Clinical Efficacy and Safety of CD7-Targeted CAR T Cell Therapy for T-cell Malignancies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Although T-cell malignancies are relatively less prevalent compared to B-cell malignancies, they are highly malignant, and patients usually have poor prognoses. Employing CD7-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy as a novel immunotherapy to treat malignant T cells faces numerous challenges and is in its early phase. To evaluate this possibility, we aimed to review and meta-analyze the related clinical trials systematically. METHODS: On October 9, 2023, the online databases of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched for pertinent studies. After completing a two-step title/abstract and full-text screening process, the eligible studies were included. RESULTS: We observed a pooled overall response rate (ORR) of 100%. Partial response (PR), stringent and/or complete response (sCR/CR), and relapse rate were 6%, 85%, and 18%, respectively. Additionally, the pooled rate of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity was 85%. The most common grade ≥3 adverse events were related to hematological toxicities, including neutropenia (100%), thrombocytopenia (79%), and anemia (57%). Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was also a frequent complication with a 100% rate; however, 81% of CRS events were low grades. No grade ≥3 GVHD was reported, and the immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS grade ≥3) was rare (4%). CONCLUSION: CD7 is an active and safe target that shows promising results in the treatment of relapsed and/or refractory (r/r) T-cell malignancies.

Ocular manifestations of COVID-19: A systematic review of current evidence.

Introduction: COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, commonly presents with symptoms such as fever and shortness of breath but can also affect other organs. There is growing evidence pointing to potential eye complications. In this article, we aim to systematically review the ocular manifestations of COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to explore the ocular manifestations of COVID-19. We searched online databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science up to September 4, 2023. After a two-stage screening process and applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, eligible articles were advanced to the data extraction phase. The PRISMA checklist and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) were used for quality and bias risk assessments. Results: We selected and extracted data from 42 articles. Most of the studies were cross-sectional (n = 33), with the highest number conducted in Turkey (n = 10). The most frequent ocular manifestation was conjunctivitis, reported in 24 articles, followed by photophobia, burning, chemosis, itching, and ocular pain. Most studies reported complete recovery from these manifestations; however, one study mentioned visual loss in two patients. Conclusion: In general, ocular manifestations of COVID-19 appear to resolve either spontaneously or with supportive treatments. For more severe cases, both medical treatment and surgery have been employed, with the outcomes suggesting that complete recoveries are attainable.

The relationship of hip fracture and thyroid disorders: a systematic review.

Introduction: Bone density regulation is considered one of the systems affected by thyroid hormones, leading to low bone density that can result in pathologic fractures, including hip fractures. This review aimed to update clinicians and researchers about the current data regarding the relationship between hip fractures and thyroid disorders. Methods: English papers were thoroughly searched in four main online databases of Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase. Data extraction was done following two steps of screening/selection using distinct inclusion/exclusion criteria. This study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) as bias assessment. Results: In total, 19 articles were included in the research. The risk of hip fractures in women with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is higher than hip fractures caused by osteoporosis. Men with hyperthyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism are at higher risk for hip fracture. Also, a decrease in serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) may be associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. Conclusion: Reaching a consensus conclusion regarding the association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and hip fracture is not feasible due to the heterogenicity of evidence; however, there may be a higher risk of fracture in individuals with subclinical hyperthyroidism.

Effects of Smoking on COVID-19 Management and Mortality: An Umbrella Review.

Introduction: Smoking status appears to lead to a poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients. However, findings from the studies conducted on this topic have not been consistent, and further exploration is required. Methods: The objective of this umbrella review was to examine the effects of smoking on COVID-19 management and mortality. Online databases that included PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched using relevant keywords up to July 27, 2022. Articles were restricted to the English language, and the PRISMA protocol was followed. Results: A total of 27 systematic reviews, published from 2020 to 2022, were included. Individual studies included in the systematic reviews ranged from 8 to 186, with various population sizes. The consensus from the majority of systematic reviews was that COVID-19 smoker patients experience greater disease severity, disease progression, hospitalization rate, hospital admission duration, mechanical ventilation, ICU admission, and mortality rate. Conclusions: COVID-19 patients with a history of smoking (current and former) are vulnerable to adverse hospital outcomes and worse COVID-19 progression. Effective preventive and supportive approaches are required to decrease the risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in patients with a history of smoking.