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Health Technology Assessment... Dec 2023A wide range of ablative and non-surgical therapies are available for treating small hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with very early or early-stage disease and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
A wide range of ablative and non-surgical therapies are available for treating small hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with very early or early-stage disease and preserved liver function.
OBJECTIVE
To review and compare the effectiveness of all current ablative and non-surgical therapies for patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (≤ 3 cm).
DESIGN
Systematic review and network meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Nine databases (March 2021), two trial registries (April 2021) and reference lists of relevant systematic reviews.
REVIEW METHODS
Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials of ablative and non-surgical therapies, versus any comparator, for small hepatocellular carcinoma. Randomised controlled trials were quality assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and mapped. The comparative effectiveness of therapies was assessed using network meta-analysis. A threshold analysis was used to identify which comparisons were sensitive to potential changes in the evidence. Where comparisons based on randomised controlled trial evidence were not robust or no randomised controlled trials were identified, a targeted systematic review of non-randomised, prospective comparative studies provided additional data for repeat network meta-analysis and threshold analysis. The feasibility of undertaking economic modelling was explored. A workshop with patients and clinicians was held to discuss the findings and identify key priorities for future research.
RESULTS
Thirty-seven randomised controlled trials (with over 3700 relevant patients) were included in the review. The majority were conducted in China or Japan and most had a high risk of bias or some risk of bias concerns. The results of the network meta-analysis were uncertain for most comparisons. There was evidence that percutaneous ethanol injection is inferior to radiofrequency ablation for overall survival (hazard ratio 1.45, 95% credible interval 1.16 to 1.82), progression-free survival (hazard ratio 1.36, 95% credible interval 1.11 to 1.67), overall recurrence (relative risk 1.19, 95% credible interval 1.02 to 1.39) and local recurrence (relative risk 1.80, 95% credible interval 1.19 to 2.71). Percutaneous acid injection was also inferior to radiofrequency ablation for progression-free survival (hazard ratio 1.63, 95% credible interval 1.05 to 2.51). Threshold analysis showed that further evidence could plausibly change the result for some comparisons. Fourteen eligible non-randomised studies were identified ( ≥ 2316); twelve had a high risk of bias so were not included in updated network meta-analyses. Additional non-randomised data, made available by a clinical advisor, were also included ( = 303). There remained a high level of uncertainty in treatment rankings after the network meta-analyses were updated. However, the updated analyses suggested that microwave ablation and resection are superior to percutaneous ethanol injection and percutaneous acid injection for some outcomes. Further research on stereotactic ablative radiotherapy was recommended at the workshop, although it is only appropriate for certain patient subgroups, limiting opportunities for adequately powered trials.
LIMITATIONS
Many studies were small and of poor quality. No comparative studies were found for some therapies.
CONCLUSIONS
The existing evidence base has limitations; the uptake of specific ablative therapies in the United Kingdom appears to be based more on technological advancements and ease of use than strong evidence of clinical effectiveness. However, there is evidence that percutaneous ethanol injection and percutaneous acid injection are inferior to radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation and resection.
STUDY REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42020221357.
FUNDING
This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR131224) and is published in full in ; Vol. 27, No. 29. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Ethanol; Liver Neoplasms; Network Meta-Analysis; Prospective Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Ablation Techniques
PubMed: 38149643
DOI: 10.3310/GK5221 -
Academic Radiology Apr 2024The rate of complications and risk of local recurrence following percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) for liver tumors varies... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES
The rate of complications and risk of local recurrence following percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) for liver tumors varies significantly between investigations. This meta-analysis aimed to assess complication rates and risk of local recurrence after percutaneous RFA and MWA.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Google Scholar, and CINAHL were systematically searched from database inception until August 2022 to retrieve articles reporting the complication rates and risk of recurrence after percutaneous RFA and MWA for the treatment of liver tumors. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated and displayed by forest plots. To measure heterogeneity, Cochran Q and I statistics were also applied. Egger's test and funnel plots were also performed to assess any potential publication bias. Additionally, subgroup analysis was done to investigate the source of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
26 studies including 2026 and 1974 patients for RFA and MWA, respectively, were included. The rate of minor complications was significantly higher after MWA compared to RFA, yielding an overall OR of 0.688 (95% CI: 0.549-0.862, P = 0.001). Similarly, the rate of major complications was significantly higher after MWA than RFA (P = 0.012), yielding an overall OR of 0.639 (95% CI: 0.450-0.907). No significant difference was found between RFA and MWA in terms of local recurrence after ablation (P > 0.05). In addition, there was no statistical evidence of publication bias.
CONCLUSION
When most factors are considered equally, percutaneous RFA and MWA can be considered safe modalities for the treatment of liver tumors, with RFA superior in terms of the incidence of minor and major complications.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Microwaves; Treatment Outcome; Liver Neoplasms; Radiofrequency Ablation; Catheter Ablation; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38087720
DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2023.11.005 -
Cancers Dec 2023This systematic review aims to identify, evaluate, and summarize the findings of the literature on existing computational models for radiofrequency and microwave thermal... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This systematic review aims to identify, evaluate, and summarize the findings of the literature on existing computational models for radiofrequency and microwave thermal liver ablation planning and compare their accuracy.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed in the MEDLINE and Web of Science databases. Characteristics of the computational model and validation method of the included articles were retrieved.
RESULTS
The literature search identified 780 articles, of which 35 were included. A total of 19 articles focused on simulating radiofrequency ablation (RFA) zones, and 16 focused on microwave ablation (MWA) zones. Out of the 16 articles simulating MWA, only 2 used in vivo experiments to validate their simulations. Out of the 19 articles simulating RFA, 10 articles used in vivo validation. Dice similarity coefficients describing the overlap between in vivo experiments and simulated RFA zones varied between 0.418 and 0.728, with mean surface deviations varying between 1.1 mm and 8.67 mm.
CONCLUSION
Computational models to simulate ablation zones of MWA and RFA show considerable heterogeneity in model type and validation methods. It is currently unknown which model is most accurate and best suitable for use in clinical practice.
PubMed: 38067386
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15235684 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Surgical treatment is important for male lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) management, but there are few reviews of the risks of reoperation. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Surgical treatment is important for male lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) management, but there are few reviews of the risks of reoperation.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically evaluate the current evidence regarding the reoperation rates of surgical treatment for LUTS in accordance with current recommendations and guidelines.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Eligible studies published up to July 2023, were searched for in the PubMed (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA), Embase (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), and Web of Science™ (Clarivate™, Philadelphia, PA, USA) databases. STATA (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, USA) software was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled incidences (PIs) of reoperation and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
A total of 119 studies with 130,106 patients were included. The reoperation rate of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 4.0%, 5.0%, 6.0%, and 7.7%, respectively. The reoperation rate of plasma kinetic loop resection of the prostate (PKRP) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 3.5%, 3.6%, 5.7%, and 6.6%, respectively. The reoperation rate of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 2.4%, 3.3%, 5.4%, and 6.6%, respectively. The reoperation rate of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 3.3%, 4.1%, 6.7%, and 7.1%, respectively. The reoperation rate of surgery with AquaBeam at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 2.6%, 3.1%, 3.0%, and 4.1%, respectively. The reoperation rate of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 12.2%, 20.0%, 26.4%, and 23.8%, respectively. The reoperation rate of transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years was 9.9%, 19.9%, 23.3%, and 31.2%, respectively. The reoperation rate of transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) at 5 years was 13.4%. The reoperation rate of open prostatectomy (OP) at 1 and 5 years was 1.3% and 4.4%, respectively. The reoperation rate of thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) at 1, 2, and 5 years was 3.7%, 7.7%, and 8.4%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Our results summarized the reoperation rates of 10 surgical procedures over follow-up durations of 1, 2, 3, and 5 years, which could provide reference for urologists and LUTS patients.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023445780.
Topics: United States; Humans; Male; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Transurethral Resection of Prostate; Prostate; Reoperation; Embolization, Therapeutic; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
PubMed: 38027158
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1287212 -
Surgical Endoscopy Dec 2023Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) represent the liver's two most common malignant neoplasms. Liver-directed therapies such as...
SAGES/AHPBA guidelines for the use of microwave and radiofrequency liver ablation for the surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma or colorectal liver metastases less than 5 cm.
BACKGROUND
Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) represent the liver's two most common malignant neoplasms. Liver-directed therapies such as ablation have become part of multidisciplinary therapies despite a paucity of data. Therefore, an expert panel was convened to develop evidence-based recommendations regarding the use of microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for HCC or CRLM less than 5 cm in diameter in patients ineligible for other therapies.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted for six key questions (KQ) regarding MWA or RFA for solitary liver tumors in patients deemed poor candidates for first-line therapy. Subject experts used the GRADE methodology to formulate evidence-based recommendations and future research recommendations.
RESULTS
The panel addressed six KQs pertaining to MWA vs. RFA outcomes and laparoscopic vs. percutaneous MWA. The available evidence was poor quality and individual studies included both HCC and CRLM. Therefore, the six KQs were condensed into two, recognizing that these were two disparate tumor groups and this grouping was somewhat arbitrary. With this significant limitation, the panel suggested that in appropriately selected patients, either MWA or RFA can be safe and feasible. However, this recommendation must be implemented cautiously when simultaneously considering patients with two disparate tumor biologies. The limited data suggested that laparoscopic MWA of anatomically more difficult tumors has a compensatory higher morbidity profile compared to percutaneous MWA, while achieving similar overall 1-year survival. Thus, either approach can be appropriate depending on patient-specific factors (very low certainty of evidence).
CONCLUSION
Given the weak evidence, these guidelines provide modest guidance regarding liver ablative therapies for HCC and CRLM. Liver ablation is just one component of a multimodal approach and its use is currently limited to a highly selected population. The quality of the existing data is very low and therefore limits the strength of the guidelines.
Topics: Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Microwaves; Catheter Ablation; Treatment Outcome; Radiofrequency Ablation; Colorectal Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37957297
DOI: 10.1007/s00464-023-10468-1 -
Cancer Medicine Nov 2023Non-surgical therapies are frequently used for patients with early or very early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this systematic review and network... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Non-surgical therapies are frequently used for patients with early or very early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of ablative and non-surgical therapies for patients with small HCC.
METHODS
Nine databases were searched (March 2021) along with clinical trial registries. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of any ablative or non-surgical therapy versus any comparator in patients with HCC ≤3 cm were eligible. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. The effectiveness of therapies was compared using NMA. Threshold analysis was undertaken to identify which NMA results had less robust evidence.
RESULTS
Thirty-seven eligible RCTs were included (including over 3700 patients). Most were from China (n = 17) or Japan (n = 7). Sample sizes ranged from 30 to 308 patients. The majority had a high RoB or some RoB concerns. No RCTs were identified for some therapies and no RCTs reported quality of life outcomes. The results of the NMA and treatment effectiveness rankings were very uncertain. However, the evidence demonstrated that percutaneous ethanol injection was worse than radiofrequency ablation for overall survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.45, 95% credible interval [CrI]: 1.16-1.82), progression-free survival (HR: 1.36, 95% CrI: 1.11-1.67), overall recurrence (relative risk [RR]: 1.19, 95% CrI: 1.02-1.39) and local recurrence (RR: 1.80, 95% CrI: 1.19-2.71). The threshold analysis suggested that robust evidence was lacking for some comparisons.
CONCLUSIONS
It is unclear which treatment is most effective for patients with small HCC because of limitations in the evidence base. It is also not known how these treatments would impact on quality of life. Further high quality RCTs are needed to provide robust evidence but may be difficult to undertake.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Network Meta-Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Liver Neoplasms; China; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37902128
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6643 -
Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and... Oct 2023Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF) is a locally aggressive tumor characterized by peripheral infiltration of neoplastic cells and remote metastasis disability. This...
BACKGROUND
Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF) is a locally aggressive tumor characterized by peripheral infiltration of neoplastic cells and remote metastasis disability. This systematic review examined the efficacy and safety of thermal ablative therapy for DF tumors.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase from January 1, 2000, to November 12, 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was used to guide literature selection. The inclusion criteria were the following: (I) the patients were diagnosed with aggressive fibromatosis pathologically, (II) the patients were treated by thermal ablations, and (III) a focus on treatment efficacy and safety. Meanwhile, the exclusion criteria were the following: (I) cohorts of patients with hypertrophic scar, Gardner fibroma, or nodular fasciitis; (II) conference abstracts, reviews, case reports, letters to editors, comments, or editorials; (III) number of patients <5; (IV) or animal experiments; and (V) non-English language articles. The inverse variance method with a random effects model was used to obtain the pooled data. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify treatment factors. Egger test was conducted to assess the risk of publication bias.
RESULTS
After literature selection, 694 DF tumors were identified in 23 studies. In terms of modality, 13 studies used cryoablation, 9 studies used high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and 1 study used microwave ablation (MWA). The pooled symptom relief rate was 90% [95% confidence interval (CI): 80-97%], with that for HIFU being 100% (95% CI: 85-100%), that for cryoablation being 87% (95% CI: 74-97%), and that MWA being 89% (95% CI). The pooled major complication rate was 3% (95% CI: 1-7%), and that for each modality was as follows: HIFU =2% (95% CI: 0-6%), cryoablation =4% (95% CI: 1-8%), MWA =11%, ultrasound =6% (95% CI: 1-13%), computed tomography (CT) =2% (95% CI: 0-7%), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) =3% (95% CI: 0-14%). The pooled nonperfused volume rate (NPVR) was 76% (95% CI: 71-81%), and that for each modality was as follows: HIFU =77% (95% CI: 71-85%), cryoablation =74% (95% CI: 69-79%), ultrasound =75% (95% CI: 67-83%), CT =76% (95% CI: 67-87%), and MRI =78% (95% CI: 70-87%). The pooled local control rate was 88% (95% CI: 79-94%) and that for each modality was as follows: HIFU =99% (95% CI: 96-100%), cryoablation =80% (95% CI: 68-90%), and MWA =78%. The differences in major complication rate (P=0.77) and NPVR between imaging-guided modalities (P=0.40) were not significant, nor were the differences in symptom relief rate (P=0.32) and major complication rate (P=0.61) between ablative techniques; however, the differences in local control rate (P=0.01) were significant between ablative techniques.
CONCLUSIONS
Imaging-guided thermal ablative therapies contribute to symptom relief with a duration of more than 6 months and a low major complication rate of DF tumors.
PubMed: 37869315
DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-289 -
Journal of Endourology Dec 2023Percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) has emerged as a new energy modality for percutaneous renal tumor ablation with potential advantages over radiofrequency and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) has emerged as a new energy modality for percutaneous renal tumor ablation with potential advantages over radiofrequency and cryoablation. The goal of our study was to determine MWA outcomes for suspicious renal masses, with a subset analysis for biopsy-proven renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and larger (T1b) tumors. Studies reporting outcomes of MWA for RCC were identified. Random-effects models with inverse-variance weighting were used to pool outcomes, including technical success rate (TSR), technical efficacy rate (TER), local recurrence rate (LRR), cancer-specific survival rate (CSSR), overall survival rate (OSR), and complications. Among 914 studies captured, 27 studies with 1584 patients (1683 malignant renal tumors) were included. The pooled TSR and TER were 99.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 98.0%-100%) and 96.2% (95% CI, 93.8%-98.2%). The pooled LRR was 3.2% (95% CI, 1.9%-4.7%). At 1, 3, and 5 years, the pooled CSSRs were 100% (95% CI, 99.4%-100%), 100% (95% CI, 98.4%-100%), and 97.7% (95% CI, 94.5%-99.7%), while pooled OSRs were 99.0% (95% CI, 97.5%-99.9%), 96.0% (95% CI, 93.1%-98.3%), and 88.1% (95% CI, 80.3%-94.2%). The pooled minor and major complication rates were 10.3% (95% CI, 7.1%-13.9%) and 1.0% (95% CI, 0.3%-2.1%). In 204 patients with 208 T1b tumors, the pooled TSR and TER were 100% (95% CI, 96.6%-100%) and 85.2% (95% CI, 71.0%-95.8%). The pooled LRR was 4.2% (95% CI, 0.9%-8.9%). At 1, 3, and 5 years, the pooled CSSRs were 98.2% (95% CI, 88.7%-100%), 97.2% (95% CI, 78.5%-100%), and 98.1% (95% CI, 72.3%-100%). At 1 and 3 years, the pooled OSRs were 94.3% (95% CI, 85.7%-99.6%) and 89.3% (95% CI, 68.7%-100%). The pooled minor and major complication rates were 14.8% (95% CI, 7.4%-23.8%) and 2.6% (95% CI, 0%-7.8%). MWA demonstrated favorable short- to intermediate-term oncologic outcomes with low complication rates, including in the T1b subset, with moderate quality of data and heterogeneity of assessed outcomes. This supports MWA as a safe and effective treatment for RCC and a potential viable option for larger tumors.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; Microwaves; Retrospective Studies; Kidney Neoplasms; Kidney; Treatment Outcome; Catheter Ablation
PubMed: 37819699
DOI: 10.1089/end.2023.0342 -
VASA. Zeitschrift Fur Gefasskrankheiten Nov 2023Insufficiency of the small saphenous vein causes 15% of varicose veins in the lower extremities. Endovenous ablation for the treatment of small saphenous vein varices... (Review)
Review
Insufficiency of the small saphenous vein causes 15% of varicose veins in the lower extremities. Endovenous ablation for the treatment of small saphenous vein varices has become a trend, and an increasing number of studies have reported the effects of different types of endovenous ablation in patients with small saphenous varicose veins. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the results of existing studies on endovenous ablation for the treatment of small saphenous varicose veins, compare its role and efficacy, and provide insights into the future development of endovenous ablation for treating small saphenous varicose veins. A systematic review of literature published from January 1, 2002 to January 1, 2022 was conducted from PubMed, Embase, and China Academic Journals full-text databases. The pre-determined inclusion criteria were clinical literature of endovenous ablation for treating small saphenous varicose veins. Keywords included "ablation", "small saphenous vein", "lesser saphenous vein", "short saphenous vein", "xiaoyinjingmai" and "xiaorong". Of the 506 articles screened, 33 articles were included in this review: 19 articles were related to endovenous laser ablation, five were related to mechanochemical ablation, seven were related to radiofrequency ablation, and two were related to both endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation. The anatomical success rate of endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and mechanochemical ablation were 94.3%, 96.0%, and 88.1%, respectively, and the heterogeneities were all moderate. Most of the current studies are of a low-quality level of research. Hence, long-term follow-up studies and large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to obtain high-quality evidence. Although the gold standard for the treatment of small saphenous vein insufficiency remains unclear, endovenous ablation is still the recommended method.
Topics: Humans; Saphenous Vein; Varicose Veins; Sclerotherapy; Laser Therapy; China; Treatment Outcome; Venous Insufficiency
PubMed: 37779391
DOI: 10.1024/0301-1526/a001091 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery (Hong... 2023This systematic review evaluates the effects of heat treatments in de novo, residual and recurrent giant cell tumors of bone (GCTB). Studies were eligible for inclusion...
This systematic review evaluates the effects of heat treatments in de novo, residual and recurrent giant cell tumors of bone (GCTB). Studies were eligible for inclusion if one of the following treatments was administered: radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation, argon cauterization, electrocauterization and hot liquid treatment. The primary outcome was recurrence. Secondary outcomes were complications, pain, function, and quality of life. Recurrence rates for microwave ablation as an adjuvant to intralesional curettage were 0%, 4% and 10% (3 retrospective single-group studies); for argon cauterization 4%, 8% and 26% (3 cohort studies); electrocauterization 0% to 33% (8 cohort studies); and hot liquid 9.5% and 24% (2 cohort studies). Follow-up was generally ≥24 months. Data on pain, function and quality of life were scarce. Complications included infection and secondary osteoarthritis. Current evidence does not demonstrate or exclude an effect of heat treatments on recurrence in GCTB. Further research should objectify if (subgroups of) patients benefit from these treatments.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Argon; Hot Temperature; Quality of Life; Giant Cell Tumor of Bone; Curettage; Pain; Bone Neoplasms; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
PubMed: 37726111
DOI: 10.1177/10225536231202157