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Gut Jul 2023Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) is effective in reducing CRC related mortality. Current screening methods include endoscopy based and biomarker based approaches....
Joint Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE)-Asian Pacific Society of Digestive Endoscopy (APSDE) clinical practice guidelines on the use of non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia.
Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) is effective in reducing CRC related mortality. Current screening methods include endoscopy based and biomarker based approaches. This guideline is a joint official statement of the Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) and the Asian Pacific Society of Digestive Endoscopy (APSDE), developed in response to the increasing use of, and accumulating supportive evidence for the role of, non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of CRC and its precursor lesions. A systematic review of 678 publications and a two stage Delphi consensus process involving 16 clinicians in various disciplines was undertaken to develop 32 evidence based and expert opinion based recommendations for the use of faecal immunochemical tests, faecal based tumour biomarkers or microbial biomarkers, and blood based tumour biomarkers for the detection of CRC and adenoma. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided on indications, patient selection and strengths and limitations of each screening tool. Future research to inform clinical applications are discussed alongside objective measurement of research priorities. This joint APAGE-APSDE practice guideline is intended to provide an up-to-date guide to assist clinicians worldwide in utilising non-invasive biomarkers for CRC screening; it has particular salience for clinicians in the Asia-Pacific region.
Topics: Humans; Gastroenterology; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; Colorectal Neoplasms; Feces; Biomarkers, Tumor; Early Detection of Cancer
PubMed: 37019620
DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-329429 -
European Archives of... Jul 2023Minimally invasive surgery is today the main challenge of ENT surgeons who aim to achieve oncological radicality with less aesthetic and functional impact. This is the...
INTRODUCTION
Minimally invasive surgery is today the main challenge of ENT surgeons who aim to achieve oncological radicality with less aesthetic and functional impact. This is the basis for the widespread transoral surgical techniques, as the Thunderbeat.
OBJECTIVE
To date, the use of Thunderbeat in transoral surgery is still little known and widespread. So, this study analyzes, with a systematic review, current literature about the transoral use of Thunderbeat and shows our case studies.
METHODS
The research was carried out on Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane databases using specific keywords. Then, a retrospective study was carried out on 10 patients who underwent transoral surgery by Thunderbeat in our ENT Clinic. Both in our cases and in the systematic review the following parameters have been evaluated: treated anatomical site and subsite, histological diagnosis, type of surgery, duration of nasogastric tube and hospitalization, post-operative complications, tracheostomy, resection margin status.
RESULTS
The review included 3 articles that described transoral use of Thunderbeat for a total of 31 patients suffering from oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal and/or laryngeal carcinoma. Nasogastric tube was removed after 21.5 days on average, temporary tracheostomy was performed in 6 patients. The main complications were: bleeding (12.90%) and pharyngocutaneous fistula (29.03%). Thunderbeat shaft was 35 cm long and 5 mm large. Our case studies included 5 males and 5 females, mean age 64.4 ± 10.28, with oropharyngeal or supraglottic carcinoma, parapharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma and cavernous hemangioma of the tongue base. Temporary tracheostomy was performed in 8 patients. Free resection margins were achieved in all cases (100%). No peri-operative complications occurred. Nasogastric tube was removed after 5.3 ± 2 days on average. All patients were discharged without tracheal tube and NGT after 18.2 ± 4.72 days on average.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated that Thunderbeat has several advantages over other transoral surgical approaches, such as CO2 laser and robotic surgery, in terms of best combination of oncological and functional success, less post-operative complications and costs. So, it could represent a step forward in transoral surgery.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Aged; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Retrospective Studies; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Hypopharynx; Larynx; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37014427
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-07944-8 -
Brain Sciences Mar 2023The complex nature and heterogeneity involving pituitary surgery results have increased interest in machine learning (ML) applications for prediction of outcomes over... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The complex nature and heterogeneity involving pituitary surgery results have increased interest in machine learning (ML) applications for prediction of outcomes over the last decade. This study aims to systematically review the characteristics of ML models involving pituitary surgery outcome prediction and assess their reporting quality.
METHODS
We searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge databases for publications on the use of ML to predict pituitary surgery outcomes. We used the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) to assess report quality. Our search strategy was based on the terms "artificial intelligence", "machine learning", and "pituitary".
RESULTS
20 studies were included in this review. The principal models reported in each article were post-surgical endocrine outcomes ( = 10), tumor management ( = 3), and intra- and postoperative complications ( = 7). Overall, the included studies adhered to a median of 65% (IQR = 60-72%) of TRIPOD criteria, ranging from 43% to 83%. The median reported AUC was 0.84 (IQR = 0.80-0.91). The most popular algorithms were support vector machine ( = 5) and random forest ( = 5). Only two studies reported external validation and adherence to any reporting guideline. Calibration methods were not reported in 15 studies. No model achieved the phase of actual clinical applicability.
CONCLUSION
Applications of ML in the prediction of pituitary outcomes are still nascent, as evidenced by the lack of any model validated for clinical practice. Although studies have demonstrated promising results, greater transparency in model development and reporting is needed to enable their use in clinical practice. Further adherence to reporting guidelines can help increase AI's real-world utility and improve clinical practice.
PubMed: 36979305
DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030495 -
International Journal of Surgery... Apr 2023Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related death (9.4% of the 9.9 million cancer deaths). However, CRC develops slowly, and early...
BACKGROUND
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related death (9.4% of the 9.9 million cancer deaths). However, CRC develops slowly, and early detection and intervention can effectively improve the survival rate and quality of life. Although colonoscopy can detect and diagnose CRC, it is unsuitable for CRC screening in average-risk populations. Some commercial kits based on DNA mutation or methylation are approved for screening, but the low sensitivity for advanced adenoma or early-stage CRC would limit the applications.
MAIN RESULTS
Recently, researchers have focused on developing noninvasive or minimally invasive, easily accessible biomarkers with higher sensitivity and accuracy for CRC screening. Numerous reports describe advances in biomarkers, including DNA mutations and methylation, mRNA and miRNA, gut microbes, and metabolites, as well as low-throughput multiomics panels. In small cohorts, the specificity and sensitivity improved when fecal immunochemical testing combined with other biomarkers; further verification in large cohorts is expected. In addition, the continuous improvement of laboratory technology has also improved the sensitivity of detection technology, such as PCR, and the application of CRISPR/Cas technology. Besides, artificial intelligence has extensively promoted the mining of biomarkers. Machine learning was performed to construct a diagnosis model for CRC screening based on the cfDNA fragment features from whole-genome sequencing data. In another study, multiomics markers, including cfDNA, epigenetic, and protein signals, were also discovered by machine learning. Finally, advancements in sensor technology promote the applicability of volatile organic compounds in CRC early detection.
CONCLUSION
Here, the authors review advances in early detection and screening of CRC based on different biomarker types. Most studies reported optimistic findings based on preliminary research, and prospective clinical studies are ongoing. These promising biomarkers are expected to more accurately identify early-stage patients with CRC and be applied in the future.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Artificial Intelligence; Quality of Life; Biomarkers, Tumor; Early Detection of Cancer; DNA; Cell-Free Nucleic Acids; Colorectal Neoplasms
PubMed: 36974713
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000260 -
Cureus Feb 2023The management of dopamine agonist (DA)-resistant prolactinomas unresponsive to second and third-line treatment is challenging and requires alternative medical therapy.... (Review)
Review
The management of dopamine agonist (DA)-resistant prolactinomas unresponsive to second and third-line treatment is challenging and requires alternative medical therapy. The presence of estrogen receptors on pituitary tumors, and the variable behavior of pituitary tumors in the presence of estrogen, prompted investigation of the role of anti-estrogen in the treatment of DA-resistant prolactinomas. The goal of this paper is to perform a systematic review of the role of tamoxifen in the treatment of DA-resistant prolactinomas. A systematic review was conducted. Inclusion criteria were case reports, case series, and experimental studies using tamoxifen in DA-resistant prolactinomas. Exclusion criteria included review articles, DA-sensitive prolactinomas, and those that were not previously treated with DA. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. For continuous data, the mean was used. For dichotomous data, frequencies and percentages were used. Data on 22 patients were extracted from the seven included studies. Twenty patients (90.9%) responded positively to the use of tamoxifen with a mean reduction in prolactin levels of 57.4%. Ten patients (45.5%) showed normalization of prolactin post-tamoxifen administration. Regression of tumor size and stability of tumor growth were reported in four out of 22 cases (18.2%). Combination therapy with DA and tamoxifen increased DA sensitivity and had a clinically significant inhibitory effect on prolactin secretion. Furthermore, tamoxifen may be considered an effective adjuvant for tumor size control. Therefore, further studies are needed to draw more clinically and statistically robust conclusions.
PubMed: 36950000
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35171 -
International Journal of Surgery... Apr 2023As artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted diagnosis gained immense popularity, it is imperative to consider its utility and efficiency in the early diagnosis of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
As artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted diagnosis gained immense popularity, it is imperative to consider its utility and efficiency in the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC), responsible for over 1.8 million cases and 881 000 deaths globally, as reported in 2018. Improved adenoma detection rate, as well as better characterizations of polyps, are significant advantages of AI-assisted colonoscopy (AIC). This systematic review (SR) investigates the effectiveness of AIC in the early diagnosis of CRC as compared to conventional colonoscopy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Electronic databases such as PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were reviewed for original studies (randomized controlled trials, observational studies), SRs, and meta-analysis between 2017 and 2022 utilizing Medical Subject Headings terminology in a broad search strategy. All searches were performed and analyzed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis methodology and were conducted from November 2022. A data extraction form based on the Cochrane Consumers and Communication Review group's extraction template for quality assessment and evidence synthesis was used for data extraction. All included studies considered for bias and ethical criteria and provided valuable evidence to answer the research question.
RESULTS
The database search identified 218 studies, including 87 from PubMed, 60 from SCOPUS, and 71 from Web of Science databases. The retrieved studies from the databases were imported to Rayyan software and a duplicate article check was performed, all duplicate articles were removed after careful evaluation of the data. The abstract and full-text screening was performed in accordance with the following eligibility criteria: Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) for observational studies; Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for review articles, ENTREQ for narrative studies; and modified JADAD for randomized controlled trials. This yielded 15 studies that met the requirements for this SR and were finally included in the review.
CONCLUSION
AIC is a safe, highly effective screening tool that can increase the detection rate of adenomas, and polyps resulting in an early diagnosis of CRC in adults when compared to conventional colonoscopy. The results of this SR prompt further large-scale research to investigate the effectiveness in accordance with sex, race, and socioeconomic status, as well as its influence on prognosis and survival rate.
Topics: Humans; Artificial Intelligence; Early Detection of Cancer; Colonoscopy; Prognosis; Adenoma; Colorectal Neoplasms
PubMed: 36917126
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000285 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2023Obesity is a known risk factor for developing colorectal cancer (CRC) and is associated with the formation of precancerous colonic adenomas. Bariatric surgery (BRS) is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Obesity is a known risk factor for developing colorectal cancer (CRC) and is associated with the formation of precancerous colonic adenomas. Bariatric surgery (BRS) is considered to reduce the cancer risk in morbidly obese patients. However, the currently available literature yields contradicting results regarding the impact of bariatric surgery on the incidence of CRC.
METHODS
A systematic literature search of the Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov databases was undertaken following the PRISMA guidelines. A random effects model was selected.
RESULTS
Twelve retrospective cohort studies, incorporating a total of 6,279,722 patients, were eligible for inclusion in the final quantitative analysis. Eight studies originated from North America, while four reported on European patients. Patients in the Bariatric Surgery group exhibited a significantly reduced risk for developing colorectal cancer (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.4-0.8, < 0.001), while sleeve gastrectomy was found to be significantly associated with a smaller incidence of CRC (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36-0.83, < 0.001), and gastric bypass and banding did not.
CONCLUSIONS
A significant protective effect of BRS against the development of CRC is implied. In the present analysis, the incidence rate of colorectal cancer was approximately halved amongst the obese individuals that were operated on.
Topics: Humans; Obesity, Morbid; Retrospective Studies; Bariatric Surgery; Risk Factors; Colorectal Neoplasms
PubMed: 36900989
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053981 -
Cancers Mar 2023Alterations in gut microbiota play a pivotal role in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. However, there is still a notable lack of the correct implementation of tissue and... (Review)
Review
Alterations in gut microbiota play a pivotal role in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. However, there is still a notable lack of the correct implementation of tissue and fecal sampling in the setting of human gut microbiota examination. This study aimed to review the literature and to consolidate the current evidence on the use of mucosa and a stool-based matrix investigating human gut microbiota changes in precancerous colorectal lesions. A systematic review of papers from 2012 until November 2022 published on the PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted. The majority of the included studies have significantly associated gut microbial dysbiosis with premalignant polyps in the colorectum. Although methodological differences hampered the precise fecal and tissue-derived dysbiosis comparison, the analysis revealed several common characteristics in stool-based and fecal-derived gut microbiota structures in patients with colorectal polyps: simple or advanced adenomas, serrated lesions, and carcinomas in situ. The mucosal samples considered were more relevant for the evaluation of microbiota's pathophysiological involvement in CR carcinogenesis, while non-invasive stool sampling could be beneficial for early CRC detection strategies in the future. Further studies are required to identify and validate mucosa-associated and luminal colorectal microbial patterns and their role in CRC carcinogenesis, as well as in the clinical setting of human microbiota studies.
PubMed: 36900392
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051602 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Aug 2023Adrenal medullary hyperplasia (AMH) is a rare, incompletely described disorder of the adrenal medulla that is associated with catecholamine excess. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Adrenal medullary hyperplasia (AMH) is a rare, incompletely described disorder of the adrenal medulla that is associated with catecholamine excess.
OBJECTIVE
To increase knowledge about AMH by reviewing the reported cases of this disorder.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the genotype/phenotype relationship in all reported cases of AMH.
SETTING
Literature review and analysis.
PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS
All cases of AMH published to date.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Characteristics of AMH cases and genotype-phenotype relationships.
RESULTS
A total of 66 patients, median age of 48 years, were identified from 29 reports. More than one-half were male (n = 39, 59%). The majority had unilateral (73%, n = 48) disease; 71% (n = 47) were sporadic and 23% (n = 15) were associated with the MEN2. Most (91%, n = 60) displayed signs and symptoms of excess catecholamine secretion, particularly hypertension. Elevated catecholamine concentrations (86%, n = 57) and adrenal abnormalities on imaging were common (80%, n = 53). More than one-half (58%, n = 38) had concurrent tumors: pheochromocytoma (42%, n = 16/38); medullary thyroid cancer (24%, n = 9/38); and adrenocortical adenoma (29%, n = 11/38). Most (88%, n = 58) underwent adrenalectomy with 45/58 achieving symptom resolution. Adrenalectomy was less common in patients under 40 years and those with bilateral disease (both P < .05).
CONCLUSION
AMH may be sporadic or associated with MEN2, most have catecholamine excess and imaging abnormalities. Unilateral involvement is more common. Most reported patients have been treated with adrenalectomy, which is usually curative with regard to catecholamine hypersecretion.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Hyperplasia; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Pheochromocytoma; Adrenal Medulla; Adrenalectomy; Catecholamines
PubMed: 36896586
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad121 -
Pituitary Apr 2023Transsphenoidal surgery is an established treatment for pituitary adenomas. We examined outcomes and time points following transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma...
PURPOSE
Transsphenoidal surgery is an established treatment for pituitary adenomas. We examined outcomes and time points following transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma to identify reporting heterogeneity within the literature.
METHODS
A systematic review of studies that reported outcomes for transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma 1990-2021 were examined. The protocol was registered a priori and adhered to the PRISMA statement. Studies in English with > 10 patients (prospective) or > 500 patients (retrospective) were included.
RESULTS
178 studies comprising 427,659 patients were included. 91 studies reported 2 or more adenoma pathologies within the same study; 53 studies reported a single pathology. The most common adenomas reported were growth hormone-secreting (n = 106), non-functioning (n = 101), and ACTH-secreting (n = 95); 27 studies did not state a pathology. Surgical complications were the most reported outcome (n = 116, 65%). Other domains included endocrine (n = 104, 58%), extent of resection (n = 81, 46%), ophthalmic (n = 66, 37%), recurrence (n = 49, 28%), quality of life (n = 25, 19%); and nasal (n = 18, 10%). Defined follow up time points were most reported for endocrine (n = 56, 31%), extent of resection (n = 39, 22%), and recurrence (n = 28, 17%). There was heterogeneity in the follow up reported for all outcomes at different time points: discharge (n = 9), < 30 days (n = 23), < 6 months (n = 64), < 1 year (n = 23), and > 1 year (n = 69).
CONCLUSION
Outcomes and follow up reported for transsphenoidal surgical resection of pituitary adenoma are heterogenous over the last 30 years. This study highlights the necessity to develop a robust, consensus-based, minimum, core outcome set. The next step is to develop a Delphi survey of essential outcomes, followed by a consensus meeting of interdisciplinary experts. Patient representatives should also be included. An agreed core outcome set will enable homogeneous reporting and meaningful research synthesis, ultimately improving patient care.
Topics: Humans; Pituitary Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome; Adenoma; Patient Reported Outcome Measures
PubMed: 36862265
DOI: 10.1007/s11102-023-01303-w