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Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics &... May 2024This systematic review study investigated the cost-effectiveness of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for treatment of various types of... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
This systematic review study investigated the cost-effectiveness of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for treatment of various types of cancers.
METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from 30 December 1990 to 1 January 2023. The entered studies were screened in accordance with the inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria encompassed all types of economic evaluation studies that investigated SRT/SRS technologies in the treatment of various cancers.
RESULTS
A total of 47 articles were included in the review. The findings suggest that the use of Linear accelerator technology for the treatment of lung cancer (8 out of 12 studies) and prostate cancer (4 out of 5 studies) was a cost-effective strategy. Linear accelerator was found to be cost-effective in the treatment of liver metastases and liver cancer (2 out of 5 studies). All of the included studies that used Gamma Knife technology in brain metastases reported Gamma-Knife was a cost-effective treatment. Furthermore, in the treatment of prostate and liver cancer, proton therapy was identified as a cost-effective option than other treatments.
CONCLUSIONS
This study confirms that SRT/SRS is a cost-effective procedure for the treatment of various types of cancers. Therefore, it is recommended to use SRT/SRS technology for optimal use of resources.
PubMed: 38738558
DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2024.2353727 -
Clinics and Research in Hepatology and... Jun 2024To evaluate the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan therapy as compared to conventional proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or no vonoprazan for non-erosive esophagitis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan therapy as compared to conventional proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or no vonoprazan for non-erosive esophagitis.
METHODS
A thorough search was conducted across databases. The primary outcome was to determine the mean variance in the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) score after vonoprazan treatment. Secondary outcomes comprised alterations in the scores for epigastric pain and post-prandial distress, the proportion of patients displaying improvement, and the occurrence of adverse events. Pooled mean differences and relative risks were determined utilizing random effects models.
RESULTS
A total of 1,944 articles were screened and nine of them were included. As compared to PPI or no vonoprazan therapy, vonoprazan treatment led to a significant reduction in the GERD score [mean difference: -3.88 (95 % CI: -5.48, -2.28), p < 0.01, i=95 %]. As compared to PPI or no vonoprazan therapy, vonoprazan treatment led to a significant reduction in the epigastric pain score [mean difference: -3.02 (95 % CI: -5.41, -0.63), p = 0.01, i=75 %] and post-prandial distress score [mean difference: -2.82 (95 % CI: -3.51, -2.12), p < 0.01, i=0 %] (all moderate GRADE evidence). Vonoprazan therapy was found to be safe.
CONCLUSION
Treatment with vonoprazan could significantly improve symptoms in patients with non-erosive esophagitis or non-erosive GERD.
Topics: Sulfonamides; Humans; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Pyrroles; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38719148
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2024.102373 -
Helicobacter 2024Current global variations exist in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication regimens. Triple therapy (TT), bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT), and high-dose dual...
Current global variations exist in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication regimens. Triple therapy (TT), bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT), and high-dose dual therapy (HDDT) currently represent the predominant regimens. These regimens diverge in terms of treatment duration, the utilization of susceptibility testing, acid-inhibiting drug administration, and patient education. We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review on these H. pylori treatment regimens. Our review aims to provide standardized treatment recommendations for H. pylori, reducing the risk of amalgamating findings from diverse eradication regimens. Recent research suggests that the optimal treatment duration for TT and BQT may be 14 and 10 days, respectively. Selecting the appropriate treatment duration for HDDT should rely on regional research evidence, and 14 days may be the optimal duration. The incorporation of susceptibility testing in TT is of paramount importance. In the case of BQT, the absence of susceptibility testing may be considered as an option, contingent upon cost and availability, and should be determined based on local antibiotic resistance patterns and the efficacy of empirical regimens. The type and dosage of acid-inhibiting drug would affect the efficacy of these regimens. Acid-inhibiting drugs should be selected and applied reasonably according to the population and therapies. Adequate patient education plays a pivotal role in the eradication of H. pylori. In regions with accessible local research evidence, the 10-day empirical BQT regimen may be considered a preferred choice for H. pylori eradication.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bismuth; Drug Therapy, Combination; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Proton Pump Inhibitors
PubMed: 38716864
DOI: 10.1111/hel.13048 -
Neurosurgical Focus May 2024In the treatment of skull base chordoma (SBC) surgery is considered the mainstay approach, and gross-total resection has an established relationship with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
In the treatment of skull base chordoma (SBC) surgery is considered the mainstay approach, and gross-total resection has an established relationship with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). However, the tumor's location often interferes with attempts at complete resection. In this case, surgery for maximal resection followed by high-dose radiotherapy has been demonstrated to be the standard treatment. In this context, various modalities are available, yet no consensus exists on the most effective. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different radiotherapy modalities for SBC.
METHODS
Following PRISMA guidelines, the authors systematically searched for the treatment of SBC with radiation modalities in the PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. Outcomes assessed for each modality were as follows: OS, PFS, local control (LC), and complications. The random-effects model was adopted. A single-proportion analysis with 95% CI was used to measure the effects in single-arm analysis. For the comparative analysis, the OR with 95% CI was used to compare outcome treatment effects. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics, and statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.
RESULTS
A total of 32 studies comprising 3663 patients, with 2322 patients who were treated with radiotherapeutic modalities, were included. Regarding 5-year OS findings in each modality study, the findings were as follows: in photon fractionated radiotherapy, an estimated rate of 77% (69%-84%, 568 patients); in conventional fractionated radiotherapy, 76% (65%-87%, 517 cases); in proton-based + carbon ion-based radiotherapy, 85% (82%-88%, 622 cases); and in a comparative analysis of proton-based and carbon ion-based therapy, there was an OR of 1.2 (95% CI 0.59-2.43, 306 cases). Regarding the 5-year PFS estimate, the rates were as follows: 35% (26%-45%, 95 cases) for photon fractionated therapy; 35% (25%-45%, 85 cases) for stereotactic radiotherapy; 77% (50%-100%, 180 cases) for proton-based and carbon ion-based radiotherapy; and 74% (45%-100%, 102 cases) for proton-based radiotherapy. Regarding LC in periods of 3 and 5 years after proton- and carbon ion-based therapy, the overall estimated rates were 84% (78%-90%, 326 cases) and 75% (65%-85%, 448 cases), respectively. For proton-based radiotherapy and carbon ion-based therapy, the 5-year LC rates were 76% (67%-86%, 259 cases) and 75% (59%-91%, 189 cases), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The analysis highlights the finding that particle-based modalities like proton beam radiotherapy and carbon ion radiotherapy are the most effective radiation therapies available for the treatment of SBC. Furthermore, it reinforces the idea that surgery followed by radiotherapy constitutes the standard treatment.
Topics: Humans; Skull Base Neoplasms; Chordoma; Treatment Outcome; Radiosurgery
PubMed: 38691862
DOI: 10.3171/2024.2.FOCUS2413 -
BMJ Open Apr 2024To compare the efficacy and safety of seven Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) combined with conventional triple/quadruple therapy (T/Q) for -positive peptic ulcers. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy and safety of seven Chinese patent medicines combined with conventional triple/quadruple therapy for -positive peptic ulcers: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the efficacy and safety of seven Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) combined with conventional triple/quadruple therapy (T/Q) for -positive peptic ulcers.
DESIGN
A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP database, Wanfang database, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and PubMed were searched through 1 June 2022.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) testing CPMs combined with T/Q for -positive peptic ulcers were included. The CPMs included Anweiyang capsule, Jianweiyuyang tablets/capsule/granule, Jinghuaweikang capsule, Kangfuxin liquid, Puyuanhewei capsule, Weifuchun tablets/capsule and Weisu granule. At least one of the following outcome indicators was recorded: complete ulcer healing rate (CUHR), effective rate (ER), eradication rate (ER), rate of peptic ulcer recurrence (RPUR) and incidence of adverse reactions (IAR).
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two researchers independently conducted the study selection and extracted data for included studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A pairwise meta-analysis was performed using RevMan V.5.3. Network meta-analysis was performed using STATA/MP V.15.0. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation.
RESULTS
A total of 36 RCTs involving 3620 patients were included. Compared with T/Q alone, Weisu+T/Q, Weifuchun+T/Q and Puyuanhewei+T/Q had the highest CUHR, ER and ER, respectively. Weisu+T/Q and Jianweiyuyang+T/Q had the lowest RPUR and IAR, respectively. The cluster analysis results showed Jianweiyuyang+T/Q might be the best choice concerning efficacy and safety simultaneously, followed by Kangfuxin+T/Q.
CONCLUSION
Among the combination therapies with the CPMs, Jianweiyuyang+T/Q might be the most favourable option for -positive peptic ulcers, followed by Kangfuxin+T/Q. Considering the limited quantity and quality of the included RCTs, the results should be interpreted with caution.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022327687.
Topics: Humans; Helicobacter Infections; Drug Therapy, Combination; Helicobacter pylori; Network Meta-Analysis; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Peptic Ulcer; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Anti-Ulcer Agents; Treatment Outcome; Nonprescription Drugs
PubMed: 38684278
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074188 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Radiotherapy, a primary treatment for malignant cancer, presents significant clinical challenges globally due to its associated adverse effects, especially with the...
BACKGROUND
Radiotherapy, a primary treatment for malignant cancer, presents significant clinical challenges globally due to its associated adverse effects, especially with the increased survival rates of cancer patients. Radiation induced heart disease (RIHD) significantly impacts the long-term survival and quality of life of cancer survivors as one of the most devastating consequences. Quite a few studies have been conducted on preclinical and clinical trials of RIHD, showing promising success to some extent. However, no researchers have performed a comprehensive bibliometric study so far.
OBJECTIVE
This study attempts to gain a deeper understanding of the focal points and patterns in RIHD research and to pinpoint prospective new research avenues using bibliometrics.
METHODS
The study group obtained related 1554 publications between 1990 and 2023 on the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) through a scientific search query. Visualization tools like CiteSpace and VOSviewer were utilized to realize the visual analysis of countries, authors, journals, references and keywords, identifying the hotspots and frontiers in this research field.
RESULTS
After collecting all the data, a total of 1554 documents were categorized and analyzed using the above tools. The annual number of publications in the field of RIHD shows a continuous growth trend. In 2013, there was a significant rise in the number of linked publications, with the majority of authors being from the USA, according to the statistics. Among all the journals, published the most relevant papers. Cluster analysis of the references showed that research on RIHD has focused on breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and Hodgkin's lymphoma (also among the three main clusters), preclinical research, childhood cancer, heart dose, coronary artery disease, etc, which are also hot topics in the field. High-frequency keywords in the analysis include risk factors, cancer types, heart disease, survival, trials, proton therapy (PT), etc.
CONCLUSION
Future research on RIHD will mostly focus on thoracic cancer, whose exact cause is yet unknown, with preclinical trials playing an important role. Preventing, consistently monitoring, promptly diagnosing, and timely treating are crucial to decreasing RIHD and extending the life expectancy of cancer survivors.
PubMed: 38655134
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1362673 -
Cureus Mar 2024As the global incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is on the rise, there is a need for better diagnostic criteria, better treatment options, early and... (Review)
Review
As the global incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is on the rise, there is a need for better diagnostic criteria, better treatment options, early and appropriate diagnosis, adequate care, and a multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients. This systematic review explores the role of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in IPF and answers the question, "Does proton pump inhibitor improve only the prognosis of gastroesophageal associated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or for other types of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis too?" We used PubMed (PMC) and Google Scholar for data collection for this systematic review and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for conducting this review. After in-depth literature screening and quality appraisal, 12 articles were selected for this systematic review. On the one hand, the efficacy of PPI therapy is supported by research such as the CAPACITY and ASCEND trials, a pilot randomized control trial (RCT) investigating the role of omeprazole in IPF and a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study, respectively. On the other hand, a systematic review and meta-analysis on antacid and antireflux surgery in IPF negate these results and show no statistical significance. Questions regarding the efficacy of PPI therapy must be dealt with in an adequately powered multicenter and double-blinded randomized control trial. The anti-inflammatory properties of antacids can serve as the cornerstone for future trials. In the following systematic review, antacid, antireflux therapy, omeprazole, and proton pump therapy are synonymous with stomach acid suppression therapy.
PubMed: 38606271
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55980 -
JAMA Oncology Jun 2024The treatment of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) has been informed by more than 5 decades of clinical trials and other relevant literature....
IMPORTANCE
The treatment of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) has been informed by more than 5 decades of clinical trials and other relevant literature. However, controversies remain regarding the application of various radiation and systemic therapies in commonly encountered clinical scenarios.
OBJECTIVE
To develop case-referenced consensus and evidence-based guidelines to inform clinical practice in unresectable LA-NSCLC.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
The American Radium Society (ARS) Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) Thoracic Committee guideline is an evidence-based consensus document assessing various clinical scenarios associated with LA-NSCLC. A systematic review of the literature with evidence ratings was conducted to inform the appropriateness of treatment recommendations by the ARS AUC Thoracic Committee for the management of unresectable LA-NSCLC.
FINDINGS
Treatment appropriateness of a variety of LA-NSCLC scenarios was assessed by a consensus-based modified Delphi approach using a range of 3 points to 9 points to denote consensus agreement. Committee recommendations were vetted by the ARS AUC Executive Committee and a 2-week public comment period before official approval and adoption. Standard of care management of good prognosis LA-NSCLC consists of combined concurrent radical (60-70 Gy) platinum-based chemoradiation followed by consolidation durvalumab immunotherapy (for patients without progression). Planning and delivery of locally advanced lung cancer radiotherapy usually should be performed using intensity-modulated radiotherapy techniques. A variety of palliative and radical fractionation schedules are available to treat patients with poor performance and/or pulmonary status. The salvage therapy for a local recurrence after successful primary management is complex and likely requires both multidisciplinary input and shared decision-making with the patient.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Evidence-based guidance on the management of various unresectable LA-NSCLC scenarios is provided by the ARS AUC to optimize multidisciplinary patient care for this challenging patient population.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Consensus; Societies, Medical; United States; Chemoradiotherapy
PubMed: 38602670
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2024.0294 -
Helicobacter 2024Helicobacter pylori infection and its associated diseases represent a significant global health concern. Patients who cannot use amoxicillin pose a therapeutic challenge... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Helicobacter pylori infection and its associated diseases represent a significant global health concern. Patients who cannot use amoxicillin pose a therapeutic challenge and necessitate alternative medications. Preliminary research indicates that cefuroxime demonstrates promising potential for eradicating H. pylori infection, and there is a lack of comprehensive review articles on the use of cefuroxime.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study conducts a thorough systematic literature review and synthesis. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine disc, and Wanfang Data up to January 13, 2024. The search strategy utilized the following keywords: (Cefuroxime) AND (Helicobacter pylori OR Helicobacter nemestrinae OR Campylobacter pylori OR Campylobacter pylori subsp. pylori OR Campylobacter pyloridis OR H. pylori OR Hp) for both English and Chinese language publications. Sixteen studies from five different countries or regions were included in final literature review.
RESULTS
Analysis results indicate that H. pylori is sensitive to cefuroxime, with resistance rates similar to amoxicillin being relatively low. Regimens containing cefuroxime have shown favorable eradication rates, which were comparable to those of the regimens containing amoxicillin. Regarding safety, the incidence of adverse reactions in cefuroxime-containing eradication regimens was comparable to that of amoxicillin-containing regimens or other bismuth quadruple regimens, with no significant increase in allergic reactions in penicillin-allergic patients. Regarding compliance, studies consistently report high compliance rates for regimens containing cefuroxime.
CONCLUSION
Cefuroxime can serve as an alternative to amoxicillin for the patients allergic to penicillin with satisfactory efficacies, safety, and compliance.
Topics: Humans; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Cefuroxime; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Therapy, Combination; Amoxicillin; Bismuth; Penicillins; Treatment Outcome; Proton Pump Inhibitors
PubMed: 38601987
DOI: 10.1111/hel.13073 -
Frontiers in Radiology 2024The aim of this systematic review is to determine whether Deep Learning (DL) algorithms can provide a clinically feasible alternative to classic algorithms for synthetic...
The aim of this systematic review is to determine whether Deep Learning (DL) algorithms can provide a clinically feasible alternative to classic algorithms for synthetic Computer Tomography (sCT). The following categories are presented in this study: MR-based treatment planning and synthetic CT generation techniques. Generation of synthetic CT images based on Cone Beam CT images. Low-dose CT to High-dose CT generation. Attenuation correction for PET images. To perform appropriate database searches, we reviewed journal articles published between January 2018 and June 2023. Current methodology, study strategies, and results with relevant clinical applications were analyzed as we outlined the state-of-the-art of deep learning based approaches to inter-modality and intra-modality image synthesis. This was accomplished by contrasting the provided methodologies with traditional research approaches. The key contributions of each category were highlighted, specific challenges were identified, and accomplishments were summarized. As a final step, the statistics of all the cited works from various aspects were analyzed, which revealed that DL-based sCTs have achieved considerable popularity, while also showing the potential of this technology. In order to assess the clinical readiness of the presented methods, we examined the current status of DL-based sCT generation.
PubMed: 38601888
DOI: 10.3389/fradi.2024.1385742