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World Journal of Gastrointestinal... May 2024Colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma (CSRCC) is a rare clinical entity which accounts for approximately 1% of all colorectal cancers. Although multiple studies...
BACKGROUND
Colorectal signet-ring cell carcinoma (CSRCC) is a rare clinical entity which accounts for approximately 1% of all colorectal cancers. Although multiple studies concerning this specific topic have been published in the past decades, the pathogenesis, associated risk factors, and potential implications on treatment are still poorly understood. Besides the low incidence, historically confusing histological criteria have resulted in confusing data. Nevertheless, the rising incidence of CSRCC along with relatively young age at presentation and associated dismal prognosis, highlight the actual interest to synthesize the known literature regarding CSRCC.
AIM
To provide an updated overview of risk factors, prognosis, and management of CSRCC.
METHODS
A literature search in the MEDLINE/PubMed database was conducted with the following search terms used: 'Signet ring cell carcinoma' and 'colorectal'. Studies in English language, published after January 1980, were included. Studies included in the qualitative synthesis were evaluated for content concerning epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical, diagnostic, histological, and molecular features, as well as metastatic pattern and therapeutic management. If possible, presented data was extracted in order to present a more detailed overview of the literature.
RESULTS
In total, 67 articles were included for qualitative analysis, of which 54 were eligible for detailed data extraction. CSRCC has a reported incidence between 0.1%-2.4% and frequently presents with advanced disease stage at the time of diagnosis. CSRCC is associated with an impaired overall survival (5-year OS: 0%-46%) and a worse stage-corrected outcome compared to mucinous and not otherwise specified adenocarcinoma. The systematic use of exploratory laparoscopy to determine the presence of peritoneal metastases has been advised. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment, although the rates of curative resection in CSRCC (21%-82%) are lower compared to those in other histological types. In case of peritoneal metastasis, cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy should only be proposed in selected patients.
CONCLUSION
CSRCC is a rare clinical entity most often characterized by young age and advanced disease at presentation. As such, diagnostic modalities and therapeutic approach should be tailored accordingly.
PubMed: 38764832
DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i5.2141 -
World Journal of Gastrointestinal... May 2024Complement components could contribute to the tumor microenvironment and the systemic immune response. Nevertheless, their role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a...
BACKGROUND
Complement components could contribute to the tumor microenvironment and the systemic immune response. Nevertheless, their role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a contentious subject.
AIM
To elucidate the relationship between complement components and CRC risk and clinical characteristics.
METHODS
Searches were conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database until June 1, 2023. We included cohort studies encompassing participants aged ≥ 18 years, investigating the association between complement components and CRC. The studies were of moderate quality or above, as determined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The meta-analysis employed fixed-effects or random-effects models based on the test, utilizing risk ratio (RR) and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for outcomes. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to validate the robustness of the collective estimates and identify the source of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Data from 15 studies, comprising 1631 participants that met the inclusion criteria, were included in the meta-analysis. Our findings indicated that protein levels of cluster of differentiation 46 (CD46) (RR = 3.66, 95%CI: 1.75-7.64, < 0.001), CD59 (RR = 2.86, 95%CI: 1.36-6.01, = 0.005), and component 1 (C1) (RR = 5.88, 95%CI: 1.75-19.73, = 0.004) and serum levels of C3 (standardized mean difference = 1.82, 95%CI: 0.06-3.58, = 0.040) were significantly elevated in patients with CRC compared to healthy controls. Strong expression of CD55 or CD59 was associated with a higher incidence of lymph node metastasis, whereas strong CD46 expression correlated with a higher incidence of tumor differentiation compared to low CD46 expression ( < 0.05 for all). Although specific pooled results demonstrated notable heterogeneity, subgroup analyses pointed to regional differences as the primary source of inconsistency among the studies.
CONCLUSION
Our analysis underscores that increased levels of specific complement components are associated with a heightened risk of CRC, emphasizing the potential significance of monitoring elevated complement component levels.
PubMed: 38764810
DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i5.2168 -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine May 2024The application of radiomics in thoracic lymph node metastasis (LNM) of lung adenocarcinoma is increasing, but diagnostic performance of radiomics from primary tumor to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The application of radiomics in thoracic lymph node metastasis (LNM) of lung adenocarcinoma is increasing, but diagnostic performance of radiomics from primary tumor to predict LNM has not been systematically reviewed. Therefore, this study sought to provide a general overview regarding the methodological quality and diagnostic performance of using radiomic approaches to predict the likelihood of LNM in lung adenocarcinoma.
METHODS
Studies were gathered from literature databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Web of Science Core Collection, and the Cochrane library. The Radiomic Quality Score (RQS) and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) were both used to assess the quality of each study. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of the best radiomics models in the training and validation cohorts were calculated. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were also conducted.
RESULTS
Seventeen studies with 159 to 1202 patients each were enrolled between the years of 2018 to 2022, of which ten studies had sufficient data for the quantitative evaluation. The percentage of RQS was between 11.1% and 44.4% and most of the studies were considered to have a low risk of bias and few applicability concerns in QUADAS-2. Pyradiomics and logistic regression analysis were the most commonly used software and methods for radiomics feature extraction and selection, respectively. In addition, the best prediction models in seventeen studies were mainly based on radiomics features combined with non-radiomics features (semantic features and/or clinical features). The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of the training cohorts were 0.84 (95% confidence interval (CI) [0.73-0.91]), 0.88 (95% CI [0.81-0.93]), and 0.93(95% CI [0.90-0.95]), respectively. For the validation cohorts, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were 0.89 (95% CI [0.82-0.94]), 0.86 (95% CI [0.74-0.93]) and 0.94 (95% CI [0.91-0.96]), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Radiomic features based on the primary tumor have the potential to predict preoperative LNM of lung adenocarcinoma. However, radiomics workflow needs to be standardized to better promote the applicability of radiomics.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
CRD42022375712.
Topics: Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Adenocarcinoma of Lung; Lymphatic Metastasis; Predictive Value of Tests; Lymph Nodes; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Sensitivity and Specificity; Radiomics
PubMed: 38762472
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-03020-x -
Techniques in Coloproctology May 2024Lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) for rectal cancer is still not a widely established technique owing to the existing controversy between Eastern and Western...
INTRODUCTION
Lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) for rectal cancer is still not a widely established technique owing to the existing controversy between Eastern and Western countries and the lack of well-designed studies. The risk of complications and the paucity of long-term oncological results are significant drawbacks for further applying this technique. The use of indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence for LLND appears as a promising technique for enhancing postoperative and oncological outcomes. This review aims to evaluate the emerging role of ICG during LLND and present the benefits of its application.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Systematic electronic research was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar using a combination of medical subject headings (MeSH). Studies presenting the use of ICG during LLND, especially in terms of harvested lymph nodes, were included and reviewed. Studies comparing LLND with ICG (LLND + ICG) or without ICG (LLND-alone) were further analyzed for the number of lymph nodes and postoperative outcomes.
RESULTS
In total, 13 studies were found eligible and analyzed for different parameters. LLND + ICG is associated with significantly increased number of harvested lateral lymph nodes (p < 0.05), minor blood loss, decreased operative time, and probably decreased urinary retention postoperatively compared with LLND-alone.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of ICG fluorescence during LLND is a safe and feasible technique for balancing postoperative outcomes and the number of harvested lymph nodes. Well-designed studies with long-term results are required to elucidate the oncological benefits and establish this promising technique.
Topics: Indocyanine Green; Humans; Rectal Neoplasms; Lymph Node Excision; Coloring Agents; Lymph Nodes; Operative Time; Treatment Outcome; Female; Male; Lymphatic Metastasis; Fluorescent Dyes; Blood Loss, Surgical
PubMed: 38761271
DOI: 10.1007/s10151-024-02930-6 -
Archives of Medical Science : AMS 2024Thyroid cancer stem cells (TCSCs) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic response of thyroid cancer, making them promising biomarkers and...
INTRODUCTION
Thyroid cancer stem cells (TCSCs) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic response of thyroid cancer, making them promising biomarkers and potential targets for clinical intervention. This systematic review aims to qualitatively assess the impact of commonly used TCSC markers on the prognosis of thyroid cancer using qualitative methods.
METHODS
In total, the analysis encompassed five articles.
RESULTS
Six TCSC markers were involved, among which CD133, CD44, CD24, CD15 and ALDH1 were associated with the prognosis of thyroid cancer.
CONCLUSIONS
However, the utility of these TCSC markers in clinical practice for predicting the prognosis of thyroid cancer requires further research to provide additional evidence supporting their effectiveness.
PubMed: 38757036
DOI: 10.5114/aoms/185169 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP-α) is a vital surface marker of cancer-associated fibroblasts, and its high expression is associated with a higher tumor grade and...
INTRODUCTION
Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP-α) is a vital surface marker of cancer-associated fibroblasts, and its high expression is associated with a higher tumor grade and metastasis. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were performed to associate future metastasis with FAP-α expression in cancer.
METHODS
In our meta-analysis, relevant studies published before 20 February 2024 were systematically searched through online databases that included PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The association between FAP-α expression and metastasis, including distant metastasis, lymph node metastasis, blood vessel invasion, vascular invasion, and neural invasion, was evaluated. A pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was reported as the measure of association.
RESULTS
A total of 28meta-analysis. The random-effects model for five parameters showed that a high FAP-α expression was associated with blood vessel invasion (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.54-5.99, = 63%, = 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (OR: 3.56, 95% CI: 2.14-5.93, = 0.00%, < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (OR: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.96-3.81, = 65%, < 0.001), and distant metastasis (OR: 2.59; 95% CI: 1.16-5.79, = 81%, < 0.001). However, our analysis showed no statistically significant association between high FAP-α expression and neural invasion (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 0.84-2.93, = 38%, = 0.161).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis indicated that cancer cells with a high FAP-α expression have a higher risk of metastasis than those with a low FAP-α expression. These findings support the potential importance of FAP-α as a biomarker for cancer metastasis prediction.
PubMed: 38751814
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1339050 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide that presents a substantial peril to human health. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is a... (Review)
Review
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide that presents a substantial peril to human health. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is a main subtype of lung cancer with heightened metastasis and invasion ability. The predominant treatment approaches currently comprise surgical interventions, chemotherapy regimens, and radiotherapeutic procedures. However, it poses significant clinical challenges due to its tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance, resulting in diminished patient survival rates. Therefore, the development of novel treatment strategies for NSCLC is necessary. Ferroptosis was characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and the accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative damage of cells and eventually cell death. An increasing number of studies have found that exploiting the induction of ferroptosis may be a potential therapeutic approach in NSCLC. Recent investigations have underscored the remarkable potential of natural products in the cancer treatment, owing to their potent activity and high safety profiles. Notably, accumulating evidences have shown that targeting ferroptosis through natural compounds as a novel strategy for combating NSCLC holds considerable promise. Nevertheless, the existing literature on comprehensive reviews elucidating the role of natural products inducing the ferroptosis for NSCLC therapy remains relatively sparse. In order to furnish a valuable reference and support for the identification of natural products inducing ferroptosis in anti-NSCLC therapeutics, this article provided a comprehensive review explaining the mechanisms by which natural products selectively target ferroptosis and modulate the pathogenesis of NSCLC.
PubMed: 38751790
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1385565 -
Breast fat grafting and cancer: a systematic review of the science behind enhancements and concerns.Translational Breast Cancer Research :... 2024Autologous fat transfer (AFT) is gaining popularity in breast surgery, offering a natural-looking and minimally invasive approach for augmentation, reconstruction, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Autologous fat transfer (AFT) is gaining popularity in breast surgery, offering a natural-looking and minimally invasive approach for augmentation, reconstruction, and contouring. However, concerns about its impact on breast cancer necessitate an understanding of the interplay between transplanted adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and the breast tissue microenvironment. Renowned for regeneration, ADSCs raise questions about their role in cancer promotion. This systematic review delves into the complex relationship between AFT and breast cancer, exploring how ADSCs may influence development, growth, and metastasis.
METHODS
A systematic search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and BVS was conducted to identify relevant studies. The search strategy employed a combination of keywords, including "breast augmentation", "fat grafting", "breast enhancement", "mammoplasty", "cancer", "neoplasm" and related terms. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts. Full-text articles were then retrieved for further evaluation based on their potential contribution to the review objectives.
RESULTS
Two hundred and forty records were identified. Among these, 104 duplicates were removed, resulting in 136 reports available for title and abstract screening. Subsequently, 54 papers were deemed potentially eligible for inclusion, and all reports were retrieved.
CONCLUSIONS
studies reveal ADSCs dual role in breast cancer, influencing proliferation, migration, and drug resistance through complex signaling pathways. Animal studies highlight distinct ADSC subpopulations impacting tumor growth via direct interactions and extracellular vesicle cargo. , ADSC-enriched fat grafting is generally safe, showing no increased cancer recurrence risk compared to other methods. Notably, cases of invasive breast carcinoma warrant special attention. ADSC-enriched fat grafts exhibit potential benefits in graft retention and survival rates. Despite promising evidence, further studies are needed to comprehensively understand the intricate relationship between ADSCs and breast cancer for optimized clinical applications and potential therapeutic innovations.
PubMed: 38751673
DOI: 10.21037/tbcr-23-54 -
World Journal of Urology May 2024Localized Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC) is an uncommon cancer typically detected at an advanced stage. Currently, radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study Review
Endoscopic intervention versus radical nephroureterectomy for the management of localized upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.
OBJECTIVE
Localized Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC) is an uncommon cancer typically detected at an advanced stage. Currently, radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) with bladder cuff excision is the standard treatment for high-risk UTUC. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the 5-year overall and cancer-specific survival and bladder recurrence rates in studies comparing endoscopic kidney-sparing surgeries (E-KSS) with RNU in localized UTUC.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
We performed a literature search on 20th April 2023 through PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The PICOS model was used for study inclusion: P: adult patients with localized UTUC; I: E-KSS. C: RNU; O: primary: overall survival (OS); secondary: cancer-specific survival (CSS), bladder recurrence rate, and metastasis-free survival (MFS). S: retrospective, prospective, and randomized studies.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Overall, 11 studies involving 2284 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis, 737 in the E-KSS group and 1547 in the RNU group. E-KSS showed a similar overall 5-year OS between E-KSS and RNU, and for low-grade tumors, while 5-year OS favored RNU for high-grade tumors (RR 1.84, 95% CI 1.26-2.69, p = 0.002). No difference emerged for 5-year CSS between the two groups, even when the results were stratified for low- and high grade tumors. Bladder recurrence rate and 5-year MFS were also similar between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Our review showed that E-KSS is a viable option for patients with localized UTUC with non-inferior oncological outcomes as compared with RNU, except for 5-year OS in high-grade tumors which favoured RNU.
Topics: Humans; Nephroureterectomy; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell; Ureteral Neoplasms; Kidney Neoplasms; Ureteroscopy
PubMed: 38743260
DOI: 10.1007/s00345-024-05032-y -
BJA Open Jun 2024Local anaesthetics are widely used for their analgesic and anaesthetic properties in the perioperative setting, including surgical procedures to excise malignant... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Local anaesthetics are widely used for their analgesic and anaesthetic properties in the perioperative setting, including surgical procedures to excise malignant tumours. Simultaneously, chemotherapeutic agents remain a cornerstone of cancer treatment, targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells to inhibit tumour growth. The potential interactions between these two drug classes have drawn increasing attention and there are oncological surgical contexts where their combined use could be considered. This review examines existing evidence regarding the interactions between local anaesthetics and chemotherapeutic agents, including biological mechanisms and clinical implications.
METHODS
A systematic search of electronic databases was performed as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Selection criteria were designed to capture , , and clinical studies assessing interactions between local anaesthetics and a wide variety of chemotherapeutic agents. Screening and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. The data were synthesised using a narrative approach because of the anticipated heterogeneity of included studies.
RESULTS
Initial searches yielded 1225 relevant articles for screening, of which 43 met the inclusion criteria. The interactions between local anaesthetics and chemotherapeutic agents were diverse and multifaceted. studies frequently demonstrated altered cytotoxicity profiles when these agents were combined, with variations depending on the specific drug combination and cancer cell type. Mechanistically, some interactions were attributed to modifications in efflux pump activity, tumour suppressor gene expression, or alterations in cellular signalling pathways associated with tumour promotion. A large majority of studies report potentially beneficial effects of local anaesthetics in terms of enhancing the antineoplastic activity of chemotherapeutic agents. In animal models, the combined administration of local anaesthetics and chemotherapeutic agents showed largely beneficial effects on tumour growth, metastasis, and overall survival. Notably, no clinical study examining the possible interactions of local anaesthetics and chemotherapy on cancer outcomes has been reported.
CONCLUSIONS
Reported preclinical interactions between local anaesthetics and chemotherapeutic agents are complex and encompass a spectrum of effects which are largely, although not uniformly, additive or synergistic. The clinical implications of these interactions remain unclear because of the lack of prospective trials. Nonetheless, the modulation of chemotherapy effects by local anaesthetics warrants further clinical investigation in the context of cancer surgery where they could be used together.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
Open Science Framework (OSF, project link: https://osf.io/r2u4z).
PubMed: 38741694
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjao.2024.100284