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Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and... Jun 2024Low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) and/or, function associated with an increased risk of treatment-related toxicities and inferior overall survival (OS) among adults with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Low skeletal muscle mass (LSMM) and/or, function associated with an increased risk of treatment-related toxicities and inferior overall survival (OS) among adults with solid malignancies. However, the association between LSMM and treatment-related toxicities among adults with haematologic malignancies remains unclear.
METHODS
Using a pre-published protocol (CRD42020197814), we searched seven bibliographic databases from inception to 08/2021 for studies reporting the impact of LSMM among adults ≥18 years with a known haematologic malignancy. The primary outcome of interest was OS, and secondary outcomes included progression free survival (PFS) and non-relapse mortality (NRM). These effect sizes were quantified in terms of hazards ratio (HR) along with 95% confidence interval (CI) and pooled across studies using a DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran's Q and the I statistic. All hypothesis testing was two-sided with an alpha of 0.05.
RESULTS
Of 3791 studies screened, we identified 20 studies involving 3468 patients with a mean age of 60 years; 44% were female and the most common malignancy was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (42%). Most studies measured muscle mass using single slice computed tomography imaging at the L3 level. The presence of LSMM was associated with worse OS (pooled HR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.48-2.22, P < 0.001) with moderate heterogeneity (Cochran's Q, I = 60.4%), PFS (pooled HR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.28-2.02, P < 0.001) with moderate heterogeneity (Cochran's Q, I = 66.0%). Similarly, LSMM was associated with worse NRM (HR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.34-2.22, P < 0.001) with little evidence of heterogeneity (Cochran's Q, I = 0.0%).
CONCLUSIONS
LSMM is associated with worse survival outcomes among adults with haematologic malignancies. Further research into understanding the underlying mechanism of this association and mitigating the negative effects of LSMM among adults with haematologic malignancies is needed.
Topics: Humans; Hematologic Neoplasms; Muscle, Skeletal; Treatment Outcome; Adult; Middle Aged; Female; Male
PubMed: 38558541
DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13446 -
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and... Jun 2024The use of patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) of quality of life (QOL) is common in cachexia trials. Patients' self-report on health, functioning, wellbeing, and... (Review)
Review
The use of patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) of quality of life (QOL) is common in cachexia trials. Patients' self-report on health, functioning, wellbeing, and perceptions of care, represent important measures of efficacy. This review describes the frequency, variety, and reporting of QOL endpoints used in cancer cachexia clinical trials. Electronic literature searches were performed in Medline, Embase, and Cochrane (1990-2023). Seven thousand four hundred thirty-five papers were retained for evaluation. Eligibility criteria included QOL as a study endpoint using validated measures, controlled design, adults (>18 years), ≥40 participants randomized, and intervention exceeding 2 weeks. The Covidence software was used for review procedures and data extractions. Four independent authors screened all records for consensus. Papers were screened by titles and abstracts, prior to full-text reading. PRISMA guidance for systematic reviews was followed. The protocol was prospectively registered via PROSPERO (CRD42022276710). Fifty papers focused on QOL. Twenty-four (48%) were double-blind randomized controlled trials. Sample sizes varied considerably (n = 42 to 469). Thirty-nine trials (78%) included multiple cancer types. Twenty-seven trials (54%) featured multimodal interventions with various drugs and dietary supplements, 11 (22%) used nutritional interventions alone and 12 (24%) used a single pharmacological intervention only. The median duration of the interventions was 12 weeks (4-96). The most frequent QOL measure was the EORTC QLQ-C30 (60%), followed by different FACIT questionnaires (34%). QOL was a primary, secondary, or exploratory endpoint in 15, 31 and 4 trials respectively, being the single primary in six. Statistically significant results on one or more QOL items favouring the intervention group were found in 18 trials. Eleven of these used a complete multidimensional measure. Adjustments for multiple testing when using multicomponent QOL measures were not reported. Nine trials (18%) defined a statistically or clinically significant difference for QOL, five with QOL as a primary outcome, and four with QOL as a secondary outcome. Correlation statistics with other study outcomes were rarely performed. PROMs including QOL are important endpoints in cachexia trials. We recommend using well-validated QOL measures, including cachexia-specific items such as weight history, appetite loss, and nutritional intake. Appropriate statistical methods with definitions of clinical significance, adjustment for multiple testing and few co-primary endpoints are encouraged, as is an understanding of how interventions may relate to changes in QOL endpoints. A strategic and scientific-based approach to PROM research in cachexia trials is warranted, to improve the research base in this field and avoid the use of QOL as supplementary measures.
Topics: Humans; Cachexia; Quality of Life; Neoplasms; Clinical Trials as Topic; Patient Reported Outcome Measures
PubMed: 38553255
DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13453 -
Nutrients Feb 2024The changes in body composition during androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients suffering from prostate cancer (PCa) are recognized by professionals more often as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The changes in body composition during androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients suffering from prostate cancer (PCa) are recognized by professionals more often as biomarker for effective treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of ADT on the sarcopenia development in PCa. The following databases were used: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus databases. Out of 2183 studies, 7 were included in this review. The fixed-effect model was used in the meta-analysis. A significant increase in SATI (Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Index) of 0.32 (95% CI: 0.13-0.51) = 0.001, decrease in SMI (Skeletal Muscle Index) of -0.38 (95% CI: -0.57 to -0.19) < 0.0001, and SMD (Skeletal Muscle Density) of -0.46 (95% CI: -0.69 to -0.24) < 0.0001 were observed. No statistical association was visible between ADT and changes in BMI (Body Mass Index), 0.05 (95% CI: -0.18-0.28), = 0.686, and VATI (Visceral Adipose Tissue Index): 0.17 (95% CI: -0.02 to 0.37), = 0.074. In conclusion, the ADT significantly contributes to the body composition changes and sarcopenia development.
Topics: Male; Humans; Sarcopenia; Prostatic Neoplasms; Androgen Antagonists; Androgens; Muscle, Skeletal
PubMed: 38474784
DOI: 10.3390/nu16050656 -
World Neurosurgery: X Apr 2024Sarcopenia is associated with worsened outcomes in solid cancers. Temporalis muscle thickness (TMT) has emerged as a measure of sarcopenia. Hence, this study aims to... (Review)
Review
The prognostic utility of temporalis muscle thickness measured on magnetic resonance scans in patients with intra-axial malignant brain tumours: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
INTRODUCTION
Sarcopenia is associated with worsened outcomes in solid cancers. Temporalis muscle thickness (TMT) has emerged as a measure of sarcopenia. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the relationship between TMT and outcome measures in patients with malignant intra-axial neoplasms.
METHOD
We searched Medline, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane databases for relevant studies. Event ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were analysed using the RevMan 5.4 software. Where meta-analysis was impossible, vote counting was used to determine the effect of TMT on outcomes. The GRADE framework was used to determine the certainty of the evidence.
RESULTS
Four outcomes were reported for three conditions across 17 studies involving 4430 patients. Glioblastoma: thicker TMT was protective for overall survival (OS) (HR 0.59; 95% CI 0.46-0.76) (GRADE low), progression free survival (PFS) (HR 0.40; 95% CI 0.26-0.62) (GRADE high), and early discontinuation of treatment (OR 0.408; 95% CI 0.168-0.989) (GRADE high); no association with complications (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.60-1.10) (GRADE low). Brain Metastases: thicker TMT was protective for OS (HR 0.73; 95% CI 0.67-0.78) (GRADE moderate); no association with PFS (GRADE low). Primary CNS Lymphoma: TMT was protective for overall survival (HR 0.34; 95% CI 0.19-0.60) (GRADE moderate) and progression free survival (HR 0.23; 95% CI 0.09-0.56) (GRADE high).
CONCLUSION
TMT has significant prognostic potential in intra-axial malignant neoplasms, showing a moderate to high certainty for its association with outcomes following GRADE evaluation. This will enable shared decision making between patients and clinicians.
PubMed: 38440376
DOI: 10.1016/j.wnsx.2024.100318 -
Journal of Robotic Surgery Feb 2024Cystectomy is the gold standard treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer. Robotic cystectomy has become increasingly popular owing to quicker post- operative... (Review)
Review
Systematic review comparing uretero-enteric stricture rates between open cystectomy with ileal conduit, robotic cystectomy with extra-corporeal ileal conduit and robotic cystectomy with intra corporeal ileal conduit formation.
Cystectomy is the gold standard treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer. Robotic cystectomy has become increasingly popular owing to quicker post- operative recovery, less blood loss and less post-operative pain. Urinary diversion is increasingly being performed with an intracorporeal technique. Uretero-enteric strictures (UES) cause significant morbidity for patients. UES for open cystectomy is 3-10%, but the range is much wider (0-25%) for robotic surgery. We aim to perform systematic review for studies comparing all 3 techniques, to assess for ureteric stricture rates. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement (Page et al. in BMJ 29, 2021). PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases were searched for the period January 2003 to June 2023 inclusive for relevant publications.The primary outcome was to identify ureteric stricture rates for studies comparing open cystectomy and urinary diversion, robotic cystectomy with extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) and robotic cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD). Three studies were identified and included 2185 patients in total. The open operation had the lowest stricture rate (9.6%), compared to ECUD (12.4%) and ICUD (15%). ICUD had the longest time to stricture (7.55 months), ECUD (4.85 months) and the open operation (4.75 months). Open operation had the shortest operating time. The Bricker anastomoses was the most popular technique. Open surgery has the lowest rates of UES compared to both robotic operations. There is a learning curve involved with performing robotic cystectomy and urinary diversion, this may need to be considered to decide whether the technique is comparable with open cystectomy UES rates. Further research, including Randomised Control Trials (RCT), needs to be undertaken to determine the best surgical option for patients to minimise risks of UES.
Topics: Humans; Cystectomy; Constriction, Pathologic; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Diversion; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Ureteral Obstruction; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38413496
DOI: 10.1007/s11701-024-01850-9 -
PeerJ 2024To elucidate the relationship between cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs) biomarkers and the prognosis of breast cancer patients for individualized CAFs-targeting... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
To elucidate the relationship between cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs) biomarkers and the prognosis of breast cancer patients for individualized CAFs-targeting treatment.
METHODOLOGY
PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched for CAFs-related studies of breast cancer patients from their inception to September, 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using R 4.2.2 software. Sensitivity analyses were performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Funnel plot and Egger's test were used to assess the publication bias.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven studies including 6,830 patients were selected. Univariate analysis showed that high expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor- (PDGFR-) ( = 0.0055), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) ( < 0.0001), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 ( < 0.0001), MMP 11 ( < 0.0001) and MMP 13 ( = 0.0009) in CAFs were correlated with reduced recurrence-free survival (RFS)/disease-free survival (DFS)/metastasis-free survival (MFS)/event-free survival (EFS) respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that high expression of -smooth muscle actin (-SMA) ( = 0.0002), podoplanin (PDPN) ( = 0.0008), and PDGFR- ( = 0.0470) in CAFs was associated with reduced RFS/DFS/MFS/EFS respectively. Furthermore, PDPN and PDGFR- expression in CAFs of poorly differentiated breast cancer patients were higher than that of patients with relatively better differentiated breast cancer. In addition, there is a positive correlation between the expression of PDPN and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2).
CONCLUSIONS
The high expression of -SMA, PDPN, PDGFR- in CAFs leads to worse clinical outcomes in breast cancer, indicating their roles as prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2; Biomarkers, Tumor; Breast; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta
PubMed: 38410801
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16958 -
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.) Feb 2024Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a diagnostic tool that is gaining popularity for its ability to improve overall diagnostic accuracy in bladder cancer (BC)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a diagnostic tool that is gaining popularity for its ability to improve overall diagnostic accuracy in bladder cancer (BC) staging. Our aim is to determine the cumulative diagnostic performance of CEUS in predicting preoperative muscle invasiveness using a comprehensive systematic review and pooled meta-analysis.
METHODS
A systematic review until October 2023 was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Patients with BC suspicion were offered CEUS before the transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT). The diagnostic performance of CEUS was evaluated based on non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) vs. muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) confirmed at the final histopathological examination after TURBT. The outcomes were determined through pooled sensitivity, specificity, pooled positive likelihood ratio (PLR+), negative likelihood ratio (PLR-), and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) along with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
Overall, five studies were included. In these studies, a total of 362 patients underwent CEUS prior to TURBT. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.81-0.93) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.82-0.92), respectively. SROC curve depicted a diagnostic accuracy of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.81-0.98). The pooled PLR+ and PLR- were 7.3 (95% CI: 4.8-11.2) and 0.14 (95% CI: 0.08-0.23), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis indicates that CEUS is highly accurate in the diagnosis and staging for BC. Beyond its accuracy, CEUS offers the advantage of being a cost-effective, safe, and versatile imaging tool.
Topics: Humans; Contrast Media; Muscles; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ultrasonography; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms
PubMed: 38392054
DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31020060 -
Archivos Espanoles de Urologia Jan 2024Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in males. Treatment options cause a series of side effects that can lead to a deterioration in the... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in males. Treatment options cause a series of side effects that can lead to a deterioration in the physical and quality of life of patients, such as musculoskeletal changes, atrophy or muscle weakness, due to the testosterone suppression. Scientific evidence has shown that exercise mitigates the side effects induced by cancer treatment. This study aimed to analyse the effects of muscular strength work on the organism of patients with prostate cancer in the treatment phase.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Medline, Web of Science and PEDro databases were searched in January 2022. The Medical Subject Headings "resistance training", "prostatic neoplasms", "strength training" and "prostate cancer" were used.
RESULTS
A total of 13 articles were analysed. In all of them, statistically significant changes were found in strength, physical performance, muscle mass and cardiovascular and respiratory health after the implementation of a strength exercise program. Other variables did not achieve the expected changes.
CONCLUSIONS
A strength exercise program improves strength, physical performance, muscle mass and cardiovascular health in patients with prostate cancer. However, whether it improves other parameters, such as body fat, power, bone density and quality of life, is unclear.
Topics: Male; Humans; Resistance Training; Quality of Life; Prostatic Neoplasms; Muscle Strength; Muscles
PubMed: 38374007
DOI: 10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20247701.1 -
Cancer Treatment and Research... 2024The management of periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is challenging due to its proximity to the eyeball. Vismodegib, a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor, has emerged as a... (Review)
Review
The management of periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is challenging due to its proximity to the eyeball. Vismodegib, a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor, has emerged as a therapeutic option for locally advanced and metastatic BCC. To critically appraise the relevant evidence, we conducted a systematic review of observational and experimental studies assessing the efficacy and safety of vismodegib for periocular BCC. Thirty-seven trials, including 435 patients, were eligible. No randomized trials were retrieved. Complete and overall clinical response rates were 20-88 % and 68-100 %, respectively. Disease progression was observed at a maximum rate of 14 %. Recurrence rates varied between 0 % and 31 %. The most common side effects were muscle cramps, dysgeusia, weight loss and alopecia. Treatment with vismodegib improved health-related quality of life. In conclusion, vismodegib represents an important novel treatment for advanced periocular BCC, with good response rates and acceptable tolerability profile. Nevertheless, its full potential needs clarification through randomized controlled trials.
Topics: Humans; Anilides; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Pyridines; Quality of Life; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 38367414
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2024.100796 -
Archivio Italiano Di Urologia,... Feb 2024Local therapies for high risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) such as intravesical chemotherapy (IVC) have shown a high rate of progression and recurrence.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
A systematic review and meta-analysis of intraarterial chemotherapy for non muscle invasive bladder cancer: Promising alternative therapy in high tuberculosis burden countries.
INTRODUCTION
Local therapies for high risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) such as intravesical chemotherapy (IVC) have shown a high rate of progression and recurrence. Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for local therapies has been shown to reduce progression and recurrence in patient with NMIBC. However, its potential role is limited in high burden countries for tuberculosis (TB) due to its low specificity that can cause wrong diagnosis or false positive in patients with clinically diagnosed tuberculosis. BCG vaccine that has to be given for most people in tuberculosis endemic countries will induce trained immunity that could reduce the effectivity of intravesical BCG for NMIBC. Moreover, intravesical BCG is contraindicated in patient with or previous tuberculosis. The potential clinical benefit of intraarterial chemotherapy (IAC) in delaying the recurrence and progression of high-risk NMIBC have been investigated with promising results. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the potential anti-tumor effect of IAC in NMIBC.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search of published articles in Cochrane Library, Pubmed, and Science-Direct to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing IAC alone or combined with IVC versus IVC/BCG alone in NMIBC. The protocol of preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) was applied to this study.
RESULTS
Four RCTs and 4 cohort observational studies were eligible in this study and 5 studies were included in meta-analysis. The risk ratio of tumor recurrence was reduced by 35% (RR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.49-0.87; p = 0.004) in IAC plus IVC, while recurrence-free survival (RFS) was prolonged by 45% (HR: 0.55; 95% CI, 0.44-0.69; p < 0.001). The risk of tumor progression was reduced by 45% (RR = 0.55; 95% CI 0.41-0.75; p = 0.002) and tumor progression-free survival (PFS) was also prolonged by 53% (HR: 0.47; 95% CI, 0.34-0.65; p<0.001). Some RCT's had high or unclear risk of bias, meanwhile 4 included cohort studies had overall low risk of bias, therefore the pooled results need to be interpreted cautiously. Subgroup analysis revealed that the heterogeneity outcome of tumour recurrence might be attributed to the difference in NMIBC stages and grades.
CONCLUSIONS
The IAC alone or combined with IVC following bladder tumor resection may lower the risk of tumor recurrence and progression. These findings highlight the importance of further multi institutional randomized controlled trials with bigger sample size using a standardized IAC protocol to validate the current results.
Topics: Humans; BCG Vaccine; Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Neoplasms; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Tuberculosis; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 38363237
DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2024.12154