Neurocognitive functioning and health-related quality of life in patients treated with stereotactic radiotherapy for brain metastases: a prospective study

The Effectiveness of Afatinib as First-Line Treatment in Vietnamese Patients With EGFR-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Brain Metastases

INTRODUCTION

The role of afatinib in the first-line treatment of EGFR-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has been proven through clinical trials and real-world studies. However, additional data on the effectiveness of afatinib in patients with brain metastases are lacking.

METHODS

EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients with brain metastases were retrospectively reviewed across nine cancer centers in Vietnam from April 1, 2018 to June 1, 2022. The primary endpoints included central nervous system progression-free survival (CNS-PFS) and overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoints were the objective response rate (ORR) and CNS-ORR.

RESULTS

Among 87 enrolled patients, 21.8%, 17.2%, and 60.9% received whole-brain radiation, gamma knife, and no locoregional therapy, respectively. With a median follow-up of 32.2 months for CNS-PFS and 35.3 months for OS, the median CNS-PFS and OS were 17.9 and 29.9 months, respectively. In multivariate analysis, patients receiving whole-brain radiation had significantly shorter CNS-PFS than those untreated with local therapy (16.1 vs. 22.6 months, p = 0.019), but not translating to an inferior OS. Furthermore, both the CNS-PFS and OS of patients with uncommon mutations were significantly worse than those of patients with Del19 (11.3 vs. 24.2 months, p = 0.013 and 17.7 vs. 34.0 months, p = 0.003, respectively). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that a lower afatinib starting dose did not significantly affect CNS-PFS or OS. The CNS-ORR and ORR were 77.4% and 71.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In our real-world study, afatinib showed encouraging effectiveness in Vietnamese patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC and brain metastases at baseline.

Evaluation of the dose reduction effect of crystalline lens exposure in cone-beam computed tomography with bismuth eye shield for image-guided radiation therapy: An anthropomorphic phantom study

This study aimed to evaluate the dose-exposure reduction effect of a crystalline lens with a bismuth eye shield using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for head image-guided radiation therapy. The ocular surface dose of the head phantom (THRA-1) is defined as a crystalline lens exposure dose and is measured using a radiophotoluminescence dosimeter (RPLD, GD-352 M) with and without an eye shield (CT eye shield) while moving the head phantom from the reference position that is set at the center of the head in either the X or Z direction from -5 to +5 cm. The exposure doses were measured thrice at each movement position. The crystalline lens exposure doses at the reference position were 0.896 ± 0.024 mGy and 0.892 ± 0.016 mGy for the right and left sides, respectively. The exposure doses at the position where the head phantom was moved 5 cm in the -Z direction from the reference position were 2.812 ± 0.053 mGy and 2.576 ± 0.038 mGy for the right and left sides, respectively, with the highest doses at all movement positions. The crystalline lens exposure doses were reduced to 1.909 ± 0.046 mGy and 1.768 ± 0.043 mGy for the right and left sides with an eye shield in this position, causing an exposure dose reduction rate of -32% and -31%, respectively. The crystalline lens exposure dose reduction rate was approximately 10%-15% in the movement directions, except for the -Z direction. Head CBCT with an eye shield effectively reduced the crystalline lens exposure dose when the CBCT isocenter was set close to the eye. Head CBCT using an eye shield is a useful method that reduces the crystalline lens exposure dose.

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.

Mechanisms of Resistance to ALK Inhibitors and Corresponding Treatment Strategies in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity worldwide. The echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) fusion gene accounts for approximately 3%-5% of gene mutation types. Targeted therapies for ALK mutations have made significant advancements in recent decades, enabling a considerable number of patients to achieve the goal of five-year survival benefits. However, overcoming the drug resistance that arises with current ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) remain a major challenge in ALK-targeted therapies. In this review, we briefly discuss the primary and secondary mechanisms of resistance to ALK-TKIs, and explore treatment strategies based on progressive resistance models. Meanwhile, novel drugs and combination therapies are being actively researched and developed to address these challenges. The aim is to offer new insights into the mechanisms of resistance and the corresponding treatment strategies to ALK inhibitors.

Prognostication of Brain-Metastasized Patients Receiving Subsequent Systemic Therapy: A Single-Center Long-Term Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

Survival of patients with brain metastases (BMs) is poor. It has become clear that targeted therapy has an effect on BMs and patient' prognosis. The question remains which patients benefit from additional systemic therapy. This assumption was evaluated in a large single-center cohort.

METHODS

Patients consecutively planned to undergo local radiotherapy for their BMs in 2006-2017 were selected (n = 200). Prognosis, using CERENAL, disease-specific graded prognostic assessment (DS-GPA), and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group recursive partitioning analysis (RTOG RPA), was evaluated.

RESULTS

Ninety-three (46.5%) patients received at least one additional line of systemic therapy subsequent to the diagnosis of their BMs. The median overall survival (OS) was 6.3 months. Having received subsequent systemic therapy resulted in a more favorable OS (10.4 versus 3.9 months). Interestingly, using dichotomized scores, CERENAL showed prognostic properties in all patients for disease-specific survival on multivariate analysis, whereas RTOG RPA and DS-GPA were not withheld in the model. Lastly, only having a favorable DS-GPA resulted in prolonged progression-free survival for first systemic therapy following BM diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Receiving subsequent systemic therapy has a profound influence on outcome in patients with BMs, indicating the effect of systemic therapy on BMs. Use of the CERENAL brain prognostic score shows potential for further prognostication of patients with more favorable outcomes.

Effects of EGFR-TKIs combined with intracranial radiotherapy in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases: a retrospective multi-institutional analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are prone to developing brain metastases (BMs), particularly those with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. In clinical practice, treatment-naïve EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients with asymptomatic BMs tend to choose EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as first-line therapy and defer intracranial radiotherapy (RT). However, the effectiveness of upfront intracranial RT remains unclear.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study including 217 patients from two institutions between January 2018 and December 2022. Clinical data of NSCLC patients with BMs who received EGFR-TKIs were collected. The patients were assigned to one of the three groups according to the therapeutic modality used: the upfront TKI + stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) / fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (fSRS) group (upfront TKI + SRS/fSRS ), the upfront TKI + whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) group (upfront TKI + WBRT) and the upfront TKI group.

RESULTS

As of March 8, 2023, the median follow-up duration was 37.3 months (95% CI, 32.5-42.1). The median overall survival (OS) for the upfront TKI + SRS/fSRS, upfront TKI + WBRT, and upfront TKI groups were 37.8, 20.7, and 24.1 months, respectively (p = 0.015). In subgroup analysis, the upfront TKI + SRS/fSRS group demonstrated longer OS compared to the upfront TKI + WBRT and upfront TKI groups in patients treated with first or second-generation EGFR-TKIs (p = 0.021) and patients with L858R mutation (p = 0.017), whereas no survival benefit was observed in three-generation EGFR-TKIs or 19del subgroup. In the multivariable analysis, metachronous BMs, EGFR L858R mutation and nonclassic EGFR mutation were identified as independent risk factors for OS, while a DS-GPA score of 2.0-4.0 was the only independent protective factor.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that upfront addition of SRS/fSRS to EGFR-TKIs was associated with longer OS compared to upfront WBRT or upfront TKI alone in EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients with BMs. This improvement was more significant in patients with L858R mutation and those treated with first or second-generation EGFR-TKIs. Further research with a larger sample size is warranted.

Nivolumab plus ipilimumab with chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer with untreated brain metastases: A multicenter single-arm phase 2 trial (NIke, LOGiK 2004)

BACKGROUND

The effect of dual immunotherapy combined with platinum-based chemotherapy on untreated brain metastases derived from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has remained unclear.

METHODS

This multicenter single-arm phase 2 study enrolled patients with chemotherapy-naïve advanced NSCLC and at least one brain metastasis ≥ 5 mm in size that had not been previously treated. Patients received nivolumab plus ipilimumab combined with platinum-doublet chemotherapy (two cycles), followed by nivolumab-ipilimumab alone. The primary endpoint of the study was intracranial response rate as determined by modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) for brain metastases of ≥ 5 mm as target lesions.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients from 18 institutions was enrolled in this study. The median age was 66.5 years (range, 47-83 years), and 26 patients (87 %) had a non-squamous cell carcinoma histology. The median size of all target brain lesions was 8.4 mm, with a range of 5-39 mm. The intracranial response rate assessed by modified RECIST was 50.0 % (95 % CI, 33.2-66.8 %), with the rate of complete response being 20.0 %, and the study met its primary endpoint. The systemic response rate was 53.3 % (95 % CI, 36.1-69.8 %), and responses for intracranial and extracranial lesions were generally consistent. The median intracranial progression-free survival was 8.1 months, and both the median intracranial duration of response and time to brain radiotherapy were not reached.

CONCLUSION

Nivolumab plus ipilimumab combined with platinum-based chemotherapy showed promising intracranial activity in NSCLC patients with untreated brain metastases.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

jRCT071210019.

Patient reported outcomes and short-term adjustment trajectories following gamma knife radiosurgery for benign brain tumor

PURPOSE

Patient reported outcomes (PROs) in the context of Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery (GKSRS) for benign brain tumor have been under-researched. This study examined changes in PROs and adjustment trajectories post-GKSRS.

METHOD

50 adults (54% female) aged on average 53.18 (SD = 14.76) years with benign brain tumor were assessed 1 week before GKSRS, 1-2 weeks post-GKSRS, and at 3-month follow-up. Telephone-based questionnaires of anxiety and depressive symptoms, cognitive function, symptom burden, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were completed.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in HRQoL, perceived cognitive ability, anxiety, and total brain tumor symptoms were evident between pre-GKSRS and 3-month follow-up. Conversely, there was a significant short-term increase in depressive symptoms at post-GKSRS; however, levels did not differ from pre-GKSRS at follow-up. No significant changes were evident on PROs of headaches or fatigue. About half of the participants (46-51%) experienced reliable improvement in global HRQoL, and one-third (31-34%) reported improved anxiety symptoms. Increased depressive symptoms was seen in 34% of participants post-GKSRS and 18% at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

At 3 months post-GKSRS, improvements in HRQoL, anxiety, perceived cognitive ability, and total brain tumor symptoms were evident. Routine monitoring and support for pre-GKSRS anxiety and depressive symptoms post-GKSRS is recommended.

Recommendation for reducing the crystalline lens exposure dose by reducing imaging field width in cone-beam computed tomography for image-guided radiation therapy: an anthropomorphic phantom study

In cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) of the head, we evaluated the exposure dose reduction effect to the crystalline lens and position-matching accuracy by narrowing one side (X2) of the X-ray aperture (blade) in the X-direction. We defined the ocular surface dose of the head phantom as the crystalline lens exposure dose and measured using a radiophotoluminescence dosimeter (RPLD, GD-352 M) in the preset field (13.6 cm) and in each of the fields when blade X2 aperture was reduced in 0.5 cm increments from 10.0 to 5.0 cm. Auto-bone matching was performed on CBCT images acquired five times with blade X2 aperture set to 13.6 cm and 5.0 cm at each position when the head phantom was moved from - 5.0 to + 5.0 mm in 1.0 mm increment. The maximum reduction rate in the crystalline lens exposure dose was - 38.7% for the right lens and - 13.2% for the left lens when blade X2 aperture was 5.0 cm. The maximum difference in the amount of position correction between blade X2 aperture of 13.6 cm and 5.0 cm was 1 mm, and the accuracy of auto-bone matching was similar. In CBCT of the head, reduced blade X2 aperture is a useful technique for reducing the crystalline lens exposure dose while ensuring the accuracy of position matching.

Individualized trajectories in postradiotherapy neurocognitive functioning of patients with brain metastases

Background

The increasing incidence of brain metastases (BMs) and improved survival rates underscore the necessity to investigate the effects of treatments on individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the individual trajectories of subjective and objective cognitive performance after radiotherapy in patients with BMs.

Methods

The study population consisted of adult patients with BMs referred for radiotherapy. A semi-structured interview and comprehensive neurocognitive assessment (NCA) were used to assess both subjective and objective cognitive performance before, 3 months and ≥ 11 months after radiotherapy. Reliable change indices were used to identify individual, clinically meaningful changes.

Results

Thirty-six patients completed the 3-month follow-up, and 14 patients completed the ≥ 11-months follow-up. Depending on the domain, subjective cognitive decline was reported by 11-22% of patients. In total, 50% of patients reported subjective decline in at least one cognitive domain. Intracranial progression 3 months postradiotherapy was a risk-factor for self-reported deterioration (P = .031). Objective changes were observed across all domains, with a particular vulnerability for decline in memory at 3 months postradiotherapy. The majority of patients (81%) experienced both a deterioration as well as improvement (eg, mixed response) in objective cognitive functioning. Results were similar for the long-term follow-up (3 to ≥11 months). No risk factors for objective cognitive change 3 months postradiotherapy were identified.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that the majority of patients with BMs will show a mixed cognitive response following radiotherapy, reflecting the complex impact. This underscores the importance of patient-tailored NCAs 3 months postradiotherapy to guide optimal rehabilitation strategies.

Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for brain metastases in lung cancer patients: dose‒response effect and toxicity

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is a common cause of brain metastases, approximately 40% of patients with lung cancer will develop brain metastases at some point during their disease. Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HSRT) has been demonstrated to be effective in controlling limited brain metastases. However, there is still no conclusive on the optimal segmentation of HSRT. The aim of our study was to explore the correlation between the HSRT dosage and its treatment effect and toxicity.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) brain metastasis at Hangzhou Cancer Hospital from 1 January 2019 to 1 January 2021. The number of brain metastases did not exceed 10 in all patients and the number of fractions of HSRT was 5. The prescription dose ranges from 25 to 40 Gy. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for estimation of the localised intracranial control rate (iLC). Adverse radiation effects (AREs) were evaluated according to CTCAE 5.0. This study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Review Board of the Hangzhou Cancer Hospital (#73/HZCH-2022).

RESULTS

Forty eligible patients with a total of 70 brain metastases were included in this study. The 1-year iLC was 76% and 89% in the prescribed dose ≤ 30 Gy and > 30 Gy group, respectively (P < 0.05). For patients treated with HSRT combined with targeted therapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy, the 1-year iLC was 89%, 100%, and 45%, respectively. No significant associations were observed between the number, maximum diameter, location, and type of pathology of brain metastases. The rate of all-grade AREs was 33%. Two patients who received a total dose of 40 Gy developed grade 3 headache, the rest of the AREs were grade 1-2.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing the prescription dose of HSRT improves treatment effect but may also exacerbate the side effects. Systemic therapy might impact the iLC rate, and individualized treatment regimens need to be developed.

Evaluating the sensitivity of EQ-5D-5L in patients with brain metastases: a secondary analysis of NRG CC001

BACKGROUND

EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L is a commonly used measure of health-related quality of life in clinical trials given the use of its index score as a measure of health utilities. It is unclear whether EQ-5D-5L is sensitive to changes in neurocognitive function and progression that occur following brain radiation. This study sought to evaluate the sensitivity of EQ-5D-5L in reflecting these changes.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of NRG Oncology CC001 was performed. Mean EQ-5D-5L index and visual analog scale (VAS) score changes from baseline between groups of patients stratified by neurocognitive function and intracranial progression status were assessed. MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for brain tumor (MDASI-BT) symptom and interference items were also analyzed between groups.

RESULTS

EQ-5D-5L mean index and VAS score changes between patients who had cognitive failure and those who had preserved cognition showed no statistically significant differences at any timepoint. In contrast, VAS changes at 4 months (1.61 vs -5.13, P = .05) and 6 months (8.17 vs -0.14, P = .04) were significantly improved in the patients who survived without intracranial progression. MDASI-BT cognitive factor scores were improved in the cohort of patients with preserved neurocognitive function at 2 months (1.68 vs 2.08, P = .05) and 4 months (1.35 vs 1.83, P = .04). MDASI-BT symptom interference was significantly associated with intracranial progression at 4 months, but not with neurocognitive status.

CONCLUSION

EQ-5D-5L index and VAS scores were not sensitive to neurocognitive changes that patients experienced, but VAS scores were sensitive to progression. This study challenges the routine use of EQ-5D as a quality of life metric in brain metastases clinical trials that are focused on preventing neurocognitive dysfunction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT# 02360215.

Local hero: A phase II study of local therapy only (stereotactic radiosurgery and / or surgery) for treatment of up to five brain metastases from HER2+ breast cancer. (TROG study 16.02)

Introduction, A decade ago, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) without whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) was emerging as preferred treatment for oligometastatic brain metastases. Studies of cavity SRS after neurosurgery were underway. Data specific to metastatic HER2 breast cancer (MHBC), describing intracranial, systemic and survival outcomes without WBRT, were lacking. A Phase II study was designed to address this gap. Method, Adults with MHBC, performance status 0-2, ≤ five BrM, receiving/planned to receive HER2-targeted therapy were eligible. Exclusions included leptomeningeal disease and prior WBRT. Neurosurgery allowed ≤6 weeks before registration and required for BrM >4 cm. Primary endpoint was 12-month requirement for WBRT. Secondary endpoints; freedom from (FF-) local failure (LF), distant brain failure (DBF), extracranial disease failure (ECDF), overall survival (OS), cause of death, mini-mental state examination (MMSE), adverse events (AE). Results, Twenty-five patients accrued Decembers 2016-2020. The study closed early after slow accrual. Thirty-seven BrM and four cavities received SRS. Four cavities and five BrM were observed. At 12 months: one patient required WBRT (FF-WBRT 95 %, 95 % CI 72-99), FFLF 91 % (95 % CI 69-98), FFDBF 57 % (95 % CI 34-74), FFECDF 64 % (95 % CI 45-84), OS 96 % (95 % CI 74-99). Two grade 3 AE occurred. MMSE was abnormal for 3/24 patients at baseline and 1/17 at 12 months. Conclusion, At 12 months, SRS and/or neurosurgery provided good control with low toxicity. WBRT was not required in 95 % of cases. This small study supports the practice change from WBRT to local therapies for MHBC BrM.

Choosing the right questions - A systematic review of patient reported outcome measures used in radiotherapy and proton beam therapy

The implementation of PROMs into clinical practice has been shown to improve quality of care. This systematic review aims to identify which PROMs are suitable for implementation within routine clinical practice in a radiotherapy or PBT service.The bibliographic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and EMCARE were searched. Articles published between 1st January 2008 to 1st June 2023, that reported PROMs being utilised as an outcome measure were included. Inclusion criteria also included being written in English, involving human patients, aged 16 and above, receiving external beam radiotherapy or PBT for six defined tumour sites. PROMs identified within the included articles were subjected to quality assessment using the COSMIN reporting guidelines. Results are reported as per PRISMA guidelines. A total of 268 studies were identified in the search, of which 52 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The use of 39 different PROMs was reported. The PROMs identified were mostly tumour or site-specific quality of life (n = 23) measures but also included generic cancer (n = 3), health-related quality-of-life (n = 6), and symptom specific (n = 7) measures.None of the PROMs identified received a high GRADE score for good content. There were 13 PROMs that received a moderate GRADE score. The remaining PROMs either had limited evidence of development and validation within the patient cohorts investigated, or lacked relevance or comprehensiveness needed for routine PROMs collection in a radiotherapy or PBT service.This review highlights that there are a wide variety of PROMs being utilised within radiotherapy research, but most lack specificity to radiotherapy side-effects. There is a risk that by using non-specific PROMs in clinical practice, patients might not receive the supportive care that they need.

Optimal timing of hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases

BACKGROUND

For epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with limited brain metastases (BMs), who eventually receive both tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) treatment and brain radiotherapy, the optimal timing of radiotherapy is not clear. The present retrospective analysis aimed to partly solve this problem.

METHODS

In total 84 EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients with limited BMs, who received both TKI treatment and brain hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HSRT), were enrolled. Patients were divided into three groups based on whether the HSRT was administrated 2 weeks before or after the beginning of TKI treatment (upfront HSRT), when intracranial lesions stabilized after TKI treatment (consolidative HSRT), or when the intracranial disease progressed after TKI treatment (salvage HSRT). The clinical efficacy and toxicities were evaluated.

RESULTS

The median intracranial progression-free survival (iPFS) and overall PFS calculated from the initiation of HSRT (iPFS1 and PFS1) of all patients were 17.5 and 13.1 months, respectively. The median iPFS and PFS calculated from the initiation of TKI treatment (iPFS2 and PFS2) of all patients were 24.1 and 18.4 months, respectively. Compared to consolidative and salvage HSRT, upfront HSRT improved iPFS1 (not reached vs. 17.5 months vs. 11.0 months, p < 0.001) and PFS1 (18.4 months vs. 9.1 months vs. 7.9 months, p < 0.001), and reduced the initial intracranial failure rate (12.5% vs. 48.1% vs. 56%, p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the three groups for iPFS2, PFS2, and overall survival. Hepatic metastases and diagnosis-specific Graded Prognostic Assessment (ds-GPA) at 2-3 were poor prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

For patients who receive both TKI treatment and brain HSRT, the timing of HSRT does not seem to influence the eventual therapeutic effect. Further validation in prospective clinical studies is needed.

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.

Different profiles of neurocognitive functioning in patients with brain metastases prior to brain radiotherapy

OBJECTIVE

Patients with brain metastases (BrMs) are a heterogeneous population, with almost 50% experiencing cognitive impairment before brain radiotherapy. Defining pre-radiotherapy cognitive profiles will aid in understanding of the cognitive vulnerabilities and offer valuable insight and guidance for tailoring interventions.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 58 adult patients with BrMs referred for radiotherapy. A semi-structured interview and comprehensive battery including 10 neuropsychological tests were used to assess subjective and objective cognitive performance prior to radiotherapy.

RESULTS

A majority (69%) of patients report decline in cognitive performance compared to their premorbid level (i.e. pre-cancer). Objective testing revealed memory (52%), processing speed (33%) and emotion recognition (29%) deficits were most frequent. 21% of patients had no cognitive deficits while 55% had deficits (-1.5SD) in at least two cognitive domains. Hierarchical cluster analysis based on patient deficit profiles identified four clusters: (I) no or limited cognitive deficits selectively restricted to processing speed or executive function, (II) psychomotor speed deficits, (III) memory deficits and (IV) extensive cognitive deficits including memory. No patient or clinical-related (e.g. age, number of BrMs, previous treatment) differences were found between clusters.

CONCLUSIONS

Patterns of cognitive performance in patients with BrMs are heterogeneous, with most experiencing at least some degree of neurocognitive dysfunction. We identified four meaningful cognitive clusters. Stability of these clusters over time and in different samples should be assessed to advance understanding of the cognitive vulnerability of this patient population.

The long-term course and relationship with survival of multidimensional fatigue in patients with brain metastases after Gamma Knife radiosurgery

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to evaluate long-term multidimensional fatigue in patients with brain metastases (BM) up to 21 months after Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) and (change in) fatigue as predictor of survival.

METHODS

Patients with 1 to 10 BM, expected survival > 3 months, and Karnofsky Performance Status ≥ 70, and Dutch non-cancer controls were included. Fatigue was measured with the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. Levels of fatigue between patients and controls were compared using independent-samples t-tests. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate fatigue within the patient group up to 21 months after GKRS. Pre-GKRS fatigue and minimal clinically important (MCI) changes in fatigue in the first three months (defined as a 2-point difference) after GKRS were evaluated as predictors of survival time.

RESULTS

Prior to GKRS, patients with BM (n = 92) experienced significantly higher fatigue on all subscales than controls (n = 104). Over 21 months, physical fatigue increased, and mental fatigue decreased significantly. More specifically, general, and physical fatigue increased significantly between pre-GKRS and 3 months, followed by stable scores between 3 (n = 67) and 6 (n = 53), 6 and 12 (n = 34) and 12 and 21 (n = 21) months. An MCI increase in general or physical fatigue over the first 3 months after GKRS was a significant predictor of shorter survival time.

CONCLUSION

Except for mental fatigue, all aspects of fatigue remained elevated or further increased up to 21 months after treatment. Furthermore, an increase in general or physical fatigue within three months after GKRS may be a prognostic indicator for poorer survival.

CLINICALTRIALS

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT02953756, November 3, 2016.

Combination of EGFR-Directed Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (EGFR-TKI) with Radiotherapy in Brain Metastases from Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A 2010-2019 Retrospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Traditionally, brain metastases have been treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), whole-brain radiation (WBRT), and/or surgical resection. Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), over half of which carry EGFR mutations, are the leading cause of brain metastases. EGFR-directed tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have shown promise in NSCLC; but their utility in NSCLC brain metastases (NSCLCBM) remains unclear. This work sought to investigate whether combining EGFR-TKI with WBRT and/or SRS improves overall survival (OS) in NSCLCBM.

METHODS

A retrospective review of NSCLCBM patients diagnosed during 2010-2019 at a tertiary-care US center was performed and reported following the 'strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology' (STROBE) guidelines. Data regarding socio-demographic and histopathological characteristics, molecular attributes, treatment strategies, and clinical outcomes were collected. Concurrent therapy was defined as the combination of EGFR-TKI and radiotherapy given within 28 days of each other.

RESULTS

A total of 239 patients with EGFR mutations were included. Of these, 32 patients had been treated with WBRT only, 51 patients received SRS only, 36 patients received SRS and WBRT only, 18 were given EGFR-TKI and SRS, and 29 were given EGFR-TKI and WBRT. Median OS for the WBRT-only group was 3.23 months, for SRS + WBRT it was 3.17 months, for EGFR-TKI + WBRT 15.50 months, for SRS only 21.73 months, and for EGFR-TKI + SRS 23.63 months. Multivariable analysis demonstrated significantly higher OS in the SRS-only group (HR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.17-0.84, p = 0.017) compared to the WBRT reference group. There were no significant differences in overall survival for the SRS + WBRT combination cohort (HR = 1.30, 95% CI = 0.60, 2.82, p = 0.50), EGFR-TKIs and WBRT combination cohort (HR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.41, 2.08, p = 0.85), or the EGFR-TKI + SRS cohort (HR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.20, 1.09, p = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

NSCLCBM patients treated with SRS had a significantly higher OS compared to patients treated with WBRT-only. While sample-size limitations and investigator-associated selection bias may limit the generalizability of these results, phase II/III clinicals trials are warranted to investigate synergistic efficacy of EGFR-TKI and SRS.

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.

Preoperative stereotactic radiosurgery in the management of brain metastases and gliomas

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is the delivery of a high dose ionizing radiation in a highly conformal manner, which allows for significant sparing of nearby healthy tissues. It is typically delivered in 1-5 sessions and has demonstrated safety and efficacy across multiple intracranial neoplasms and functional disorders. In the setting of brain metastases, postoperative and definitive SRS has demonstrated favorable rates of tumor control and improved cognitive preservation compared to conventional whole brain radiation therapy. However, the risk of local failure and treatment-related complications (e.g. radiation necrosis) markedly increases with larger postoperative treatment volumes. Additionally, the risk of leptomeningeal disease is significantly higher in patients treated with postoperative SRS. In the setting of high grade glioma, preclinical reports have suggested that preoperative SRS may enhance anti-tumor immunity as compared to postoperative radiotherapy. In addition to potentially permitting smaller target volumes, tissue analysis may permit characterization of DNA repair pathways and tumor microenvironment changes in response to SRS, which may be used to further tailor therapy and identify novel therapeutic targets. Building on the work from preoperative SRS for brain metastases and preclinical work for high grade gliomas, further exploration of this treatment paradigm in the latter is warranted. Presently, there are prospective early phase clinical trials underway investigating the role of preoperative SRS in the management of high grade gliomas. In the forthcoming sections, we review the biologic rationale for preoperative SRS, as well as pertinent preclinical and clinical data, including ongoing and planned prospective clinical trials.

Quality of Life and Cognitive Function Evaluations and Interventions for Patients with Brain Metastases in the Radiation Oncology Clinic

Simple Summary

Brain metastases (BMs) are the most common brain malignancy and are projected to increase in incidence over the coming decades. Historically, brain metastasis studies have focused on improving survival outcomes, but recently, the importance of evaluating health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and cognitive function has gained recognition. Although there is a myriad of validated HRQOL and cognitive assessments available in the radiation oncology clinic, there is an urgent need to identify tools tailored to patients with BMs and to adopt a uniform set of tests that measure HRQOL and cognition. This review presents various assessments for measuring HRQOL and cognitive function, current recommendations to improve standardization, and treatments known to preserve HRQOL and cognitive function.

Abstract

Brain metastases (BMs) account for a disproportionately high percentage of cancer morbidity and mortality. Historically, studies have focused on improving survival outcomes, and recent radiation oncology clinical trials have incorporated HRQOL and cognitive assessments. We are now equipped with a battery of assessments in the radiation oncology clinic, but there is a lack of consensus regarding how to incorporate them in modern clinical practice. Herein, we present validated assessments for BM patients, current recommendations for future clinical studies, and treatment advances that have improved HRQOL and cognitive outcomes for BM patients.

Health related quality of life trajectories after stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Health related quality of life (HRQoL) is often used as an outcome measure of cancer treatment. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a mainstay treatment of brain metastases (BMs) with constantly improving treatment envelope. The goal of this systematic review was to evaluated HRQoL trajectories after SRS, identify important predictors of HRQoL after SRS, and to evaluate clinical importance of post-SRS HRQoL trajectories of BM patients treated with SRS.

METHODS

A systematic literature review according to the PRISMA guidelines analyzing HRQoL trajectories after SRS for BM published in the Pubmed/MEDLINE database before January, 2022.

RESULTS

We identified 18 studies that evaluated HRQoL before and at least once after SRS for BMs. The majority of studies were single-institution retrospective series and included patients with different cancer types. Different instruments were used to assess HRQoL. In the majority of studies (n = 10) at group level, there was no significant change in global HRQoL after SRS. Stability, improvement, and deterioration of HRQoL global and subscale scores at individual patient level were common. Post-SRS HRQoL deterioration was predicted by worse functional status, greater number of BMs, delayed SRS, symptomatic BMs, and presence of seizures and cognitive impairment. Shorter post-SRS survival and adverse radiation effects (AREs) were associated with worse HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

SRS for BMs is often associated with sustained preservation of HRQoL. Individual variation of HRQoL domains after SRS is common. Shorter survival and AREs are associated with worse HRQoL. Worse functional status and greater disease burden predict unfavorable HRQoL trajectories after SRS for BMs.

The Cognitive Effects of Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases

Brain metastases are the most common intracranial neoplasm and are seen in upwards of 10-30% of patients with cancer. For decades, whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) was the mainstay of treatment in these patients. While WBRT is associated with excellent rates of intracranial tumor control, studies have demonstrated a lack of survival benefit, and WBRT is associated with higher rates of cognitive deterioration and detrimental effects on quality of life. In recent years, strategies to mitigate this risk, such as the incorporation of memantine and hippocampal avoidance have been employed with improved results. Furthermore, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has emerged as an appealing treatment option over the last decade in the management of brain metastases and is associated with superior cognitive preservation and quality of life when compared to WBRT. This review article evaluates the pathogenesis and impact of cranial irradiation on cognition in patients with brain metastases, as well as current and future risk mitigation techniques.

Clinical outcomes of patients with multiple courses of radiosurgery for brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer

We investigated the long-term clinical outcomes of patients who underwent multiple courses (≥ 5) of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) due to recurrent brain metastases (BM) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Between December 2001 and July 2019, consecutive 2571 patients underwent GKRS for BM from NSCLC. Clinical and radiological outcomes were investigated in 76 patients who underwent GKRS ≥ 5 times. The median follow-up period after the diagnosis of NSCLC was 54.6 months (range 14.5–159.1 months). The median number of GKRS procedures per patient was six (range 5–15). Actuarial post-GKRS survival rates at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years following initial GKRS were 88.1%, 79.5%, 65.3%, 51.4%, and 37.3%, respectively. No significant difference in overall survival was observed between patients (n = 22) with whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and patients (n = 54) without WBRT (p = 0.076). The incidence of radiation-induced leukoencephalopathy was 64% and 18% in patients with and without WBRT, respectively (p < 0.0001). Multiple courses of SRS are a tolerable and effective treatment option for recurrent BM from NSCLC. Repeat SRS may be an alternative treatment option to avoid or delay WBRT.

The efficacy of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor in non-small cell lung cancer patients with synchronous brain metastasis: a real-world study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The optimal treatment (Tx) for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastasis (BM) remains to be determined.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on 77 NSCLC patients with synchronous BM who underwent first-line EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) Tx. The outcomes of patients were analyzed according to the clinicopathological characteristics including local Tx modalities.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients underwent local Tx for BM (gamma knife surgery [GKS], 37; whole brain radiotherapy [WBRT], 18; others, four) concurrently or sequentially with EGFR-TKI. Patients treated with TKI alone showed significantly lower incidence of central nervous system (CNS) symptoms. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) after the initiation of EGFR-TKI for all patients were 9 and 19 months, respectively. In 60 patients with follow-up brain imaging, the median time to CNS progression was 15 months. Patients with EGFR exon 19 deletion had a significantly longer median OS than those with other mutations including L858R (23 months vs. 17 months). Other clinical characteristics, including CNS symptoms, number of BM, and the use of local Tx were not associated with OS, as well as PFS. In terms of the local optimal Tx modality, no difference was found between GKS and WBRT in the OS and PFS.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that EGFR-TKI may result in a favorable outcome in NSCLC patients with synchronous BM, especially in deletion 19 mutant, regardless of the extent of BM lesions or local Tx modalities. Patients with asymptomatic BM can be treated with EGFR-TKI and careful surveillance.

Quality of Life and Role of Palliative and Supportive Care for Patients With Brain Metastases and Caregivers: A Review

Brain metastases (BM) are the most commonly diagnosed secondary brain lesions in adults, influencing these patients' symptoms and treatment courses. With improvements in oncologic treatments, patients with BM are now living longer with their advanced cancers, and issues pertaining to quality of life become more pressing. The American Society of Clinical Oncology has recommended early implementation of palliative care for cancer patients, though incorporation and implementation of palliative and other supportive services in the setting of true multidisciplinary care requires additional attention and research for patients with intracranial metastases. We review the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges patients with BM and their caregivers face during their cancer course as well as the current published research on quality of life metrics relating to this patient population and the diverse roles specialty palliative care, rehabilitation services, and other healthcare providers play in a comprehensive multidisciplinary care model.

Whole Brain Irradiation or Stereotactic RadioSurgery for five or more brain metastases (WHOBI-STER): A prospective comparative study of neurocognitive outcomes, level of autonomy in daily activities and quality of life

•

The main aim of MBM treatment is to palliate neurological symptoms and to maintain an adequate QoL.

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SRT could be the “new standard” over WBI in the management of MBM patients.

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Neurocognitive functions could deteriorate more after WBI than after SRT.

Aims

To evaluate neurocognitive performance, daily activity and quality of life (QoL), other than usual oncologic outcomes, among patients with brain metastasis ≥5 (MBM) from solid tumors treated with Stereotactic Brain Irradiation (SBI) or Whole Brain Irradiation (WBI).

Methods

This multicentric randomized controlled trial will involve the enrollment of 100 patients (50 for each arm) with MBM ≥ 5, age ≥ 18 years, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≥ 70, life expectancy > 3 months, known primary tumor, with controlled or controllable extracranial disease, baseline Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥ 20/30, Barthel Activities of Daily Living score ≥ 90/100, to be submitted to SBI by LINAC with monoisocentric technique and non-coplanar arcs (experimental arm) or to WBI (control arm). The primary endpoints are neurocognitive performance, QoL and autonomy in daily-life activities variations, the first one assessed by MoCa Score and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised, the second one through the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL and QLQ-BN-20 questionnaires, the third one through the Barthel Index, respectively. The secondary endpoints are time to intracranial failure, overall survival, retreatment rate, acute and late toxicities, changing of KPS. It will be considered significant a statistical difference of at least 30% between the two arms (statistical power of 80% with a significance level of 95%).

Discussion

Several studies debate what is the decisive factor accountable for the development of neurocognitive decay among patients undergoing brain irradiation for MBM: radiation effect on clinically healthy brain tissue or intracranial tumor burden? The answer to this question may come from the recent technological advancement that allows, in a context of a significant time saving, improved patient comfort and minimizing radiation dose to off-target brain, a selective treatment of MBM simultaneously, otherwise attackable only by WBI. The achievement of a local control rate comparable to that obtained with WBI remains the fundamental prerequisite.

Trial registration

NCT number: NCT04891471.

Long-term impact of adult WHO grade II or III gliomas on health-related quality of life: A systematic review

Background

Glioma diagnosis can be devastating and result in a range of symptoms. Relatively little is known about the long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) challenges faced by these patients. Establishing the impact of diagnosis on HRQOL could help positively tailor clinical decision making regarding patient support and treatment. The aim of this review is to identify the long-term HRQOL issues reported at least 2 years following diagnosis of WHO grade II/III glioma.

Method

Systematic literature searches were carried out using Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science Core Collection. Searches were designed to identify patient self-reports on HRQOL aspects defined as physical, mental, or social issues. Quality assessment was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Narrative synthesis was used to collate findings.

Results

The search returned 8923 articles. Two hundred seventy-eight titles remained after title and abstract screening, with 21 full-text articles included in the final analysis. The majority of studies used quantitative methods, with 3 articles reporting mixed methodology. Negative emotional/psychological/cognitive changes were the most commonly reported. Physical complaints included fatigue, seizures, and restricted daily activity. Social challenges included strained social relationships and financial problems. Patient coping strategies were suggested to influence patient’s survival quality.

Conclusion

The consequences of a glioma diagnosis and treatment can have substantial implications for patients’ long-term HRQOL and daily functioning. Findings from this review lay the groundwork for efforts to improve patient HRQOL in long-term survivorship.

Factors associated with cognitive impairment and cognitive concerns in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Knowledge regarding cognitive problems in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) is limited. Such problems may include both patient-reported cognitive concerns and demonstrable cognitive impairment. Greater understanding of these outcomes is needed to inform rehabilitation strategies for these difficulties. We aimed to identify the frequency of cognitive problems and associated factors in patients with mNSCLC.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, adults with mNSCLC completed validated neuropsychological tests and self-report questionnaires measuring cognitive concerns, neurobehavioral concerns, depression, demoralization, illness intrusiveness, self-esteem, and physical symptoms. Cognitive impairment (performance based) was defined according to International Cancer and Cognition Task Force criteria. Clinically significant cognitive concerns were defined by a score ≥1.5 SD below the normative mean on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function Perceived Cognitive Impairment (FACT-Cog PCI). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors.

Results

Of 238 patients approached, 77 participated (median age: 62 years; range: 37-82). Brain metastases were present in 41 patients (53%), and 23 (29%) received cranial irradiation. Cognitive impairment and cognitive concerns were present in 31 (40%) and 20 patients (26%), respectively. Cognitive impairment and cognitive concerns co-occurred in 10 patients (13%), but their severity was unrelated. Cognitive impairment was associated with cranial irradiation (odds ratio [OR] = 2.89; P = .04), whereas cognitive concerns were associated with greater illness intrusiveness (OR = 1.04; P = .03) and lower self-esteem (OR = 0.86; P = .03).

Conclusions

Cognitive impairment and cognitive concerns are both common in patients with mNSCLC but are not necessarily related, and their risk factors differ. The association of illness intrusiveness and self-esteem with cognitive concerns can inform therapeutic interventions in this population.

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.

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.

Quality-of-life trajectories after stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases

OBJECTIVE

Quality of life (QOL) is an important endpoint measure of cancer treatment. The authors' goal was to evaluate QOL trajectories and prognostic value in cancer patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases.

METHODS

Patients who underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) between January 2016 and November 2019 were prospectively evaluated for QOL using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire before SRS and at follow-up visits. Only patients who had pre-SRS and at least 1 post-SRS QOL assessment were considered.

RESULTS

Fifty-four cancer patients underwent 109 GKRS procedures. The first post-SRS visit was at a median of 2.59 months (range 0.13-21.08 months), and the last post-SRS visit was at 14.72 months (range 2.52-45.21 months) after SRS. There was no statistically significant change in the EQ-5D index score (p = 0.539) at the first compared with last post-SRS visit. The proportion of patients reporting some problems on the EQ-5D dimension of self-care increased during the course of follow-up from 9% (pre-SRS visit) to 18% (last post-SRS visit; p = 0.03). The proportion of patients reporting problems on the EQ-5D dimensions of mobility, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression remained stable during the course of follow-up (p ≥ 0.106). After adjusting for clinical variables, a higher recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class (i.e., worse prognostic category) was independently associated with greater odds for EQ-5D index score deterioration (p = 0.050). Upfront whole-brain radiation therapy predicted deterioration of the EQ-5D self-care (p = 0.03) and usual activities (p = 0.024) dimensions, while a greater number of lesions predicted deterioration of the EQ-5D anxiety/depression dimension (p = 0.008). A lower pre-SRS EQ-5D index was associated with shorter survival independently from clinical and demographic variables (OR 18.956, 95% CI 2.793-128.64; p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

QOL is largely preserved in brain metastasis patients treated with SRS. Higher RPA class, upfront whole-brain radiation therapy, and greater intracranial disease burden are independent predictors of post-SRS QOL deterioration. Worse pre-SRS QOL predicts shorter survival. Assessment of QOL is recommended in brain metastasis patients managed with SRS.

Impact of PTV margin reduction (2 mm to 0 mm) on pseudoprogression in stereotactic radiotherapy of solitary brain metastases

Purpose

To determine the influence of PTV-margin (0 mm versus 2 mm) on the incidence of pseudoprogression (PP) and local tumour control (LC) in patients treated with stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for solitary brain metastases.

Methods

Patients were treated on Novalis LINAC. Three dose schedules were used depending on the PTV-size. The PTV-margin was 2-mm prior to 2015 and 0-mm thereafter. MRI-scans were made every three months including a perfusion MRI-scan when pseudoprogression was suspected. We examined the relation of pseudoprogression and local control with the size of PTV-margin. Besides this, the association of dose-volume data of the whole brain (minus GTV) and pseudoprogression was investigated.

Results

121 patients were analyzed (2-mm margin in 84 patients; 0-mm margin in 37 patients). There was no difference in GTV (7.6 cc versus 9.1 cc p = 0.2). At 24 months there was no difference in incidence of pseudoprogression (49% and versus 33%, p = 0.5) and local control in the 2-mm and 0-mm group (82% and versus 79%, p = 1.0). The size of PTV-margin was not associated with PP. Both margin and volume of brain receiving 12 Gy (V12) were not associated with pseudoprogression in patients treated with single fraction.

Conclusions

PTV-margin reduction did not reduce the incidence of pseudoprogression in LINAC-based-SRT for single brain metastases. We did not find a significant association of GTV-PTV margin or V12Gy with the incidence of pseudoprogression in solitary metastases treated with a single fraction. LC rates were similar, indicating margin reduction seems to be safe.

Executive summary from American Radium Society's appropriate use criteria on neurocognition after stereotactic radiosurgery for multiple brain metastases

BACKGROUND

The American Radium Society (ARS) Appropriate Use Criteria brain malignancies panel systematically reviewed (PRISMA [Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses]) published literature on neurocognitive outcomes after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for patients with multiple brain metastases (BM) to generate consensus guidelines.

METHODS

The panel developed 4 key questions (KQs) to guide systematic review. From 11 614 original articles, 12 were selected. The panel developed model cases addressing KQs and potentially controversial scenarios not addressed in the systematic review (which might inform future ARS projects). Based upon quality of evidence, the panel confidentially voted on treatment options using a 9-point scale of appropriateness.

RESULTS

The panel agreed that SRS alone is usually appropriate for those with good performance status and 2-10 asymptomatic BM, and usually not appropriate for >20 BM. For 11-15 and 16-20 BM there was (between 2 case variants) agreement that SRS alone may be appropriate or disagreement on the appropriateness of SRS alone. There was no scenario (among 6 case variants) in which conventional whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) was considered usually appropriate by most panelists. There were several areas of disagreement, including: hippocampal sparing WBRT for 2-4 asymptomatic BM; WBRT for resected BM amenable to SRS; fractionated versus single-fraction SRS for resected BM, larger targets, and/or brainstem metastases; optimal treatment (WBRT, hippocampal sparing WBRT, SRS alone to all or select lesions) for patients with progressive extracranial disease, poor performance status, and no systemic options.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with 2-10 BM, SRS alone is an appropriate treatment option for well-selected patients with good performance status. Future study is needed for those scenarios in which there was disagreement among panelists.

Postoperative cognitive functions in patients with benign intracranial lesions

The aim of this study was to assess pre- and postoperative cognitive functions in patients who underwent surgery for benign intracranial lesions. In total, 58 patients (21 men, 37 women, mean age 51.6 years [range 24–76 years]) with benign intracranial lesions (including benign tumors and vascular lesions) and neuralgia of the trigeminal nerve were included in this prospective study. Extensive cognitive testing was used to categorize attention, memory, and executive functions. Mood and pain were assessed preoperatively (t₀, mean 3.7 days before surgery), immediately after surgery/during inpatient stay (t₁, mean 7.6 days after surgery), and at first outpatient check-up (t₂, mean 99.5 days after surgery). All 58 patients were tested at t₀ and t₁, but at t₂ only 24 patients were available at t₂. The data were categorized as improvement/stable condition or deterioration and shown as percentages. The pre- and postoperative values of BDI-II and mood were compared by the Wilcoxon test for paired samples. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify parameters influencing cognition in the subgroup of meningioma patients. Immediately after surgery (t₁), the percentage of patients with improvement/stable condition was > 50% in all categories in the majority of subtests (attention: 12/14 subtests, memory: 11/13 subtests, executive functions: 6/9 subtests). Similar results were shown at t₂. Mood and pain did not change significantly after surgery. Factors like age, Karnofsky performance status, and tumor volume were not shown as significant influencing factors for cognitive functions in meningioma patients. The results of this study suggest that—in contrast to neuroepithelial tumors—cognitive functions do not deteriorate after surgery of benign intracranial lesions. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the results of this study.

Health-related quality of life after Gamma Knife radiosurgery in patients with 1-10 brain metastases

PURPOSE

Increasingly more patients with multiple (> 4) brain metastases (BM) are being treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Preserving patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important treatment goal. The aim of this study was to assess (individual) changes in HRQoL in patients with 1-10 BM over time.

METHODS

A total of 92 patients were assessed before (n = 92) and at 3 (n = 66), 6 (n = 53), and 9 (n = 41) months after Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS), using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-Br). The course of HRQoL was analyzed using linear mixed models. Clinical minimally important differences were used to evaluate individual changes.

RESULTS

At group level, patients' physical well-being worsened, whereas emotional well-being improved over 9 months. Scores on other HRQoL subscales did not change significantly. Number (1-3 versus 4-10) and volume (small, medium, and large) of BM did not influence HRQoL over time, except for the subscale additional concerns; medium intracranial tumor volume was associated with less additional concerns. On the individual level as well, physical well-being declined while emotional well-being improved in most patients over 9 months after GKRS. At patient level, however, most patients had both declines as well as improvements in the different HRQoL aspects.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that even in patients with up to 10 BM, both at group and individual subscale level, aspects of HRQoL remained stable over nine months after GKRS, except for an improvement in emotional well-being and a decline in physical well-being. Nevertheless, HRQoL scores varied considerably at the individual patient level.

TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02953756, November 3, 2016.

Group and Individual Change in Cognitive Functioning in Patients With 1 to 10 Brain Metastases Following Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

AIMS

Stereotactic radiosurgery is increasingly used to treat multiple (four or more) brain metastases. Preserving cognitive functions is a highly relevant treatment goal because cognitive deteriorations may negatively affect a patient's quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess cognitive change, at the group and individual level, in patients with 1 to 10 brain metastases up to 9 months after Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-two patients with 1 to 10 newly diagnosed brain metastases, expected survival >3 months and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≥70 and 104 non-cancer controls were included. A neuropsychological test battery was administered before GKRS (n = 92) and at 3 (n = 66), 6 (n = 52) and 9 (n = 41) months after GKRS. The course of test performances, while taking into account practice effects, was analysed using linear mixed models. Pre-GKRS predictors of cognitive trajectories were analysed. To determine proportions of individuals with cognitive changes, reliable change indices, with correction for practice effects, were calculated.

RESULTS

At the group level, immediate memory, working memory and information processing speed significantly improved over 9 months after GKRS. There were no cognitive declines. Neither number nor volume of brain metastases influenced cognitive change over time. At the individual level, proportions of patients with stable, improved or declined performances were comparable with controls, except for information processing speed (more individuals with improvements in patients) and motor dexterity (more improvements and declines in patients).

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive functioning in patients with 1 to 10 brain metastases was preserved, or improved, up to 9 months after GKRS. Neither number nor volume of brain metastases influenced cognitive performance.

Deep learning-based automatic delineation of the hippocampus by MRI: geometric and dosimetric evaluation

BACKGROUND

Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) can impair patients' cognitive function. Hippocampal avoidance during WBRT can potentially prevent this side effect. However, manually delineating the target area is time-consuming and difficult. Here, we proposed a credible approach of automatic hippocampal delineation based on convolutional neural networks.

METHODS

Referring to the hippocampus contouring atlas proposed by RTOG 0933, we manually delineated (MD) the hippocampus on the MRI data sets (3-dimensional T1-weighted with slice thickness of 1 mm, n = 175), which were used to construct a three-dimensional convolutional neural network aiming for the hippocampus automatic delineation (AD). The performance of this AD tool was tested on three cohorts: (a) 3D T1 MRI with 1-mm slice thickness (n = 30); (b) non-3D T1-weighted MRI with 3-mm slice thickness (n = 19); (c) non-3D T1-weighted MRI with 1-mm slice thickness (n = 11). All MRIs confirmed with normal hippocampus has not been violated by any disease. Virtual radiation plans were created for AD and MD hippocampi in cohort c to evaluate the clinical feasibility of the artificial intelligence approach. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 23. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

The Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Average Hausdorff Distance (AVD) between the AD and MD hippocampi are 0.86 ± 0.028 and 0.18 ± 0.050 cm in cohort a, 0.76 ± 0.035 and 0.31 ± 0.064 cm in cohort b, 0.80 ± 0.015 and 0.24 ± 0.021 cm in cohort c, respectively. The DSC and AVD in cohort a were better than those in cohorts b and c (P < 0.01). There is no significant difference between the radiotherapy plans generated using the AD and MD hippocampi.

CONCLUSION

The AD of the hippocampus based on a deep learning algorithm showed satisfying results, which could have a positive impact on improving delineation accuracy and reducing work load.

Metastasis directed stereotactic radiotherapy in NSCLC patients progressing under targeted- or immunotherapy: efficacy and safety reporting from the 'TOaSTT' database

Background

Metastasis directed treatment (MDT) is increasingly performed with the attempt to improve outcome in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving targeted- or immunotherapy (TT/IT). This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of metastasis directed stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) concurrent to TT/IT in NSCLC patients.

Methods

A retrospective multicenter cohort of stage IV NSCLC patients treated with TT/IT and concurrent (≤ 30 days) MDT was established. 56% and 44% of patients were treated for oligoprogressive disease (OPD) or polyprogressive disease (PPD) under TT/IT, polyprogressive respectively. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier and log rank testing. Toxicity was scored using CTCAE v4.03 criteria. Predictive factors for overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS) and time to therapy switch (TTS) were analyzed with uni- and multivariate analysis.

Results

MDT of 192 lesions in 108 patients was performed between 07/2009 and 05/2018. Concurrent TT/IT consisted of EGFR/ALK-inhibitors (60%), immune checkpoint inhibitors (31%), VEGF-antibodies (8%) and PARP-inhibitors (1%). 2y-OS was 51% for OPD and 25% for PPD. After 1 year, 58% of OPD and 39% of PPD patients remained on the same TT/IT. Second progression after MDT was oligometastatic (≤ 5 lesions) in 59% of patients. Severe acute and late toxicity was observed in 5.5% and 1.9% of patients. In multivariate analysis, OS was influenced by the clinical metastatic status (p = 0.002, HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.30–3.17). PFS was better in patients receiving their first line of systemic treatment (p = 0.033, HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.05–2.77) and with only one metastases-affected organ (p = 0.023, HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.10–3.79). TTS was 6 months longer in patients with one metastases-affected organ (p = 0.031, HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.09–5.89). Death was never therapy-related.

Conclusions

Metastases-directed SRT in NSCLC patients can be safely performed concurrent to TT/IT with a low risk of severe toxicity. To find the ideal sequence of the available multidisciplinary treatment options for NSCLC and determine what patients will benefit most, a further evaluated in a broader context within prospective clinical trials is needed continuation of TT/IT beyond progression combined with MDT for progressive lesions appears promising but requires prospective evaluation.

Trial registration: retrospectively registered

Research Objectives, Statistical Analyses and Interpretation of Health-Related Quality of Life Data in Glioma Research: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become an increasingly important patient-reported outcome in glioma studies. Ideally, collected HRQoL data should be exploited to the full, with proper analytical methods. This systematic review aimed to provide an overview on how HRQoL data is currently evaluated in glioma studies, focusing on the research objectives and statistical analyses of HRQoL data.

METHODS

A systematic literature search in the databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane was conducted up to 5 June 2020. Articles were selected based on predetermined inclusion criteria and information on study design, HRQoL instrument, HRQoL research objective and statistical methods were extracted.

RESULTS

A total of 170 articles describing 154 unique studies were eligible, in which 17 different HRQoL instruments were used. HRQoL was the primary outcome in 62% of the included articles, and 51% investigated ≥1 research question with respect to HRQoL, for which various analytical methods were used. In only 42% of the articles analyzing HRQoL results over time, the minimally clinical important difference was reported and interpreted. Eighty-six percent of articles reported HRQoL results at a group level only, and not at the individual patient level.

CONCLUSION

Currently, the assessment and analysis of HRQoL outcomes in glioma studies is highly variable. Opportunities to maximize information obtained with HRQoL data include appropriate and complementary analyses at both the group and individual level, comprehensive reporting of HRQoL results in separate articles or supplementary material, and adherence to existing guidelines about the assessment, analysis and reporting of patient-reported outcomes.

Personalized and translational approach for malignant brain tumors in the era of precision medicine: the strategic contribution of an experienced neurosurgery laboratory in a modern neurosurgery and neuro-oncology department

Personalized medicine (PM) aims to optimize patient management, taking into account the individual traits of each patient. The main purpose of PM is to obtain the best response, improving health care and lowering costs. Extending traditional approaches, PM introduces novel patient-specific paradigms from diagnosis to treatment, with greater precision. In neuro-oncology, the concept of PM is well established. Indeed, every neurosurgical intervention for brain tumors has always been highly personalized. In recent years, PM has been introduced in neuro-oncology also to design and prescribe specific therapies for the patient and the patient's tumor. The huge advances in basic and translational research in the fields of genetics, molecular and cellular biology, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have led to the introduction of PM into clinical practice. The identification of a patient's individual variation map may allow to design selected therapeutic protocols that ensure successful outcomes and minimize harmful side effects. Thus, clinicians can switch from the "one-size-fits-all" approach to PM, ensuring better patient care and high safety margin. Here, we review emerging trends and the current literature about the development of PM in neuro-oncology, considering the positive impact of innovative advanced researches conducted by a neurosurgical laboratory.

Death Anxiety in Patients With Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With and Without Brain Metastases

CONTEXT

Death anxiety is common in patients with metastatic cancer, but its relationship to brain metastases and cognitive decline is unknown. Early identification of death anxiety and its determinants allows proactive interventions to be offered to those in need.

OBJECTIVES

To identify psychological, physical, and disease-related (including brain metastases and cognitive impairment) factors associated with death anxiety in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) patients.

METHODS

A cross-sectional pilot study with mNSCLC outpatients completing standardized neuropsychological tests and validated questionnaires measuring death anxiety, cognitive concerns, illness intrusiveness, depression, demoralization, self-esteem, and common cancer symptoms. We constructed a composite for objective cognitive function (mean neuropsychological tests z-scores).

RESULTS

Study measures were completed by 78 patients (50% females; median age 62 years [range 37-82]). Median time since mNSCLC diagnosis was 11 months (range 0-89); 53% had brain metastases. At least moderate death anxiety was reported by 43% (n = 33). Objective cognitive impairment was present in 41% (n = 32) and perceived cognitive impairment in 27% (n = 21). Death anxiety, objective, and perceived cognitive impairment did not significantly differ between patients with and without brain metastases. In univariate analysis, death anxiety was associated with demoralization, depression, self-esteem, illness intrusiveness, common physical cancer symptoms, and perceived cognitive impairment. In multivariate analysis, demoralization (P < 0.001) and illness intrusiveness (P = 0.001) were associated with death anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Death anxiety and brain metastases are common in patients with mNSCLC but not necessarily linked. The association of death anxiety with both demoralization and illness intrusiveness highlights the importance of integrated psychological and symptom management. Further research is needed on the psychological impact of brain metastases.

Glioma patients in outpatient care-optimization of psychosocial care in neuro-oncological patients (GLIOPT): Protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial

Background

Patients with high-grade gliomas (HGG) often suffer from high distress and require psychosocial support. However, due to neurological and neurocognitive deficits, adequate assessment of distress and support needs remains challenging in clinical practice. The objective of the present study is to investigate whether a systematic implementation of signaling questions into the routine outpatient consultation will be helpful to bridge this gap.

Methods/design

This is a multicenter cluster randomized study with two arms. Randomization is done on a cluster level with 13 hospitals providing regular neuro-oncological outpatient services conducted by neurologists and/or neurosurgeons. The intervention will include an assessment of psychosocial distress of patients in doctor–patient conversation compared to assessment of psychosocial distress via questionnaire (control, standard of care).

In total, 616 HGG patients will be enrolled. The outcome will be the number of HGG patients with increased psychosocial distress who receive professional support from psychosocial services.

Secondary endpoints are inter alia number of patients reporting psychosocial distress and unmet needs detected correctly by the respective method; quality of life; psychological well-being and burden of the patients before and after doctor–patient consultation; as well as the length of the doctor–patient consultation.

Discussion

Patients with HGG are confronted with an oncological diagnosis and at the same time with high symptom burden. This often leads to distress, which is not always adequately recognized and treated. So far, only a limited number of adequate instruments are available to assess HGG patient’s distress. Yet, an adequate care and support network might facilitate the course of the disease and tumor therapies for patients. Our hypothesis is that an assessment conducted directly by attending doctors and in which the doctors talk to patients with HGG will be more effective than an assessment via a questionnaire, leading to better identifying patients in need of support. This may lead to an improvement of health care in these patients. Further, this method might be implemented also in other brain tumor patients (e.g., patients with brain metastases).

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00018079. Registered on 3rd September 2019.

Neurocognitive functioning and health-related quality of life in adult medulloblastoma patients: long-term outcomes of the NOA-07 study

Background

Combined radiochemotherapy followed by maintenance chemotherapy with cisplatin, lomustine and vincristine within the NOA-07 study resulted in considerable short-term toxicity in adult medulloblastoma patients. Here we investigated the long-term impact of this treatment, focusing on neurocognitive functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

Neurocognitive functioning and HRQoL scores over time were determined, and differences between the post-treatment and follow-up assessments were calculated up to 18 months for neurocognition and 60 months for HRQoL.

Results

28/30 patients were analyzed. The three preselected HRQoL scales (role, social and cognitive functioning) showed improved scores, to a clinically relevant extent (≥ 10 points), compared to post-treatment levels up to 30 months, but decreased afterwards. Z-scores for verbal working memory were worse during follow-up compared to post-treatment scores and remained impaired during 18 months follow-up (i.e. z-score below − 1 standard deviation). Attention was impaired post-treatment, and remained impaired to a clinically relevant extent during follow-up. Coordination/processing speed and lexical verbal fluency improved compared to post-treatment scores, and remained within the normal range thereafter. Other tests of verbal fluency were stable over time, with z-scores within the normal range.

Conclusions

This long-term follow-up study showed that the NOA-07 treatment regimen was not associated with a deterioration in HRQoL in the post-treatment period. Verbal working memory deteriorated, while other neurocognitive domains did not seem to be impacted negatively by the treatment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s11060-020-03502-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Health-related quality of life after chemotherapy with or without rituximab in primary central nervous system lymphoma patients: results from a randomised phase III study

BACKGROUND

The impact of rituximab on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in primary central nervous system lymphoma patients is not well known. We determined the impact of rituximab added to standard high-dose methotrexate-based treatment on HRQoL in patients in a large randomised trial.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients from a large phase III trial (HOVON 105/ALLG NHL 24), randomly assigned to receive standard chemotherapy with or without rituximab and followed by 30 Gy whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) in patients ≤60 years, completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BN20 questionnaires before and during treatment, and up to 24 months of follow-up or progression. Differences between treatment arms over time in global health status, role functioning, social functioning, fatigue, and motor dysfunction were assessed. Differences ≥10 points were deemed clinically relevant. The effect of WBRT on HRQoL was analysed in irradiated patients.

RESULTS

A total of 160/175 patients eligible for the HRQoL study completed at least one questionnaire and were included. Over time, scores improved statistically significantly and were clinically relevant in both arms. Between arms, there were no differences on any scale (range: -3.8 to +4.0). Scores on all scales were improved to a clinically relevant extent at 12 and 24 months compared with baseline in both arms, except for fatigue and motor dysfunction at 12 months (-7.4 and -8.8, respectively). In irradiated patients (n = 59), scores in all preselected scales, except motor dysfunction, remained stable up to 24 months compared with shortly after WBRT, overall mean difference ranging between 0.02 and 4.570.

CONCLUSION

Compared with baseline, treatment resulted in improved HRQoL scores. The addition of rituximab to standard chemotherapy did not impact HRQoL over time. WBRT did not result in deterioration of HRQoL in the first 2 years.

Temozolomide in secondary prevention of HER2-positive breast cancer brain metastases

Brain metastases occur in up to 25-55% of patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. Standard treatment has high rates of recurrence or progression, limiting survival and quality of life in most patients. Temozolomide (TMZ) is known to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and is US FDA approved for treatment of glioblastoma. Our group has demonstrated that low doses of TMZ administered in a prophylactic, metronomic fashion can significantly prevent development of brain metastases in murine models of breast cancer. Based on these findings, we initiated a secondary-prevention clinical trial with oral TMZ given to HER2-positive breast cancer patients with brain metastases after recent local treatment in combination with T-DM1 for systemic control of disease. Primary end point is freedom from new brain metastases at 1 year. (NCT03190967).