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PloS One 2024Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent hematological complication associated with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers due to an increased loss of iron and decreased iron...
BACKGROUND
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent hematological complication associated with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers due to an increased loss of iron and decreased iron absorption. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the use of parenteral iron to treat IDA in patients with GI cancer.
METHODS
PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, CINHAL and Scopus were searched from January 1, 2010 to September 29, 2023 with no language restrictions. We excluded editorials, case reports, abstracts, conference papers, and poster presentations. Studies were included if they discussed IDA, GI neoplasms, use of iron supplementation (with or without erythropoietin-stimulating agents [ESAs]), defined anemia and had an adult patient population. We assessed the efficacy of parenteral iron in comparison to other iron supplementation methods when treating IDA in patients with GI cancer. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2 (RoB 2) and the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) assessment tools were used to assess the quality of the included studies. Moreover, the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization data collection form was used to collect pertinent study information.
RESULTS
Our search yielded 3,969 studies across all databases. Twenty-one studies were included (6 randomized control trials; 15 non-randomized studies). Of the 15 studies evaluating hemoglobin (Hb) response, seven studies found an increase in Hb levels when patients were treated with IV iron. The 14 studies evaluating red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rates found conflicting differences in RBC transfusion needs when treated with IV iron. Studies analyzing health related outcomes typically found an increase in quality of life and decreased post-operative complications.
DISCUSSION
This review demonstrates improved outcomes of IDA in patients with GI cancer treated with IV iron instead of other iron supplementation methods. Timely diagnosis and appropriate IDA management can greatly improve quality of life in this patient population, especially if myelosuppressive chemotherapy is required.
Topics: Humans; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Iron; Administration, Intravenous
PubMed: 38776289
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302964 -
Cureus Dec 2023Ovarian cancer, being one of the prevalent gynecological cancers, warrants a therapy that's both effective and well tolerated. After extensive drug testing, combination... (Review)
Review
Comparison of the Efficacy of Cisplatin/Paclitaxel Versus Carboplatin/Paclitaxel in Improving Survival and Quality of Life in the Advanced Ovarian Cancer Patient Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials.
Ovarian cancer, being one of the prevalent gynecological cancers, warrants a therapy that's both effective and well tolerated. After extensive drug testing, combination regimens with paclitaxel plus platinum-based agents such as cisplatin/carboplatin and taxanes, have shown promising results for advanced ovarian cancer. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the efficacy of two treatment regimens for advanced ovarian cancer: cisplatin/paclitaxel and carboplatin/paclitaxel. PubMed (Medline), Science Direct, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to March 2023. The meta-analysis included patients with histologically verified International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages IIB to IV ovarian carcinoma who received either carboplatin/paclitaxel or cisplatin/paclitaxel. The primary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), quality of life (QOL), complete response rate (CRR), and partial response rate (PRR). The revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 was used to assess the quality of the RCTs The five RCTs chosen for this statistical analysis consisted of a total of 2239 participants, with 1109 receiving paclitaxel/cisplatin for treatment and the remaining 1130 receiving carboplatin/paclitaxel. Among all included outcomes, these reported significant findings: QoL (p-value=0.0002), thrombocytopenia (p=<0.00001), neurological toxicity (p-value=0.003), nausea/vomiting (p-value=<0.00001), myalgia/arthralgia (p-value=0.02), and febrile neutropenia (p-value=0.01). We concluded that the carboplatin/paclitaxel doublet endows a better quality of life (QOL) to patients along with significantly fewer gastrointestinal and neurological toxicities when compared with the cisplatin/paclitaxel combination. However, the myelosuppressive effects of carboplatin/paclitaxel remain a point of concern and may require clinical management.
PubMed: 38264391
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51011 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Oct 2023This study focuses on the use of thiopurines for treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). These drugs undergo enzymatic changes within the body, resulting in active... (Review)
Review
This study focuses on the use of thiopurines for treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). These drugs undergo enzymatic changes within the body, resulting in active and inactive metabolites that influence their therapeutic effects. The research examines the role of genetic polymorphisms in the enzyme thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) in predicting the therapeutic response and adverse effects of thiopurine treatment. The TPMT genotype variations impact the individual responses to thiopurines. Patients with reduced TPMT activity are more susceptible to adverse reactions (AEs), such leukopenia, hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, and nausea, which are common adverse effects of thiopurine therapy. The therapeutic monitoring of the metabolites 6-thioguanine nucleotides (6-TGN) and 6-methyl mercaptopurine (6-MMP) is proposed to optimize treatment and minimize AEs. Patients with higher 6-TGN levels tend to have better clinical responses, while elevated 6-MMP levels are linked to hepatotoxicity. Genotyping for TPMT before or during treatment initiation is suggested to tailor dosing strategies and enhance treatment efficacy while reducing the risk of myelosuppression. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of considering genetic variations and metabolite levels in optimizing thiopurine therapy for IBD patients, focusing on balance therapeutic efficacy with the prevention of adverse effects and contributing to personalized treatment and better patient outcomes.
PubMed: 37959208
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216742 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Various immunosuppressive regimens have been developed for the treatment of lupus nephritis (LN). This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Various immunosuppressive regimens have been developed for the treatment of lupus nephritis (LN). This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of immunosuppressive regimens in adults with LN.
METHODS
We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases, including conference proceedings, trial registries, and reference lists, from inception until July 10, 2022. The effects of treatment were compared and ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). The primary endpoint was total remission. The secondary endpoints were complete remission, systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI), relapse, all-cause mortality, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), infection, herpes zoster, ovarian failure, myelosuppression, and cancer.
RESULTS
Sixty-two trials reported in 172 studies involving 6,936 patients were included in the network meta-analysis. The combination of tacrolimus (TAC), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and glucocorticoid (GC) provided the best result for the total remission rate (SUCRA, 86.63%) and SLEDAI (SUCRA, 91.00%), while the combination of voclosporin (VCS) , MMF and GC gave the best improvement in the complete remission rate (SUCRA, 90.71%). The combination of cyclophosphamide (CYC), MMF and GC was associated with the lowest risk of relapse (SUCRA, 85.57%) and cancer (SUCRA, 85.14%), while the combination of obinutuzumab (OTB), MMF and GC was associated with the lowest risk of all-cause mortality (SUCRA, 84.07%). Rituximab (RTX) plus MMF plus GC was associated with the lowest risk of ESRD (SUCRA, 83.11%), while the risk of infection was lowest in patients treated with azathioprine (AZA) plus CYC plus GC (SUCRA, 68.59%). TAC plus GC was associated with the lowest risk of herpes zoster (SUCRA, 87.67%) and ovarian failure (SUCRA, 73.60%). Cyclosporine (CsA) plus GC was associated with the lowest risk of myelosuppression (SUCRA, 79.50%), while AZA plus GC was associated with the highest risk of myelosuppression (SUCRA, 16.25%).
DISCUSSION
This study showed that a combination of TAC, MMF and GC was the best regimen for improving the total remission rate. The optimal regimen for specific outcomes should be highlighted for high-risk patients.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lupus Nephritis; Network Meta-Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Cyclophosphamide; Tacrolimus; Azathioprine; Mycophenolic Acid; Glucocorticoids; Bone Marrow Diseases; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Recurrence; Herpes Zoster; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37901212
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1232244 -
Medicine Oct 2023Caffeic acid tablets (CFA) are a proprietary Chinese medicine in treating thrombocytopenia. The efficacy and safety of CFA compared with other platelet-raising drugs for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Caffeic acid tablets (CFA) are a proprietary Chinese medicine in treating thrombocytopenia. The efficacy and safety of CFA compared with other platelet-raising drugs for the treatment of thrombocytopenia have been widely reported in the literature, but there is no systematic evaluation. Therefore, we designed this meta-analysis to further establish the efficacy and safety of CFA in treating thrombocytopenia.
METHODS
A computerized search was conducted in the Chinese biomedical database (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), PubMed, and Web of Science databases using the keywords "caffeic acid tablets" and "thrombocytopenia." All randomized controlled trials were selected for the timeframe of build to 02/2023 and then screened and analyzed using RevMan 5.4 and stata17.0 software.
RESULTS
A total of 35 publications with an overall 2533 patients were included in the study. The results of the meta-analysis showed that CFA were effective in the treatment of thrombocytopenia with a statistically significant difference [relative risk ratio (RR) = 1.24, 95% CI (1.17, 1.31), P < .00001] and in increasing platelet counts [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.50, 95% CI (1.09, 1.91), P < .00001], white blood cell count [SMD = 1.08, 95% CI (0.77, 1.39), P < .00001], and neutrophil count [SMD = 0.73, 95% CI (0.19, 1.28), P = .009], and CFA reduced myelosuppression [RR = 0.19, 95% CI (0.1, 0.37), P < .00001] and adverse effects [RR = 0.75, 95% CI (0.58, 0.96), P = .02].
CONCLUSION
CFA can effectively improve the clinical outcome of patients with thrombocytopenia with a good safety profile and are worth promoting. However, due to the low quality and small sample size of the included literature, a larger sample size and more standardized, high-quality studies are needed to validate these results.
Topics: Humans; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Caffeic Acids; Thrombocytopenia; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
PubMed: 37800784
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035353 -
Haematologica Apr 20246-mercaptopurine (6-MP) serves as the backbone in the maintenance regimens of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We aimed to evaluate the influence of NUDT15 gene... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Association of gene polymorphism with adverse reaction, treatment efficacy, and dose of 6-mercaptopurine in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) serves as the backbone in the maintenance regimens of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We aimed to evaluate the influence of NUDT15 gene polymorphism on the risk of myelosupression, hepatotoxicity and interruption of 6-MP, as well as treatment efficacy and dose of 6-MP in ALL patients. A total of 24 studies with 3,374 patients were included in this meta-analysis. We found 9-fold higher risk of 6-MP induced leukopenia (odds ratio [OR] =9.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.73-21.74) and 2.5-fold higher risk of 6-MP-induced neutropenia (OR=2.52, 95% CI: 1.72-3.69) for NUDT15 c.415C>T variant carriers in the dominant model. Moreover, we found that the dose intensity of 6-MP in ALL patients with one NUDT15 c.415C>T variant alleles (CT) was 19% less than that in wild-type patients (CC) (mean differences: 19.43%, 95% CI: -25.36 to -13.51). The tolerable dose intensity of 6-MP in NUDT15 c.415C>T homozygote variant (TT) and heterozygote variant (CT) carriers was 49% and 15% less than that in wild-type patients, respectively. The NUDT15 c.415C>T variant group (CT+TT) had seven times (OR=6.98, 95% CI: 2.83-17.22) higher risk of developing 6-MP intolerance than the CC group. However, NUDT15 c.415C>T polymorphism did not appear significantly associated with hepatotoxicity, treatment interruption or relapse incidence. We concluded that NUDT15 c.415C>T was a good predictor for 6-MP-induced myelosuppression in ALL patients. The dose intensity of 6-MP in ALL patients with NUDT15 c.415C>T variants was significantly lower than that in wild-type patients. This research provided a basis for further investigation into relations between NUDT15 gene and adverse reaction, treatment efficacy and dose intensity of 6-MP.
Topics: Humans; Mercaptopurine; Pyrophosphatases; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma; Polymorphism, Genetic; Neutropenia; Treatment Outcome; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury
PubMed: 37794799
DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.282761 -
Transplantation Reviews (Orlando, Fla.) Dec 2023Despite its use to prevent acute rejection, lifelong immunosuppression can adversely impact long-term patient and graft outcomes. In theory, immunosuppression withdrawal... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Despite its use to prevent acute rejection, lifelong immunosuppression can adversely impact long-term patient and graft outcomes. In theory, immunosuppression withdrawal is the ultimate goal of kidney transplantation, and is made possible by the induction of immunological tolerance. The purpose of this paper is to review the safety and efficacy of immune tolerance induction strategies in living-donor kidney transplantation, both chimerism-based and non-chimerism-based. The impact of these strategies on transplant outcomes, including acute rejection, allograft function and survival, cost, and immune monitoring, will also be discussed.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, as well as additional online resources such as EBSCO, were exhaustively searched. Adult living-donor kidney transplant recipients who developed chimerism-based tolerance after concurrent bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or those who received non-chimerism-based, non-hematopoietic cell therapy using mesenchymal stromal cells, dendritic cells, or regulatory T cells were studied between 2000 and 2021. Individual sources of evidence were evaluated critically, and the strength of evidence and risk of bias for each outcome of the transplant tolerance study were assessed.
RESULTS
From 28,173 citations, 245 studies were retrieved after suitable exclusion and duplicate removal. Of these, 22 studies (2 RCTs, 11 cohort studies, 6 case-control studies, and 3 case reports) explicitly related to both interventions (chimerism- and non-chimerism-based immune tolerance) were used in the final review process and were critically appraised. According to the findings, chimerism-based strategies fostered immunotolerance, allowing for the safe withdrawal of immunosuppressive medications. Cell-based therapy, on the other hand, frequently did not induce tolerance except for minimising immunosuppression. As a result, the rejection rates, renal allograft function, and survival rates could not be directly compared between these two groups. While chimerism-based tolerance protocols posed safety concerns due to myelosuppression, including infections and graft-versus-host disease, cell-based strategies lacked these adverse effects and were largely safe. There was a lack of direct comparisons between HLA-identical and HLA-disparate recipients, and the cost implications were not examined in several of the retrieved studies. Most studies reported successful immunosuppressive weaning lasting at least 3 years (ranging up to 11.4 years in some studies), particularly with chimerism-based therapy, while only a few investigators used immune surveillance techniques. The studies reviewed were often limited by selection, classification, ascertainment, performance, and attrition bias.
CONCLUSIONS
This review demonstrates that chimerism-based hematopoietic strategies induce immune tolerance, and a substantial number of patients are successfully weaned off immunosuppression. Despite the risk of complications associated with myelosuppression. Non-chimerism-based, non-hematopoietic cell protocols, on the other hand, have been proven to facilitate immunosuppression minimization but seldom elicit immunological tolerance. However, the results of this review must be interpreted with caution because of the non-randomised study design, potential confounding, and small sample size of the included studies. Further validation and refinement of tolerogenic protocols in accordance with local practice preferences is also warranted, with an emphasis on patient selection, cost ramifications, and immunological surveillance based on reliable tolerance assays.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Living Donors; Immune Tolerance; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Transplantation, Homologous; Transplantation Tolerance
PubMed: 37709652
DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2023.100792 -
BMC Health Services Research Dec 2022Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a prevalent and potentially life-threatening complication in patients with lymphoma receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Pegfilgrastim is...
BACKGROUND
Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a prevalent and potentially life-threatening complication in patients with lymphoma receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Pegfilgrastim is more effective than filgrastim as prophylaxis for FN. However, its usage has been limited because of its higher cost. Pegfilgrastim's value for money remains unclear.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the cost-effectiveness of pegfilgrastim compared to filgrastim as a primary or secondary prophylaxis for chemotherapy-induced FN among patients with lymphoma.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library databases, and Google Scholar. The most widely used economic evaluations (cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-utility analysis and cost-benefit analysis) were included in the review. Data extraction was guided by the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards checklist, and the quality of reviewed articles was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Cost-effectiveness data were rigorously summarized and synthesized narratively. Costs were adjusted to US$ 2020.
RESULTS
We identified eight economic evaluation studies (two cost-utility analyses, three cost-effectiveness analyses, and three studies reporting both cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses). Half of these studies were from Europe (n = 4), the other half were from Iran, USA, Canada, and Singapore. Six studies met > 80% of the JBI quality assessment criteria. Cost-effectiveness estimates in the majority (n = 6) of these studies were for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy with high-risk of FN (> 20%). The studies considered a wide range of baseline FN risk (17-97.4%) and mortality rates (5.8-8.9%). Reported incremental cost-effectiveness ratios ranged from US$ 2199 to US$ 8,871,600 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained, dominant to US$ 44,358 per FN averted, and US$ 4261- US$ 7251 per life-years gained. The most influential parameters were medication and hospitalization costs, the relative risk of FN, and assumptions of mortality benefit.
CONCLUSIONS
Most studies showed that pegfilgrastim is cost-effective compared to filgrastim as primary and secondary prophylaxis for chemotherapy-induced FN among patients with lymphoma at a cost-effectiveness threshold of US$ 50,000 per QALY gained. The findings could assist clinicians and healthcare decision-makers to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation for the management of chemotherapy-induced FN in settings similar to those studied.
Topics: Humans; Filgrastim; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Chemotherapy-Induced Febrile Neutropenia; Polyethylene Glycols; Antineoplastic Agents; Lymphoma; Recombinant Proteins; Febrile Neutropenia; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
PubMed: 36585648
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08933-z -
Clinical Lymphoma, Myeloma & Leukemia Feb 2023The global incidence of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) has been estimated as 0.06 to 0.26/100,000. Since their introduction, hypomethylating agents have played a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The global incidence of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) has been estimated as 0.06 to 0.26/100,000. Since their introduction, hypomethylating agents have played a central role in the treatment of MDS, with heterogeneous real-world outcomes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We assessed and synthesized clinical outcomes of azacitidine (AZA) monotherapy in treatment-naïve patients with higher-risk MDS. A systematic literature review was conducted by searching MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies, both prospective and retrospective, reporting complete remission (CR), partial remission (PR), overall survival (OS), duration of response (DOR), time-to-response (TTR), and myelosuppressive adverse events (AEs) for patients treated with AZA monotherapy. Noncomparative meta-analyses were used to summarize effects.
RESULTS
The search identified 3250 abstracts, of which 34 publications describing 16 studies (5 RCTs, 3 prospective, and 8 retrospective observational) were included. Across all studies, pooled CR was 16%; PR was 6%; Median OS was 16.4 months; median DOR was 10.1 months; median TTR was 4.6 months. Proportions of grade 3/4 anemia and thrombocytopenia AEs were 10% and 30%.
CONCLUSIONS
The effectiveness and efficacy of AZA monotherapy-as measured by CR and median OS-was limited. These findings highlight a significant unmet medical need for effective treatments for patients with higher-risk MDS.
Topics: Humans; Azacitidine; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; Myelodysplastic Syndromes; Treatment Outcome; Remission Induction
PubMed: 36428152
DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2022.11.002 -
Medicine Oct 2022Leukopenia is one of most common types of myelosuppression secondary to chemotherapy. The main methods used to treat leukopenia after chemotherapy have various... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Leukopenia is one of most common types of myelosuppression secondary to chemotherapy. The main methods used to treat leukopenia after chemotherapy have various limitations. Several studies have reported the role of acupuncture in the prevention and treatment of leukopenia, but the quality of the study is uneven. Here, we used a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of leukopenia after chemotherapy.
METHODS
We searched the databases of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Cochrane Library, Medline (via PubMed), EMBASE (via embase.com), the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), the Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database) and the Wanfang database to collect randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on acupuncture in the treatment of leukopenia after chemotherapy. Cochrane systematic reviewer manual 5.2 was used for bias risk assessment. RevMan5.3 statistical software was applied for statistical analysis.
RESULTS
Fifteen RCTs were included in this study, with a total of 1130 patients. Meta-analysis results showed that acupuncture can increase white blood cell (WBC) count after chemotherapy [MD = 1.18, 95% CI (0.80, 1.57), P < .00001], reduce the incidence of myelosuppression [RR = 0.38, 95% CI (0.23, 0.63), P = .0002], and improve the clinical treatment effectiveness [RR = 1.20, 95% CI (1.00, 1.43), P = .05]. The differences were statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended to use acupuncture in the treatment of leukocytopenia after chemotherapy, but this result needs further research for verification.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture; Acupuncture Therapy; Leukopenia; Leukocyte Count; Antineoplastic Agents
PubMed: 36281119
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000030995