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Cancer Treatment Reviews Apr 2024Cancer-related pain often requires opioid treatment with opioid-induced constipation (OIC) as its most frequent gastrointestinal side-effect. Both for prevention and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Cancer-related pain often requires opioid treatment with opioid-induced constipation (OIC) as its most frequent gastrointestinal side-effect. Both for prevention and treatment of OIC osmotic (e.g. polyethylene glycol) and stimulant (e.g. bisacodyl) laxatives are widely used. Newer drugs such as the peripherally acting µ-opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORAs) and naloxone in a fixed combination with oxycodone have become available for the management of OIC. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to give an overview of the scientific evidence on pharmacological strategies for the prevention and treatment of OIC in cancer patients.
METHODS
A systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library was completed from inception up to 22 October 2022. Randomized and non-randomized studies were systematically selected. Bowel function and adverse drug events were assessed.
RESULTS
Twenty trials (prevention: five RCTs and three cohort studies; treatment: ten RCTs and two comparative cohort studies) were included in the review. Regarding the prevention of OIC, three RCTs compared laxatives with other laxatives, finding no clear differences in effectivity of the laxatives used. One cohort study showed a significant benefit of magnesium oxide compared with no laxative. One RCT found a significant benefit for the PAMORA naldemedine compared with magnesium oxide. Preventive use of oxycodone/naloxone did not show a significant difference in two out of three other studies compared to oxycodone or fentanyl. A meta-analysis was not possible. Regarding the treatment of OIC, two RCTs compared laxatives, of which one RCT found that polyethylene glycol was significantly more effective than sennosides. Seven studies compared an opioid antagonist (naloxone, methylnaltrexone or naldemedine) with placebo and three studies compared different dosages of opioid antagonists. These studies with opioid antagonists were used for the meta-analysis. Oxycodone/naloxone showed a significant improvement in Bowel Function Index compared to oxycodone with laxatives (MD -13.68; 95 % CI -18.38 to -8.98; I = 58 %). Adverse drug event rates were similar amongst both groups, except for nausea in favour of oxycodone/naloxone (RR 0.51; 95 % CI 0.31-0.83; I = 0 %). Naldemedine (NAL) and methylnaltrexone (MNTX) demonstrated significantly higher response rates compared to placebo (NAL: RR 2.07, 95 % CI 1.64-2.61, I = 0 %; MNTX: RR 3.83, 95 % CI 2.81-5.22, I = 0 %). With regard to adverse events, abdominal pain was more present in treatment with methylnaltrexone and diarrhea was significantly more present in treatment with naldemedine. Different dosages of methylnaltrexone were not significantly different with regard to both efficacy and adverse drug event rates.
CONCLUSIONS
Magnesium oxide and naldemedine are most likely effective for prevention of OIC in cancer patients. Naloxone in a fixed combination with oxycodone, naldemedine and methylnaltrexone effectively treat OIC in cancer patients with acceptable adverse events. However, their effect has not been compared to standard (osmotic and stimulant) laxatives. More studies comparing standard laxatives with each other and with opioid antagonists are necessary before recommendations for clinical practice can be made.
Topics: Humans; Laxatives; Analgesics, Opioid; Narcotic Antagonists; Constipation; Oxycodone; Opioid-Induced Constipation; Magnesium Oxide; Cohort Studies; Naloxone; Polyethylene Glycols; Neoplasms; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; Naltrexone
PubMed: 38452708
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102704 -
Integrative Cancer Therapies 2024The surgical intervention serves as the paramount and prevalent remedy for individuals afflicted with colorectal malignancies, with the significance of perioperative... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The surgical intervention serves as the paramount and prevalent remedy for individuals afflicted with colorectal malignancies, with the significance of perioperative stewardship and convalescence being indisputable. Prehabilitation coupled with preoperative lifestyle modulation has demonstrated efficacy in patients subjected to certain classifications of abdominal procedures. However, the evidence pertaining to its impact on those battling colorectal cancer remains equivocal.
METHODS
A meta-analysis, grounded in pairwise contrast, of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was orchestrated, coupled with a systematic review, to probe the efficacy of preoperative lifestyle modulation and prehabilitation on patients' postoperative functionality and recuperation. An exhaustive exploration of 8 electronic databases and trial registries was undertaken to encompass all pertinent RCTs disseminated in English or Chinese from January 2012 through December 2022. Employing a random-effects model, we evaluated parameters such as the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT), complications, quality of life (QoL), aggregate and postoperative duration of hospitalization (tLHS and postLHS), and healthcare expenditure (HExp) for postoperative patients.
RESULTS
A total of 28 RCTs were incorporated into the systematic review and meta-analysis. Relative to conventional preoperative care, rehabilitation or preoperative lifestyle management was found to enhance postoperative 6MWT () and diminish the complication rate (). Nonetheless, no significant discrepancies were observed in QoL (), tLHS (), and postLHS () between the groups. HExp could not be evaluated due to a lack of sufficient data for synthesis. Most pooled outcomes exhibited significant heterogeneity, urging a cautious interpretation. Subgroup analysis revealed that nutritional interventions could mitigate the incidence of complications, and preoperative exercise could improve tLHS and postLHS. A combined approach of physical, nutritional, and psychological intervention or prehabilitation proved superior to any single intervention in enhancing postoperative capabilities.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis delineated the efficacy of preoperative interventions on postoperative capabilities in patients with colorectal cancer, thereby offering evidence for clinical practice. It was concluded that preoperative interventions are unequivocally beneficial for postoperative functional recovery and the reduction of complication rates in patients with colorectal cancer. Nonetheless, the acquisition of more high-level evidence is still necessitated to further ascertain the effectiveness of this strategy for other patient groups and to establish its best practices. The heterogeneity in the pooled outcomes underlines the need for future studies to be more uniform in their design and reporting, which would facilitate more robust and reliable meta-analyses.
Topics: Humans; Preoperative Exercise; Life Style; Quality of Life; Asian People; Colorectal Neoplasms
PubMed: 38439687
DOI: 10.1177/15347354241235590 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Mar 2024Flap neurotisation is a promising solution to restore the diminished or complete loss of sensation following mastectomy. This systematic review compared sensory outcomes... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Flap neurotisation is a promising solution to restore the diminished or complete loss of sensation following mastectomy. This systematic review compared sensory outcomes in neurotised versus non-neurotised abdominal-based autologous breast reconstructions to establish its benefit in routine clinical practice.
METHODS
A literature search was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were queried for relevant studies. Pressure sensitivity, measured using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWM) or the pressure-specified sensory device (PSSD), was the primary outcome measure.
RESULTS
A total of 12 studies comprising 367 neurotised and 295 non-neurotised flap reconstructions were included, with 8 studies included in the meta-analysis. Neurotised flaps demonstrated superior sensory outcomes over non-neurotised flaps, with significant differences in SWM scores (mean difference [MD], -1.552 95% CI, -2.351 to -0.7535; p = 0.0001) and PSSD (MD -13.36; 95% CI, -26.41 to -0.3117; p = 0.0448) at follow-up (range 8 to 77 months). The differences in total skin sensation (native and flap skin combined) were statistically significant in the SWM group (p = 0.0010) but not in the PSSD group (p = 0.0649). Investigation on the factors impacting sensation recovery in neurotised flaps yielded inconclusive outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Neurotised flaps consistently demonstrated superior sensation outcomes compared with non-neurotised flaps, irrespective of flap type or neurotisation technique. However, further research is essential to elucidate the factors that impact sensory recovery and standardise neurotisation practices for more optimal post-mastectomy reconstruction outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Female; Mastectomy; Breast Neoplasms; Mammaplasty; Sensation; Surgical Flaps
PubMed: 38401199
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2024.01.045 -
Journal of Clinical Anesthesia Jun 2024To identify whether adding ketamine to the local anesthetics (LA) in the regional anesthesia could prolong the duration of analgesia. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
STUDY OBJECTIVE
To identify whether adding ketamine to the local anesthetics (LA) in the regional anesthesia could prolong the duration of analgesia.
DESIGN
A Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
SETTING
The major dates were obtained in the operating room and the postoperative recovery ward.
PATIENTS
A total of 1011 patients at ASA physical status I and II were included in the analysis. Procedure performed including cesarean section, orthopedic, radical mastectomy, urological or lower abdominal surgery and intracavitary brachytherapy implants insertion.
INTERVENTIONS
After an extensive search of the electronic database, patients received regional anesthesia combined or not combined general anesthesia and with or without adding ketamine to LA were included in the analysis. The regional anesthesia includes spinal anesthesia, brachial plexus block, pectoral nerve block, transversus abdominis plane block and femoral and sciatic nerve block.
MEASUREMENT
The primary outcome was the duration of analgesia. Secondary outcomes were the duration and onset time of motor and sensory block as well as the ketamine-related adverse effect. Data are expressed in mean differences in continuous data and odds ratios (OR) for dichotomous data with 95% confidence intervals. The risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials. The quality of evidence for each outcome was rated according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) Working Group system.
MAIN RESULT
Twenty randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. When ketamine was used as an adjuvant to LA, the duration of analgesia could be prolonged(172.21 min, 95% CI, 118.20 to 226.22; P<0.00001, I = 98%), especially in the peripheral nerve block(366.96 min, 95% CI, 154.19 to 579.74; P = 0.0007, I = 98%). Secondary outcomes showed ketamine could prolong the duration of sensory block(29.12 min, 95% CI, 10.22 to 48.01; P = 0.003, I = 96%) but no effect on the motor block(6.94 min, 95% CI,-2.65 to 16.53;P = 0.16, I = 84%), the onset time of motor and sensory block (motor onset time, -1.17 min, 95% CI, -2.67 to 0.34; P = 0.13, I = 100%; sensory onset time, -0.33 min, 95% CI,-0.87 to 0.20; P = 0.23, I = 96%) as well as the ketamine-related adverse effect(OR, 1.97, 95% CI,0.93 to 4.17;P = 0.08, I = 57%).
CONCLUSION
This study indicates that ketamine could be an ideal adjuvant to local anesthetics regardless of the types of anesthesia. Overall, the quality of the evidence is low.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Anesthesia, Conduction; Anesthetics, Local; Brachial Plexus Block; Breast Neoplasms; Cesarean Section; Ketamine; Mastectomy; Pain, Postoperative; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38394922
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2024.111415 -
Medicine Feb 2024Situs inversus is a rare congenital anatomical variant that involves a group of anomalies regarding the arrangement of intrathoracic and intraabdominal organs. Being...
BACKGROUND
Situs inversus is a rare congenital anatomical variant that involves a group of anomalies regarding the arrangement of intrathoracic and intraabdominal organs. Being able to find in the abdominal region the liver, gallbladder, inferior vena cava, and head of the pancreas and ascending colon on the left side of the abdomen, while on the right side there is the spleen, the stomach, the body of the pancreas, the ligament of Treitz, descending colon among others. In this same way, the thoracic organs, lungs and heart, are changed in their position in a mirror translocation.
METHODS
We systematically searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Scopus, and LILACS; the search strategy included a combination of the following terms: "Situs inversus," "Situs inversus totalis," "Cancer," "Neoplasm," "Abdominopelvic regions," and "clinical anatomy."
RESULTS
Within the 41 included studies, 46 patients with situs inversus who had cancer, in addition to being found in this organ and in these regions, we also found as a result that the majority of the studies in the research were in stage II; finally, no one study could assert the direct relationship between the situs inversus totalis and the cancer.
CONCLUSION
If our hallmarks could make us think that more exhaustive follow-up of the stomach and other organs should be carried out in these patients, there could also be other predisposing factors for cancer, which is why more studies are suggested to give future diagnostic and treatment guidelines treatment.
Topics: Humans; Situs Inversus; Abdomen; Spleen; Dextrocardia; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38394506
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037093 -
The British Journal of Surgery Jan 2024Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is increasingly used to treat locally advanced (T3-4 Nx-2 M0) colon cancer due to its potential advantages over the standard approach of upfront... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is increasingly used to treat locally advanced (T3-4 Nx-2 M0) colon cancer due to its potential advantages over the standard approach of upfront surgery. The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyse data from comparative studies to assess the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on oncological outcomes.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted by searching the MEDLINE and Scopus databases. The search encompassed RCTs, propensity score-matched studies, and controlled prospective studies published up to 1 April 2023. As a primary objective, overall survival and disease-free survival were compared. As a secondary objective, perioperative morbidity, mortality, and complete resection were compared using the DerSimonian and Laird models.
RESULTS
A total of seven studies comprising a total of 2120 patients were included. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a reduction in the hazard of recurrence (HR 0.73, 95% c.i. 0.59 to 0.90; P = 0.003) and death (HR 0.67, 95% c.i. 0.54 to 0.83; P < 0.001) compared with upfront surgery. Additionally, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was significantly associated with higher 5-year overall survival (79.9% versus 72.6%; P < 0.001) and disease-free survival (73.1% versus 64.5%; P = 0.028) rates. No significant differences were observed in perioperative mortality (OR 0.97, 95% c.i. 0.28 to 3.33), overall complications (OR 0.95, 95% c.i. 0.77 to 1.16), or anastomotic leakage/intra-abdominal abscess (OR 0.88, 95% c.i. 0.60 to 1.29). However, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a lower risk of incomplete resection (OR 0.70, 95% c.i. 0.49 to 0.99).
CONCLUSION
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with a reduced hazard of recurrence and death, as well as improved overall survival and disease-free survival rates, compared with upfront surgery in patients with locally advanced colon cancer.
Topics: Humans; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Prospective Studies; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Disease-Free Survival; Colonic Neoplasms
PubMed: 38381934
DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znae021 -
Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery :... Jan 2024The approach to patients with choledochal cysts (CCs) remains varied and subject to institutional practices. Owing to the rarity of the disease, the optimal treatment... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The approach to patients with choledochal cysts (CCs) remains varied and subject to institutional practices. Owing to the rarity of the disease, the optimal treatment remains poorly defined, particularly in the adult population. This study aimed to review the literature on adult patients with CCs to evaluate trends of diagnosis and management in Western countries.
METHODS
A literature search of 3 electronic databases was performed on adult patients diagnosed with CCs in Western institutions. A review of published literature was completed with comprehensive screening by 2 independent reviewers. Studies were analyzed, and data on surgical approach, malignancies, and follow-up were collected. Findings are presented in concordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
RESULTS
Of the 3488 articles retrieved, 21 studies evaluated Western adults with CCs for a combined population of 1337 patients. The most common Todani subtypes included types I (64%) and IV (22%). Symptoms at presentation included abdominal pain and jaundice, although many were asymptomatic. Ultrasound was used most frequently for diagnosis, followed by computed tomography and endoscopic cholangiopancreatography. The combined malignancy rate was 10.9%, with cholangiocarcinoma being the most prevalent. Complete extrahepatic cyst resection was standard for type I and IV CCs. Among malignancies, 18.5% and 16.4% were observed in patients with prior resection and internal drainage, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
A significant proportion of patients who undergo resection of CC disease harbor malignancy. Cancer risk seems reduced but not eliminated with complete resection, which remains the standard treatment. Additional studies are needed to standardize guidelines for the diagnosis and postoperative care of patients in Western countries.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Choledochal Cyst; Cholangiocarcinoma; Abdominal Pain; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; Bile Duct Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38353080
DOI: 10.1016/j.gassur.2023.11.007 -
Clinical Oncology (Royal College of... Apr 2024Prehabilitation is a process of identifying and assessing factors that could compromise the physical and psychological health of patients undergoing cancer treatment and...
AIMS
Prehabilitation is a process of identifying and assessing factors that could compromise the physical and psychological health of patients undergoing cancer treatment and implementing an intervention to combat such concerns. The use of prehabilitation in cancer surgery has yielded positive outcomes in rectal, lung and abdominal cancers. Prehabilitation strategies have potential to improve the management of patients receiving radiation therapy or chemoradiation. The aim of the present study was to map the evidence of the assessment and evaluation of prehabilitation for radiation therapy patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A database search using EMBASE and PubMed was conducted. The PRISMA guidelines were adhered to. Keywords included prehabilitation, radiation therapy/radiotherapy, chemoradiotherapy/chemoradiation, intervention and exercise. Types of prehabilitation strategy, their purposes and impact, according to cancer site, were analysed.
RESULTS
Prehabilitation is most commonly evaluated in head and neck cancer, whereby unimodal, physical interventions manage dysphagia. Prehabilitation for lung cancer demonstrated its ability to widen treatment options for patients. Physical prehabilitation is administered to combat adverse effects of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy in patients with rectal cancer.
CONCLUSION
Prehabilitation is adaptive and tailored to specific patient and site needs; thus it is applied across a wide range of cancer sites. More interventions by which radiation therapy is the definitive treatment modality and larger sample sizes within these studies are warranted to increase prehabilitation utilisation for patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Topics: Humans; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Preoperative Care; Preoperative Exercise; Rectal Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms
PubMed: 38350785
DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2024.02.002 -
International Journal of Surgery... May 2024
Meta-Analysis
A commentary on 'The efficacy and safety of probiotics for prevention of chemoradiotherapy-induced diarrhea in people with abdominal and pelvic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on 23 randomized studies'.
Topics: Humans; Probiotics; Diarrhea; Chemoradiotherapy; Pelvic Neoplasms; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Abdominal Neoplasms
PubMed: 38349002
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000001172 -
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia Dec 2023Neurolytic splanchnic nerve block (NSNB) is practised in intractable abdominal pain secondary to intra-abdominal malignancies. This review evaluated the efficacy of NSNB.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Neurolytic splanchnic nerve block (NSNB) is practised in intractable abdominal pain secondary to intra-abdominal malignancies. This review evaluated the efficacy of NSNB.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for articles published from January 2001 to October 2023. Two independent reviewers extracted the data from the included studies. The quality of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2), and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used for cohort studies.
RESULTS
Fourteen articles (4 RCTs, 3 non-randomised prospective, and 7 retrospectives) were included. Ten articles were quantitatively assessed and demonstrated significant pain relief at 1 week (standardised mean difference (SMD): 3.46 [2.09, 4.83], < 0.001, I = 95%), 2 weeks (SMD: 4.45 [2.61, 6.29], < 0.001, I = 95%), 4 weeks (SMD: 3.35 [2.23, 4.47], < 0.001, I = 97%), 8 weeks (SMD: 3.7 [2.71, 4.7], < 0.001, I = 86%), 12 weeks (SMD: 4.01 [2.66, 5.36], < 0.001, I = 95%), and 24 weeks (SMD: 2.54 [1.71,3.37], < 0.001, I = 84%). Daily narcotic consumption and quality of life (QOL) significantly improved post neurolysis, but survival rates showed controversial results. Significant heterogeneity was reported, and sub-group analysis revealed a moderate level of variability [I = 47.3%] pertaining to study design as a source of heterogeneity. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Pro GDT recommendation for the primary objective was 'high' for the analysis of RCTs and 'very low' evidence quality for observational studies. Only transient minor complications were reported.
CONCLUSION
NSNB appears to be an efficacious technique that provides substantial pain relief, reduces opioid consumption, and ameliorates QOL.
PubMed: 38343676
DOI: 10.4103/ija.ija_439_23