Microwave ablation versus radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) are the two main percutaneous techniques for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, to date, studies comparing the two therapies have provided discordant results. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the two treatments for HCC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A computerised bibliographic search was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane library databases. The rates of complete response (CR), local recurrence (LRR), 3-year survival (SR) and major complications were compared between the two treatment groups by using the Mantel-Haenszel test in cases of low heterogeneity or the DerSimonian and Laird test in cases of high heterogeneity. Sources of heterogeneity were investigated using subgroup analyses. In order to confirm our finding, sensitivity analysis was performed restricting the analysis to high-quality studies.

RESULTS

One randomised controlled trial (RCT) and six retrospective studies with 774 patients were included in the meta-analysis. A non-significant trend of higher CR rates in the patients treated with MWA was found (odds ratio (OR) = 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67-1.88, p = 0.67]. Overall LRR was similar between the two treatment groups (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.53-1.87, p = 0.98) but MWA outperformed RFA in cases of larger nodules (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.24-0.89, p = 0.02). 3-year SR was higher after RFA without statistically significant difference (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.58-1.57, p = 0.85). Major complications were more frequent, although not significantly, in MWA patients (OR 1.63, 95% CI 0.88-3.03, p = 0.12).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate a similar efficacy between the two percutaneous techniques with an apparent superiority of MWA in larger neoplasms.

Drug-eluting beads versus conventional chemoembolization for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite the promising results of earlier studies, a clear superiority of drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization over conventional chemoembolization in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma patients has not been established yet.

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the two treatments in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

METHODS

Computerized bibliographic search on the main databases was performed. One-year, two-year, three-year survival rates were analyzed. Hazard ratios from Kaplan-Meier curves were extracted in order to perform an unbiased comparison of survival estimates. Objective response and severe adverse event rate were analyzed too.

RESULTS

Four randomized-controlled trials and 8 observational studies with 1449 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Non-significant trends in favor of drug-eluting beads chemoembolization were observed as for 1-year (odds ratio: 0.76, 0.48-1.21, p=0.25), 2-year (odds ratio: 0.68, 0.42-1.12, p=0.13) and 3-year survival (odds ratio: 0.57, 0.32-1.01, p=0.06). Meta-analysis of plotted hazard ratios confirmed this trend (hazard ratio: 0.86, 0.71-1.03, p=0.10). Pooled data of objective response showed no significant difference between the two treatments (odds ratio: 1.21, 0.69-2.12, p=0.51). No statistically significant difference in adverse events was registered (odds ratio: 0.85, 0.60-1.20, p=0.36).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results stand for a non-superiority of drug-eluting beads chemoembolization with respect to conventional chemoembolization in hepatocarcinoma patients.

Comparative efficacy of pharmacological strategies for management of type 1 hepatorenal syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Several drugs have been studied to improve outcomes for patients with hepatorenal syndrome, but trials have reported variable efficacy. We aimed to compare the efficacy of different management strategies for type 1 hepatorenal syndrome.

METHODS

For this systematic review and network meta-analysis, we searched Ovid MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Web of Science for papers published up to June 9, 2016. We selected randomised controlled trials of adults (>18 years) with decompensated cirrhosis and type 1 hepatorenal syndrome that compared the efficacy of active vasoactive drugs (terlipressin, midodrine, octreotide, noradrenaline, and dopamine; alone or in combination) with placebo or each other. The primary outcome was reduction in short-term mortality. Secondary outcomes were reversal of hepatorenal syndrome, relapse of hepatorenal syndrome after initial reversal, and adverse events. We did pairwise and network meta-analyses to produce odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. We used the GRADE criteria to appraise quality of evidence.

FINDINGS

We identified 13 randomised controlled trials done in 739 adults with type 1 hepatorenal syndrome. All participants received supportive therapy with albumin. Moderate-quality evidence might support the use of terlipressin over placebo for reduction of short-term mortality (OR 0·65, 95% CI 0·41-1·05), whereas only low-quality evidence supported the use of noradrenaline, midodrine plus octreotide, and dopamine plus furosemide over placebo to reduce mortality, and no ORs for any of the comparisons versus placebo were significant. Moderate-quality evidence supported the use of terlipressin over midodrine plus octreotide (OR 26·25, 95% CI 3·07-224·21) to reverse hepatorenal syndrome, with low-quality evidence supporting the use of noradrenaline over placebo (4·17, 1·37-12·50) and over midodrine plus octreotide (10·00, 1·49-50·00) for this outcome. A median of 16% (range 5-20) of terlipressin-treated patients, and 33% (range 6-40) noradrenaline-treated patients with reversal of hepatorenal syndrome had recurrence on discontinuation of therapy. A median of 8% (range 4-22) terlipressin-treated patients required discontinuation of therapy due to serious adverse events.

INTERPRETATION

Terlipressin with albumin might reduce short-term mortality compared with placebo in patients with type 1 hepatorenal syndrome. Terlipressin with albumin and noradrenaline with albumin are both superior to midodrine plus octreotide with albumin for reversal of hepatorenal syndrome. Pragmatic clinical trials of terlipressin with albumin are warranted to evaluate real-world effectiveness and safety in patients with type 1 hepatorenal syndrome.

FUNDING

None.

Comparative accuracy of needle sizes and designs for EUS tissue sampling of solid pancreatic masses: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Variable diagnostic performance of sampling techniques during EUS-guided tissue acquisition of solid pancreatic masses based on needle type (FNA versus fine-needle biopsy [FNB]) and gauge (19-gauge vs 22-gauge vs 25-gauge) has been reported. We performed a systematic review with network meta-analysis to compare the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-guided techniques for sampling solid pancreatic masses.

METHODS

Through a systematic literature review to November 2018, we identified 27 randomized controlled trials (2711 patients) involving adults undergoing EUS-guided sampling of solid pancreatic masses that evaluated the diagnostic performance of FNA and FNB needles based on needle gauge. The primary outcome was diagnostic accuracy. Secondary outcomes were sample adequacy, histologic core procurement rate, and number of needle passes. We performed pairwise and network meta-analyses and appraised the quality of evidence using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology.

RESULTS

In the network meta-analysis, no specific EUS-guided tissue sampling technique was superior, based on needle type (FNA vs FNB) or gauge (19-gauge vs 22-gauge vs 25-gauge) (low-quality evidence). Specifically, there was no difference between 25-gauge FNA versus 22-gauge FNA (relative risk [RR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91-1.17) and 22-gauge FNB versus 22-gauge FNA (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.89-1.18) needles for diagnostic accuracy, sample adequacy, and histologic core procurement. Findings were confirmed in sensitivity analysis restricted to studies with no rapid on-site cytologic evaluation and no use of the fanning technique.

CONCLUSION

In a network meta-analysis, no specific EUS-guided tissue sampling technique was superior with regard to diagnostic accuracy, sample adequacy, or histologic procurement rate for solid pancreatic masses, with low confidence in estimates.

Drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: Current state of the art

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) represents the current gold standard for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients in intermediate stage. Conventional TACE (cTACE) is performed with the injection of an emulsion of a chemotherapeutic drug with lipiodol into the artery feeding the tumoral nodules, followed by embolization of the same vessel to obtain a synergistic effect of drug cytotoxic activity and ischemia. Aim of this review is to summarize the main characteristics of drug-eluting beads (DEB)-TACE and the clinical results reported so far in the literature. A literature search was conducted using PubMed until June 2017. In order to overcome the drawbacks of cTACE, namely lack of standardization and unpredictability of outcomes, non-absorbable embolic microspheres charged with cytotoxic agents (DEBs) have been developed. DEBs are able to simultaneously exert both the therapeutic components of TACE, either drug-carrier function and embolization, unlike cTACE in which applying the embolic agent is a second moment after drug injection. This way, risk of systemic drug release is minimal due to both high-affinity carrier activity of DEBs and absence of a time interval between injection and embolization. However, despite promising results of preliminary studies, clear evidence of superiority of DEB-TACE over cTACE is still lacking. A number of novel technical devices are actually in development in the field of loco-regional treatments for HCC, but only a few of them have entered the clinical arena. In absence of well-designed randomized-controlled trials, the decision on whether use DEB-TACE or cTACE is still controversial.

Transarterial chemoembolization: Evidences from the literature and applications in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the current standard of care for patients with large or multinodular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), preserved liver function, absence of cancer-related symptoms and no evidence of vascular invasion or extrahepatic spread (i.e., those classified as intermediate stage according to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system). The rationale for TACE is that the intra-arterial injection of a chemotherapeutic drug such as doxorubicin or cisplatin followed by embolization of the blood vessel will result in a strong cytotoxic effect enhanced by ischemia. However, TACE is a very heterogeneous operative technique and varies in terms of chemotherapeutic agents, treatment devices and schedule. In order to overcome the major drawbacks of conventional TACE (cTACE), non-resorbable drug-eluting beads (DEBs) loaded with cytotoxic drugs have been developed. DEBs are able to slowly release the drug upon injection and increase the intensity and duration of ischemia while enhancing the drug delivery to the tumor. Unfortunately, despite the theoretical advantages of this new device and the promising results of the pivotal studies, definitive data in favor of its superiority over cTACE are still lacking. The recommendation for TACE as the standard-of-care for intermediate-stage HCC is based on the demonstration of improved survival compared with best supportive care or suboptimal therapies in a meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials, but other therapeutic options (namely, surgery and radioembolization) proved competitive in selected subsets of intermediate HCC patients. Other potential fields of application of TACE in hepato-oncology are the pre-transplant setting (as downstaging/bridging treatment) and the early stage (in patients unsuitable to curative therapy). The potential of TACE in selected advanced patients with segmental portal vein thrombosis and preserved liver function deserves further reports.

Drug-eluting beads versus conventional chemoembolization for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Solid demonstrations of superior efficacy of drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization with respect to conventional chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma patients are lacking. The aim of the study was to compare these two techniques in two large cohorts of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

METHODS

A single center series of 249 early/intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent "on demand" chemoembolization in the period 2007-2011 was analyzed. Overall survival, time to progression, tumor response rate, and safety were compared between 104 patients who underwent conventional chemoembolization and 145 who underwent drug-eluting beads chemoembolization. Time-to-event data were analyzed using the Cox univariate and multivariate regression.

RESULTS

The two cohorts resulted balanced for liver function and tumor stages. Objective response rate was 85.3% after conventional and 74.8% after drug-eluting beads chemoembolization (P = 0.039), and median time to progression was 17 (95% confidence interval: 14-21) versus 11 months (9-12), respectively (P < 0.001). Treatment regimen was the sole independent predictor of progression at multivariate analysis (hazard ratio = 2.01; 1.45-2.80; P < 0.001). Median survival was 39 (32-47) and 32 (24-39) months in the two groups, respectively (hazard ratio = 1.33; 0.94-1.87; P = 0.10), but conventional chemoembolization was significantly associated with a survival advantage in patients with bilobar neoplasia, portal hypertension and alpha fetoprotein above normal limits. No significant differences in severe adverse events were found.

CONCLUSION

In a large series of Western hepatocellular carcinoma patients, drug-eluting beads chemoembolization with 100-300 µm particles did not seem to improve survival in comparison with conventional chemoembolization, which in turn provided better tumor responses and time to progression.

Transarterial chemoembolization vs bland embolization in hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

Although transarterial chemoembolization is considered the standard of care for intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma patients, robust data in favor of a clear superiority of chemoembolization (with chemotherapy injection) over bland embolization are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article is to systematically analyze the results provided by randomized controlled trials comparing these two treatments in hepatocarcinoma patients.

METHODS

A computerized bibliographic search on the main databases was performed. Survival rates assessed at one, two, and three years, objective response, one-year progression-free survival, and severe adverse event rate were analyzed. Comparisons were performed by using the Mantel-Haenszel test in cases of low heterogeneity or DerSimonian and Laird test in cases of high heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Six trials with 676 patients were included. No difference in one-year (risk ratio: 0.93, 0.85-1.03, p = 0.16), two-year (risk ratio: 0.88, 0.74-1.06, p = 0.18) and three-year survival (risk ratio: 0.97, 0.74-1.27, p = 0.81) was observed. Objective response and one-year progression-free survival showed no significant difference between the two treatments (p = 0.36 and p = 0.40, respectively). A statistically significant increase in severe toxicity after chemoembolization was found (risk ratio: 1.44, 1.08-1.92, p = 0.01), although this result could be affected by the heterogeneity of techniques adopted.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis demonstrates a non-superiority of transarterial chemoembolization with respect to bland embolization in hepatocarcinoma patients.

Statin Use Decreases the Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Updated Meta-Analysis

Statins can decrease hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence, but the magnitude and the predictors of these effects remain unclear. This meta-analysis provides a pooled estimate of the impact of statin use on HCC occurrence. Pooled effects were calculated using a random-effects model by means of the DerSimonian and Laird test. Primary endpoint was the time-dependent correlation between statin use and HCC incidence expressed as hazard ratio (HR), both crude and adjusted. The crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) for HCC occurrence between statin users and non-users were analyzed. Twenty-five studies with 1,925,964 patients were included. Crude OR for HCC incidence was 0.59 (95% CI: 0.47-0.74), confirmed in adjusted analysis (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.70-0.78). Adjusted HR was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.69-0.76). This effect was more pronounced in HBV patients (HR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.36-0.60) and with a cumulative daily dose beyond 365 (HR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.11-0.67). Lipophilic statins were associated with reduced HCC incidence (HR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.39-0.62). Atorvastatin determined the greater magnitude of effect (HR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.28-0.65). This meta-analysis demonstrates the beneficial chemopreventive effect of statins against HCC occurrence. This effect is dose-dependent and more pronounced with lipophilic statins.

Microwave Ablation Versus Radiofrequency Ablation for Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

There are limited and discordant results on the comparison between microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This meta-analysis aims to compare the two treatments in terms of efficacy and safety, based on a meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs). A computerized bibliographic search was performed on the main databases throughout August 2020. The primary outcome was the complete response rate, while survival rate (at 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year), disease-free survival rate (at 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year), local and distant recurrence rate, adverse event rate, and number of treatment sessions were the secondary outcomes. Seven RCTs enrolling 921 patients were included. No difference in terms of complete response between the two treatments was observed (risk ratio (RR) 1.01, 95% CI 0.99-1.02). Survival rates were constantly similar, with RRs ranging from 1.05 (0.96-1.15) at 1 year to 0.91 (0.81-1.03) at 5 years. While local recurrence rate was similar between MWA and RFA (RR 0.70, 0.43-1.14), distant recurrence rate was significantly lower with MWA (RR 0.60, 0.39-0.92). Disease-free survival at 1, 2, and 3 years was similar between the two groups with RR 1.00 (0.96-1.04), 0.94 (0.84-1.06), and 1.06 (0.93-1.21), respectively. On the other hand, RR for disease-free survival at 5 years was significantly in favor of MWA (3.66, 1.32-42.27). Adverse event rate was similar between the two treatments (RR 1.06, 0.48-2.34), with bleeding and hematoma representing the most frequent complications. Our results indicate a similar efficacy and safety profile between the two techniques. MWA seems to decrease the rate of long-term recurrences, but this finding needs to be confirmed in further trials.

Comparison between fine-needle biopsy and fine-needle aspiration for EUS-guided sampling of subepithelial lesions: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There is limited evidence on the diagnostic performance of EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy (FNB) sampling in patients with subepithelial lesions. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare EUS-guided FNB sampling performance with FNA in patients with GI subepithelial lesions.

METHODS

A computerized bibliographic search on the main databases was performed through May 2019. The primary endpoint was sample adequacy. Secondary outcomes were diagnostic accuracy, histologic core procurement rate, and mean number of needle passes. Summary estimates were expressed in terms of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Ten studies (including 6 randomized trials) with 669 patients were included. Pooled rates of adequate samples for FNB sampling were 94.9% (range, 92.3%-97.5%) and for FNA 80.6% (range, 71.4%-89.7%; OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.29-5.01; P = .007). When rapid on-site evaluation was available, no significant difference between the 2 techniques was observed. Optimal histologic core procurement rate was 89.7% (range, 84.5%-94.9%) with FNB sampling and 65% (range, 55.5%-74.6%) with FNA (OR, 3.27; 95% CI, 2.03-5.27; P < .0001). Diagnostic accuracy was significantly superior in patients undergoing FNB sampling (OR, 4.10; 95% CI, 2.48-6.79; P < .0001) with the need of a lower number of passes (mean difference, -.75; 95% CI, -1.20 to -.30; P = .001). Sensitivity analysis confirmed these findings in all subgroups tested. Very few adverse events were observed and did not impact on patient outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results speak clearly in favor of FNB sampling, which was found to outperform FNA in all diagnostic outcomes evaluated.

Serum ferritin as a new prognostic factor in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with radiofrequency ablation

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Hepatic iron accumulation is considered to be a cofactor that influences liver injury and hepatocarcinogenesis. Aim of this study is to determine whether serum ferritin (SF) levels relate to overall survival (OS) and time to recurrence (TTR) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

METHODS

We measured SF levels in 103 HCC patients (median age 70, M/F = 82.5%/17.5%) who underwent RFA between 2005 and 2010. Correlation between SF and other prognostic factors at baseline was analyzed. SF levels were entered into a Cox model and their influence on OS and TTR was evaluated in univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

SF did not correlate with α-fetoprotein (rho: -0.12, P = 0.22), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (rho: -0.1020, P = 0.30), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (rho: 0.18, P = 0.06), Child-Pugh score (P = 0.5), or Barcelona Cancer of the Liver Clinic stage (P = 0.16). A log-rank test found the value of 244 ng/mL as the optimal prognostic cut-off point for SF. Median OS was 62 months (54-78) and survival rate was 97%, 65%, and 52% at 1, 4, and 5 years, respectively. Performance status and SF were the only predictors of OS at multivariate analysis. Median TTR was 38 months (34-49) with a recurrence-free survival rate of 82.5%, 26.2%, and 23.3% at 1, 4, and 5 years, respectively, while SF and age were the only predictors of TTR.

CONCLUSIONS

SF level, possibly reflecting the degree of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, is a negative risk factor for survival and recurrence after percutaneous RFA in HCC patients.

Post-recurrence survival in hepatocellular carcinoma after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation

BACKGROUND

Overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is influenced by both recurrence and successive treatments. We investigated post-recurrence survival after radiofrequency ablation.

METHODS

Data on 103 early/intermediate patients initially treated with radiofrequency ablation and followed for a median of 78 months (range 68-82) were retrospectively analysed. If intrahepatic disease recurrence occurred within or contiguous to the previously treated area it was defined as local, otherwise as distant; recurrence classified as Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C was defined by neoplastic portal vein thrombosis or metastases.

RESULTS

A total of 103 patients were included (82.5% male; median age 70 years, range 39-86). During follow-up, 64 recurrences were observed. Median overall survival was 62 months (95% confidence interval: 54-78) and survival rates were 97%, 65% and 52% at 1, 4 and 5 years, respectively. Median post-recurrence survival was 22 months (95% confidence interval: 16-35). Child-Pugh score, performance status, sum of tumour diameters at recurrence and recurrence patterns were independent predictors of post-recurrence survival.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after radiofrequency ablation, clinical and tumour parameters assessed at relapse, in particular the type of recurrence pattern, influence post-recurrence survival.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of pancreatic lesions with 22 versus 25 Gauge needles: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Robust data in favour of a clear superiority of 22 versus 25 Gauge needles for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration are still lacking.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and safety of these two needles for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of solid pancreatic lesions.

METHODS

A computerized bibliographic search was restricted to randomized controlled trials only. Pooled effects were calculated using a random-effects model and expressed in terms of risk ratio and 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

We analysed seven trials with 689 patients and 732 lesions (295 sampled with 22 Gauge needle, 309 with 25 Gauge needle, and 128 with both needles). A non-significant superiority of 25 Gauge in terms of pooled sensitivity (risk ratio: 0.93, 0.91-0.95 versus 0.89, 0.85-0.94 of 22 Gauge needle; p = 0.13) and no difference in terms of specificity (1.00, 0.98-1.00 in both groups; p = 0.85) were observed. Sample adequacy was similar between the two devices (risk ratio: 1.03, 0.99-1.06; p = 0.15). Very few adverse events were observed and did not impact on patient outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis reveals non-superiority of 25 Gauge over 22 Gauge; hence no definitive recommendations over the use of one particular device can be made.

Comparison between 22G aspiration and 22G biopsy needles for EUS-guided sampling of pancreatic lesions: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Robust data in favor of clear superiority of 22G fine-needle biopsy (FNB) over 22G FNA for an echoendoscopic-guided sampling of pancreatic masses are lacking. The objective of this study is to compare the diagnostic outcomes and sample adequacy of these two needles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Computerized bibliographic search on the main databases was performed and restricted to only randomized controlled trials. Summary estimates were expressed regarding risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

A total of 11 trials with 833 patients were analyzed. The two needles resulted comparable in terms of diagnostic accuracy (RR 1.02, 0.97-1.08; P = 0.46), sample adequacy (RR 1.01, 0.96-1.06; P = 0.61), and histological core procurement (RR 1.01, 0.89-1.15; P = 0.86). Pooled sensitivity in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was 93.1% (87.9%-98.4%) and 90.4% (86.3%-94.5%) with biopsy and aspirate, respectively, whereas specificity for detecting pancreatic cancer was 100% with both needles. Analysis of the number of needle passes showed a nonsignificantly positive trend in favor of FNB (mean difference: -0.32, -0.66-0.02; P = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis stands for a nonsuperiority of 22G FNB over 22G FNA; hence, no definitive recommendations on the use of a particular device can be made.

Comparative efficacy of different methods for difficult biliary cannulation in ERCP: systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Several methods with variable efficacy have been proposed for difficult biliary cannulation in ERCP. We assessed the comparative efficacy of different strategies for difficult biliary cannulation through a network meta-analysis combining direct and indirect treatment comparisons.

METHODS

We identified 17 randomized controlled trials (2015 patients) that compared the efficacy of different adjunctive methods for difficult biliary cannulation (needle-knife techniques, pancreatic guidewire-assisted technique, pancreatic-assisted technique, and transpancreatic sphincterotomy) either with each other or with persistence with the standard cannulation techniques. The success rate of biliary cannulation and the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) were the outcomes of interest. We performed pairwise and network meta-analysis for all treatments and used Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria to appraise quality of evidence.

RESULTS

Low-quality evidence supported the use of transpancreatic sphincterotomy over persistence with standard cannulation techniques (risk ratio [RR], 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.59) and over any other adjunctive intervention (RR, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.01-1.44] vs pancreatic guidewire-assisted technique, RR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.01-1.43] vs early needle-knife techniques, RR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.03-2.10] vs pancreatic stent-assisted technique) for increasing the success rate of biliary cannulation. No other significant results were observed in any other comparisons. Based on the network model, transpancreatic sphincterotomy (P-score, .97) followed by early needle-knife techniques (P-score, .62) were ranked highest in terms of increasing the success rate of biliary cannulation. Early needle-knife techniques outperformed persistence with standard cannulation techniques in terms of decreasing PEP rate (RR, .61; 95% CI, .37-1.00), whereas both early needle-knife techniques and transpancreatic sphincterotomy led to lower PEP rates as compared with pancreatic guidewire-assisted technique (RR, .49 [95% CI, .23-.99] and .53 [95% CI, .30-.92], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Transpancreatic sphincterotomy increases the success rate of biliary cannulation as compared with persistence with the standard cannulation techniques. Early needle-knife techniques and transpancreatic sphincterotomy are superior to other interventions in decreasing PEP rates and should be considered in patients with difficult cannulation.

Compared Abilities of Endoscopic Techniques to Increase Colon Adenoma Detection Rates: A Network Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Adenoma detection rate (ADR) is a quality metric for colorectal cancer screening. We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis to assess the overall and comparative efficacies of different endoscopic techniques in adenoma detection.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of published articles and abstracts, through March 15, 2018, to identify randomized controlled trials of adults undergoing colonoscopy that compared the efficacy of different devices in detection of adenomas. Our final analysis included 74 2-arm trials that comprised 44948 patients. These studies compared efficacies of add-on devices (cap, endocuff, endo-rings, G-EYE), enhanced imaging techniques (chromoendoscopy, narrow-band imaging, flexible spectral imaging color enhancement, blue laser imaging), new scopes (full-spectrum endoscopy, extra-wide-angle-view colonoscopy, dual focus), and low-cost optimizing existing resources (water-aided colonoscopy, second observer, dynamic position change), alone or in combination with high-definition colonoscopy or each other. Primary outcome was increase in ADR. We performed pairwise and network meta-analyses, and appraised quality of evidence using GRADE.

RESULTS

Low-cost optimizing existing resources (odds ratio [OR], 1.29; 95% CI,1.17-1.43), enhanced imaging techniques (OR,1.21; 95% CI, 1.09-1.35), and add-on devices (OR,1.18; 95% CI, 1.07-1.29) were associated with a moderate increase in ADR compared with high-definition colonoscopy; there was low to moderate confidence in estimates. Use of newer scopes was not associated with significant increases in ADR compared with high-definition colonoscopy (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.79-1.21). In our comparative efficacy analysis, no specific technology for increasing ADR was superior to others. We did not find significant differences between technologies in detection of advanced ADR, polyp detection rate, or mean number of adenomas/patient.

CONCLUSIONS

In a network meta-analysis of published trials, we found that low-cost optimization of existing resources to be as effective as enhanced endoscopic imaging, or add-on devices, in increasing ADR during high-definition colonoscopy.

Contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration versus standard fine-needle aspiration in pancreatic masses: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

It is still unclear whether endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) contrast-enhanced fine-needle aspiration (CH-EUS-FNA) determines superior results in comparison to standard EUS-FNA in tissue acquisition of pancreatic masses. Aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the diagnostic outcomes of these two techniques.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed/Medline and Embase database through October 2020 and identified 6 studies, of which 2 randomized controlled trials (recruiting 701 patients). We performed pairwise meta-analysis through a random effects model and expressed data as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Pooled diagnostic sensitivity was 84.6% (95% CI 80.7%-88.6%) with CH-EUS-FNA and 75.3% (67%-83.5%) with EUS-FNA, with evidence of a significant superiority of the former (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.26-2.40; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis confirmed the superiority of CH-EUS-FNA over EUS-FNA only in larger lesions. Pooled diagnostic accuracy was 88.8% (85.6%-91.9%) in CH-EUS-FNA group and 83.6% (79.4%-87.8%) in EUS-FNA group (OR 1.52, 1.01-2.31; p = 0.05). Pooled sample adequacy was 95.1% (91.1%-99.1%) with CH-EUS-FNA and 89.4% (81%-97.8%) with EUS-FNA (OR 2.40, 1.38-4.17; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

CH-EUS-FNA seems to be superior to standard EUS-FNA in patients with pancreatic masses. Further trials are needed to confirm these results.

Echoendoscopic ethanol ablation of tumor combined with celiac plexus neurolysis in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic ultrasonography guided-celiac plexus neurolysis relieves pain in patients with pancreatic cancer but with often suboptimal and transient results. The study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided tumor ethanol ablation combined with celiac plexus neurolysis with respect to celiac plexus neurolysis alone for pain management in patients with pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Among 123 patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer referred to our Institution between 2006 and 2014, 58 treated with endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (Group 1) and 65 with the combined approach (Group 2) were compared. Logistic regression models were applied to identify predictors of pain relief.

RESULTS

The two groups presented similar baseline clinical and tumoral parameters. Pre-procedural visual analog scale score was 7 in both groups (P = 0.8), and tumor max diameter was 38 mm (range 25-59) in Group 1 and 43 mm (22-59) in Group 2 (P = 0.4). The combined treatment increased pain relief and complete pain response rate (P = 0.005 and 0.003, respectively). Median duration of pain relief was 10 (7-14) and 18 (13-20) weeks in the two groups, respectively (P = 0.004). At multivariate regression, initial visual analog scale score and endoscopic technique adopted resulted significantly associated with pain relief. No severe treatment-related adverse events were reported. Median overall survival was 6.5 months (5.1-8.6) in Group 1 and 8.3 months (6-11.4) in Group 2 (P = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tumor ablation combined with celiac plexus neurolysis appears to be superior to celiac plexus neurolysis alone in terms of pain control and overall survival.

Comparative Efficacy of Colonoscope Distal Attachment Devices in Increasing Rates of Adenoma Detection: A Network Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Several add-on devices have been developed to increase rates of colon adenoma detection (ADR). We assessed their overall and comparative efficacy, and estimated absolute magnitude of benefit through a network meta-analysis.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed/Medline and Embase database through March 2017 and identified 25 randomized controlled trials (comprising 16,103 patients) that compared the efficacy of add-on devices (cap; Endocuff; Arc Medical Design Ltd, Leeds, UK, and Endorings; Us Endoscopy, Mentor, OH) with each other or with standard colonoscopy. The primary outcome was ADR; secondary outcomes included rate of polyp detection, and rate of and time to cecal intubation. We performed pairwise and network meta-analyses, and appraised quality of evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. We estimated the magnitude of increase in ADR by low-performing endoscopists (baseline ADR, 10%) and high-performing endoscopists (baseline ADR, 40%) with use of these devices.

RESULTS

Overall, distal attachment devices increased ADR compared with standard colonoscopy (relative risk [RR], 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.23; low-quality evidence), with potential absolute increases in ADR to 11.3% for low-performing endoscopists and to 45.2% for high-performing endoscopists. In a comparative evaluation, we found low-quality evidence that Endocuff increases ADR compared with standard colonoscopy (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.03-1.41), with anticipated increases in ADR to 12% for low-performing endoscopists and to 48% for high-performing endoscopists. We found very low quality evidence to support the use of Endorings (RR, 1.70; 95% CI, 0.86-3.36) or caps (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.96-1.19) vs standard colonoscopy for increasing ADR. The benefit of one distal attachment device over another was uncertain due to very low quality evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on network meta-analysis, we anticipate only modest improvement in ADRs with use of distal attachment devices, especially in low-performing endoscopists.

Efficacy of Regorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Regorafenib showed promising results as a second-line agent after sorafenib failure in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of regorafenib in hepatocarcinoma patients. A computerized bibliographic search was performed on the main databases. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes were progression-free survival, tumor response, and the adverse events rate. Outcomes were pooled through a random-effects model and summary estimates were expressed in terms of median and 95% confidence interval or rates, as appropriate. One randomized-controlled trial and seven non-randomized studies with 809 patients were included. The great majority of recruited patients were in Child-Pugh A and ECOG 0 stage. Median overall survival was 11.08 months (9.46-12.71) and sensitivity analyses confirmed this finding, with a median survival ranging from 10.2 to 13.8 months. Duration of regorafenib therapy was 3.58 months, whereas median progression-free survival was 3.24 months (2.68-3.86). The pooled objective response rate was 10.1% (7.8%-12.5%) while the disease control rate was 65.5% (61.3%-69.7%) with no evidence of heterogeneity (I2 = 0%; Diarrhea, fatigue, and hand-foot skin reaction were the most frequent adverse events. The current meta-analysis shows that regorafenib represents a valuable and relatively safe therapeutic option in intermediate/advanced hepatocellular carcinomapatients who progress on sorafenib.

Diagnostic yield of EUS-guided through-the-needle biopsy in pancreatic cysts: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There is currently limited evidence supporting the use of EUS-guided through-the-needle biopsy for sampling pancreatic cystic lesions. The aim of this meta-analysis was to provide a pooled estimate of the diagnostic performance of through-the-needle biopsy for sampling of pancreatic cysts.

METHODS

A bibliographic search on the main databases was performed in September 2019. Pooled effects were calculated using a random-effects model by means of the DerSimonian and Laird test. The primary outcome was sample adequacy. Additional endpoints were diagnostic accuracy, optimal histologic core procurement, mean number of needle passes, pooled specificity, and sensitivity. Adverse event rates were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Eleven studies enrolling 490 patients were included. Eight articles compared through-the-needle biopsy with cytology/cystic fluid analysis. Most patients were female, and the body/tail was the most frequent location of cystic lesions. Sample adequacy with through-the-needle biopsy was 85.3% (78.2%-92.5%), and subanalysis performed according to cyst morphology, size, and location confirmed the result. Through-the-needle biopsy clearly outperformed FNA both in terms of sample adequacy (odds ratio, 4.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.63-14.31; P =.004) and diagnostic accuracy (odds ratio, 3.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-8.96; P =.01). The pooled diagnostic accuracy rate, sensitivity, and specificity of through-the-needle biopsy were 78.8%, 82.2%, and 96.8%, respectively. A mean of 3.121 (2.98-3.25) passes through the cyst was needed to obtain adequate histologic samples. The incidence rates of mild bleeding and pancreatitis were 4% and 2%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis speaks in favor of the use of through-the-needle biopsy as a safe and effective tool in EUS-guided tissue acquisition of pancreatic cysts.

Transarterial radioembolization vs chemoembolization for hepatocarcinoma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To compare the efficacy and safety of yttrium-90 radioembolization (Y90RE) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

METHODS

Bibliographic research was conducted on main scientific databases. When there was no statistically significant heterogeneity, pooled effects were calculated using a fixed-effects model by means of Mantel-Haenszel test, otherwise, a random-effects model was used with DerSimonian and Laird test. Summary estimates were expressed in terms of odds ratios (ORs) and 95%CI. The probability of publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and with Begg and Mazumdar's test. Sensitivity analysis was finally conducted using the method of excluding extreme data.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies were analyzed, of which 2 randomized controlled trials. Survival rate (SR) assessed at 1 year showed an absolute similarity between the two treatment groups (OR = 1.01, 95%CI: 0.78-1.31, P = 0.93). As long as time elapsed since the treatment, ORs for survival rate tended to significantly increase, thus meaning better long-term outcomes in patients who underwent Y90RE (2-year SR: OR = 1.43, 1.08-1.89, P = 0.01; 3-year SR: OR = 1.48, 1.03-2.13, P = 0.04). Meta-analysis of plotted hazard ratios (HRs) determined a non-significant overall estimate in favor of Y90RE (HR = 0.91, 0.80-1.04, P = 0.16). Y90RE showed a statistically significant benefit as compared to TACE in terms of higher progression-free survival rate assessed at 1 year (OR = 1.67; 95%CI: 1.10-2.55; P = 0.02). Pooled analyses do not revealed a statistically significant increase in OR for tumor objective responses after Y90RE with respect to TACE (OR = 1.22, 95%CI: 0.69-2.16, P = 0.50). A non-significant trend in favor of Y90RE was observed according to adverse event rate (OR = 0.70, 0.38-1.30, P = 0.26).

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis reveals that Y90RE and TACE show similar effects in terms of survival, response rate and safety profile, although tumor progression is delayed after radioembolization.

Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio predicts survival after radiofrequency ablation for colorectal liver metastases

AIM

To test the correlation between lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and survival after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for colorectal liver metastasis (CLMs).

METHODS

From July 2003 to Feb 2012, 127 consecutive patients with 193 histologically-proven unresectable CLMs were treated with percutaneous RFA at the University of Foggia. All patients had undergone primary colorectal tumor resection before RFA and received systemic chemotherapy. LMR was calculated by dividing lymphocyte count by monocyte count assessed at baseline. Treatment-related toxicity was defined as any adverse events occurred within 4 wk after the procedure. Overall survival (OS) and time to recurrence (TTR) were estimated from the date of RFA by Kaplan-Meier with plots and median (95%CI). The inferential analysis for time to event data was conducted using the Cox univariate and multivariate regression model to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95%CI. Statistically significant variables from the univariate Cox analysis were considered for the multivariate models.

RESULTS

Median age was 66 years (range 38-88) and patients were prevalently male (69.2%). Median LMR was 4.38% (0.79-88) whereas median number of nodules was 2 (1-3) with a median maximum diameter of 27 mm (10-45). Median OS was 38 mo (34-53) and survival rate (SR) was 89.4%, 40.4% and 33.3% at 1, 4 and 5 years respectively in the whole cohort. Running log-rank test analysis found 3.96% as the most significant prognostic cut-off point for LMR and stratifying the study population by this LMR value median OS resulted 55 mo (37-69) in patients with LMR > 3.96% and 34 (26-39) mo in patients with LMR ≤ 3.96% (HR = 0.53, 0.34-0.85, P = 0.007). Nodule size and LMR were the only significant predictors for OS in multivariate analysis. Median TTR was 29 mo (22-35) with a recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate of 72.6%, 32.1% and 21.8% at 1, 4 and 5 years, respectively in the whole study group. Nodule size and LMR were confirmed as significant prognostic factors for TTR in multivariate Cox regression. TTR, when stratified by LMR, was 35 mo (28-57) in the group > 3.96% and 25 mo (18-30) in the group ≤ 3.96% (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Our study provides support for the use of LMR as a novel predictor of outcome for CLM patients.