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International Immunopharmacology Jun 2022Thymic peptides (TPs) are often used to control malignant pleural effusion (MPE). So, we performed a clustered systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Thymic peptides (TPs) are often used to control malignant pleural effusion (MPE). So, we performed a clustered systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the treatment regimens of TPs for MPE, demonstrate their clinical effectiveness and safety, and reveal the indications and optimal usage for a desired effectiveness.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We collected all trials of TPs for MPE from Chinese and English databases (from inception until May 2021). After evaluating their bias risk, we pooled the data from each regimen using the meta-analysis or descriptive analysis, and summarized the evidence quality using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach (GRADE).
RESULTS
Thirty-four trials were clustered into TPs for MPE from lung cancer or miscellaneous tumors. The TPs combined with chemical agents were mainly used in MPE from lung cancer. All five regimens, only thymosin with oxaliplatin (L-OHP) significantly improved the complete response (CR) [2.40 (1.84 to 3.13)], quality of life [2.04 (1.20 to 3.48)], 0.5- and 1-year overall survival (OS) rate [5.75 (3.02 to 10.92) and 5.29, (1.71 to 16.36)]. It also up-regulated the T lymphocyte levels, and reduced the pleurodesis failure, disease progression and adverse events. In patients with moderate to large volume, Karnofsky Performance Status score ≥ 50 or anticipated survival time ≥ 3 months, the thymosin (300 mg/time, one time/week and lasting two to eight times) with oxaliplatin (100 mg/m) achieved a desired response. Most results were moderate quality.
CONCLUSIONS
The current evidences indicate that the TPs are important pleurodesis agents, which combination with chemical agents are mainly used in MPE from lung cancer. The thymosin with L-OHP is a main regimen, which shows a significant improvement in clinical responses, antitumor immunity, and with a reasonable security. The evidence also provides indications and optimal usage for achieving a desired effectiveness.
Topics: Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Oxaliplatin; Peptides; Pleural Effusion, Malignant; Quality of Life; Thymosin
PubMed: 35293322
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108688 -
Abdominal Radiology (New York) May 2022Imaging of the peritoneum and related pathology is a challenge. Among peritoneal diseases, malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM) is an uncommon tumor with poor... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Imaging of the peritoneum and related pathology is a challenge. Among peritoneal diseases, malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM) is an uncommon tumor with poor prognosis. To date, there are no specific guidelines or imaging protocols dedicated for the peritoneum and MPeM. The objective of this study was to analyze the literature describing imaging modalities used for MPeM to determine their relative clinical efficacy and review commonly reported imaging features of MPeM to promote standardized reporting.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of original research articles discussing imaging modalities in MPeM from 1999 to 2020. Effectiveness measures and common findings were compared across imaging modalities.
RESULTS
Among 582 studies analyzed, the most-used imaging modality was CT (54.3%). In the differentiation of MPeM from peritoneal carcinomatosis, one study found CT had a diagnostic sensitivity of 53%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 68%. Two studies found fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) had sensitivity of 86-92%, specificity of 83-89%, and accuracy of 87-89%. Another study found magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was the best predictor of the peritoneal carcinomatosis index. Characteristics shown to best differentiate MPeM from other diseases included ascites, peritoneal thickening, mesenteric thickening, pleural plaques, maximum tumor dimension, and number of masses.
CONCLUSION
Most published MPeM imaging studies utilized CT. PET/CT or MRI appear promising, and future studies should compare effectiveness of these modalities. MPeM imaging reports should highlight ascites, number of and maximum tumor dimension, peritoneal/mesenteric thickening, and associated pleural plaques, allowing for better aggregation of MPeM imaging data across studies.
Topics: Ascites; Humans; Mesothelioma; Peritoneal Neoplasms; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 35257201
DOI: 10.1007/s00261-022-03464-x -
Clinical and Translational Science Jun 2022The exact role of pleural effusion in the prognosis of cancer patients remains unclear. We aimed to systematically review the prognostic value of pleural effusion in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The exact role of pleural effusion in the prognosis of cancer patients remains unclear. We aimed to systematically review the prognostic value of pleural effusion in patients with cancer. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis with a systematic literature search. All cohort studies with available overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) results for patients with cancer with or without pleural effusion were included. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used to calculate the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity and publication bias were examined. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed. A total of 47 studies with 146,117 patients were included in the analysis. For OS, pleural effusion was a prognostic factor associated with a poor prognosis for patients with cancer (HR, 1.58, 95% CI, 1.43-1.75; I 94.8%). In the subgroup analysis, pleural effusion was a prognostic factor associated with poor survival for patients with lung cancer (HR, 1.44, 95% CI, 1.35-1.54; I 60.8%), hematological cancer (HR, 2.79, 95% CI, 1.63-4.77; I 29.4%) and other types of cancer (HR, 2.08, 95% CI, 1.43-3.01; I 55.1%). For PFS, pleural effusion was a prognostic factor associated with a poor prognosis for patients with cancer (HR, 1.61, 95% CI, 1.28-2.03; I 42.9%). We also observed that massive pleural effusion was a prognostic factor associated with a poorer prognosis compared to minimal pleural effusion. Pleural effusion had prognostic value in both OS and PFS of patients with cancer, except for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, regardless of whether the malignant effusion was confirmed histologically or cytologically. However, future evidence of other pleural effusion characteristics is still needed.
Topics: Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Pleural Effusion; Prognosis; Proportional Hazards Models
PubMed: 35212454
DOI: 10.1111/cts.13260 -
Medicine Feb 2022Pleural effusion is characterized by excessive fluid collection in the pleural cavity. Black pleural effusion (BPE) is a rare entity with only limited scientific data....
BACKGROUND
Pleural effusion is characterized by excessive fluid collection in the pleural cavity. Black pleural effusion (BPE) is a rare entity with only limited scientific data. We aimed to review the current literature on black pleural effusion to characterize demographics, etiology, clinical presentation, pathological findings, available treatment strategies, and prognosis of this rare condition.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of case reports and series and synthesized data on demographics, manifestations, management, and outcomes of patients with BPE. We searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar for any date until January 10, 2021. All studies (n = 31) that reported black pleural effusion in patients were added to the review. Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews registration number: CRD42020213839. Summary and descriptive analysis was performed on Jamovi version 1.2.
RESULTS
The mean age of 32 patients with BPE was 53 years, with male predominance (69%). The commonest risk factor was smoking (n = 9) followed by alcohol intake (n = 8). Dyspnea was the commonest symptom (n = 24, 75%). Pleural fluid was mostly exudative (n = 21). The commonest associated diagnosis was malignancy (n = 14), with 50% secondary to metastatic melanoma. The commonest intervention was therapeutic thoracocentesis (n = 25, 78%), and the effusion recurred in half of the cases where recurrence was reported (n = 13). In our review, we found the mortality rate to be at 20.8% (n = 20.8%). 58.3% of the patients were successfully treated and discharged home (n = 14).
CONCLUSION
Although rare, BPE appears to be a relevant symptom as it seems to be frequently associated with modifiable risk factors and underlying malignancy. Our systematic review substantiates a vital research gap as observational research is imperative to characterize BPE further and form a basis for designing tailored diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies for BPE.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Exudates and Transudates; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Pleural Effusion; Prognosis
PubMed: 35212269
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000028130 -
Thoracic Cancer Apr 2022Breast and ovarian cancer account for over 30% of malignant pleural effusions (MPEs). Treatment of the metastatic disease requires control of the MPE. Even though... (Review)
Review
Hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion caused by breast and ovarian cancer: A systematic literature review and pooled analysis.
OBJECTIVES
Breast and ovarian cancer account for over 30% of malignant pleural effusions (MPEs). Treatment of the metastatic disease requires control of the MPE. Even though primarily symptomatic, the treatment of the MPE can potentially affect the oncological course of the disease. The aim of this review is to analyze the effectiveness of intrathoracic chemotherapy in the treatment of MPE caused by breast and ovarian cancer.
METHODS
A systematic literature research was conducted up until May 2021. Studies published in English on patients undergoing either surgical or interventional intrapleural chemotherapy were included.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies with a total of 497 patients were included. Analysis was performed on 169 patients with MPE due to breast cancer and eight patients with MPE secondary to ovarian cancer. The pooled success rates of intrathoracic chemotherapy for controlling the MPE were 59.1% and 87.5%, respectively. A survival analysis was not possible with the available data. The overall toxicity of the treatment was low.
CONCLUSIONS
Intrathoracic chemotherapy achieves symptomatic control of the MPE in 59.1% of patients with metastatic breast cancer and 87.5% of patients with metastatic ovarian cancer. This is inferior to other forms of surgical pleurodesis. Data from small case series and studies on intraperitoneal chemotherapy show promising results. However, formal oncological studies on the use of intrathoracic chemotherapy for metastatic breast or ovarian cancer are lacking. Further prospective pilot studies are needed to assess the therapeutic oncological effects of this treatment.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Hyperthermia, Induced; Ovarian Neoplasms; Pleural Effusion, Malignant; Pleurodesis
PubMed: 35194945
DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14361 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Apr 2022Advanced stage malignant mesothelioma (asMM) patients have poor prognosis. Several trials investigated the role of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Advanced stage malignant mesothelioma (asMM) patients have poor prognosis. Several trials investigated the role of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in pre-treated asMM.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature of clinical trials testing single-agent anti PD-1/PD-L1 ICIs in pre-treated asMM was performed. Objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) data were extracted. The predictive role of PD-L1 was assessed.
RESULTS
We selected 13 studies including 888 patients. ORR and DCR were 18.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13.9-22.8%) and 55.4% (95% CI: 48.1-62.5%), respectively. Median PFS and OS ranged from 2.1 to 5.9 and from 6.7 to 20.9 months, respectively. ORR according to PD-L1 was 27.0% (95% CI: 18.7-36.2%).
CONCLUSIONS
Anti-PD-(L)1 ICIs might be considered a treatment option for chemotherapy-resistant asMM, even if reliable predictive factors are still lacking.
Topics: B7-H1 Antigen; Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Lung Neoplasms; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor; Progression-Free Survival
PubMed: 35192932
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103639 -
Scientific Reports Feb 2022To clarify the predominance of Th1 or Th2 immune responses in malignant and tuberculous pleural effusion (MPE and TPE, respectively), we performed a meta-analysis of...
To clarify the predominance of Th1 or Th2 immune responses in malignant and tuberculous pleural effusion (MPE and TPE, respectively), we performed a meta-analysis of previously published results of the levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines associated with these two types of pleural effusion to evaluate the use of Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles in distinguishing TPE from MPE. We searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases for studies indexed from 2000 to March 2021. We included studies that (a) diagnosed TPE and MPE based on culture or pleural tissue biopsy and that (b) compared levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines between TPE and MPE. Pooled data based on a random-effects model or fixed-effects model and standardized mean differences (SMDs) across studies were used to compare TPE and MPE. We also performed Egger's test to assess publication bias. Of 917 identified studies, a total of 42 studies were selected for the meta-analysis. Compared with MPE subjects, TPE subjects had a significantly higher level of TNF-α [2.22, (1.60-2.84)], an elevated level of IFN-γ [3.30, (2.57-4.40)] in pleural effusion, a situation where the Th1 immune response dominated. Conversely, the levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-10 (Th2 cytokines) were higher in the MPE subjects than in the TPE subjects, showing statistically nonsignificant tiny effects [-0.15, (-0.94 to 0.63) and -0.04, (-0.21 to 0.12), respectively]. We confirmed that TPE, a situation in which the Th1 cytokines are predominant. The slight preponderance of Th2 cytokines in MPE, which is not convincing enough to prove.
Topics: Cytokines; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Pleural Effusion, Malignant; Th1 Cells; Th2 Cells; Tuberculosis, Pleural
PubMed: 35177742
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06685-8 -
Thorax Jan 2023Pleural fluid cytology is an important diagnostic test used for the investigation of pleural effusions. There is considerable variability in the reported sensitivity for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Pleural fluid cytology is an important diagnostic test used for the investigation of pleural effusions. There is considerable variability in the reported sensitivity for the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions (MPE) in the literature.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review is to determine the diagnostic sensitivity of pleural fluid cytology for MPE, both overall and by tumour type, to better inform the decision-making process when investigating pleural effusions.
DATA SOURCES
A literature search of EMBASE and MEDLINE was performed by four reviewers. Articles satisfying inclusion criteria were evaluated for bias using the QUADAS-2 tool.
DATA EXTRACTION
For quantitative analysis, we performed a metaanalysis using a binary random-effects model to determine pooled sensitivity. Subgroup analysis was performed based on primary cancer site and meta-regression by year of publication.
SYNTHESIS
Thirty-six studies with 6057 patients with MPE were included in the meta-analysis. The overall diagnostic sensitivity of pleural fluid cytology for MPE was 58.2% (95% CI 52.5% to 63.9%; range 20.5%-86.0%). There was substantial heterogeneity present among studies (I 95.5%). For primary thoracic malignancies, sensitivity was highest in lung adenocarcinoma (83.6%; 95% CI 77.7% to 89.6%) and lowest in lung squamous cell carcinoma (24.2%; 95% CI 17.0% to 31.5%) and mesothelioma (28.9%; 95% CI 16.2% to 41.5%). For malignancies with extrathoracic origin, sensitivity was high for ovarian cancer (85.2%; 95% CI 74.2% to 96.1%) and modest for breast cancer (65.3%; 95% CI 49.8% to 80.8%).
CONCLUSIONS
Pleural fluid cytology has an overall sensitivity of 58.2% for the diagnosis of MPE. Clinicians should be aware of the high variability in diagnostic sensitivity by primary tumour type as well as the potential reasons for false-negative cytology results.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021231473.
Topics: Humans; Pleural Effusion, Malignant; Pleura; Mesothelioma; Pleural Effusion; Lung Neoplasms; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 35110369
DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2021-217959 -
Epidemiology and Infection Feb 2022This review aimed to compare the clinical features and CT imaging features between patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and lung cancer and patients with PTB... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Comparison of clinical and imaging features between pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with lung cancer and simple pulmonary tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This review aimed to compare the clinical features and CT imaging features between patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and lung cancer and patients with PTB alone. That would help to analyse the differences between the two and consequently providing a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment for the patients. Relevant case-control studies focusing on the clinical and CT imaging characteristics between PTB with lung cancer and PTB alone were systematically searched from five electronic databases. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for comparison. As of 2021-07-06, a total of 1735 articles were retrieved. But only 15 articles were finally included for meta-analysis. The results showed a higher proportion of irritable cough, haemorrhagic pleural effusion and lower proportion of night sweating in PTB patients with lung cancer than in PTB patients, and the differences were statistically significant (irritable cough: OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.43-4.11; haemorrhagic pleural effusion: OR 5.73, 95% CI 1.63-20.12; night sweating: OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.36-0.87). In addition, there are many differences in the imaging characteristics of the two types of patients. In conclusion, this review summarises the similarities and differences in clinical symptoms and imaging features between patients with PTB and lung cancer and patients with PTB alone, suggesting that we should be alert to the occurrence of lung cancer in patients with obsolete PTB relapse.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Cough; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Pleural Effusion; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
PubMed: 35105410
DOI: 10.1017/S0950268822000176 -
Cancer Medicine Feb 2022Ionizing radiation and mesothelioma have been examined among personnel employed in nuclear power plant and patients treated by external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Ionizing radiation and mesothelioma have been examined among personnel employed in nuclear power plant and patients treated by external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). The association is still controversial; the purpose of this review is to summarize the scientific evidence published in the literature regarding the relationship between ionizing radiation and incidence of mesothelioma and, if possible, estimating strongness of the association by meta-analysis of extracted data.
METHODS
Articles included in the systematic review were retrieved by searching among the three main scientific databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. The literature search was conducted in June 2021. A meta-analysis of random effects was conducted, stratified by exposure (EBRT, occupational exposure). The heterogeneity of the summary relative risks (RRs) was assessed using I statistics. Publication bias was evaluated graphically through the funnel plot.
FINDINGS
The exposure to ionizing radiation could be a risk factor for mesothelioma: both for exposure to high doses for short periods (EBRT) (RR of 3.34 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.24-8.99]) and for exposure to low doses for a prolonged duration (exposure working) (RR of 3.57 [95% CI 2.16-5.89]).
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the low number of mesotheliomas in the general population, the steadily increased risk among individuals exposed to radiation is still worth considering.
Topics: Humans; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Occupational Exposure; Radiation, Ionizing; Risk Factors
PubMed: 35029060
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4436