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British Journal of Haematology Jul 2015This study systematically reviewed and meta-analysed the prognostic value of complete remission status at end-of-treatment (18) F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study systematically reviewed and meta-analysed the prognostic value of complete remission status at end-of-treatment (18) F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP). The systematic PubMed/MEDLINE search yielded seven suitable studies comprising a total of 737 R-CHOP-treated DLBCL patients who were in complete remission at end-of-treatment FDG-PET. Overall, the methodological quality of included studies was reasonable. The disease relapse rate among all patients with complete remission status according to end-of-treatment FDG-PET ranged from 7·0% to 20·0%, with a weighted summary proportion of 13·7%. Five of seven studies reported progression-free survival (PFS) of these patients at various specific time points, i.e., 2-year PFS (n = 1), estimated 3-year PFS (n = 3) and 5-year PFS (n = 1), which was 83%, 85-86·4% and 75%, respectively. Three of seven studies reported overall survival (OS) of these patients at various specific time points, i.e., estimated 3-year OS (n = 2) and estimated 5-year OS (n = 1), which were 90%, 93·6% and 83%, respectively. In conclusion, a non-negligible proportion of R-CHOP-treated DLBCL patients who achieve complete remission according to end-of-treatment FDG-PET experiences disease relapse during follow-up.
Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Cyclophosphamide; Doxorubicin; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Humans; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse; Positron-Emission Tomography; Prednisone; Prognosis; Remission Induction; Rituximab; Treatment Outcome; Vincristine
PubMed: 25833790
DOI: 10.1111/bjh.13420 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2013Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, requiring primary cytoreductive surgery and combination chemotherapy for its first-line... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, requiring primary cytoreductive surgery and combination chemotherapy for its first-line management. Currently, the recommended standard first-line chemotherapy is platinum-based, usually consisting of carboplatin and paclitaxel (PAC/carbo). Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is an improved formulation of doxorubicin that is associated with fewer and less severe side effects than are seen with non-modified doxorubicin. In combination with carboplatin, PLD has recently been shown to improve progression-free survival compared with PAC/carbo in women with relapsed, platinum-sensitive EOC. It is therefore important to know whether any survival benefit can be attributed to PLD when it is used in the first-line setting.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the role of PLD, alone or in combination, in first-line chemotherapy for women with EOC.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched The Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Group's Trial Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and EMBASE from January 1990 to February 2013. In addition, we searched online trial registries for ongoing trials and abstracts of studies presented at relevant scientific meetings from 2000 onwards.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared PLD alone or in combination with other agent/s (e.g. carboplatin) versus other agent/s for first-line chemotherapy in women with EOC who may or may not have undergone primary cytoreductive surgery.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently selected trials, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias for each included trial. We obtained updated trial data when possible.
MAIN RESULTS
We included two large trials. One trial compared three-weekly PLD and carboplatin (PLD/carbo) with PAC/carbo. The other trial included four experimental arms, one of which was PLD plus PAC/carbo, that were compared with the standard PAC/carbo regimen. We did not combine results of these two trials in the meta-analysis. We considered the two studies to be at low risk of bias.For the comparison PLD/carbo versus PAC/carbo (820 women; stages Ic to IV), no statistically significant differences in progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85 to 1.19) or overall survival (OS) (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.13) were noted between study arms. Severe anaemia (risk ratio [RR] 2.74, 95% CI 1.54 to 4.88) and thrombocytopenia (RR 8.09, 95% CI 3.93 to 16.67) were significantly more common with PLD/carbo, whereas alopecia (RR 0.09, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.14) and severe neurotoxicity (RR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.66) were significantly more common with PAC/carbo. Quality of life scores were not significantly different.For the comparison PLD/PAC/carbo versus PAC/carbo (1726 women; stage III/IV), it is important to note that PLD was given for alternate cycles only (i.e. every 6 weeks). No statistically significant difference in PFS (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.09) or OS (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.08) between these two treatment arms was reported. However, women in the triplet arm experienced significantly more severe haematological adverse events (anaemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and febrile neutropenia) compared with those given standard treatment.No RCTs evaluated single-agent PLD for first-line treatment of EOC.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
PLD/carbo is a reasonable alternative to PAC/carbo for the first-line treatment of EOC. Although three-weekly PLD/carbo may be associated with increased dose delays and discontinuations compared with the standard PAC/carbo regimen, it might be more acceptable to women who wish to avoid alopecia or those at high risk of neurotoxicity. No survival benefits appear to be associated with the alternating triplet regimen, and the additional toxicity associated with adding PLD to PAC/carbo limits further investigation. Further studies are needed to establish the safest, most effective PLD/carbo regimen for newly diagnosed disease.
Topics: Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Carboplatin; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial; Doxorubicin; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Humans; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial; Ovarian Neoplasms; Paclitaxel; Polyethylene Glycols; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 24142521
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010482.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... 2000Individually, randomised trilas have not shown conclusively whether adjuvant chemotherapy benefits adult patients with localised resectable soft-tissue sarcoma. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Individually, randomised trilas have not shown conclusively whether adjuvant chemotherapy benefits adult patients with localised resectable soft-tissue sarcoma.
OBJECTIVES
Adjuvant chemotherapy aims to lessen the recurrence of cancer after surgery with or without radiotherapy. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of adjuvant chemotherapy in adults with resectable soft tissue sarcoma after such local treatment.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, UKCCCR Register of Cancer Trials, Physicians Data Query, EMBASE, MEDLINE and CancerLit.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised trials of adjuvant chemotherapy after local treatment in adults with localised resectable soft tissue sarcoma were included. Only trials in which accrual was completed by December 1992 were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Individual patient data were obtained. Accuracy of data and quality of randomisation and follow-up of trials was assessed.
MAIN RESULTS
Fourteen trials of doxorubicin-based adjuvant chemotherapy involving 1568 patients were included. Median follow-up was 9.4 years. For local recurrence-free interval the hazard ratio with chemotherapy was 0.73 (95% Confidence Interval 0.56-0.94). For distant recurrence-free interval it was 0. 70 (95% CI 0.57-0.85). For overall recurrence-free survival it was 0. 75 (95% CI 0.64-0.87). These correspond to significant absolute benefits of 6-10% at 10 years. For overall survival the hazard ratio of 0.89 (95% CI 0.76-1.03) was not significant but potentially represents an absolute benefit of 4% (95% CI -1 to 9) at 10 years. There was no consistent evidence of a difference in effect according to age, sex, stage, site, grade, histology, extent of resection, tumour size or exposure to radiotherapy. However, the strongest evidence of a beneficial effect on survival was shown in patients with sarcoma of the extremities.
REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS
Doxorubicin-based adjuvant chemotherapy appears to significantly improve time to local and distant recurrence and overall recurrence-free survival in adults with localised resectable soft tissue sarcoma. There is some evidence of a trend towards improved overall survival.
Topics: Adult; Antineoplastic Agents; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Doxorubicin; Humans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sarcoma
PubMed: 10796873
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001419 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Jul 2021Doxorubicin represents the mainstay in the upfront treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. However, its administration is sometimes hampered by the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Doxorubicin represents the mainstay in the upfront treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. However, its administration is sometimes hampered by the coexistence of former comorbidities/cardiac issues, especially in the elderly population. Liposome encapsulated drug delivery systems have been adopted to reduce the exposure of normal tissues to the drug, both in solid cancers and lymphomas. Despite claims for lower toxicity, the efficacy of non-pegylated liposome doxorubicin (NPLD) in DLBCL, as compared to standard doxorubicin, has never been established. We systematically reviewed relevant literature of NPLD in lymphoma treatment. Adjusting for age/comorbidities, our metanalysis revealed that the use of combinations including NPLD (R-COMP) were non-inferior in terms of response, overall and progression-free survival to the standard of care (R-CHOP) in overlapping series of DLBCL patients. R-COMP may represent a safe and active option for elderly patients with DLBCL, or for those with some extent of cardiac impairment at baseline.
Topics: Aged; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Cyclophosphamide; Doxorubicin; Humans; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse; Prednisone; Rituximab; Treatment Outcome; Vincristine
PubMed: 34087342
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103377 -
Oncotarget Jul 2016We performed a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the efficacy of several intravesical chemotherapeutic (IVC) agents after... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Single, immediate postoperative instillation of chemotherapy in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials using different drugs.
We performed a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the efficacy of several intravesical chemotherapeutic (IVC) agents after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURB) in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients. The literature search was conducted using the Embase, Scopus and PubMed databases for RCTs, including patients with single or multiple, primary or recurrent stage Ta or T1 urothelial carcinoma of the bladder managed with a single, immediate instillation of IVC after TURB. Thirteen RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Pair-wise meta-analysis (direct comparison) showed that pirarubicin [hazard ratio (HR): 0.31], epirubicin (HR: 0.62), and MMC (HR: 0.40) were the most effective drugs for reducing tumor recurrence. Bayesian network meta-analysis (indirect comparison) revealed that treatment with pirarubicin (HR: 0.31), MMC (HR: 0.44), or epirubicin (HR: 0.60) was associated with prolonged recurrence-free survival. Among the drugs examined, only pirarubicin reduced disease progression compared to controls. These results suggest that a single, immediate administration of IVC with pirarubicin, MMC, or epirubicin is associated with prolonged recurrence-free survival following TURB in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients, though only pirarubicin also reduced disease progression.
Topics: Administration, Intravesical; Antineoplastic Agents; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell; Cyclophosphamide; Doxorubicin; Epirubicin; Humans; Melphalan; Network Meta-Analysis; Semustine; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms
PubMed: 27323781
DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9991 -
Acta Haematologica 2015The current standard therapy for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (RCHOP).... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The Role of Consolidative Radiotherapy after a Complete Response to Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in the Rituximab Era: Results from a Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND
The current standard therapy for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (RCHOP). The role of radiotherapy (RT) after complete response (CR) to RCHOP in patients with DLBCL remains unclear. This systematic review with a meta-analysis is an attempt to evaluate this role.
METHODS
Studies that evaluated RT versus no-RT after CR to RCHOP for DLBCL patients were searched in databases. Hazard ratios (HR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
A total of 4 qualified retrospective studies (633 patients) were included in this review. The results suggested that RT improved overall survival (OS; HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.77) and progression-free/event-free survival (PFS/EFS; HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.11-0.50) in all patients compared with no-RT. In a subgroup analysis of patients with stage III-IV DLBCL, RT improved PFS/EFS (HR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07-0.51) and local control (HR 0.12, 95% CI 0.03-0.44), with a trend of improving OS (HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.12-1.05).
CONCLUSION
Consolidation RT could significantly improve outcomes of DLBCL patients who achieved a CR to RCHOP. However, the significance of these results was limited by these retrospective data. Further investigation of the role of consolidation RT in the rituximab era is needed.
Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; Antineoplastic Agents; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Cyclophosphamide; Doxorubicin; Humans; Induction Chemotherapy; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse; Prednisone; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; Retrospective Studies; Rituximab; Survival Analysis; Vincristine
PubMed: 25925586
DOI: 10.1159/000370096 -
Medicine Sep 2022Double-expressor lymphoma (DEL) is associated with a poor prognosis. The standard treatment for patients with DEL remains controversial. A comparison of the safety and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Double-expressor lymphoma (DEL) is associated with a poor prognosis. The standard treatment for patients with DEL remains controversial. A comparison of the safety and feasibility of R-CHOP and DA-EPOCH-R as the first-line therapy for patients with DEL is urgently needed.
METHODS
The clinical and treatment outcomes of 75 DEL patients were retrospectively analyzed. The role of DA-EPOCH-R was determined and compared to that of R-CHOP in DEL patients. PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched up to November 1, 2021 and were evaluated by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles comparing DA-EPOCH-R versus R-CHOP in patients with DEL were included.
RESULTS
Overall, 49 and 26 DEL patients received R-CHOP and DA-EPOCH-R, respectively. Although the difference in response for patients who received R-CHOP and DA-EPOCH-R was not significant (P = .347), DA-EPOCH-R may improve the prognosis compared to R-CHOP (P = .056 for progression-free survival [PFS], P = .009 for overall survival [OS]). A systematic review and meta-analysis including 412 DEL patients in six articles were conducted. The event rate for 3-year PFS was significantly lower in patients receiving DA-EPOCH-R treatment than in those undergoing R-CHOP treatment (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.42-0.94, P = .02), whereas no statistically significant difference was found in the HRs for both PFS and OS or the event rate for 3-year OS.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study indicated that DA-EPOCH-R might improve the prognosis of DEL patients compared with R-CHOP.
Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Cyclophosphamide; Doxorubicin; Etoposide; Humans; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse; Prednisone; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Rituximab; Vincristine
PubMed: 36197215
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000030620 -
Annals of Oncology : Official Journal... May 2007In the past, diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) was regarded as a preterminal condition. The length of survival was dependent upon the aggressive versus... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial Review
BACKGROUND
In the past, diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) was regarded as a preterminal condition. The length of survival was dependent upon the aggressive versus indolent biologic behavior of the neoplasm. The overall median survival was approximately 1 year after systemic chemotherapy. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (PIC) has been used as a treatment alternative, but the efficacy of this combined treatment remains to be established.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Searches for relevant studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals on CRS and PIC for DMPM before May 2006 were carried out on six databases. The reference lists of all retrieved articles were reviewed for further identification of potentially relevant studies. Expert academic surgeons in Washington, DC, USA were asked whether they knew about any important unpublished data. Two investigators independently evaluated each study according to predefined criteria. The quality of each study was assessed. Clinical effectiveness was synthesized through a narrative review with full tabulation of results of all included studies.
RESULTS
Seven prospective observational studies from six tertiary institutions were available, allowing 240 DMPM patients for assessment. The median survival ranged from 34-92 months. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival varied from 60% to 88%, 43% to 65% and 29% to 59%, respectively. The perioperative morbidity varied from 25% to 40% and mortality ranged from 0% to 8%.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review evaluated the current evidence for CRS and PIC for DMPM. Seven observational studies were available for assessment, which demonstrated an improved overall survival, as compared to historical controls, using systemic chemotherapy and palliative surgery.
Topics: Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Asbestos; Cisplatin; Combined Modality Therapy; Doxorubicin; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infusions, Parenteral; Mesothelioma; Peritoneal Neoplasms; Survival Analysis; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 17130182
DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdl428 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2019Anthracyclines and taxanes are chemotherapeutic agents widely used in a sequential regimen in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment of early breast cancer to reduce the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Anthracyclines and taxanes are chemotherapeutic agents widely used in a sequential regimen in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment of early breast cancer to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Standard practice is to administer anthracycline-based chemotherapy followed by a taxane. Anthracyclines tend to be administered first as they were established before taxanes for treatment of early breast cancer.
OBJECTIVES
To assess whether the sequence in which anthracyclines and taxanes are administered affects outcomes for people with early breast cancer receiving adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched Cochrane Breast Cancer's Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) and ClinicalTrials.gov on 1 February 2018.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials comparing administering a taxane prior to an anthracycline with taxane following anthracycline to people with early breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. The studies needed to have reported on at least one of our outcomes of interest, which included overall survival, disease-free survival, pathological response, treatment adherence, toxicity and quality of life.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted data, assessed risk of bias and quality of the evidence. The primary outcome measure was overall survival. Secondary outcomes included disease-free survival, pathological response (in the neoadjuvant setting only), adverse events, treatment adherence and quality of life. For time-to-event outcomes of overall survival and disease-free survival, we derived hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) where possible. For dichotomous outcomes of pathological complete response, treatment adherence and adverse events, we reported the treatment effect as a risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI where possible. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence separately for the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings.
MAIN RESULTS
There were 1415 participants in five neoadjuvant studies and 280 participants in four adjuvant studies involving five treatment comparisons. Four of the five neoadjuvant studies collected data for the primary outcome (overall survival) and two studies had data available; one of the four adjuvant studies collected overall survival data.The neoadjuvant studies suggested that the administration of taxanes first probably resulted in little to no difference in overall survival (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.08; 947 participants; 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence) and disease-free survival (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.09; 828 participants; 1 study; moderate-certainty evidence). Administration of taxanes first also resulted in little to no difference in pathological complete response (absence of cancer in the breast and axilla: RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.38; 1280 participants; 4 studies; high-certainty evidence). However, there appeared to be a trend in favour of taxanes first. Studies reported treatment adherence using a range of measures. Administration of taxanes first probably did not increase the likelihood of requiring dose reductions compared to administration of anthracyclines first (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.11; 280 participants; 1 study; moderate-certainty evidence). There was probably little to no difference in the risk of grade 3/4 neutropenia (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.82; 280 participants, 1 study; moderate-certainty evidence) or grade 3/4 neurotoxicity (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.65; 1108 participants; 2 studies; low-certainty evidence) when taxanes were given first. There were no data on quality of life.Only one adjuvant study collected data on overall survival and disease-free survival but did not report data. Administration of taxanes first reduced the risk of grade 3/4 neutropenia (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.97; 279 participants; 4 studies, 5 treatment comparisons; high-certainty evidence) and appeared to result in little to no difference in grade 3/4 neurotoxicity (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.25 to 2.46; 162 participants; 3 studies; low-certainty evidence). There was probably little to no difference in the proportions experiencing dose delays when taxanes are given first compared to anthracyclines given first (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.12; 238 participants; 3 studies, 4 treatment comparisons; moderate-certainty evidence). One study reported on quality of life and indicated that scores (using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Breast Cancer (FACT-B) validated questionnaire) were similar in both groups though did not provide numerical data.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
In the neoadjuvant setting, there is high- to low-certainty evidence of equivalent outcomes for the sequence in which taxanes are delivered. In the adjuvant setting, none of the studies reported on overall survival or disease-free survival. In most institutions, standard practice would be to deliver anthracycline followed by taxane, and currently available data do not support a change in this practice. We wait for the full-text publication of a relevant neoadjuvant study for women with HER2-negative breast cancer for inclusion in an update of this review.
Topics: Anthracyclines; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Antineoplastic Agents; Breast Neoplasms; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Cyclophosphamide; Disease-Free Survival; Docetaxel; Doxorubicin; Drug Administration Schedule; Epirubicin; Female; Fluorouracil; Humans; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Nervous System; Neutropenia; Paclitaxel; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Taxoids
PubMed: 30776132
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012873.pub2 -
Health Technology Assessment... Jul 2007To evaluate the technologies used to reduce anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in children. Also to evaluate cardiac markers to quantify cardiotoxicity, and identify... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the technologies used to reduce anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in children. Also to evaluate cardiac markers to quantify cardiotoxicity, and identify cost-effectiveness studies and future research priorities.
DATA SOURCES
Eight electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2006. Bibliographies of related papers were assessed for relevant studies and experts contacted to identify additional published references.
REVIEW METHODS
A systematic review of the evidence was undertaken using a priori methods.
RESULTS
Four randomised controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria of the review, each considering a different cardioprotective intervention; all trials included children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and one also included children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, all had methodological limitations. No cost-effectiveness studies were identified. One RCT and six cohort studies on the use of cardiac markers met the inclusion criteria of the review, but also had methodological limitations. Of the two RCTs that considered continuous infusion versus bolus (rapid) infusion, one found that continuous infusion of doxorubicin did not offer any cardioprotection over bolus; the other suggested that continuous infusion of daunorubicin had less cardiotoxicity than bolus. Two studies considered cardioprotective agents, one concluded that dexrazoxane prevents or reduces cardiac injury without compromising the antileukaemic efficacy of doxorubicin and the other reported a protective effect of coenzyme Q10 on cardiac function during anthracycline therapy. One RCT suggested that cardiac troponin T can be used to assess the effectiveness of the cardioprotective agent dexrazoxane. Two cohort studies considering atrial natriuretic peptide and two considering brain (B-type) natriuretic peptide suggested that these chemicals are elevated in some subgroups of children treated with anthracyclines for cancer. N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide levels were significantly elevated in children treated with anthracyclines who had cardiac dysfunction. One cohort study found that serum lipid peroxide was higher in younger children treated with doxorubicin than correspondingly aged children not receiving doxorubicin. No differences in carnitine levels were found in children treated with doxorubicin and a group of healthy children in one cohort study.
CONCLUSIONS
It is difficult to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of technologies for reducing or preventing cardiotoxicity and about the use of cardiac markers in children as the evidence is limited in quantity and quality. The lack of standardisation for monitoring and reporting cardiac performance is problematic. Not all studies report effectiveness in terms of cardiac outcomes and event-free survival with supporting statistical analyses. Studies are mostly small and of short duration, making generalisation difficult. Increasing numbers of survivors of childhood cancer treated with anthracyclines will experience cardiac damage and require long-term surveillance and management. This will have an impact on cardiac services and costs. Diverse medical problems and other late sequelae that affect cardiac outcome will have an impact on other specialist services. Mechanisms to reduce or prevent cardiotoxicity from anthracycline therapy and cardiac markers to improve monitoring could alter the extent of this impact on service provision. RCTs of the different methods for reducing or preventing cardiotoxicity in children treated with anthracyclines for cancer with long-term follow-up are needed to determine whether the technologies influence the development of cardiac damage. Cost-effectiveness research is also required.
Topics: Anthracyclines; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Agents; Child; Drug Administration Schedule; Heart Diseases; Heart Failure; Humans; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma
PubMed: 17610809
DOI: 10.3310/hta11270