scholarly journals Systematic Review of Acupuncture in Cancer Care: A Synthesis of the Evidence

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 952-960 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Kay Garcia ◽  
Jennifer McQuade ◽  
Robin Haddad ◽  
Sonya Patel ◽  
Richard Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Symptom Management ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Acupuncture Points ◽  
Positive Trial

Purpose Many cancer centers offer acupuncture services. To date, a comprehensive systematic review of acupuncture in cancer care has not been conducted. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for symptom management in patients with cancer. Methods Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane (all databases), Scopus, and PubMed were searched from inception through December 2011 for prospective randomized clinical trials (RCT) evaluating acupuncture for symptom management in cancer care. Only studies involving needle insertion into acupuncture points were included. No language limitations were applied. Studies were assessed for risk of bias (ROB) according to Cochrane criteria. Outcomes by symptom were designated as positive, negative, or unclear. Results A total of 2,151 publications were screened. Of those, 41 RCTs involving eight symptoms (pain, nausea, hot flashes, fatigue, radiation-induced xerostomia, prolonged postoperative ileus, anxiety/mood disorders, and sleep disturbance) met all inclusion criteria. One positive trial of acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting had low ROB. Of the remaining studies, eight had unclear ROB (four positive, three negative, and one with unclear outcomes). Thirty-three studies had high ROB (19 positive, 11 negative, and three with both positive and negative outcomes depending on the symptom). Conclusion Acupuncture is an appropriate adjunctive treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting, but additional studies are needed. For other symptoms, efficacy remains undetermined owing to high ROB among studies. Future research should focus on standardizing comparison groups and treatment methods, be at least single-blinded, assess biologic mechanisms, have adequate statistical power, and involve multiple acupuncturists.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture versus Sham Acupuncture: a Systematic Review

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luís Carlos Lopes-Júnior ◽  
Lóris Aparecida Prado da Cruz ◽  
Vanessa Cristina Leopoldo ◽  
Fabrício Ribeiro de Campos ◽  
Ana Maria de Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Cochrane Collaboration ◽  
Sham Acupuncture ◽  
Acupuncture Points ◽  
Sham Treatment ◽  
Chinese Acupuncture ◽  
Menopausal Women ◽  
The Cochrane Collaboration

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify and synthesize the evidence from randomized clinical trials that tested the effectiveness of traditional Chinese acupuncture in relation to sham acupuncture for the treatment of hot flashes in menopausal women with breast cancer. Method: systematic review guided by the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. Citations were searched in the following databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and LILACS. A combination of the following keywords was used: breast neoplasm, acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, acupuncture points, placebos, sham treatment, hot flashes, hot flushes, menopause, climacteric, and vasomotor symptoms. Results: a total of 272 studies were identified, five of which were selected and analyzed. Slight superiority of traditional acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture was observed; however, there were no strong statistical associations. Conclusions: the evidence gathered was not sufficient to affirm the effectiveness of traditional acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture.

Methodologic issues in effectiveness research on palliative cancer care: a systematic review.

1997 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 1697-1707 ◽  
Author(s):  
G C Rinck ◽  
G A van den Bos ◽  
J Kleijnen ◽  
H J de Haes ◽  
E Schadé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Outcome Measurement ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Effectiveness Research ◽  
Process Of Care ◽  
Study Population

BACKGROUND The objective of this report is to explore methodologic issues on the basis of a systematic review of the literature of effectiveness research on palliative cancer care with regard to selection and characteristics of a study population, interventions, and outcome assessment. METHODS A systematic review was performed of randomized clinical trials on comprehensive palliative care with quality assessment of the studies by three independent observers, using predefined quality criteria. RESULTS In the literature search, 11 relevant studies were identified. Without exception, methodologic problems were experienced. In two studies, the problems were so severe that no results were reported. Problems were associated with the recruitment of a study population in 10 studies, its homogeneity in six, patient attrition in four, defining and maintaining the contrast between the strategies in six, and selection of the outcome variables in four. CONCLUSION Effectiveness research in palliative care is complex and has many pitfalls. To enhance the quality of future palliative care trials and the validity of their results, we particularly stress the importance of careful case finding, strict eligibility criteria, precise documentation of the process of care, and comprehensive outcome measurement. The relation of structure, process, and outcome variables in comprehensive palliative care should be further explored. It is a challenge for future research to link patient outcomes to the quality of care, independent from the autonomous course of the disease and from personal characteristics.

scholarly journals Effect of photobiomodulation in secondary intention gingival wound healing—a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pooya Ebrahimi ◽  
Mahdi Hadilou ◽  
Ferdos Naserneysari ◽  
Amirmohammad Dolatabadi ◽  
Rana Tarzemany ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Wound Healing ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Secondary Intention ◽  
Post Operative Pain

Abstract Background Photobiomodulation is widely being used to improve the wound healing process in dentistry and a vast majority of studies have proven its benefits. But there are plenty of knowledge gaps according to the optimal laser characteristics which should be used to maximize the healing effects of lasers. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) as an adjunctive treatment to periodontal therapies to evaluate secondary intention gingival wound healing and post-operative pain. Methods Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, and Web of Sciences) were searched up to November 30, 2020, for clinical trials that reported the result of the application of PBM on secondary gingival healing wounds and post-operative pain and discomfort after periodontal surgeries. Two independent reviewers selected the eligible studies and the outcomes of interest were extracted. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Results Ultimately, twelve studies were included in this review. The application of PBM as an adjunct to periodontal surgeries resulted in a significant improvement in wound healing indices. The Landry wound healing index at the 7th post-operative day was significantly improved (SMD = 1.044 [95% CI 0.62–1.46]; p < 0.01) in PBM + surgery groups compared to the control groups. There was also a statistically significant increase in the complete wound epithelialization (RR = 3.23 [95% CI 1.66–6.31]; p < 0.01) at the 14th post-operative day compared to the control groups. The methods used to assess the post-operative pain were heterogeneous, and therefore the results were limited which made the meta-analysis for post-operative pain assessment not possible. Conclusion Based on the results of this review, PBM can be effectively used as a method to improve secondary intention wound healing. High-quality randomized clinical trials, however, are needed in the future to identify the optimal PBM irradiation parameters and the effect of PBM on post-operative pain.

Dance for People with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 919-933 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alicia Ruiz-Muelle ◽  
María Mar López-Rodríguez
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Dance Therapy ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Future Research

Background: In recent years, several reviews have addressed the effectiveness of dance therapy in dementia, healthy older adults, or the elderly in general. However, reviews regarding the effect of this therapy exclusively on patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease have not been found. Objective: The purpose of this study is to review the available literature describing clinical trials which explore the effects of dancing on psychological and physical outcomes, functionality, cognitive function, and quality of life in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, this review aims to assess the quality of studies that perform dance therapy interventions in these patients. Methods: This study is a systematic review of randomized and non-randomized clinical trials regarding the effect of intervention including a dancing activity in people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Results: In total, the evidence for this review rests on 12 studies with a total of 349 participants. The findings of this mini-review confirm the positive effect of dance therapy on physical and cognitive function, functionality, psychological outcomes, and quality of life in people with Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion: Most of the studies implementing dance as part of the therapeutic treatment has shown to improve or slow the worsening in the quality of life of patients with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Future research focused on these patients should use a more exhaustive methodology and make a more detailed description of these kind of interventions.

Cancer care coordination systematic review and meta-analysis: Twenty-two years of empirical studies.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6536-6536
Author(s):  
Sherri Sheinfeld Gorin ◽  
David Haggstrom ◽  
Kathleen Fairfield ◽  
Paul Han ◽  
Paul Krebs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Care Coordination ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Emergency Department Visits ◽  
Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽  
Estimation Model ◽  
Care Plans

6536 Background: To our knowledge, no systematic review of empirical papers describing cancer care coordination interventions has yet been conducted. The aim of this presentation is to describe the methods and findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis of all empirical papers describing cancer care coordination published between 1990-2012. Methods: Of 1241 abstracts collected from a search of PubMed and EMBASE, 108 studies were retrieved and reviewed; 49 were included in the systematic review. Each study had US or Canadian adult or child participants; each paper had comparison or control groups, measures, samples, and/or interventions. Two researchers independently applied a standardized search strategy, coding scheme, and on-line coding program to each study. Eight RCT’s met additional criteria for meta-analysis; a random effects estimation model was used for data analysis. Results: Among the 49 articles included in our systematic review, those that included implicit or explicit definitions of cancer care coordination described four components: (1) roles and models for communication and transfer of care between primary care physicians and oncologists during active treatment and survivorship; (2) care navigation through designated personnel or telecommunication processes among care team members; (3) treatment summaries and survivorship care plans; and (4) multidisciplinary communication accompanying patient and practice management within the framework of the Chronic Care Model (N=14). We found a medium-sized effect of cancer care coordination on care usage outcomes among the randomized clinical trials (e.g., reduced Emergency Department visits; g = 0.37 [95% CI = 0.29 - 0.44], I2= .000. Fail-safe N = 86). Conclusions: The findings from this current systematic review and meta-analysis will contribute to the evidence base on strategies that can improve the coordination of cancer care, particularly for patients with multiple chronic conditions, and thereby advance the goals of health care reform in the US.

Equol Decreases Hot Flashes in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
James W. Daily ◽  
Byoung-Seob Ko ◽  
Jina Ryuk ◽  
Meiling Liu ◽  
Weijun Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hot Flashes

scholarly journals Effect of Photobiomodulation in Secondary Intention Gingival Wound Healing - a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pooya Ebrahimi ◽  
Mahdi Hadilou ◽  
Ferdos Naserneysari ◽  
Amirmohammad Dolatabadi ◽  
Rana Tarzemany ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Wound Healing ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Secondary Intention ◽  
Post Operative Pain

Abstract Background: Photobiomodulation is widely being used to improve the wound healing process in dentistry and a vast majority of studies have proven its benefits. But there are plenty of knowledge gaps according to the optimal laser characteristics which should be used to maximize the healing effects of lasers. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) as an adjunctive treatment to periodontal therapies to evaluate secondary intention gingival wound healing and post-operative pain.Methods: Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, and Web of Sciences) were searched up to November 30, 2020, for clinical trials that reported the result of the application of PBM on secondary gingival healing wounds and post-operative pain and discomfort after periodontal surgeries. Two independent reviewers selected the eligible studies and the outcomes of interest were extracted. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.Results: Ultimately, twelve studies were included in this review. The application of PBM as an adjunct to periodontal surgeries resulted in a significant improvement in wound healing indices. The Landry wound healing index at the 7th post-operative day was significantly improved (SMD = 1.044 [95% CI: 0.62 to 1.46]; p<0.01) in PBM + surgery groups compared to the control groups. There was also a statistically significant increase in the complete wound epithelialization (RR = 3.23 [95% CI: 1.66 to 6.31]; p<0.01) at the 14th post-operative day compared to the control groups. The methods used to assess the post-operative pain were heterogeneous, and therefore the results were limited which made the meta-analysis for post-operative pain assessment not possible.Conclusion: Based on the results of this review, PBM can be effectively used as a method to improve secondary intention wound healing. High-quality randomized clinical trials, however, are needed in the future to identify the optimal PBM irradiation parameters and the effect of PBM on post-operative pain.

scholarly journals Isoflavone Supplements for Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Ru Chen ◽  
Nai-Yu Ko ◽  
Kuo-Hu Chen
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Hormone Replacement ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Trial Duration ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Ovid Medline ◽  
Menopausal Women

Isoflavones have gained popularity as an alternative treatment for menopausal symptoms for people who cannot or are unwilling to take hormone replacement therapy. However, there is still no consensus on the effects of isoflavones despite over two decades of vigorous research. This systematic review aims to summarize the current literature on isoflavone supplements, focusing on the active ingredients daidzein, genistein, and S-equol, and provide a framework to guide future research. We performed a literature search in Ovid Medline using the search terms “isoflavone” and “menopause”, which yielded 95 abstracts and 68 full-text articles. We found that isoflavones reduce hot flashes even accounting for placebo effect, attenuate lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) loss, show beneficial effects on systolic blood pressure during early menopause, and improve glycemic control in vitro. There are currently no conclusive benefits of isoflavones on urogenital symptoms and cognition. Due to the lack of standardized research protocols including isoflavone component and dosage, outcomes, and trial duration, it is difficult to reach a conclusion at this point in time. Despite these limitations, the evidence thus far favors the use of isoflavones due to their safety profile and benefit to overall health.

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