characterized by increased expression of CD4, CD8, neutrophils and TNF-a, Foxp3 + and Qa-2 +, and these characteristics are analogous to human breasts cancers. It is our understanding that further studies are needed to assess the immune mechanisms in Ehrlich's tumor, since these findings can be used to improve cancer treatments that are analogous to Ehrlich's tumor.
Topics: Adaptive Immunity; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Ehrlich Tumor; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Immunity, Innate; Mice; Tumor Burden
PubMed: 33058910
DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118578 -
Medicine Sep 2020The prognostic significance of preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in ovarian cancer (OC) is uncertain, and this study is aimed to clarify the prognostic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The prognostic significance of preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in ovarian cancer (OC) is uncertain, and this study is aimed to clarify the prognostic significance.
METHODS
We used 4 common databases for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis, and eligible studies were included in the analysis. The association of preoperative PNI with overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed.
RESULTS
A total of 2050 patients with OC receiving the surgical treatment were analyzed in this study. Patients with low PNI tended to have a shorter OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.30-2.55, P < .01) and PFS (HR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.53-2.39, P < .01) compared with those with high PNI. Besides, low PNI was significantly associated with more advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage (P < .01), the occurrence of ascites (P < .01), larger residual tumor (P < .01), insensitive to chemotherapy (P < .01), and higher CA125 (P < .01) compared with high PNI in OC.
CONCLUSION
Low preoperative PNI is associated with shorter OS, shorter PFS, and worse clinicopathological parameters in OC. Low preoperative PNI is an unfavorable prognostic indicator of patients with OC.
Topics: CA-125 Antigen; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Membrane Proteins; Nutritional Status; Ovarian Neoplasms; Prognosis; Proportional Hazards Models
PubMed: 32957308
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000021840