Decision-making of vestibular schwannoma patients

The reliability and quality of online patient education videos for vestibular schwannoma

BACKGROUND

A recent trend of looking for health-related conditions on the Internet has been described, with up 70% of searchers stating that online sources have affected their medical decision-making. Patients with vestibular schwannomas (VS) use online sources, including videos, to seek information about treatment alternatives and outcomes and surgeons experience. Our study investigates the reliability and quality of VS-related online videos.

METHODS

In April 2020, a search was launched on YouTube for the key terms 'vestibular schwannoma,' 'acoustic neuroma,' 'eighth cranial nerve schwannoma,' and 'eighth cranial nerve neuroma.' Results were screened for possible inclusion. Three authors independently used the DISCERN instrument to evaluate the reliability and quality of the included videos. Factors possibly influencing popularity were investigated.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 6416 videos. 38 videos were included in the final analysis. The average DISCERN score was 2.76, indicating overall poor quality and reliability of information. Only 5% scored 4.0 or more (unbiased videos that offer evidence-supported information); 31% scored between 3.0 and 3.99, and 63% scored 2.99 or less. Videos describing symptoms or the patient's clinical presentation were slightly more popular than videos without these characteristics. Surgical videos (videos containing clips of surgical procedures) were significantly more popular than non-surgical videos (p = .024) despite being of similarly poor quality (DISCERN score 2.85 vs. 2.74, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Available patient educational videos for VS are of mixed quality and reliability: the authors describe the strengths and pitfalls of existing YouTube videos. Considering that VS is a pathology with multiple available management modalities, and that patients' decision-making is affected by the information available on the Internet, it is of great importance that good-quality informative material be released by medical, academic, or educational institutions.

Spontaneous Regression of a Large Vestibular Schwannoma: Is Nonoperative Management Reasonable?

Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are the most common cerebellopontine tumors. The natural history of smaller-sized VSs (<30 mm) has been well-studied, leading to the recommendation of a "watch and wait" approach. However, large VSs (>30 mm) have not been extensively studied, mainly because of their rarity. As such, most patients are conventionally offered surgery which carries a significant risk of neurological morbidity. Here, we report a case of a giant VS (>40 mm) in a 30-year-old man who regressed spontaneously. He was lost to follow-up for 18 years and, upon re-presentation, the symptomatology drastically improved and repeat imaging demonstrated a marked reduction in tumor size. Referring to similar cases in other studies, we postulate that most large and giant VSs undergo a phase of growth and stasis, followed by regression due to shifts in the balance between tumorigenic and regressive factors. Taken together with emerging molecular data, further studies are required to better understand the history of large and giant VSs to shape more personalized treatment options. This potentially includes non-operative management as a tenable option.

Quality of life and broader experiences of those with acoustic neuroma: a mixed methods approach

Background Acoustic neuromas (ANs) are consistently associated with decreased quality of life (QOL) related to the physical and psychosocial impacts of symptoms experienced from the tumour and its treatment. This study explored patient-reported experiences of ANs in New Zealand, with a focus on the impact on QOL and the provision of information, support and services. Methods A mixed methods approach was taken, conducting an online community survey that included the Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality of Life Scale (N  = 52). Those who indicated interest were offered semi-structured interviews after the survey (N  = 17), which were analysed using content analysis. Results A negative impact on QOL was found, highlighting five key themes in the experiences of people: (1) ongoing physical, social and psychological impacts; (2) information and support from the medical system; (3) autonomy and decision-making; (4) the importance of peer support; and (5) remaining positive - life goes on. Conclusions Our findings indicate areas for improvement that may benefit people's healthcare experience and QOL. Both quantitative and qualitative results identified gaps associated with person-centred care and the need for information, education, emotional support and access to services. Recommendations include a need for more information (verbal and written) during all stages of diagnosis and treatment, shared decision-making and increased access to allied health, including psychological services and support groups.

Patient-preferred outcomes in patients with vestibular schwannoma: a qualitative content analysis of symptoms, side effects and their impact on health-related quality of life

PURPOSE

During counseling and management of patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS), the emphasis is shifting from tumour control and nerve preservation towards maintaining or improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Understanding the patients' perspective and impact of VS is, therefore, of utmost importance. The current study aimed to identify treatment outcomes preferred by patients and to explore the patient-reported VS symptoms and management-related side effects and their impact on HRQoL.

METHODS

Patients with VS were contacted through the Dutch VS association Stichting Hoormij and questioned using a semi-structured, cross-sectional online survey. Patients were asked to report and rank symptoms and side effects, with their impact on HRQoL and frequency of occurrence. Results were structured through qualitative content analysis. Coded symptoms, side effects, impacts, frequencies, and patient-preferred outcomes were analysed and summarized with descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Of the 231 respondents, 71% were actively treated. Hearing (symptoms vs. side effects: 78.8% vs. 63.6%), balance (62.3%; 48.8%), and energy issues (33.8%; 32.6%) were the most frequently mentioned symptoms and management-related side effects. Fatigue, deafness, headaches, and hearing loss had the highest impact on HRQoL. The majority of patients identified hearing preservation (61%), balance preservation (38.5%), and reduced tinnitus (34.6%) to be the patient-preferred outcomes.

CONCLUSION

This qualitative study demonstrates that in this population many patients with VS encounter participation difficulties in their daily physical and social activities and value hearing and balance preservation, reduced tinnitus, and restored energy as preferred outcomes as they are hampered by symptoms and side effects related to hearing, balance, and energy. Healthcare professionals should consider these key points and use these and the patient-preferred outcomes in consultation, shared decision making, treatment, and follow-up to optimize patient-centred care.

Comparing Patient Satisfaction After Upfront Treatment Versus Wait-and-Scan for Small Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma

OBJECTIVE

Management of small vestibular schwannoma (VS) remains controversial, as patients are typically candidates for all three management options including microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, or wait-and-scan. This study compares patient satisfaction across treatment modalities in patients with small VS.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Survey distributed to members of the Acoustic Neuroma Association and Mayo Clinic patients.

METHODS

Patients with small (<1 cm in any location) sporadic VS who completed at least one survey regarding treatment history and patient satisfaction were included.

RESULTS

Among 346 patients with small VS, 106 (31%) underwent microsurgery, 78 (23%) radiosurgery, 152 (44%) wait-and-scan, and 10 (3%) multimodal treatment. Collectively, 307 (89%) patients indicated "Yes, I am happy with my treatment type and in hindsight I would not change anything," and 39 (11%) indicated "No, in hindsight I would have chosen a different treatment type." Satisfaction differed significantly by treatment group with 85, 86, 96, and 40% of patients in the microsurgery, radiosurgery, wait-and-scan, and multimodal groups reporting that they were satisfied with treatment, respectively ( p < 0.001). Satisfaction also differed significantly among those undergoing upfront treatment with microsurgery or radiosurgery (81%), initial wait-and-scan followed by treatment (88%), and wait-and-scan only groups (96%; p = 0.001). Specifically, the wait-and-scan only group demonstrated greater satisfaction compared with the other two treatment strategies ( p < 0.05 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

Patient satisfaction with the management of small VS is generally high. Management with wait-and-scan, even if treatment is eventually pursued, may offer higher patient satisfaction compared with upfront treatment.

Use of a Novel Clinical Decision-Making Tool in Vestibular Schwannoma Treatment

OBJECTIVE

To determine the usefulness of a personalized tool and its effect on the decision-making process for those with vestibular schwannoma (VS).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Single institution, academic tertiary care lateral skull base surgery program.

PATIENTS

Patients diagnosed with VS.

INTERVENTIONS

A comprehensive clinical decision support (CDS) tool was constructed from a previously published retrospective patient-reported data obtained from members of the Acoustic Neuroma Association from January to March 2017. Demographic, tumor, and treatment modality data, including associated side effects, were collected for 775 patients and integrated in an interactive and personalized web-based tool.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pre- and posttool questionnaires assessing the process of deciding treatment for VS using a decisional conflict scale (DCS) and satisfaction with decision (SWD) scale were compared.

RESULTS

A pilot study of 33 patients evaluated at a single institution tertiary care center with mean ± SD age of 63.9 ± 13.5 years and with average tumor size of 7.11 ± 4.75 mm were surveyed. CDS implementation resulted in a mean ± SD total DCS score decrease from 43.6 ± 15.5 to 37.6 ± 16.4 ( p < 0.01) and total SWD score increase from 82.8 ± 16.1 to 86.2 ± 14.4 ( p = 0.04), indicating a significant decrease in decisional conflict and increase in satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing a decision-making tool after diagnosis of VS reduced decisional conflict and improved satisfaction with decision. Patients considered the tool to be an aid to their medical knowledge, further improving their comfort and understanding of their treatment options. These findings provide a basis for developing predictive tools that will assist patients in making informed medical decisions in the future.

Hearing Rehabilitation with Cochlear Implants after CyberKnife Radiosurgery of Vestibular Schwannoma: A Report Based on Four Clinical Cases

Severe sensorineural hearing loss can be a symptom of the benign tumor vestibular schwannoma (VS). The treatment of VS with non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) offers a high local tumor control rate and an innovative possibility of sequential hearing rehabilitation with cochlear implantation. This study evaluated the feasibility, complications, and auditory outcomes of such a therapeutic approach. Three males and one female (mean age 65.3 ± 9.4 years) scheduled for cochlear implantation and diagnosed with sporadic VS classified as T1 or T2 (according to Samii) were enrolled in this study. All patients had progressive hearing loss qualifying them for cochlear implantation. First, the tumor was treated using CyberKnife SRS. Next, sequential auditory rehabilitation with a cochlear implant (CI) was performed. Clinical outcomes and surgical feasibility were analyzed, and audiological results were evaluated using pure tone audiometry and speech recognition tests. All patients exhibited open-set speech understanding. The mean word recognition score (at 65 dB SPL, Freiburg Monosyllabic Test, FMT) improved after cochlear implantation in all four patients from 5.0 ± 10% (with hearing aid) preoperatively to 60.0 ± 22.7% six months postoperatively. Our results suggest that in patients with profound hearing loss caused by sporadic vestibular schwannoma, the tumor removal with SRS followed by cochlear implantation is an effective method of auditory rehabilitation.

Shared decision-making in neurosurgery: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

In modern neurosurgery, there are often several treatment alternatives, with different risks and benefits. Shared decision-making (SDM) has gained interest during the last decade, although SDM in the neurosurgical field is not widely studied. Therefore, the aim of this scoping review was to present the current landscape of SDM in neurosurgery.

METHODS

A literature review was carried out in PubMed and Scopus. We used a search strategy based on keywords used in existing literature on SDM in neurosurgery. Full-text, peer-reviewed articles published from 2000 up to the search date February 16, 2021, with patients 18 years and older were included if articles evaluated SDM in neurosurgery from the patient's perspective.

RESULTS

We identified 22 articles whereof 7 covered vestibular schwannomas, 7 covered spinal surgery, and 4 covered gliomas. The other topics were brain metastases, benign brain lesions, Parkinson's disease and evaluation of neurosurgical care. Different methods were used, with majority using forms, questionnaires, or interviews. Effects of SDM interventions were studied in 6 articles; the remaining articles explored factors influencing patients' decisions or discussed SDM aids.

CONCLUSION

SDM is a tool to involve patients in the decision-making process and considers patients' preferences and what the patients find important. This scoping review illustrates the relative lack of SDM in the neurosurgical literature. Even though results indicate potential benefit of SDM, the extent of influence on treatment, outcome, and patient's satisfaction is still unknown. Finally, the use of decision aids may be a meaningful contribution to the SDM process.

MiR-205 Inhibits Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma Cell Proliferation by Targeting Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 14

BACKGROUND

Sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a benign primary tumor that arises from the vestibular nerve. Growing VS can negatively compress the brain stem, which can lead to death. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can negatively regulate target genes at the post-transcriptional level and are critical in tumorigenesis. Studies have demonstrated the tumor suppressive function of microRNA-205-5p (miR-205) across many cancers, but no studies have evaluated the role of miR-205 in sporadic VS. We conducted this study to examine the role of miR-205 in sporadic VS cell proliferation.

METHODS

We evaluated miR-205 expression in sporadic VS tissues and normal great auricular nerve by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Then, we transfected miR-205 mimics and control oligonucleotides into sporadic VS primary cells to examine the functional significance of miR-205 expression at a cellular level by CCK8 and colony formation and used dual-luciferase reporter assays to find the target gene of miR-205.

RESULTS

We determined that miR-205 levels were downregulated in sporadic VS tissues in comparison to normal controls. In functional assays, miR-205 suppressed proliferation and colony formation ability of sporadic VS cells. CDK14 (cyclin-dependent kinase 14) was identified as a target gene of miR-205 by bioinformatics, and validated using dual-luciferase reporter assays. Moreover, miR-205 overexpression inhibited levels of phosphorylated PI3K and Akt.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that miR-205 suppressed sporadic VS proliferation by targeting CDK14 and may be considered as a potential drug therapy for sporadic VS treatment in the future.

Patient-reported factors that influence the vestibular schwannoma treatment decision: a qualitative study

Purpose

In cases of small- to medium-sized vestibular schwannomas, three management strategies can be opted for: active surveillance, surgery or radiotherapy. In these cases, the patient’s preference is pivotal in decision-making. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence a patient’s decision for a particular management strategy.

Methods

A qualitative inductive thematic analysis was performed based on semi-structured interviews. Eighteen patients with small- to medium-sized vestibular schwannomas were interviewed. All patients were diagnosed or treated at one of the two participating university medical centers in the Netherlands.

Results

Ten themes were identified that influenced the decision, classified as either medical or patient-related. The medical themes that emerged were: tumor characteristics, the physician’s recommendation, treatment outcomes and the perceived center’s experience. The patient-related themes were: personal characteristics, anxiety, experiences, cognitions, logistics and trust in the physician.

Conclusion

Knowledge of the factors that influence decision-making helps physicians to tailor their consultations to arrive at a true shared decision on vestibular schwannoma management.

The Patient-Centered Approach: A Review of the Literature and Its Application for Acoustic Neuromas

Patient-centered care is defined as "care that is consistent with and respects the values, needs, and wishes of patients" and is best achieved when clinicians involve patients and their support system in health care discussions and decisions. While this approach has been well established and supported in more general medical specialties, such as primary care, that may encompass a more holistic approach, it has rarely been described in surgical disciplines. Acoustic neuromas (ANs) can be unique among other skull base and intracranial pathologies, in that the management of these tumors can vary from patient to patient depending on various factors. Moreover, typical options, including observation, radiation, and surgery, may often have equipoise for some patients and their tumors. Therefore, a patient-centered approach, strongly guided by the expertise of experienced skull base surgeons, may likely be the most appropriate type of care for patients with ANs. Herein, we review the documented use of patient-centered care in other aspects of medicine, propose the benefits of this approach for patients with ANs, and provide ways this can be better implemented in practice.

Patient Motivation and Long-Term Satisfaction with Treatment Choice in Vestibular Schwannoma

OBJECTIVES

To ascertain primary motivation and long-term satisfaction with treatment selection in patients with vestibular schwannoma.

METHODS

A multicenter, cross-sectional survey was performed. Patients with small- to medium-sized sporadic vestibular schwannoma who underwent stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS; n = 247), microsurgery (n = 144), or observation (n = 148) between 1998 and 2008 were surveyed regarding their motivation behind treatment selection and hindsight satisfaction with their choice of management.

RESULTS

"Physician recommendation" was the most commonly stated reason for modality selection in all 3 groups. The second and third most common reasons for selecting SRS included "less invasive option than surgery" in 80 patients (32%) and "less recovery time than surgery" in 16 patients (6%). The second and third most common reasons for selecting observation included "to avoid side-effects of treatment" in 25 patients (17%) and "symptoms not severe enough to warrant intervention" in 22 patients (15%). The second and third most common reasons for selecting microsurgery included "do not want tumor in head" in 35 patients (24%) and "most definitive treatment" in 15 patients (10%). Overall, 232 patients (96%) treated with SRS, 141 observed patients (97%), and 121 patients (85%) who underwent microsurgical treatment were satisfied with their original decision (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Motivation behind treatment selection varies between individuals. Those who select observation and SRS commonly reference less invasiveness and lower risk, whereas those who select microsurgery are commonly motivated by having their tumor physically removed and the more definitive nature of treatment. Posttreatment satisfaction is highest in patients who undergo SRS and observation, although all 3 groups report high levels of satisfaction.

Patient Decision Making in Vestibular Schwannoma: A Survey of the Acoustic Neuroma Association

Objective To assess the decision-making process of patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS). Study Design Patients with VS completed a voluntary survey over a 3-month period. Setting Surveys were distributed online through email, Facebook, and member website. Subjects and Methods All patients had a diagnosis of VS and were members of the Acoustic Neuroma Association (ANA). A total of 789 patients completed the online survey. Results Of the 789 participants, 474 (60%) cited physician recommendation as a significant influential factor in deciding treatment. In our sample, 629 (80%) saw multiple VS specialists and 410 (52%) sought second opinions within the same specialty. Of those who received multiple consults, 242 (59%) of patients reported receiving different opinions regarding treatment. Those undergoing observation spent significantly less time with the physician (41 minutes) compared to surgery (68 minutes) and radiation (60 minutes) patients ( P < .001). A total of 32 (4%) patients stated the physician alone made the decision for treatment, and 29 (4%) felt they did not understand all possible treatment options before final decision was made. Of the 414 patients who underwent surgery, 66 (16%) felt they were pressured by the surgeon to choose surgical treatment. Conclusion Deciding on a proper VS treatment for patients can be complicated and dependent on numerous clinical and individual factors. It is clear that many patients find it important to seek second opinions from other specialties. Moreover, second opinions within the same specialty are common, and the number of neurotologists consulted correlated with higher decision satisfaction.

Multifactor Influences of Shared Decision-Making in Acoustic Neuroma Treatment

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with treatment modality selection in acoustic neuromas.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Tertiary care neurotology clinic.

PATIENTS

Data were prospectively collected from patients initially presenting to a tertiary care neurotology clinic between 2013 and 2016. Patients who did not have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), demographic, psychometric, or audiometric data were excluded from analysis.

INTERVENTION

Demographic information, clinical symptoms, tumor characteristics, and psychometric data were collected to determine factors associated with undergoing acoustic neuroma surgical resection using univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The decision to pursue acoustic neuroma surgical resection versus active surveillance.

RESULTS

A total of 216 patients with acoustic neuroma (mean age 55 years, 58% women) were included. Ninety eight patients (45.4%) pursued surgical resection, 118 patients (54.6%) pursued active surveillance. Surgical treatment was significantly associated with patient age less than 65, higher grade tumors, growing tumors, larger volume tumors, lower word discrimination scores, Class D hearing, headache, and vertigo as presenting symptoms, higher number of total symptoms, and higher headache severity scores (p < 0.05). There was no significant association between surgical intervention and preoperative quality of life, depression, and self-esteem scores. On multiple logistic regression analysis, the likelihood of undergoing surgical resection significantly decreased for patients older than age 65 (odds ratio [OR] 0.19; 0.05-0.69) and increased in patients with medium (OR 4.34; 1.36-13.81), moderately large (OR 33.47; 5.72-195.83), large grade tumors (OR 56.63; 4.02-518.93), tumor growth present (OR 4.51; 1.66-12.28), Class D hearing (OR 3.96; 1.29-12.16), and higher headache severity scores (OR 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.05). The likelihood of undergoing surgical resection was completely predictive for giant grade tumors and not significant for small grade tumors and Class B or C hearing.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-elderly acoustic neuroma patients with larger tumors, growing tumors, significant hearing loss, and worse headaches are more likely to pursue surgical resection rather than active surveillance. Psychological factors such as quality of life, depression, and self-esteem do not seem to influence decision-making in this patient population.

Diagnostic Approach, Treatment, and Outcomes of Cervical Sympathetic Chain Schwannomas

Objective

This review examined the diagnostic approach, surgical treatment, and outcomes of cervical sympathetic chain schwannomas (CSCS) to guide clinical decision making.

Data Sources

Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases.

Review Methods

A literature review from 1998 to 2013 identified 156 articles of which 51 representing 89 CSCS cases were evaluated in detail. Demographic, clinical, and outcomes data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers with high interrater reliability (κ = .79). Cases were mostly international (82%), predominantly from Asia (50%) and Europe (27%).

Conclusions

On average, patients were 42.6 years old (SD = 13.3) and had a neck mass ranging between 2 to 4 cm (52.7%) or >4 cm (43.2%). Nearly 70% of cases were asymptomatic at presentation. Presurgical diagnosis relied on CT (63.4%), MRI (59.8%), or both (19.5%), supplemented by cytology (33.7%), which was nearly always inconclusive (96.7%). US-treated cases were significantly more likely to receive presurgical MRI than internationally treated cases but less likely to have cytology ( P < .05). Presurgical diagnosis was challenging, with only 11% confirmatory accuracy postsurgically. Irrespective of mass size, extracapsular resection (ie, complete resection with nerve sacrifice) was the most frequently (87.6%) performed surgical procedure. Common postsurgical adverse events included Horner’s syndrome (91.1%), first bite syndrome (21.1%), or both (15.7%), with higher prevalence when mass size was >4 cm. Adverse events persisted in 82.3% of cases at an average 30.0 months (SD = 30.1) follow-up time.

Implications for Practice

Given the typical CSCS patient is young and asymptomatic and the likelihood of persistent morbidity is high with standard surgical approaches, less invasive treatment options warrant consideration.