Friday, November 30, 2012

Hippocampal volumes in patients exposed to low-dose radiation to the basal brain. A case--control st

Background: An earlier study from our group of long time survivors of head and neck cancer who had received a low radiation dose to the hypothalamic-pituitary region, with no signs of recurrence or pituitary dysfunction, had their quality of life (QoL) compromised as compared with matched healthy controls. Hippocampal changes have been shown to accompany several psychiatric conditions and the aim of the present study was to test whether the patients' lowered QoL was coupled to a reduction in hippocampal volume. Methods: Patients (11 men and 4 women, age 31--65) treated for head and neck cancer 4--10 years earlier and with no sign of recurrence or pituitary dysfunction, and 15 matched controls were included. The estimated radiation doses to the basal brain including the hippocampus (1.5 -- 9.3 Gy) had been calculated in the earlier study. The hippocampal volumetry was done on coronal sections from a 1.5 T MRI scanner. Measurements were done by two independent raters, blinded to patients and controls, using a custom method for computer assisted manual segmentation. The volumes were normalized for intracranial volume which was also measured manually. The paired t test and Wilcoxon's signed rank test were used for the main statistical analysis. Results: There was no significant difference with respect to left, right or total hippocampal volume between patients and controls. All mean differences were close to zero, and the two-tailed 95% confidence interval for the difference in total, normalized volume does not include a larger than 8% deficit in the patients. Conclusion: The study gives solid evidence against the hypothesis that the patients' lowered quality of life was due to a major reduction of hippocampal volume.





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Initial experience with endoscopic side cutting aspiration system in pure neuroendoscopic excision o

Publication year: 2012
Source:World Neurosurgery
Aaron Mohanty, Bobbye Jo Thompson, Joel Patterson
Objective Conventionally, neuroendoscopic excision of intraventricular tumors has been difficult and time consuming due to lack of an effective decompression system that can be used through the working channel of the endoscope. Methods The authors report their initial experience in pure endoscopic excision of large intraventricular tumors with the minimally invasive NICO Myriad system. The NICO Myriad is a side cutting soft tissue aspiration system which employs an inner reciprocating canula and an outer stationary sheath with a side port. During decompression, applied suction approximates the tumor into the lumen of the outer sheath with the inner canula excising the tissue by oscillation of the cutting edge. The tumor is then removed by aspiration through the inner sheath. Results Three patients with large intraventricular tumors were operated by a pure endoscopic approach using a Gaab's rigid endoscope and the NICO Myriad system. Of these, 2 had intraventricular craniopharyngiomas and one had a lateral ventricular subependymoma. The tumor size varied between 1.9 and 4.5 cm in the largest diameter. A relatively firm and solid tumor was encountered in 2 and a multicystic tumor with thick adherent walls in one. The tumor could be subtotally removed in one and near totally in two. There were no long term complications. Conclusion The NICO Myriad is a highly effective tumor decompression system which can be effectively used in pure endoscopic approach to intraventricular lesions.






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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Post-Operative Intensive Care Unit Requirements Following Elective Craniotomy

Publication year: 2012
Source:World Neurosurgery
Brian W. Hanak, Brian P. Walcott, Brian V. Nahed, Alona Muzikansky, Matthew K. Mian, William T. Kimberly, William T. Curry
Objective Commonly, patients undergoing craniotomy are admitted to an intensive care setting post-operatively to allow for close monitoring. We aim to determine the frequency with which patients who have undergone elective craniotomies require intensive care unit level interventions or experience significant complications during the post-operative period to identify a subset of patients for whom an alternative to ICU level care may be appropriate. Methods Following Institutional Review Board approval, a prospective, consecutive cohort of adult patients undergoing elective craniotomy was established at the Massachusetts General Hospital between the dates of April 2010 and March 2011. Inclusion criteria were intradural operations requiring craniotomy performed on adults (18 years of age or greater). Exclusion criteria were cases of an urgent or emergent nature, patients who remained intubated post-operatively, and patients who had a ventriculostomy drain in place at the conclusion of the case. Results 400 patients were analyzed. Univariate analysis revealed that diabetics (p = 0.00047), patients who required intra-operative blood product administration (p = 0.032), older patients (p < 0.0001), patients with higher intra-operative blood losses (p = 0.041), and patients who underwent longer surgical procedures (p = 0.021) were more likely to require ICU-level interventions or experience significant post-operative complications. Multivariate analysis only found diabetes (p = 0.0005) and age (p = 0.0091) to be predictive of a patient's need for post-operative intensive care unit admission. Conclusions Diabetes and older age predict the need for ICU-level intervention after elective craniotomy. Properly selected patients may not require post-craniotomy ICU monitoring. Further study of resource utilization is necessary to validate these preliminary findings, particularly in different hospital types.






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Why to avoid afternoon surgery

The time of day you have surgery can affect your outcome, research shows. This could be due to doctors' afternoon sleepiness, or may be tied to afternoon shift changes for the surgery team.





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ORCID será o CPF dos cientistas?

Sei que você já teve dificuldade de distinguir autores numa busca do Pubmed. Há vários sobrenomes iguais e o uso das iniciais do(s) primeiro(s) nome(s) nem sempre ajuda muito. Além de coincidências, há muita variação no uso, o mesmo autor pode aparecer com uma ou mais iniciais. 

A chegada dos chineses tornou as coisas mais difíceis. Uma busca no Pubmed pelo sobrenome Xu mostra que entre os





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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Surgical management of large and giant cavernous sinus hemangiomas

Publication year: 2012
Source:Journal of Clinical Neuroscience
Yi-Heng Yin, Xin-Guang Yu, Bai-Nan Xu, Ding-Biao Zhou, Bo Bu, Xiao-Lei Chen
Cavernous sinus hemangiomas (CSH) are rare vascular tumors within the cavernous sinus. Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKS) is less effective for large and giant CSH than for smaller ones. In one of the largest single-institution series reported thus far, we present 22 patients with large (3–4 cm-diameter, six patients) and giant (>4cm, 16 patients) CSH treated surgically between 1994 and 2011. We also review related reports published since 1999 and further compare the treatment outcomes of surgery and radiosurgery. In the present study, a modified Dolenc's epidural approach was performed in 18 patients and the intradural approach was used in four. Gross total or near-total resection was achieved in 18 patients, subtotal resection was achieved in three patients and partial resection was achieved in one patient. Postoperative ophthalmoparesis occurred in seven patients (two improved, four unchanged to preoperative, one new deficit), and decreased visual acuity occurred in one patient. The reviewed literature and our experience suggest that surgical treatment of large and giant CSH is a reasonable option. A relatively low postoperative morbidity can be achieved with minimal disturbance of cranial nerve (CN) III, particularly with early localization and preservation of CN VI. GKS could be an adjunct treatment for residual tumor.






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Treatment of adult nonmetastatic medulloblastoma patients according to the paediatric HIT 2000 proto

Publication year: 2012
Source:European Journal of Cancer
Carsten Friedrich, André O. von Bueren, Katja von Hoff, Robert Kwiecien, Torsten Pietsch, Monika Warmuth-Metz, Peter Hau, Frank Deinlein, Joachim Kuehl, Rolf D. Kortmann, Stefan Rutkowski
Background Medulloblastoma in adulthood is rare. Knowledge is limited, and the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy – especially in nonmetastatic disease – is still elusive. Methods Seventy adults aged ⩾21years (median age: 28.5years) with nonmetastatic medulloblastoma were followed as observational patients within the prospective paediatric multicentre trial HIT 2000. Treatment consisted of radiotherapy (35.2Gy to the craniospinal axis and a boost to 55.2Gy to the posterior fossa) followed in most patients by maintenance chemotherapy (lomustine (CCNU), vincristine and cisplatin, n =49). Results The implementation of maintenance chemotherapy was feasible. Peripheral neuropathy (74%) and haematotoxicity (55%) during maintenance chemotherapy appear to be more common in adults than in children. At a median follow-up of 3.7years, the 4-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates±standard error (SE) were 68%±7% and 89%±5%. Patients with desmoplastic medulloblastoma and lateral tumour location (n =19) had a lower EFS compared to patients with centrally located desmoplastic tumours (n =10) (p =0.011). Absence of residual postoperative tumour (n =40) was associated to a lower rate of progression/relapse compared to present (n =11) or unknown (n =12) residual tumour status (p =0.006). Lateral tumour location and unknown residual tumour status were independent negative prognostic factors. Conclusions Maintenance chemotherapy is applicable in adults with nonmetastatic medulloblastoma. Histological subtype and tumour location were newly identified risk factors in this age-group, and should be further analysed in prospective trials.






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Avastin® (Bevacizumab) Stalls Most Common And Most Aggressive Brain Cancer For Over Four Months Long

Adding Avastin to the current standard of care for newly diagnosed aggressive brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme, GBM) can significantly extend the time people live without their disease worsening, by 4.4 months (progression free survival of 10.6 months compared to 6.2 months with radiation and chemotherapy plus placebo, HR =0 ...





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Esthesioneuroblastoma

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare malignant neoplasm in the olfactory region of the nasal cavity and anterior skull base. Diagnosis and staging require anatomic imaging and careful pathologic assessment. Standard treatment is anterior craniofacial resection with postoperative irradiation. The role for chemotherapy is not defined, but is generally for the most advanced cases and used in the neoadjuvant setting and/or postoperatively with irradiation. Prognosis is favorable; however, metastasis rates remain relatively high. Regional and distant metastasis portends a poor outcome. Intensity-modulated radiation treatment and endoscopic surgery have reduced morbidity, but outcomes with these techniques must be fully evaluated.





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Minimally Invasive Approaches to the Anterior Skull Base

The use of minimally invasive approaches to the anterior skull base is a valuable tool to improving the treatment in patients with aggressive anterior skull base neoplasms. This article discusses the history, advantages and disadvantages relative to open approaches, the corridors and pathways used in approach, the equipment and operating room setup, perioperative care, and complication avoidance. Although outcomes are difficult to compare to open approaches, due to often small and varying patient cohorts, these approaches continue to gain acceptance as an effective treatment of anterior skull base tumors in the experienced surgeon's hands with proper patient selection.





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Management Considerations for Malignant Tumors of the Skull Base

The last two decades have brought refinements in diagnostic imaging, instrumentation, and microvascular reconstruction, and an improved overall appreciation of the anatomy of the skull base, both open and endoscopic. These refinements have extended the boundaries of tumor resection and have obviated adjuvant therapies in some patients with benign or low-grade tumors. In patients with high-grade malignancies, however, a carefully constructed multimodal treatment plan, incorporating surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, is necessary to maximize patients' outcomes.





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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Pós operatório em Neurocirurgia ( guia de neurocirurgia intensiva)


Aula com algumas noções básicas de pós-operatório em neurocirurgia. Baseado no aplicativo Guia de Neurocirurgia Intensiva. 
Este aplicativo tenta sistematizar as condutas utilizadas no dia a dia da UTI neurocirúrgica da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte. O conteúdo foi desenvolvido por uma equipe de Neurocirurgiões que atuam na Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte - MG e membros do NEUROSURGERY BLOG. O aplicativo Neurocirurgia Intensiva possui mais de 10 ilustrações esquemáticas, complicações e indicações cirúrgicas para facilitar o aprendizado.
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Friday, November 16, 2012

Clinical outcomes and natural history of pediatric brainstem tumors: with 33 cases follow-ups

Abstract  
The purpose of this study is to investigate the patient characteristics and clinical outcomes of children with pediatric brainstem glioma. Between 2004 and 2009, a total of 42 children were diagnosed with brainstem gliomas at the Neurosurgical Center of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, China. A retrospective study including the 33 patients of this cohort with complete follow-up was conducted in an attempt to better understand clinical outcomes following multidisciplinary treatment modalities for pediatric brainstem gliomas. Investigational variables including clinical presentations, anatomical distribution, radiological findings, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Survival time difference was computed using a Kaplan–Meier method with a log-rank test between groups. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was utilized in the multivariate analysis to determine the independent prognostic factors. Overall median survival of the entire series of patients was 11 months with a 1-year actuarial survival rate of 43.6 %. In nine patients who received no treatment after diagnosis, all patients expired within 8 months with a median time of 3.5 months. On univariate analysis, the following variables including older age at diagnosis, higher Karnofsky Performance Status score at diagnosis, the lower pathological grade, surgical resection modality, increasing diagnostic latency, and focal growth pattern were associated with better survival. On multivariate analysis, only the last two variables were associated with survival advantage. Focal pediatric brainstem gliomas amenable to a surgical resection are likely to achieve a prolonged survival. Clinical trials on larger number of patients are of importance in further understanding this spectrum of devastating diseases.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Category Original Article
  • Pages 1-10
  • DOI 10.1007/s10143-012-0428-8
  • Authors
    • Tao Sun, Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 6 Tiantan Xili Chongwen District, Beijing, 100050 People's Republic of China
    • Weiqing Wan, Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 6 Tiantan Xili Chongwen District, Beijing, 100050 People's Republic of China
    • Zhen Wu, Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 6 Tiantan Xili Chongwen District, Beijing, 100050 People's Republic of China
    • Junting Zhang, Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 6 Tiantan Xili Chongwen District, Beijing, 100050 People's Republic of China
    • Liwei Zhang, Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 6 Tiantan Xili Chongwen District, Beijing, 100050 People's Republic of China





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Spine Radiosurgery: A Dosimetric Analysis in 124 Patients Who Received 18 Gy

Purpose: To define the safely tolerated doses to organs at risk (OARs) adjacent to the target volume (TV) of spine radiosurgery (SRS) with 18-Gy in a single fraction.Methods and Materials: A total of 124 patient cases with 165 spine metastases were reviewed. An 18-Gy single-fraction regimen was prescribed to the 90% isodose line encompassing the TV. A constraint of 10 Gy to 10% of the spinal cord outlined 6 mm above and below the TV was used. Dosimetric data to OARs were analyzed.Results: A total of 124 patients (100%) were followed-up, and median follow-up time was 7 months (1-50 months). Symptoms and local control were achieved in 114 patients (92%). Acute Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grade 1 oral mucositis occurred in 11 of 11 (100%) patients at risk for oropharyngeal toxicity after cervical spine treatment. There were no RTOG grade 2-4 acute or late complications. Median TV was 43.2 cc (5.3-175.4 cc) and 90% of the TV received median dose of 19 Gy (17-19.8 Gy). Median (range) of spinal cord maximum dose (Dmax), dose to spinal cord 0.35 cc (Dsc0.35), and cord volume receiving 10 Gy (Vsc10) were 13.8 Gy (5.4-21 Gy), 8.9 Gy (2.6-11.4 Gy) and 0.33 cc (0-1.6 cc), respectively. Other OARs were evaluated when in proximity to the TV. Esophagus (n=58), trachea (n=28), oropharynx (n=11), and kidneys (n=34) received median (range) V10 and V15 of 3.1 cc (0-5.8 cc) and 1.2 cc (0-2.9 cc), 2.8 cc (0-4.9 cc), and 0.8 cc (0-2.1 cc), 3.4 cc (0-6.2 cc) and 1.6 cc (0-3.2 cc), 0.3 cc (0-0.8 cc) and 0.08 cc (0-0.1 cc), respectively.Conclusions: Cord Dmax of 14 Gy and D0.35 of 10 Gy are safe dose constraints for 18-Gy single-fraction SRS. Esophagus V10 of 3 cc and V15 of 1 cc, trachea V10 of 3 cc, and V15 of 1 cc, oropharynx V10 of 3.5 cc and V15 of 1.5 cc, kidney V10 of 0.3 cc, and V15 of 0.1 cc are planning guidelines when these OARs are in proximity to the TV.





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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Single-stage posterior decompression and stabilization for metastasis of the thoracic spine: prognos

Publication year: 2012
Source:The Spine Journal
Sangjoon Chong, Sang-Hoon Shin, Heon Yoo, Seung Hoon Lee, Ki-Jeong Kim, Tae-Ahn Jahng, Ho-Shin Gwak
Background context There are limited data analyzing radiological and clinical factors for the functional outcomes of surgery for spinal metastasis. Also, there are few studies to investigate the relationship between the functional outcome and the patients' survival. Thus, analysis of both functional outcomes and the survival with their relationship in a possibly homogenous group of patients is worth being reported. Purpose To assess treatment outcomes of single-stage posterior decompression and stabilization (PDS) with or without corpectomy for thoracic vertebral metastases and to analyze factors affecting both the functional outcome and the patients' survival after the surgical intervention. Study design Retrospective observational study. Patient sample A consecutive series of 105 patients, who underwent the previously stated surgery for metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) of thoracic spine, were included and retrospectively analyzed. Outcome measures The postoperative functional outcomes were evaluated using visual analog scale and Frankel grade at postoperative 2 weeks, and all patients were followed for survival analysis. Methods An institutional database was searched to identify all patients who underwent single-stage PDS for thoracic metastatic spinal tumors between March 2002 and June 2010. Demographic data as well as preoperative and postoperative medical conditions were collected from medical records. Radiological findings were confirmed on electronic archive. Survival data were obtained either on medical records or with a reference to governmental cancer registry system. Results Postoperative pain improvement was more evident in patients receiving anterior column reconstruction and four or more levels of fixation (p=.02 and <0.01, respectively). Twenty-one patients (20%) showed improvement of the Frankel grade, and 10 of 21 Frankel C patients became ambulatory. The preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (≥70) and ambulatory status were significant predictors for the postoperative ambulatory function. After surgery, the median overall survival of the patients was 6.0 months. In the univariate analysis, the patient's age (younger than 60 years), type of primary cancer (ie, moderate and slow growth), no visceral metastases, less than three levels of spinal metastases, and postoperative adjuvant therapy were positively significant for the patients' survival (p<.05). In the multivariate analysis, limited (less than three levels) spinal metastases and postoperative adjuvant therapy were proven to significantly prolong the patient's survival (hazard ratios of 0.53 and 0.48, respectively, p<.05). Although the functional outcomes did not directly influence the patients' survival, the patients with better functional outcome showed increased chance of receiving postoperative adjuvant therapy (p<.01). Conclusions Single-stage PDS with or without corpectomy effectively improved the functional status of patients with MSCC of the thoracic spine and also afforded the patients to have more chances of postoperative adjuvant therapy, which was significant for patients' survival. Therefore, we suggest that the role of surgery in the management of MSCC could be not only a symptomatic palliation but also a strategy to prolong patients' survival.






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The effects of radiotherapy on psychosocial and cognitive functioning in adults with a primary brain

A paucity of studies have evaluated the biopsychosocial factors contributing to quality of life (QoL) in adults with a primary brain tumor (BT). Our objective was to investigate (i) the effects of radiotherapy on the psychosocial (ie, posttraumatic stress symptoms [PTSS]) and cognitive functioning of adults with a primary BT, assessed preradiotherapy [T1] and postradiotherapy [T2], and (ii) predictors of PTSS and QoL postradiotherapy. Seventy adults with a BT were assessed at T1, and 67 patients were reassessed 3.5 months postradiotherapy. At each assessment, participants completed measures of PTSS, mood, QoL, and quality of social support and neurocognitive tests focusing on memory and executive functioning. Minimal differences in functioning were found between patients according to BT type (benign [n = 45] vs malignant [n = 25]) and tumor laterality (left vs right hemisphere), with 2 exceptions. Individuals with a left hemisphere benign BT experienced greater distress at T1, which declined at T2, whereas individuals with a left hemisphere malignant BT reported poorer social support at T2. The full sample performed poorly on tests of executive functioning, and 17% reported clinically elevated PTSS at T1, which reduced to 13% at T2. Younger age (<65 y), reduced QoL, and elevated anger symptoms at T1 predicted PTSS at T2, whilst having a benign BT, low PTSS, and depressive symptoms at T1 were predictive of improved QoL at T2. Findings highlight the importance of screening for psychosocial and cognitive disturbances in BT patients undergoing treatment to identify those at risk for acute and more prolonged problems.






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Surgery for primary CNS lymphoma? Challenging a paradigm

The standard of care for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is systemic chemotherapy with or without whole brain radiotherapy or intrathecal chemotherapy. In contrast to treatment for other brain tumors, efforts at resection are discouraged. This is a secondary analysis of the German PCNSL Study Group–1 trial, a large randomized phase III study comprising 526 patients with PCNSL. Progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10–1.74; P = .005) and overall survival (HR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.04–1.70; P = .024) were significantly shorter in biopsied patients compared with patients with subtotal or gross total resections. This difference in outcome was not due to age or Karnofsky performance status (KPS). When controlled for the number of lesions, the HR of biopsy versus subtotal or gross total resection remained unchanged for progression-free survival (HR = 1.37; P = .009) but was smaller for overall survival (HR = 1.27; P = .085). This analysis of the largest PCNSL trial ever performed challenges the traditional view that the extent of resection has no prognostic impact on this disease. Therefore, we propose to reconsider the statement that efforts at resection should be discouraged, at least if resection seems safe, as is often the case in treatment of single PCNSL lesions.






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Saturday, November 10, 2012

Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy and continuous low-dose temozolomide in patients with rec

Abstract  
To evaluate the efficacy of reirradiation and systemic chemotherapy as salvage treatment in patients with recurrent malignant glioma. Between May 2006 and December 2011, 54 patients with recurrent malignant glioma received hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HSRT) plus systemic therapy at University of Rome Sapienza, Sant' Andrea Hospital. All patients had Karnofsky performance score ≥60 and were previously treated with standard conformal RT (60 Gy) with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) up to 12 cycles. Thirty-eight patients had a GBM and 16 patients had a grade 3 glioma. The median time interval between primary RT and reirradiation was 15.5 months. At the time of recurrence all patients received HSRT (30 Gy in 6-Gy fractions) plus concomitant TMZ (75 mg/m2/day) followed by continuous TMZ at 50 mg/m2 everyday up to 1 year or until progression. Median overall survival after HSRT was 12.4 months, and the 12- and 24-month survival rates were 53 and 16 %, respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6 months, and the 12- and 24-month PFS rates were 24 and 10 %, respectively. KPS >70 (P = 0.04) and grade 3 glioma were independent favourable prognostic factors for survival. In general chemoradiation regimen was well tolerated with relatively low treatment-related toxicity. HSRT plus concomitant TMZ followed by continuous dose-intense TMZ is a feasible treatment option associated with survival benefits and low risk of complications in selected patients with recurrent malignant glioma. The potential advantages of combined chemoradiation schedules in patients with recurrent malignant gliomas need to be explored in future studies.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Category Clinical Study
  • Pages 1-8
  • DOI 10.1007/s11060-012-0999-9
  • Authors
    • Giuseppe Minniti, Department of Radiation Oncology, Sant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
    • Claudia Scaringi, Department of Radiation Oncology, Sant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
    • Vitaliana De Sanctis, Department of Radiation Oncology, Sant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
    • Gaetano Lanzetta, Department of Neurological Sciences, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
    • Teresa Falco, Department of Radiation Oncology, Sant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
    • Domenica Di Stefano, Department of Pathology, Sant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
    • Vincenzo esposito, Department of Neurological Sciences, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
    • Riccardo Maurizi Enrici, Department of Radiation Oncology, Sant' Andrea Hospital, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy





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Friday, November 9, 2012

É possível prever qual será o seu desempenho em ciência nos próximos anos?


Publicado originalmente no SBlogI



Uma preocupação constante na ciência é medir, tudo deve ser capaz de ser expresso numa unidade física. Não é de estranhar que tal aspecto seja empregado em avaliar o próprio desempenho científico. Outra característica da ciência é o constante aperfeiçoamento. 

As primeiras medidas de desempenho científico (número de trabalhos publicados) são muito pouco







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Frequency of brain metastases from prostate cancer: an 18-year single-institution experience

Abstract  
It has recently been reported that the incidence of brain metastases (BMs) from prostate cancer (PC) has increased in comparison with historical series. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of BMs in the pre- and post-docetaxel era in a single institution in which all oncological patients are referred to one Radiotherapy and one Medical Oncology Department. We searched the electronic databases of these departments for all males with BMs entered from 1994 to 2011. The year of the introduction of docetaxel into clinical practice (2002) divided the observation period into two 9-year periods: period 1 (P1) from 1994 until 2002 (P1), and period 2 (P2) after 2002. The number of patients with BMs was constant: 241 patients in P1 and 249 in P2. The greatest changes in frequency between P1 and P2 involved colorectal cancer (+75.9 %), renal cancer (+141.9 %), and PC (+238.7 %). The total number of patients with BMs from PC was nine: two in P1 (0.8 %) and seven in P2 (2.8 %). All but two of these patients developed BMs after becoming castration-resistant. Median BM-free survival was 36 months, whereas median BM survival was 8 weeks. As the appearance of BMs in the natural history of PC is usually related to the late phase of the disease, and mortality due to PC remained constant, it seems that there really has been an increase in the frequency of BMs from PC that may reflect a gain in survival.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Category Clinical Study
  • Pages 1-5
  • DOI 10.1007/s11060-012-0994-1
  • Authors
    • Orazio Caffo, Medical Oncology Department, Santa Chiara Hospital, Largo Medaglie d'Oro, 38100 Trento, Italy
    • Antonello Veccia, Medical Oncology Department, Santa Chiara Hospital, Largo Medaglie d'Oro, 38100 Trento, Italy
    • Gianni Fellin, Radiotherapy Department, Santa Chiara Hospital, Largo Medaglie d'Oro, Trento, Italy
    • Salvatore Mussari, Radiotherapy Department, Santa Chiara Hospital, Largo Medaglie d'Oro, Trento, Italy
    • Lucianna Russo, Medical Oncology Department, Santa Chiara Hospital, Largo Medaglie d'Oro, 38100 Trento, Italy
    • Luigi Tomio, Radiotherapy Department, Santa Chiara Hospital, Largo Medaglie d'Oro, Trento, Italy
    • Enzo Galligioni, Medical Oncology Department, Santa Chiara Hospital, Largo Medaglie d'Oro, 38100 Trento, Italy





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Anaplastic PXA in adults: case series with clinicopathologic and molecular features

Abstract  
Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas with anaplastic features (PXA-As) are rare tumors about which little is known regarding clinicopathologic and molecular features. Several studies have identified BRAF V600E mutations in PXA-As, but the percentage with mutation may differ between adult and pediatric examples, and limited information exists about immunohistochemistry for isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1). Ten cases of adult PXA-As seen at our institution since 2000 were assessed for BRAF V600E mutation by polymerase chain reaction testing (PCR) and IDH1 by immunohistochemistry. Patients ranged in age from 18–68 years; four PXA-As affected temporal lobe and two were cystic. Four patients underwent gross total resection and 9 of 10 patients received cranial irradiation and/or adjuvant chemotherapy. Five survived less than 5 years, although 2 of 5 patients died from non-tumor causes. Four long-term survivors are alive at 7.5, 9.8, 11.4, and 11.9 years post-diagnosis. Two of four long term survivors had BRAF V600E mutation: patients were ages 18 and 28 years. A 48-year-old male without BRAF mutation survives at 9.8 years, even with thalamic location; conversely a 68-year-old female with temporal lobe tumor and BRAF mutation survived 1.9 years after diagnosis. All tumors were IDH1 immunonegative. This case series details clinicopathologic features of a subset of rare PXA-As in adults. BRAF V600E mutation was identified in 50 % of these cases.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Category Clinical Study
  • Pages 1-11
  • DOI 10.1007/s11060-012-0991-4
  • Authors
    • Yao Schmidt, Department of Pathology, The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 12605 E. 16th Avenue, Room 3026, MS F768, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
    • B. K. Kleinschmidt-DeMasters, Department of Pathology, The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 12605 E. 16th Avenue, Room 3026, MS F768, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
    • Dara L. Aisner, Department of Pathology, The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 12605 E. 16th Avenue, Room 3026, MS F768, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
    • Kevin O. Lillehei, Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Aurora, CO, USA
    • Denise Damek, Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Aurora, CO, USA





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First experiences in treatment of low-malignant glioma grade I and II with proton therapy

Background: To retrospectively assess feasibility and toxicity of proton therapy in patients with low-grade glioma (WHO [degree sign]I/II).Patients and methodsProton beam therapy only administered in 19 patients (median age 29 years; 9 female, 10 male) for low-grade glioma between 2010 and 2011 was reviewed. In 6 cases proton therapy was performed due to tumor progression after biopsy, in 8 cases each due to tumor progression after (partial-) resection, and in 5 cases due to tumor progression after chemotherapy. Median total dose applied was 54 GyE (range, 48,6-54 GyE) in single fractions of median 1.8 GyE. Median clinical target volume was 99 cc (range, 6--463 cc) and treated using median 2 beams (range, 1--2). Results: Proton therapy was finished as planned in all cases. At end of proton therapy, 13 patients showed focal alopecia, 6 patients reported mild fatigue, one patient with temporal tumor localization concentration deficits and speech errors and one more patient deficits in short-term memory. Four patients did not report any side effects. During follow-up, one patient presented with pseudo-progression showing worsening of general condition and brain edema 1--2 months after last irradiation and restitution after 6 months. In the present MR imaging (median follow-up 5 months; range 0--22 months) 12 patients had stable disease, 2 (1) patients partial (complete) remission, one more patient pseudo-progression (differential diagnosis: tumor progression) 4 weeks after irradiation without having had further follow-up imaging so far, and one patient tumor progression approximately 9 months after irradiation. Conclusion: Regarding early side effects, mild alopecia was the predominant finding. The rate of alopecia seems to be due to large treatment volumes as well as the anatomical locations of the target volumes and might be avoided by using multiple beams and the gantry in the future. Further evaluations including neuropsychological testing are in preparation.





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Thursday, November 8, 2012

Survival and Treatment Patterns of Glioblastoma in the Elderly: A Population-Based Study

Publication year: 2012
Source:World Neurosurgery, Volume 78, Issue 5
Sasha Gulati, Asgeir Store Jakola, Tom Børge Johannesen, Ole Solheim
Background As the older segment of the population grows faster than any other age group, the number of elderly diagnosed with glioblastoma is expected to increase. The aim of this study was to explore survival and the treatment provided to elderly patients diagnosed with glioblastoma in a population-based setting. We further studied whether increased treatment aggressiveness may have contributed to a clinically important survival benefit in the elderly population. Methods From the Norwegian Cancer Registry, we included 2882 patients who were diagnosed with glioblastoma between 1988 and 2008. Results The proportion of patients ≥66 years was 42.5% (n = 1224), and 15.9% of patients (n = 459) were ≥75 years at diagnosis. Treatment patterns varied significantly between age groups (P < 0.001). Elderly patients (66 years) were less likely to receive multimodal treatment with resection combined with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Elderly patients were more likely to receive a diagnosis of glioblastoma without histopathologic verification (P < 0.001). Among patients receiving multimodal treatment with surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, shorter survival was seen in the elderly (P < 0.001). Belonging to the age group ≥75 years was the strongest predictor of decreased survival (P < 0.001), thus seemingly of higher prognostic impact than the patterns of care. Increasing age, no tumor resection, no radiotherapy, and no chemotherapy were identified as independent predictors of reduced survival. There was a statistically significant, albeit debatable, clinically relevant survival advantage for the oldest patients (≥75 years) diagnosed in the last 5 years of the study. Conclusions Advancing age remains a very strong and independent negative prognostic factor in glioblastoma. Although there has been an increase in the aggressiveness of treatment provided to elderly with glioblastoma, the gain for the oldest age group seems at best very modest. The prognosis of the oldest age group remains very poor, despite multimodal treatment.






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Saturday, November 3, 2012

Targeting Stem Cells Helps in Brain Cancer (CME/CE)

BOSTON (MedPage Today) -- Glioblastoma patients who underwent high-dose radiation to the purported spawning grounds of cancer stem cells in the brain appear to achieve longer survival, researchers said here.





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Leptomeningeal spinal metastases from glioblastoma multiforme: treatment and management of an uncomm

Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, Volume 17, Issue 5, Page 438-448, November 2012.
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common and aggressive primary brain tumors, composing 12%–20% of all intracranial tumors in adults. Average life expectancy is merely 12–14 months following initial diagnosis. Patients with this neoplasm have one of the worst 5-year survival rates among all cancers despite aggressive multimodal treatment consisting of maximal tumor resection, radiation therapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy. With recent advancements in management strategies, there has been improvement in the overall trend in patient outcomes; however, recurrence remains nearly inevitable. While most tumors recur locally, metastases to distal locations have become more common. Specifically, the last decade has seen an increased incidence of spinal metastases, representing an emerging complication in patients with intracranial GBM. However, the literature regarding prevention strategies and the presentation of spinal metastases has remained scarce. As local control of primary lesions continues to improve, more cases of spinal metastases are likely to be seen. In this review the authors present a new case of metastatic GBM to the L-5 nerve root, and they summarize previous cases of intracranial GBM with leptomeningeal spinal metastatic disease. They also characterize key features of this disease presentation and discuss areas of future investigation necessary for enhanced prevention and treatment of this complication.





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Management strategies after nondiagnostic results with frameless stereotactic needle biopsy: Retrosp

Ellen L Air, Ronald E Warnick, Christopher M McPherson

Surgical Neurology International 2012 3(5):315-319

Background: Although frameless stereotactic needle biopsy is an accepted procedure for the diagnosis of intracranial lesions, findings are nondiagnostic in 2-15% of patients and no recommendations yet exist to guide subsequent care. After reviewing the postoperative course after nondiagnostic biopsy of 28 patients, we developed a paradigm to guide management in the future. Methods: In reviewing the medical records of 284 frameless stereotactic needle biopsies (January 2000 to December 2006), we identified a subset of 28 patients who underwent 29 (10.2%) biopsies that did not yield a definitive diagnosis based on permanent pathologic samples. Postoperative treatment plans and clinical courses were further examined in 21 patients; 7 without follow-up were excluded. Results: Of the 21 patients, lesion location and characteristics guided the surgeon's decision to recommend further surgery or initiate empiric treatment. Soon after initial biopsy, five patients underwent a second procedure (biopsy or resection) that yielded diagnostic pathologic tissue. Of 16 patients who had empiric treatment, 7 (43.7%) subsequently had their treatment plan changed because of a lack of improvement and 5 underwent a second biopsy (4 diagnostic). Evolving clinical information precipitated treatment change in two patients. Of 10 patients who had a second surgery for better diagnostic information, the diagnostic yield was 90%. Conclusions: Considering the 90% diagnostic yield, we now recommend repeat surgery for most patients with nondiagnostic biopsies, especially for lesions considered potentially neoplastic or infectious. Empiric management, for lesions likely to be neurodegenerative, is an option but requires close follow-up examination.





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Craniopharyngioma cell growth is promoted by growth hormone (GH) and is inhibited by tamoxifen: Invo

Publication year: 2012
Source:Journal of Clinical Neuroscience
Qiang Li, Chao You, Liang Liu, Zhengxi Rao, Xiutian Sima, Liangxue Zhou, Jianguo Xu
Hormone receptors are related to the biological behavior and recurrence of craniopharyngioma (CP). The effect of therapeutic growth hormone (GH) replacement on CP growth remains largely unclear. We intended to study expression patterns of GH-related receptors in CP, and to study the effect of GH and its mediator, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), as well as tamoxifen, on primary CP cell cultures. Primary cell cultures were established from fresh tumor specimens. The expression of GH receptor (GHR) and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) in tumor specimens was studied using immunohistochemistry. Cell cultures were treated with various concentrations of recombinant GH, IGF-1 and tamoxifen. Cell growth promotion or inhibition was assayed using the Trypan blue dye exclusion test of cell viability. Expression of GHR, IGF-1R, phosphorylated-Akt and Akt after treatment was studied using Western blot assay. Twenty-nine primary cultures from 36 patients were established. GHR and IGF-1R were expressed in tumor tissue. The promotion of cell growth by GH compared to control was most prominent at 100ng/mL, while inhibition by tamoxifen was concentration dependent. IGF-1 was more effective in promoting growth in CP cell cultures with high IGF-1R expression, and it increased phosphorylation of Akt protein. Primary cell cultures can be established in more than 80% of fresh CP specimens. GH and its endogenous mediator, IGF-1, promotes CP cell growth in vitro, while tamoxifen inhibits growth.






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Clinical features and management of intracranial subependymomas in children

Publication year: 2012
Source:Journal of Clinical Neuroscience
Zonggang Hou, Zhen Wu, Junting Zhang, Liwei Zhang, Runfa Tian, Baiyun Liu, Zhongcheng Wang
Subependymoma is a rare low-grade glioma of the central nervous system that occurs most commonly in middle-aged and elderly men and rarely in children. Only a few paediatric patients with subependymomas have been reported. The authors retrospectively analysed five paediatric patients (4 males and 1 female; mean age 8.6years; age range 5–13years) at a single institute from July 1998 to April 2009 and summarised the clinical characteristics and management of paediatric intracranial subependymoma. The most common symptom in these five paediatric patients with subependymoma was intracranial hypertension. The tumours were located in the fourth ventricle in two patients, in the fourth ventricle with extension to the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) in one patient; in the right CPA exclusively in one patient, and intraparenchymally in the left parietal lobe in one patient, the latter two of which are rare locations for subependymoma. Surgery was performed on all five patients. The surgical approach was selected as appropriate for the tumor location. Total resection was achieved in three patients, and subtotal resection in two. All five patients had good outcomes without recurrence. We conclude that surgery is the optimal therapy for paediatric patients with intracranial subependymoma.






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O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) Promoter methylation is a rare event in soft tissue sa

Background: Gene silencing of O6-methylguanine--DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) by promoter methylation improves the outcome of glioblastoma patients after combined therapy of alkylating chemotherapeutic agents and radiation. The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of MGMT promoter methylation in soft tissue sarcoma to identify patients eligible for alkylating agent chemotherapy such as temozolomide.FindingsParaffin tumor blocks of 75 patients with representative STS subtypes were evaluated. The methylation status of the MGMT promoter was assessed by methylation-specific polymerase-chain-reaction analysis (PCR). Furthermore, immunohistochemistry was applied to verify expression of MGMT. MGMT gene silencing was assumed if MGMT promoter methylation was present and the fraction of tumor cells expressing MGMT was 20% or less. Methylation specific PCR detected methylated MGMT promoter in 10/75 cases. Immunohistochemical staining of nuclear MGMT was negative in 15/75 cases. 6/75 tumor samples showed MGMT promoter methylation and negative immunohistochemical nuclear staining of MGMT. In none of the tested STS subtypes we found a fraction of tumors with MGMT silencing exceeding 22%. Conclusion: MGMT gene silencing is a rare event in soft tissue sarcoma and cannot be recommended as a selection criterion for the therapy of STS patients with alkylating agents such as temozolomide.





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Friday, November 2, 2012

Treatment of choroid plexus tumors: a 20-year single institutional experience

Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics, Volume 10, Issue 5, Page 398-405, November 2012.
Object Choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) are rare intracranial neoplasms that constitute approximately 2%–5% of all pediatric brain tumors. Most of these tumors present with severe hydrocephalus. The optimal perioperative management and oncological care remain a matter of debate. The authors present the epidemiological and clinical features of CPTs from a 20-year single-institutional experience. Methods A total of 39 consecutive patients with pathologically proven CPTs (31 choroid plexus papillomas [CPPs] and 8 choroid plexus carcinomas [CPCs]) were included in this series. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, comorbidities, indications for surgery, radiological studies, tumor location, and all operative variables were reviewed for each case. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of tumor recurrence and survival. Results The overall mean age (± SD) was 13.13 ± 19.59 years (15.27 ± 21.10 years in the CPP group and 3.66 ± 3.59 years in the CPC group). Hydrocephalus was noted at presentation in 34% of patients. The most common presenting symptoms were headache (32%) and nausea/vomiting (26%). Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 86% of CPPs and in 71% of CPCs (p = 0.57). There was 100% survival in patients with CPPs observed at the 5- and 10-year follow-up and 71% survival in patients with CPCs at the 5-year follow-up. In a multivariate regression analysis, a diagnosis of papilloma, preoperative vision changes, or hydrocephalus; right ventricle tumor location; and GTR were all independently associated with a decreased likelihood of tumor recurrence at last follow-up. Conclusions The authors' study suggests that patients with CPCs are more likely to experience local recurrence and metastasis; hence, GTR with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, particularly for CPCs, is pivotal in preventing recurrence and prolonging survival. While GTR was important for local control following resection of CPPs, it had a minimal effect on prolonging survival in this patient cohort.





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Feasibility of repeat surgery for pediatric brain tumors: an objective assessment of perioperative o

Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics, Volume 10, Issue 5, Page 411-417, November 2012.
Object Repeat surgery for pediatric brain tumors is gaining acceptance, with extent of resection an important predictor of outcome. However, repeat surgeries may be associated with increased morbidity. Few studies in the literature provide such outcomes objectively. The authors report on their experience with repeat surgery at a tertiary care neurooncology referral center in India. Methods A prospectively maintained database documented epidemiological, clinical, radiological, operative, and perioperative events. The authors analyzed 117 children (younger than 18 years of age) who had undergone various resective surgeries for brain tumors over a period of 5 years. Assessed end points included immediate postoperative neurological status, neurological outcome at discharge, regional complications, systemic complications, overall morbidity, and mortality. Results The majority of children (48%) were between 3 and 10 years of age. Elevated intracranial pressure (70% of patients) and neurological deficits (60% of patients) were the commonest presenting symptoms. A significant proportion of patients (35%) had a poor Karnofsky Performance Scale score (≤ 70). Supratentorial procedures were performed in 58% of the patients. Most patients (72%) had large (> 4 cm) tumors. Fifty-eight patients (50%) had received prior treatment, surgery in 55. Neurological morbidity (worsening), regional complications, and systemic complications occurred in 27%, 32%, and 25% of patients overall, respectively. Overall morbidity was 44.4% (26.5% major), and perioperative mortality was 7.7%. Neurological worsening occurred more frequently in patients undergoing a first surgery (p = 0.038), whereas wound-related complications were more common in those undergoing reoperations (p = 0.00). Conclusions Pediatric patients had larger tumors and were more likely to present with a poor performance status, often after prior treatment, than their adult counterparts. Wound-related complications were higher in the previously treated subgroup; however, neurological complications were fewer, probably because of a favorable selection of patients. Despite the unavailability of advanced intraoperative aids, acceptable levels of overall morbidity and mortality could be achieved in repeat surgeries for pediatric brain tumors.





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Feasibility of repeat surgery for pediatric brain tumors: an objective assessment of perioperative o

Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics, Volume 10, Issue 5, Page 411-417, November 2012.
Object Repeat surgery for pediatric brain tumors is gaining acceptance, with extent of resection an important predictor of outcome. However, repeat surgeries may be associated with increased morbidity. Few studies in the literature provide such outcomes objectively. The authors report on their experience with repeat surgery at a tertiary care neurooncology referral center in India. Methods A prospectively maintained database documented epidemiological, clinical, radiological, operative, and perioperative events. The authors analyzed 117 children (younger than 18 years of age) who had undergone various resective surgeries for brain tumors over a period of 5 years. Assessed end points included immediate postoperative neurological status, neurological outcome at discharge, regional complications, systemic complications, overall morbidity, and mortality. Results The majority of children (48%) were between 3 and 10 years of age. Elevated intracranial pressure (70% of patients) and neurological deficits (60% of patients) were the commonest presenting symptoms. A significant proportion of patients (35%) had a poor Karnofsky Performance Scale score (≤ 70). Supratentorial procedures were performed in 58% of the patients. Most patients (72%) had large (> 4 cm) tumors. Fifty-eight patients (50%) had received prior treatment, surgery in 55. Neurological morbidity (worsening), regional complications, and systemic complications occurred in 27%, 32%, and 25% of patients overall, respectively. Overall morbidity was 44.4% (26.5% major), and perioperative mortality was 7.7%. Neurological worsening occurred more frequently in patients undergoing a first surgery (p = 0.038), whereas wound-related complications were more common in those undergoing reoperations (p = 0.00). Conclusions Pediatric patients had larger tumors and were more likely to present with a poor performance status, often after prior treatment, than their adult counterparts. Wound-related complications were higher in the previously treated subgroup; however, neurological complications were fewer, probably because of a favorable selection of patients. Despite the unavailability of advanced intraoperative aids, acceptable levels of overall morbidity and mortality could be achieved in repeat surgeries for pediatric brain tumors.





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Infiltrative brainstem and cerebellar neurocytoma

Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics, Volume 10, Issue 5, Page 418-422, November 2012.
Neurocytomas are typically intraventricular in location, and extraventricular neurocytomas are uncommon. The authors report the unique case of a 15-year-old girl who was found to have a low-grade neurocytoma infiltrating the brainstem and cerebellum and spreading along the CSF pathways to the lateral and third ventricles. The patient underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy to treat associated hydrocephalus, and biopsy specimens from intraventricular tumor nodules were obtained. Because of the low-grade pathology, the fact that the lesion was not amenable to resection, and the extensive radiation field required for radiation therapy, she has been treated conservatively with close follow-up. Over the course of almost 4 years since diagnosis, no additional treatment has been required. Neurocytoma with widespread infiltration of the brainstem and cerebellum has not been previously reported.





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Clinical features and treatment of World Health Organization Grade II and III meningiomas in childho

Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics, Volume 10, Issue 5, Page 423-433, November 2012.
Object High-grade meningiomas in childhood are rare, and their clinical features are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics and prognosis of childhood high-grade meningiomas. Methods Twenty-three patients with childhood high-grade meningiomas were treated at the Huashan Hospital. Clinical data were collected, tumor samples were reexamined, and prognoses were attained through follow-up visits and telephone interviews. Survival probability was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A 2-sided probability level of 0.05 was chosen for statistical significance. Results The series included 18 males and 5 females (mean age 12.1 years). The most common symptoms were headache and vomiting (43%). Three patients had accompanying neurofibromatosis Type II (NF2). The high-grade meningioma cases with NF2 had larger tumor diameters than those without NF2 (p = 0.010). The skull base was the most common tumor site (39%). Complete resections were achieved in 11 patients after their initial operations. Adjuvant radiation therapy was performed in 9 cases. Follow-up evaluations were performed for 20 patients (mean follow-up 70 months). Ten patients experienced recurrences, 2 patients had lung metastases, and 7 patients died of the recurrence. The extent of surgery was significantly related to progression-free survival (PFS; p = 0.038). A negative progesterone receptor combined with strongly positive Bcl-2 immunoreactivity was significantly related to PFS (p = 0.001) and overall survival (p = 0.002). The MIB-1 labeling index was significantly related to overall survival (p = 0.018), whereas postoperative radiation therapy was not significantly related to PFS (p = 0.087) and overall survival (p = 0.40). Conclusions Childhood high-grade meningioma is a rare tumor type. Childhood high-grade meningioma has a male predominance and the basilar region is the most common tumor location. Patients with these tumors have high recurrence and mortality rates. The extent of resection is an important prognosis factor. A negative progesterone receptor combined with a strongly positive Bcl-2 immunoreaction might predict cancer recurrence. The MIB-1 labeling index correlates with the prognosis, and an MIB-1 labeling index > 3% increases the risk of recurrence in childhood high-grade meningioma. More cases should be collected, and longer follow-up periods should be obtained, to evaluate the effects of postoperative radiation therapy in childhood high-grade meningioma.





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Recurrent meningeal sarcoma successfully treated with stereotactic radiosurgery

Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics, Volume 10, Issue 5, Page 434-438, November 2012.
Primary intracranial meningeal sarcoma is a rare neurological malignancy without strong evidence-based treatment guidelines. The authors describe a boy with primary meningeal sarcoma who symptomatically presented at 10 months of age and was treated with primary resection. The patient had multifocal recurrence approximately 2 years later. Given the location and rapid progression of the disease, the boy was treated with Gamma Knife surgery. He had a complete radiographic response 3 years posttreatment. He attends school full time and enjoys good quality of life. Based on local control and response to radiosurgery, the authors suggest that multifocal meningeal sarcomas not amenable to resection can be effectively managed with stereotactic radiosurgery.





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Recurrent meningeal sarcoma successfully treated with stereotactic radiosurgery

Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics, Volume 10, Issue 5, Page 434-438, November 2012.
Primary intracranial meningeal sarcoma is a rare neurological malignancy without strong evidence-based treatment guidelines. The authors describe a boy with primary meningeal sarcoma who symptomatically presented at 10 months of age and was treated with primary resection. The patient had multifocal recurrence approximately 2 years later. Given the location and rapid progression of the disease, the boy was treated with Gamma Knife surgery. He had a complete radiographic response 3 years posttreatment. He attends school full time and enjoys good quality of life. Based on local control and response to radiosurgery, the authors suggest that multifocal meningeal sarcomas not amenable to resection can be effectively managed with stereotactic radiosurgery.





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Patterns in neurosurgical adverse events: intracranial neoplasm surgery

Neurosurgical Focus, Volume 33, Issue 5, Page E16, November 2012.
Object Neurosurgery is a high-risk specialty currently undertaking the pursuit of systematic approaches to measuring and improving outcomes. As part of a project to devise evidence-based safety interventions for specialty surgery, the authors sought to review current evidence in cranial tumor resection concerning the frequency of adverse events in practice, their patterns, and current methods of reducing the occurrence of these events. This review represents part of a series of papers written to consolidate information about these events and preventive measures as part of an ongoing effort to ascertain the utility of devising system-wide policies and safety tools to improve neurosurgical practice. Methods The authors performed a PubMed search using search terms "intracranial neoplasm," "cerebral tumor," "cerebral meningioma," "glioma," and "complications" or "adverse events." Only papers that specifically discussed the relevant complication rates were included. Papers were chosen to maximize the range of rates of occurrence for the reported adverse events. Results Review of the tumor neurosurgery literature showed that documented overall complication rates ranged from 9% to 40%, with overall mortality rates of 1.5%–16%. There was a wide range of types of adverse events overall. Deep venous thromboembolism (DVT) was the most common adverse event, with a reported incidence of 3%–26%. The presence of new or worsened neurological deficit was the second most common adverse event found in this review, with reported rates ranging from 0% for the series of meningioma cases with the lowest reported rate to 20% as the highest reported rate for treatment of eloquent glioma. Benign tumor recurrence was found to be a commonly reported adverse event following surgery for intracranial neoplasms. Rates varied depending on tumor type, tumor location, patient demographics, surgical technique, the surgeon's level of experience, degree of specialization, and changes in technology, but these effects remain unmeasured. The incidence on our review ranged from 2% for convexity meningiomas to 36% for basal meningiomas. Other relatively common complications were dural closure–related complications (1%–24%), postoperative peritumoral edema (2%–10%), early postoperative seizure (1%–12%), medical complications (6%–7%), wound infection (0%–4%), surgery-related hematoma (1%–2%), and wrong-site surgery. Strategies to minimize risk of these events were evaluated. Prophylactic techniques for DVT have been widely demonstrated and confirmed, but adherence remains unstudied. The use of image guidance, intraoperative functional mapping, and real-time intraoperative MRI guidance can allow surgeons to maximize resection while preserving neurological function. Whether the extent of resection significantly correlates with improved overall outcomes remains controversial. Discussion A significant proportion of adverse events in intracranial neoplasm surgery may be avoidable by use of practices to encourage use of standardized protocols for DVT, seizure, and infection prophylaxis; intraoperative navigation among other steps; improved teamwork and communication; and concentrated volume and specialization. Systematic efforts to bundle such strategies may significantly improve patient outcomes.





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Diffuse brainstem glioma: prognostic factors

Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 117, Issue 5, Page 810-814, November 2012.
Object Brainstem gliomas were regarded as a single entity prior to the advent of MRI; however, several studies investigating MRI have recognized that these lesions are a heterogeneous group, and certain subgroups have a better prognosis for long-term survival. The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective analysis of prognostic factors of patients with brainstem gliomas confirmed by histopathological diagnosis, particularly regarding assessment of whether histological grade, age, and MRI findings are prognostic factors for patient survival. Methods The study evaluated 100 patients diagnosed with brainstem glioma. There were 63 adults (40 men and 23 women; age range 18–75 years, mean 41 years) and 37 children (19 boys and 18 girls; age range 2–12 years, mean 6.9 years). Results The mean overall survival of this population, measured from the date of biopsy, was 57 months for diffuse low-grade glioma and 13.8 months for diffuse high-grade glioma (p < 0.001). The mean survival among patients with nonenhancing contrast lesions on MRI was 54.2 months, whereas for patients with enhancing lesions, it was 21.7 months (p < 0.001). Comparisons between the Kaplan-Meier survival curves of adults and children revealed similar median survival periods of 25 and 16 months, respectively (p > 0.05). The multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards regression) revealed that only histological grade was a significant prognostic factor (p < 0.001). Conclusions The study revealed that histological grade and MRI features were significant prognostic factors for survival in these patients, but in multivariate analysis, only histological grade remained a significant factor.





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Diffuse brainstem glioma: prognostic factors

Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 117, Issue 5, Page 810-814, November 2012.
Object Brainstem gliomas were regarded as a single entity prior to the advent of MRI; however, several studies investigating MRI have recognized that these lesions are a heterogeneous group, and certain subgroups have a better prognosis for long-term survival. The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective analysis of prognostic factors of patients with brainstem gliomas confirmed by histopathological diagnosis, particularly regarding assessment of whether histological grade, age, and MRI findings are prognostic factors for patient survival. Methods The study evaluated 100 patients diagnosed with brainstem glioma. There were 63 adults (40 men and 23 women; age range 18–75 years, mean 41 years) and 37 children (19 boys and 18 girls; age range 2–12 years, mean 6.9 years). Results The mean overall survival of this population, measured from the date of biopsy, was 57 months for diffuse low-grade glioma and 13.8 months for diffuse high-grade glioma (p < 0.001). The mean survival among patients with nonenhancing contrast lesions on MRI was 54.2 months, whereas for patients with enhancing lesions, it was 21.7 months (p < 0.001). Comparisons between the Kaplan-Meier survival curves of adults and children revealed similar median survival periods of 25 and 16 months, respectively (p > 0.05). The multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards regression) revealed that only histological grade was a significant prognostic factor (p < 0.001). Conclusions The study revealed that histological grade and MRI features were significant prognostic factors for survival in these patients, but in multivariate analysis, only histological grade remained a significant factor.





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Cognitive functioning early after surgery of gliomas in eloquent areas

Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 117, Issue 5, Page 831-838, November 2012.
Object Patients with gliomas frequently have cognitive deficits, and surgery can exacerbate these deficits. Preoperative assessment is therefore crucial in patients undergoing surgery for glioma in eloquent areas, because the proximity of functional areas increases the risk of permanent postoperative cognitive disturbances. Although pre- and postoperative language and motor function in patients with glioma have been investigated frequently, data on good cognition studies are scarce. Most studies have focused on clinical neurological functioning or have only used brief neurological instruments. The authors investigated whether surgery for glioma in eloquent areas influences cognition early after surgery, by using an elaborate test protocol. Methods Twenty-eight patients with gliomas of the left hemisphere in language and nonlanguage areas were assessed before and 3 months after surgery with a comprehensive neuropsychological test protocol. The authors performed a correlation analysis between change in cognitive performance and tumor characteristics (that is, location, volume, pathological features, and histological grade) and between cognitive change and treatment-related factors (the extent of the resection and postoperative treatment with chemo- and radiotherapy). Results Both pre- and postoperatively, the mean performance of the patients was worse than the performance of the normal population in the language domain, the memory domain, and the executive functions (p < 0.05). Postoperatively, a decline was found in the language domain (t = 2.34, p = 0.027) and in the executive functions (t = 2.45, p = 0.022). However, cognitive change postsurgery was influenced by the location of the tumor; the decrease of cognitive score in the language domain was only observed in patients with tumors in or close to language areas (t = 2.33, p = 0.029). No effect on cognitive change was found for the other tumor characteristics and treatment-related factors. Conclusions This study underlines the importance of the use of a neuropsychological test protocol before and after surgery in patients with glioma, because several tasks in the domains of language, memory, and executive functions appeared to deteriorate after surgery. Tumor resection in language areas increases the risk of cognitive deficits in the language domain postoperatively.





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