-
Annals of Oncology : Official Journal... May 2018Driven by reduced nutritional intakes and metabolic alterations, malnutrition in cancer patients adversely affects quality of life, treatment tolerance and survival. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence for oral nutritional intervention on nutritional and clinical outcomes during chemo(radio)therapy: current evidence and guidance for design of future trials.
BACKGROUND
Driven by reduced nutritional intakes and metabolic alterations, malnutrition in cancer patients adversely affects quality of life, treatment tolerance and survival. We examined evidence for oral nutritional interventions during chemo(radio)therapy.
DESIGN
We carried out a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) with either dietary counseling (DC), high-energy oral nutritional supplements (ONS) aiming at improving intakes or ONS enriched with protein and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) additionally aiming for modulation of cancer-related metabolic alterations. Meta-analyses were carried out on body weight (BW) response to nutritional interventions, with subgroup analyses for DC and/or high-energy ONS or high-protein n-3 PUFA-enriched ONS.
RESULTS
Eleven studies were identified. Meta-analysis showed overall benefit of interventions on BW during chemo(radio)therapy (+1.31 kg, 95% CI 0.24-2.38, P = 0.02, heterogeneity Q = 21.1, P = 0.007). Subgroup analysis showed no effect of DC and/or high-energy ONS (+0.80 kg, 95% CI -1.14 to 2.74, P = 0.32; Q = 10.5, P = 0.03), possibly due to limited compliance and intakes falling short of intake goals. A significant effect was observed for high-protein n-3 PUFA-enriched intervention compared with isocaloric controls (+1.89 kg, 95% CI 0.51-3.27, P = 0.02; Q = 3.1 P = 0.37). High-protein, n-3 PUFA-enriched ONS studies showed attenuation of lean body mass loss (N = 2 studies) and improvement of some quality of life domains (N = 3 studies). Overall, studies were limited in number, heterogeneous, and inadequately powered to show effects on treatment toxicity or survival.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review suggests an overall positive effect of nutritional interventions during chemo(radio)therapy on BW. Subgroup analyses showed effects were driven by high-protein n-3 PUFA-enriched ONS, suggesting the benefit of targeting metabolic alterations. DC and/or high-energy ONS were less effective, likely due to cumulative caloric deficits despite interventions. We highlight the need and provide recommendations for well-designed RCT to determine the effect of nutritional interventions on clinical outcomes, with specific focus on reaching nutritional goals and providing the right nutrients, as part of an integral supportive care approach.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Body Weight; Chemoradiotherapy; Counseling; Dietary Proteins; Dietary Supplements; Energy Intake; Enteral Nutrition; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Humans; Neoplasms; Nutritional Status; Patient Compliance; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Progression-Free Survival; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Research Design
PubMed: 29788170
DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdy114 -
Clinical and Translational Radiation... Sep 2019We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting the incidence of radiation induced brachial plexopathy (RIBP) and the associated radiotherapy...
PURPOSE
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting the incidence of radiation induced brachial plexopathy (RIBP) and the associated radiotherapy doses to this structure.
METHODS
Databases were queried without language restriction for cohort studies reporting RIBP incidence and associated brachial plexus dose maximum dose (bpDmax). Studies specifying RIBP relative risk (RR) effect size were selected for meta-analysis. RRs for RIBP from each study were converted to a regression coefficient (β) and standard error corresponding to a continuous representation of bpDmax. The adjusted β from individual studies were combined using a random effects model and weighted by inverse variance (1/SE). The trim and fill approach was used to assess publication bias.
RESULTS
We identified 25 studies that included 37 unique patient cohorts eligible for analysis. Seventeen cohorts experienced an RIBP incidence ≤5%, of which 6 cohorts exceeded conventional plexus constraints of 60 Gy for bpDmax. Five of the 6 cohorts were simulated with 3D-CT techniques. Meta-analysis of eligible studies demonstrated a significant increase in RIBP risk for each Gy increase in bpDmax (RR, 1.11; 95% CI 1.07-1.15). Results remained significant after adjustment for publication bias and when sensitivity analysis was performed.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that current brachial plexus constraints of 60-66 Gy are safe. Meta-analysis provides a log-linear model to quantify the association of brachial plexus dose and RIBP risk, and thus inform the therapeutic ratio for dose escalation. Further prospective studies reporting dosimetric data can better refine this model and inform brachial plexus constraint guidelines.
PubMed: 31309161
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2019.06.006 -
Neuro-oncology Nov 2012Although exposure to moderate-to-high doses of ionizing radiation is the only established environmental risk factor for brain and CNS tumors, it is not clear whether... (Review)
Review
Although exposure to moderate-to-high doses of ionizing radiation is the only established environmental risk factor for brain and CNS tumors, it is not clear whether this relationship differs across tumor subtypes, by sex or age at exposure, or at the low-to-moderate range of exposure. This systematic review summarizes the epidemiologic evidence on the association between ionizing radiation exposure and risk of brain/CNS tumors. Articles included in this review estimated radiation exposure doses to the brain and reported excess relative risk (ERR) estimates for brain/CNS tumors. Eight cohorts were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Average age at exposure ranged from 8 months to 26 years. Mean dose to the brain ranged from 0.07 to 10 Gy. Elevated risks for brain/CNS tumors were consistently observed in relation to ionizing radiation exposure, but the strength of this association varied across cohorts. Generally, ionizing radiation was more strongly associated with risk for meningioma compared with glioma. The positive association between ionizing radiation exposure and risk for glioma was stronger for younger vs older ages at exposure. We did not observe an effect modification on the risk for meningioma by sex, age at exposure, time since exposure, or attained age. The etiologic role of ionizing radiation in the development of brain/CNS tumors needs to be clarified further through additional studies that quantify the association between ionizing radiation and risk for brain/CNS tumors at low-to-moderate doses, examine risks across tumor subtypes, and account for potential effect modifiers.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Brain; Central Nervous System Neoplasms; Child; Child, Preschool; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced; Radiation, Ionizing; Risk Factors; Young Adult
PubMed: 22952197
DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nos208 -
European Journal of Medical Research Oct 2012Various procedures, especially minimal invasive techniques using fluoroscopy, pose a risk of radiation exposure to orthopaedic staff. Anatomical sites such as the eyes,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Various procedures, especially minimal invasive techniques using fluoroscopy, pose a risk of radiation exposure to orthopaedic staff. Anatomical sites such as the eyes, thyroid glands and hands are more vulnerable to radiation considering the limited use of personal protective devices in the workplace. The objective of the study is to assess the annual mean cumulative and per procedure radiation dose received at anatomical locations like eyes, thyroid glands and hands in orthopaedic staff using systematic review.
METHODS
The review of literature was conducted using systematic search of the database sources like PUBMED and EMBASE using appropriate keywords. The eligibility criteria and the data extraction of literature were based on study design (cohort or cross-sectional study), study population (orthopaedic surgeons or their assistants), exposure (doses of workplace radiation exposure at hands/fingers, eye/forehead, neck/thyroid), language (German and English). The literature search was conducted using a PRISMA checklist and flow chart.
RESULTS
Forty-two articles were found eligible and included for the review. The results show that radiation doses for the anatomical locations of eye, thyroid gland and hands were lower than the dose levels recommended. But there is a considerable variation of radiation dose received at all three anatomical locations mainly due to different situations including procedures (open and minimally invasive), work experience (junior and senior surgeons),distance from the primary and secondary radiation, and use of personal protective equipments (PPEs). The surgeons receive higher radiation dose during minimally invasive procedures compared to open procedures. Junior surgeons are at higher risk of radiation exposure compared to seniors. PPEs play a significant role in reduction of radiation dose.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the current radiation precautions appear to be adequate based on the low dose radiation, more in-depth studies are required on the variations of radiation dose in orthopaedic staff, at different anatomical locations and situations.
Topics: Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Eye; Fluoroscopy; Hand; Humans; Occupational Exposure; Orthopedics; Personnel, Hospital; PubMed; Radiation Injuries; Radiation, Ionizing; Thyroid Gland; Workforce
PubMed: 23111028
DOI: 10.1186/2047-783X-17-28 -
Strahlentherapie Und Onkologie : Organ... Jan 2017This article gives an overview on the current status of hypofractionated radiotherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer with a special focus on the applicability in... (Review)
Review
AIM
This article gives an overview on the current status of hypofractionated radiotherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer with a special focus on the applicability in routine use.
METHODS
Based on a recently published systematic review the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) expert panel added additional information that has become available since then and assessed the validity of the information on outcome parameters especially with respect to long-term toxicity and long-term disease control.
RESULTS
Several large-scale trials on moderate hypofractionation with single doses from 2.4-3.4 Gy have recently finished recruiting or have published first results suggestive of equivalent outcomes although there might be a trend for increased short-term and possibly even long-term toxicity. Large phase 3 trials on extreme hypofractionation with single doses above 4.0 Gy are lacking and only very few prospective trials have follow-up periods covering more than just 2-3 years.
CONCLUSION
Until the results on long-term follow-up of several well-designed phase 3 trials become available, moderate hypofractionation should not be used in routine practice without special precautions and without adherence to the highest quality standards and evidence-based dose fractionation regimens. Extreme hypofractionation should be restricted to prospective clinical trials.
Topics: Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Evidence-Based Medicine; Germany; Humans; Male; Prostatic Neoplasms; Radiation Dose Hypofractionation; Radiation Injuries; Radiotherapy, Conformal; Risk Assessment; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27628966
DOI: 10.1007/s00066-016-1041-5 -
International Journal of Radiation... Feb 2020MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were hypothesized to be robust and easily measured biomarkers of radiation exposure, which has led to multiple studies in various clinical and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were hypothesized to be robust and easily measured biomarkers of radiation exposure, which has led to multiple studies in various clinical and experimental scenarios. We sought to identify evolutionary conserved, radiation-induced circulating miRNAs through a multispecies, integrative systematic review and meta-analysis of miRNAs in radiation.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
The systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO database (ID: 81701). We downloaded a list of studies with the query: (circulating OR plasma OR serum) AND (miRNA or microRNA) AND (radiat* OR radiotherapy OR irradiati*) from MEDLINE (103 studies), EMBASE (364 studies), and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (0 studies). After deleting 116 duplicates, the remaining 351 abstracts were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were experimental study; human, mice, rat or nonhuman primate study; and serum or plasma miRNA expression measured before and after radiation exposure.
RESULTS
The screening procedure yielded 62 research studies. After verification, 30 articles contained data on miRNA expression change after irradiation. Thus, we obtained a database of 131 miRNAs from 96 pairwise post-/preirradiation comparisons reporting 2508 fold changes (FCs) of circulating miRNAs. The meta-analysis showed 28 miRNAs with significant radiation-induced change of their expression in the serum. In metaregression analysis, 7 miRNAs-miR-150 (FC = 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35-0.45), miR-29a (FC = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.79-0.96), miR-29b (FC = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76-0.96), miR-30c (FC = 1.19; 95% CI, 1.09-1.30), miR-200b (FC = 1.34; 95% CI, 1.21-1.48), miR-320a (FC = 1.13; 95% CI, 1.05-1.23), and miR-30a (FC = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07-1.30)-significantly correlated with either total or fraction dose of radiation. Additionally, miR-150, miR-320a, miR-200b, and miR-30c correlated significantly with time elapsed since irradiation.
CONCLUSIONS
Circulating miRNAs reflect the impact of ionizing radiation irrespective of the studied species, often in a dose-dependent manner. This makes circulating miRNAs promising biomarkers of radiation exposure.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Circulating MicroRNA; Databases, Factual; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Female; Humans; Male; Mice; Primates; Radiation Exposure; Rats; Regression Analysis
PubMed: 31655196
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.10.028 -
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) Sep 2017Selective internal radiation therapy (or radioembolization) by intra-arterial injection of radioactive yttrium-90-loaded microspheres is increasingly used for the... (Review)
Review
Selective internal radiation therapy (or radioembolization) by intra-arterial injection of radioactive yttrium-90-loaded microspheres is increasingly used for the treatment of patients with liver metastases or primary liver cancer. The high-dose beta-radiation penetrates an average of only 2.5 mm from the source, thus limiting its effects to the site of delivery. However, the off-target diversion of yttrium-90 microspheres to tissues other than the tumor may lead to complications. The most prominent of these complications include radiation gastritis and gastrointestinal ulcers, cholecystitis, radiation pneumonitis, and radioembolization-induced liver disease, which may occur despite careful pretreatment planning. Thus, selective internal radiation therapy demands an expert multidisciplinary team approach in order to provide comprehensive care for patients. This review provides recommendations to multidisciplinary teams on the optimal medical processes in order to ensure the safe delivery of selective internal radiation therapy. Based on the best available published evidence and expert opinion, we recommend the most appropriate strategies for the prevention, early diagnosis, and management of potential radiation injury to the liver and to other organs. (Hepatology 2017;66:969-982).
Topics: Brachytherapy; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Female; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Microspheres; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Prognosis; Radiation Injuries; Radiation Pneumonitis; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Yttrium Radioisotopes
PubMed: 28407278
DOI: 10.1002/hep.29207 -
Environmental Health Perspectives Nov 2012Although high doses of ionizing radiation have long been linked to circulatory disease, evidence for an association at lower exposures remains controversial. However,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Although high doses of ionizing radiation have long been linked to circulatory disease, evidence for an association at lower exposures remains controversial. However, recent analyses suggest excess relative risks at occupational exposure levels.
OBJECTIVES
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize information on circulatory disease risks associated with moderate- and low-level whole-body ionizing radiation exposures.
METHODS
We conducted PubMed/ISI Thomson searches of peer-reviewed papers published since 1990 using the terms "radiation" AND "heart" AND "disease," OR "radiation" AND "stroke," OR "radiation" AND "circulatory" AND "disease." Radiation exposures had to be whole-body, with a cumulative mean dose of < 0.5 Sv, or at a low dose rate (< 10 mSv/day). We estimated population risks of circulatory disease from low-level radiation exposure using excess relative risk estimates from this meta-analysis and current mortality rates for nine major developed countries.
RESULTS
Estimated excess population risks for all circulatory diseases combined ranged from 2.5%/Sv [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.8, 4.2] for France to 8.5%/Sv (95% CI: 4.0, 13.0) for Russia.
CONCLUSIONS
Our review supports an association between circulatory disease mortality and low and moderate doses of ionizing radiation. Our analysis was limited by heterogeneity among studies (particularly for noncardiac end points), the possibility of uncontrolled confounding in some occupational groups by lifestyle factors, and higher dose groups (> 0.5 Sv) generally driving the observed trends. If confirmed, our findings suggest that overall radiation-related mortality is about twice that currently estimated based on estimates for cancer end points alone (which range from 4.2% to 5.6%/Sv for these populations).
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Occupational Exposure; Radiation Injuries; Radiation Monitoring; Radiation, Ionizing
PubMed: 22728254
DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1204982 -
Annals of Oncology : Official Journal... Sep 2016The aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the diagnosis, treatment options and treatment-related complications of cervical esophageal carcinoma... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the diagnosis, treatment options and treatment-related complications of cervical esophageal carcinoma (CEC) and to subsequently provide recommendations to improve quality of care.
DESIGN
Studies were identified in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. A total of 107 publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included.
RESULTS
CEC is uncommon, accounting for 2%-10% of all esophageal carcinomas. These tumors are often locally advanced at presentation and have a poor prognosis, with a 5-year overall survival of 30%. Tobacco and alcohol consumption seem to be the major risk factors for developing CEC. Surgery is usually not possible due to the very close relationship to other organs such as the larynx, trachea and thyroid gland. Therefore, the current standard of care is definitive chemoradiation (dCRT) with curative intent. Treatment regimens used to treat CEC are adapted by established regimens in lower esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. However, dCRT may be accompanied by severe side-effects and complications. Several diagnostic and predictive markers have been studied, but currently, there is no other biomarker than clinical stage to determine patient management. Suggestions to improve patient outcomes are to determine the exact radiation dose needed for adequate locoregional control and to combine radiotherapy with optimal systemic therapy backbone.
CONCLUSION
CEC remains unchartered territory for many practising physicians and patients with CEC have a poor prognosis. To improve the outcome for CEC patients, future studies should focus on the identification of new diagnostic biomarkers or targets for radiosensitizers, amelioration of radiation schedules, optimal combination of chemotherapeutic agents and/or new therapeutic targets.
Topics: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Chemoradiotherapy; Combined Modality Therapy; Esophageal Neoplasms; Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma; Humans; Prognosis; Radiation Tolerance; Radiotherapy Dosage
PubMed: 27117535
DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw183 -
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral... Feb 2010Reconstructing irradiated mandibles with biomaterials is still a challenge but little investigated. We collected data that could help us understand studies in the field... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Reconstructing irradiated mandibles with biomaterials is still a challenge but little investigated. We collected data that could help us understand studies in the field of regeneration with biomaterials and irradiated bone.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review of the literature.
RESULTS
Delay and duration of radiation delivery and total equivalent dose are the most variable parameters in the various studies, resulting in confusion when interpreting the literature. Most reproducible experiments show that radiation reduces osteogenic cell numbers, alters cytokine capacity, and delays and damages bone remodeling. Interindividual variations and how such changes become irreversible lesions are still uncertain. In the case of regeneration using biomaterials, most studies have addressed the question of reconstruction in previously irradiated bone. The results show that osseointegration is often possible, although the failure rate is higher. The sooner the implantation takes place after the end of the radiation, the higher the likelihood of failure. Few studies have focused on primary reconstruction followed by early irradiation, and most of the currently available engineering models would be altered by radiation. Good outcomes have been obtained with bone morphogenetic protein and with total bone marrow transplanation.
CONCLUSION
This review points out the difficulties in achieving reproducible experiments and interpreting literature in this underinvestigated field.
Topics: Animals; Bone Development; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; Bone Remodeling; Bone Substitutes; Bone Transplantation; Bone and Bones; Cranial Irradiation; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Humans; Jaw Neoplasms; Mandible; Mandibular Neoplasms; Osteogenesis, Distraction; Osteoradionecrosis; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Tissue Engineering
PubMed: 20123406
DOI: 10.1016/j.tripleo.2009.10.001