We evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) and corticosteroid combination therapy versus anti-VEGF monotherapy for both branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)-related macular edema. A systematic search identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the 2 modalities. Non-RCTs, studies with steroid monotherapy as the only comparator and macular edema from other causes were excluded. Visual, anatomical, safety, and injection-related outcomes were assessed. Twenty RCTs comprising 2040 patients were included. Combination therapy showed better best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (Mean Difference [MD] -0.09; 95 % CI -0.12 to -0.07; p < 0.00001), reduced central macular thickness (CMT) (MD -24.42; 95 % CI -35.32 to -13.52; p < 0.0001), lower edema recurrence (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.49; 95 % CI 0.30-0.80; p = 0.004), reduced need for PRN anti-VEGF injections (OR 6.77; 95 % CI 3.41-13.46; p < 0.00001), higher intraocular pressure (IOP) within normal range up to 6 months (MD 0.64; 95 % CI 0.20-1.07; p = 0.004) and increased cataract surgery risk (OR 7.95; 95 % CI 1.35-46.75; p = 0.02). Subgroup analysis showed BCVA improvement, fewer injections, reduced PRN need, and higher IOP in CRVO, and reduced recurrence in BRVO. Triamcinolone acetonide improved BCVA while intravitreal dexamethasone implant lowered CMT, and both agents reduced PRN injections. Combination therapy provides modest improvement in efficacy outcomes and fewer injections, particularly in CRVO, but increases risk of IOP elevation and cataract surgery. Reduced injection frequency may not necessarily translate to overall lower treatment burden and costs due to frequent monitoring of steroid-related complications.

Cancer treatment-induced bone loss (CTIBL) and skeletal fractures are potential consequences of anticancer therapies used in the treatment of non-metastatic breast cancer (BC). This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to synthesise the available evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of bone protective interventions in the mitigation of CTIBL and skeletal fractures. Multiple databases including MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase and Cochrane, clinical trial registries and grey literature were systematically searched for experimental and observational studies, investigating the use of bisphosphonates, denosumab, calcium or vitamin D supplementation. Outcomes of interest were change in bone mineral density (BMD), the incidence of skeletal fractures, change in bone turnover markers, the incidence of adverse events (AEs), the presence of aromatase inhibitor musculoskeletal symptoms and quality of life. A total of 88 studies were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis, with sample sizes ranging from 11 to 4819 participants. For change in BMD outcomes able to be meta-analysed, bisphosphonates demonstrated a significant benefit compared to controls (pooled mean difference estimate; lumbar spine: 4.17, p = 0.0; total hip: 1.81, p = 0.034; femoral neck: 2.35, p = 0.001). Incidence of skeletal fractures significantly decreased with bisphosphonates compared to controls (pooled relative risk estimate; 0.77, p < 0.001). Denosumab demonstrated similar effects on BMD and skeletal fracture incidence; however, meta-analysis was not possible due to the lack of randomised controlled trials. Osteonecrosis of the jaw represents the most concerning AE with bisphosphonates. Considering the effectiveness and safety, and the level of evidence available, bisphosphonates present as the preferred bone protective intervention for the management of bone health in patients with non-metastatic BC.

Early studies indicate that neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) induce high rates of tumor regression in localized deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) and microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers, raising interest in nonoperative management (NOM). Most available data, however, come from small, nonrandomized cohorts. A systematic synthesis was undertaken to better characterize efficacy and safety outcomes.

Pembrolizumab-induced immune-related oral mucositis (irOM) is a rare and often underrecognized toxicity. This study aimed to systematically characterize its clinical profile, histopathologic patterns, management strategies, and outcomes to support timely diagnosis and evidence-based care.

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are associated with disparities not only in risk factors, screening, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes for cancer but also in access to immunotherapy treatment, particularly with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The purpose of this systematic review was to describe the extent of inclusion of indicators of SDOH in studies using PROMs to assess toxicities associated with ICI treatment.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype lacking oestrogen and progesterone receptors and amplification of HER2 receptors, accounts for 12% to 17% of breast cancers. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy improve survival; however, 30% to 40% of early-stage TNBC cases progress to metastatic disease. Recent evidence suggests that combining immune checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors) with chemotherapy may improve pathological complete response and event-free survival.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been widely implemented in current oncology practice. However, there is limited data regarding ICI administration in pregnancy. This systematic review aims to evaluate the risk-benefit of ICI exposure in pregnant women. We conducted searches in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase from January 1, 2011 through April 30, 2025. Included studies were those that involved women with a cancer diagnosis who received ICI treatment while pregnant and had clinical findings of the fetus post-ICI treatment. Methodological quality and potential sources of bias were assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. The search generated 2539 citations. After removal of 696 duplicates, a total of 1843 citations were screened. Twenty case reports and three retrospective studies were included in the systematic review. Fetal complications and fetal immune-related adverse events among the case reports were at 23% and 11.5%, respectively. Preterm delivery occurred in 54% of case reports, and no fetal mortalities were reported. Regarding the observational studies, preterm delivery occurred in 20.9%-25.5% of cases, fetal mortality occurred in 2.2%-15.3% of cases, intrauterine growth restriction occurred in 6.5%-7.1% of cases, and complications attributable to prematurity were reported in 2.6%-5.5% of cases. The data from this systematic review suggests that the risk for fetal complications may be lower than previously reported. As ICIs continue to expand their role in the treatment of malignancy, their use in pregnancy is more likely to come into clinical question. Clinicians should approach ICI use in pregnancy with individualized, multi-disciplinary risk-benefit discussions.

This study explored whether integrating innovative immunotherapies targeting costimulatory or co-inhibitory pathways beyond standard PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 treatments affects hepatic adverse events. We further analyzed liver-related side effects in patients with cancer receiving these novel therapies alone or in combination with others.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a prevalent adverse effect linked to neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. Current pharmacological treatments exhibit limited efficacy and notable adverse effects. The clinical effectiveness of non-pharmacological therapies, like acupuncture, physical exercise (PE), cryotherapy (CR), and compression therapy, requires systematic comparison. This study employs a network meta-analysis (NMA) to appraise the efficacy and preventive effects of various non-pharmacological interventions on CIPN.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), endemic to Southern China and Southeast Asia, presents significant clinical challenges. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed NPC treatment but carry risks of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Existing meta-analyses lack NPC-specific data, hindering targeted safety guidance.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major cause of dose reduction, drug modification, or drug discontinuation in cancer patients which negatively impacts the overall well-being of cancer patients and medication procedures. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigation aimed to determine the global prevalence of CIPN in cancer patients. METHODS: Various scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) were systematically searched (by July 2023) for published studies reporting the CIPN prevalence. Meta-analysis was applied based on the Random Effect model and subgrouping was considered using the CIPN scales. Also, the heterogeneity was assessed based on the I2 index. RESULTS: Following the assessment of 49 eligible studies (n:33,667 participants), the overall CIPN prevalence was reported 51.9% (95% CI: 45-58.7). According to the Composite Scales tool, the highest CIPN prevalence was 69.6% (95%CI: 50–84). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CIPN in cancer patients was found at a high level. According to the high number of cancer survivors, the integration of necessary clinical strategies for screening, prevention, and treatment of CIPN into consistent clinical guidelines is strictly recommended. Probably these guidelines can reduce the CIPN occurrence and cancer treatment costs. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in older adults. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents-including Aflibercept, Ranibizumab, Bevacizumab, Brolucizumab, and Faricimab-are the mainstay of therapy. However, their comparative efficacy and safety remain uncertain. This study aimed to compare the visual and systemic outcomes of these agents to inform clinical decision-making.

Artemisia sieberi (Asteraceae) is a grey, dwarf, dry woolly shrub, locally known as "Shih" in Arab countries, with significant medicinal properties due to its content of up to 160 active compounds with anti-cancer activity. A. sieberi has been investigated for its potential effects in various cancer types, including breast cancer. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the in vitro evidence on the potential activity of A. sieberi extracts against breast cancer, specifically in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. A search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar electronic databases was conducted for studies published from inception to 2024, following PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews. The search strategy applied was ((Artemisia sieberi) AND (anti-breast cancer)). The Quality Assessment Tool (QUIN tool) was used to assess the risk of bias for in vitro studies. Six in vitro experimental studies were included. These studies suggested that A. sieberi extracts may exert anti-breast cancer effects via multiple mechanisms, including apoptosis induction, cell growth inhibition, and gene expression modulation. However, the anticancer potential of A. sieberi against breast cancer has been explored only at a preliminary in vitro level. Future research should evaluate different A. sieberi extracts across diverse breast cancer cell lines, particularly treatment-resistant types such as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), and extend to in vivo and clinical investigation.

BACKGROUND: The impact of sarcopenia on immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy and treatment-related adverse events (AEs) in gastric cancer (GC) remains controversial. This meta-analysis aims to elucidate associations between sarcopenia and clinical outcomes in ICI-treated GC patients. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science (from inception to May 2, 2025) for English-language studies that met predefined inclusion criteria. Primary outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (hazard ratios [HRs] with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]), as well as disease control rate (DCR) and overall response rate (ORR) (odds ratios [ORs] with 95% CIs). Secondary outcomes encompassed treatment-related AEs (ORs with 95% CIs). Heterogeneity was quantified via I² statistics, and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Thirteen studies (n = 1,119 GC patients) were included. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 54% (95% CI: 46–62%, p < 0.0001; heterogeneity statistics: I2 = 87%, p < 0.0001). Compared to non-sarcopenic patients, sarcopenic patients demonstrated worse OS (adjusted HR = 1.77, 95% CI: 0.67–4.64, p = 0.16; heterogeneity statistics: I2 = 64%, p = 0.04), reduced PFS (adjusted HR = 2.16, 95% CI: 0.88–5.30, p = 0.07; heterogeneity statistics: I2 = 44%; p = 0.14), lower DCR (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.13–2.34, p = 0.33; heterogeneity statistics: I2 = 77%; p = 0.0006), and decreased ORR (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.53–0.89, p = 0.01; heterogeneity statistics: I2 = 0%; p = 0.97). No significant association was observed between sarcopenia and treatment-related AEs (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 0.38–4.85, p = 0.51; heterogeneity statistics: I2 = 30%; p = 0.23). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is prevalent in > 50% of ICI-treated GC patients and may be linked to diminished treatment response and poorer survival outcomes. The absence of increased AE risk supports routine sarcopenia assessment for prognostic stratification in this population. These findings require validation in non-Asian cohorts to establish generalizability.

Personalized therapy in neuro-oncology has traditionally relied on molecular profiling. However, clinical benefit has been scarce to date. Recently, in vitro drug sensitivity testing using patient-derived models-such as organoids and cell lines-has emerged as a promising strategy. We systematically reviewed evidence on the efficacy of in vitro drug screening in predicting treatment outcome for brain tumors, including but not limited to glioblastoma. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Fifteen studies were included, comprising 300 patients overall. Cohort studies built the largest group; only one randomized clinical trial was found. In vitro assays, using patient-derived stem cells, standardized assays ad the ChemoID, or tumor-derived organoids, were able to reliably predict treatment outcome. However, the overall quality of evidence was limited. These models may overcome limitations of molecular profiling, especially in glioblastoma, where driver mutations are often lacking and the molecular profile evolves at recurrence. Although initial results are promising, further validation is needed before clinical implementation.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health burden, and Urolithin A (Uro-A) has emerged as a promising anticancer agent. This systematic review aims to synthesize current in vitro evidence on the anticancer effects of Uro-A in CRC, highlighting effective concentration ranges, exposure times, relevant outcomes, and underlying molecular mechanisms.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly used in oncology, but concerns persist regarding flare risks of pre-existing rheumatologic diseases in patients receiving ICIs. This meta-analysis study aims to evaluate the incidence and severity of rheumatologic disease flares in patients with solid tumors treated with ICIs.

Trilaciclib is a cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor that has shown promise in mitigating chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression (CIM). This meta-analysis aims to provide a comprehensive and clinically relevant quantification of trilaciclib's effectiveness in reducing CIM and its potential impact on outcomes in adult patients with solid tumors.

Several studies have explored the impact of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced immune-related thyroid dysfunction on the prognosis of patients with lung cancer. However, inconsistencies remain among the results of different studies. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of immune-related thyroid dysfunction on the prognosis of lung cancer, aiming to provide evidence-based support for clinical treatment.

The rapidly advancing field of cancer therapy has sparked growing interest in the potential synergy between anticoagulation and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Recent research highlights that anticoagulants, traditionally used for thromboprophylaxis and managing thromboembolic events, may also exhibit immunomodulatory properties. These properties can influence the tumor microenvironment by promoting immune cell infiltration, enhancing antitumor immune responses, and potentially reducing metastasis. This emerging evidence underscores the complex interplay between coagulation pathways and immune regulation, paving the way for further exploration of the clinical benefits of combining anticoagulation with ICI therapy.