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Translational Breast Cancer Research :... 2023Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) is an emerging therapy that bestows advanced breast tumors with encouraging clinical activity and manageable toxicity; however, the...
Antibody-drug conjugate monotherapy refines the oncological efficacy as compared to therapy of physicians' choices in advanced breast cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) is an emerging therapy that bestows advanced breast tumors with encouraging clinical activity and manageable toxicity; however, the outcomes of phase 2/3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are heterogeneous. Our study aims to assess the clinical utilities [i.e., objective response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS)], and treatment-related adverse events (AEs) of ADC monotherapy (defined as the study cohort) versus the therapy of physician's choice (TPC) (defined as the control cohort) in participants with advanced breast tumors.
METHODS
We conducted a computerized retrieval to identify RCTs from MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase databases, and ClinicalTrials.gov until April 4, 2023. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed in duplicate.
RESULTS
A total of 10 RCTs were involved, with 5,089 unique patients. A binary random-effect model Mantel-Haenszel method was employed to pool data due to the considerable heterogeneity. The primary outcome measure was odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidential interval (CI) of ORR and CBR. The secondary outcome measure represented hazard ratio (HR) of PFS and OS and OR of the frequency of any grade/grade ≥3 AEs. The pooled results showed an insignificant difference of ORR (OR =1.64; 95% CI: 0.86-3.13; P=0.136) and CBR (OR =1.43; 95% CI: 0.89-2.31; P=0.142) in the study cohort than the control cohort. The pooled effect on PFS (HR =0.62; 95% CI: 0.50-0.74; P<0.001) and on OS (HR =0.70; 95% CI: 0.57-0.83; P<0.001) both indicated a significant superiority of the study cohort. The frequency of any grade AEs (OR =1.03; 95% CI: 0.75-1.41; P=0.849) and that of grade ≥3 AEs (OR =0.83; 95% CI: 0.57-1.21; P=0.342) were both observed a nonsignificant difference between the cohorts. These domains, i.e., allocation concealment, blinding of participants and personnel, and blinding of outcome assessment, had the high risk of bias over 50%.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to physician's choice, ADC monotherapy overall confirms a considerable refinement in survival benefits plus a similar safety profile in advanced breast tumors.
PubMed: 38751489
DOI: 10.21037/tbcr-23-14 -
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira... 2024The Guidelines Project, which is an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field to standardize how to conduct and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The Guidelines Project, which is an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field to standardize how to conduct and assist in the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided by this project must be critically evaluated by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical condition of each patient.
Topics: Humans; Hypertension; Kidney; Treatment Outcome; Sympathectomy; Catheter Ablation
PubMed: 38747880
DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.2023D704 -
Sao Paulo Medical Journal = Revista... 2024Until recently, the treatment of people with hemophilia A and inhibitors (PwHAi) was based on the use of bypassing agents (BPA). However, the advent of emicizumab as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Until recently, the treatment of people with hemophilia A and inhibitors (PwHAi) was based on the use of bypassing agents (BPA). However, the advent of emicizumab as prophylaxis has demonstrated promising results.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to compare the bleeding endpoints between PwHAi on BPA and those on emicizumab prophylaxis.
DESIGN AND SETTING
Systematic review of interventions and meta-analysis conducted at the Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
METHODS
The CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Scopus, and LILACS databases were searched on February 21, 2023. Two authors conducted the literature search, publication selection, and data extraction. The selected publications evaluated the bleeding endpoints between PwHAi on emicizumab prophylaxis and those on BPA prophylaxis. The risk of bias was evaluated according to the Joanna Briggs Institute criteria. A meta-analysis was performed to determine the annualized bleeding rate (ABR) for treated bleeds.
RESULTS
Five publications (56 PwHAi) were selected from the 543 retrieved records. Overall, bleeding endpoints were lower during emicizumab prophylaxis than during BPA prophylaxis. All the publications had at least one risk of bias. The only common parameter for the meta-analysis was the ABR for treated bleeds. During emicizumab prophylaxis, the ABR for treated bleeds was lower than during BPA prophylaxis (standard mean difference: -1.58; 95% confidence interval -2.50, -0.66, P = 0.0008; I2 = 68.4%, P = 0.0031).
CONCLUSION
Emicizumab was superior to BPA in bleeding prophylaxis in PwHAi. However, both the small population size and potential risk of bias should be considered when evaluating these results.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
CRD42021278726, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=278726.
Topics: Humans; Hemophilia A; Antibodies, Bispecific; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Hemorrhage
PubMed: 38747872
DOI: 10.1590/1516-3180.2023.0102.R1.20022024 -
International Journal of Nursing... Jun 2024Increasing evidence suggests that clinician well-being influences patient, workforce, and organizational outcomes. Despite increasing attention to well-being among... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Increasing evidence suggests that clinician well-being influences patient, workforce, and organizational outcomes. Despite increasing attention to well-being among licensed clinicians (e.g., nurses and physicians), collective evidence about well-being among healthcare assistants, such as nursing and medical assistants, is limited. Healthcare assistants make up a substantial portion of the clinical workforce delivering direct patient care. The well-being of healthcare assistants is critical to ensure an ample workforce supply. The objective of this systematic review was to contribute a reproducible search, summary, appraisal, synthesis, and critique of the literature about well-being among healthcare assistants, including factors that induce or inhibit burnout, and to identify gaps in evidence that warrant future research.
METHODS
We performed a literature search across 4 databases with keywords using BOOLEAN operators. After an initial title and abstract screen, a search of relevant reference lists, and full text review was peformed independently by 2 researchers. Study quality was evaluated using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. We extracted study characteristics, results, and deductively analyzed each study's alignment with the United States National Academy of Medicine's Clinician Well-Being Model.
RESULTS
We identified 28 articles meeting our inclusion criteria. Our synthesis indicated that most studies investigated personal factors (e.g., financial stressors or physical, emotional, and spiritual health) as opposed to organizational or policy factors (e.g., occupational policies or workplace culture) that may impact well-being. Younger workers and those with fewer years of experience appear to have higher burnout risk. Sleep health, improved unit-based culture (respect and increased decision-making with nurses), shorter shifts, and increased social support appear to be the most protective against burnout.
DISCUSSION
There remains a scarcity of evidence about factors impacting well-being among healthcare assistants. Existing literature focuses on individual, as opposed to external or organizational, contributory factors to burnout or well-being risk. Future studies should use specific methods to define and measure healthcare assistant roles, isolate harmful individual and organizational factors, and measure more specific sub-concepts of well-being such as depression. Such studies can contribute greatly to the overall understanding of healthcare assistant health and wellness, which subsequently may promote optimal patient and organizational outcomes.
TWEETABLE ABSTRACT
The hidden workforce: Systematic review demonstrates gaps in evidence about wellbeing and burnout among healthcare assistants and aides.
PubMed: 38746791
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2024.100187 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Cancer seriously endangers human health and represents a global public health issue. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a distressing and persistent sense of exhaustion...
OBJECTIVE
Cancer seriously endangers human health and represents a global public health issue. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a distressing and persistent sense of exhaustion caused by cancer or cancer treatment, widely prevalent among cancer patients. This study aims to summarize emerging trends and provide directions for future research of CRF through bibliometric and visualization analyses.
METHODS
A systematic search in the Web of Science Core Collection database from 2001-01-01 to 2023-05-18 were conducted. Only reviews and articles written in English were considered. CiteSpace and the R were used for bibliometric and visualization analyses.
RESULTS
The analysis revealed that 2,566 studies on CRF have been published by 1,041 institutions in 70 countries so far. The number of articles published and cited annually have been steadily increasing. Eduardo Bruera published the most articles, and Julienne E Bower is the most co-cited author. The University of Texas System is the leading institution in cancer-related fatigue research. The United States and China have the largest number of publications. Supportive Care in Cancer published the most articles, and Journal of Clinical Oncology is the most co-cited journal. "Comparison of Pharmaceutical, Psychological, and Exercise Treatments for Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Meta-analysis", authored by Mustian KM et al. and published in JAMA Oncology was the most co-cited document. Keyword analysis indicated that research focus had shifted from "epoetin alpha" and "anemia" to "risk factors", "systematic review", "acupuncture", "anxiety", "traditional Chinese medicine" and "guidelines".
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this analysis provides comprehensive research trends and knowledge network maps of CRF. Clinical physicians should concurrently focus on the anemia, insomnia, anxiety, and depression status of patients when assessing or managing CRF. Improvements in related risk factors also contribute to alleviating fatigue. Furthermore, it is essential to pay attention to authoritative CRF guidelines. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine also have therapeutic potential, which merits further investigation. Researchers should draw attention to the crucial roles of inflammation, hypoxia, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which could be the frontiers.
PubMed: 38746672
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1338325 -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... Aug 2024The demographic characteristics of patients with eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) are poorly understood. Population-based assessments of EGID demographics...
BACKGROUND
The demographic characteristics of patients with eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) are poorly understood. Population-based assessments of EGID demographics may indicate health disparities in diagnosis.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to characterize the demographic distribution of EGIDs and evaluate the potential for bias in reporting patient characteristics.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review, extracting data on age, sex, gender, race, ethnicity, body mass index, insurance, and urban/rural residence on EGID patients and the source population. Differences in proportions were assessed by chi-square tests. Demographic reporting was compared to recent guidelines.
RESULTS
Among 50 studies that met inclusion/exclusion criteria, 12 reported ≥1 demographic feature in both EGID and source populations. Except for age and sex or gender, demographics were rarely described (race = 4, ethnicity = 1, insurance = 1) or were not described (body mass index, urban/rural residence). A higher proportion of male subjects was observed for EoE or esophageal eosinophilia relative to the source population, but no difference in gender or sex distribution was observed for other EGIDs. "Sex" and "gender" were used interchangeably, and frequently only the male proportion was reported. Reporting of race and ethnicity was inconsistent with guidelines.
CONCLUSION
Current data support a male predominance for EoE only. Evidence was insufficient to support enrichment of EGIDs in any particular racial, ethnic, or other demographic group. Population-based studies presenting demographics on both cases and source populations are needed. Implementation of guidelines for more inclusive reporting of demographic characteristics is crucial to prevent disparities in timely diagnosis and management of patients with EGIDs.
PubMed: 38745866
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacig.2024.100260 -
European Urology Oncology May 2024Treatment decision-making (TDM) for patients with localized (LPC) or locally advanced (LAPC) prostate cancer is complex, and post-treatment decision regret (DR) is... (Review)
Review
Influential Factors Impacting Treatment Decision-making and Decision Regret in Patients with Localized or Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Literature Review.
CONTEXT
Treatment decision-making (TDM) for patients with localized (LPC) or locally advanced (LAPC) prostate cancer is complex, and post-treatment decision regret (DR) is common. The factors driving TDM or predicting DR remain understudied.
OBJECTIVE
Two systematic literature reviews were conducted to explore the factors associated with TDM and DR.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Three online databases, select congress proceedings, and gray literature were searched (September 2022). Publications on TDM and DR in LPC/LAPC were prioritized based on the following: 2012 onward, ≥100 patients, journal article, and quantitative data. The Preferred Reporting Items Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were followed. Influential factors were those with p < 0.05; for TDM, factors described as "a decision driver", "associated", "influential", or "significant" were also included. The key factors were determined by number of studies, consistency of evidence, and study quality.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Seventy-five publications (68 studies) reported TDM. Patient participation in TDM was reported in 34 publications; overall, patients preferred an active/shared role. Of 39 influential TDM factors, age, ethnicity, external factors (physician recommendation most common), and treatment characteristics/toxicity were key. Forty-nine publications reported DR. The proportion of patients experiencing DR varied by treatment type: 7-43% (active surveillance), 12-57% (radical prostatectomy), 1-49% (radiotherapy), 28-49% (androgen-deprivation therapy), and 21-47% (combination therapy). Of 42 significant DR factors, treatment toxicity (sexual/urinary/bowel dysfunction), patient role in TDM, and treatment type were key.
CONCLUSIONS
The key factors impacting TDM were physician recommendation, age, ethnicity, and treatment characteristics. Treatment toxicity and TDM approach were the key factors influencing DR. To help patients navigate factors influencing TDM and to limit DR, a shared, consensual TDM approach between patients, caregivers, and physicians is needed.
PATIENT SUMMARY
We looked at factors influencing treatment decision-making (TDM) and decision regret (DR) in patients with localized or locally advanced prostate cancer. The key factors influencing TDM were doctor's recommendation, patient age/ethnicity, and treatment side effects. A shared, consensual TDM approach between patients and doctors was found to limit DR.
PubMed: 38744587
DOI: 10.1016/j.euo.2024.04.016 -
Cancer Medicine May 2024To date, lung cancer is one of the most lethal diagnoses worldwide. A variety of lung cancer treatments and modalities are available, which are generally presented... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
To date, lung cancer is one of the most lethal diagnoses worldwide. A variety of lung cancer treatments and modalities are available, which are generally presented during the patient and doctor consultation. The implementation of decision tools to facilitate patient's decision-making and the management of their healthcare process during medical consultation is fundamental. Studies have demonstrated that decision tools are helpful to promote health management and decision-making of lung cancer patients during consultations. The main aim of the present work within the I3LUNG project is to systematically review the implementation of decision tools to facilitate medical consultation about oncological treatments for lung cancer patients.
METHODS
In the present study, we conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. We used an electronic computer-based search involving three databases, as follows: Embase, PubMed, and Scopus. 10 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included. They explicitly refer to decision tools in the oncological context, with lung cancer patients.
RESULTS
The discussion highlights the most encouraging results about the positive role of decision aids during medical consultations about oncological treatments, especially regarding anxiety, decision-making, and patient knowledge. However, no one main decision aid tool emerged as essential. Opting for a more recent timeframe to select eligible articles might shed light on the current array of decision aid tools available.
CONCLUSION
Future review efforts could utilize alternative search strategies to explore other lung cancer-specific outcomes during medical consultations for treatment decisions and the implementation of decision aid tools. Engaging with experts in the fields of oncology, patient decision-making, or health communication could provide valuable insights and recommendations for relevant literature or research directions that may not be readily accessible through traditional search methods. The development of guidelines for future research were provided with the aim to promote decision aids focused on patients' needs.
Topics: Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Referral and Consultation; Decision Support Techniques; Patient Participation; Physician-Patient Relations; Decision Making
PubMed: 38741546
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7159 -
Patient Preference and Adherence 2024Hypertension (HTN) significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart disease, which are the leading causes of death and disability globally, particularly among older... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Hypertension (HTN) significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart disease, which are the leading causes of death and disability globally, particularly among older adults. Antihypertensive medication is a proven treatment for blood pressure control and preventing complications. However, medication adherence rates in older adults with HTN are low. In this review, we systematically identified factors influencing medication adherence in older adults with HTN.
METHODS
We applied the PRISMA guidelines and conducted systematic searches on PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar in July 2022 to identify preliminary studies reporting factors influencing medication adherence among older adults with HTN. The convergent integrated analysis framework suggested by the Joanna Briggs Institute for systematic reviews was adopted for data synthesis.
RESULTS
Initially, 448 articles were identified, and after title and abstract screening, 16 articles qualified for full-text review. During this phase, three articles were excluded for reporting on irrelevant populations or focusing on issues beyond the review's aim, leaving thirteen studies in the final review. After data synthesis, fifteen themes were extracted from the key findings of the included studies. The most prevalent themes included the number of medications used (53.9%, n=7 studies), financial status (38.5%, n=5), sex (38.5%, n=5), age (30.1%, n=4), duration of disease (23.1%, n=3), comorbidities (23.1%, n=3), and health compliance (23.1%, n=3). Other themes, such as education, health literacy, health belief, medication belief, perception of illness, patient-physician relationship, self-efficacy, and social support, were also identified.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this review highlight critical areas for developing innovative, evidence-based programs to improve medication adherence in hypertensive older adults. Insights from this review can contribute to improving medication adherence and preventing future health complications.
PubMed: 38737487
DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S459678 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2024Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity around the globe. The novel low-suction vacuum hemorrhage device (VHD) provides an... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity around the globe. The novel low-suction vacuum hemorrhage device (VHD) provides an alternative treatment option for cases of postpartum hemorrhage when first-line uterotonic agents fail. This systematic review aims to review current data evaluating the overall efficacy and safety of VHDs in treating postpartum hemorrhage.
METHODS
We searched CINAHL Ultimate, Academic Search Premier, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE with Full Text, and PubMed and reference lists of retrieved studies for eligible studies that included outcomes of effectiveness, efficacy, or safety. Two independent reviewers used Covidence.org to screen Titles and Abstracts for 69 studies of which six were included in the analysis. Secondary outcomes measured across studies included time to bleeding control, total device deployment time, and adverse effects.
RESULTS
Six nonrandomized trials ( = 1018 participants) included studies conducted in Indonesia, the United States, Switzerland, and Canada. The VHDs were found to have 90% effectiveness in achieving bleeding control across the studies. For most patients, this was achieved in <5 min and required a total device deployment time of 3 h. Reported adverse events were not considered life-threatening, including endometritis in 11 patients and red blood cell transfusions in 38% of patients.
CONCLUSION
VHDs have the potential to be used as a rapidly effective means for mechanical intervention of postpartum hemorrhage. The efficacy and safety of VHDs must be further studied at the randomized controlled trial level to determine their clinical usage.
Topics: Humans; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Female; Pregnancy
PubMed: 38735867
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2024.2349957