Comparing Gefitinib and Traditional Chemotherapy for Better Survival in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review.

Current non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment consists of various combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation, depending on the tumor stage. Individuals with stage II-IIIa NSCLC undergo surgery, followed by combination chemotherapy containing cisplatin, such as vinorelbine + cisplatin. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as gefitinib, act by inhibiting any signaling pathway containing the EGFR mutation and inhibiting the growth of NSCLC. TKI is a treatment option in advanced NSCLC, resulting in more prolonged progression-free survival (PFS). This manuscript aims to evaluate the influence of utilizing gefitinib - either alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic drug regimens upon NSCLC patient profile survival parameters. A systematic literature review was conducted across multiple scientific literature repositories. The review was performed using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020. There were six randomized clinical trials (RCT) and five retrospective studies. The overall consensus based on the end outcome of each published journal on the effectiveness of gefitinib as a treatment option for NSCLC indicated that there was a notable difference in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and disease-free survival (DFS) datasets. Gefitinib use correlated with increased timeframes for multiple patient survival parameters within articles shortlisted in this investigation. However, more comprehensive investigations are required to validate such correlations. Gefitinib did demonstrate the potential to provide beneficial effects and counteract NSCLC within such patients.

Islamic fasting: cardiovascular disease perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Ramadan is a month of obligatory fasting observed by the majority of 2 billion Muslims living around the globe. The guidelines for 'risk-free' fasting exist for chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, but recommendations for cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients are deficient due to the paucity of literature. AREAS COVERED: Databases were screened to find relevant studies for an evidence-based consensus regarding the risk stratification and management of CVD. Using practical guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), we categorized patients into low-, moderate-, and high-risk categories and proposed a pre-Ramadan checklist for the assessment of cardiac patients before fasting. Regular moderate-intensity exercise is recommended for most cardiac patients, which has been demonstrated to provide an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect that improves immune function. EXPERT OPINION: In Ramadan, many physiological changes occur during fasting, which brings about a balanced metabolic homeostasis of the body. In addition, Ramadan fasting is a nonpharmacologic means of decreasing CV risk factors. As Islam exempts Muslims from fasting if they are unwell; therefore, patients with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS), advanced heart failure (HF), recent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or cardiac surgery should avoid fasting.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Honey Consumption With Anti-Cough Medication in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review.

Coughing is one of the most prevalent symptoms in children presenting at outpatient departments. This systematic review aimed to review previous literature in order to compare the use of honey and antitussive medications for treating coughs in children. Literature was screened across five databases using Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) strategy, keywords, and inclusion and exclusion criteria. The remaining literature was evaluated using a quality appraisal tool checklist. This review includes systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, cross-sectional studies, and articles without a defined methodology section. This review suggests that honey is effective in treating children above 12 months of age, while cold and cough medications (CCMs) are safe if administered at therapeutic doses. Since fatalities can occur in children under two years of age, further RCT studies on CCMs are required to establish safety across all age groups.