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Frontiers in Oncology 2024Prostate cancer(PCa), a leading global health concern, profoundly impacts millions of men worldwide. Progressing through two stages, it initially develops within the... (Review)
Review
Prostate cancer(PCa), a leading global health concern, profoundly impacts millions of men worldwide. Progressing through two stages, it initially develops within the prostate and subsequently extends to vital organs such as lymph nodes, bones, lungs, and the liver. In the early phases, castration therapy is often employed to mitigate androgen effects. However, when prostate cancer becomes resistant to this treatment, alternative strategies become imperative. As diagnostic and treatment methodologies for prostate cancer continually advance, radioligand therapy (RLT) has emerged as a promising avenue, yielding noteworthy outcomes. The fundamental principle of RLT involves delivering radionuclide drugs to cancerous lesions through specific carriers or technologies. Subsequently, these radionuclide drugs release radioactive energy, facilitating the destruction of cancer cell tissues. At present, the positron emission tomography (PET) targeting PSMA has been widely developed for the use of diagnosis and staging of PCa. Notably, FDA-approved prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) targeting agents, such as Ga-PSMA-11 and Lu-PSMA-617, represent significant milestones in enhancing diagnostic precision and therapeutic efficacy. This review emphasizes the current research status and outcomes of various radionuclide-labeled PSMA ligands. The objective is to provide valuable insights for the continued advancement of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the realm of prostate cancer.
PubMed: 38577331
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1373606 -
La Clinica Terapeutica 2024Radiomics represents the convergence of artificial intelligence and radiological data analysis, primarily applied in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In the head...
Radiomics represents the convergence of artificial intelligence and radiological data analysis, primarily applied in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In the head and neck region, squamous cell carcinoma is the most prevalent type of tumor. Recent radiomics research has revealed that specific bio-imaging characteristics correlate with various molecular features of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), particularly Human Papillomavirus (HPV). These tumors typically present a unique phenotype, often affecting younger patients, and show a favorable response to radiation therapy. This study provides a systematic review of the literature, summarizing the application of radiomics in the head and neck region. It offers a comprehensive analysis of radiomics-based studies on HNSCC, evaluating its potential for tumor evaluation, risk stratification, and outcome prediction in head and neck cancer treatment.
Topics: Humans; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Radiomics; Artificial Intelligence; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
PubMed: 38571474
DOI: 10.7417/CT.2024.5048 -
Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and... Mar 2024The measurement or estimation of muscle mass plays an important role in the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Beside dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), several modalities,...
BACKGROUND
The measurement or estimation of muscle mass plays an important role in the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Beside dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), several modalities, including bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have helped to provide imaging or electrical biomarkers for muscle mass. This study was aimed at summarizing the diagnostic performance of different techniques on muscle assessment for sarcopenia.
METHODS
Studies on the assessment of muscle mass by different techniques (compared with DXA), published from inception to 12 October, 2023 were retrieved from 4 electronic databases: the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science. The quality assessment of included studies was conducted using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2). The sensitivity, specificity, Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ), and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled and presented via forest plots. The area under the curve (AUC) with 95% CI was pooled and presented via summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curve.
RESULTS
A total of 28 studies involving 4,926 participants were included. Compared with DXA, the pooled sensitivity and specificity, AUC, and Cohen's κ were 0.79 (95% CI: 0.71-0.86, P<0.001), 0.95 (95% CI: 0.82-0.99, P<0.001), and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.85-0.90), and 0.61 (95% CI: 0.51-0.72) for BIA. The pooled r value between DXA and BIA or US or MRI was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92-0.96, P<0.001), 0.69 (95% CI: 0.54-0.80, P<0.001), and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.95-0.97, P=0.21), respectively. No qualified original study in relation to CT was included.
CONCLUSIONS
BIA, US, and MRI would provide acceptable diagnostic accuracy for sarcopenia by evaluating muscle mass in terms of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and their higher correlations with DXA. Further investigation is required to elucidate the value of CT in diagnosing sarcopenia.
PubMed: 38545058
DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-1089 -
Cancers Mar 2024active surveillance (AS) is a suitable strategy for patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET)... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
active surveillance (AS) is a suitable strategy for patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is an established tool used to assess PCa. The aim of this review was to evaluate the role of PSMA imaging to guide correct risk-based classification and the AS approach in PCa patients.
METHODS
The Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PubMed/MEDLINE databases were screened to find relevant published articles.
RESULTS
1774 articles were revealed with the literature search. A total of 1764 articles were excluded after applying exclusion criteria (data not within the field of interest, preclinical papers, conference proceedings, reviews, or editorials). Ten studies were finally included in the review, revealing that PSMA PET could have the ability to guide risk-based classification of PCa and the choice of AS, and to guide the execution of biopsies for the research of high-grade PCa, therefore precluding AS.
CONCLUSION
this systematic review underlined a possible role of PSMA PET imaging in patients with PCa by correctly re-classifying them on the basis of their risk and guiding AS.
PubMed: 38539457
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16061122 -
Cancers Mar 2024Neurofibromatosis Type 1 is an autosomal dominant tumour-predisposition condition commonly diagnosed in childhood and fully penetrant by adulthood. Long-term monitoring... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 is an autosomal dominant tumour-predisposition condition commonly diagnosed in childhood and fully penetrant by adulthood. Long-term monitoring through imaging is inconsistent and varies between high- and low-income countries. Implementation of a clinical practice guideline through a multidisciplinary clinic is instrumental to the care of adult Neurofibromatosis Type 1 patients. We aim to systematically review international diagnostic modalities and strategies to evaluate any association between a country's socioeconomic status and diagnostic modalities or strategies used for Neurofibromatosis Type 1 patients.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Relevant clinical information on the surveillance of adult Neurofibromatosis Type 1 patients worldwide was reviewed, extracted, and synthesised.
RESULTS
We identified 51 papers reporting on 7724 individuals. Multiple imaging modalities are actively employed in high-income and upper-middle-income countries for surveying adult Neurofibromatosis Type 1 patients. We did not find any relevant papers from low- and middle-income countries.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review suggests that there is robust data on diagnostic modalities for adult Neurofibromatosis Type 1 patients in high-income countries, but not for low- and middle-income countries. There is a lack of data on consolidated diagnostic strategies from both high- and low-income countries. Efforts should be made to publish data on usual clinical practice in low- and middle-income countries to develop clinical practice guidelines describing best medical practice to fit a local context.
PubMed: 38539455
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16061119 -
European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry Jun 2024Periapical cysts of primary teeth are pathologic entities which are seldom encountered in the clinical practice. Most frequently, these lesions arise in correspondence...
AIM
Periapical cysts of primary teeth are pathologic entities which are seldom encountered in the clinical practice. Most frequently, these lesions arise in correspondence with primary teeth presenting previous pulp therapy, severe carious lesions, or a history of previous trauma. The aim of the present study is to systematically review the treatment modalities of periapical cysts of the deciduous, along with the reporting of a clinical case.
MATERIALS
A case of periapical cyst treated with marsupialization occurring in an 11-year-old patient is described. A literature search was devised to retrieve studies reporting the treatment of periapical cysts, and involved papers published in the Cochrane Oral Health Group specialist trials, MEDLINE via PubMed, and EMBASE up to March 2023. A total of 39 articles were retrieved. Following title and abstract analysis, 27 articles were selected for full-text analysis, with the final inclusion of 24 articles.
CONCLUSION
Periapical cysts of primary teeth present an overall good prognosis irrespective of the treatment option adopted. The performance of a prompt diagnosis appears of utmost importance, as the extraction of the primary teeth involved implies the management of the residual space for the correct positioning of the corresponding permanent teeth.
Topics: Humans; Tooth, Deciduous; Child; Radicular Cyst; Male
PubMed: 38533834
DOI: 10.23804/ejpd.2024.1993 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2024Interpersonal synchronization involves the alignment of behavioral, affective, physiological, and brain states during social interactions. It facilitates empathy,...
INTRODUCTION
Interpersonal synchronization involves the alignment of behavioral, affective, physiological, and brain states during social interactions. It facilitates empathy, emotion regulation, and prosocial commitment. Mental disorders characterized by social interaction dysfunction, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), often exhibit atypical synchronization with others across multiple levels. With the introduction of the "second-person" neuroscience perspective, our understanding of interpersonal neural synchronization (INS) has improved, however, so far, it has hardly impacted the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
METHODS
To evaluate the potential of INS-based treatments for mental disorders, we performed two systematic literature searches identifying studies that directly target INS through neurofeedback (12 publications; 9 independent studies) or brain stimulation techniques (7 studies), following PRISMA guidelines. In addition, we narratively review indirect INS manipulations through behavioral, biofeedback, or hormonal interventions. We discuss the potential of such treatments for ASD, RAD, and SAD and using a systematic database search assess the acceptability of neurofeedback (4 studies) and neurostimulation (4 studies) in patients with social dysfunction.
RESULTS
Although behavioral approaches, such as engaging in eye contact or cooperative actions, have been shown to be associated with increased INS, little is known about potential long-term consequences of such interventions. Few proof-of-concept studies have utilized brain stimulation techniques, like transcranial direct current stimulation or INS-based neurofeedback, showing feasibility and preliminary evidence that such interventions can boost behavioral synchrony and social connectedness. Yet, optimal brain stimulation protocols and neurofeedback parameters are still undefined. For ASD, RAD, or SAD, so far no randomized controlled trial has proven the efficacy of direct INS-based intervention techniques, although in general brain stimulation and neurofeedback methods seem to be well accepted in these patient groups.
DISCUSSION
Significant work remains to translate INS-based manipulations into effective treatments for social interaction disorders. Future research should focus on mechanistic insights into INS, technological advancements, and rigorous design standards. Furthermore, it will be key to compare interventions directly targeting INS to those targeting other modalities of synchrony as well as to define optimal target dyads and target synchrony states in clinical interventions.
PubMed: 38529267
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1286130 -
Digestive Diseases and Sciences May 2024Infliximab and vedolizumab are widely used to treat Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
Comparative Efficacy of Subcutaneous and Intravenous Infliximab and Vedolizumab for Maintenance Treatment of TNF-naive Adult Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Literature Review and Network Meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Infliximab and vedolizumab are widely used to treat Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).
AIMS
This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated comparative efficacy of various regimens for intravenous or subcutaneous infliximab and vedolizumab during maintenance treatment in CD and UC.
METHODS
Parallel-group randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified by a systematic literature review (CRD42022383401) and included if they evaluated therapeutics of interest for maintenance treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe luminal CD or UC and assessed clinical remission between Weeks 30 and 60. Clinical remission rates in CD or UC and mucosal healing rates in UC were analyzed in a Bayesian network meta-analysis model. Endoscopic outcomes in CD were synthesized by proportional meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Overall, 13 RCTs were included in the analyses. All vedolizumab studies randomized induction responders to maintenance treatment; infliximab studies used a treat-through design. Subcutaneous infliximab 120 mg every 2 weeks had the highest odds ratio (OR) [95% credible interval] versus placebo for clinical remission during the maintenance phase (CD: 5.90 [1.90-18.2]; UC: 5.45 [1.94-15.3]), with surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values of 0.91 and 0.82, respectively. For mucosal healing in UC, subcutaneous infliximab 120 mg every 2 weeks showed the highest OR (4.90 [1.63-14.1]), with SUCRA value of 0.73, followed by intravenous vedolizumab 300 mg every 4 weeks (SUCRA value, 0.70). Endoscopic outcomes in CD were better with subcutaneous infliximab 120 mg every 2 weeks than intravenous infliximab 5 mg/kg every 8 weeks.
CONCLUSIONS
Subcutaneous infliximab showed a favorable efficacy profile for achieving clinical remission and endoscopic outcomes during maintenance treatment in CD or UC.
Topics: Humans; Infliximab; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Injections, Subcutaneous; Gastrointestinal Agents; Colitis, Ulcerative; Crohn Disease; Administration, Intravenous; Treatment Outcome; Adult; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Remission Induction; Network Meta-Analysis; Maintenance Chemotherapy
PubMed: 38499736
DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-08252-1 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in various fields, understanding its impact on liver cancer research is paramount. This scientometrics...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in various fields, understanding its impact on liver cancer research is paramount. This scientometrics project aims to investigate publication trends and topics in AI-related publications in liver cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We employed a search strategy to identify AI-related publications in liver cancer using Scopus database. We analyzed the number of publications, author affiliations, and journals that publish AI-related publications in liver cancer. Finally, the publications were grouped based on intended application.
RESULTS
We identified 3950 eligible publications (2695 articles, 366 reviews, and 889 other document types) from 1968 to August 3, 2023. There was a 12.7-fold increase in AI-related publications from 2013 to 2022. By comparison, the number of total publications on liver cancer increased by 1.7-fold. Our analysis revealed a significant shift in trends of AI-related publications on liver cancer in 2019. We also found a statistically significant consistent increase in numbers of AI-related publications over time (tau = 0.756, p < 0.0001). Eight (53%) of the top 15 journals with the most publications were radiology journals. The largest number of publications were from China (n=1156), the US (n=719), and Germany (n=236). The three most common publication categories were "medical image analysis for diagnosis" (37%), "diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers modeling & bioinformatics" (19%), and "genomic or molecular analysis" (18%).
CONCLUSION
Our study reveals increasing interest in AI for liver cancer research, evidenced by a 12.7-fold growth in related publications over the past decade. A common application of AI is in medical imaging analysis for various purposes. China, the US, and Germany are leading contributors.
PubMed: 38482208
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1355454 -
Journal of Neurology May 2024Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Retinal imaging allows non-invasive assessment of the microvasculature. Consequently, retinal imaging is a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Retinal imaging allows non-invasive assessment of the microvasculature. Consequently, retinal imaging is a technology which is garnering increasing attention as a means of assessing cardiovascular health and stroke risk.
METHODS
A biomedical literature search was performed to identify prospective studies that assess the role of retinal imaging derived biomarkers as indicators of stroke risk.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies were included in this systematic review. The available evidence suggests that wider retinal venules, lower fractal dimension, increased arteriolar tortuosity, presence of retinopathy, and presence of retinal emboli are associated with increased likelihood of stroke. There is weaker evidence to suggest that narrower arterioles and the presence of individual retinopathy traits such as microaneurysms and arteriovenous nicking indicate increased stroke risk. Our review identified three models utilizing artificial intelligence algorithms for the analysis of retinal images to predict stroke. Two of these focused on fundus photographs, whilst one also utilized optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology images. The constructed models performed similarly to conventional risk scores but did not significantly exceed their performance. Only two studies identified in this review used OCT imaging, despite the higher dimensionality of this data.
CONCLUSION
Whilst there is strong evidence that retinal imaging features can be used to indicate stroke risk, there is currently no predictive model which significantly outperforms conventional risk scores. To develop clinically useful tools, future research should focus on utilization of deep learning algorithms, validation in external cohorts, and analysis of OCT images.
Topics: Humans; Stroke; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Retinal Diseases; Retinal Vessels; Risk Assessment; Retina
PubMed: 38430271
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12171-6