Temozolomide as initial treatment for adults with low-grade oligodendrogliomas or oligoastrocytomas and correlation with chromosome 1p deletions

Pattern of disease progression following stereotactic radiosurgery in malignant glioma patients

INTRODUCTION

The clinical benefit of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the treatment of malignant glioma remains controversial. We analyzed failure patterns of malignant gliomas following SRS to identify the clinical implications of SRS against these malignancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 58 consecutive patients who received SRS with a gamma knife for their malignant glioma from January 2013 to December 2018. A total of 51 patients were available for analysis of failure patterns. Failure patterns were defined by the recurrent tumors' spatial relation to SRS target as follows: in-field local recurrence, remote recurrence, and leptomeningeal seeding. If patients demonstrated several types of failure patterns simultaneously, we categorized them as a combined failure pattern.

RESULTS

In-field local recurrence was found in 47.1% of patients. Other types of failure patterns were as follows: remote recurrence (19.6%), leptomeningeal seeding (13.7%), and combined failure pattern (19.6%). The majority of patients (52.9%) experienced disease progression beyond the radiation field of SRS, which implies limited efficacy of local therapy against these invasive tumors. The prognosis of patients differed according to failure pattern and patients with local recurrence had better survival outcomes compared to other types of disease progression (p-value = 0.0015, log-rank test).

CONCLUSIONS

This study illustrated that SRS could not improve survival of malignant gliomas significantly even when it had some effect within radiation field. Our findings support utilizing a multidisciplinary treatment strategy to improve the prognosis of malignant gliomas and suggest that SRS is one element of that treatment strategy.

Gene signatures based on therapy responsiveness provide guidance for combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy for lower grade glioma

For a long time, the guidance for adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for lower grade glioma (LGG) lacks instructions on the application timing and order of radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy. We, therefore, aimed to develop indicators to distinguish between the different beneficiaries of RT and chemotherapy, which would provide more accurate guidance for combined chemoradiotherapy. By analysing 942 primary LGG samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) databases, we trained and validated two gene signatures (Rscore and Cscore) that independently predicted the responsiveness to RT and chemotherapy (Rscore AUC = 0.84, Cscore AUC = 0.79) and performed better than a previous signature. When the two scores were combined, we divided patients into four groups with different prognosis after adjuvant chemoradiotherapy: RSCS (RT-sensitive and chemotherapy-sensitive), RSCR (RT-sensitive and chemotherapy-resistant), RRCS (RT-resistant and chemotherapy-sensitive) and RRCR (RT-resistant and chemotherapy-resistant). The order and dose of RT and chemotherapy can be adjusted more precisely based on this patient stratification. We further found that the RRCR group exhibited a microenvironment with significantly increased T cell inflammation. In silico analyses predicted that patients in the RRCR group would show a stronger response to checkpoint blockade immunotherapy than other patients.

Efficacy of initial temozolomide for high-risk low grade gliomas in a phase II AINO (Italian Association for Neuro-Oncology) study: a post-hoc analysis within molecular subgroups of WHO 2016

INTRODUCTION

The optimal management of high risk WHO grade II gliomas after surgery is debated including the role of initial temozolomide to delay radiotherapy and risk of cognitive defects.

METHODS

A post-hoc analysis of a phase II multicenter study on high risk WHO grade II gliomas, receiving initial temozolomide alone, has re-evaluated the long-term results within the molecular subgroups of WHO 2016. The primary endpoint of the study was response according to RANO, being seizure response, PFS and OS secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

Response rate among oligodendrogliomas IDH-mutant and 1p/19q codeleted (76%) was significantly higher than that among diffuse astrocytomas either mutant (55%) or wild-type (36%). A reduction of seizure frequency > 50% was observed in 87% of patients and a seizure freedom in 72%. The probability of seizure reduction > 50% was significantly associated with the presence of an IDH mutation. Median PFS, PFS at 5 and 10 years, median OS and OS at 5 and 10 years were significantly longer in oligodendrogliomas IDH-mutant and 1p/19q codeleted. Sixty-seven percent of patients with oligodendroglioma IDH mutant and 1p/19q codeleted did not recur with a median follow up of 9.3 years, while 59% did not receive radiotherapy at recurrence with a median follow up of 8.2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The beneficial effects of initial temozolomide prevail in oligodendrogliomas IDH-mutant and 1p/19q codeleted: thus, these tumors, when incompletely resected or progressive after surgery alone, or with intractable seizures, should receive temozolomide as initial treatment with salvage radiotherapy and/o reoperation and/or second-line chemotherapy at recurrence.

Nonneuroendocrine Neoplasms of the Pituitary Region

CONTEXT

Although most sellar lesions are related to pituitary adenomas, the region gives rise to a variety of neoplasms that can be associated with substantial morbidity and/or mortality.

DESIGN

Information from reviews and guidelines of relevant societies dealing with such neoplasms, as well as articles that have provided new developments that made important contributions to their pathogenesis and treatment up to 2018, were obtained: public indexes such as PubMed/MEDLINE were used with the relevant search items.

RESULTS

Sellar neoplasms have a worse outcome than pituitary adenomas that is related not only to their natural history but also to side effects of therapies and evolving endocrine and/or hypothalamic deficiencies. Recent imaging advances have established the radiological fingerprint of some of these neoplasms, and several chromosomal aberrations have also been identified. Although established approaches along with new surgical and radiotherapeutic approaches remain the main treatment modalities, recent evidence has provided insight into their molecular pathogenesis involving, other than chemotherapy, treatments with targeted agents as in gliomas and craniopharyngiomas bearing BRAF mutations. Development of predictive markers of recurrences may also identify high-risk patients, including proliferative markers and expression of the progesterone receptor in meningiomas, and lead to less aggressive surgery. Owing to the rarity and complexity of these neoplasms, patients should be managed in dedicated centers.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis and management of sellar neoplasms necessitate a multidisciplinary approach. Following evolving recent advances in their diagnosis and therapy, such a multidisciplinary approach needs to be extended to establish evidence-based diagnostic and management plans.

Chemotherapy and diffuse low-grade gliomas: a survey within the European Low-Grade Glioma Network

BACKGROUND

Diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGGs) are rare and incurable tumors. Whereas maximal safe, functional-based surgical resection is the first-line treatment, the timing and choice of further treatments (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or combined treatments) remain controversial.

METHODS

An online survey on the management of DLGG patients was sent to 28 expert centers from the European Low-Grade Glioma Network (ELGGN) in May 2015. It contained 40 specific questions addressing the modalities of use of chemotherapy in these patients.

RESULTS

The survey demonstrated a significant heterogeneity in practice regarding the initial management of DLGG patients and the use of chemotherapy. Interestingly, radiation therapy combined with the procarbazine, CCNU (lomustine), and vincristine regimen has not imposed itself as the gold-standard treatment after surgery, despite the results of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 9802 study. Temozolomide is largely used as first-line treatment after surgical resection for high-risk DLGG patients, or at progression.

CONCLUSIONS

The heterogeneity in the management of patients with DLGG demonstrates that many questions regarding the postoperative strategy and the use of chemotherapy remain unanswered. Our survey reveals a high recruitment potential within the ELGGN for retrospective or prospective studies to generate new data regarding these issues.

Management for Different Glioma Subtypes: Are All Low-Grade Gliomas Created Equal?

Following the identification of key molecular alterations that provided superior prognostication and led to the updated 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumor Classification, the understanding of glioma behavior has rapidly evolved. Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 and 2 are present in the majority of adult grade 2 and 3 gliomas, and when used in conjunction with 1p/19q codeletion for classification, the prognostic distinction between grade 2 versus grade 3 is diminished. As such, the previously often used term of "low-grade glioma," which referred to grade 2 gliomas, has now been replaced by the phrase "lower-grade glioma" to encompass both grade 2 and 3 tumors. Additional molecular characterization is ongoing to even further classify this heterogeneous group of tumors. With such a colossal shift in the understanding of lower-grade gliomas, management of disease is being redefined in the setting of emerging molecular-genetic biomarkers. In this article, we review recent progress and future directions regarding the surgical, radiotherapeutic, chemotherapeutic, and long-term management of adult lower-grade gliomas.

Seizure response to temozolomide chemotherapy in patients with WHO grade II oligodendroglioma: a single-institution descriptive study

Background

Tumor-related epilepsy (TRE) is common in patients with low-grade oligodendrogliomas. TRE is difficult to control despite multiple antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in up to 30% of patients. Chemotherapy has been used for treatment to avoid potential radiotherapy-related neurotoxicity. This study evaluates the effect of temozolomide on seizure frequency in a homogeneous group with World Health Organization (WHO) grade II oligodendrogliomas.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of adult patients with WHO grade II oligodendrogliomas and TRE followed at Memorial Sloan Kettering between 2005 and 2015 who were treated with temozolomide alone either as initial treatment or for disease progression. All had seizures 3 months prior to starting temozolomide. Seizure frequency was reviewed every 2 cycles and at the end of temozolomide treatment. Seizure reduction of ≥50% compared to baseline was defined as improvement.

Results

Thirty-nine individuals met inclusion criteria. Median follow-up since starting temozolomide was 6 years (0.8-13 years). Reduction in seizure frequency occurred in 35 patients (89.7%). Improvement was independent of AED regimen adjustments or prior antitumor treatment in 16 (41%); of these, AED dosage was successfully reduced or completely eliminated in 10 (25.6%). Twenty-five patients (64.1%) remained on a stable AED regimen. The majority (n = 32, 82%) had radiographically stable disease, 5 (12.8%) had objective radiographic response, and 2 (5.2%) had disease progression.

Conclusions

Temozolomide may result in reduced seizure frequency, and permit discontinuation of AEDs in patients with WHO II oligodendroglioma. Improvement was observed irrespective of objective tumor response on MRI, emphasizing the importance of incorporating seizure control in assessing response to tumor-directed therapy.

Diffuse Low-Grade Glioma - Changing Concepts in Diagnosis and Management: A Review

Though diffuse low-grade gliomas (dLGGs) represent only 15% of gliomas, they have been receiving increasing attention in the past decade. Significant advances in knowledge of the natural history and clinical diversity have been documented, and an improved pathological classification of gliomas that integrates histological features with molecular markers has been issued by the WHO. Advances in the radiological assessment of dLGG, particularly new magnetic resonance imaging scanning sequences, allow improved diagnostic and prognostic information. The management paradigms are evolving from “wait and watch” of the past to more active interventional therapy to obviate the risk of malignant transformation. New surgical technologies allow more aggressive surgical resections with a reduction of morbidity. Many reports suggest the association of gross total resection with longer overall survival and progression-free survival in addition to better seizure control. The literature also shows the use of chemotherapeutics and radiation therapy as important adjuncts to surgery. The goals of management have has been increasing survival with increasing stress on quality of life. Our review highlights the recent advances in the molecular diagnosis and management of dLGG with trends toward multidisciplinary and multimodality management of dLGG with an aim to surgically resect the primary disease, followed by chemoradiation in cases of progressive or recurrent disease.

Procarbazine, CCNU and vincristine (PCV) versus temozolomide chemotherapy for patients with low-grade glioma: a systematic review

Low-grade gliomas (LGG) encompass a heterogeneous group of tumors that are clinically, histologically and molecularly diverse. Treatment decisions for patients with LGG are directed toward improving upon the natural history while limiting treatment-associated toxiceffects. Recent evidence has documented a utility for adjuvant chemotherapy with procarbazine, CCNU (lomustine), and vincristine (PCV) or temozolomide (TMZ). We sought to determine the comparative utility of PCV and TMZ for patients with LGG, particularly in context of molecular subtype. A literature search of PubMed was conducted to identify studies reporting patient response to PCV, TMZ, or a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT). Eligibility criteria included patients 16 years of age and older, notation of LGG subtype, and report of progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment course. Level I, II, and III data were included. Adjuvant therapy with PCV resulted in prolonged PFS and OS in patients with newly diagnosed high-risk LGG. This benefit was accrued most significantly by patients with tumors harboring 1p/19q codeletion and IDH1 mutation. Adjuvant therapy with temozolomide was associated with lower toxicity than therapy with PCV. In patients with LGG with an unfavorable natural history, such as with intact 1p/19q and wild-type IDH1, RT/TMZ plus adjuvant TMZ may be the best option. Patients with biologically favorable high-risk LGG are likely to derive the most benefit from RT and adjuvant PCV.

Therapeutic Interventions in Adult Low-Grade Gliomas

Treating adult low-grade gliomas (LGGs) is particularly challenging due to the highly infiltrative nature of this type of brain cancer. Although surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are the mainstay treatment modalities for LGGs, the optimal combination management plan for a particular patient based on individual symptoms and the risk of treatment-induced toxicity remains unclear. This review highlights the competency and limitations of standard treatment options while providing an essential therapeutic update regarding current clinical trials aimed at implementing targeted therapies with morbidity rates lower than those for current LGG treatments and also augmenting the killing of cancerous cells while maintaining an improved quality of life.

Low-grade Gliomas

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Low-grade gliomas present vexing management issues for neuro-oncologists. The relatively long survival compared to other brain tumors makes consideration of treatment toxicity, and thus timing of potentially damaging interventions such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, crucial. Moreover, the rarity of these tumors makes clinical trials to ascertain optimal care challenging.

RECENT FINDINGS

The discovery that most low-grade gliomas harbor isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations that confer a favorable prognosis has improved diagnosis and risk stratification of these tumors. Although Level 1 evidence is still lacking, increasing data support the concept of maximal safe tumor debulking as a first step in tumor management. Preliminary results from a large randomized trial suggest chemotherapy is of comparable effectiveness to radiation therapy for one molecular subtype of low-grade glioma. Importantly, however, the final results of a phase 3 trial comparing radiation with or without procarbazine, CCNU (lomustine), and vincristine (PCV) chemotherapy indicate a large survival advantage to combined chemotherapy and radiation, raising questions about using chemotherapy alone as an initial treatment strategy.

SUMMARY

While the combination of radiation and PCV provides the best proven overall survival with low-grade gliomas, important questions remain. These include whether the better-tolerated temozolomide is as effective as PCV in conjunction with radiation therapy and whether the use of initial chemotherapy as a strategy to defer the potential delayed cognitive toxicity associated with radiation will yield acceptable survival results with a favorable toxicity profile.

Current therapeutic approaches to diffuse grade II and III gliomas

The 2016 WHO classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System brought major conceptual and practical changes in the classification of diffuse gliomas, by combining molecular features and histology into 'integrated' diagnoses. In diffuse gliomas, molecular profiling has thus become essential for nosological purposes, as well as to plan adequate treatment strategies and identify patients susceptible of target therapy. WHO grade II (low grade) and grade III (anaplastic) diffuse gliomas form a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, also known as 'lower-grade gliomas', characterized by a wide range of malignant potential. Molecular profile accounts for this biological diversity, and provides an accurate prognostic stratification of tumors in this group. Treatment strategies in lower-grade gliomas are ultimately based on molecular profile and WHO grade, as well as on patient characteristics such as age and Karnofsky performance status. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent advances in the classification of grade II and III gliomas, synthesize current treatment schemes according to molecular profile and describe ongoing research and future perspectives for the use of target therapies.

Enhanced glioma-targeting and stability of LGICP peptide coupled with stabilized peptide DA7R

Malignant glioma is usually accompanied by vigorous angiogenesis to provide essential nutrients. An effective glioma targeting moiety should include excellent tumor-cell homing ability as well as good neovasculature-targeting efficiency, and should be highly resistant to enzyme degradation in the bloodstream. The phage display-selected heptapeptide, the glioma-initiating cell peptide (GICP), was previously reported as a ligand for the VAV3 protein (a Rho-GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor), which is mainly expressed on glioma cells; the stabilized heptapeptide ^DA7R has been shown to be the ligand of both vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), and has demonstrated good neovasculature-targeting ability. By linking ^DA7R and GICP, a multi-receptor targeting molecule was obtained. The stability of these three peptides was evaluated and their targeting efficiency on tumor-related cells and models was compared. The ability of these peptides to cross the blood--tumor barrier (BTB) was also determined. The results indicate that the coupled Y-shaped peptide ^DA7R–GICP exhibited improved tumor and neovasculature targeting ability and had higher efficiency in crossing the BTB than either individual peptide.

Is less more? Comparing chemotherapy alone with chemotherapy and radiation for high-risk grade 2 glioma: An analysis of the National Cancer Data Base

BACKGROUND

The addition of chemotherapy to adjuvant radiotherapy (chemotherapy and radiation therapy [CRT]) improves overall survival (OS) for patients with high-risk grade 2 gliomas; however, the impact of chemotherapy alone (CA) is unknown. This study compares the OS of patients with high-risk grade 2 gliomas treated with CA versus CRT.

METHODS

Patients with high-risk grade 2 gliomas (subtotal resection or age ≥ 40 years) with oligodendrogliomas, astrocytomas, or mixed tumors were identified with the National Cancer Data Base. Patients were grouped into CA and CRT cohorts. Univariate analyses and multivariate analyses (MVAs) were performed. Propensity score (PS) matching was also implemented. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze OS.

RESULTS

A total of 1054 patients with high-risk grade 2 gliomas were identified: 496 (47.1%) received CA, and 558 (52.9%) received CRT. Patients treated with CA were more likely (all P values < .05) to have oligodendroglioma histology (65.5% vs 34.2%), exhibit a 1p/19q codeletion (22.8% vs 7.5%), be younger (median age, 47.0 vs 48.0 years), and receive treatment at an academic facility (65.2% vs 50.3%). The treatment type was not a significant predictor for OS (P = .125) according to the MVA; a tumor size > 6 cm, astrocytoma histology, and older age were predictors for worse OS (all P values < .05). After 1:1 PS matching (n = 331 for each cohort), no OS difference was seen (P = .696) between the CA and CRT cohorts at 5 (69.3% vs 67.4%) and 8 years (52.8% vs 56.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

No long-term OS difference was seen in patients with high-risk grade 2 gliomas treated with CA versus CRT. These findings are hypothesis-generating, and prospective clinical trials comparing these treatment paradigms are warranted. Cancer 2018;124:1169-78. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Treatment Strategies for Low-Grade Glioma in Adults

Diffuse low-grade gliomas include oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas. The recent 2016 WHO classification has now updated the definition of these tumors to include molecular characterization, including the presence of isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation and 1p/19q codeletion. In this new classification, the histologic subtype of grade II mixed oligoastrocytoma has been eliminated. Treatment recommendations are currently evolving, mainly because of a change in the prognostic factors that are based on molecular and cytogenetic features. Standard of care includes maximal safe surgical resection. Prior randomized clinical trials stratified treatment arms on the basis of extent of resection and age, with patients stratified into low risk (age younger than 40 years and gross total resection) and high risk (age older than 40 years or subtotal resection). Patients who are low risk may undergo routine magnetic resonance imaging surveillance after resection. On the basis of recently published data, it is now recommended that high-risk patients undergo a combination of both radiation and chemotherapy after surgery. These studies, however, do not address the management of patients with low-grade gliomas in the era of genomic medicine. These treatments can also have great impact on quality of life, and therefore treatment recommendations should be done on an individual basis taking into account the current pathology classification, age, extent of resection, quality of life, and patient preference.

Chemotherapy for adult low-grade gliomas: clinical outcomes by molecular subtype in a phase II study of adjuvant temozolomide

Background

Optimal adjuvant management of adult low-grade gliomas is controversial. Recently described tumor classification based on molecular subtype has the potential to individualize adjuvant therapy but has not yet been evaluated as part of a prospective trial.

Methods

Patients aged 18 or older with newly diagnosed World Health Organization grade II low-grade gliomas and gross residual disease after surgical resection were enrolled in the study. Patients received monthly cycles of temozolomide for up to 1 year or until disease progression. For patients with available tissue, molecular subtype was assessed based upon 1p/19q codeletion and isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 R132H mutation status. The primary outcome was radiographic response rate; secondary outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

One hundred twenty patients were enrolled with median follow-up of 7.5 years. Overall response rate was 6%, with median PFS and OS of 4.2 and 9.7 years, respectively. Molecular subtype was associated with rate of disease progression during treatment (P<.001), PFS (P=.007), and OS (P<.001). Patients with 1p/19q codeletion demonstrated a 0% risk of progression during treatment. In an exploratory analysis, pretreatment lesion volume was associated with both PFS (P<.001) and OS (P<.001).

Conclusions

While our study failed to meet the primary endpoint for objective radiographic response, patients with high-risk low-grade glioma receiving adjuvant temozolomide demonstrated a high rate of radiographic stability and favorable survival outcomes while meaningfully delaying radiotherapy. Patients with 1p/19q codeletion are potential candidates for omission of adjuvant radiotherapy, but further work is needed to directly compare chemotherapy with combined modality therapy.

Probing the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in gliomas: A phase 2 study of everolimus for recurrent adult low-grade gliomas

BACKGROUND

Activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is common in patients with low-grade gliomas (LGGs), but agents that inhibit this pathway, including mTOR inhibitors, have not been studied in this population.

METHODS

Fifty-eight patients with pathologic evidence of recurrence after they had initially been diagnosed with World Health Organization (WHO) grade II gliomas were enrolled into a prospective phase 2 clinical trial and received daily everolimus (RAD001) for 1 year or until progression. Tissue at the time of enrollment was analyzed for markers of PI3K/mTOR pathway activation. Thirty-eight patients underwent serial multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, with the tumor volume and the perfusion metrics (the fractional blood volume [fBV] for capillary density and the transfer coefficient [K_ps ] for vascular permeability) measured during treatment. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS-6) in patients with WHO II disease at enrollment.

RESULTS

For patients with WHO II gliomas at enrollment, the PFS-6 rate was 84%, and this met the primary endpoint (P < .001 for an improvement from the historical rate of 17%). Evidence of PI3K/mTOR activation by immunohistochemistry for phosphorylated ribosomal S6^Ser240/244 (p-S6^Ser240/244 ) was associated with worse progression-free survival (PFS; hazard ratio [HR], 3.03; P = .004) and overall survival (HR, 12.7; P = .01). Tumor perfusion decreased after 6 months (median decrease in fBV, 15%; P = .03; median decrease in K_ps , 12%; P = .09), with greater decreases associated with improved PFS (HR for each 10% fBV decrease, 0.71; P = .01; HR for each 10% K_ps decrease, 0.82; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with recurrent LGGs demonstrated a high degree of disease stability during treatment with everolimus. PI3K/mTOR activation, as measured by immunohistochemistry for p-S6, was associated with a worse prognosis. Tumor vascular changes were observed that were consistent with the antiangiogenic effects of mTOR inhibitors. These results support further study of everolimus for LGGs. Cancer 2017;123:4631-4639. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Management of diffuse low-grade gliomas in adults - use of molecular diagnostics

Diffuse WHO grade II gliomas are histologically and genetically heterogeneous. The 2016 WHO classification redefines grade II gliomas with respect to morphological and molecular tumour alterations: grade II oligodendrogliomas are defined by the presence of whole-arm codeletion in chromosomal arms 1p/19q, whereas isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations define subclasses of astrocytoma. Although histological grade remains useful, the prognoses of patients with glioma are more tightly associated with molecular alterations than with grade, and chromosomal and gene array technologies are becoming increasingly beneficial in understanding tumour genetic heterogeneity. The indolent nature of the disease often creates subtle neurological symptoms that can be overlooked or misunderstood, resulting in delayed diagnosis. Seizures often herald the diagnosis, especially in patients who have IDH mutations, which are associated with an increased production of 2-hydroxyglutarate. Treatment paradigms have shifted, owing to new diagnostic criteria and new clinical trial evidence. Patients benefit more from chemoradiation than radiation alone, especially those with tumour IDH1 Arg132His mutations; gross total resection of the tumour, including tumours with IDH mutations, is associated with prolonged survival. Initial observation remains appropriate in patients whose rate of disease growth is not yet completely defined; such patients could include those with completely resected disease and those with 1p/19q codeleted tumours.

Diffuse low-grade glioma: a review on the new molecular classification, natural history and current management strategies

The management of diffuse supratentorial WHO grade II glioma remains a challenge because of the infiltrative nature of the tumor, which precludes curative therapy after total or even supratotal resection. When possible, functional-guided resection is the preferred initial treatment. Total and subtotal resections correlate with increased overall survival. High-risk patients (age >40, partial resection), especially IDH-mutated and 1p19q-codeleted oligodendroglial lesions, benefit from surgery plus adjuvant chemoradiation. Under the new 2016 WHO brain tumor classification, which now incorporates molecular parameters, all diffusely infiltrating gliomas are grouped together since they share specific genetic mutations and prognostic factors. Although low-grade gliomas cannot be regarded as benign tumors, large observational studies have shown that median survival can actually be doubled if an early, aggressive, multi-stage and personalized therapy is applied, as compared to prior wait-and-see policy series. Patients need an honest long-term therapeutic strategy that should ideally anticipate neurological, cognitive and histopathologic worsening.

Glioma-Targeted Drug Delivery Enabled by a Multifunctional Peptide

The rapid proliferation of glioma relies on vigorous angiogenesis for the supply of essential nutrients; thus, a radical method of antiglioma therapy should include blocking tumor neovasculature formation. A phage display selected heptapeptide, the glioma-initiating cell peptide GICP, was previously reported as a ligand of VAV3 protein (a Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor), which is overexpressed on glioma cells and tumor neovasculature. Therefore, GICP holds potential for the multifunctional targeting of glioma (tumor cells and neovasculature). We developed GICP-modified micelle-based paclitaxel delivery systems for antiglioma therapy in vitro and in vivo. GICP and GICP-modified PEG-PLA micelles (GICP-PEG-PLA) could be significantly taken up by U87MG cells, a human cell line derived from malignant gliomas and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, GICP-PEG-PLA micelles demonstrated enhanced penetration in a tumor spheroid model in vitro in comparison to unmodified micelles. In vivo, DiR-loaded GICP-PEG-PLA micelles exhibited superior accumulation in the tumor region by targeting neovasculature and glioma cells in nude mice bearing subcutaneous glioma. When loaded with paclitaxel, GICP-PEG-PLA micelles could more effectively suppress tumor growth and neovasculature formation than unmodified micelles in vivo. Our results indicated that GICP could serve as a promising multifunctional ligand for glioma targeting.

Health-related quality of life in patients with high-risk low-grade glioma (EORTC 22033-26033): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 intergroup study

BACKGROUND

Temozolomide chemotherapy versus radiotherapy in patients with a high-risk low-grade glioma has been shown to have no significant effect on progression-free survival. If these treatments have a different effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), it might affect the choice of therapy. We postulated that temozolomide compromises HRQOL and global cognitive functioning to a lesser extent than does radiotherapy.

METHODS

We did a prospective, phase 3, randomised controlled trial at 78 medical centres and large hospitals in 19 countries. We enrolled adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with histologically confirmed diffuse (WHO grade II) astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, or mixed oligoastrocytoma, with a WHO performance status of 2 or lower, without previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy, who needed active treatment other than surgery. We randomly assigned eligible patients (1:1) using a minimisation technique, stratified by WHO performance status (0-1 vs 2), age (<40 years vs ≥40 years), presence of contrast enhancement on MRI, chromosome 1p status (deleted vs non-deleted vs indeterminate), and the treating medical centre, to receive either radiotherapy (50·4 Gy in 28 fractions of 1·8 Gy for 5 days per week up to 6·5 weeks) or temozolomide chemotherapy (75 mg/m² daily, for 21 of 28 days [one cycle] for 12 cycles). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (results published separately); here, we report the results for two key secondary endpoints: HRQOL (assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer's [EORTC] QLQ-C30 [version 3] and the EORTC Brain Cancer Module [QLQ-BN20]) and global cognitive functioning (assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE]). We did analyses on the intention-to-treat population. This study is closed and is registered at EudraCT, number 2004-002714-11, and at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00182819.

FINDINGS

Between Dec 6, 2005, and Dec 21, 2012, we randomly assigned 477 eligible patients to either radiotherapy (n=240) or temozolomide chemotherapy (n=237). The difference in HRQOL between the two treatment groups was not significant during the 36 months' follow-up (mean between group difference [averaged over all timepoints] 0·06, 95% CI -4·64 to 4·75, p=0·98). At baseline, 32 (13%) of 239 patients who received radiotherapy and 32 (14%) of 236 patients who received temozolomide chemotherapy had impaired cognitive function, according to the MMSE scores. After randomisation, five (8%) of 63 patients who received radiotherapy and three (6%) of 54 patients who received temozolomide chemotherapy and who could be followed up for 36 months had impaired cognitive function, according to the MMSE scores. No significant difference was recorded between the groups for the change in MMSE scores during the 36 months of follow-up.

INTERPRETATION

The effect of temozolomide chemotherapy or radiotherapy on HRQOL or global cognitive functioning did not differ in patients with low-grade glioma. These results do not support the choice of temozolomide alone over radiotherapy alone in patients with high-risk low-grade glioma.

FUNDING

Merck Sharp & Dohme-Merck & Co, National Cancer Institute, Swiss Cancer League, National Institute for Health Research, Cancer Research UK, Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute, National Health and Medical Research Council, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Cancer Research Fund.

Temozolomide chemotherapy versus radiotherapy in high-risk low-grade glioma (EORTC 22033-26033): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 intergroup study

BACKGROUND

Outcome of low-grade glioma (WHO grade II) is highly variable, reflecting molecular heterogeneity of the disease. We compared two different, single-modality treatment strategies of standard radiotherapy versus primary temozolomide chemotherapy in patients with low-grade glioma, and assessed progression-free survival outcomes and identified predictive molecular factors.

METHODS

For this randomised, open-label, phase 3 intergroup study (EORTC 22033-26033), undertaken in 78 clinical centres in 19 countries, we included patients aged 18 years or older who had a low-grade (WHO grade II) glioma (astrocytoma, oligoastrocytoma, or oligodendroglioma) with at least one high-risk feature (aged >40 years, progressive disease, tumour size >5 cm, tumour crossing the midline, or neurological symptoms), and without known HIV infection, chronic hepatitis B or C virus infection, or any condition that could interfere with oral drug administration. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either conformal radiotherapy (up to 50·4 Gy; 28 doses of 1·8 Gy once daily, 5 days per week for up to 6·5 weeks) or dose-dense oral temozolomide (75 mg/m² once daily for 21 days, repeated every 28 days [one cycle], for a maximum of 12 cycles). Random treatment allocation was done online by a minimisation technique with prospective stratification by institution, 1p deletion (absent vs present vs undetermined), contrast enhancement (yes vs no), age (<40 vs ≥40 years), and WHO performance status (0 vs ≥1). Patients, treating physicians, and researchers were aware of the assigned intervention. A planned analysis was done after 216 progression events occurred. Our primary clinical endpoint was progression-free survival, analysed by intention-to-treat; secondary outcomes were overall survival, adverse events, neurocognitive function (will be reported separately), health-related quality of life and neurological function (reported separately), and correlative analyses of progression-free survival by molecular markers (1p/19q co-deletion, MGMT promoter methylation status, and IDH1/IDH2 mutations). This trial is closed to accrual but continuing for follow-up, and is registered at the European Trials Registry, EudraCT 2004-002714-11, and at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00182819.

FINDINGS

Between Sept 23, 2005, and March 26, 2010, 707 patients were registered for the study. Between Dec 6, 2005, and Dec 21, 2012, we randomly assigned 477 patients to receive either radiotherapy (n=240) or temozolomide chemotherapy (n=237). At a median follow-up of 48 months (IQR 31-56), median progression-free survival was 39 months (95% CI 35-44) in the temozolomide group and 46 months (40-56) in the radiotherapy group (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1·16, 95% CI 0·9-1·5, p=0·22). Median overall survival has not been reached. Exploratory analyses in 318 molecularly-defined patients confirmed the significantly different prognosis for progression-free survival in the three recently defined molecular low-grade glioma subgroups (IDHmt, with or without 1p/19q co-deletion [IDHmt/codel], or IDH wild type [IDHwt]; p=0·013). Patients with IDHmt/non-codel tumours treated with radiotherapy had a longer progression-free survival than those treated with temozolomide (HR 1·86 [95% CI 1·21-2·87], log-rank p=0·0043), whereas there were no significant treatment-dependent differences in progression-free survival for patients with IDHmt/codel and IDHwt tumours. Grade 3-4 haematological adverse events occurred in 32 (14%) of 236 patients treated with temozolomide and in one (<1%) of 228 patients treated with radiotherapy, and grade 3-4 infections occurred in eight (3%) of 236 patients treated with temozolomide and in two (1%) of 228 patients treated with radiotherapy. Moderate to severe fatigue was recorded in eight (3%) patients in the radiotherapy group (grade 2) and 16 (7%) in the temozolomide group. 119 (25%) of all 477 patients had died at database lock. Four patients died due to treatment-related causes: two in the temozolomide group and two in the radiotherapy group.

INTERPRETATION

Overall, there was no significant difference in progression-free survival in patients with low-grade glioma when treated with either radiotherapy alone or temozolomide chemotherapy alone. Further data maturation is needed for overall survival analyses and evaluation of the full predictive effects of different molecular subtypes for future individualised treatment choices.

FUNDING

Merck Sharpe & Dohme-Merck & Co, Canadian Cancer Society, Swiss Cancer League, UK National Institutes of Health, Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, US National Cancer Institute, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Cancer Research Fund.

Neuro-oncology: a selected review of ASCO 2016 abstracts

ASCO 2016, 29 May-2 June 2016, Chicago, IL, USA The largest annual clinical oncology conference the American Society of Clinical Oncology is held in the USA and gives researchers and other key opinion leaders the opportunity to present new cancer clinical trials and research data. The CNS tumors section of the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2016 covered various aspects of neuro-oncology including metastatic CNS diseases and primary brain tumors, presented via posters, oral talks and over 100 abstracts. This brief review selectively highlights presentations from this meeting in an organizational manner that reflects clinically relevant aspects of a large and multifaceted meeting.

Molecular Diagnostics as a Tool to Personalize Treatment in Adult Glioma Patients

Gliomas, the most frequent primary brain tumors in humans, form a heterogeneous group, encompassing many different histological types and malignancy grades. Within this group, the diffuse infiltrative gliomas are by far the most common in adults. The major representatives in this subgroup are the diffuse astrocytic, oligodendroglial, and mixed oligo-astrocytic tumors. Especially in these diffuse gliomas, the role of molecular diagnostics is rapidly increasing. After summarizing the most relevant genetic aberrations and pathways in these tumors detected up till now, this review will discuss the clinical relevance of this information. Several molecular markers have been identified in diffuse gliomas that carry diagnostic and prognostic information. In addition, some of these and other markers predict the response of these gliomas to particular (chemo)therapeutic approaches. The techniques used to obtain this molecular information, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the different techniques will be discussed. Finally, future perspectives will be presented with regard to the contribution of molecular diagnostics to tailor-made therapy in glioma patients.

Current Management of Adult Diffuse Infiltrative Low Grade Gliomas

Diffuse infiltrative low grade gliomas (LGG) account for approximately 15 % of all gliomas. The prognosis of LGG differs between high-risk and low-risk patients notwithstanding varying definitions of what constitutes a high-risk patient. Maximal safe resection optimally is the initial treatment. Surgery that achieves a large volume resection improves both progression-free and overall survival. Based on results of three randomized clinical trials (RCT), radiotherapy (RT) may be deferred in patients with low-risk LGG (defined as age <40 years and having undergone a complete resection), although combined chemoradiotherapy has never been prospectively evaluated in the low-risk population. The recent RTOG 9802 RCT established a new standard of care in high-risk patients (defined as age >40 years or incomplete resection) by demonstrating a nearly twofold improvement in overall survival with the addition of PCV (procarbazine, CCNU, vincristine) chemotherapy following RT as compared to RT alone. Chemotherapy alone as a treatment of LGG may result in less toxicity than RT; however, this has only been prospectively studied once (EORTC 22033) in high-risk patients. A challenge remains to define when an aggressive treatment improves survival without impacting quality of life (QoL) or neurocognitive function and when an effective treatment can be delayed in order to preserve QoL without impacting survival. Current WHO histopathological classification is poorly predictive of outcome in patients with LGG. The integration of molecular biomarkers with histology will lead to an improved classification that more accurately reflects underlying tumor biology, prognosis, and hopefully best therapy.

Characteristics of gliomas in patients with somatic IDH mosaicism

IDH mutations are found in the majority of adult, diffuse, low-grade and anaplastic gliomas and are also frequently found in cartilaginous tumors. Ollier disease and Maffucci syndrome are two enchondromatosis syndromes characterized by the development of multiple benign cartilaginous tumors due to post-zygotic acquisition of IDH mutations. In addition to skeletal tumors, enchondromatosis patients sometimes develop gliomas. The aim of the present study was to determine whether gliomas in enchondromatosis patients might also result from somatic IDH mosaicism and whether their characteristics are similar to those of sporadic IDH-mutated gliomas. For this purpose, we analyzed the characteristics of 6 newly diagnosed and 32 previously reported cases of enchondromatosis patients who developed gliomas and compared them to those of a consecutive series of 159 patients with sporadic IDH-mutated gliomas. As was the case with sporadic IDH mutated gliomas, enchondromatosis gliomas were frequently located in the frontal lobe (54 %) and consisted of diffuse low-grade (73 %) or anaplastic gliomas (21 %). However, they were diagnosed at an earlier age (25.6 years versus 44 years, p < 0.001) and were more frequently multicentric (32 % versus 1 %, p < 0.001) and more frequently located within the brainstem than sporadic IDH mutated gliomas (21 % versus 1 %, p < 0.001). Their molecular profile was characterized by IDH mutations and loss of ATRX expression. In two patients, the same IDH mutation was demonstrated in the glioma and in a cartilaginous tumor. In contrast to sporadic IDH mutated gliomas, no enchondromatosis glioma harbored a 1p/19q co-deletion (0/6 versus 59/123, p = 0.03). The characteristics of gliomas in patients with enchondromatosis suggest that these tumors, as cartilaginous tumors, result from somatic IDH mosaicism and that the timing of IDH mutation acquisition might affect the location and molecular characteristics of gliomas. Early acquisition of IDH mutations could shift gliomagenesis towards the brainstem thereby mimicking the regional preference of histone mutated gliomas.

High Carbonic Anhydrase-9 Expression Identifies a Subset of 1p/19q Co-Deletion and Favorable Prognosis in Oligodendroglioma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between 3 hypoxic markers, carbonic anhydrase-9 (CA-9), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, and HIF-2α and the traditional genetic markers, deletions of chromosomes 1p and 19q and Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) R132H mutation in oligodendrogliomas.

METHODS

Thirty-one oligodendrogliomas (27 World Health Organization Grade [WHO] II and 4 WHO Grade III) were processed into tissue microarray. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was exploited to detect chromosome deletion, whereas immunohistochemistry was performed to assess IDH1R132H mutation, CA-9, HIF-1α, and HIF-2α expression.

RESULTS

The frequencies of 1p/19q co-deletion and IDH1 R132H mutation were 68% and 71%, respectively. High expression of CA-9 was observed in 42% and was associated with longer survival (P = 0.04) in WHO Grade II oligodendroglioma. High CA-9 expression also identified 62% of 1p/19q-codeleted oligodendroglioma (P = 0.001). In addition, all tumors with high CA-9 expression displayed 1p/19q-codeletion. HIF-1α and HIF-2α provided no additional prognostic value for survival.

CONCLUSIONS

High expression of CA-9, a marker for hypoxia and acidosis, is associated with favorable prognosis in oligodendroglioma. In addition, it may serve as a simple screening test for 1p/19q co-deletion if validated in larger cohorts.

Astrocytic gliomas WHO grades II and III

World Health Organization grades II and III lower-grade astrocytomas are a challenging area in neuro-oncology. One the one hand, for proper diagnosis, the analysis of molecular factors, especially mutation status of isocitrate dehydrogenase and 1p/19q status in the tumor status needs to be done in addition to classical neuropathology. Further, the high clinical and prognostic value of a maximal safe resection requires a profound knowledge of presurgical diagnosis and surgical as well as imaging techniques to ensure optimal outcome for patients. Also medical treatment may be more intensive than previously believed, with randomized trials providing evidence for a benefit in overall survival by combined chemoradiation versus radiation alone. A critical problem concerns the considerable undesirable effects of therapeutic interventions on long-term health-related quality of life, cognitive and functional outcome as well as future developments in this still difficult disease that will need to be addressed in future trials.

The role of initial chemotherapy for the treatment of adults with diffuse low grade glioma : A systematic review and evidence-based clinical practice guideline

TARGET POPULATION

Adult patients (older than 18 years of age) with newly diagnosed World Health Organization (WHO) Grade II gliomas (Oligodendroglioma, astrocytoma, mixed oligoastrocytoma).

QUESTION

Is there a role for chemotherapy as adjuvant therapy of choice in treatment of patients with newly diagnosed low-grade gliomas?

RECOMMENDATIONS

LEVEL III

Chemotherapy is recommended as a treatment option to postpone the use of radiotherapy, to slow tumor growth and to improve progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and clinical symptoms in adult patients with newly diagnosed LGG.

QUESTION

Who are the patients with newly diagnosed LGG that would benefit the most from chemotherapy?

RECOMMENDATION

LEVEL III

Chemotherapy is recommended as an optional component alone or in combination with radiation as the initial adjuvant therapy for all patients who cannot undergo gross total resection (GTR) of a newly diagnosed LGG. Patient with residual tumor >1 cm on post-operative MRI, presenting diameter of >4 cm or older than 40 years of age should be considered for adjuvant therapy as well.

QUESTION

Are there tumor markers that can predict which patients can benefit the most from initial treatment with chemotherapy?

RECOMMENDATION

LEVEL III

The addition of chemotherapy to standard RT is recommended in LGG patients that carry IDH mutation. In addition, temozolomide (TMZ) is recommended as a treatment option to slow tumor growth in patients who harbor the 1p/19q co-deletion.

QUESTION

How soon should the chemotherapy be started once the diagnosis of LGG is confirmed?

RECOMMENDATION

There is insufficient evidence to make a definitive recommendation on the timing of starting chemotherapy after surgical/pathological diagnosis of LGG has been made. However, using the 12 weeks mark as the latest timeframe to start adjuvant chemotherapy is suggested. It is recommended that patients be enrolled in properly designed clinical trials to assess the timing of chemotherapy initiation once diagnosis is confirmed for this target population.

QUESTION

What chemotherapeutic agents should be used for treatment of newly diagnosed LGG?

RECOMMENDATION

There is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation of one particular regimen. Enrollment of subjects in properly designed trials comparing the efficacy of these or other agents is recommended so as to determine which of these regimens is superior.

QUESTION

What is the optimal duration and dosing of chemotherapy as initial treatment for LGG?

RECOMMENDATION

Insufficient evidence exists regarding the duration of any specific cytotoxic drug regimen for treatment of newly diagnosed LGG. Enrollment of subjects in properly designed clinical investigations assessing the optimal duration of this therapy is recommended.

QUESTION

Should chemotherapy be given alone or in conjunction with RT as initial therapy for LGG?

RECOMMENDATION

Insufficient evidence exists to make recommendations in this regard. Hence, enrollment of patients in properly designed clinical trials assessing the difference between chemotherapy alone, RT alone or a combination of them is recommended.

QUESTION

Should chemotherapy be given in addition to other type of adjuvant therapy to patients with newly diagnosed LGG?

RECOMMENDATION

Level II: It is recommended that chemotherapy be added to the RT in patients with unfavorable LGG to improve their progression free survival.

Management of patients with recurrence of diffuse low grade glioma: A systematic review and evidence-based clinical practice guideline

TARGET POPULATION

These recommendations apply to adult patients with recurrent low-grade glioma (LGG) with initial pathologic diagnosis of a WHO grade II infiltrative glioma (oligodendroglioma, astrocytoma, or oligo-astrocytoma).

PATHOLOGY AT RECURRENCE

QUESTION

Do pathologic and molecular characteristics predict outcome/malignant transformation at recurrence?

RECOMMENDATIONS

IDH STATUS AND RECURRENCE: (Level III) IDH mutation status should be determined as LGGs with IDH mutations have a shortened time to recurrence. It is unclear whether knowledge of IDH mutation status provides benefit in predicting time to progression or overall survival. TP53 STATUS AND RECURRENCE: (Level III) TP53 mutations occur early in LGG pathogenesis, remain stable, and are not recommended as a marker of predisposition to malignant transformation at recurrence or other measures of prognosis. MGMT STATUS AND RECURRENCE: (Level III) Assessment of MGMT status is recommended as an adjunct to assessing prognosis as LGGs with MGMT promoter methylation are associated with shorter PFS (in the absence of TMZ) and longer post-recurrence survival (in the presence of TMZ), ultimately producing similar overall survival to LGGs without MGMT methylation. The available retrospective reports are conflicting and comparisons between reports are limited CDK2NA STATUS AND RECURRENCE: (Level III) Assessment of CDK2NA status is recommended when possible as the loss of expression of the CDK2NA via either methylation or loss of chromosome 9p is associated with malignant progression of LGGs. PROLIFERATIVE INDEX AND RECURRENCE: (Level III) It is recommended that proliferative indices (MIB-1 or BUdR) be measured in LGGs as higher proliferation indices are associated with increased likelihood of recurrence and shorter progression free and overall survival. 1P/19Q STATUS AND RECURRENCE: There is insufficient evidence to make any recommendations.

CHEMOTHERAPY AT RECURRENCE

QUESTION

What role does chemotherapy have in LGG recurrence?

RECOMMENDATIONS

TEMOZOLOMIDE AND RECURRENCE: (Level III) Temozolomide is recommended in the therapy of recurrent LGG as it may improve clinical symptoms. Oligodendrogliomas and tumors with 1p/19q co-deletion may derive the most benefit. PCV AND RECURRENCE: (Level III) PCV is recommended in the therapy of LGG at recurrence as it may improve clinical symptoms with the strongest evidence being for oligodendrogliomas. CARBOPLATIN AND RECURRENCE : (Level III) Carboplatin is not recommended as there is no significant benefit from carboplatin as single agent therapy for recurrent LGGs. OTHER TREATMENTS (NITROSUREAS, HYDROXYUREA/IMANITIB, IRINOTECAN, PACLITAXEL) AND RECURRENCE: There is insufficient evidence to make any recommendations. It is recommended that individuals with recurrent LGGs be enrolled in a properly designed clinical trial to assess these chemotherapeutic agents.

RADIATION AT RECURRENCE

QUESTION

What role does radiation have in LGG recurrence?

RECOMMENDATIONS

RADIATION AT RECURRENCE WITH NO PREVIOUS IRRADIATION: (Level III) Radiation is recommended at recurrence if there was no previous radiation treatment. RE-IRRADIATION AT RECURRENCE: (Level III) It is recommended that re-irradiation be considered in the setting of LGG recurrence as it may provide benefit in disease control.

SURGERY AT RECURRENCE

There is insufficient evidence to make any specific recommendations. It is recommended that individuals with recurrent LGGs be enrolled in a properly designed clinical trial to assess the role of surgery at recurrence.

Prediction of Response to Temozolomide in Low-Grade Glioma Patients Based on Tumor Size Dynamics and Genetic Characteristics

Both molecular profiling of tumors and longitudinal tumor size data modeling are relevant strategies to predict cancer patients' response to treatment. Herein we propose a model of tumor growth inhibition integrating a tumor's genetic characteristics (p53 mutation and 1p/19q codeletion) that successfully describes the time course of tumor size in patients with low-grade gliomas treated with first-line temozolomide chemotherapy. The model captures potential tumor progression under chemotherapy by accounting for the emergence of tissue resistance to treatment following prolonged exposure to temozolomide. Using information on individual tumors' genetic characteristics, in addition to early tumor size measurements, the model was able to predict the duration and magnitude of response, especially in those patients in whom repeated assessment of tumor response was obtained during the first 3 months of treatment. Combining longitudinal tumor size quantitative modeling with a tumor''s genetic characterization appears as a promising strategy to personalize treatments in patients with low-grade gliomas.

Seizure reduction is a prognostic marker in low-grade glioma patients treated with temozolomide

We aimed to analyze the value of seizure reduction and radiological response as prognostic markers of survival in patients with low-grade glioma (LGG) treated with temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. We retrospectively reviewed adult patients with a progressive LGG and uncontrolled epilepsy in two hospitals (VUmc Amsterdam; MCH The Hague), who received chemotherapy with TMZ between 2002 and 2014. End points were a ≥50 % seizure reduction and MRI response 6, 12 and 18 months (mo) after the start of TMZ, and their relation with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). We identified 53 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Seizure reduction was an independent prognostic factor for both PFS (HR 0.38; 95 % CI 0.19–0.73; p = 0.004) and OS (HR 0.39; 95 % CI 0.18–0.85; p = 0.018) after 6mo, adjusting for age and histopathological diagnosis, as well as after 12 and 18mo. Patients with an objective radiological response showed a better OS (median 87.5mo; 95 % CI 62.0–112.9) than patients without a response (median 34.4mo; 95 % CI 26.1–42.6; p = 0.046) after 12mo. However, after 6 and 18mo OS was similar in patients with and without a response on MRI. Seizure reduction is an early and consistent prognostic marker for survival after treatment with TMZ, that seems to precede the radiological response. Therefore, seizure reduction may serve as a surrogate marker for tumor response.

Seizures in oligodendroglial tumors

Epilepsy develops in more than 70-90% of oligodendroglial tumors and represents a favorable indicator for long-term survival if present as the first clinical sign. Presence of IDH1 mutation is frequently associated with seizures in oligodendrogliomas, next to alterations of glutamate and GABA metabolism in the origin of glioma-associated epilepsy. Treatment by surgery or radiotherapy results in seizure freedom in about two-thirds of patients, and chemotherapy to a seizure reduction in about 50%. Symptomatic anticonvulsive therapy with levetiracetam and valproic acid as monotherapy are both evidence-based drugs for the partial epilepsies, and their effective use in brain tumors is supported by a large amount of additional data. Pharmacoresistance against anticonvulsants is more prevalent among oligodendrogliomas, occurring in about 40% despite polytherapy with two anticonvulsants or more. Toxic signs of anticonvulsants in brain tumors involve cognition, bone marrow and skin. Previous neurosurgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy add to the risks of cognitive dysfunction.

Epilepsy in patients with primary brain tumors: The impact on mood, cognition, and HRQOL

BACKGROUND

A primary brain tumor (PBT) is often a fatal disease of the nervous system and has a serious impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Presence of epilepsy and adverse reactions from tumor and epilepsy treatments may cause additional decline in HRQOL.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to study the impact of epileptic seizures on cognition, mood, and HRQOL in patients with brain tumor-related epilepsy.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Patients were grouped on an ordinal scale according to epilepsy burden from none to severe based on the presence of epileptic seizures and seizure frequency: L1, no epilepsy; L2, with epilepsy, seizure-free in the last 6 months with antiepileptic drugs; and L3, with epilepsy, at least one seizure in the last 6 months with AEDs. Health-related quality of life was measured by Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-Br) and Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31 (QOLIE-31) tools, cognition by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tool and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), mood by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), activities of daily living (ADLs) by the Barthel Index (BI), and performance status by the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scale in patients with primary brain tumors at least one month following neurosurgery with or without radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Eighty-one patients with a diagnosis of primary brain tumors were recruited. Sixty-eight percent of patients were diagnosed with primary brain tumor-related epilepsy, 50.61% patients had cognitive impairment, 33% had abnormal scores in the anxiety scale, and 34% had abnormal scores in the depression scale. There were no statistically significant differences in these scores among L1, L2, and L3 groups. There were statistically significant differences in duration of disease and KPS and BI scores between L1 and L3 groups. The L3 group has significantly longer duration of disease and scored low in both the BI and KPS scale when compared to the L1 group. All patients with primary brain tumors scored significantly low in FACT-Br 'physical well-being' (PWB) and 'emotional well-being' (EWB) and high in 'social well-being' (SWB) when compared to healthy controls. When scores of each group were individually compared to healthy controls, the L3 group showed the lowest scores in PWB, EWB, and 'functional well-being'. In SWB, L1 and L2 groups showed statistically significantly high scores when compared to normative data. The QOLIE-31 applied to groups with epilepsy showed statistically significantly lower scores in the L3 group when compared to the L2 group in 'cognitive' and 'social functioning' domains. On multivariate analysis, both poor performance status and frequency of seizures were found to be independent risk factors for poor HRQOL when FACT-Br mean scores were compared. Level of seizures was found to be an independent risk factor for poor HRQOL when QOLIE-31 scores were compared between L2 and L3 groups.

DISCUSSION

Presence of brain tumors could be attributed to cognitive impairment irrespective of the presence of epilepsy in our cohort. High seizure burden is an independent risk factor for poor HRQOL in patients with primary brain tumors. The QOLIE-31 is a more sensitive tool than the FACT-Br because of the presence of a seizure-related questionnaire.

Molecular Markers in Low-Grade Glioma-Toward Tumor Reclassification

Low-grade diffuse gliomas are a heterogeneous group of primary glial brain tumors with highly variable survival. Currently, patients with low-grade diffuse gliomas are stratified into risk subgroups by subjective histopathologic criteria with significant interobserver variability. Several key molecular signatures have emerged as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictor biomarkers for tumor classification and patient risk stratification. In this review, we discuss the effect of the most critical molecular alterations described in diffuse (IDH1/2, 1p/19q codeletion, ATRX, TERT, CIC, and FUBP1) and circumscribed (BRAF-KIAA1549, BRAF(V600E), and C11orf95-RELA fusion) gliomas. These molecular features reflect tumor heterogeneity and have specific associations with patient outcome that determine appropriate patient management. This has led to an important, fundamental shift toward developing a molecular classification of World Health Organization grade II-III diffuse glioma.

Quantitative proteomic analysis shows differentially expressed HSPB1 in glioblastoma as a discriminating short from long survival factor and NOVA1 as a differentiation factor between low-grade astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma

Background

Gliomas account for more than 60 % of all primary central nervous system neoplasms. Low-grade gliomas display a tendency to progress to more malignant phenotypes and the most frequent and malignant gliomas are glioblastomas (GBM). Another type of glioma, oligodendroglioma originates from oligodendrocytes and glial precursor cells and represents 2–5 % of gliomas. The discrimination between these two types of glioma is actually controversial, thus, a molecular distinction is necessary for better diagnosis.

Methods

iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis was performed on non-neoplastic brain tissue, on astrocytoma grade II, glioblastoma with short and long survival and oligodendrogliomas.

Results

We found that expression of nucleophosmin (NPM1), glucose regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78), nucleolin (NCL) and heat shock protein 90 kDa (HSP90B1) were increased, Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP/PEBP1) was decreased in glioblastoma and they were associated with a network related to tumor progression. Expression level of heat shock protein 27 (HSPB1/HSP27) discriminated glioblastoma presenting short (6 ± 4 months, n = 4) and long survival (43 ± 15 months, n = 4) (p = 0.00045). Expression level of RNA binding protein nova 1 (NOVA1) differentiated low-grade oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma grade II (p = 0.0082). Validation were done by Western blot, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in a larger casuistry.

Conclusion

Taken together, our quantitative proteomic analysis detected the molecular triad, NPM1, GRP78 and RKIP participating together with NCL and HSP27/HSPB1 in a network related to tumor progression. Additionally, two new important targets were uncovered: NOVA1 useful for diagnostic refinement differentiating astrocytoma from oligodendroglioma, and HSPB1/HSP27, as a predictive factor of poor prognosis for GBM.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1473-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Seizure reduction in a low-grade glioma: more than a beneficial side effect of temozolomide

BACKGROUND

Seizures are a common symptom in patients with low-grade glioma (LGG), negatively influencing quality of life, if uncontrolled. Besides antiepileptic drugs, antitumour treatment might contribute to a reduction in seizure frequency. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy on seizure frequency, to identify factors associated with post-treatment seizure reduction and to analyse the prognostic value of seizure reduction for survival.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed adult patients with supratentorial LGG and epilepsy who received chemotherapy with TMZ as initial treatment or for progressive disease in two hospitals (VUmc Amsterdam; MCH The Hague) between 2002 and 2012.

RESULTS

We identified 104 patients with LGG with epilepsy who had received TMZ. Uncontrolled epilepsy in the 3 months preceding chemotherapy was present in 66 of 104 (63.5%) patients. A ≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency after 6 months occurred in 29 of 66 (43.9%) patients. Focal symptoms at presentation (OR 6.55; 95% CI 1.45 to 32.77; p = 0.015) appeared to be positively associated with seizure reduction. Seizure reduction was an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival (HR 0.32; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.66; p = 0.002) and overall survival (HR 0.33; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.79; p = 0.013), along with a histological diagnosis of oligodendroglioma (HR 0.38; 95% CI 0.17 to 0.86; p = 0.021). Objective responses on MRI were similar for patients with and without seizure reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

TMZ may contribute to an important reduction in seizure frequency in patients with LGG. Seizure reduction following TMZ treatment has prognostic significance and may serve as an important clinical outcome measure in patients with LGG.

Seizure outcome after radiotherapy and chemotherapy in low-grade glioma patients: a systematic review

There is growing evidence that antitumor treatment contributes to better seizure control in low-grade glioma patients. We performed a systematic review of the current literature on seizure outcome after radiotherapy and chemotherapy and evaluated the association between seizure outcome and radiological response. Twenty-four studies were available, of which 10 described seizure outcome after radiotherapy and 14 after chemotherapy. All studies demonstrated improvements in seizure outcome after antitumor treatment. Eight studies reporting on imaging response in relation to seizure outcome showed a seizure reduction in a substantial part of patients with stable disease on MRI. Seizure reduction may therefore be the only noticeable effect of antitumor treatment. Our findings demonstrate the clinical relevance of monitoring seizure outcome after radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as the potential role of seizure reduction as a complementary marker of tumor response in low-grade glioma patients.

Prediction of anaplastic transformation in low-grade oligodendrogliomas based on magnetic resonance spectroscopy and 1p/19q codeletion status

The aim of this study was to assess whether combining multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the determination of the 1p/19q codeletion status could improve the ability to predict anaplastic transformation in low-grade oligodendrogliomas. Twenty patients with grade II oligodendrogliomas were followed-up using multimodal MR [proton MR spectroscopy (MRS), perfusion, and conventional MR imaging]. All patients diagnoses were histologically proven, and 1p/19q codeletion status was analyzed for all patients. Median follow-up was 30.5 ± 11.4 months. Anaplastic transformation was observed in six patients. The only MRI feature that was associated with anaplastic transformation was an elevation of the choline/creatine ratio >2.4 which was observed in 4 out of 6 patients with anaplastic transformation versus 1 out of 14 patients without anaplastic transformation. In patients without 1p/19q codeletion, an elevation of the choline/creatine ratio >2.4 was associated with the occurrence of anaplastic transformation in all cases (4 out of 4 patients), with a mean time of 12 months. In contrast, in patients with a 1p/19q codeletion, no anaplastic transformation was observed in the patient who had an elevation of >2.4 of the choline/creatine ratio and two patients demonstrated an anaplastic transformation without any elevation of this ratio.Prospective validation in a larger series is needed, yet the present study suggests that combining data from in vivo proton MRS and genetic analysis could be a promising strategy to predict time to anaplastic transformation at the individual level in patients with low-grade oligodendrogliomas and may help deciding when chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy should be initiated in these tumors.