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JAMA Oncology Nov 2016Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains almost invariably fatal despite optimal surgical and medical therapy. The association between the extent of tumor resection (EOR)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
IMPORTANCE
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains almost invariably fatal despite optimal surgical and medical therapy. The association between the extent of tumor resection (EOR) and outcome remains undefined, notwithstanding many relevant studies.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether greater EOR is associated with improved 1- and 2-year overall survival and 6-month and 1-year progression-free survival in patients with GBM.
DATA SOURCES
Pubmed, CINAHL, and Web of Science (January 1, 1966, to December 1, 2015) were systematically reviewed with librarian guidance. Additional articles were included after consultation with experts and evaluation of bibliographies. Articles were collected from January 15 to December 1, 2015.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies of adult patients with newly diagnosed supratentorial GBM comparing various EOR and presenting objective overall or progression-free survival data were included. Pediatric studies were excluded.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data were extracted from the text of articles or the Kaplan-Meier curves independently by investigators who were blinded to each other's results. Data were analyzed to assess mortality after gross total resection (GTR), subtotal resection (STR), and biopsy. The body of evidence was evaluated according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria and PRISMA guidelines.
MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES
Relative risk (RR) for mortality at 1 and 2 years and progression at 6 months and 1 year.
RESULTS
The search produced 37 studies suitable for inclusion (41 117 unique patients). The meta-analysis revealed decreased mortality for GTR compared with STR at 1 year (RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.56-0.69; P < .001; number needed to treat [NNT], 9) and 2 years (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.79-0.89; P < .001; NNT, 17). The 1-year risk for mortality for STR compared with biopsy was reduced significantly (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.80-0.91; P < .001). The risk for mortality was similarly decreased for any resection compared with biopsy at 1 year (RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.71-0.84; P < .001; NNT, 21) and 2 years (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89-1.00; P = .04; NNT, 593). The likelihood of disease progression was decreased with GTR compared with STR at 6 months (RR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.48-1.09; P = .12; NNT, 14) and 1 year (RR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.43-0.99; P < .001; NNT, 26). The quality of the body of evidence by the GRADE criteria was moderate to low.
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
This analysis represents the largest systematic review and only quantitative systematic review to date performed on this subject. Compared with STR, GTR substantially improves overall and progression-free survival, but the quality of the supporting evidence is moderate to low.
Topics: Brain; Brain Neoplasms; Disease-Free Survival; Glioblastoma; Humans; Risk; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27310651
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2016.1373 -
Journal of Neurosurgery Jun 2016OBJECT Meningioma is the most common benign intracranial tumor, and patients with supratentorial meningioma frequently suffer from seizures. The rates and predictors of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECT Meningioma is the most common benign intracranial tumor, and patients with supratentorial meningioma frequently suffer from seizures. The rates and predictors of seizures in patients with meningioma have been significantly under-studied, even in comparison with other brain tumor types. Improved strategies for the prediction, treatment, and prevention of seizures in patients with meningioma is an important goal, because tumor-related epilepsy significantly impacts patient quality of life. METHODS The authors performed a systematic review of PubMed for manuscripts published between January 1980 and September 2014, examining rates of pre- and postoperative seizures in supratentorial meningioma, and evaluating potential predictors of seizures with separate meta-analyses. RESULTS The authors identified 39 observational case series for inclusion in the study, but no controlled trials. Preoperative seizures were observed in 29.2% of 4709 patients with supratentorial meningioma, and were significantly predicted by male sex (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.30-2.34); an absence of headache (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.04-3.25); peritumoral edema (OR 7.48, 95% CI 6.13-9.47); and non-skull base location (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.04-3.25). After surgery, seizure freedom was achieved in 69.3% of 703 patients with preoperative epilepsy, and was more than twice as likely in those without peritumoral edema, although an insufficient number of studies were available for formal meta-analysis of this association. Of 1085 individuals without preoperative epilepsy who underwent resection, new postoperative seizures were seen in 12.3% of patients. No difference in the rate of new postoperative seizures was observed with or without perioperative prophylactic anticonvulsants. CONCLUSIONS Seizures are common in supratentorial meningioma, particularly in tumors associated with brain edema, and seizure freedom is a critical treatment goal. Favorable seizure control can be achieved with resection, but evidence does not support routine use of prophylactic anticonvulsants in patients without seizures. Limitations associated with systematic review and meta-analysis should be considered when interpreting these results.
Topics: Humans; Meningioma; Seizures; Supratentorial Neoplasms
PubMed: 26636386
DOI: 10.3171/2015.4.JNS142742 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2023Recently, advances in molecular biology and bioinformatics have allowed a more thorough understanding of tumorigenesis in aggressive PitNETs (pituitary neuroendocrine... (Review)
Review
Recently, advances in molecular biology and bioinformatics have allowed a more thorough understanding of tumorigenesis in aggressive PitNETs (pituitary neuroendocrine tumors) through the identification of specific essential genes, crucial molecular pathways, regulators, and effects of the tumoral microenvironment. Target therapies have been developed to cure oncology patients refractory to traditional treatments, introducing the concept of precision medicine. Preliminary data on PitNETs are derived from preclinical studies conducted on cell cultures, animal models, and a few case reports or small case series. This study comprehensively reviews the principal pathways involved in aggressive PitNETs, describing the potential target therapies. A search was conducted on Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science for English papers published between 1 January 2004, and 15 June 2023. 254 were selected, and the topics related to aggressive PitNETs were recorded and discussed in detail: epigenetic aspects, membrane proteins and receptors, metalloprotease, molecular pathways, PPRK, and the immune microenvironment. A comprehensive comprehension of the molecular mechanisms linked to PitNETs' aggressiveness and invasiveness is crucial. Despite promising preliminary findings, additional research and clinical trials are necessary to confirm the indications and effectiveness of target therapies for PitNETs.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Pituitary Neoplasms; Pituitary Gland; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Aggression; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 37958702
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115719 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022Pasireotide (PAS) is a novel somatostatin receptor ligands (SRL), used in controlling hormonal hypersecretion in both acromegaly and Cushing's Disease (CD). In previous... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Pasireotide (PAS) is a novel somatostatin receptor ligands (SRL), used in controlling hormonal hypersecretion in both acromegaly and Cushing's Disease (CD). In previous studies and meta-analysis, first-generation SRLs were reported to be able to induce significant tumor shrinkage only in somatotroph adenomas. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to summarize the effect of PAS on the shrinkage of the pituitary adenomas in patients with acromegaly or CD.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched the Medline database for original studies in patients with acromegaly or CD receiving PAS as monotherapy, that assessed the proportion of significant tumor shrinkage in their series. After data extraction and analysis, a random-effect model was used to estimate pooled effects. Quality assessment was performed with a modified Joanna Briggs's Institute tool and the risk of publication bias was addressed through Egger's regression and the three-parameter selection model.
RESULTS
The electronic search identified 179 and 122 articles respectively for acromegaly and CD. After study selection, six studies considering patients with acromegaly and three with CD fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Overall, 37.7% (95%CI: [18.7%; 61.5%]) of acromegalic patients and 41.2% (95%CI: [22.9%; 62.3%]) of CD patients achieved significant tumor shrinkage. We identified high heterogeneity, especially in acromegaly (I of 90% for acromegaly and 47% for CD), according to the low number of studies included.
DISCUSSION
PAS treatment is effective in reducing tumor size, especially in acromegalic patients. This result strengthens the role of PAS treatment in pituitary adenomas, particularly in those with an invasive behavior, with progressive growth and/or extrasellar extension, with a low likelihood of surgical gross-total removal, or with large postoperative residual tissue.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022328152, identifier CRD42022328152.
Topics: ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma; Acromegaly; Adenoma; Humans; Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion; Pituitary Neoplasms; Somatostatin
PubMed: 35846311
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.935759 -
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Jul 2016The aim of this study was to perform an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of prophylactic administration of levetiracetam in... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
AIMS
The aim of this study was to perform an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of prophylactic administration of levetiracetam in brain tumour patients.
METHOD
A systematic review of studies published until April 2015 was conducted using Scopus/Elsevier, EMBASE and MEDLINE. The search was limited to articles reporting results from adult patients, suffering from brain tumour, undergoing supratentorial craniotomy for tumour resection or biopsy and administered levetiracetam in the perioperative period for seizure prophylaxis. Outcomes included the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam, as well as the tolerability of the specific regimen, defined by the discontinuation of the treatment due to side effects.
RESULTS
The systematic review included 1148 patients from 12 studies comparing levetiracetam with no treatment, phenytoin and valproate, while only 243 patients from three studies, comparing levetiracetam vs phenytoin efficacy and safety, were included in the meta-analysis. The combined results from the meta-analysis showed that levetiracetam administration was followed by significantly fewer seizures than treatment with phenytoin (OR = 0.12 [0.03-0.42]: χ(2) = 1.76: I(2) = 0%). Analysis also showed significantly fewer side effects in patients receiving levetiracetam, compared to other groups (P < 0.05). The combined results showed fewer side effects in the levetiracetam group compared to the phenytoin group (OR = 0.65 [0.14-2.99]: χ(2) = 8.79: I(2) = 77%).
CONCLUSIONS
The efficacy of prophylaxis with levetiracetam seems to be superior to that with phenytoin and valproate administration. Moreover, levetiracetam use demonstrates fewer side effects in brain tumour patients. Nevertheless, high risk of bias and moderate methodological quality must be taken into account when considering these results.
Topics: Anticonvulsants; Craniotomy; Humans; Levetiracetam; Perioperative Care; Phenytoin; Piracetam; Seizures; Supratentorial Neoplasms; Valproic Acid
PubMed: 26945547
DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12926 -
Medicine Nov 2016Pituitary carcinoma (PC) is a rare type of malignant intracranial neoplasm defined as distant metastasis of pituitary adenoma (PA). Although PC incidence is low because... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pituitary carcinoma (PC) is a rare type of malignant intracranial neoplasm defined as distant metastasis of pituitary adenoma (PA). Although PC incidence is low because only 0.1% to 0.2% of PAs ultimately develop into PCs, the prognosis is poor and 66% of patients die within the first year. Existing therapeutic measures, including surgical removal, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, have limited effectiveness. The lack of efficacy of current treatments is largely caused by the limited understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of PA and the malignant transformation to PC. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to summarize published research regarding gene and protein expression in PC to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying PC genesis and development and identify new candidate diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for potential use in personalized treatment of PC.
METHODS
We followed the PRISMA guidelines to plan and conduct this systematic review. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies conducted before December 16, 2015 describing the association of PC with gene expression at the mRNA and protein levels. MeSH terms combined with free terms were used to retrieve the references.
RESULTS
In total, 207 records were obtained by primary search, and 32 were included in the systematic review. Compared with normal pituitary gland and/or PA, 30 and 18 genes were found to have higher or lower expression, respectively, in PCs using different analytical methods. Among them, we selected 9 upregulated and 7 downregulated genes for further analysis based on their identification as candidate treatment targets in other cancers, potential clinical application, or further research value.
CONCLUSION
Previous studies demonstrated that many genes promote PC malignant transformation, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and recurrence. Although most of these genes and proteins have not been fully analyzed with regard to their downstream mechanisms or potential diagnostic and therapeutic application, they have the potential to become candidate PC biomarkers and/or molecular targets for guiding personalized treatment. Modern advanced technologies should be utilized in future research to identify more candidate genes for PC pathogenesis, as precisely targeted gene therapies against PC are urgently required.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma; Gene Expression; Humans; Pituitary Neoplasms; Precision Medicine
PubMed: 27893664
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000005268 -
Journal of Neuroimaging : Official... May 2022Angiocentric gliomas (AGs) are epileptogenic low-grade gliomas in young patients. We aimed to investigate the MRI findings of AGs and systematically review previous... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Angiocentric gliomas (AGs) are epileptogenic low-grade gliomas in young patients. We aimed to investigate the MRI findings of AGs and systematically review previous publications and three new cases.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Elsevier's abstract and citation database, and Embase databases and included 50 patients with pathologically proven AGs with analyzable preoperative MRI including 3 patients from our institution and 47 patients from 38 publications (median age, 13 years [range, 2-83 years]; 35 men). Two board-certified radiologists reviewed all images. The relationships between seizure/epilepsy history and MRI findings were statistically analyzed. Moreover, clinical and imaging differences were evaluated between supratentorial and brainstem AGs.
RESULTS
Intratumoral T1-weighted high-intensity areas, stalk-like signs, and regional brain parenchymal atrophy were observed in 23 out of 50 (46.0%), 10 out of 50 (20.0%), and 14 out of 50 (28.0%) patients, respectively. Intratumoral T1-weighted high-intensity areas were observed significantly more frequently in patients with stalk-like signs (positive, 9/10 vs. negative, 14/40, p = .0031) and regional atrophy (13/14 vs. 10/36, p = .0001). There were significant relationships between the length of seizure/epilepsy history and presence of intratumoral T1-weighted high-intensity area (median 3 years vs. 0.5 years, p = .0021), stalk-like sign (13.5 vs. 1 year, p < .0001), and regional atrophy (14 vs. 0.5 years, p < .0001). Patients with brainstem AGs (n = 7) did not have a seizure/epilepsy history and were significantly younger than those with supratentorial AGs (median, 5 vs. 13 years, p < .0001, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Intratumoral T1-weighted high-intensity areas, stalk-like signs, and regional brain atrophy were frequent imaging features in AG. We also found that affected age was different between supratentorial and brainstem AGs.
Topics: Adolescent; Atrophy; Brain Neoplasms; Female; Glioma; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Neuroimaging; Seizures
PubMed: 35201652
DOI: 10.1111/jon.12983 -
Cephalalgia : An International Journal... Feb 2023To systemically review clinical studies investigating the role of prolactin and its receptors in headache and migraine. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To systemically review clinical studies investigating the role of prolactin and its receptors in headache and migraine.
BACKGROUND
Migraine prevalence is more common in women compared to men. As prolactin is a crucial regulator of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, prolactin and its receptors might contribute to signaling mechanisms underlying migraine.
METHODS
In this systematic review, we searched PubMed and EMBASE with the terms: prolactin, hyperprolactinemia, macroprolactinemia, hypoprolactinemia, migraine, headache, head pain and trigeminal pain pathway for clinical studies investigating prolactin signaling in headache and migraine. Two reviewers independently screened 841 articles for population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and study design. Studies were restricted to the English language and were excluded if they had a nonexperimental methodology.
RESULTS
Nineteen clinical studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. The main findings were that serum prolactin levels were found to be higher in individuals with migraine compared to healthy controls, and prolactinomas (prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas) were correlated with higher incidence of headache in otherwise healthy individuals and migraine attacks in individuals with migraine.
CONCLUSION
Considerable evidence suggests a key role of prolactin and its receptors in migraine pathophysiology. Further randomized and placebo-controlled clinical studies targeting prolactin signaling are needed to further clarify influences of prolactin in migraine attack initiation.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Prolactin; Headache; Prolactinoma; Migraine Disorders; Hyperprolactinemia; Pituitary Neoplasms
PubMed: 36718026
DOI: 10.1177/03331024221136286 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Three dopamine agonists [bromocriptine, cabergoline, and quinagolide (CV)] have been used for hyperprolactinemia treatment for decades. Several studies have reviewed the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Three dopamine agonists [bromocriptine, cabergoline, and quinagolide (CV)] have been used for hyperprolactinemia treatment for decades. Several studies have reviewed the efficacy and safety of bromocriptine and cabergoline. However, no systematic review or meta-analysis has discussed the efficacy and safety of CV in hyperprolactinemia and prolactinoma treatment.
METHODS
Five medical databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) were searched up to 9 May 2022 to identify studies related to CV and hyperprolactinemia. A meta-analysis was implemented by using a forest plot, funnel plot, sensitivity analysis, meta-regression, and Egger's test software R 4.0 and STATA 12.
RESULTS
A total of 1,211 studies were retrieved from the five medical databases, and 33 studies consisting of 827 patients were finally included in the analysis. The pooled proportions of patients with prolactin concentration normalization and tumor reduction (>50%) under CV treatment were 69% and 20%, respectively, with 95% confidence intervals of 61%-76% and 15%-28%, respectively. The pooled proportion of adverse effects was 13%, with a 95% confidence interval of 11%-16%.
CONCLUSION
Our study showed that CV is not less effective than cabergoline and bromocriptine in treating hyperprolactinemia, and the side effects were not significant. Hence, this drug could be considered an alternative first-line or rescue treatment in treating hyperprolactinemia in the future.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022347750.
Topics: Humans; Bromocriptine; Cabergoline; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Hyperprolactinemia; Pituitary Neoplasms; Aminoquinolines
PubMed: 36761195
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1027905 -
Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of... Mar 2008This article describes the technical aspects and the clinical results of conventional radiotherapy and modern stereotactic radiotherapy for pituitary adenomas.... (Review)
Review
This article describes the technical aspects and the clinical results of conventional radiotherapy and modern stereotactic radiotherapy for pituitary adenomas. Systematic review of the published literature provides a factual basis for the comparison and the selection of appropriate radiation technique in patients who have secreting and nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas not cured with surgery and medical therapy.
Topics: Humans; Pituitary Neoplasms; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted
PubMed: 18226740
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2007.10.005