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The Journal of International Advanced... Jun 2023The aim of our study was to report rates of facial nerve palsy and residual tumor following surgical intervention and subsequent tumor recurrence in patients with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The aim of our study was to report rates of facial nerve palsy and residual tumor following surgical intervention and subsequent tumor recurrence in patients with endolymphatic sac tumors. A systematic literature review of preoperative assessment and surgical management is also included. Studies including patient/s affected by sporadic or von Hippel-Lindau disease related endolymphatic sac tumors, reporting levels of facial nerve function, residual and recurrence pathology following a surgical procedure, were considered. Data were combined for proportional meta-analysis, and the selected studies' methodological quality was also evaluated. Overall 34 papers, including 202 subjects (209 cases of endolymphatic sac tumors) were analyzed. Pooled proportion rate (95% CI) of overall facial nerve palsy was 39.7% (28.2-51.9) and residual tumor was 16.5% (10.3-23.7) after surgical procedure. Pooled proportion rate (95% CI) of tumor recurrence was 14.0% (9.7-19.3) during a mean follow-up period of 49.7 months (8-136). Our results showed that preoperative facial nerve function is impaired in almost 30% of patients with endolymphatic sac tumors. Surgical management of endolymphatic sac tumor may cause a worsening of facial nerve function in a low percentage of treated subjects. Residual and/or recurrence of endolymphatic sac tumors are not rare events, and follow-up strategies should be designed accordingly.
Topics: Humans; Endolymphatic Sac; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neoplasm, Residual; von Hippel-Lindau Disease; Ear Neoplasms; Bone Neoplasms; Facial Paralysis
PubMed: 37272644
DOI: 10.5152/iao.2023.22957 -
Journal of Bone Oncology Aug 2023Bone metastases (BM) are uncommon in endometrial carcinoma (EC), without information on the optimal oncologic management of patients with BM in EC. Here, we... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Bone metastases (BM) are uncommon in endometrial carcinoma (EC), without information on the optimal oncologic management of patients with BM in EC. Here, we systematically review clinical characteristics, treatment approaches and prognosis in patients with BM in EC.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature search until 27th March 2022 on PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and clinicaltrials.gov. Outcomes included treatment frequency and survival after BM with comparators being treatment approaches (local cytoreductive bone surgery, systemic therapy, and local radiotherapy). Risk of bias was assessed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool and Navigation Guide methodology.
RESULTS
We retrieved 1096 records of which 112 retrospective studies (12 cohort studies, 12/12 fair quality; 100 case studies, 100/100 low quality) with a total of 1566 patients were included. The majority had a primary diagnosis of FIGO stage IV, grade 3 endometrioid EC. Singular BM were present in a median of 39.2%, multiple BM in 60.8% and synchronous additional distant metastases in 48.1% of patients respectively. In patients with secondary BM median time to bone recurrence was 14 months. Median survival after BM was 12 months. Local cytoreductive bone surgery was assessed in 7/13 cohorts and performed in a median of 15.8% (interquartile range [IQR] 10.3-43.0) of patients. Chemotherapy was assessed in 11/13 cohorts and administered in a median of 55.5% (IQR 41.0-63.9), hormonal therapy (7/13 cohorts) in 24.7% (IQR 16.3-36.0), and osteooncologic therapy (4/13 cohorts) in 2.7% (IQR 0.0-7.5) of patients respectively. Local radiotherapy was assessed in 9/13 cohorts and performed in a median of 66.7% (IQR 55.6-70.0) of patients. Survival benefits were seen in 2/3 cohorts after local cytoreductive bone surgery, and in 2/7 cohorts after chemotherapy without survival benefits in the remaining cohorts and investigated therapies. Limitations include the lack of controlled intervention studies, the heterogeneity and retrospective nature of the investigated populations.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review shows heterogenous therapeutic approaches in clinical practice without clear evidence for optimal oncologic management for patients with BM in EC.
PubMed: 37250286
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2023.100485 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023Appropriately selected complementary therapies, such as virtual reality (VR) and active video games (AVG), provide support to young patients during the process of cancer... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Virtual reality in chemotherapy support for the treatment of physical functions, fear, and quality of life in pediatric cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Appropriately selected complementary therapies, such as virtual reality (VR) and active video games (AVG), provide support to young patients during the process of cancer treatment. Therefore, this systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to analyze the effects of VR and AVG on fear, physical functions, and quality of life.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed independently in Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library electronic databases for relevant randomized controlled and crossover studies. From a total of 5,963 records, 11 met the inclusion criteria. After full-text screening two publications were excluded, yet six studies were included in the quantitative analysis because three studies had a large discrepancy in their measured outcomes. For methodological quality assessments, the RoB2 software program was used, while RevMan 5.4.1 was used for statistical analysis and meta-analysis. Standard Mean Difference (SMD) outcome measures were used for the analysis. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic with a cut-off value of 50% considering intervention and outcome measures.
RESULTS
Our systematic review includes six randomized controlled studies and three randomized crossover studies. The participants represented both sexes and were children and adolescents (<18 years old) with a diagnosis of cancer. The analysis of the results allows for a careful conclusion that VR has the potential to become an accessory tool in rehabilitation and oncologic treatment. All of the included studies noted a significant advantage of this intervention.
CONCLUSION
VR has the potential to be an effective and important tool in the oncologic treatment of children. VR immerses the patient, and as a result, produces a distraction that effectively reduces pain associated with standard oncologic care procedures in children. However, this systematic review and meta-analysis highlights the need for more research into the use of VR as support for pediatric oncologic care.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO database (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=319000), CRD42022319000.
Topics: Child; Male; Adolescent; Female; Humans; Quality of Life; Fear; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Pain; Virtual Reality; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37124795
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1039720 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2023Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women, with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) as the main reported symptom. Additionally, an association between... (Review)
Review
Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women, with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) as the main reported symptom. Additionally, an association between fibroids and infertility has been established, especially if the fibroid protrudes in the uterine cavity. Hormonal therapy is associated with side-effects and as well as hysterectomy, which is incompatible with a desire to conceive. To improve treatment, it is essential to unravel the etiology of fibroid-related symptoms. We aim to evaluate endometrial angiogenesis in women with fibroids, with and without AUB, and the influence of pharmaceutical therapies in these patients. Furthermore, we explore the possible role of altered angiogenesis in patients with fibroids and infertility. We performed a systematic review according to PRISMA-guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42020169061), and included 15 eligible studies. Endometrial expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and adrenomedullin was increased in patients with fibroids. This suggests aberrant angiogenesis, potentially involving disturbed vessel maturation, resulting in immature and fragile vessels. Treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, ulipristal acetate, and continuous oral contraception pills reduced several angiogenic parameters, including VEGF. If infertile and fertile patients with fibroids were compared, a significant decreased expression of the bone morphogenetic protein/Smad-protein pathway was found, possibly caused by the increased expression of transforming growth factor-beta. For future therapeutic development, these different angiogenic pathways could be of interest as possible targets to treat fibroid-related symptoms.
Topics: Humans; Female; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Uterine Neoplasms; Leiomyoma; Infertility; Uterine Hemorrhage
PubMed: 37108180
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087011 -
Genes Mar 2023Multidrug chemoresistance (MDR) remains the most significant obstacle to improving survival in osteosarcoma patients. Heterogeneous genetic alterations characterise the... (Review)
Review
Multidrug chemoresistance (MDR) remains the most significant obstacle to improving survival in osteosarcoma patients. Heterogeneous genetic alterations characterise the tumour microenvironment, and host molecular markers have been associated with MDR. This systematic review examines the genetic alterations of molecular biomarkers associated with multidrug chemotherapy resistance in genome-wide analysis of central high-grade conventional osteosarcoma (COS). We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Wiley online library and Scopus. Only human studies involving genome-wide analysis were included, while candidate gene, in vitro and animal studies were excluded. The risk of bias of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The systematic search identified 1355 records. Following the screening, six studies were included in the qualitative analysis. There were 473 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with chemotherapy response in COS. Fifty-seven of those were associated with MDR in osteosarcoma. The heterogeneous gene expressions were related to the mechanism of MDR in osteosarcoma. The mechanisms include drug-related sensitivity genes, bone remodelling and signal transduction. Complex, variable and heterogenous gene expression patterns underpin MDR in osteosarcoma. Further research is needed to identify the most relevant alterations for prognostication and to guide the development of possible therapeutic targets.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Osteosarcoma; Drug Resistance, Multiple; Bone Neoplasms; Gene Expression; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 37107591
DOI: 10.3390/genes14040832 -
Pharmaceutical Biology Dec 2023Chinese medicinal herbs (CMH) have been considered a potentially efficacious approach for patients with breast cancer that experience adverse effects from endocrine... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Chinese medicinal herbs for reducing endocrine therapy-induced side effects in patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
CONTEXT
Chinese medicinal herbs (CMH) have been considered a potentially efficacious approach for patients with breast cancer that experience adverse effects from endocrine treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the impact of CMH on endocrine therapy-induced side effects in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer.
METHODS
Ten databases (e.g., PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Information Database and other databases) were searched up to 20 May 2022. The search terms included Chinese herb, breast cancer, endocrine therapy, clinical trial and their mesh terms. The study selection and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias method.
RESULTS
A total of 31 studies with 2288 patients were included. There were significant improvements in bone mineral density (BMD) [lumbar BMD ( 0.08, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.09, < 0.00001) and femoral neck BMD ( 0.08, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.10, < 0.00001)] and bone gal protein (BGP) ( 0.24, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.31, < 0.00001), with a significant reduction in triglycerides (MD -0.53, 95% CI -1.00 to -0.07, < 0.05) and no effect on estradiol levels (MD 0.90, 95% CI -0.31 to 2.12, = 0.15).
CONCLUSIONS
CMH combined with complementary therapy can moderately reduce endocrine therapy-induced side effects, including bone loss and dyslipidemia in patients with HR + breast cancer, revealing the potential role of CMH in treating (HR+) breast cancer. More high-quality RCTs are warranted to further validate the effectiveness and safety of CMH.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Plants, Medicinal; Antineoplastic Agents; Bone Density; China
PubMed: 37096936
DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2203193 -
Medicine Apr 2023This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electronic acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on bone marrow suppression in patients... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Transcutaneous electronic acupoint stimulation improves bone marrow suppression in lung cancer patients following chemotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electronic acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on bone marrow suppression in patients with lung cancer after chemotherapy.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search of 6 databases until November 2022 and included 6 randomized controlled trials comprising 534 patients in our analysis. Eligible randomized controlled trials were included based on predefined inclusion criteria. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated with all of the continuous outcomes. Heterogeneity among the included studies was evaluated using Cochran I2 and Q statistics. When the value of I2 was over 50%, a random-effects model was used. Egger test was used to assess publication bias, and trim and fill analysis was conducted if bias was detected.
RESULTS
Our analysis found that TEAS significantly increased white blood cell counts (WMD: 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.40-1.18, P < .001), platelet counts (WMD: 45.45, 95% CI: 30.47-60.43, P < .001), and comfort score (WMD: 6.89, 95% CI: 5.12-8.66, P < .001) compared to the conventional group. However, no significant difference was observed in red blood cell counts (WMD: 0.00, 95% CI: -0.10 to 0.10, P = .97) and hemoglobin level (WMD: -0.01, 95% CI: -2.49 to 2.46, P = .99) between the 2 groups.
CONCLUSIONS
We tentatively conclude that TEAS can reduce bone marrow suppression risk and improve comfort in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, larger randomized controlled trials with more diverse patient populations and blood routine indexes are urgently needed to confirm these findings.
Topics: Humans; Bone Marrow; Acupuncture Points; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Lung Neoplasms; Bone Marrow Diseases; Electronics
PubMed: 37083807
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033571 -
Journal of Cancer Research and... Feb 2023This meta-analysis aimed at determining the association between preoperative denosumab and the risk of local recurrence in patients with giant cell tumors of the bone. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
This meta-analysis aimed at determining the association between preoperative denosumab and the risk of local recurrence in patients with giant cell tumors of the bone.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PubMed were comprehensively searched on April 20, 2022. Data from the included articles were analyzed using meta-analysis. The bias of all included studies was evaluated according to ROBINS-I. Also, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.
RESULTS
Eight studies with 1270 cases (195 in the denosumab group and 1075 in the control group) were eventually included. Patients receiving denosumab before curettage had a higher risk of local recurrence than those who underwent curettage alone (odds ratio: 2.29, 95% confidence intervals: 1.44-3.64, P = 0.0005). The denosumab group showed a significantly higher risk of local recurrence in most subgroup analyses, except for those with preoperative denosumab duration ≤six months/doses (P = 0.66) and sample size ranging from 100 to 180 (P = 0.69).
CONCLUSION
Denosumab before curettage may increase the risk of local recurrence in patients with giant cell tumor of the bone. Preoperative denosumab should be used with caution after weighing an increased risk of local recurrence against the clinical benefits and a duration time of less than six months before surgery is recommended.
Topics: Humans; Bone Density Conservation Agents; Bone Neoplasms; Denosumab; Giant Cell Tumor of Bone; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37006039
DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1171_22 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Mar 2023An increasing number of patients are surviving sarcoma after lower limb-salvage surgery (LSS) and are left with functional limitations. This systematic review aimed to...
BACKGROUND
An increasing number of patients are surviving sarcoma after lower limb-salvage surgery (LSS) and are left with functional limitations. This systematic review aimed to determine the therapeutic validity and effectiveness of exercise interventions after lower limb-salvage surgery (LSS) for sarcoma.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted using formal narrative synthesis of intervention studies (with and without control group) identified through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PEDro databases. Studies were included if participants were treated with LSS for unilateral lower limb sarcoma and followed an exercise intervention using active exercise, physical training, or rehabilitation before and/or after surgery. This review's outcome measures were interventions' therapeutic validity, assessed using the CONTENT scale (0 to 9); methodological quality, identified using the Downs & Black checklist (0 to 28); interventions' effectiveness, assessed based on differences in outcome measures between intervention and control groups; and certainty of evidence, classified according to the GRADE approach.
RESULTS
Seven studies involving 214 participants were included. None of the included interventions were therapeutically valid (median 5, range 1-5). All but one study were of at least fair methodological quality (median 18, range 14-21). There was very low-quality evidence that exercise interventions resulted in increased knee range of motion (MD 10-15°) or compliance (MD 30%), and reduced functionality scores (MD -5%) compared to usual care.
CONCLUSIONS
We found overall low therapeutic validity of interventions, performed in overall low-quality studies. Combined with the very low certainty of evidence, the results prevent drawing valid conclusions on the interventions' effectiveness. Future studies should aim for uniformity among their methodological approaches and outcome measures, using the CONTENT scale as a template to avert insufficient reporting.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42021244635.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Knee Joint; Sarcoma
PubMed: 36949467
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06315-y -
Scientific Reports Mar 2023TRAF6 has emerged as a key regulator of breast cancer (BCa). However, the TRAF family constitutes of seven members that exhibit distinct and overlapping functions. To... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
TRAF6 has emerged as a key regulator of breast cancer (BCa). However, the TRAF family constitutes of seven members that exhibit distinct and overlapping functions. To explore which TRAF represents a potential druggable target for BCa treatment, we searched Medline, Web of Science and Scopus for relevant studies from inception to June 27, 2021. We identified 14 in vitro, 11 in vivo and 4 human articles. A meta-analysis of pharmacological studies showed that in vitro inhibition of TRAF2/4 (mean difference (MD): - 57.49, 95% CI: - 66.95, - 48.02, P < 0.00001) or TRAF6 (standard(Std.)MD: - 4.01, 95% CI: - 5.75, - 2.27, P < 0.00001) is associated with reduction in BCa cell migration. Consistently, inhibition of TRAF2/4 (MD: - 51.08, 95% CI: - 64.23, - 37.94, P < 0.00001) and TRAF6 (Std.MD: - 2.80, 95% CI: - 4.26, - 1.34, P = 0.0002) is associated with reduced BCa cell invasion, whereas TRAF2/4 inhibition (MD: - 40.54, 95% CI: - 52.83, - 28.26, P < 0.00001) is associated with reduced BCa cell adhesion. Interestingly, only inhibition of TRAF6 (MD: - 21.46, 95% CI: - 30.40, - 12.51, P < 0.00001) is associated with reduced cell growth. In animal models of BCa, administration of pharmacological inhibitors of TRAF2/4 (Std.MD: - 3.36, 95% CI: - 4.53, - 2.18, P < 0.00001) or TRAF6 (Std.MD: - 4.15, 95% CI: - 6.06, - 2.24, P < 0.0001) in mice is associated with reduction in tumour burden. In contrast, TRAF6 inhibitors (MD: - 2.42, 95% CI: - 3.70, - 1.14, P = 0.0002) reduced BCa metastasis. In BCa patients, high expression of TRAF6 (Hazard Ratio: 1.01, CI: 1.01, 1.01, P < 0.00001) is associated with poor survival rate. Bioinformatics validation of clinical and pathway and process enrichment analysis in BCa patients confirmed that gain/amplification of TRAF6 is associated with secondary BCa in bone (P = 0.0079), and poor survival rate (P < 0.05). Overall, TRAF6 inhibitors show promise in the treatment of metastatic BCa. However, low study number and scarcity of evidence from animal and human studies may limit the translation of present findings into clinical practice.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Mice; Breast Neoplasms; TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 2; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases; TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 6
PubMed: 36944688
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31557-0