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Background Cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity (CTox) is a growing medical problem and baseline cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment is recommended in all patients scheduled to receive potentially cardiotoxic cancer therapy. Based on literature review, the Heart Failure Association (HFA) Cardio-Oncology working group and the International Cardio-Oncology Society (ICOS) proposed a risk score to predict CTox but, it has not been validated. Purpose To validate the HFA-ICOS anthracycline risk assessment score in the CARDIOTOX registry cohort (NCT02039622). Methods The CARDIOTOX registry is a prospective multicenter study aiming at identifying factors related with CTox and assessing the utility of clinical, biochemical, and echo parameters for the early detection of CV disease during and after cancer therapy. A total of 1324 adult patients were prospectively included from April 2012 to October 2017. Data was collected at baseline, 3 weeks and 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after initiation of treatment. Clinical follow-up was extended until January 2020. All patients receiving anthracycline chemotherapy were stratified according to HFA-ICOS risk score and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were analyzed to estimate the risk of all-cause mortality and anthracycline chemotherapy-related CV complications defined by HFA-ICOS risk score (left ventricular dysfunction (LVD), heart failure (HF) and arrhythmias). Results A total of 1066 patients were included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics are summarized in table 1. 571 patients (53.6%) meet low, 333 (31.2%) medium, 152 (14.3%) high and 10 (0.9%) very-high HFA-ICOS CTox risk criteria. 197 patients (18.4%) died of any cause during follow-up. CV death occurred in 4 patients (2%), all caused by HF. Any degree of CTox was identified in 519 (48.7%) patients during the 110 months follow-up (73 (6.8%) developed clinical HF/HF hospitalization, 29 (2.7%) asymptomatic LVEF 15%). Figures 1A and 1B showed the cumulative mortality rate and CTox rate during follow-up. CTox and all-cause mortality rates increased significantly according to the estimated baseline HFA-ICOS score. Conclusions HFA-ICOS risk score categorizes patients according to their risk of developing anthracycline chemotherapy-related CTox, showing a good ability to predict both all-cause mortality and CTox. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI13/00559).

Background and purpose In 2020, new recommendations against routine use of pretreatment in NSTEACS have been established, especially if an early invasive strategy (within first 24 hours) is planned [1]. These recommendations are mainly based on evidence from clinical trials that have included short intervals of time to coronary angiography (CA) [2,3]. However, this timing seems hard to achieve in daily clinical practice, above all, when high-risk NSTEACS patients are now advised for an early invasive strategy. We aimed to assess the feasibility of these recommendations in real-world clinical practice. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of a real-life cohort of NSTEACS patients referred to CA in a tertiary-level hospital between January and December 2020. Results We analysed 347 consecutive NSTEACS patients referred to CA (21.7% unstable angina, 78.3% NSTEMI). Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 60.5% and the radial or cubital artery access were exclusively used in 86.7%. Median time from hospital admission to CA was 39.4 hours (IQR: 20.7–67.0 hours) and 31.4% patients had the CA performed within first 24 hours (Figure 1). Main differences regarding clinical and risk-related variables among those patients who underwent CA before and after first 24 hours are shown in Table 1. More patients with NSTEMI and dynamic changes in ECG tended to be referred earlier to CA, while those with impaired renal function were more likely to receive a delayed strategy. There were 282 patients (82.7%) who met the high-risk criteria from current ESC guidelines on NSTEACS (GRACE risk score >140, ST transient elevation or depression in ECG, raise of cardiac troponin levels above the 99th percentile of the upper reference limit, cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest at presentation); of whom, only 95 (33.7%) were referred to CA in the first 24 hours. No differences were found according to patients being admitted to PCI or non-PCI centres (32.1% vs. 30.9% had the CA performed within first 24 hours, p=0.81) or receiving pretreatment with a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor or not (31.7% vs. 31.0% of the CA ≤24 hours group; p=0.87). Conclusion Evidence from this real-life registry shows that median time from admission to CA is far from current recommendations for high-risk NSTEACS patients. This might represent an important limitation at the moment of translating guidelines to daily clinical practice, especially those who presume patients to have a CA performed within first 24 hours. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Miguel Angel Pérez-Silguero,1 David Pérez-Silguero,2 Amado Rivero-Santana,3 Maria Inmaculada Bernal-Blasco,4 Pablo Encinas-Pisa1 1Department of Ophthalmology, La Paloma Hospital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain; 2Department of Ophthalmology, Pérez-Silguero Ophthalmologic Clinic, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain; 3Department of Health Technology Assessment, Fundación Canaria Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain; 4Department of Community and Family Medicine, Primary Care Center of Cuevas Torres, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, SpainCorrespondence: Amado Rivero-SantanaServicio de Evaluación del Servicio Canario de la Salud, Camino Candelaria, 44, El Rosario, S/C de Tenerife, 38109, SpainTel +34 922478269Email amado.riverosantana@sescs.esPurpose: To assess the effectiveness of a combination of intense pulsed light and low-level light therapy (IPL/LLLT) for the treatment of dry eye.Study Design: Retrospective before-after single-center clinical study.Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with dry eye, refractory to conventional treatment, underwent four sessions of combined IPL/LLLT over 3 months. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, non-invasive breakup time (NIBUT), tear film osmolarity and meniscus height were measured 6 months before intervention, at baseline, post-intervention (3 months), 9 and 15 months.Results: NIBUT, osmolarity and meniscus height significantly worsened during the 6 months before treatment, whereas symptoms did not change. OSDI scores significantly improved at post-intervention (MD = − 44.0, 95% CI − 38.1, − 50.0), and then increased again until the at last follow-up, but still significantly different from baseline (MD = − 30.0, 95% CI − 23.4, − 36.8). The three clinical signs showed a similar pattern, with one-year improvements of 3.6 seconds for the NIBUT (95% CI 3.1, 4.2, p < 0.001), 28 mOsm/L for osmolarity (95% CI 23.6, 32.4, p < 0.001) and 0.03 mm for meniscus height (95% CI 0.02, 0.04, p < 0.001). No adverse effects were observed.Conclusion: IPL/LLLT is safe and produces an important reduction in symptoms and signs of dry eye disease, still relevant one year after the end of treatment in a sample with high symptoms’ severity. Therefore, it represents a promising treatment option for patients who do not improve with conventional treatment. Randomized trials are needed to determine the added benefit provided by LLLT.Keywords: dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction, intense pulsed light, low-level light therapy, retrospective study

IntroductionFreeStyle Libre System (FSL) is a minimally invasive technology, which provides frequent information about interstitial glucose levels, which allows adjustment of insulin dose and a reduction in the number of fingersticks. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of FSL in childhood and adolescence.MethodsProspective case series in 27 Spanish hospitals. Patients aged 4-17 years with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) were included. Follow-up was done at 3, 6 and 12 months after starting to use the FSL. Outcome measures were HbA1c levels, acute complications of DM (severe hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis), DM knowledge, health-related quality of life, satisfaction and adverse effects. Biochemical glycemic outcomes (e.g., glycemic variability, time in therapeutic range) were available from 3 to 12 months. Mixed regression models with repeated time measurements were implemented.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 12.6 years, with 56.4 percent had HbA1c values above 7.5 percent at baseline. This subgroup significantly improved their HbA1c levels at 3, 6 and 12 months (-0.46%, -0.44% and -0.35%, respectively). Patients with controlled HbA1c levels significantly worsened at 12 months (0.29%). There was a significant reduction in severe hypoglycemic episodes, but only in the multiple imputation analysis. In patients controlled at baseline, there were significant reductions between 3 and 12 months in the percentage of time under 55mg/dl (-0.64%), above 250mg/dl (-1.8%) and glycemic variability (-2.6%). In uncontrolled patients, there was a significant reduction in time above 250mg/dl (-5.8%) between 3 and 12 months follow-up. There was no significant improvement in knowledge about disease, although general self-perceived health worsened and general satisfaction improved. Mild adverse events such as skin reactions (14%) and discomfort or pain (11.3%) with no significant reductions in follow-up were recorded.ConclusionsThe use of FSL in childhood and adolescence with T1DM produces a significant reduction in HbA1c levels in patients with uncontrolled HbA1c levels along with a reduction in severe hypoglycemic episodes (in the multiple imputation analysis). FSL-related adverse effects are considered mild.

Cocaine use disorder; Craving; Non-invasive brain stimulation Trastorn per consum de cocaïna; Ànsia; Estimulació cerebral no invasiva Trastorno por consumo de cocaína; Ansia; Estimulación cerebral no invasiva Long-term cocaine use is associated with cognitive deficits and neuro-psychiatric pathologies. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an emerging therapeutic strategy relating to changes in brain activity. It stimulates the prefrontal cortex and is involved in inhibitory cognitive control, decision making and care. This systematic review aims to evaluate and synthesize the evidence on the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of rTMS for the treatment of cocaine addiction. A systematic review of the literature was carried out. The following electronic databases were consulted from inception to October 2020: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science. Randomised controlled trials, non-randomised controlled trials and case-series and full economic evaluations were included. Twelve studies were included. No identified study reported data on cost-effectiveness. Significant results of the efficacy of TMS have been observed in terms of the reduction of craving to consume and the number of doses consumed. No serious adverse effects have been observed. Despite the low quality of the studies, the first results were observed in terms of reduction of cocaine use and craving. In any case, this effect is considered moderate. Studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are required.

Background In recent decades, many self‐report instruments have been developed to assess the extent to which patients want to be informed and involved in decisions about their health as part of the concept of person‐centred care (PCC). The main objective of this research was to translate, adapt and validate the Patient‐Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) using a sample of primary care health‐care professionals in Spain. Methods Baseline analysis of PPOS scores for 321 primary care professionals (general practitioners and nurses) from 63 centres and 3 Spanish regions participating in a randomized controlled trial. We analysed missing values, distributions and descriptive statistics, item‐to‐scale correlations and internal consistency. Performed were confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the 2‐factor model (sharing and caring dimensions), scale depuration and principal component analysis (PCA). Results Low inter‐item correlations were observed, and the CFA 2‐factor model only obtained a good fit to the data after excluding 8 items. Internal consistency of the 10‐item PPOS was acceptable (0.77), but low for individual subscales (0.70 and 0.55). PCA results suggest a possible 3‐factor structure. Participants showed a patient‐oriented style (mean = 4.46, SD = 0.73), with higher scores for caring than sharing. Conclusion Although the 2‐factor model obtained empirical support, measurement indicators of the PPOS (caring dimension) could be improved. Spanish primary care health‐care professionals overall show a patient‐oriented attitude, although less marked in issues such as patients’ need for and management of medical information.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Abbott Background Peak frequency (PF) of conventional bipolar electrograms is a novel parameter which may distinguish between near-field (NF) and far-field (FF) signals. However, the influence of activation rate and the direction of the activation front on it is unknown. Purpose 1. To study the influence of atrial cycle length and wavefront origin on PF to detect residual conduction in a well-defined model of narrow isthmus of conduction such as subacute pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection following atrial fibrillation ablation. 2. To compare this influence with that found for Bipolar voltage (BiV). Methods Baseline maps were acquired in redo PV isolation (PVI) procedures with a 16-pole grid catheter (HD-Grid) during low rate sinus rhythm (SR), low rate coronary sinus pacing at 500 ms cycle length (CSLR) and high rate coronary sinus pacing at 300 ms cycle length (CSHR). PFs were retrospectively computed. PVI sites requiring ≤3 radiofrequency applications were included, with EGMʼs ≤1cm from the PVI site classified as GAP (vs >1cm, No-GAP). Results 28 GAPs were found in 12 of 14 consecutive patients in the study. 3976 EGMʼs (1547 GAP vs 2429 No-GAP) were analyzed. In both GAP and No-GAP, PF was similar in SR vs CSLR (GAP: 363±132 Hz -SR vs 345±135 Hz -CSLR, P=NS ; No-GAP: 196±110 Hz -SR vs 181±116 Hz -CSLR, P=NS). PF was slightly higher for CSLR vs CSHR. (GAP: 345±135 Hz -CSLR vs 317±154 Hz -CSHR, P Conclusion ROC gap discrimination was significantly higher for all rhythm modes with PF vs BiV. PF showed slightly decreasing cutoff values for SR, CSLR and CSHR respectively, whereas BiV showed a greater relative decrease in cutoffs for SR, CSLR and CSHR.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Abbott Background Activation and voltage (Bi-V) maps (Panel A) based on conventional bipolar electrograms (EGMs) are influenced by both near-field (NF) and far-field (FF) EGM components. This represents a limitation in the accurate detection of residual conduction within regions of scar. Peak frequency (PF) EGM analysis may better distinguish NF from FF activation vs conventional detection methods. (Panels B & C) Purpose 1. To validate the use of PF to detect residual conduction in a well-defined model of narrow isthmus of conduction such as subacute pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection following atrial fibrillation ablation. 2. To compare discrimination value of PF and conventional Bi-V to detect such isthmuses. Methods Bi-V and activation maps were acquired during redo PV isolation (PVI) procedures using a rectangular 16-pole catheter (HD-Grid). LA-PV conduction was assessed during coronary sinus (CS) pacing (500ms cycle length). Any conduction gap (GAP) site at which PVI was established using ≤3 focal radiofrequency applications was analyzed. (Panel A) EGMʼs ≤1cm from the site of PVI were classified as GAP (vs EGMʼs ≥1cm - No-Gap). (Panel B) Results 28 GAPs were found in 12 of 14 consecutive patients in the study. 3,976 EGMʼs (1,547 GAP vs 2,429 No-GAP) were analyzed. GAP regions showed significantly higher PF than No-GAP regions (345 ±135 vs 181±116 Hz, P (1.86±2.11 mV vs 0.62±1.22 mV, P Conclusion PF better detects residual conduction within an atrial scar region than conventional Bi-V. The PF cutoff value for gap discrimination in the PV antra is 240 Hz.

Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UAB This project was supported by Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministry of Health, Spain (grant number PI15/01264). Objective: To assess gender differences in the decision-making process for treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: A secondary analysis of a randomized trial was conducted (n = 193). Knowledge of OA and total knee replacement (TKR), decisional conflict, satisfaction with the decision-making process, treatment preference and TKR uptake 6 months later were compared by gender. Multivariate regression models were developed to identify gender-specific predictors. Results: Women showed less knowledge (MD = −7.68, 95% CI: −13.9, −1.46, p = 0.016), reported less satisfaction (MD = −6.95, 95% CI: −11.7, −2.23, p = 0.004) and gave more importance to avoiding surgery (U = 2.09, p = 0.019). In women, more importance attributed to the time needed to relieve symptoms significantly reduced the odds of surgery (OR = 0.76, p = 0.016). Conclusion: The provision of information and/or promotion of shared decision-making could be of lower quality in female patients, although other explanations such as differences in information needs or preference for involvement in decision-making cannot be ruled out with the current evidence. Given the study's limitations, especially regarding the sample size, further confirmation is needed. Practice implications: A systematic, shared decision-making approach in consultation is needed to avoid potential gender-based biases.

In Spain, there is not a national strategy to promote shared decision making (SDM) in clinical practice, and it is still not a requisite for improving the quality of health services, in either the legal norms or professionals' educational curricula. However, several national strategies in specific health areas increasingly include the principles of person centred care (PCC) and SDM into their objectives, promoting patients' empowerment and activation. Furthermore, several institutions continue to develop Patient Decision Aids (PtDAs) and other resources to facilitate patients' involvement in their own care; training programs for professionals; links between PtDAs and clinical practice guidelines; as well as interventional studies assessing the impact of PCC and SDM interventions in clinical practice. Initiatives to involve patients in health research design and health technology assessment are also being developed. We describe an update of the current state of research, policy and implementation of SDM after five years of substantial advances in Spain. Many challenges remain regarding national and regional policies on PCC and SDM, implementation of SDM in real practice and educational curricula, development of quality indicators and evaluation procedures.

Introduction. In cross-sectional analyses, higher levels of patient empowerment have been related to lower symptoms of anxiety and depression. The aims of this study are: (1) to assess if patient empowerment predicts anxiety and depression symptoms after 12 and 24 months among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and (2) to analyze whether a change in patient empowerment is associated with a change in anxiety and depression level. Methods. This is a secondary analysis of the INDICA study, a 24 month-long, multi-arm randomized controlled trial. Patient empowerment (DES-SF), depression (BDI-II), and state-anxiety (STAI-S) were assessed at the baseline (pre-intervention) and after 12 and 24 months. Multilevel mixed linear models with a random intercept were performed to correct for our clustered data. Results. The multilevel regression models showed that the baseline empowerment did not significantly predict anxiety and depression after 12 and 24 months. However, a higher increase in patient empowerment was significantly associated with reductions of anxiety (p < 0.001) and depression levels (p < 0.001). This association was not significantly different between the two follow-ups. Conclusion. This study contributes to the knowledge on how to reduce affective symptoms in patients with uncomplicated T2DM through comprehensive patient-centered interventions, and it highlights patient empowerment as a significant contributor.

Background: Meditation is defined as a form of cognitive training that aims to improve attentional and emotional self-regulation. This systematic review aims to evaluate the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness and safety of mantra-based meditation techniques (MBM), in comparison to passive or active controls, or other active treatment, for the management of mental health symptoms. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO databases were consulted up to April 2021. Randomised controlled trials regarding meditation techniques mainly based on the repetition of mantras, such as transcendental meditation or others, were included. Results: MBM, compared to control conditions, was found to produce significant small-to-moderate effect sizes in the reduction of anxiety (g = −0.46, IC95%: −0.60, −0.32; I2 = 33%), depression (g = −0.33, 95% CI: −0.48, −0.19; I2 = 12%), stress (g = −0.45, 95% CI: −0.65, −0.24; I2 = 46%), post-traumatic stress (g = −0.59, 95% CI: −0.79, −0.38; I2 = 0%), and mental health-related quality of life (g = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.49; I2 = 0%). Conclusions: MBM appears to produce small-to-moderate significant reductions in mental health; however, this evidence is weakened by the risk of study bias and the paucity of studies with psychiatric samples and long-term follow-up.

Additional file 1: Sociodemographic and clinical data.

IntroductionAromatherapy is the field of herbal medicine that uses essential oils distilled from flowers, roots, and herbs and other plant compounds to promote physical and psychological well-being. Essential oils are absorbed into the body in different ways, with the inhaled and topical routes being the most widely used. The aim of this review was to critically evaluate and synthesize the available scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety of aromatherapy for the management of any therapeutic indication. This report was requested by the Spanish Ministries of Health and Science and Innovation.MethodsAn overview of systematic reviews (SRs) was performed. The MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were searched for literature published from January 2006 to August 2021. SRs reporting the efficacy and safety of aromatherapy were included. We applied no restrictions in terms of administration route or essential oil used. Two reviewers independently performed screening and selection, data extraction, and quality assessment.ResultsWe included 74 SRs covering a wide variety of populations and settings. The most reported outcome was anxiety, followed by pain, and the most commonly used essential oil was lavender. Fifteen SRs reported mild adverse events with aromatherapy. Only 11 SRs assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. Aromatherapy reduced heart rate and likely reduces anxiety and breathing rate in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Aromatherapy probably also reduces pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea. Additionally, it may reduce blood pressure, acute pain, subjective stress, and the need for antiemetic drugs after surgical procedures. However, the evidence was very uncertain regarding the effect of essential oils on anxiety, pain, and quality of life in patients with cancer, anxiety and pain after a caesarean section, and dental anxiety.ConclusionsAromatherapy may be useful for managing psychological and physical symptoms in different settings. However, the conclusions of this review are not definitive because of the moderate to high risk of bias in many of the primary studies included in the SRs.

IntroductionDiabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most frequent metabolic complications associated with pregnancy, affecting both the prognosis of the pregnant woman and the newborn. Pregestational DM type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM) and gestational DM (GDM) are associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, fetal malformations, macrosomia, preeclampsia, and neonatal hypoglycemia, among others. The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using the Dexcom G6 device (Dexcom, Co., USA) to continuously self-monitor blood glucose levels during pregnancy. This report was requested by the Spanish Ministry of Health.MethodsWe systematically searched for articles published to July 2021 in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases. We included experimental and observational primary studies addressing the safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness of the Dexcom G6 device for gestational and pregestational diabetes.ResultsTwo non-comparative prospective studies were identified. One study of 25 pregnant women with T1DM, which evaluated glycemic control and complications during pregnancy and postpartum, reported stable hemoglobin A1c levels during gestation in women using the Dexcom G6 device. The percentage of time spent in the therapeutic glucose range (63 to 140 mg/dL) was 59 percent; 38 percent was in the hyperglycemic range and 3 percent was in the hypoglycemic range. Although some patients reported mild erythematous and edematous reactions to the sensor, no moderate or severe reactions or infections occurred at the sensor insertion site. The other study in pregnant women with T1DM (n=20), T2DM (n=3), or GDM (n=9) showed adequate accuracy of the Dexcom G6 device, compared with the reference method, especially when the sensor is placed on the arm.ConclusionsRandomized controlled trials are required to assess the effectiveness and safety of the Dexcom G6 device in maintaining adequate glucose control during pregnancy in women with DM. Studies are also needed to compare the Dexcom G6 device with conventional capillary blood glucose self-monitoring or other monitoring methods. No cost-effectiveness studies have been conducted for the Dexcom G6 device in this patient population.

IntroductionLong-term cocaine use is associated with a wide range of cognitive deficits and neuropsychiatric pathologies. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an emerging therapeutic strategy that stimulates the prefrontal cortex and may improve cognitive inhibitory control and decision-making. This systematic review aimed to evaluate and synthesize evidence on the safety, effectiveness, and cost effectiveness of rTMS for the treatment of cocaine addiction.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was carried out. The following electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies published from inception to October 2020: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized controlled trials (nRCTs), case series studies, and full economic evaluations were included.ResultsA total of 12 relevant studies were identified, which included five RCTs, one nRCTs, and six case series studies. None of the studies reported data on cost effectiveness. The results indicated that rTMS reduces cocaine cravings and the number of doses consumed. No serious adverse effects were observed.ConclusionsThe ability to modulate the craving for cocaine in a specific way with non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as rTMS, could be a new adjunct to the behavioral treatment of addiction, especially for cocaine use where there is currently no approved pharmacological treatment. Despite the low quality of the included studies, preliminary results indicate that rTMS may reduce cocaine use and cravings. In any case, since this effect is considered moderate, future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow up are required.

IntroductionAbout 70 percent of metastatic breast, lung, and prostate cancers affect the bones. When this phase of the disease affects the spine, the mobility and quality of life of patients are severely impaired. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has become a feasible option in the palliative treatment of vertebral metastases due to its minimal invasiveness and short procedure time. This health technology assessment report aimed to identify, evaluate, and synthesize evidence on the safety, effectiveness, and cost effectiveness of RFA for vertebral metastases.MethodsA systematic search was conducted to identify literature published from December 2016 to July 2019 in the following databases: Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Systematic reviews, randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, and case series studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of RFA in patients with vertebral metastases were included.ResultsSixteen studies were included: two systematic reviews, 13 case series studies, and one comparative study. None of the systematic reviews identified any randomized controlled trials. Of the 14 included primary studies, 10 evaluated RFA in combination with vertebroplasty, three evaluated RFA in combination with kyphoplasty, and one study evaluated a combination of RFA and radiation therapy. In all cases, the evaluated patients had different types of cancer (e.g., breast, lung, or liver). The follow-up periods varied between the studies from one day to 12 months. The most commonly used RFA devices were the STAR™ Tumour Ablation System (Merit Medical Systems) and the OsteoCool™ Radiofrequency Ablation System (Medtronic).ConclusionsRFA reduces pain, improves functional capacity, and provides greater local control of disease, potentially giving patients a higher quality of life, even in the context of metastatic disease. Although there is evidence on the safety and efficacy of this technology for the palliative treatment of vertebral metastases, more studies with higher methodological quality are needed. There were no studies available on the cost effectiveness of RFA for this indication.