Challenges relating to solid tumour brain metastases in clinical trials, part 2: neurocognitive, neurological, and quality-of-life outcomes. A report from the RANO group

Integrating a novel tablet-based digital neurocognitive assessment tool in brain metastases patients

PURPOSE

Patients with brain metastasis frequently exhibit baseline neurocognitive decline (NCD), which can be further exacerbated by CNS-directed interventions. Despite efforts to measure and preserve neurocognitive function (NCF), the practicality of traditional methods remains a concern. As a contemporary alternative, this study evaluates the feasibility and patient feedback of a novel digital neurocognitive assessment (NCA) tool.

METHODS

Adult patients undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), fractionated SRS (FSRS), or whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) from December 2021 to March 2024 were enrolled onto a prospective registry (NCT05504681), which formed the basis for this work. The multi-dimensional, multi-language digital NCA battery was administered at baseline and follow-up, and a feedback survey was collected to assess the tool's usability and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

A "high risk" cohort of 74 patients with brain metastases and a "low risk" cohort of 14 patients with small benign extra-axial tumors were evaluated. The high risk cohort had higher rates of NCD compared to the low risk cohort (36.5% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.032); driven by patients treated with WBRT vs. SRS/FSRS (73.3% vs. 27.1%, p = 0.001). Notably, 50.0% completed the NCAs in their native language (non-English). Patient feedback indicated that 94% found the NCAs easy to understand, 96% found it easy to use, and 74% found it relevant to their care.

CONCLUSION

This multi-dimensional, multi-language tablet-based NCA tool demonstrated feasibility and patient acceptance in a diverse patient population as well as the ability to discriminate NCD among patients treated with SRS/FSRS vs. WBRT. This approach shows promise for broader implementation, warranting further validation to confirm its efficacy.

BMScope: A scoping review to chart the evolving clinical study landscape in brain and leptomeningeal metastasis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have challenged the notion that patients with brain metastasis (BM) or leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) should be excluded from systemic therapy clinical trials. This scoping study summarizes the BM/LM clinical studies published between 2010 and 2023.

METHODS

MEDLINE, CINAHL, CAB Abstracts, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, HINARI, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE electronic databases were searched on June 21, 2021. An updated search was performed on February 21, 2023. Eligible studies investigated a therapeutic intervention in solid tumor patients with BM and/or LM and reported a patient outcome. Extracted study-level data, including study type, publication date, geographical location, number of BM/LM patients in the study, primary tumor type, and type of therapeutic intervention, were collected.

RESULTS

4921 unique studies were eligible for analysis. The key finding is that BM/LM clinical research is expanding globally, both in observational studies and clinical trials. Despite the shift over time toward a higher proportion of systemic therapy trials, the majority still do not include patients with symptomatic disease and lack reporting of BM/LM-specific endpoints. Globally, there has been a trend to more international collaboration in BM/LM clinical studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis of the BM/LM literature charts the evolving landscape of studies involving this previously excluded population. Given the increasing clinical research activity, particularly involving late-stage systemic therapy trials, it is imperative that due consideration is given to the intracranial activity of new investigational agents. Wider adoption of standardized reporting of intracranial-specific endpoints will facilitate the evaluation of relative intracranial efficacy.

Leptomeningeal metastases from solid tumors: A Society for Neuro-Oncology and American Society of Clinical Oncology consensus review on clinical management and future directions

Leptomeningeal metastases (LM) are increasingly becoming recognized as a treatable, yet generally incurable, complication of advanced cancer. As modern cancer therapeutics have prolonged the lives of patients with metastatic cancer, specifically in patients with parenchymal brain metastases, treatment options, and clinical research protocols for patients with LM from solid tumors have similarly evolved to improve survival within specific populations. Recent expansions in clinical investigation, early diagnosis, and drug development have given rise to new unanswered questions. These include leptomeningeal metastasis biology and preferred animal modeling, epidemiology in the modern cancer population, ensuring validation and accessibility of newer leptomeningeal metastasis diagnostics, best clinical practices with multimodality treatment options, clinical trial design and standardization of response assessments, and avenues worthy of further research. An international group of multi-disciplinary experts in the research and management of LM, supported by the Society for Neuro-Oncology and American Society of Clinical Oncology, were assembled to reach a consensus opinion on these pressing topics and provide a roadmap for future directions. Our hope is that these recommendations will accelerate collaboration and progress in the field of LM and serve as a platform for further discussion and patient advocacy.

Predicting the risk of neurocognitive decline after brain irradiation in adult patients with a primary brain tumor

BACKGROUND

Deterioration of neurocognitive function in adult patients with a primary brain tumor is the most concerning side effect of radiotherapy. This study aimed to develop and evaluate normal-tissue complication probability (NTCP) models using clinical and dose-volume measures for 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year Neurocognitive Decline (ND) postradiotherapy.

METHODS

A total of 219 patients with a primary brain tumor treated with radical photon and/or proton radiotherapy (RT) between 2019 and 2022 were included. Controlled oral word association test, Hopkins verbal learning test-revised, and trail making test were used to objectively measure ND. A comprehensive set of potential clinical and dose-volume measures on several brain structures were considered for statistical modeling. Clinical, dose-volume and combined models were constructed and internally tested in terms of discrimination (area under the curve, AUC), calibration (mean absolute error, MAE), and net benefit.

RESULTS

Fifty percent, 44.5%, and 42.7% of the patients developed ND at 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year time points, respectively. The following predictors were included in the combined model for 6-month ND: age at radiotherapy > 56 years (OR = 5.71), overweight (OR = 0.49), obesity (OR = 0.35), chemotherapy (OR = 2.23), brain V20 Gy ≥ 20% (OR = 3.53), brainstem volume ≥ 26 cc (OR = 0.39), and hypothalamus volume ≥ 0.5 cc (OR = 0.4). Decision curve analysis showed that the combined models had the highest net benefits at 6-month (AUC = 0.79, MAE = 0.021), 1-year (AUC = 0.72, MAE = 0.027), and 2-year (AUC = 0.69, MAE = 0.038) time points.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed NTCP models use easy-to-obtain predictors to identify patients at high risk of ND after brain RT. These models can potentially provide a base for RT-related decisions and post-therapy neurocognitive rehabilitation interventions.

Trial Design and Optimal Determination of CNS Activity of Small Molecule Targeted Therapy in NSCLC

Central nervous system (CNS) metastases are frequently diagnosed in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Only recently, clinical trials are broadening eligibility to include patients with brain metastases, offering the potential for some assessment of CNS efficacy to be made. In this work we aim to review the available information on the activity of small molecule targeted drugs for advanced NSCLC with respect to CNS metastases. We analyze a framework for evaluation assessment regarding trials of systemic agents being conducted in patients with, or at risk from, CNS metastases, and provide examples of NSCLC targeted therapies evaluated in the CNS.

Differences in Radiosensitivity According to EGFR Mutation Status in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Clinical and In Vitro Study

Unlike drug selection, radiation parameters (field, dose) are not based on driver gene mutations in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to compare radiosensitivity in NSCLC with and without EGFR driver gene mutations using clinical and in vitro data. The clinical study included 42 patients who underwent whole-brain radiotherapy for brain metastases from NSCLC; of these, 13 patients had EGFR mutation-positive tumors. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cranial control rate without intracranial recurrence. In the in vitro study, colony formation and double-strand DNA breaks were examined in two EGFR mutation-negative and three EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC-derived cell lines. Colony formation was assessed 14 days after irradiation with 0 (control), 2, 4, or 8 Gy. DNA double-strand breaks were evaluated 0.5 and 24 h after irradiation. EGFR mutation-positive patients had a significantly better cranial control rates than EGFR mutation-negative patients (p = 0.021). EGFR mutation-positive cells formed significantly fewer colonies after irradiation with 2 or 4 Gy than EGFR mutation-negative cells (p = 0.002, respectively) and had significantly more DNA double-strand breaks at 24 h after irradiation (p < 0.001). Both clinical and in vitro data suggest that EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC is radiosensitive.

Health-related quality of life after stereotactic radiosurgery in patients with brain metastases

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with brain metastases treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and to identify factors associated with this.

METHODS

HRQoL was measured pre-SRS, at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Physical functioning, cognitive functioning, role functioning, and fatigue were analyzed with the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Motor dysfunction, future uncertainty, visual disorder, communication deficit, and headaches were analyzed with the EORTC QLQ-BN20. Clinically important symptom or functional impairment was assessed following set thresholds. Factors associated with impairment were identified through multivariable logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

At baseline, 178 patients were included; 54% (n=96) completed questionnaires at 3 months and 39% (n=70) at 6 months. Before SRS, 29% of linear accelerator (LINAC) patients reported physical and cognitive impairment, while 25% reported impairment for fatigue. At 6 months, 39%, 43%, and 57% of LINAC patients reported impairment respectively. Forty-five percent of Gamma Knife (GK) patients reported impairment pre-SRS for physical, cognitive functioning, and fatigue. At 6 months, 48%, 43%, and 33% of GK patients reported impairment respectively. Except for role functioning, pre-SRS symptom and functioning scores were associated with impairment at 3 months, whereas scores at 3 months were associated with impairment at 6 months. Age, gender, systemic therapy, and intracranial progression were not associated with clinically important impairment.

CONCLUSION

As 33-57% of patients with brain metastases reported symptom burden and functional impairments that were of clinical importance, it is recommended to pay attention to the HRQoL outcomes of these patients during clinical encounters.

The neuropsychological profile of children with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) before and after radiation therapy: A prospective longitudinal study

Children with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas (DIPG), a malignant brainstem tumor, experience poor prognosis. Because of the disease's rarity and highly aggressive course, there is a dearth of research on cognitive and psychosocial outcomes in this underserved, vulnerable population. However, evaluating effects of the disease and treatment on the cognitive and daily functioning of these patients is important to better understand their specific needs and improve their quality of life. The current longitudinal study administered prospective neuropsychological assessments to children diagnosed with CNS malignancies, including the largest sample of children with DIPG to date (n = 21, mean age = 7.86 years, range = 3-16) in neurocognitive, behavioral, social-emotional, and adaptive functioning at baseline, two weeks post-radiation, and six months later. The results describe population-based, cross-sectional characteristics and within-patient longitudinal changes. Prior to radiation, children with DIPG exhibited significant weaknesses compared to normative samples in both parent-report and performance-based measures of attention, and tests of processing speed and verbal learning/memory. Younger children demonstrated poorer inhibitory control on performance tests and worse parent-reported behavioral regulation, depression, and social withdrawal compared to older children. Six-months post-radiation, older children exhibited poorer socialization than younger children. Longitudinally, children with DIPG exhibited short-term improvements immediately post-radiation in performance-based attention tests and parent-reported behavior, including attention, hyperactivity, behavioral regulation, and executive function. However, these improvements did not persist and significant decline was documented on tests of attention by six months. Clinical implications for professionals working with children with DIPG and recommendations for cognitive remediation and quality of life interventions are provided.

National Cancer Institute Collaborative Workshop on Shaping the Landscape of Brain Metastases Research: challenges and recommended priorities

Brain metastases are an increasing global public health concern, even as survival rates improve for patients with metastatic disease. Both metastases and the sequelae of their treatment are key determinants of the inter-related priorities of patient survival, function, and quality of life, mandating a multidimensional approach to clinical care and research. At a virtual National Cancer Institute Workshop in September, 2022, key stakeholders convened to define research priorities to address the crucial areas of unmet need for patients with brain metastases to achieve meaningful advances in patient outcomes. This Policy Review outlines existing knowledge gaps, collaborative opportunities, and specific recommendations regarding consensus priorities and future directions in brain metastases research. Achieving major advances in research will require enhanced coordination between the ongoing efforts of individual organisations and consortia. Importantly, the continual and active engagement of patients and patient advocates will be necessary to ensure that the directionality of all efforts reflects what is most meaningful in the context of patient care.

Brain Metastasis Incidence and Patterns of Presentation After Definitive Treatment of Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Potential Argument for Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Surveillance

Purpose

Brain metastases (BMs) are a common source of morbidity and mortality. Guidelines do not advise brain surveillance for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). We describe the incidence, time to development, presentation, and management of BMs after definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

Methods and Materials

We reviewed records of patients with LA-NSCLC treated with CRT within the period from 2013 to 2020. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the population and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate time to BM. Fisher exact tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to compare outcomes between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.

Results

A total of 219 patients were reviewed including 96 with squamous cell carcinoma, 88 with adenocarcinoma, and 35 with large cell/not otherwise specified (LC/NOS). Thirty-nine patients (17.8%) developed BMs: 35 (90%) symptomatic and 4 (10%) asymptomatic. The rate of BM was highest in LC/NOS (34.3%) and adenocarcinoma (23.9%). Ninety percent of BMs occurred within 2 years. All asymptomatic patients underwent stereotactic radiosurgery alone, compared with 40% of symptomatic patients (P = .04). Symptomatic patients were more likely to require hospitalization (65.7% vs 0%, P = .02), craniotomy (25.7% vs 0%, not significant), and steroids (91.4% vs 0%, P < .001). Cumulative BM volume was higher for symptomatic patients (4 vs 0.24 cm³, P < .001) as was median greatest axial dimension (2.18 vs 0.52 cm, P < .001).

Conclusions

We identified a high rate of BMs, particularly in LC/NOS and adenocarcinoma histology NSCLC. The majority were symptomatic. These results provide rationale for post-CRT magnetic resonance imaging brain surveillance for patients at high risk of BM.

Intracranial and Extracranial Progression and Their Correlation With Overall Survival After Stereotactic Radiosurgery in a Multi-institutional Cohort With Brain Metastases

Importance

Clinical trials for metastatic malignant neoplasms are increasingly being extended to patients with brain metastases. Despite the preeminence of progression-free survival (PFS) as a primary oncologic end point, the correlation of intracranial progression (ICP) and extracranial progression (ECP) events with overall survival (OS) is poorly understood for patients with brain metastases following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).

Objective

To determine the correlation of ICP and ECP with OS among patients with brain metastases completing an initial SRS course.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multi-institutional retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020. We included patients who completed an initial course of SRS for brain metastases during the study period, including receipt of single and/or multifraction SRS, prior whole-brain radiotherapy, and brain metastasis resection. Data analysis was performed on November 15, 2022.

Exposures

Non-OS end points included intracranial PFS, extracranial PFS, PFS, time to ICP, time to ECP, and any time to progression. Progression events were radiologically defined, incorporating multidisciplinary clinical consensus.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was correlation of surrogate end points to OS. Clinical end points were estimated from time of SRS completion via the Kaplan-Meier method, while end-point correlation to OS was measured using normal scores rank correlation with the iterative multiple imputation approach.

Results

This study included 1383 patients, with a mean age of 63.1 years (range, 20.9-92.8 years) and a median follow-up of 8.72 months (IQR, 3.25-19.68 months). The majority of participants were White (1032 [75%]), and more than half (758 [55%]) were women. Common primary tumor sites included the lung (757 [55%]), breast (203 [15%]), and skin (melanoma; 100 [7%]). Intracranial progression was observed in 698 patients (50%), preceding 492 of 1000 observed deaths (49%). Extracranial progression was observed in 800 patients (58%), preceding 627 of 1000 observed deaths (63%). Irrespective of deaths, 482 patients (35%) experienced both ICP and ECP, 534 (39%) experienced ICP (216 [16%]) or ECP (318 [23%]), and 367 (27%) experienced neither. The median OS was 9.93 months (95% CI, 9.08-11.05 months). Intracranial PFS had the highest correlation with OS (ρ = 0.84 [95% CI, 0.82-0.85]; median, 4.39 months [95% CI, 4.02-4.92 months]). Time to ICP had the lowest correlation with OS (ρ = 0.42 [95% CI, 0.34-0.50]) and the longest median time to event (median, 8.76 months [95% CI, 7.70-9.48 months]). Across specific primary tumor types, correlations of intracranial PFS and extracranial PFS with OS were consistently high despite corresponding differences in median outcome durations.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this cohort study of patients with brain metastases completing SRS suggest that intracranial PFS, extracranial PFS, and PFS had the highest correlations with OS and time to ICP had the lowest correlation with OS. These data may inform future patient inclusion and end-point selection for clinical trials.

Preliminary Attainability Assessment of Real-World Data for Answering Major Clinical Research Questions in Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis: Framework Development and Validation Study

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, real-world evidence (RWE) in oncology has rapidly gained traction for its potential to answer clinical questions that cannot be directly addressed by randomized clinical trials. Integrating real-world data (RWD) into clinical research promises to contribute to more sustainable research designs, including extension, augmentation, enrichment, and pragmatic designs. Nevertheless, clinical research using RWD is still limited because of concerns regarding the shortage of best practices for extracting, harmonizing, and analyzing RWD. In particular, pragmatic screening methods to determine whether the content of a data source is sufficient to answer the research questions before conducting the research with RWD have not yet been established.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the PAR (Preliminary Attainability Assessment of Real-World Data) framework and assessed its utility in breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM), which has an unmet medical need for data attainability screening at the preliminary step of observational studies that use RWD.

METHODS

The PAR framework was proposed to assess data attainability from a particular data source during the early research process. The PAR framework has four sequential stages, starting with clinical question clarification: (1) operational definition of variables, (2) data matching (structural/semantic), (3) data screening and extraction, and (4) data attainability diagramming. We identified 5 clinical questions to be used for PAR framework evaluation through interviews and validated them with a survey of breast cancer experts. We used the Samsung Medical Center Breast Cancer Registry, a hospital-based real-time registry implemented in March 2021, leveraging the institution's anonymized and deidentified clinical data warehouse platform. The number of breast cancer patients in the registry was 45,129; it covered the period from June 1995 to December 2021. The registry consists of 24 base data marts that represent disease-specific breast cancer characteristics and care pathways. The outcomes included screening results of the clinical questions via the PAR framework and a procedural diagram of data attainability for each research question.

RESULTS

Data attainability was tested for study feasibility according to the PAR framework with 5 clinical questions for BCBM. We obtained data sets that were sufficient to conduct studies with 4 of 5 clinical questions. The research questions stratified into 3 types when we developed data fields for clearly defined research variables. In the first, only 1 question could be answered using direct data variables. In the second, the other 3 questions required surrogate definitions that combined data variables. In the third, the question turned out to be not feasible for conducting further analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The adoption of the PAR framework was associated with more efficient preliminary clinical research using RWD from BCBM. Furthermore, this framework helped accelerate RWE generation through clinical research by enhancing transparency and reproducibility and lowering the entry barrier for clinical researchers.

Mind the gap-the use of sodium fluoresceine for resection of brain metastases to improve the resection rate

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

Brain metastases appear to be well resectable due to dissectable tumor margins, but postoperative MRI quite often depicts residual tumor with potential influence on tumor control and overall survival. Therefore, we introduced sodium fluoresceine into the routine workflow for brain metastasis resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of fluorescence-guided surgery has an impact on postoperative tumor volume and local recurrence.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively included patients who underwent surgical resection for intracranial metastases of systemic cancer between 11/2017 and 05/2021 at our institution. Tumor volumes were assessed pre- and postoperatively on T1-CE MRI. Clinical and epidemiological data as well as follow-up were gathered from our prospective database.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients (33 male, 46 female) were included in this study. Median preoperative tumor volume amounted to 11.7cm3 and fluoresceine was used in 53 patients (67%). Surgeons reported an estimated gross total resection (GTR) in 95% of the cases, while early postoperative MRI could confirm GTR in 72%. Patients resected using fluoresceine demonstrated significantly lower postoperative residual tumor volumes with a difference of 0.7cm3 (p = 0.044) and lower risk of local tumor recurrence (p = 0.033). The use of fluorescence did not influence the overall survival (OS). Postoperative radiotherapy resulted in a significantly longer OS (p = 0.001).

DISCUSSION

While GTR rates may be overrated, the use of intraoperative fluorescence may help neurosurgeons to achieve a more radical resection. Fluoresceine seems to facilitate surgical resection and increase the extent of resection thus reducing the risk for local recurrence.

Brain metastases: A Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) consensus review on current management and future directions

Brain metastases occur commonly in patients with advanced solid malignancies. Yet, less is known about brain metastases than cancer-related entities of similar incidence. Advances in oncologic care have heightened the importance of intracranial management. Here, in this consensus review supported by the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO), we review the landscape of brain metastases with particular attention to management approaches and ongoing efforts with potential to shape future paradigms of care. Each coauthor carried an area of expertise within the field of brain metastases and initially composed, edited, or reviewed their specific subsection of interest. After each subsection was accordingly written, multiple drafts of the manuscript were circulated to the entire list of authors for group discussion and feedback. The hope is that the these consensus guidelines will accelerate progress in the understanding and management of patients with brain metastases, and highlight key areas in need of further exploration that will lead to dedicated trials and other research investigations designed to advance the field.

Re-examining popular screening measures in neuro-oncology: MMSE and RBANS

BACKGROUND

The Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) is routinely used in neuro-oncology clinics to rule out cognitive impairment. However, the MMSE is known to have poor sensitivity to mild cognitive impairment, raising concern regarding its continued use. More comprehensive cognitive screeners are available, such as the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), and may be better able to assess for cognitive dysfunction.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study compared the relative rates of impairment using the MMSE-2 and RBANS in a sample of neuro-oncology patients (N = 81). A preliminary analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of the MMSE-2 to the level of cognitive impairment identified on the RBANS was conducted; in addition, we examined whether an adjustment of the MMSE-2 cut-off score improved consensus with a positive screening on the RBANS.

RESULTS

The MMSE-2 failed to identify over half of the patients with cognitive dysfunction that were identified on the RBANS. Further analysis showed limited sensitivity of the MMSE-2 to the level of impairment detected on the RBANS, and an adjustment of the cut-off score did not improve the sensitivity or specificity of the MMSE-2.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide caution for neuro-oncology clinics using the MMSE. If providers continue to rely on the MMSE to screen for cognitive impairment alone, they may fail to identify individuals with mild cognitive impairments.

Extending Our Reach: Expanding Enrollment in Brain Metastases and Primary Brain Tumor Clinical Trials

Despite the unmet need, clinical trial opportunities for primary and metastatic central nervous system cancers are limited and clinical trial enrollment is poor. Multiple stakeholders have launched efforts to improve the clinical trial landscape for patients with primary and metastatic central nervous system tumors, including work that promotes the inclusion of patients with brain tumors into clinical trials, re-examination of eligibility criteria, and careful consideration of trial design aspects that may uniquely impact the patients with this disease. Herein, we consider regulatory perspectives from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and clinician-trialist perspectives from a neuro-oncologist and a medical oncologist.

A clinically compatible drug-screening platform based on organotypic cultures identifies vulnerabilities to prevent and treat brain metastasis

We report a medium-throughput drug-screening platform (METPlatform) based on organotypic cultures that allows to evaluate inhibitors against metastases growing in situ. By applying this approach to the unmet clinical need of brain metastasis, we identified several vulnerabilities. Among them, a blood-brain barrier permeable HSP90 inhibitor showed high potency against mouse and human brain metastases at clinically relevant stages of the disease, including a novel model of local relapse after neurosurgery. Furthermore, in situ proteomic analysis applied to metastases treated with the chaperone inhibitor uncovered a novel molecular program in brain metastasis, which includes biomarkers of poor prognosis and actionable mechanisms of resistance. Our work validates METPlatform as a potent resource for metastasis research integrating drug-screening and unbiased omic approaches that is compatible with human samples. Thus, this clinically relevant strategy is aimed to personalize the management of metastatic disease in the brain and elsewhere.

Managing Central Nervous System Spread of Lung Cancer: The State of the Art

Brain metastases (BrM) are common in both non-small-cell lung cancer and small-cell lung cancer. Substantial progress in BrM management has occurred in the past decade related to advances in both radiation and medical oncology. Recent and ongoing radiation trials have focused on increasing the candidacy for focal therapy of BrM with stereotactic radiosurgery; reducing the toxicity and improving patient selection for whole brain radiotherapy; and, in small-cell lung cancer, evaluating brain magnetic resonance imaging surveillance without prophylactic cranial irradiation, hippocampal avoidance in prophylactic cranial irradiation and whole brain radiotherapy, and the role of upfront stereotactic radiosurgery for BrM. In medical oncology, the development of multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors with encouraging CNS activity and emerging data on the CNS activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors in some patients have opened the door to novel systemic and multidisciplinary treatment strategies for the management of BrM. Future research will focus on more robust characterizations of the CNS activity of targeted therapy and immunotherapies, as well as optimal integration and patient selection for multidisciplinary strategies involving CNS-active drugs, radiation therapy, and CNS surveillance.

Case Report: Disruption of Resting-State Networks and Cognitive Deficits After Whole Brain Irradiation for Singular Brain Metastasis

Introduction: Long-term survivors of whole brain radiation (WBRT) are at significant risk for developing cognitive deficits, but knowledge about the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms is limited. Therefore, we here report a rare case with a singular brain metastasis treated by resection and WBRT that survived for more than 10 years where we investigated the integrity of brain networks using resting-state functional MRI. Methods: A female patient with a left frontal non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) brain metastasis had resection and postoperative WBRT (30.0 in 3.0 Gy fractions) and stayed free from brain metastasis recurrence for a follow-up period of 11 years. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and amino acid [O-(2-[¹⁸F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine] positron emission tomography (FET PET) were repeatedly acquired. At the last follow up, neurocognitive functions and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) using resting-state fMRI were assessed. Within-network and inter-network connectivity of seven resting-state networks were computed from a connectivity matrix. All measures were compared to a matched group of 10 female healthy subjects. Results: At the 11-year follow-up, T2/FLAIR MR images of the patient showed extended regions of hyper-intensities covering mainly the white mater of the bilateral dorsal frontal and parietal lobes while sparing most of the temporal lobes. Compared to the healthy subjects, the patient performed significantly worse in all cognitive domains that included executive functions, attention and processing speed, while verbal working memory, verbal episodic memory, and visual working memory were left mostly unaffected. The connectivity matrix showed a heavily disturbed pattern with a widely distributed, scattered loss of RSFC. The within-network RSFC revealed a significant loss of connectivity within all seven networks where the dorsal attention and fronto-parietal control networks were affected most severely. The inter-network RSFC was significantly reduced for the visual, somato-motor, and dorsal and ventral attention networks. Conclusion: As demonstrated here in a patient with a metastatic NSCLC and long-term survival, WBRT may lead to extended white matter damage and cause severe disruption of the RSFC in multiple resting state networks. In consequence, executive functioning which is assumed to depend on the interaction of several networks may be severely impaired following WBRT apart from the well-recognized deficits in memory function.

Quality of Life Is Independently Associated With Neurocognitive Function in Patients With Brain Tumors: Analysis of a Prospective Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

We conducted the first prospective longitudinal study examining the independent association between patient-reported health-related quality of life (hrQoL) (physical, social/family, emotional, functional, and brain cancer-specific) and neurocognitive function (NCF), while controlling for mood symptoms in patients with primary brain tumors.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients with primary brain tumors (n = 59) receiving brain radiation therapy underwent hrQOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain), mood (Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories), and neurocognitive evaluation at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months postradiation therapy in a prospective clinical trial. Neurocognitive assessments measured attention/processing speed, memory, and executive function, including the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Verbal Fluency, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test Revised (HVLT-R), and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test. Subjects underwent neurocognitive, mood, and hrQoL assessments in the same testing session. Multivariable linear mixed-effects models assessed associations between hrQOL and NCF over time, controlling for patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics as well as timepoint-specific patient-reported mood (ie, anxiety and depression symptoms). P values were adjusted for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Higher physical hrQoL was associated with better verbal memory (HVLT-R Total Recall, P = .047), and higher functional hrQoL was associated with better executive function (Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Verbal Fluency Switching Total, P = .009) and verbal memory (HVLT-R Delayed Recall, P = .006). Higher brain tumor-specific hrQoL was associated with better verbal and nonverbal memory (HVLT-R Total, P = .004 and Delayed Recall, P = .030; Brief Visuospatial Memory Test Total, P = .049 and Delayed Recall, P = .049). There was no association between social/family or emotional hrQoL and NCF after controlling for mood.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher physical, functional, and brain tumor-specific hrQoL were associated with better executive function and memory among patients with primary brain tumors. Physical and functional impairments are correlated with cognitive performance. Interventions to maximize quality of life after treatment may influence neurocognition and vice versa.

Prospective Longitudinal Assessment of Health-related Quality of Life in Patients With Brain Metastases Undergoing Radiation Therapy

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a prospective clinical trial of patients receiving radiation (RT) for brain metastases to identify clinical predictors of pre-RT and post-RT health-related quality of life (hrQoL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with brain metastases completed overall (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ C15-PAL) and brain tumor-specific (QLQ-BN20) hrQoL assessments pre-RT (n=127) and 1 (n=56) and 3 (n=45) months post-RT. Linear and proportional-odds models analyzed patient, disease, and treatment predictors of baseline, 1-, and 3-month hrQoL scores. Generalized estimating equations and repeated measures proportional-odds models assessed predictors of longitudinal hrQoL scores.

RESULTS

Most patients underwent stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) (69.3%) and had non-small-cell lung (36.0%) metastases. Compared with SRS, receipt of whole brain RT was associated with a higher odds of appetite loss (baseline P=0.04, 1 mo P=0.02) and greater motor dysfunction (baseline P=0.01, 1 mo P=0.003, 3 mo P=0.02). Receipt of systemic therapy was associated with better emotional functioning after RT (1 mo P=0.03, 3 mo P=0.01). Compared with patients with breast cancer, patients with melanoma had higher odds of better global hrQoL (P=0.01) and less pain (P=0.048), while patients with lung cancer reported lower physical function (P=0.048) 3 months post-RT. Nonmarried patients had greater odds of higher global hrQoL (1 mo P=0.01), while male patients had lower odds of reporting more hair loss (baseline P=0.03, 3 mo P=0.045). Patients 60 years and above had lower odds of more drowsiness (P=0.04) and pain (P=0.049) over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients receiving SRS versus whole brain RT and systemic therapy reported better posttreatment hrQoL. In addition, melanoma metastases, nonmarried, male, and older patients with reported better hrQoL in various as well as domains after intracranial RT.

The Impact of Stereotactic or Whole Brain Radiotherapy on Neurocognitive Functioning in Adult Patients with Brain Metastases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background & Objectives: Radiotherapy is standard treatment for patients with brain metastases (BMs), although it may lead to radiation-induced cognitive impairment. This review explores the impact of whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) on cognition.

METHODS

The PRISMA guidelines were used to identify articles on PubMed and EmBase reporting on objective assessment of cognition before, and at least once after radiotherapy, in adult patients with nonresected BMs.

RESULTS

Of the 867 records screened, twenty articles (14 unique studies) were included. WBRT lead to decline in cognitive performance, which stabilized or returned to baseline in patients with survival of at least 9-15 months. For SRS, a decline in cognitive performance was sometimes observed shortly after treatment, but the majority of patients returned to or remained at baseline until a year after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that after WBRT, patients can experience deterioration over a longer period of time. The cognitive side effects of SRS are transient. Therefore, this review advices to choose SRS as this will result in lowest risks for cognitive adverse side effects, irrespective of predicted survival. In an already cognitively vulnerable patient population with limited survival, this information can be used in communicating risks and aid in making educated decisions.

The evolving role of neurosurgery for central nervous system metastases in the era of personalized cancer therapy

Recent therapeutic advances involving the use of systemic targeted treatments and immunotherapeutic agents in patients with advanced cancers have translated into improved survival rates. Despite the emergence of such promising pharmacological therapies and extended survival, the frequency of metastases in the central nervous system has steadily increased. Effective medical and surgical therapies are available for many patients with brain metastases and need to be incorporated into multi-disciplinary care protocols. The role of neurosurgeons is evolving within these multi-disciplinary care teams. Surgical resection of brain metastases can provide immediate relief from neurological symptoms due to large lesions and provides the histopathological diagnosis in cases of no known primary malignancy. In situations where immunotherapy is part of the oncological treatment plan, surgery may be proposed for expeditious relief of edema to remove the need for steroids. In patients with multiple brain metastases and mixed response to therapeutics or radiosurgery, tumour resampling allows tissue analysis for druggable targets or to distinguish radiation effects from progression. Ventriculo-peritoneal shunting may improve quality of life in patients with hydrocephalus associated with leptomeningeal tumour dissemination and may allow for time to administer more therapy thus prolonging overall survival. Addressing the limited efficacy of many oncological drugs for brain metastases due to insufficient blood-brain barrier penetrance, clinical trial protocols in which surgical specimens are analysed after pre-surgical administration of therapeutics offer pharmacodynamic insights. Comprehensive neurosurgical assessment remains an integral element of multi-disciplinary oncological care of patients with brain metastases and is integral to tumour biology research and therapeutic advancement.

Cognitive Functioning and Health-Related Quality of Life of Long-Term Survivors With Brain Metastases Up to 21 Months After Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

BACKGROUND

Survival rates have improved in the past years for patients with brain metastases (BMs).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate cognitive functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in a relatively large sample of long-term survivors.

METHODS

Data from 38 long-term survivors (assessments available ≥ 12 mo post-GKRS) with, at time of enrollment, 1 to 10 newly diagnosed BMs, expected survival > 3 mo, and Karnofsky Performance Status ≥ 70 were analyzed. Cognitive functioning and HRQoL were assessed pre-GKRS (n = 38) and at 3 (n = 38), 6 (n = 37), 9 (n = 37), 12 (n = 34), 15 (n = 28), and 21 (n = 21) mo post-GKRS. The course of cognitive test performance and of HRQoL over time was analyzed using linear mixed models. Individual changes in cognitive performance and HRQoL from pre-GKRS to 21 mo were determined using reliable change indexes (RCIs) and clinical meaningful cutoffs, respectively.

RESULTS

Cognitive performances and HRQoL of long-term survivors remained stable or improved up to 21 mo after GKRS. Improvements were found for immediate and delayed verbal memory, working memory, information processing speed, and emotional well-being. On the individual level, most patients had stable or improved test performances or HRQoL. For physical well-being only, most patients (47.6%) showed a decline (vs 28.6% improvement or 23.8% no change) from pre-GKRS until 21 mo post-GKRS.

CONCLUSION

Up to 21 mo after GKRS, cognitive functioning and overall HRQoL improved or remained stable in long-term survivors. In long-term survivors with 1 to 10 BMs, GKRS did not cause (additional) cognitive deteriorations or declines in HRQoL at longer-term follow-up.

Clinical Trial Considerations in Neuro-oncology

Clinical trials play a critical role in discovering new treatments, but the path to regulatory approval can be cumbersome and time consuming. Efforts to increase the efficiency and interpretability of clinical trials within the neuro-oncology community have focused on standardization of response assessment, development of consensus guidelines for clinical trial conduct, decentralization of clinical trials, removal of barriers to clinical trial accrual, and re-examination of patient eligibility criteria.

Functional Outcomes and Health-Related Quality of Life Following Glioma Surgery

Functional outcome following glioma surgery is defined as how the patient functions or feels. Functional outcome is a coprimary end point of surgery in patients with diffuse glioma, together with oncological outcome. In this review, we structure the functional outcome measurements following glioma surgery as reported in the last 5 yr. We review various perspectives on functional outcome of glioma surgery with available measures, and offer suggestions for their use. From the recent neurosurgical literature, 160 publications were retrieved fulfilling the selection criteria. In these publications, neurological outcomes were reported most often, followed by activities of daily living, seizure outcomes, neurocognitive outcomes, and health-related quality of life or well-being. In more than a quarter of these publications functional outcome was not reported. A minimum essential consensus set of functional outcome measurements would benefit comparison across neurosurgical reports. The consensus set should be based on a combination of clinician- and patient-reported outcomes, assessed at a predefined time before and after surgery. The selected measurements should have psychometric properties supporting the intended use including validity-related evidence, reliability, and sensitivity to detect meaningful change with minimal burden to ensure compliance. We circulate a short survey as a start towards reporting guidelines. Many questions remain to better understand, report, and improve functional outcome following glioma surgery.

The Management of Brain Metastases-Systematic Review of Neurosurgical Aspects

The multidisciplinary management of patients with brain metastases (BM) consists of surgical resection, different radiation treatment modalities, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and targeted molecular treatment. This review presents the current state of neurosurgical technology applied to achieve maximal resection with minimal morbidity as a treatment paradigm in patients with BM. In addition, we discuss the contribution of neurosurgical resection on functional outcome, advanced systemic treatment strategies, and enhanced understanding of the tumor biology.

Irradiation-related longitudinal white matter atrophy underlies cognitive impairment in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

To longitudinally investigate alterations in cerebral white matter volume as a function of irradiation dose and time after standard radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients and to determine how these alterations are related to radiotherapy-associated neurocognitive dysfunction.A total of 120 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were included in the present study. Longitudinal structural magnetic resonance imaging was performed at pre-radiotherapy and 1-3, 6, and 9-12 months post-radiotherapy. Twenty healthy controls were recruited and followed up with in parallel. Structural images were processed via FreeSurfer. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment was performed to evaluate cognitive function of the participants. Linear mixed models and general linear models were used to evaluate different trajectories and the relationship between white matter volume and cognition in patients and controls within approximately 12 months of follow-up.Selective and time-dependent white matter atrophy was observed in the right parahippocampal gyrus, right inferior temporal gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus, right fusiform gyrus, and left insular cortex in post-radiotherapy patients compared to the controls. Moreover, radiotherapy-associated white matter atrophy in the right parahippocampal gyrus exhibited a dose-dependent pattern, whereas radiotherapy-associated white matter atrophy in the right inferior temporal gyrus was correlated with progressive cognitive impairment in patients.Taken together, our findings illustrate that white matter volume alterations can be used as a potential biomarker to detect radiotherapy-related subtle brain injury in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients, which may help further elucidate the pathogenesis of radiation-induced cognitive decline and facilitate studies on cognition-sparing radiotherapy.

Microstructural Injury to Corpus Callosum and Intrahemispheric White Matter Tracts Correlate With Attention and Processing Speed Decline After Brain Radiation

PURPOSE

The corpus callosum (CC) and intrahemispheric white matter tracts (IHWM) subserve critical aspects of attention and processing speed. We analyzed imaging biomarkers of microstructural injury within these regions and association with attention and processing speed performance before and after radiation therapy in primary brain tumor patients.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

In a prospective clinical trial, 44 primary brain tumor patients underwent cognitive testing and magnetic resonance imaging/diffusion-weighted imaging at baseline (pre-radiation therapy) and 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-radiation therapy. CC (subregions, total) and IHWM tracts (left/right without CC, total) were autosegmented; tumor, tumor bed, and edema were censored. Biomarkers included volume changes (cm³), mean diffusivity ([MD]; higher values indicate white matter injury), fractional anisotropy ([FA]; lower values indicate white matter injury). Reliable-change indices measured changes in attention (Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale [WAIS-IV] digits-forward; Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Trail Making [D-KEFS-TM] visual-scanning), and processing speed (WAIS-IV coding; D-KEFS-TM number-sequencing, letter-sequencing), accounting for practice effects. Linear mixed-effects models evaluated associations between mean radiation dose and biomarkers (volume, MD, FA) and imaging biomarkers and neurocognitive performance. Statistics were corrected for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Processing speed declined at 6 months following radiation therapy (number sequencing, letter sequencing; P < .04). Seizures and antiepileptic drug therapy were associated with lower visual-scanning attention reliable-change indices at 6 months (P = .039). Higher radiation dose correlated with smaller midanterior CC volume (P = .023); lower FA in posterior CC, anterior CC, and total CC (all P < .03); and higher MD in anterior CC (P = .012). Smaller midanterior CC and left IHWM volume correlated with worse processing speed (coding, letter-sequencing, number-sequencing; all P < .03). Higher FA in right, left, and total IHWM correlated with better coding scores (all P < .01). Lower FA in total IHWM (P = .009) was associated with worse visual-scanning attention scores. Higher FA in midposterior CC (P = .029) correlated with better digits-forward attention scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The CC demonstrated radiation dose-dependent atrophy and WM injury. Microstructural injury within the CC and IHWM was associated with attention and processing speed decline after radiation therapy. These areas represent possible avoidance regions for preservation of attention and processing speed.

Microstructural Injury to Left-Sided Perisylvian White Matter Predicts Language Decline After Brain Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE

Our purpose was to investigate the association between imaging biomarkers of radiation-induced white matter (WM) injury within perisylvian regions and longitudinal language decline in patients with brain tumors.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients with primary brain tumors (n = 44) on a prospective trial underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and language assessments of naming (Boston Naming Test [BNT]) and fluency (Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Category Fluency [DKEFS-CF]) at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after fractionated radiation therapy (RT). Reliable change indices of language function (0-6 months), accounting for practice effects (RCI-PE), evaluated decline. Bilateral perisylvian WM regions (superficial WM subadjacent to Broca's area and the superior temporal gyrus [STG], inferior longitudinal fasciculus [ILF], inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus [IFOF], and arcuate fasciculus) were autosegmented. We quantified volume and diffusion measures of WM microstructure: fractional anisotropy (FA; lower values indicate disruption) and mean diffusivity (MD; higher values indicate injury). Linear mixed-effects models assessed mean dose as predictor of imaging biomarker change and imaging biomarkers as longitudinal predictors of language scores.

RESULTS

DKEFS-CF scores declined at 6 months post-RT (RCI-PE, -0.483; P = .01), whereas BNT scores improved (RCI-PE, 0.262; P = .04). Higher mean dose to left and right regions was predictive of decreased volume (left-STG, P = .02; right-ILF and IFOF, P = .03), decreased FA (left-WM tracts, all P < .01; right-STG and IFOF, P < .02), and increased MD of left-WM tracts (all P < .03). Volume loss within left-Broca's area (P = .01), left-ILF (P = .01), left-IFOF (P = .01), and left-arcuate fasciculus (P = .04) was associated with lower BNT scores. Lower FA correlated with poorer DKEFS-CF and BNT scores within left-ILF (P = .02, not significant), left-IFOF (P = .02, .04), and left-arcuate fasciculus (P = .01, .01), respectively. Poorer DKEFS-CF scores correlated with increased MD values within the left-arcuate fasciculus (P = .03). Right-sided biomarkers did not correlate with language scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with primary brain tumors experience language fluency decline post-RT. Poorer fluency and naming function may be explained by microstructural injury to left-sided perisylvian WM, representing potential dose-avoidance targets for language preservation.

Metachronous Brain Metastasis in patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC indicates a worse prognosis

Purpose: NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation were associated with high incidence of brain metastasis (BM). BM could be grouped by the time of occurrence, including synchronous BM at initial diagnosis and metachronous BM during disease course. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the survival of patients with metachronous BM.

Methods: A total of 99 EGFR-mutant advanced NSCLC patients in our institute between 2012 and 2018 were grouped into synchronous BM and metachronous BM. Comparisons of OS were performed based on BM status. The independent prognostic factors of OS were investigated, and extracranial and intracranial PFS were further analyzed.

Results: Patients with metachronous BM (mOS: 22.1 months) had poorer outcomes than synchronous BM (mOS: 30.3 months) (P=0.016). Moreover, multivariate analysis indicated that BM status (P=0.015), local therapy for BM (P=0.013) and subsequent treatment of Osimertinib (P=0.008) impact significantly on OS. Significantly, the proportion of local therapy for BM had no difference between patients with synchronous and metachronous BM. And patients with metachronous BM harbored a more favorable prognostic factor (higher proportion of subsequent Osimertinib treatment), but also harbored a poorer prognostic factor (metachronous BM), which confirmed BM status was the most significant prognostic factor of OS. At last, results of extracranial and intracranial PFS indicated that patients with metachronous BM tended to have a higher risk of intracranial disease progression.

Conclusions: Patients developing metachronous BM during EGFR-TKIs treatment have worse outcomes than synchronous BM. Our findings suggested that the patients with metachronous BM should receive more aggressive treatments.

Risk factors of metachronous brain metastasis in patients with EGFR-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Background

NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation were at a higher incidence of developing brain metastasis (BM). Patients with BM are associated with high mortality. Reducing BM incidence becomes increasingly significant for NSCLC patients to achieve prolonged survival. The aim of the study was to explore the possible risk factors of developing metachronous BM during EGFR-TKIs treatment, and to identify the potential candidates for prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) or the first-line Osimertinib treatment.

Methods

A total of 157 consecutive EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC patients without BM at initial diagnosis in our institution from 2012 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Comparisons of OS were performed based on BM status. The cumulative incidence of metachronous BM was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the independent risk factors of metachronous BM were investigated by multivariate analysis.

Results

Patients developing metachronous BM had worse survival (mOS: 22.1 months) than patients not-developing BM (mOS: 44.8 months). Moreover, the multivariate analysis indicated that age ≤ 49 years (P = 0.035), number of extracranial metastases (P = 0.013), and malignant pleural effusion (P = 0.002) were independent risk factors of metachronous BM. Furthermore, the 1-year actuarial incidence of developing metachronous BM in patients with no risk factor (n = 101), 1 risk factor (n = 46), and 2 risk factors (n = 10) were 7.01, 14.61, and 43.75%, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients developing metachronous BM during EGFR-TKIs treatment have worse outcomes. Our results suggested that EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC patients with ≥1 risk factors were candidates for PCI or the first-line Osimertinib treatment.

Longitudinal Analysis of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms as Independent Predictors of Neurocognitive Function in Primary Brain Tumor Patients

PURPOSE

Primary brain tumor patients are vulnerable to depression and anxiety symptoms, which may affect their neurocognitive functioning. We performed a prospective longitudinal analysis to examine the association between depression and anxiety symptoms and domain-specific neurocognitive functioning in primary brain tumor patients receiving radiation therapy (RT).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

On a prospective trial, 54 primary brain tumor patients receiving RT underwent comprehensive neurocognitive evaluation at baseline (pre-RT), and 3, 6, and 12 months post-RT. Neurocognitive assessments measured attention/processing speed, verbal and visuospatial memory, and executive functioning, including Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Trail-Making Test (DKEFS-TMT), DKEFS Verbal Fluency, and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised. Depression and anxiety symptoms were also assessed at each time point with Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories (BDI-II and BAI), respectively. Higher scores reflect more numerous or severe depression or anxiety symptoms. Univariable and multivariable linear mixed-effects models assessed associations between BDI-II and BAI scores and domain-specific neurocognitive scores over time, controlling for pre-existing depression or anxiety disorders and other patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics.

RESULTS

Higher BAI scores were associated with worse attention and processing speed in univariable analyses: DKEFS-TMT visual scanning (P = .003), number sequencing (P = .011), and letter sequencing (P <.001). On multivariable analyses, these associations remained significant (all P ≤ .01). Higher BDI-II scores were also associated with poorer attention/processing speed (DKEFS-TMT Letter Sequencing) in univariable (P = .002) and multivariable (P = .013) models. Higher BAI scores were associated with worse visuospatial memory (Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised Delayed Recall) on univariable (P = .012) but not multivariable analyses (P = .383). Similarly, higher BDI-II scores were associated with poorer executive functioning (DKEFS Verbal Fluency Category Switching) on univariable (P = .031) but not multivariable analyses (P = .198).

CONCLUSIONS

Among primary brain tumor patients receiving RT, increased depression and anxiety were independently associated with worsened neurocognition, particularly in attention/processing speed. Depression and anxiety symptoms should be controlled for in prospective clinical trials and managed in the clinical setting to optimize neurocognitive functioning.

Consensus recommendations for a standardized brain tumor imaging protocol for clinical trials in brain metastases

A recent meeting was held on March 22, 2019, among the FDA, clinical scientists, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, clinical trials cooperative groups, and patient advocacy groups to discuss challenges and potential solutions for increasing development of therapeutics for central nervous system metastases. A key issue identified at this meeting was the need for consistent tumor measurement for reliable tumor response assessment, including the first step of standardized image acquisition with an MRI protocol that could be implemented in multicenter studies aimed at testing new therapeutics. This document builds upon previous consensus recommendations for a standardized brain tumor imaging protocol (BTIP) in high-grade gliomas and defines a protocol for brain metastases (BTIP-BM) that addresses unique challenges associated with assessment of CNS metastases. The "minimum standard" recommended pulse sequences include: (i) parameter matched pre- and post-contrast inversion recovery (IR)-prepared, isotropic 3D T1-weighted gradient echo (IR-GRE); (ii) axial 2D T2-weighted turbo spin echo acquired after injection of gadolinium-based contrast agent and before post-contrast 3D T1-weighted images; (iii) axial 2D or 3D T2-weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery; (iv) axial 2D, 3-directional diffusion-weighted images; and (v) post-contrast 2D T1-weighted spin echo images for increased lesion conspicuity. Recommended sequence parameters are provided for both 1.5T and 3T MR systems. An "ideal" protocol is also provided, which replaces IR-GRE with 3D TSE T1-weighted imaging pre- and post-gadolinium, and is best performed at 3T, for which dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion is included. Recommended perfusion parameters are given.

Current approaches to the management of brain metastases

Brain metastases are a very common manifestation of cancer that have historically been approached as a single disease entity given the uniform association with poor clinical outcomes. Fortunately, our understanding of the biology and molecular underpinnings of brain metastases has greatly improved, resulting in more sophisticated prognostic models and multiple patient-related and disease-specific treatment paradigms. In addition, the therapeutic armamentarium has expanded from whole-brain radiotherapy and surgery to include stereotactic radiosurgery, targeted therapies and immunotherapies, which are often used sequentially or in combination. Advances in neuroimaging have provided additional opportunities to accurately screen for intracranial disease at initial cancer diagnosis, target intracranial lesions with precision during treatment and help differentiate the effects of treatment from disease progression by incorporating functional imaging. Given the numerous available treatment options for patients with brain metastases, a multidisciplinary approach is strongly recommended to personalize the treatment of each patient in an effort to improve the therapeutic ratio. Given the ongoing controversies regarding the optimal sequencing of the available and expanding treatment options for patients with brain metastases, enrolment in clinical trials is essential to advance our understanding of this complex and common disease. In this Review, we describe the key features of diagnosis, risk stratification and modern paradigms in the treatment and management of patients with brain metastases and provide speculation on future research directions.

Health-related quality of life in adult patients with brain metastases after stereotactic radiosurgery: a systematic, narrative review

PURPOSE

A growing number of patients with brain metastases (BM) are being treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and the importance of evaluating the impact of SRS on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in these patients has been increasingly acknowledged. This systematic review summarizes the current knowledge about the HRQoL of patients with BM after SRS.

METHODS

We searched EMBASE, Medline Ovid, Web-of-Science, the Cochrane Database, PsycINFO Ovid, and Google Scholar up to November 15, 2018. Studies in patients with BM in which HRQoL was assessed before and after SRS and analyzed over time were included. Studies including populations of several types of brain cancer and/or several types of treatments were included if the results for patients with BM and treatment with SRS alone were described separately.

RESULTS

Out of 3638 published articles, 9 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. In 4 out of 7 studies on group results, overall HRQoL of patients with BM remained stable after SRS. In small study samples of longer-term survivors, overall HRQoL remained stable up to 12 months post-SRS. Contradictory results were reported for physical and general/global HRQoL, which might be explained by the different questionnaires that were used.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, SRS does not have significant negative effects on patients' overall HRQoL over time. Future research is needed to analyze different aspects of HRQoL, differences in individual changes in HRQoL after SRS, and factors that influence these changes. These studies should take into account several methodological issues as discussed in this review.

The neurocognitive function change criteria after whole-brain radiation therapy for brain metastasis, in reference to health-related quality of life changes: a prospective observation study

BACKGROUND

We sought to construct the optimal neurocognitive function (NCF) change criteria sensitive to health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in patients who have undergone whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) for brain metastasis.

METHODS

We categorized the patients by the changes of NCF into groups of improvement versus deterioration if at least one domain showed changes that exceeded the cut-off while other domains remained stable. The remaining patients were categorized as stable, and the patients who showed both significant improvement and deterioration were categorized as 'both.' We examined the clinical meaning of NCF changes using the cut-off values 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 SD based on the percentage of patients whose HR-QOL changes were ≥ 10 points.

RESULTS

Baseline, 4-month and 8-month data were available in 78, 41 (compliance; 85%), and 29 (81%) patients, respectively. At 4 months, improvement/stable/deterioration/both was seen in 15%/12%/41%/32% of the patients when 1.0 SD was used; 19%/22%/37%/22% with 1.5 SD, and 17%/37%/37%/9% with 2.0 SD. The HR-QOL scores on the QLQ-C30 functional scale were significantly worse in the deterioration group versus the others with 1.0 SD (p = 0.013) and 1.5 SD (p = 0.015). With 1.5 SD, the HR-QOL scores on the QLQ-BN20 was significantly better in the improvement group versus the others (p = 0.033). However, when 'both' was included in 'improvement' or 'deterioration,' no significant difference in HR-QOL was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The NCF cut-off of 1.5 SD and the exclusion of 'both' patients from the 'deterioration' and 'improvement' groups best reflects HR-QOL changes.

Current multidisciplinary management of brain metastases

Brain metastasis (BM), the most common adult brain tumor, develops in 20% to 40% of patients with late-stage cancer and traditionally are associated with a poor prognosis. The management of patients with BM has become increasingly complex because of new and emerging systemic therapies and advancements in radiation oncology and neurosurgery. Current therapies include stereotactic radiosurgery, whole-brain radiation therapy, surgical resection, laser-interstitial thermal therapy, systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted agents, and immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Determining the optimal treatment for a specific patient has become increasingly individualized, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary discussions of patients with BM. Recognizing and addressing the sequelae of BMs and their treatment while maintaining quality of life and neurocognition is especially important because survival for patients with BMs has improved. The authors present current and emerging treatment options for patients with BM and suggest approaches for managing sequelae and disease recurrence.

Neurocognitive Function in Adult Cancer Patients

Impaired neurocognitive function is an increasingly recognized morbidity in patients who have cancer. Cancer treatments, psychosocial stressors, and the malignancy itself can alter brain function. The mechanisms by which this occurs are under active investigation. Although there is a growing appreciation of its prevalence and causes, there remain limited therapeutic options for the treatment of neurocognitive dysfunction in this population. A persistent scientific and clinical effort to understand its mechanisms and impact is critical to the care of oncology patients.

Preliminary exploration of a computerized cognitive battery and comparison with traditional testing in patients with high-grade glioma

Background

Cognitive function is an important outcome measure in many brain tumor clinical trials, and investigators are interested in employing the most efficient methods of cognitive assessment for this purpose. Computerized testing can be appealing because of the perceived ease of use and electronic data generated. Traditional tests may have the advantage of accumulated validity evidence and comparability across historic trials.

Methods

We evaluated feasibility of a Cogstate battery in 39 patients with high-grade glioma, and compared it with a commonly used paper-and-pencil battery.

Results

Both batteries were well tolerated and rated equally likeable. Correlations between the batteries were low to low-moderate. More patients showed impairment at baseline and decline across trials on traditional tests.

Conclusions

Both batteries were well tolerated, but the most complicated tasks (from both batteries) could not be completed by all subjects. Preliminary validity evidence for the Cogstate tasks was mixed, but a larger sample is needed.

Monitoring of Neurocognitive Function in the Care of Patients with Brain Tumors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

A detailed characterization of the nature of neurocognitive impairment in patients with brain tumors is provided, as well as considerations for clinical practice regarding neuropsychological assessment throughout the disease course.

RECENT FINDINGS

Neurocognitive impairment is common in patients with brain tumors and may result from the tumor itself, as a consequence of treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, or in association with supportive care medications (e.g., anticonvulsant and pain medications). Serial surveillance of neurocognitive functioning in this population can facilitate medical decision-making and inform recommendations to improve patient daily functioning and quality of life. Neuropsychological assessment is increasingly recognized as a critical component of the multidisciplinary care of patients with brain tumors and has already had practice-changing effects. Further understanding of genetic risk factors for neurocognitive decline along with the development of novel assessment and intervention strategies may further enhance functioning and general well-being in this patient population.

Health-related quality of life of patients with brain metastases selected for stereotactic radiosurgery

Purpose

Information on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with brain metastases (BM) before stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is very relevant to improve communication between patients and clinicians and to be able to interpret changes in HRQoL after SRS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of complaints on different aspects of pre-SRS HRQoL among patients with BM and to identify predictors thereof.

Methods

Patients with 1–10 newly diagnosed BM, expected survival > 3 months, Karnofsky Performance Status ≥ 70, and scheduled to undergo SRS were included. HRQoL was measured with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-Br) questionnaire. One-sample z-tests were conducted to analyze differences between patients with BM and published normative data of a general adult sample and of an adult cancer sample. Multiple regression analyses were run to identify predictors of pre-SRS HRQoL.

Results

On the individual level, most patients with BM (57.6% of 92 included patients) reported complaints regarding emotional well-being. As a group, patients with BM reported significantly lower emotional well-being compared to both control groups and significantly higher social well-being compared to the general population. Worse psychological factors, e.g. physical fatigue, depression, mental fatigue and anxiety, predicted aspects of pre-SRS HRQoL.

Conclusions

An increased understanding of pre-SRS HRQoL and predictors hereof, provides us with more insight into the well-being of our patients with BM and is necessary for the interpretation of (changes in) HRQoL after SRS.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s11060-019-03186-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Identifying early diffusion imaging biomarkers of regional white matter injury as indicators of executive function decline following brain radiotherapy: A prospective clinical trial in primary brain tumor patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Executive function (EF) decline is common after brain radiation therapy (RT), yet the etiology is unclear. We analyzed the association between longitudinal changes in frontal lobe white matter microstructure and decline in EF following RT in brain tumor patients on a prospective clinical trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Diffusion tensor imaging was obtained on 22 patients with brain tumors prior to RT, as well as 3- and 6-months post-RT, in a prospective, observational trial. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD) were calculated within the superficial white matter (SWM) of the anterior cingulate (AC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Measures of cognitive flexibility, verbal fluency, and verbal set-shifting were obtained pre- and post-RT. Reliable change indices were calculated to determine significant baseline to 6-month EF changes.

RESULTS

Decreases in FA and increases in MD were observed in the caudal AC (CAC) at 3-months post-RT. CAC changes were characterized by increased RD bilaterally. From baseline to 6-months post-RT, decreased FA and increased MD and RD of the CAC was associated with decline in verbal set-shifting ability, whereas increased MD in the CAC was associated with a decline in cognitive flexibility.

CONCLUSION

White matter underlying the AC may be particularly vulnerable to radiation effects. Early microstructural loss within AC SWM represents an important biomarker for EF decline, and dose reduction in this region may represent a possibility for cognitive preservation for patients receiving radiotherapy.

Quality of Life in Brain Cancer: Clinical Validation of the Mexican-Spanish Version of the EORTC QLQ-BN20 Questionnaire

Background: Overall survival (OS) of patients with Brain Cancer (BC) is slowly increasing. The disease itself and its treatments deeply impact patient Health-related quality of life (HRQL). Therefore, valid and reliable instruments are needed. In this study, the Mexican-Spanish version of the QLQ-BN20 instrument is psychometrically and clinically validated.

Methods: Patients with brain cancer (BC) (primary or metastatic) evaluated at a tertiary cancer center, were invited to respond to the questionnaire, as well as the core-module QLQ-C30. Tests to demonstrate the instrument's internal consistency, the association of HRQL scales with clinical variables and OS were investigated.

Results: One hundred and nineteen patients were included in this cohort: 77 women and 42 men (mean age, 46.2 years). Patients answered both instruments in < 30 min.

Good convergent [all correlation coefficients (CC) > 0.37] and discriminant validity was observed and was associated with significant overlap (CC 0.007–0.68). All four multi-item scales of QLQ-BN20 also demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach α > 0.7). Several scales of the QLQ-BN20 were significantly associated with performance status and a modified Recursive Partition Analysis. Of the possible scale correlations, 40 of 161 (24.8%) scales in both instruments, were significantly (directly or inversely) correlated. Visual disorders, Motor dysfunction, Seizures and Weakness of the legs presented association with OS (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The Mexican-Spanish version of the BN20 instrument is valid and reliable and can be used in clinical trials in patients with BC. Some HRQL scales were associated with OS and could therefore be incorporated in future studies of prognostic models.

Brain metastases and treatment: multiplying cognitive toxicities

INTRODUCTION

Thirty per cent of cancer patients develop brain metastases, with multiple combination or sequential treatment modalities available, to treat systemic or central nervous system (CNS) disease. Most patients experience toxicities as a result of these treatments, of which cognitive impairment is one of the adverse events most commonly reported, causing major impairment of the patient's quality of life. Areas covered: This article reviews the role of cancer treatments in cognitive decline of patients with brain metastases: surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapies and hormone therapy. Pathological and molecular mechanisms, as well as future directions for limiting cognitive toxicities are also presented. Other causes of cognitive impairment in this population are discussed in order to refine the benefit-risk balance of each treatment modality. Expert opinion: Cumulative cognitive toxicity should be taken into account, and tailored to the patient's cognitive risk in the light of the expected survival benefit. Standardization of cognitive assessment in this context is needed in order to better appreciate each treatment's responsibility in cognitive impairment, keeping in mind disease itself impacts cognition in this context.

Clinical trial design for systemic agents in patients with brain metastases from solid tumours: a guideline by the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Brain Metastases working group

Patients with active CNS disease are often excluded from clinical trials, and data regarding the CNS efficacy of systemic agents are usually obtained late in the drug development process or not at all. In this guideline from the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Brain Metastases (RANO-BM) working group, we provide detailed recommendations on when patients with brain metastases from solid tumours should be included or excluded in clinical trials of systemic agents. We also discuss the limitations of retrospective studies in determining the CNS efficacy of systemic drugs. Inclusion of patients with brain metastases early on in the clinical development of a drug or a regimen is needed to generate appropriate CNS efficacy or non-efficacy signals. We consider how to optimally incorporate or exclude such patients in systemic therapy trials depending on the likelihood of CNS activity of the agent by considering three scenarios: drugs that are considered very unlikely to have CNS antitumour activity or efficacy; drugs that are considered very likely to have CNS activity or efficacy; and drugs with minimal baseline information on CNS activity or efficacy. We also address trial design issues unique to patients with brain metastases, including the selection of appropriate CNS endpoints in systemic therapy trials.

Pseudoprogression of Melanoma Brain Metastases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are increasingly being used to treat melanoma brain metastases. One potential complication of immune checkpoint inhibitors is a phenomenon called pseudoprogression, in which a tumor transiently increases in size due to lymphocyte infiltration. This article reviews the characteristics of pseudoprogression and their clinical implications.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pseudoprogression can be challenging to differentiate from true progression noted clinically or radiographically, thereby complicating management decisions and potentially confusing patients and their families. The transient tumor enlargement can also cause symptoms that mimic true tumor progression. Because the use of immunotherapy on melanoma brain metastases is a relatively new treatment paradigm, there is limited evidence to guide clinical decision-making and prognostication related to pseudoprogression.

The level of reporting of neurocognitive outcomes in randomised controlled trials of brain tumour patients: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Neurocognitive impairment is frequently present in brain tumour patients and is therefore considered an important outcome in brain tumour research. To use neurocognitive outcomes (NCO) in clinical decision-making, neurocognitive evidence should be of sufficiently high quality. We aimed to investigate the level of neurocognitive functioning reporting in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in brain tumour patients.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search in several databases up to August 2017. Of the selected relevant RCTs, the following data were retrieved: basic trial demographics and NCO characteristics, quality of NCO reporting and risk of bias. We also analysed studies that should impact clinical decision-making based on their quality of reporting.

RESULTS

We identified 65 RCTs, of which NCO was the primary end-point in 14 (22%). Important methodological limitations were related to the documentation of statistical approaches for dealing with missing data and to discussing limitations and generalisability issues uniquely related to the NCO components. Risk of bias was high regarding blinding of personnel and incomplete outcome data. Twenty RCTs (31%), eight with NCO as primary end-point and 12 as secondary end-point, satisfied a sufficient number of criteria to be classified as 'high-quality' NCO evidence. Most of these studies did contribute to clinical decision-making.

CONCLUSION

Investigators involved in brain tumour research should give attention to methodological challenges related to NCO reporting as identified in this review, as 'high-quality' reporting of NCO evidence can be of value in clinical decision-making.

Predictors of quality of life and survival following Gamma Knife surgery for lung cancer brain metastases: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

Lung cancer (LC) patients who develop brain metastases (BMs) have a poor prognosis. Estimations of survival and risk of treatment-related deterioration in quality of life (QOL) are important when deciding on treatment. Although we know of several prognostic factors for LC patients with BMs, the role of QOL has not been established. Authors of this study set out to evaluate changes in QOL following Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) for BMs in LC patients and QOL as a prognostic factor for survival.

METHODS

Forty-four of 48 consecutive LC patients with BMs underwent GKS in the period from May 2010 to September 2011, and their QOL was prospectively assessed before and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after GKS by using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Brain (FACT-BR) questionnaire. A mixed linear regression model was used to identify potential predictive factors for QOL and to assess the effect of GKS and the disease course on QOL at follow-up.

RESULTS

Mean QOL as measured by the brain cancer subscale (BRCS) of the FACT-BR remained stable from baseline (score 53.0) up to 12 months post-GKS (57.1; p = 0.624). The BRCS score improved for 32 patients (72.3%) with a total BM volume ≤ 5 cm3. Mean improvement in these patients was 0.45 points each month of follow-up, compared to a decline of 0.50 points each month despite GKS treatment in patients with BM volumes > 5 cm3 (p = 0.04). Asymptomatic BMs (p = 0.01), a lower recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) classification (p = 0.04), and a higher Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score (p < 0.01) at baseline were predictors for a high, stable QOL after GKS. After multivariate analysis, a high KPS score (p < 0.01) remained the only positive predictor of a high, stable QOL post-GKS.

Median survival post-GKS was 5.6 months (95% CI 1.0–10.3). A higher BRCS score (p = 0.01), higher KPS score (p = 0.01), female sex (p = 0.01), and the absence of liver (p = 0.02), adrenal (p = 0.02), and bone metastases (p = 0.03) predicted longer survival in unadjusted models. However, in multivariate analyses, a higher BRCS score (p < 0.01), female sex (p = 0.01), and the absence of bone metastases (p = 0.02) at GKS remained significant predictors. Finally, the BRCS score’s predictive value for survival was compared with the values for the variables behind well-known prognostic indices: age, KPS score, extracranial disease status, and number and volume of BMs. Both BRCS score (p = 0.01) and BM volume (p = 0.05) remained significant predictors for survival in the final model.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-reported QOL according to the BRCS is a predictor of survival in patients with BMs and may be helpful in deciding on the optimal treatment. Gamma Knife surgery is a safe and effective therapeutic modality that improves QOL for LC patients with a BM volume ≤ 5 cm3 at treatment. Careful follow-up and salvage therapy on demand seem to prevent worsening of QOL due to relapse of BMs.