-
Reviews in Medical Virology May 2024Serious adverse events following vaccination include medical complications that require hospitalisation. The live varicella vaccine that was approved by the Food and... (Review)
Review
Serious adverse events following vaccination include medical complications that require hospitalisation. The live varicella vaccine that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States in 1995 has an excellent safety record. Since the vaccine is a live virus, adverse events are more common in immunocompromised children who are vaccinated inadvertently. This review includes only serious adverse events in children considered to be immunocompetent. The serious adverse event called varicella vaccine meningitis was first reported in a hospitalised immunocompetent child in 2008. When we carried out a literature search, we found 15 cases of immunocompetent children and adolescents with varicella vaccine meningitis; the median age was 11 years. Eight of the children had received two varicella vaccinations. Most of the children also had a concomitant herpes zoster rash, although three did not. The children lived in the United States, Greece, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan. During our literature search, we found five additional cases of serious neurological events in immunocompetent children; these included 4 cases of progressive herpes zoster and one case of acute retinitis. Pulses of enteral corticosteroids as well as a lack of herpes simplex virus antibody may be risk factors for reactivation in immunocompetent children. All 20 children with adverse events were treated with acyclovir and recovered; 19 were hospitalised and one child was managed as an outpatient. Even though the number of neurological adverse events remains exceedingly low following varicella vaccination, we recommend documentation of those caused by the vaccine virus.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Male; Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Chickenpox; Chickenpox Vaccine; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Meningitis, Viral; Nervous System Diseases; Vaccination; Virus Activation
PubMed: 38658176
DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2538 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2024Few papers focus their attention on VZV vaccination effectiveness among people living with HIV (PLWH). Flanking the live attenuated vaccine (VZL) available, a newly... (Review)
Review
Few papers focus their attention on VZV vaccination effectiveness among people living with HIV (PLWH). Flanking the live attenuated vaccine (VZL) available, a newly recombinant vaccine (RZV) was recently introduced and approved for HZ prevention among adults. PLWH represents a population on which a particular attention should be applied, in order to guarantee the vaccine efficacy and safety. We performed a literature search in USNLM, PubMed, PubMed Central, PMC and Cochrane Library. From all the publications found eligible, data were extracted and processed per population, vaccine type, immunogenicity and ADRs. The review of the 13 included studies shows that both RZV and VZL are immunogenic and have an acceptable safety profile in adults and children living with HIV. However, given the lack of research available about vaccine efficacy in preventing VZV and HZ in PLWH, additional studies need to be performed, in order to achieve a full completeness of data.
Topics: Humans; Vaccines, Attenuated; HIV Infections; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Vaccines, Synthetic; Herpes Zoster; Vaccines, Inactivated; Immunogenicity, Vaccine; Vaccine Efficacy; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Adult; Child; Vaccination; Chickenpox Vaccine
PubMed: 38650460
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2341456 -
Oral Oncology May 2024Recurrent/Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (RM-NPC) remains difficult to treat and contributes to considerable mortality. The first-line treatment for RM-NPC is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Recurrent/Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (RM-NPC) remains difficult to treat and contributes to considerable mortality. The first-line treatment for RM-NPC is Gemcitabine and Cisplatin and second-line treatment options differ. The endemic variant of NPC is associated with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Therefore, Cell-based Immunotherapy (CBI) targeting EBV-specific RM-NPC may be effective.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library for randomised or observational studies investigating the efficacy and safety of CBI in the treatment of RM-NPC. We performed all meta-analyses using the random-effects model. Studies were further stratified by endemicity, nature of disease and drug type to investigate for potential between-study heterogeneity and additional pre-specified tests were employed to assess for publication bias.
RESULTS
We screened 1,671 studies and included 13 studies with 403 participants in the systematic review, of which nine studies were eligible for meta-analysis. The use of CBI monotherapy as second or subsequent line treatment for EBV-positive RM-NPC revealed an ORR of 10 % (95 %CI = 3 %-29 %), median PFS of 2.37 months (95 %CI = 1.23-3.51) and median OS of 10.16 months (95 %CI = 0.67-19.65). For EBV-specific Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte monotherapy, the pooled PD rate was 54 % (95 %CI = 9 %-93 %), SD rate was 22 % (95 %CI = 2 %-75 %) and incidence rate of any grade adverse events was 45 %. For Dendritic Cell monotherapy, a PD rate of 80 % (95 % CI = 29 %-98 %), SD rate of 11 % (95 % CI = 0 %-82 %) and incidence rate of any grade adverse events of 29 % was achieved.
CONCLUSION
CBI monotherapy demonstrates some activity in pre-treated RM-NPC. More trials are needed to better understand how to integrate CBI into RM-NPC care.
Topics: Humans; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Immunotherapy; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38615584
DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2024.106786 -
Journal of Viral Hepatitis Jul 2024The impact of concurrent fatty liver (FL) on response to antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients has not been well characterized. We aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The impact of concurrent fatty liver (FL) on response to antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients has not been well characterized. We aimed to systematically review and analyse antiviral treatment response in CHB patients with and without FL. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases from inception to 31 May 2023 for relevant studies. Biochemical response (BR), complete viral suppression (CVS) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion in CHB patients with FL (CHB-FL) and without FL (non-FL CHB) were compared. In an initial pool of 2101 citations, a total of 10 studies involving 2108 patients were included. After 12 weeks of treatment, CHB-FL patients as compared with non-FL CHB patients had lower BR rate (48.37% [108/227] vs. 72.98% [126/174], p = .04) but similar trend for CVS (36.86% [80/227] vs. 68.81% [114/174], p = .05) and similar rates of HBeAg seroconversion (6.59% [7/103] vs. 7.40% [7/110], p = .89). However, at week 48, there were no statistically significant differences between CHB-FL and non-FL CHB patients in any of the outcomes, including BR (60.03% [213/471] vs. 69.37% [314/717], p = .67), CVS (65.63% [459/746] vs. 73.81% [743/1132], p = .27) and HBeAg seroconversion (10.01% [30/275] vs. 14.06% [65/453], p = .58) with similar findings for week 96. BR rate was lower in CHB-FL patients after 12 weeks of antiviral treatment. However, after a longer follow-up of either 48 or 96 weeks, no statistically significant differences were observed in BR, CVS or HBeAg seroconversion rates between CHB patients with and without FL.
Topics: Humans; Hepatitis B, Chronic; Antiviral Agents; Hepatitis B e Antigens; Treatment Outcome; Fatty Liver; Seroconversion; Hepatitis B virus; DNA, Viral
PubMed: 38590002
DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13942 -
Reviews in Medical Virology May 2024Cytomegalovirus (CMV) belongs to the Herpesviridae family and is also known as human herpesvirus type 5. It is a common virus that usually doesn't cause any symptoms in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) belongs to the Herpesviridae family and is also known as human herpesvirus type 5. It is a common virus that usually doesn't cause any symptoms in healthy individuals. However, once infected, the virus remains in the host's body for life and can reactivate when the host's immune system weakens. This virus has been linked to several neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Autism spectrum disorder, Huntington's disease (HD), ataxia, Bell's palsy (BP), and brain tumours, which can cause a wide range of symptoms and challenges for those affected. CMV may influence inflammation, contribute to brain tissue damage, and elevate the risk of moderate-to-severe dementia. Multiple studies suggest a potential association between CMV and ataxia in various conditions, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, acute cerebellitis, etc. On the other hand, the evidence regarding CMV involvement in BP is conflicting, and also early indications of a link between CMV and HD were challenged by subsequent research disproving CMV's presence. This systematic review aims to comprehensively investigate any link between the pathogenesis of CMV and its potential role in neurological disorders and follows the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis checklist. Despite significant research into the potential links between CMV infection and various neurological disorders, the direct cause-effect relationship is not fully understood and several gaps in knowledge persist. Therefore, continued research is necessary to gain a better understanding of the role of CMV in neurological disorders and potential treatment avenues.
Topics: Humans; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Cytomegalovirus; Nervous System Diseases; Ataxia
PubMed: 38549138
DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2532 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Mar 2024Effective vaccines for the prevention of cervical cancers are available in India. The existing knowledge and attitude regarding the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Effective vaccines for the prevention of cervical cancers are available in India. The existing knowledge and attitude regarding the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine varies widely among available studies. Our study aimed to estimate pooled prevalence related to knowledge, attitude, and practice of HPV vaccination in India.
METHODOLOGY
We conducted systematic searches in PUBMED, EMBASE, CINHAL, PROQUEST, and Cochrane Library databases using database-specific search strategies. The random effects model was used for estimating the pooled proportion of knowledge, attitude, and practice. The outlier studies were identified using the Baujat test. Egger's regression test and funnel plots were used to identify publication bias.
RESULTS
Database-specific search strategies yielded 2,377 records from five databases. We identified 48 studies for full-text retrieval after screening titles and abstracts. Finally, 27 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of knowledge regarding HPV vaccines in India was 0.22 (CI;0.14-0.31, I2 =99.5%). The pooled prevalence of positive attitudes towards the uptake of HPV vaccines in India was 0.45 (CI;0.33-0.57, I2 =100%). The pooled prevalence of coverage of HPV vaccines in India was 0.04 (CI;0.02-0.07, I2 =96%). Significant publication bias was present for the studies' reported knowledge and coverage.
CONCLUSION
The knowledge, attitude, and coverage of the HPV vaccine were low in India. It suggests effective strategies to improve knowledge and attitudes towards HPV vaccination in India.
Topics: Female; Humans; Papillomavirus Infections; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Cross-Sectional Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vaccination; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Papillomavirus Vaccines; India; Human Papillomavirus Viruses
PubMed: 38546062
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.3.793 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024Elevated rates of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and anal cancer (AC) in populations like men who have sex... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Elevated rates of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and anal cancer (AC) in populations like men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV underscore the need for effective screening. While high-resolution anoscopy-guided biopsy is the gold standard, limited provider availability poses a challenge. This has spurred interest in identifying biomarkers for improved AC prevention. Antibodies against HPV16 oncoprotein E6, known as markers for cervical and oropharyngeal cancers, are the focus of the current study. The systematic review and meta-analysis included six studies meeting inclusion criteria, assessing HPV16 E6 seroprevalence in individuals with anal HSIL or AC. A two-step meta-analysis estimated pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for HPV16 E6 seroprevalence and HSIL or AC. Pooled prevalence, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios were also calculated. This meta-analysis revealed a 3.6-fold increased risk of HSIL for HPV16 E6 seropositive individuals, escalating to a 26.1-fold risk increase for AC. Pooled specificity and sensitivity indicated a high specificity (0.99; 95%CI: 0.99, 0.99) but lower sensitivity (0.19; 95%CI: 0.10, 0.34) for HPV16 E6 serostatus as an AC biomarker. In conclusion, while HPV16 E6 seroprevalence demonstrates specificity as a potential biomarker for HPV-related AC, its utility as a standalone screening tool may be limited. Instead, it could serve effectively as a confirmation test, particularly in high-risk populations, alongside other diagnostic methods. Further research is imperative to explore HPV16 E6 seroconversion dynamics and alternative screening algorithms.
Topics: Male; Humans; Homosexuality, Male; Human papillomavirus 16; Papillomavirus Infections; Early Detection of Cancer; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma in Situ; Anus Neoplasms; Papillomaviridae
PubMed: 38542409
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063437 -
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical... Mar 2024The clinical significance of tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) in gastric cancer (GC) was uncertain. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Analyzing the associations between tertiary lymphoid structures and postoperative prognosis, along with immunotherapy response in gastric cancer: findings from pooled cohort studies.
BACKGROUND
The clinical significance of tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) in gastric cancer (GC) was uncertain.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed in public databases for eligible studies as of April 2, 2023. Meta-analyses were performed to interrogate the associations between TLS levels and prognosis and immunotherapy response of GC. Bioinformatic analyses based on the nine-gene signature of TLS were further conducted to capture the biological underpinnings.
RESULTS
Eleven studies containing 4224 GC cases were enrolled in the meta-analysis. TLS levels positively correlated with smaller tumor size, earlier T stage and N stage. Moreover, higher TLS levels were detected in diffuse and mix subtypes of GC (P < 0.001). Higher TLS levels strongly predicted favorable postoperative overall survival of GC, with HR of 0.36 (95%CI 0.26-0.50, P < 0.001) and 0.55 (95%CI 0.45-0.68, P < 0.001) of univariate and multivariate Cox analysis, respectively. Higher TLS levels were also in favor of the treatment response of anti-PD-1 inhibitors as later-line therapy of GC. TLS levels positively correlated with immune effector cells infiltration, diversity and richness of T cell receptor and B cell receptor repertoire, immune checkpoint genes expression, and immune-related genes mutation of GC in the TCGA-STAD cohort, representing higher immunogenicity and immunoactivity. Moreover, moderate accuracy of TLS levels in predicting benefit from anti-PD-1 inhibitors in the PRJEB25780 cohort was also validated (AUC 0.758, 95%CI 0.583-0.933), higher than the microsatellite instability-score and Epstein-Barr virus status.
CONCLUSIONS
TLS levels demonstrated potential in predicting the postoperative prognosis and immunotherapy response of GC.
Topics: Humans; Cohort Studies; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Immunotherapy; Prognosis; Stomach Neoplasms; Tertiary Lymphoid Structures; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 38519621
DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05672-y -
JCO Global Oncology Mar 2024Head and neck cancer accounts for about one third of the global burden in India. Mucosal high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) has been hypothesized as a contributory... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Head and neck cancer accounts for about one third of the global burden in India. Mucosal high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) has been hypothesized as a contributory risk factor for head and neck cancer (HNC) but its prevalence in Indian patients is not well established. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of HPV in HNC in India and their attributable fraction by considering the biomarkers of carcinogenesis, p16, and HPV mRNA.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was done in Medline via PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Cochrane to identify studies on HPV and HNC in the Indian population, published between January 1990 and October 2022. Fifty-four eligible studies were identified and relevant clinical information was collected. Meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of HPV DNA, p16INK4a, and mRNA percent positivity by random-effect logistic regression model using Metapreg, STATA 18.
RESULTS
Thirty-four high-quality studies were taken for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of HPV in HNC was 20% (95% CI, 12 to 32) with a high level of heterogeneity ( = 90.79%). The proportion of HPV in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC; 22% [95% CI, 13 to 34]) and laryngeal cancer (LC; 29% [95% CI, 17 to 46]) was higher than in oral cancer (OC; 16% [95% CI, 8 to 30]). The HPV-attributable fraction of OPC, considering the mRNA and p16 positivity, was 12.54% and 9.68%, respectively, almost similar to LC (11.6% and 9.57%), while it was much lower in OC (3.36% and 4%).
CONCLUSION
The HPV-attributable fraction is considerably lower for OC, suggesting a negligible causative role of HPV in OC. A significant proportion of OPC and LC are attributed to HPV; however, their exact causative role is unclear because of the presence of other known risk factors.
Topics: Humans; Human Papillomavirus Viruses; Papillomavirus Infections; DNA, Viral; Head and Neck Neoplasms; India; RNA, Messenger
PubMed: 38513185
DOI: 10.1200/GO.23.00464 -
Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical... Jun 2024We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening rate in cancer patients before systemic chemotherapy, aiming to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening rate in cancer patients before systemic chemotherapy, aiming to identify those needing antiviral prophylaxis for HBV reactivation.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar for relevant studies. The pooled screening rate was estimated using a random effects model. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on malignancy types, chemotherapy regimens, study period, and HBV endemic regions.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis included 29 studies from various endemic regions (19 low-endemic, three lower intermediate-endemic, and seven higher intermediate-endemic). These studies encompassed hematologic malignancies (n = 10), solid-organ tumors (n = 4), and combinations (n = 15). Seven studies used rituximab-containing regimens, four did not, and the remaining 11 did not specify chemotherapy regimens. The pooled screening rate was 57% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 46%-68%, I= 100%). Over time, screening rates improved from 37% (95%CI: 23%-53%) in 2006-2010 to 68% (54%-80%) in 2011-2015 and 69% (48%-84%) in 2016-2020. Screening rates were highest at 89% (74%-96%) in high endemic countries, followed by 60% (45-73%) in lower-intermediate and 49% (34-64%) in low-endemic countries. Patients with hematological malignancies had a higher screening rate than those with solid organ tumors, 65% (55%-74%) versus 37% (21%-57%), respectively. A screening rate was higher in patients receiving rituximab-containing chemotherapy than non-rituximab regimens, 68% (55%-79%) versus 45% (27%-65%).
CONCLUSION
Despite existing guidelines, pre-chemotherapy HBV screening rate remains unsatisfactory, with substantial heterogeneous rates globally. These findings underscore the need for effective strategies to align practices with clinical guidelines.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Hepatitis B; Mass Screening; Hepatitis B virus; Antineoplastic Agents
PubMed: 38512893
DOI: 10.1111/ajco.14055