-
BMJ Clinical Evidence Apr 2010Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, predominantly affecting the head and neck, and can be diagnosed clinically in most cases. Metastasis... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, predominantly affecting the head and neck, and can be diagnosed clinically in most cases. Metastasis of BCC is rare, but localised tissue invasion and destruction can lead to morbidity. Incidence of BCC increases markedly after the age of 40 years, but incidence in younger people is rising, possibly as a result of increased sun exposure.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of interventions on treatment response/recurrence (within 1 year of therapy) in people with basal cell carcinoma? What are the effects of interventions on long-term recurrence (a minimum of 2 years after treatment) in people with basal cell carcinoma? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to December 2009 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 16 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: cryotherapy/cryosurgery, curettage and cautery/electrodesiccation, fluorouracil, imiquimod 5% cream, photodynamic therapy, and surgery (conventional or Mohs' micrographic surgery).
Topics: Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Humans; Mohs Surgery; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Photochemotherapy; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 21718567
DOI: No ID Found -
Oncotarget Nov 2015Despite continuously improving therapies, gastric cancer still shows poor survival in locally advanced stages with local recurrence rates of up to 50% and peritoneal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Despite continuously improving therapies, gastric cancer still shows poor survival in locally advanced stages with local recurrence rates of up to 50% and peritoneal recurrence rates of 17% after curative surgery. We performed a systematic review with meta-analyses to clarify whether positive intraperitoneal cytology (IPC) indicates a high risk of disease recurrence and poor overall survival in gastric cancer.
METHODS
Multiple databases were searched in December 2014 to identify studies on the prognostic significance of positive intraperitoneal cytology in gastric cancer, including: Medline, Biosis, Science Citation Index, Embase, CCMed and publisher databases. Hazard ratios (HR) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) were extracted from the identified studies. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model on overall survival, disease-free survival and peritoneal recurrence free survival.
RESULTS
A total of 64 studies with a cumulative sample size of 12,883 patients were included. Cytology, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or both were performed in 35; 21 and 8 studies, respectively. Meta analyses revealed free intraperitoneal tumor cells (FITC) to be associated with poor overall survival in univariate (HR 3.27; 95% CI 2.82 - 3.78]) and multivariate (HR 2.45; 95% CI 2.04 - 2.94) analysis and poor peritoneal recurrence free survival in univariate (4.15; 95% CI 3.10 - 5.57) and multivariate (3.09; 95% CI 2.02 - 4.71) analysis. Subgroup analysis showed this effect to be independent of the detection method, Western or Asian origin or the time of publication.
CONCLUSIONS
FITC oder positive peritoneal cytology is associated with poor survival and increased peritoneal recurrence in gastric cancer.
Topics: Animals; Histological Techniques; Humans; Peritoneum; Prognosis; Stomach Neoplasms; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26384352
DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5595 -
European Annals of Otorhinolaryngology,... Sep 2017To review the optimal techniques for localization and characterization of neck paragangliomas (PGL). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To review the optimal techniques for localization and characterization of neck paragangliomas (PGL).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Systematic review of the literature from the PubMed/Medline database.
RESULTS
Neck PGL are hypervascular tumours essentially arising from paraganglionic tissue situated at the carotid bifurcation (carotid body) and along the vagus nerve. Morphological and functional imaging are indicated to confirm the diagnosis, identify multifocal disease and for local and regional staging. MR angiography is the noninvasive technique of choice. CT scan and especially CT angiography are excellent alternatives for diagnosis and staging. Conventional arteriography remains useful preoperatively for embolization and occlusion tests. Functional imaging allows localization and characterization of PGLs. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) was the reference imaging technique for staging of sporadic PGLs. The indications for PET imaging have been extended over recent years in parallel with the development of new tracers such as [F]-FDOPA PET or Gallium-labelled DOTA peptides. Gallium-labelled DOTA peptides has become the first-line imaging modality in the evaluation of cervical PGLs, regardless of the genetic background.
CONCLUSION
Morphological and functional imaging is essential for the staging of neck PGL.
Topics: Computed Tomography Angiography; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Angiography; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neoplasm Staging; Paraganglioma; Positron-Emission Tomography; Predictive Value of Tests; Radiopharmaceuticals; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 27887852
DOI: 10.1016/j.anorl.2016.10.003 -
Current Oncology Reports Jun 2022Based on good local control rates and an excellent safety profile, guidelines consider thermal ablation the gold standard to eliminate small unresectable colorectal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Microwave Ablation, Radiofrequency Ablation, Irreversible Electroporation, and Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy for Intermediate Size (3-5 cm) Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Based on good local control rates and an excellent safety profile, guidelines consider thermal ablation the gold standard to eliminate small unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). However, efficacy decreases exponentially with increasing tumour size. The preferred treatment for intermediate-size unresectable CRLM remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis compare safety and efficacy of local ablative treatments for unresectable intermediate-size CRLM (3-5 cm).
RECENT FINDINGS
We systematically searched for publications reporting treatment outcomes of unresectable intermediate-size CRLM treated with thermal ablation, irreversible electroporation (IRE) or stereotactic ablative body-radiotherapy (SABR). No comparative studies or randomized trials were found. Literature to assess effectiveness was limited and there was substantial heterogeneity in outcomes and study populations. Per-patient local control ranged 22-90% for all techniques; 22-89% (8 series) for thermal ablation, 44% (1 series) for IRE, and 67-90% (1 series) for SABR depending on radiation dose. Focal ablative therapy is safe and can induce long-term disease control, even for intermediate-size CRLM. Although SABR and tumuor-bracketing techniques such as IRE are suggested to be less susceptible to size, evidence to support any claims of superiority of one technique over the other is unsubstantiated by the available evidence. Future prospective comparative studies should address local-tumour-progression-free-survival, local control rate, overall survival, adverse events, and quality-of-life.
Topics: Colorectal Neoplasms; Electroporation; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Microwaves; Radiofrequency Ablation
PubMed: 35298796
DOI: 10.1007/s11912-022-01248-6 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) accounts for approximately 3% of new cancer cases and 3% of all deaths worldwide. Most HNSCC patients are locally advanced... (Review)
Review
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) accounts for approximately 3% of new cancer cases and 3% of all deaths worldwide. Most HNSCC patients are locally advanced (LA) at diagnosis. The combination of radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are the primary LA-HNSCC treatment options. Nevertheless, the choice of optimal LA-HNSCC treatment remains controversial. We systematically searched public databases for LA-HNSCC-related studies and assess treatment effectiveness and safety by assessing the objective response rate (ORR), ≥3 adverse events (AEs), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), disease-free survival (DFS), local-region control (LRC), and disease-specific survival (DSS). 126 randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were included in this study. We show that concurrent RT with nimotuzumab or conventional concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) had significantly better efficacy and long-term survival without increasing AEs than RT alone. Accelerated fractionated radiotherapy (AFRT) showed better efficiency than conventional fractionated RT, although it had higher AEs. In addition, concurrent cetuximab combined with RT failed to show a significant advantage over RT alone. PROSPERO CRD42022352127.
PubMed: 37795033
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1269863 -
American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy May 2022Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea results from abnormal communications between the subarachnoid and sinonasal spaces. Accurate preoperative diagnosis and localization...
BACKGROUND
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea results from abnormal communications between the subarachnoid and sinonasal spaces. Accurate preoperative diagnosis and localization are vital for positive clinical outcomes. However, the diagnosis and localization of CSF rhinorrhea remain suboptimal due to a lack of accurate understanding of test characteristics.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of various tests and imaging modalities for diagnosing and localizing CSF rhinorrhea.
METHODS
A systematic review of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.
RESULTS
Our search identified 4039 articles-53 cohort studies and 24 case series describing 1622 patients were included. The studies were heterogeneous and had a wide range of sensitivities and specificities. Many specificities were incalculable due to a lack of true negative and false positive results, thus precluding a meta-analysis. Median sensitivities and specificities were calculated for cohort studies of the following investigations: high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) 0.93/0.50 (sensitivity/specificity), magnetic resonance cisternography (MRC) 0.94/0.77, computed tomography cisternography (CTC) 0.95/1.00, radionuclide cisternography (RNC) 0.90/0.50, and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance cisternography (CEMRC) 0.99/1.00, endoscopy 0.58/1.00, topical intranasal fluorescein (TIF) 1.00/incalculable, intrathecal fluorescein (ITF) 0.96/1.00. Case series were reviewed separately. Etiology and site-specific data were also analyzed.
CONCLUSION
MR cisternography is more accurate than high-resolution CT at diagnosing and localizing CSF rhinorrhea. CT cisternography, contrast-enhanced MR cisternography, and radionuclide cisternography have good diagnostic characteristics but are invasive. Intrathecal fluorescein shows promising data but has not been widely adopted for purely diagnostic use. Office endoscopy has limited data but does not sufficiently diagnose CSF rhinorrhea independently. These findings confirm with current guidelines and evidence.
Topics: Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea; Fluorescein; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 34846218
DOI: 10.1177/19458924211060918 -
Cureus Jul 2023Osteomyelitis of the fibula is rare and is especially rare in children. The published literature is limited to case series and is thus lacking a comprehensive... (Review)
Review
Osteomyelitis of the fibula is rare and is especially rare in children. The published literature is limited to case series and is thus lacking a comprehensive description of the disease. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide the first comprehensive summary of the demographics, presenting symptoms, laboratory values, microbiology, and treatment results of osteomyelitis of the fibula in children based on the existing literature. This institutional review board (IRB)-exempt systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol (PRISMA-P) guidelines. Three search engines were used for a total of 239 studies. Twenty-six studies were screened by full text. Twelve articles underwent a quantitative analysis. Due to limited data and heterogenous reporting, the data were summarized descriptively. The methodologic quality of the studies was evaluated based on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The average age was 7.71±3.49 years, and males comprised 57% of the 21 cases. The most common presenting symptoms were fever (86%), antalgic gait (57%), and localized tenderness (81%). The most common site of involvement was the distal third of the fibula (90%). The average C-reactive protein (CRP) was 90.1±38.3 mg/L, and the average erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 58.8±21.2 mm/hour. was the most cultured pathogen reported in 10/21 cases (48%). Open surgery was performed in 17/21 cases (81%), and there were no reported complications. Fever, antalgic gait, and localized tenderness should raise the index of suspicion. Prompt laboratory and radiographic evaluations can help reduce delays in diagnosis and improve outcomes. Blood and tissue cultures are currently performed in about half of the cases. Improvement in our microbiologic diagnosis has the potential to improve antibiotic selection. Local methicillin-resistant (MRSA) prevalence must be taken into consideration when starting empiric antibiotic treatment. Surgical treatment is often required with a low complication rate. The clinical and laboratory parameters identified in this study have the potential for integration into a composite clinical score.
PubMed: 37546085
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41345 -
Prostate International Dec 2021We sought to compare oncologic and functional outcomes between thermal and nonthermal energy partial gland ablation (PGA) modalities. We conducted comprehensive,... (Review)
Review
We sought to compare oncologic and functional outcomes between thermal and nonthermal energy partial gland ablation (PGA) modalities. We conducted comprehensive, structured literature searches, and 39 papers, abstracts, and presentations met the inclusion criteria of pre-PGA magnetic resonance imaging, oncologic outcomes of at least 6 months, and systematic biopsies after PGA. Twenty-six studies used thermal ablation: high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), cryotherapy, focal laser ablation, or radiofrequency ablation. In-field recurrence rates ranged from 0 to 36% for HIFU, 6 to 24% for cryotherapy, 4 to 50% for focal laser ablation, and 20 to 25% for radiofrequency ablation. Twelve studies used nonthermal technologies of focal brachytherapy, vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy, or irreversible electroporation. Focal brachytherapy had the lowest reported failure rate of 8%, vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy had >30% positive in-field biopsies, and irreversible electroporation had in-field recurrence rates of 12-35%. PGA was well tolerated, and nearly all patients returned to baseline urinary function 12 months later. Most modalities caused transient decreases in erectile function. Persistent erectile dysfunction was highest in patients who underwent HIFU. Although oncologic outcomes vary between treatment modalities, systematic review of existing data demonstrates that PGA is a safe treatment option for patients with localized prostate cancer.
PubMed: 35059352
DOI: 10.1016/j.prnil.2021.04.001 -
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992) May 2022In previously healthy subjects, primary varicella presents with a distinctive vesicular rash that is more intense on the trunk and head than on the extremities. However,... (Review)
Review
AIM
In previously healthy subjects, primary varicella presents with a distinctive vesicular rash that is more intense on the trunk and head than on the extremities. However, an atypical presentation may occasionally develop. We aimed at systematically assessing the characteristics of cases affected by atypical primary varicella rash.
METHODS
The United States National Library of Medicine, Excerpta Medica and Web of Science databases were reviewed, without date or language restrictions. Articles were eligible if reporting previously healthy and immunocompetent subjects with a primary varicella rash (i.e., a photo-localised primary varicella or skin inflammation-associated primary varicella).
RESULTS
Thirty-eight reports providing information on 59 cases of atypical primary varicella were identified. Twenty-four cases (median 8.5 years of age, 19 females) were photo-localised and 35 (median 4.8 years of age, 15 females) were associated with pre-existing skin inflammation (including cast occlusion, diaper irritation, operative sites, burns, insect bites, vaccinations or pre-existing skin disease). The skin rash was monomorphic and without a "starry sky" appearance.
CONCLUSION
Primary varicella may have a modified presentation in areas of irritation such as sun exposure or pre-existing inflammation. There is a need for a wider awareness of these modulators of varicella rash.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Chickenpox; Exanthema; Female; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Inflammation; Skin; Young Adult
PubMed: 35178772
DOI: 10.1111/apa.16300 -
Inflammation and Regeneration Nov 2022The intestine is rich in food-derived and microbe-derived antigens. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an essential T-cell population that prevents systemic autoimmune... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The intestine is rich in food-derived and microbe-derived antigens. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an essential T-cell population that prevents systemic autoimmune diseases and inhibits inflammation by encountering antigens. Previously, it was reported that the functional loss of Tregs induces systemic inflammation, including inflammatory bowel disease and graft-versus-host disease in human and murine models. However, there is a dearth of information about how Tregs localize in different tissues and suppress effector cells.
MAIN BODY
The development of Tregs and their molecular mechanism in the digestive tract have been elucidated earlier using murine genetic models, infectious models, and human samples. Tregs suppress immune and other nonimmune cells through direct effect and cytokine production. The recent development of in vivo imaging technology allows us to visualize how Tregs localize and move in the settings of inflammation and homeostasis. This is important because, according to a recent report, Treg characterization and function are regulated by their location. Tregs located in the proximal intestine and its draining lymph nodes induce tolerance against food antigens, and those located in the distal intestine suppress the inflammation induced by microbial antigens. Taken together, various Tregs are induced in a location-specific manner in the gastrointestinal tract and influence the homeostasis of the gut.
CONCLUSION
In this review, we summarize how Tregs are induced in the digestive tract and the application of in vivo Treg imaging to elucidate immune homeostasis in the digestive tract.
PubMed: 36329556
DOI: 10.1186/s41232-022-00232-8