Incidence of central nervous system metastases in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive metastatic breast cancer treated with trastuzumab: A meta-analysis

This study aimed to estimate the incidence of central nervous system (CNS) metastases in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) treated with trastuzumab. Studies were identified through a literature search of electronic databases. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate the incidence rate of CNS metastases, trastuzumab therapy duration, and time from trastuzumab therapy to CNS metastasis diagnosis. A meta-analysis of odds ratios was performed to evaluate the significance of a difference in CNS metastasis incidence between patients with and without trastuzumab treatment. Thirty studies (8121 trastuzumab-treated and 3972 control patients) were included. The follow-up duration was 18.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.8, 24.1). The trastuzumab treatment duration was 9.0 months (95% CI: 7.0, 11.0). The median interval between the start of trastuzumab therapy and CNS metastasis diagnosis was 12.2 months (95% CI: 9.5, 14.7). The incidence of CNS metastasis after the start of trastuzumab therapy was 22% (95% CI: 16, 27). The incidence of CNS metastases was significantly higher in trastuzumab-treated than in non-trastuzumab-treated patients (odds ratio: 1.39 [95% CI: 1.06, 1.82], p=0.02). The survival time from the start of the study was 23.4 months (95% CI: 19.7, 27.1) in trastuzumab-treated patients and 18.4 months (95% CI: 12.7, 24.1) in patients treated with control regimens. The survival time after the development of CNS metastases in trastuzumab-treated patients was 19.2 months (95% CI: 15.6, 25.9). Approximately 22% of patients with HER2-positive MBC who were treated with trastuzumab developed CNS metastases. However, trastuzumab-treated patients had a longer survival than patients who were not treated with trastuzumab

2021 revised algorithm for the management of knee osteoarthritis-the Chinese viewpoint.

AIM: The European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) algorithm for the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA) is available worldwide from 2014, but in 2019 an update was published. Based on this algorithm, a Working Group (WG), including ESCEO members and Chinese experts, wished to see how the new ESCEO algorithm was perceived by Chinese experts in knee OA and how it was integrated into their clinical practice. METHODS: A WG was held between members of the international ESCEO task force and a group of Chinese experts. RESULTS: Non-pharmacological approach should be combined with pharmacological interventions. In step 1, symptomatic slow-acting drugs for osteoarthritis (SYSADOA) are the most important background drugs. Evidence, supported by high-quality research, is available only for crystalline glucosamine sulfate (pCGS) and chondroitin sulfate. Topical NSAIDs could be used as an additional option. In step 2, oral NSAIDs could be useful, but cardiovascular/renal/gastrointestinal profiles of the patients should be considered. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids are alternative to oral NSAIDs, but the evidence is still limited. If steps 1 and 2 are not sufficient, weak opioids could be used. Overall, the conclusions of the ESCEO algorithm are accepted in China for products available in this country. The WG suggests the importance of economic studies, specifically made in China. CONCLUSION: This work provides evidence-based advice to establish a treatment algorithm in knee OA, for practical implementation in clinical practice in China