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Computer Methods and Programs in... Jun 2024The pancreas is a vital organ in digestive system which has significant health implications. It is imperative to evaluate and identify malignant pancreatic lesions... (Review)
Review
The pancreas is a vital organ in digestive system which has significant health implications. It is imperative to evaluate and identify malignant pancreatic lesions promptly in light of the high mortality rate linked to such malignancies. Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a non-invasive precise technique to detect pancreas disorders, but it is highly operator dependent. Artificial intelligence (AI), including traditional machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques can play a pivotal role to enhancing the performance of EUS regardless of operator. AI performs a critical function in the detection, classification, and segmentation of medical images. The utilization of AI-assisted systems has improved the accuracy and productivity of pancreatic analysis, including the detection of diverse pancreatic disorders (e.g., pancreatitis, masses, and cysts) as well as landmarks and parenchyma. This systematic review examines the rapidly developing domain of AI-assisted system in EUS of the pancreas. Its objective is to present a thorough study of the present research status and developments in this area. This paper explores the significant challenges of AI-assisted system in pancreas EUS imaging, highlights the potential of AI techniques in addressing these challenges, and suggests the scope for future research in domain of AI-assisted EUS systems.
Topics: Humans; Endosonography; Artificial Intelligence; Pancreas; Machine Learning; Deep Learning; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Pancreatic Diseases; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
PubMed: 38703435
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2024.108205 -
Journal of Cancer Research and... Apr 2024To determine the effectiveness and safety of neoadjuvant therapy in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) and provide evidence-based suggestions for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness and safety of neoadjuvant therapy in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) and provide evidence-based suggestions for clinical treatment.
METHODS
The Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched for articles published that analyzed the effectiveness and safety of GEP-NEN-targeted neoadjuvant therapy before March 2023. A confidence interval (CI) of 95%, a subgroup analysis, heterogeneity, and effect size (ES) were analyzed, and a meta-analysis of the literature was performed using the Stata BE17 software.
RESULTS
A total of 417 patients from 13 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The primary variables comprised the objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), surgical resection rate, and R0 resection rate with ES values of 0.42 (95% CI: 0.25-0.60), 0.96 (95% CI: 0.93-0.99), 0.67 (95% CI: 0.50-0.84), and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.54-0.67), respectively. The secondary variables were the incidence rates of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), Grade 3 or higher TRAEs, and surgical complications with ES values of 0.29 (95% CI: -0.03-0.21), 0.13 (95% CI: -0.07-0.33), and 0.35 (95% CI: 0.27-0.44), respectively.
CONCLUSION
Neoadjuvant therapy is an effective and safe treatment method for GEP-NENs. However, further studies are required to determine the optimal regimen for this therapy in these tumors.
Topics: Humans; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Stomach Neoplasms; Intestinal Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38687934
DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1800_23 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Most pancreatic insulinomas can be treated by minimally invasive modalities. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the clinical outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Most pancreatic insulinomas can be treated by minimally invasive modalities. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the clinical outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided ablation and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in the treatment of pancreatic insulinoma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Online databases were searched for relevant studies. The primary aim was to compare the rates of adverse events (AEs) and the secondary aims were to compare the clinical and technical success rates, length of hospital stays, and symptom recurrence rates between EUS and MIS approaches.
RESULTS
Eight studies with 150 patients were identified that reported EUS-guided ablation outcomes, forming the EUS group, and 9 studies with 236 patients reported MIS outcomes, forming the MIS group. The pooled median age of the included patients in the EUS group was greater than that of the MIS group (64.06 vs. 44.98 years old, < 0.001). Also, the technical success rate was significantly higher in the EUS group (100% vs. 96.6%, 0.025), while the clinical success was significantly higher (6%) in the MIS group (94% vs. 98.7%, 0.021). The AE rates (18.7% vs. 31.1%, 0.012) and severe AE rates (1.3% vs. 7.9%, 0.011) were significantly lower in the EUS group. The median length of hospital stay in the EUS group (2.68 days, 95% CI: 1.88-3.48, I60.3%) was significantly shorter than in the MIS group (7.40 days, 95% CI: 6.22-8.58, I42.2%, < 0.001). The recurrence rate was significantly higher in the EUS group (15.3% vs. 1.3%, < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
EUS-guided ablation is associated with a lower AE rate and a shorter length of hospital stay, but a higher recurrence rate for the treatment of insulinoma compared with MIS. The EUS approach may be an alternative, even first-line, treatment for poor surgery candidates.
Topics: Humans; Insulinoma; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Endosonography; Treatment Outcome; Length of Stay
PubMed: 38645424
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1367068 -
European Radiology Apr 2024To evaluate the diagnostic performance of quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging biomarkers in distinguishing between inflammatory pancreatic masses (IPM) and... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the diagnostic performance of quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging biomarkers in distinguishing between inflammatory pancreatic masses (IPM) and pancreatic cancer (PC).
METHODS
A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science through August 2023. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) was used to evaluate the risk of bias and applicability of the studies. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated using the DerSimonian-Laird method. Univariate meta-regression analysis was used to identify the potential factors of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies were included in this meta-analysis. The two main types of IPM, mass-forming pancreatitis (MFP) and autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), differ in their apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Compared with PC, the ADC value was higher in MFP but lower in AIP. The pooled sensitivity/specificity of ADC were 0.80/0.85 for distinguishing MFP from PC and 0.82/0.84 for distinguishing AIP from PC. The pooled sensitivity/specificity for the maximal diameter of the upstream main pancreatic duct (dMPD) was 0.86/0.74, with a cutoff of dMPD ≤ 4 mm, and 0.97/0.52, with a cutoff of dMPD ≤ 5 mm. The pooled sensitivity/specificity for perfusion fraction (f) was 0.82/0.68, and 0.82/0.77 for mass stiffness values.
CONCLUSIONS
Quantitative MR imaging biomarkers are useful in distinguishing between IPM and PC. ADC values differ between MFP and AIP, and they should be separated for consideration in future studies.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT
Quantitative MR parameters could serve as non-invasive imaging biomarkers for differentiating malignant pancreatic neoplasms from inflammatory masses of the pancreas, and hence help to avoid unnecessary surgery.
KEY POINTS
• Several quantitative MR imaging biomarkers performed well in differential diagnosis between inflammatory pancreatic mass and pancreatic cancer. • The ADC value could discern pancreatic cancer from mass-forming pancreatitis or autoimmune pancreatitis, if the two inflammatory mass types are not combined. • The diameter of main pancreatic duct had the highest specificity for differentiating autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreatic cancer.
PubMed: 38639911
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-024-10720-9 -
Current Reviews in Clinical and... Apr 2024Pancreatic Cancer (PC) is one of the most malignant tumors and highly invasive neoplasms around the world. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Pancreatic Cancer (PC) is one of the most malignant tumors and highly invasive neoplasms around the world.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to study the relationship between the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and the incidence and mortality of PC.
METHODS
The electronic search was conducted systematically until October 10, 2023. in databases, including Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase. The required data were extracted from the articles and were analyzed by Stata 15 using statistical tests (Chi-square and I2), Forest plots, and publication bias tests (Begg's and Egger's tests).
RESULTS
A total of four studies (2011-2019; n=314,856) investigated the relationship between RAS antagonists and PC risk. No significant associations were found between angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (OR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.77-1.14, p=0.513), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) (OR=0.96, 95% CI: 0.84-1.09, p=0.505), or combination therapy (ARBs + ACEIs) (OR=0.97, 95% CI: 0.87-1.09, p=0.627) and PC risk. Also, nine studies (2010-2023; n=20,483) examined the association between renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and PC mortality. Significant reductions in PC mortality were found for ARBs (OR=0.81, 95% CI: 0.66-0.98, p=0.032), ACEIs (OR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.80-0.99, p=0.038), and combination therapy (OR=0.83, 95% CI: 0.70-0.97, p=0.022). No evidence of publication bias was found in the study results.
CONCLUSION
In summary, while renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors did not appear to impact PC risk, their use was associated with lower PC mortality based on this meta-analysis of the current evidence. More rigorous and well-designed studies are required to validate and support these findings.
PubMed: 38629353
DOI: 10.2174/0127724328291047240409062436 -
Urologic Oncology Jul 2024Urachal cancer (UrC) is a rare disease with limited availability of representative incidence and clinical data. Although, the prevalence is accounting for less than 1%... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Urachal cancer (UrC) is a rare disease with limited availability of representative incidence and clinical data. Although, the prevalence is accounting for less than 1% of bladder tumors, the 5-year survival rate is around only 50% for patients with resectable tumors, and even worse for patients with metastatic disease. Due to the lack of comprehensive prospective studies, our current knowledge of UrC is still limited.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to summarize the available registry-based studies with unselected UrC patients to evaluate its incidence and clinicopathological characteristics.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature search of registry-based UrC publications on the 15th of May 2023 in 5 databases, which identified 4,748 publications. After duplicate removal and selection by 2 independent investigators, 6 publications proved to be appropriate for the final meta-analysis. Estimated incidence and clinicopathological parameters were extracted.
RESULTS
Estimated incidence ranged between 0.022 and 0.060/ 100.000 person-years, with the highest occurrence in Japan and the lowest in Canada, while the random effect model calculated an overall incidence rate of 0.04 (95%CI: 0.03-0.05) 100.000 person-years. The median age at first diagnosis was 60 years (range: 58-64). The female to male ratio was 2:3. Lymph node or distant metastases were present in 9% and 14% of patients. The predominant tumour type was adenocarcinoma (86%) followed by urothelial carcinoma (12%) and squamous cell carcinoma (2%). The 5-year survival rate was 51.0% with 95%CI: 45.2-57.4.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study provides an up-to-date comparison of estimated incidence rates between 6 countries of 3 continents based on rigorously selected registry-based studies. The results suggest low incidence rates for UrC with considerable geographic differences. The present meta-analysis provides unbiased registry-based data on the incidence, clinicopathological parameters and survival of UrC.
Topics: Humans; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Registries; Incidence; Male
PubMed: 38627107
DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2024.03.011 -
JAMA Pediatrics Jun 2024Significant advancements in pediatric oncology have led to a continuously growing population of survivors. Although extensive research is being conducted on the short-,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Significant advancements in pediatric oncology have led to a continuously growing population of survivors. Although extensive research is being conducted on the short-, medium-, and long-term somatic effects, reports on psychosocial reintegration are often conflicting; therefore, there is an urgent need to synthesize the evidence to obtain the clearest understanding and the most comprehensive answer.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a comprehensive review and analysis of the socioeconomic attainment of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) compared with their unaffected peers.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using data obtained from a comprehensive search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) databases on October 23, 2021; the search was updated until July 31, 2023.
STUDY SELECTION
Eligible articles reported on educational attainment, employment, family formation, quality of life (QoL), or health-risk behavior-related outcomes of CCSs, and compared them with their unaffected peers. Study selection was performed in duplicate by 4 blinded independent coauthors.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data extraction was performed in duplicate by 4 independent authors following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Outcome measures were odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences with 95% CIs; data were pooled using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
The search identified 43 913 articles, 280 of which were eligible for analysis, reporting data on a total of 389 502 survivors. CCSs were less likely to complete higher levels of education (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.40-1.18), had higher odds of health-related unemployment (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.90-4.57), and showed lower rates of marriage (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.63-0.84) and parenthood (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.49-0.74) compared with population-based controls.
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
Study findings suggest that CCSs face several socioeconomic difficulties; as a result, the next goal of pediatric oncology should be to minimize adverse effects, as well as to provide lifelong survivorship support aimed at maximizing social reintegration.
Topics: Humans; Cancer Survivors; Child; Neoplasms; Adult; Quality of Life; Cost of Illness; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 38619829
DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.0642 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Mar 2024Neoadjuvant therapy is an essential modality for reducing the clinical stage of esophageal cancer; however, the superiority of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) or... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Neoadjuvant therapy is an essential modality for reducing the clinical stage of esophageal cancer; however, the superiority of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is unclear. Therefore, a discussion of these two modalities is necessary.
AIM
To investigate the benefits and complications of neoadjuvant modalities.
METHODS
To address this concern, predefined criteria were established using the PICO protocol. Two independent authors performed comprehensive searches using predetermined keywords. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant differences between groups. Potential publication bias was visualized using funnel plots. The quality of the data was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Tool 2 (RoB2) and the GRADE approach.
RESULTS
Ten articles, including 1928 patients, were included for the analysis. Significant difference was detected in pathological complete response (pCR) [ < 0.001; odds ratio (OR): 0.27; 95%CI: 0.16-0.46], 30-d mortality ( = 0.015; OR: 0.4; 95%CI: 0.22-0.71) favoring the nCRT, and renal failure ( = 0.039; OR: 1.04; 95%CI: 0.66-1.64) favoring the nCT. No significant differences were observed in terms of survival, local or distal recurrence, or other clinical or surgical complications. The result of RoB2 was moderate, and that of the GRADE approach was low or very low in almost all cases.
CONCLUSION
Although nCRT may have a higher pCR rate, it does not translate to greater long-term survival. Moreover, nCRT is associated with higher 30-d mortality, although the specific cause for postoperative complications could not be identified. In the case of nCT, toxic side effects are suspected, which can reduce the quality of life. Given the quality of available studies, further randomized trials are required.
Topics: Humans; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Quality of Life; Adenocarcinoma; Chemoradiotherapy; Esophageal Neoplasms
PubMed: 38617451
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i11.1621 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the survival benefits of repeat hepatectomy (RH) and thermal ablation therapy (TAT) in managing recurrent hepatocellular... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the survival benefits of repeat hepatectomy (RH) and thermal ablation therapy (TAT) in managing recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, SinoMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline, and Web of Science databases using relevant keywords to identify all studies published on this specific topic. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a fixed-effects model.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis included a total of 21 studies, comprising 2580 patients with recurrent HCC, among whom 1189 underwent RH and 1394 underwent TAT. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that the RH group exhibited superior overall survival (OS) (HR=0.85, 95%CI 0.76∼0.95, P=0.004) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR=0.79, 95%CI 0.7∼0.9, P<0.01) compared to the TAT group. Regarding postoperative complications, the TAT group experienced fewer complications than the RH group (OR=3.23, 95%CI 1.48∼7.07, P=0.003), while no significant difference in perioperative mortality was observed between the two groups (OR=2.11, 95%CI 0.54∼8.19, P=0.28).
CONCLUSION
The present study demonstrates that, in comparison to TAT, RH may confer superior survival benefits for patients with recurrent HCC.
PubMed: 38606103
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1370390 -
Annals of Surgical Oncology Jul 2024Standard lymphadenectomy for pancreatoduodenectomy is defined for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and adopted for patients with non-pancreatic periampullary cancer...
Differences in Lymph Node Metastases Patterns Among Non-pancreatic Periampullary Cancers and Histologic Subtypes: An International Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study and Systematic Review.
BACKGROUND
Standard lymphadenectomy for pancreatoduodenectomy is defined for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and adopted for patients with non-pancreatic periampullary cancer (NPPC), ampullary adenocarcinoma (AAC), distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA), or duodenal adenocarcinoma (DAC). This study aimed to compare the patterns of lymph node metastases among the different NPPCs in a large series and in a systematic review to guide the discussion on surgical lymphadenectomy and pathology assessment.
METHODS
This retrospective cohort study included patients after pancreatoduodenectomy for NPPC with at least one lymph node metastasis (2010-2021) from 24 centers in nine countries. The primary outcome was identification of lymph node stations affected in case of a lymph node metastasis per NPPC. A separate systematic review included studies on lymph node metastases patterns of AAC, dCCA, and DAC.
RESULTS
The study included 2367 patients, of whom 1535 had AAC, 616 had dCCA, and 216 had DAC. More patients with pancreatobiliary type AAC had one or more lymph node metastasis (67.2% vs 44.8%; P < 0.001) compared with intestinal-type, but no differences in metastasis pattern were observed. Stations 13 and 17 were most frequently involved (95%, 94%, and 90%). Whereas dCCA metastasized more frequently to station 12 (13.0% vs 6.4% and 7.0%, P = 0.005), DAC metastasized more frequently to stations 6 (5.0% vs 0% and 2.7%; P < 0.001) and 14 (17.0% vs 8.4% and 11.7%, P = 0.015).
CONCLUSION
This study is the first to comprehensively demonstrate the differences and similarities in lymph node metastases spread among NPPCs, to identify the existing research gaps, and to underscore the importance of standardized lymphadenectomy and pathologic assessment for AAC, dCCA, and DAC.
Topics: Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis; Retrospective Studies; Ampulla of Vater; Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Common Bile Duct Neoplasms; Duodenal Neoplasms; Male; Female; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Adenocarcinoma; Lymph Node Excision; Cholangiocarcinoma; Aged; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Follow-Up Studies; Lymph Nodes; Bile Duct Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal
PubMed: 38602578
DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-15213-z