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Stadhouder A, van Rossenberg LX, Kik C, Muijs SPJ, Öner FC, Houwert RM. Natural Experiments as a Study Method in Spinal Trauma Surgery: A Systematic Review. Global Spine J 2024; 14:1640-1649. [PMID: 38073538 DOI: 10.1177/21925682231220889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. OBJECTIVES To determine if the natural experiment design is a useful research methodology concept in spinal trauma care, and to determine if this methodology can be a viable alternative when randomized controlled trials are either infeasible or unethical. METHODS A Medline, Embase and Cochrane database search was performed between 2004 and 2023 for studies comparing different treatment modalities of spinal trauma. All observational studies with a natural experiment design comparing different treatment modalities of spinal trauma were included. Data extraction and quality assessment with the MINORS criteria was performed. RESULTS Four studies with a natural experiment design regarding patients with traumatic spinal fractures were included. All studies were retrospective, one study collected follow-up data prospectively. Three studies compared different operative treatment modalities, whereas one study compared different antibiotic treatment strategies. Two studies compared preferred treatment modalities between expertise centers, one study between departments (neuro- and orthopedic surgery) and one amongst surgeons. For the included retrospective studies, MINORS scores (maximum score 18) were high ranging from 12-17 and with a mean (SD) of 14.6 (1.63). CONCLUSIONS Since 2004 only four studies using a natural experiment design have been conducted in spinal trauma. In the included studies, comparability of patient groups was high emphasizing the potential of natural experiments in spinal trauma research. Natural experiments design should be considered more frequently in future research in spinal trauma as they may help to address difficult clinical problems when RCT's are infeasible or unethical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnita Stadhouder
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Luke Xander van Rossenberg
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Diakonessenhuis, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Charlotte Kik
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - S P J Muijs
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - F C Öner
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - R Marijn Houwert
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Staibano P, Oulousian E, McKechnie T, Thabane A, Luo S, Gupta MK, Zhang H, Pasternak JD, Au M, Parpia S, Young JEM(T, Bhandari M. Adaptive clinical trials in surgery: A scoping review of methodological and reporting quality. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299494. [PMID: 38805454 PMCID: PMC11132449 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Adaptive surgical trials are scarce, but adopting these methods may help elevate the quality of surgical research when large-scale RCTs are impractical. OBJECTIVE Randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for evidence-based healthcare. Despite an increase in the number of RCTs, the number of surgical trials remains unchanged. Adaptive clinical trials can streamline trial design and time to trial reporting. The advantages identified for ACTs may help to improve the quality of future surgical trials. We present a scoping review of the methodological and reporting quality of adaptive surgical trials. EVIDENCE REVIEW We performed a search of Ovid, Web of Science, and Cochrane Collaboration for all adaptive surgical RCTs performed from database inception to October 12, 2023. We included any published trials that had at least one surgical arm. All review and abstraction were performed in duplicate. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the RoB 2.0 instrument and reporting quality was evaluated using CONSORT ACE 2020. All results were analyzed using descriptive methods. FINDINGS Of the 1338 studies identified, six trials met inclusion criteria. Trials were performed in cardiothoracic, oral, orthopedic, and urological surgery. The most common type of adaptive trial was group sequential design with pre-specified interim analyses planned for efficacy, futility, and/or sample size re-estimation. Two trials did use statistical simulations. Our risk of bias evaluation identified a high risk of bias in 50% of included trials. Reporting quality was heterogeneous regarding trial design and outcome assessment and details in relation to randomization and blinding concealment. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE Surgical trialists should consider implementing adaptive components to help improve patient recruitment and reduce trial duration. Reporting of future adaptive trials must adhere to existing CONSORT ACE 2020 guidelines. Future research is needed to optimize standardization of adaptive methods across medicine and surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Staibano
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily Oulousian
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McGill University School of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tyler McKechnie
- Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alex Thabane
- Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samuel Luo
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael K. Gupta
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Han Zhang
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jesse D. Pasternak
- Endocrine Surgery Section Head, Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Au
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sameer Parpia
- Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - J. E. M. (Ted) Young
- Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohit Bhandari
- Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Walker RJB, Choi WJ, Ribeiro T, Habib RA, Zhu A, Tan C, Bui EC, da Costa BR, Karanicolas PJ. Factors Associated With Loss to Follow-Up in Surgical Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Surg Res 2024; 300:33-42. [PMID: 38795671 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Loss to follow-up (LTFU) distorts results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Understanding trial characteristics that contribute to LTFU may enable investigators to anticipate the extent of LTFU and plan retention strategies. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the extent of LTFU in surgical RCTs and evaluate associations between trial characteristics and LTFU. METHODS MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed Central were searched for surgical RCTs published between January 2002 and December 2021 in the 30 highest impact factor surgical journals. Two-hundred eligible RCTs were randomly selected. The pooled LTFU rate was estimated using random intercept Poisson regression. Associations between trial characteristics and LTFU were assessed using metaregression. RESULTS The 200 RCTs included 37,914 participants and 1307 LTFU events. The pooled LTFU rate was 3.10 participants per 100 patient-years (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.85-5.17). Trial characteristics associated with reduced LTFU were standard-of-care outcome assessments (rate ratio [RR] 0.17; 95% CI 0.06-0.48), surgery for transplantation (RR 0.08; 95% CI 0.01-0.43), and surgery for cancer (RR 0.10; 95% CI 0.02-0.53). Increased LTFU was associated with patient-reported outcomes (RR 14.21; 95% CI 4.82-41.91) and follow-up duration ≥ three months (odds ratio 10.09; 95% CI 4.79-21.28). CONCLUSIONS LTFU in surgical RCTs is uncommon. Participants may be at increased risk of LTFU in trials with outcomes assessed beyond the standard of care, surgical indications other than cancer or transplant, patient-reported outcomes, and longer follow-up. Investigators should consider the impact of design on LTFU and plan retention strategies accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J B Walker
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Woo Jin Choi
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tiago Ribeiro
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Razan A Habib
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alice Zhu
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chunyi Tan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Evan Chung Bui
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Bruno R da Costa
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Applied Health Research Center, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit (CTSU), Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paul J Karanicolas
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Division of General Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada.
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Majlesara A, Aminizadeh E, Ramouz A, Khajeh E, Shahrbaf M, Borges F, Goncalves G, Carvalho C, Golriz M, Mehrabi A. Evaluation of quality and quantity of randomized controlled trials in hepatobiliary surgery: A scoping/mapping review. Eur J Clin Invest 2024:e14210. [PMID: 38624140 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the quantity and quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in hepatobiliary surgery and for identifying gaps in current evidences. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL) for RCTs of hepatobiliary surgery published from inception until the end of 2023. The quality of each study was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias (RoB) tool. The associations between risk of bias and the region and publication date were also assessed. Evidence mapping was performed to identify research gaps in the field. RESULTS The study included 1187 records. The number and proportion of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in hepatobiliary surgery increased over time, from 13 RCTs (.0005% of publications) in 1970-1979 to 201 RCTs (.003% of publications) in 2020-2023. There was a significant increase in the number of studies with a low risk of bias in RoB domains (p < .01). The proportion of RCTs with low risk of bias improved significantly after the introduction of CONSORT guidelines (p < .001). The evidence mapping revealed a significant research focus on major and minor hepatectomy and cholecystectomy. However, gaps were identified in liver cyst surgery and hepatobiliary vascular surgery. Additionally, there are gaps in the field of perioperative management and nutrition intervention. CONCLUSION The quantity and quality of RCTs in hepatobiliary surgery have increased over time, but there is still room for improvement. We have identified gaps in current research that can be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Majlesara
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ehsan Aminizadeh
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ali Ramouz
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elias Khajeh
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mohammadamin Shahrbaf
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Filipe Borges
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gil Goncalves
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos Carvalho
- Digestive Unit, Clinical Oncology, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mohammad Golriz
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arianeb Mehrabi
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Campi R, Pecoraro A, Serni S, Minervini A. Robotic Versus Open Partial Nephrectomy: From the "Shadows" of Randomized Controlled Trials to the "Reality" of Value-based Care for Patients with Localized Renal Masses. Eur Urol Oncol 2024; 7:98-101. [PMID: 37438223 DOI: 10.1016/j.euo.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Campi
- Unit of Urological Robotic Surgery and Renal Transplantation, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; European Association of Urology Young Academic Urologists Renal Cancer Working Group, Arnhem, The Netherlands.
| | - Alessio Pecoraro
- Unit of Urological Robotic Surgery and Renal Transplantation, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Sergio Serni
- Unit of Urological Robotic Surgery and Renal Transplantation, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Minervini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Unit of Urological Oncologic Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery and Andrology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Nettles TK, Dimitrakoff JD. End Points and Statistical Analyses in a Trial of Transfascial Fixation for Open Retromuscular Ventral Hernia Repairs. JAMA Surg 2024; 159:231. [PMID: 37819643 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2023.4967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Trey K Nettles
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jordan D Dimitrakoff
- Division of Urology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
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Leonhardt CS, Hank T, Pils D, Gustorff C, Sahora K, Schindl M, Verbeke CS, Strobel O, Klaiber U. Prognostic impact of resection margin status on survival after neoadjuvant treatment for pancreatic cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Surg 2024; 110:453-463. [PMID: 38315795 PMCID: PMC10793837 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A greater than 1 mm tumour-free resection margin (R0 >1 mm) is a prognostic factor in upfront-resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. After neoadjuvant treatment (NAT); however, the prognostic impact of resection margin (R) status remains controversial. METHODS Randomised and non-randomised studies assessing the association of R status and survival in resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after NAT were sought by systematic searches of MEDLINE, Web of Science and CENTRAL. Hazard ratios (HR) and their corresponding 95% CI were collected to generate log HR using the inverse-variance method. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed and the results presented as weighted HR. Sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were conducted to account for different surgical procedures and varying length of follow-up, respectively. RESULTS Twenty-two studies with a total of 4929 patients were included. Based on univariable data, R0 greater than 1 mm was significantly associated with prolonged overall survival (OS) (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.57-1.97; P<0.00001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.39-1.97; P<0.00001). Using adjusted data, R0 greater than 1 mm was significantly associated with prolonged OS (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.39-1.97; P<0.00001) and DFS (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.30-2.39; P=0.0003). Results for R1 direct were comparable in the entire cohort; however, no prognostic impact was detected in sensitivity analysis including only partial pancreatoduodenectomies. CONCLUSION After NAT, a tumour-free margin greater than 1 mm is independently associated with improved OS as well as DFS in patients undergoing surgical resection for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl-Stephan Leonhardt
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Visceral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Hank
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Visceral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dietmar Pils
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Visceral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Charlotte Gustorff
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Visceral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus Sahora
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Visceral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Schindl
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Visceral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Caroline S. Verbeke
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Oliver Strobel
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Visceral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulla Klaiber
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Visceral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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van Veenendaal N, Poelman M, Apers J, Cense H, Schreurs H, Sonneveld E, van der Velde S, Bonjer J. The INCH-trial: a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing short- and long-term outcomes of open and laparoscopic surgery for incisional hernia repair. Surg Endosc 2023; 37:9147-9158. [PMID: 37814167 PMCID: PMC10709221 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-023-10446-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is increasingly performed worldwide and expected to be superior to conventional open repair regarding hospital stay and quality of life (QoL). The INCisional Hernia-Trial was designed to test this hypothesis. METHODS A multicenter parallel randomized controlled open-label trial with a superiority design was conducted in six hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients with primary or recurrent incisional hernias were randomized by computer-guided block-randomization to undergo either conventional open or laparoscopic repair. Primary endpoint was postoperative length of hospital stay in days. Secondary endpoints included QoL, complications, and recurrences. Patients were followed up for at least 5 years. RESULTS Hundred-and-two patients were recruited and randomized. In total, 88 patients underwent surgery and were included in the intention-to-treat analysis (44 in the open group, 44 in the laparoscopic group). Mean age was 59.5 years, gender division was equal, and BMI was 28.8 kg/m. The trial was concluded early for futility after an unplanned interim analysis, which showed that the hypothesis needed to be rejected. There was no difference in primary outcome: length of hospital stay was 3 (range 1-36) days in the open group and 3 (range 1-12) days in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.481). There were no significant between-group differences in QoL questionnaires on the short and long term. Satisfaction was impaired in the open group. Overall recurrence rate was 19%, of which 16% in the open and 23% in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.25) at a mean follow-up of 6.6 years. CONCLUSIONS In a randomized controlled trial, short- and long-term outcomes after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair were not superior to open surgery. The persisting high recurrence rates, reduced QoL, and suboptimal satisfaction warrant the need for patient's expectation management in the preoperative process and individualized surgical management. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register NTR2808.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine van Veenendaal
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Marijn Poelman
- Department of Surgery, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Apers
- Department of Surgery, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Huib Cense
- Department of Surgery, Red Cross Hospital, Beverwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Hermien Schreurs
- Department of Surgery, Northwest Clinics, Alkmaar, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Sonneveld
- Department of Surgery, Dijklander Hospital, Hoorn, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne van der Velde
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Bonjer
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Shrikhande SV, Kunte AR, Chopde AN, Chaudhari VA, Bhandare MS. Big data and RCT's in surgical oncology: Impact on improving hepatopancreatobiliary cancer surgical care on the global stage. J Surg Oncol 2023; 128:1003-1010. [PMID: 37818909 DOI: 10.1002/jso.27467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) are at the heart of "evidence-based" medicine. Conducting well-designed RCTs for surgical procedures is often challenged by inadequate recruitment accrual, blinding, or standardization of the surgical procedure, as well as lack of funding and evolution of the treatment strategy during the many years over which such trials are conducted. In addition, most clinical trials are performed in academic high-volume centers with highly selected patients, which may not necessarily reflect a "real-world" practice setting. Large databases provide easy and inexpensive access to data on a large and diverse patient population at a variety of treatment centers. Furthermore, large database studies provide the opportunity to answer questions that would be impossible or very arduous to answer using RCTs, including questions regarding health policy efficacy, trends in surgical practice, access to health care, the impact of hospital volume, and adherence to practice guidelines, as well as research questions regarding rare disease, infrequent surgical outcomes, and specific subpopulations. Prospective data registries may also allow for quality benchmarking and auditing. There are several high-quality RCTs providing evidence to support current practices in hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) oncology. Evidence from big data bridges the gap in several instances where RCTs are lacking. In this article, we review the evidence from RCTs and big data in HPB oncology identify the existing lacunae, and discuss the future directions of research in HPB oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailesh V Shrikhande
- Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Service, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Aditya R Kunte
- Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Service, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Amit N Chopde
- Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Service, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vikram A Chaudhari
- Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Service, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manish S Bhandare
- Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Service, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Omae K, Kondo T, Fukuma S, Ikenoue T, Toki D, Tachibana H, Horiuchi T, Ishiyama R, Yoshino M, Ishiyama Y, Fukuhara S, Tanabe K, Takagi T. Effects of remote ischemic preconditioning on renal protection in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. J Robot Surg 2023; 17:2081-2087. [PMID: 37213027 DOI: 10.1007/s11701-023-01616-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the renoprotective effects of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RAPN). Data from 59 patients with solitary renal tumors who underwent RAPN with RIPC comprising three cycles of 5-min inflation to 200 mmHg of a blood pressure cuff applied to one lower limb followed by 5-min reperfusion by cuff deflation, from 2018 to 2020 were analyzed. Patients who underwent RAPN for solitary renal tumors without RIPC between 2018 and 2020 were selected as controls. The postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the nadir during hospitalization and the percentage change from baseline were compared using propensity score matching analysis. We performed a sensitivity analysis with imputations for missing postoperative renal function data weighted by the inverse probability of the data being observed. Of the 59 patients with RIPC and 482 patients without RIPC, 53 each were matched based on propensity scores. No significant differences in the postoperative eGFR in mL/min/1.73 m2 at nadir (mean difference 3.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 2.8 to 10.4) and its percentage change from baseline (mean difference 4.7; 95% CI - 1.6 to 11.1) were observed between the two groups. Sensitivity analysis also indicated no significant differences. No complications were associated with the RIPC. In conclusion, we found no significant evidence of the protective effect of RIPC against renal dysfunction after RAPN. Further research is required to determine whether specific patient subgroups benefit from RIPC.Trial registration number: UMIN000030305 (December 8, 2017).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Omae
- Department of Innovative Research and Education for Clinicians and Trainees (DiRECT), Fukushima Medical University Hospital, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
- Center for Innovative Research for Communities and Clinical Excellence (CiRC2LE), Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan.
| | - Tsunenori Kondo
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Adachi Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shingo Fukuma
- Human Health Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuyoshi Ikenoue
- Human Health Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Data Science and AI Innovation Research Promotion Center, Shiga University, Hikone, Japan
| | - Daisuke Toki
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Adachi Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Tachibana
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Urology, Saiseikai Kazo Hospital, Kazo, Japan
| | - Toshihide Horiuchi
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University Adachi Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Ishiyama
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maki Yoshino
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yudai Ishiyama
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Urology, Toda Chuo General Hospital, Toda, Japan
| | - Shunichi Fukuhara
- Section of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Community Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Health Policy Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kazunari Tanabe
- Robotic Surgery/Organ Transplant Center, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Kamakura, Japan
| | - Toshio Takagi
- Department of Urology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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11
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Huo B, Smart N, Antoniou SA. Proposing a new surgical evidence ecosystem. Colorectal Dis 2023; 25:1947-1948. [PMID: 37905741 DOI: 10.1111/codi.16795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bright Huo
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Neil Smart
- Department of Surgery, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Stavros A Antoniou
- Department of Surgery, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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12
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Pronk AJM, Roelofs A, Flum DR, Bonjer HJ, Abu Hilal M, Dijkgraaf MGW, Besselink MG, Ahmed Ali U. Two decades of surgical randomized controlled trials: worldwide trends in volume and methodological quality. Br J Surg 2023; 110:1300-1308. [PMID: 37379487 PMCID: PMC10480038 DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znad160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RCTs are essential in guiding clinical decision-making but are difficult to perform, especially in surgery. This review assessed the trend in volume and methodological quality of published surgical RCTs over two decades. METHODS PubMed was searched systematically for surgical RCTs published in 1999, 2009, and 2019. The primary outcomes were volume of trials and RCTs with a low risk of bias. Secondary outcomes were clinical, geographical, and funding characteristics. RESULTS Some 1188 surgical RCTs were identified, of which 300 were published in 1999, 450 in 2009, and 438 in 2019. The most common subspecialty in 2019 was gastrointestinal surgery (50.7 per cent). The volume of surgical RCTs increased mostly in Asia (61, 159, and 199 trials), especially in China (7, 40, and 81). In 2019, countries with the highest relative volume of published surgical RCTs were Finland and the Netherlands. Between 2009 and 2019, the proportion of RCTs with a low risk of bias increased from 14.7 to 22.1 per cent (P = 0.004). In 2019, the proportion of trials with a low risk of bias was highest in Europe (30.5 per cent), with the UK and the Netherlands as leaders in this respect. CONCLUSION The volume of published surgical RCTs worldwide remained stable in the past decade but their methodological quality improved. Considerable geographical shifts were observed, with Asia and especially China leading in terms of volume. Individual European countries are leading in their relative volume and methodological quality of surgical RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aagje J M Pronk
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Cancer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne Roelofs
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Cancer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - David R Flum
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - H Jaap Bonjer
- Cancer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mohammed Abu Hilal
- Department of Surgery, Fondazione Poliambulanza Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marcel G W Dijkgraaf
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marc G Besselink
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Cancer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Usama Ahmed Ali
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Cancer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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13
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Majlesara A, Aminizadeh E, Ramouz A, Khajeh E, Borges F, Goncalves G, Carvalho C, Golriz M, Mehrabi A. Evidence mapping of randomized clinical trials in hepatobiliary surgery. Br J Surg 2023; 110:1276-1278. [PMID: 37260071 DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znad125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Majlesara
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ehsan Aminizadeh
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ali Ramouz
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elias Khajeh
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filipe Borges
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gil Goncalves
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos Carvalho
- Digestive Unit, Clinical Oncology, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mohammad Golriz
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arianeb Mehrabi
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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14
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Ceelen W, Soreide K. Randomized controlled trials and alternative study designs in surgical oncology. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2023; 49:1331-1340. [PMID: 36964056 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Surgery is central to the cure of most solid cancers and an integral part of modern multimodal cancer management for early and advanced stage cancers. Decisions made by surgeons and multidisciplinary team members are based on best available knowledge for the defined clinical situation at hand. While surgery is both an art and a science, good decision-making requires data that are robust, valid, representative and, applicable to most if not all patients with a specific cancer. Such data largely comes from clinical observations and registries, and more preferably from trials conducted with the specific purpose of arriving at new answers. As part of the ESSO core curriculum development an increased focus has been put on the need to enhance research literacy among surgical candidates. As an expansion of the curriculum catalogue list and to enhance the educational value, we here present a set of principles and emerging concepts which applies to surgical oncologist for reading, understanding, planning and contributing to future surgeon-led cancer trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim Ceelen
- Department of GI Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kjetil Soreide
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; SAFER Surgery, Surgical Research Unit, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
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15
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Papagoras D, Tzikos G, Douridas G, Arseniou P, Panagiotou D, Kanara M, Papavramidis T. Visualization of the recurrent laryngeal nerve alone versus intraoperative nerve monitoring in primary thyroidectomy: a framework approach to a missing typology. Front Surg 2023; 10:1176511. [PMID: 37560316 PMCID: PMC10406577 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1176511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Surgical studies evaluating a device or technology in comparison to an established surgical technique should accurately report all the important components of the surgical technique in order to reduce the risk of intervention bias. In the debate of visualization of the recurrent laryngeal nerve alone (VONA) versus intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) during thyroidectomy, surgical technique plays a key role in both strategies. Our aim was to investigate whether the surgical technique was considered as a risk of intervention bias by relevant meta-analyses and reviews and if steps of surgical intervention were described in their included studies. METHODS We searched PUBMED, CENTRAL-Cochrane library, PROSPERO and GOOGLE for reviews and meta-analyses focusing on the comparison of IONM to VONA in primary open thyroidectomy. Τhen, primary studies were extracted from their reference lists. We developed a typology for surgical technique applied in primary studies and a framework approach for the evaluation of this typology by the meta-analyses and reviews. RESULTS Twelve meta-analyses, one review (388,252 nerves at risk), and 84 primary studies (128,720 patients) were included. Five meta-analyses considered the absence of typology regarding the surgical technique as a source of intervention bias; 48 primary studies (57.14%) provided information about at least one item of the typology components and only 1 for all of them. DISCUSSION Surgical technique of thyroidectomy in terms of a typology is underreported in studies and undervalued by meta-analyses comparing VONA to IONM. This missing typology should be reconsidered in the comparative evaluation of these two strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgios Tzikos
- 1st Propedeutic Department of Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Douridas
- Department of Surgery, Thriassio General Hospital of Elefsina, Elefsina, Greece
| | | | | | - Maria Kanara
- Department of Surgery, General Hospital of Trikala, Trikala, Greece
| | - Theodosios Papavramidis
- 1st Propedeutic Department of Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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16
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Saesen R, Depreytere K, Krupianskaya K, Langeweg J, Verheecke J, Lacombe D, Huys I. Analysis of the characteristics and the degree of pragmatism exhibited by pragmatic-labelled trials of antineoplastic treatments. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:148. [PMID: 37355603 PMCID: PMC10290324 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01975-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pragmatic clinical trials (PCTs) are designed to reflect how an investigational treatment would be applied in clinical practice. As such, unlike their explanatory counterparts, they measure therapeutic effectiveness and are capable of generating high-quality real-world evidence. However, the conduct of PCTs remains extremely rare. The scarcity of such studies has contributed to the emergence of the efficacy-effectiveness gap and has led to calls for launching more of them, including in the field of oncology. This analysis aimed to identify self-labelled pragmatic trials of antineoplastic interventions and to evaluate whether their use of this label was justified. METHODS We searched PubMed® and Embase® for publications corresponding with studies that investigated antitumor therapies and that were tagged as pragmatic in their titles, abstracts and/or index terms. Subsequently, we consulted all available source documents for the included trials and extracted relevant information from them. The data collected were then used to appraise the degree of pragmatism displayed by the PCTs with the help of the validated PRECIS-2 tool. RESULTS The literature search returned 803 unique records, of which 46 were retained upon conclusion of the screening process. This ultimately resulted in the identification of 42 distinct trials that carried the 'pragmatic' label. These studies examined eight different categories of neoplasms and were mostly randomized, open-label, multicentric, single-country trials sponsored by non-commercial parties. On a scale of one (very explanatory) to five (very pragmatic), the median PCT had a PRECIS-2 score per domain of 3.13 (interquartile range: 2.57-3.53). The most and least pragmatic studies in the sample had a score of 4.44 and 1.57, respectively. Only a minority of trials were described in sufficient detail to allow them to be graded across all domains of the PRECIS-2 instrument. Many of the studies examined also had features that arguably precluded them from being pragmatic altogether, such as being monocentric or placebo-controlled in nature. CONCLUSION PCTs of antineoplastic treatments are generally no more pragmatic than they are explanatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robbe Saesen
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), Avenue E. Mounier 83, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Kevin Depreytere
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karyna Krupianskaya
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joël Langeweg
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Julie Verheecke
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Denis Lacombe
- European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), Avenue E. Mounier 83, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Huys
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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17
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Azuara-Blanco A, Carlisle A, O'Donnell M, Jayaram H, Gazzard G, Larkin DFP, Wickham L, Lois N. Design and Conduct of Randomized Clinical Trials Evaluating Surgical Innovations in Ophthalmology: A Systematic Review. Am J Ophthalmol 2023; 248:164-175. [PMID: 36565904 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Surgical innovations are necessary to improve patient care. After an initial exploratory phase, novel surgical technique should be compared with alternative options or standard care in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, surgical RCTs have unique methodological challenges. Our study sought to investigate key aspects of the design, conduct, and reporting of RCTs of novel surgeries. DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS The protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021253297). RCTs evaluating novel surgeries for cataract, vitreoretinal, glaucoma, and corneal diseases were included. Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched. The search period was January 1, 2016, to June 16, 2021. RESULTS A total of 52 ophthalmic surgery RCTs were identified in the fields of glaucoma (n = 12), vitreoretinal surgery (n = 5), cataract (n = 19), and cornea (n = 16). A description defining the surgeon's experience or level of expertise was reported in 30 RCTs (57%) and was presented in both control and intervention groups in 11 (21%). Specification of the number of cases performed in the particular surgical innovation being assessed prior to the trial was reported in 10 RCTs (19%) and an evaluation of quality of the surgical intervention in 7 (13%). Prospective trial registration was recorded in 12 RCTs (23%) and retrospective registration in 13 (25%); and there was no registration record in the remaining 28 (53%) studies. CONCLUSIONS Important aspects of the study design such as the surgical learning curve, surgeon's previous experience, quality assurance, and trial registration details were often missing in novel ophthalmic surgical procedures. The Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-term follow-up (IDEAL) framework aims to improve the quality of study design.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aaron Carlisle
- From the Centre for Public Health (A.A.-B., A.C., M.O.D.), Belfast, UK; Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (A.C.), Belfast, UK
| | - Matthew O'Donnell
- From the Centre for Public Health (A.A.-B., A.C., M.O.D.), Belfast, UK
| | - Hari Jayaram
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre & Glaucoma Service at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (H.J., G.G.), London, UK; Institute of Ophthalmology (H.J., G.G.), University College London, UK
| | - Gus Gazzard
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre & Glaucoma Service at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (H.J., G.G.), London, UK; Institute of Ophthalmology (H.J., G.G.), University College London, UK
| | - Daniel F P Larkin
- Cornea & External Diseases Service (D.F.P.L.), Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Louisa Wickham
- Vitreo-retinal Service (L.W.), Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Noemi Lois
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine (N.L.), Queen's University, Belfast, UK
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18
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Rebelo A, Klose J, Kleeff J, Ronellenfitsch U. Is it feasible and ethical to randomize patients between surgery and non-surgical treatments for gastrointestinal cancers? Front Oncol 2023; 13:1119436. [PMID: 37007103 PMCID: PMC10061124 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1119436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundIn several settings in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, it is unclear if the addition of surgery to a multimodal treatment strategy, or in some circumstances its omission, lead to a better outcome for patients. In such situations of clinical equipoise, high-quality evidence from randomised-controlled trials is needed to decide which treatment approach is preferable.ObjectiveIn this article, we outline the importance of randomised trials comparing surgery with non-surgical therapies for specific scenarios in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. We explain the difficulties and solutions of designing these trials and recruiting patients in this context.MethodsWe performed a selective review based on a not systematic literature search in core databases, supplemented by browsing health information journals and citation searching. Only articles in English were selected. Based on this search, we discuss the results and methodological characteristics of several trials which randomised patients with gastrointestinal cancers between surgery and non-surgical treatments, highlighting their differences, advantages, and limitations.Results and conclusionsInnovative and effective cancer treatment requires randomised trials, also comparing surgery and non-surgical treatments for defined scenarios in the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies. Nevertheless, potential obstacles to designing and carrying out these trials must be recognised ahead of time to avoid problems before or during the trial.
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D'Amico TA. Japanese Oncology Group 0802: Another giant leap. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2023; 165:873-875. [PMID: 36376119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2022.09.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A D'Amico
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.
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20
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Wang Q, Sheng N, Huang JT, Zhu H, Tuerxun M, Ruan Z, Shi T, Zhu Y, Zhang Y, Rui B, Wang L, Chen Y. Effect of Fibular Allograft Augmentation in Medial Column Comminuted Proximal Humeral Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2023; 105:302-311. [PMID: 36729429 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.22.00746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous observational studies and meta-analyses have recommended augmentation with a fibular allograft (FA) during the treatment of proximal humeral fractures with locking plates (LPs). However, to our knowledge, randomized controlled trials comparing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with and without FA have not been performed to date. METHODS This was a randomized controlled trial in which adults with a medial column comminuted proximal humeral fracture were randomly allocated to undergo ORIF with an LP (the LP group) or with an LP augmented with an FA (the FA group). Patients were followed for 24 months. The primary outcome was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at 12 months after the surgical procedure. The secondary outcomes included the DASH score at other time points, shoulder function, pain score, satisfaction, complications, and changes in neck-shaft angle and humeral head height. RESULTS From October 20, 2016, to December 24, 2019, 80 patients were randomized. There were 52 women (65%), and the mean patient age (and standard deviation) was 65 ± 14 years. Of the 80 patients, 39 were allocated to the FA group and 41 were allocated to the LP group. At the primary time point (12 months), the unadjusted mean between-group difference in DASH score was -1.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], -7.3 to 5.0; p = 0.71) favoring the FA group, and, with adjustment for smoking, alcohol drinking, and diabetes, the between-group difference was -1.4 (95% CI, -7.7 to 5.0; p = 0.67) favoring FA. No significant differences between the 2 groups were found among the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS No additional benefit was found for FA augmentation in treating medial column comminuted proximal humeral fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level II . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuke Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Sheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Department of Orthopedics, Sichuan University Affiliated Huaxi Hospital, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jen-Tai Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyi Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Maimaitiaili Tuerxun
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zesong Ruan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingwang Shi
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunlong Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Biyu Rui
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunfeng Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Garay RP. Recent clinical trials with stem cells to slow or reverse normal aging processes. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1148926. [PMID: 37090485 PMCID: PMC10116573 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1148926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Aging is associated with a decline in the regenerative potential of stem cells. In recent years, several clinical trials have been launched in order to evaluate the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell interventions to slow or reverse normal aging processes (aging conditions). Information concerning those clinical trials was extracted from national and international databases (United States, EU, China, Japan, and World Health Organization). Mesenchymal stem cell preparations were in development for two main aging conditions: physical frailty and facial skin aging. With regard to physical frailty, positive results have been obtained in phase II studies with intravenous Lomecel-B (an allogeneic bone marrow stem cell preparation), and a phase I/II study with an allogeneic preparation of umbilical cord-derived stem cells was recently completed. With regard to facial skin aging, positive results have been obtained with an autologous preparation of adipose-derived stem cells. A further sixteen clinical trials for physical frailty and facial skin aging are currently underway. Reducing physical frailty with intravenous mesenchymal stem cell administration can increase healthy life expectancy and decrease costs to the public health system. However, intravenous administration runs the risk of entrapment of the stem cells in the lungs (and could raise safety concerns). In addition to aesthetic purposes, clinical research on facial skin aging allows direct evaluation of tissue regeneration using sophisticated and precise methods. Therefore, research on both conditions is complementary, which facilitates a global vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo P. Garay
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Craven, 91360 Villemoisson-sur-Orge, France
- CNRS, National Centre of Scientific Research, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Ricardo P. Garay,
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22
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Kim LT, Kaji AH, Salminen P. Practical Guide to Quality Control in Surgical Trials. JAMA Surg 2023; 158:91-92. [PMID: 36287542 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2022.4898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This Guide to Statistics and Methods outlines the elements of clinical trial quality control that are important to safeguarding data integrity and addressing the unique challenges of procedural trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence T Kim
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Amy H Kaji
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Torrance.,Statistical Editor, JAMA Surgery
| | - Paulina Salminen
- Division of Digestive Surgery and Urology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.,Department of Surgery, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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23
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Assessing the robustness of negative vascular surgery randomized controlled trials using their reverse fragility index. J Vasc Surg 2022:S0741-5214(22)02650-7. [PMID: 36572321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2022.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The reverse fragility index (RFI) describes the number of event conversions needed to convert a statistically nonsignificant dichotomous outcome to a significant one. The objective of the present study was to assess the RFI of vascular surgery randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing endovascular vs open surgery for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), carotid artery stenosis (CAS), and peripheral artery disease (PAD). METHODS MEDLINE and Embase were searched for RCTs that had investigated AAAs, CAS, or PAD with statistically nonsignificant binary primary outcomes. The primary outcome for the present study was the median RFI. Calculation of the RFI was performed by creating two-by-two contingency tables and subtracting events from the group with fewer events and adding nonevents to the same group until a two-tailed Fisher exact test had produced a statistically significant result (P ≤ .05). RESULTS Of 4187 reports, 49 studies reporting 103 different primary end points were included. The overall median RFI was 7 (interquartile range [IQR], 5-13). The specific RFIs for AAA, CAS, and PAD were 10 (IQR, 6-15.5), 6 (IQR, 5-9.5), and 7 (IQR, 5.5-10), respectively. Of the 103 end points, 42 (47%) had had a loss to follow-up greater than the RFI, of which 10 were AAA trials (24%), 23 were CAS trials (55%), and 9 were PAD trials (21%). The Pearson correlation demonstrated a significant positive relationship between a study's RFI and the impact factor of its publishing journal (r = 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-0.54; P < .01), length of follow-up (r = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.26-0.58; P < .01), and sample size (r = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.09-0.45; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS A small number of events (median, 7) was required to change the outcome of negative RCTs from statistically nonsignificant to significant, with 47% of the studies having missing data that could have reversed the finding of its primary outcome. Reporting of the RFI relative to the loss to follow-up could be of benefit in future trials and provide confidence regarding the robustness of the P value.
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Comparing CABG and PCI across the globe based on current regional registry evidence. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22164. [PMID: 36550130 PMCID: PMC9780238 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25853-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an ongoing debate whether coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) provide better results for the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to evaluate the impact of CABG or PCI on long-term survival based on local reports from different regions in the world. We systematically searched MEDLINE selecting studies that compared outcomes for CABG or PCI as a treatment for CAD in the last 10 years. Reports without all-cause mortality, multi-national cohorts, hybrid revascularization populations were excluded. Qualifying studies were statistically compared, and their geographic location visualized on a world map. From 5126 studies, one randomized and twenty-two observational studies (19 risk-adjusted) met the inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up was 4.7 ± 7 years and 18 different countries were included. In 17 studies, CABG was associated with better survival during follow-up, six studies showed no significant difference, and no study favored PCI. Periprocedural mortality was not different in seven, lower with PCI in one, lower with CABG in three and not reported in 12 studies. In regional registry-type comparisons, CABG is associated with better long-term survival compared to PCI in most regions of the world without evidence for higher periprocedural mortality.
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Ibrahim M, Paez A, Yu J, Vasey B, Horovitz J, McCulloch P. Examining the empirical evidence for IDEAL 2b studies: the effects of preceding prospective collaborative cohort studies on the quality and impact of subsequent randomized controlled trials of surgical innovations – protocol for a systematic review and case–control analysis. BMJ SURGERY, INTERVENTIONS, & HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES 2022; 4:e000120. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjsit-2021-000120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in surgery face methodological challenges, which often result in low quality or failed trials. The Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment and Long-term (IDEAL) framework proposes preliminary prospective collaborative cohort studies with specific properties (IDEAL 2b studies) to increase the quality and feasibility of surgical RCTs. Little empirical evidence exists for this proposition, and specifically designed 2b studies are currently uncommon. Prospective collaborative cohort studies are, however, relatively common, and might provide similar benefits. We will, therefore, assess the association between prior ‘IDEAL 2b-like’ cohort studies and the quality and impact of surgical RCTs.We propose a systematic review using two parallel case–control analyses, with surgical RCTs as subjects and study quality and journal impact factor (IF) as the outcomes of interest. We will search for surgical RCTs published between 2015 and 2019 and and prior prospective collaborative cohort studies authored by any of the RCT investigators. RCTs will be categorized into cases or controls by (1) journal (IF ≥or <5) and (2) study quality (PEDro score ≥or < 7). The case/control OR of exposure to a prior ‘2b like’ study will be calculated independently for quality and impact. Cases will be matched 1: 1 with controls by year of publication, and confounding by peer-reviewed funding, author academic affiliation and trial protocol registration will be examined using multiple logistic regression analysis.This study will examine whether preparatory IDEAL 2b-like studies are associated with higher quality and impact of subsequent RCTs.
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Zaniletti I, Devick KL, Larson DR, Lewallen DG, Berry DJ, Maradit Kremers H. Study Types in Orthopaedics Research: Is My Study Design Appropriate for the Research Question? J Arthroplasty 2022; 37:1939-1944. [PMID: 36162926 PMCID: PMC9581501 DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2022.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
When performing orthopaedic clinical research, alternative study designs can be more appropriate depending on the research question, availability of data, and feasibility. The most common observational study designs in total joint arthroplasty research are cohort and cross-sectional studies. This article describes methodological considerations for different study designs with examples from the total joint arthroplasty literature. We highlight the advantages and feasibility of experimental and observational study designs using real-world examples. We illustrate how to avoid common mistakes, such as incorrect labeling of matched cohort studies as case-control studies. We further guide investigators through a step-by-step design of a case-control study. We conclude with considerations when choosing between alternative study designs. Please visit the followinghttps://youtu.be/Zvce61cMYi8for videos that explain the highlights of the article in practical terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Zaniletti
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | - Katrina L Devick
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona
| | - Dirk R Larson
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - David G Lewallen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Daniel J Berry
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Hilal Maradit Kremers
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Jones CW, Adams A, Misemer BS, Weaver MA, Schroter S, Khan H, Margolis B, Schriger DL, Platts-Mills TF. Peer Reviewed Evaluation of Registered End-Points of Randomised Trials (the PRE-REPORT study): a stepped wedge, cluster-randomised trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e066624. [PMID: 36171034 PMCID: PMC9528603 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test whether providing relevant clinical trial registry information to peer reviewers evaluating trial manuscripts decreases discrepancies between registered and published trial outcomes. DESIGN Stepped wedge, cluster-randomised trial, with clusters comprised of eligible manuscripts submitted to each participating journal between 1 November 2018 and 31 October 2019. SETTING Thirteen medical journals. PARTICIPANTS Manuscripts were eligible for inclusion if they were submitted to a participating journal during the study period, presented results from the primary analysis of a clinical trial, and were peer reviewed. INTERVENTIONS During the control phase, there were no changes to pre-existing peer review practices. After journals crossed over into the intervention phase, peer reviewers received a data sheet describing whether trials were registered, the initial registration and enrolment dates, and the registered primary outcome(s) when enrolment began. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The presence of a clearly defined, prospectively registered primary outcome consistent with the primary outcome in the published trial manuscript, as determined by two independent outcome assessors. RESULTS We included 419 manuscripts (243 control and 176 intervention). Participating journals published 43% of control-phase manuscripts and 39% of intervention-phase manuscripts (model-estimated percentage difference between intervention and control trials = -10%, 95% CI -25% to 4%). Among the 173 accepted trials, published primary outcomes were consistent with clearly defined, prospectively registered primary outcomes in 40 of 105 (38%) control-phase trials and 27 of 68 (40%) intervention-phase trials. A linear mixed model did not show evidence of a statistically significant primary outcome effect from the intervention (estimated difference between intervention and control=-6% (90% CI -27% to 15%); one-sided p value=0.68). CONCLUSIONS These results do not support use of the tested intervention as implemented here to increase agreement between prospectively registered and published trial outcomes. Other approaches are needed to improve the quality of outcome reporting of clinical trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN41225307.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Jones
- Emergency Medicine, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Amanda Adams
- Medical Library, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Mark A Weaver
- Mathematics and Statistics, Elon University, Elon, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Hayat Khan
- Emergency Medicine, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Benyamin Margolis
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Frantsve-Hawley J, Abt E, Carrasco-Labra A, Dawson T, Michaels M, Pahlke S, Rindal DB, Spallek H, Weyant RJ. Strategies for developing evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to foster implementation into dental practice. J Am Dent Assoc 2022; 153:1041-1052. [PMID: 36127176 DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2022.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Professional and other organizations, including oral health care organizations, have been developing evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to help providers incorporate the best available evidence into their clinical decision making. Although the rigor of guideline development has increased over time, ongoing challenges prevent the full adoption of CPGs into clinical practices that experience variability in provider expertise and opinion, patient flow pace, and use of electronic dental records. These challenges include lack of relevant evidence, failure to keep guidelines up to date, and failure to adopt strategies aimed at overcoming the barriers preventing implementation into clinical practice. RESULTS This article provides a brief overview of strategies that can be used to overcome common challenges to guideline adoption. Such strategies include creating evidence-based CPGs that use additional sources of evidence and methods to inform guideline development and accelerate the guideline updating and dissemination process (that is, evidence directly from clinical practice, big data, patients' values and preferences, and living guidelines) and applying implementation strategies that have been documented as improving translation of CPGs into routine clinical practice (that is, guideline implementability, implementation science, and computable guidelines). PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Adopting newer strategies for developing and translating evidence into practice could lead to improvements in patient care and population health.
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Telehealth follow-up after cholecystectomy is safe in veterans. Surg Endosc 2022; 37:3201-3207. [PMID: 35974252 PMCID: PMC9380680 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-022-09501-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges including barriers to delivering high-quality surgical care and follow-up while minimizing the risk of infection. Telehealth has been increasingly utilized for post-operative visits, yet little data exists to guide surgeons in its use. We sought to determine safety and efficacy of telehealth follow-up in patients undergoing cholecystectomy during the global pandemic at a VA Medical Center (VAMC). METHODS This was a retrospective review of patients undergoing cholecystectomy at a level 1A VAMC over a 2-year period from August 2019 to August 2021. Baseline demographics, post-operative complications, readmissions, emergency department (ED) visits and need for additional procedures were reviewed. Patients who experienced a complication prior to discharge, underwent a concomitant procedure, had non-absorbable skin closure, had new diagnosis of malignancy or were discharged home with drain(s) were ineligible for telehealth follow-up and excluded. RESULTS Over the study period, 179 patients underwent cholecystectomy; 30 (17%) were excluded as above. 20 (13%) missed their follow-up, 52 (35%) were seen via telehealth and 77 (52%) followed-up in person. There was no difference between the two groups regarding baseline demographics or intra-operative variables. There was no significant difference in post-operative complications [4 (8%) vs 6 (8%), p > 0.99], ED utilization [5 (10%) vs 7 (9%), p = 0.78], 30-day readmission [3 (6%) vs 6 (8%), p = 0.74] or need for additional procedures [2 (4%) vs 4 (5%), p = 0.41] between telehealth and in-person follow-up. CONCLUSION Telehealth follow-up after cholecystectomy is safe and effective in Veterans. There were no differences in outcomes between patients that followed up in-person vs those that were seen via phone or video. Routine telehealth follow-up after uncomplicated cholecystectomy should be considered for all patients.
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Comment améliorer la qualité méthodologique et l’adoption en routine des résultats des essais chirurgicaux ? Bull Cancer 2022; 109:1059-1065. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2022.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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A Proposed Personalized Spine Care Protocol (SpineScreen) to Treat Visualized Pain Generators: An Illustrative Study Comparing Clinical Outcomes and Postoperative Reoperations between Targeted Endoscopic Lumbar Decompression Surgery, Minimally Invasive TLIF and Open Laminectomy. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071065. [PMID: 35887562 PMCID: PMC9320410 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Endoscopically visualized spine surgery has become an essential tool that aids in identifying and treating anatomical spine pathologies that are not well demonstrated by traditional advanced imaging, including MRI. These pathologies may be visualized during endoscopic lumbar decompression (ELD) and categorized into primary pain generators (PPG). Identifying these PPGs provides crucial information for a successful outcome with ELD and forms the basis for our proposed personalized spine care protocol (SpineScreen). Methods: a prospective study of 412 patients from 7 endoscopic practices consisting of 207 (50.2%) males and 205 (49.8%) females with an average age of 63.67 years and an average follow-up of 69.27 months was performed to compare the durability of targeted ELD based on validated primary pain generators versus image-based open lumbar laminectomy, and minimally invasive lumbar transforaminal interbody fusion (TLIF) using Kaplan-Meier median survival calculations. The serial time was determined as the interval between index surgery and when patients were censored for additional interventional and surgical treatments for low back-related symptoms. A control group was recruited from patients referred for a surgical consultation but declined interventional and surgical treatment and continued on medical care. Control group patients were censored when they crossed over into any surgical or interventional treatment group. Results: of the 412 study patients, 206 underwent ELD (50.0%), 61 laminectomy (14.8%), and 78 (18.9%) TLIF. There were 67 patients in the control group (16.3% of 412 patients). The most common surgical levels were L4/5 (41.3%), L5/S1 (25.0%), and L4-S1 (16.3%). At two-year f/u, excellent and good Macnab outcomes were reported by 346 of the 412 study patients (84.0%). The VAS leg pain score reduction was 4.250 ± 1.691 (p < 0.001). No other treatment during the available follow-up was required in 60.7% (125/206) of the ELD, 39.9% (31/78) of the TLIF, and 19.7% (12/61 of the laminectomy patients. In control patients, only 15 of the 67 (22.4%) control patients continued with conservative care until final follow-up, all of which had fair and poor functional Macnab outcomes. In patients with Excellent Macnab outcomes, the median durability was 62 months in ELD, 43 in TLIF, and 31 months in laminectomy patients (p < 0.001). The overall survival time in control patients was eight months with a standard error of 0.942, a lower boundary of 6.154, and an upper boundary of 9.846 months. In patients with excellent Macnab outcomes, the median durability was 62 months in ELD, 43 in TLIF, and 31 months in laminectomy patients versus control patients at seven months (p < 0.001). The most common new-onset symptom for censoring was dysesthesia ELD (9.4%; 20/206), axial back pain in TLIF (25.6%;20/78), and recurrent pain in laminectomy (65.6%; 40/61) patients (p < 0.001). Transforaminal epidural steroid injections were tried in 11.7% (24/206) of ELD, 23.1% (18/78) of TLIF, and 36.1% (22/61) of the laminectomy patients. The secondary fusion rate among ELD patients was 8.8% (18/206). Among TLIF patients, the most common additional treatments were revision fusion (19.2%; 15/78) and multilevel rhizotomy (10.3%; 8/78). Common follow-up procedures in laminectomy patients included revision laminectomy (16.4%; 10/61), revision ELD (11.5%; 7/61), and multilevel rhizotomy (11.5%; 7/61). Control patients crossed over into ELD (13.4%), TLIF (13.4%), laminectomy (10.4%) and interventional treatment (40.3%) arms at high rates. Most control patients treated with spinal injections (55.5%) had excellent and good functional outcomes versus 40.7% with fair and poor (3.7%), respectively. The control patients (93.3%) who remained in medical management without surgery or interventional care (14/67) had the worst functional outcomes and were rated as fair and poor. Conclusions: clinical outcomes were more favorable with lumbar surgeries than with non-surgical control groups. Of the control patients, the crossover rate into interventional and surgical care was 40.3% and 37.2%, respectively. There are longer symptom-free intervals after targeted ELD than with TLIF or laminectomy. Additional intervention and surgical treatments are more often needed to manage new-onset postoperative symptoms in TLIF- and laminectomy compared to ELD patients. Few ELD patients will require fusion in the future. Considering the rising cost of surgical spine care, we offer SpineScreen as a simplified and less costly alternative to traditional image-based care models by focusing on primary pain generators rather than image-based criteria derived from the preoperative lumbar MRI scan.
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Odonkor P, Strauss E, Williams B. Ethical considerations during a pioneering surgical procedure: porcine cardiac xenotransplantation. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2022; 83:1-7. [DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2022.0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical advances in life-sustaining porcine cardiac xenotransplantation from donor pigs to baboons have paved the way for the performance of porcine cardiac xenotransplantation in a human. This procedure was performed with emergency use authorisation granted by the United States Food and Drug Administration under the umbrella of investigational new drug use on compassionate grounds. The patient was denied candidacy for durable mechanical circulatory support and heart transplantation as a result of non-adherence to medical advice. Successful porcine cardiac xenotransplantation in humans will significantly increase the availability of potential donor organs for long-term management of end-stage heart failure. Human porcine cardiac xenotransplantation is associated with ethical conflicts encompassing multiple ethical principles which are not mutually exclusive and are sometimes conflicting. This article focuses on some of the ethical conflicts encountered in relation to the use of mechanical circulatory support, pretransplant evaluation, shared decision making during informed consent, infectious disease risk, preclinical and clinical testing, and the role of regulatory bodies during performance of the first human porcine cardiac xenotransplantation. An increase in human trials of xenotransplantation procedures is imminent. Potential ethical conflicts associated with xenotransplantation should be addressed appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Odonkor
- Division of Cardiac Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Erik Strauss
- Division of Cardiac Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Brittney Williams
- Division of Cardiac Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Advancing the Surgical Treatment of Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Study Design and Research Directions. World Neurosurg 2022; 161:367-375. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.01.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Lim J, Lee H, Kim YS. Applying the PRECIS-2 tool for self-declared 'pragmatic' acupuncture trials: protocol for a systematic review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e052861. [PMID: 35414545 PMCID: PMC9006803 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The pragmatic design has received much attention in the field of acupuncture clinical trials because of insufficient information about the specific effects of acupuncture. However, pragmatism in pragmatic acupuncture trials has not been comprehensively investigated. The PRECIS-2 tool was developed and has been gradually used to design pragmatic trials; therefore, we will apply the PRECIS-2 tool to investigate the pragmatism of pragmatic acupuncture trials in this study. METHODS AND ANALYSIS In this systematic review, self-declared 'pragmatic' randomised clinical trials (RCTs) or protocols of self-declared 'pragmatic' RCTs investigating acupuncture will be searched and included to be reviewed. MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, WANFANG, Taiwan Periodical Literature Database, KoreaMed, KMbase, Research Information Service System, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, CiNii and ClinicalTrials.gov for registered trials will be electronically searched from inception to March 2022. Protocols of published RCTs or secondary analysis of RCTs will be excluded. Additionally, no language restriction will be applied. Two authors will independently extract descriptive information and assess the pragmatism of pragmatic acupuncture trials using nine domains of the PRECIS-2 tool and one additional domain-control. Descriptive statistics will be reported for each domain and the overall score, and a one-sample t-test will be used to statistically analyse whether the score is greater than 3 (equally pragmatic and explanatory). The wheel diagrams of the nine domains of the PRECIS-2 tool will be used to demonstrate the pragmatism of the included studies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not warranted as this study will obtain data from previously reported articles. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021236975.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwoong Lim
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Hyeonhoon Lee
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Yong-Suk Kim
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
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Betensky RA. Don't Be Blinded by the Blinding. NEJM EVIDENCE 2022; 1:EVIDe2100063. [PMID: 38319191 DOI: 10.1056/evide2100063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Don't Be Blinded by the BlindingBlinding of participants and investigators is universally accepted as a critical component of a high-quality randomized clinical trial. In conjunction with random assignment, blinding protects against several potential sources of bias, such as selection of participants, compliance and adherence to the protocol, differential dropout, researcher and patient assessments of outcomes, application of ancillary and supportive treatment, dose adjustments, encouragement by clinicians, and follow-up actions such as seeking and prescribing diagnostic testing. Unfortunately, complete blinding is simply not possible for some clinical trials, including those for many surgical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Betensky
- Department of Biostatistics, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York
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Danner M, Debrouwere M, Rummer A, Wehkamp K, Rüffer JU, Geiger F, Wolff R, Weik K, Scheibler F. A scattered landscape: assessment of the evidence base for 71 patient decision aids developed in a hospital setting. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2022; 22:44. [PMID: 35177043 PMCID: PMC8855583 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-022-01777-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent publications reveal shortcomings in evidence review and summarization methods for patient decision aids. In the large-scale “Share to Care (S2C)” Shared Decision Making (SDM) project at the University Hospital Kiel, Germany, one of 4 SDM interventions was to develop up to 80 decision aids for patients. Best available evidence on the treatments’ impact on patient-relevant outcomes was systematically appraised to feed this information into the decision aids. Aims of this paper were to (1) describe how PtDAs are developed and how S2C evidence reviews for each PtDA are conducted, (2) appraise the quality of the best available evidence identified and (3) identify challenges associated with identified evidence.
Methods The quality of the identified evidence was assessed based on GRADE quality criteria and categorized into high-, moderate-, low-, very low-quality evidence. Evidence appraisal was conducted across all outcomes assessed in an evidence review and for specific groups of outcomes, namely mortality, morbidity, quality of life, and treatment harms. Challenges in evidence interpretation and summarization resulting from the characteristics of decision aids and the type and quality of evidence are identified and discussed. Results Evidence reviews assessed on average 25 systematic reviews/guidelines/studies and took about 3 months to be completed. Despite rigorous review processes, nearly 70% of outcome-specific information derived for decision aids was based on low-quality and mostly on non-directly comparative evidence. Evidence on quality of life and harms was often not provided or not in sufficient form/detail. Challenges in evidence interpretation for use in decision aids resulted from, e.g., a lack of directly comparative evidence or the existence of very heterogeneous evidence for the diverse treatments being compared.
Conclusions Evidence reviews in this project were carefully conducted and summarized. However, the evidence identified for our decision aids was indeed a “scattered landscape” and often poor quality. Facing a high prevalence of low-quality, non-directly comparative evidence for treatment alternatives doesn’t mean it is not necessary to choose an evidence-based approach to inform patients. While there is an urgent need for high quality comparative trials, best available evidence nevertheless has to be appraised and transparently communicated to patients.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12911-022-01777-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Danner
- SHARE TO CARE (S2C) Team, National Competency Center for Shared Decision Making, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) - Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Marie Debrouwere
- SHARE TO CARE (S2C) Team, National Competency Center for Shared Decision Making, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) - Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Anne Rummer
- SHARE TO CARE (S2C) Team, National Competency Center for Shared Decision Making, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) - Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Kai Wehkamp
- SHARE TO CARE (S2C) Team, National Competency Center for Shared Decision Making, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) - Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jens Ulrich Rüffer
- SHARE TO CARE (S2C) GmbH, Cologne, Germany.,TAKEPART Media+Science GmbH, Cologne, Germany
| | - Friedemann Geiger
- SHARE TO CARE (S2C) Team, National Competency Center for Shared Decision Making, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) - Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany.,SHARE TO CARE (S2C) GmbH, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Fueloep Scheibler
- SHARE TO CARE (S2C) Team, National Competency Center for Shared Decision Making, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) - Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105, Kiel, Germany.,SHARE TO CARE (S2C) GmbH, Cologne, Germany
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37
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Chadow D, Robinson NB, Cancelli G, Soletti G, Audisio K, Rahouma M, Perezgrovas R, Gaudino M. Predictors of failure to reach target sample size in surgical randomized trials. Br J Surg 2021; 109:176-177. [PMID: 34864915 DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that 25–30 per cent of RCTs fail to reach their target sample size. Multicentre design, publication year, and commercial sponsor were inversely associated with failure to reach the target sample size. A substantial proportion of surgical trials fail reach target sample size, but the trend is showing improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Chadow
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - N Bryce Robinson
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gianmarco Cancelli
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Giovanni Soletti
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Katia Audisio
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mohamed Rahouma
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Roberto Perezgrovas
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mario Gaudino
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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38
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Gaudino
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Mary Charlson
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluative Sciences Research, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Frank Sellke
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence
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39
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Chen ZD, Zhang PF, Xi HQ, Wei B, Chen L, Tang Y. Recent Advances in the Diagnosis, Staging, Treatment, and Prognosis of Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Literature Review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:744839. [PMID: 34765619 PMCID: PMC8575714 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.744839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most common cause of cancer related deaths worldwide which results in malignant tumors in the digestive tract. The only radical treatment option available is surgical resection. Recently, the implementation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy resulted in 5-year survival rates of 95% for early gastric cancer. The main reason of treatment failure is that early diagnosis is minimal, with many patients presenting advanced stages. Hence, the greatest benefit of radical resection is missed. Consequently, the main therapeutic approach for advanced gastric cancer is combined surgery with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. In this review, we will discuss the various treatment options for advanced gastric cancer. Clinical practice and clinical research is the most practical way of reaching new advents in terms of patients' characteristics, optimum drug choice, and better prognosis. With the recent advances in gastric cancer diagnosis, staging, treatment, and prognosis, we are evident that the improvement of survival in this patient population is just a matter of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-da Chen
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Peng-Fei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Qing Xi
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Wei
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Tang
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
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40
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Mestres CA, Van Hemelrijck M, Sromicki J. Coronary artery bypass grafting is superior to percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. J Card Surg 2021; 36:3843-3845. [PMID: 34309917 DOI: 10.1111/jocs.15854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Mestres
- Clinic of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | | | - Juri Sromicki
- Clinic of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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