Influences on cognitive outcomes in adult patients with gliomas: A systematic review

Structural Network Hubs as Potential Organs at Risk in Glioma Patients After Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE

Cognitive sequelae are a concern in glioma patients postradiation therapy. As there is uncertainty regarding which brain regions to spare during radiation therapy to preserve cognition, we explored structural brain network hubs as potential organs at risk.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We conducted a cross-sectional study, involving 39 irradiated adult WHO grade 2 and 3 gliomas along with 50 healthy controls. Cognitive domains (language, memory, attention, motor-, and executive functioning) were assessed ≥1 year postradiation therapy. Using multishell diffusion-weighted imaging, weighted structural graphs were constructed, and graph measures calculated to define hubs. The association between mean radiation therapy (RT) dose in each region and nodal strength and cognitive domains were tested with a linear regression model and Spearman's rho correlations, respectively.

RESULTS

Lower nodal strength was significantly associated with increasing RT dose in 9 brain regions, significantly (McNemar test, P < .01) impacting hubs more often than nonhubs (58% vs 7%). Executive performance (r(37) ≥ -.474, PFDR ≤ .045) and attention (r(37) ≥ -.471, PFDR ≤ .045) were significantly correlated with RT doses to the left pre- and postcentral gyrus and right posterior cingulate cortex, whereas poorer language outcomes were observed in patients receiving higher doses to the left insula, superior frontal, and precentral gyrus (r(37) ≥ -.460, PFDR ≤ .045). These correlations were more prevalent in hubs than nonhubs (P = .33), and higher than those between memory and left (r(37) = -.359) and right (r(37) = .059) hippocampal dose.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher RT doses to specific brain regions, particularly left-sided hubs, were associated with reduced nodal strength (ie, lower network centrality) and poorer cognitive performance. Although baseline cognitive testing is unavailable and cognitive functioning is influenced by multiple factors, this study highlights the potential value of network- or hub-sparing RT dose planning. Future longitudinal studies are needed to validate these findings before clinical implementation.

Pharmacological and therapeutic innovation to mitigate radiation-induced cognitive decline (RICD) in brain tumor patients

Radiation therapy is a key treatment modality in both primary and metastatic brain tumors. However, despite its efficacy, it often results in cognitive decline, particularly after whole brain RT (WBRT). Radiation-induced cognitive impairment, which affects memory, attention, and executive function, significantly affects Quality Of Life (QOL) and functional independence. Although white matter necrosis, a hallmark of conventional radiation techniques, has become less common with modern methods, cognitive deficits remain a persistent issue. Neuroinflammation is a key driver of this decline, along with disruptions in hippocampal neurogenesis and damage to regions of the brain. Radiation affects neural stem cells, mature neurons, and glial cells, particularly within the hippocampus, affecting cognition. Recent studies suggest that targeting neuroinflammation and other key Signaling pathways (NMDAR, RAAS, PARP, PPAR, etc.) can reduce cognitive impairment. This review examines the theme of radiation-induced cognitive decline and explores possible interventions to prevent or mitigate these outcomes.

Predicting attention deficits and functional recovery after glioma resection through functional executive networks: insights from dynamic properties

BACKGROUND

Postoperative short-term attentional and executive dysfunctions are common after brain tumor resection, significantly impacting patients' quality of life and functional recovery. This longitudinal cross-sectional study investigated whether presurgical functional dynamics of key brain networks supporting executive functioning could predict postoperative neuropsychological outcomes, providing insights into temporary deficits and recovery trajectories.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients with gliomas underwent resting-state fMRI scans before and three-months after surgery, along with neuropsychological assessments conducted before, one week and three months after surgery. Co-activation pattern analysis (CAPs) characterized functional dynamic properties of executive networks, including the Fronto-parietal (FPN). Temporal network properties - stability, integration, and centrality- were examined longitudinally. Descriptive and predictive multivariate analysis explored associations between network dynamics and cognitive functioning.

RESULTS

Immediate post-surgical attentional deficits were associated with pre-surgical FPN properties, revealing dynamic activation patterns predictive of short-term deficits. These temporal properties not only predicted the severity and persistence of early deficits, but also offered valuable insights in the longitudinal progression of attentional performance otherwise neglected. Importantly, by three months post-surgery, neuropsychological profiles and network dynamics returned to pre-surgical baseline, highlighting the transient nature of the deficits beyond treatment strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that presurgical dynamic properties of intrinsic executive networks alone can predict short-term postoperative neuropsychological outcomes. This predictive ability offers critical value for patients, families and clinical teams by emphasizing the temporary nature of the deficits and enabling early, personalized interventions. These findings emphasize the potential for using intrinsic brain activity dynamics as a tool for guiding postoperative recovery planning and alleviating concerns about temporary postoperative cognitive impairments.

Navigating Life With High-Grade Glioma: Experiences and Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults

BACKGROUND

Adolescents and young adults (AYA, 18-39) with high-grade glioma (HGG) face unique challenges at a life stage focused on autonomy, careers, relationships, and family planning.

AIM

This study explores their experiences to inform life-stage appropriate support and resources.

METHODS

In this mixed-methods study, we surveyed AYA HGG patients at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PM) to assess symptom experiences and care satisfaction. Interviews further explored their illness experiences and needs. Descriptive statistics summarized survey data, and thematic analysis guided by Braun and Clarke's framework identified key interview themes. Triangulation compared survey and interview results for a comprehensive understanding.

RESULTS

Seventeen participants (7 men, 10 women; mean age 30.57) completed surveys and interviews. Triangulation revealed typical AYA challenges, such as delays in education, careers, and relationships, along with HGG-specific issues. Three main themes emerged: (1) managing cognitive and treatment-related impacts on life goals, (2) addressing physical and cognitive impairments affecting relationships, and (3) navigating identity loss and independence due to neurological symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions and educational support integrated into AYA HGG care pathways.

Factors contributing to variability in neurocognitive performance before glioma neurosurgery

Background

Cognitive impairment following anti-tumor treatment is a common concern for brain tumor patients. However, growing evidence indicates that significant impairments can be present even before treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that explain variability in pretreatment test performance, beyond that of tumor burden.

Methods

Using multi-step linear regression, we retrospectively probed the contribution of clinical-, tumor-, patient-, and self-reported factors to variance in performance among 96 treatment-naïve brain tumor patients across 13 objective neurocognitive tests. Agreement between subjective and objective reports of cognitive impairment was also examined.

Results

Clinically significant preoperative impairments were observed in both objective and subjective domains. Estimated premorbid intelligence quotient (IQ), tumor volume, diagnosis of an astrocytoma, self-reported depression, and perceived cognitive functioning scores were the most common predictors of objective neurocognitive performance prior to treatment, explaining 12.3%-58.3% of the variance. No association was identified between objective and subjective reports of cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

Glioma patients frequently exhibit objective and subjective impairments prior to treatment. Both tumor- and self-reported factors were identified as predictors of performance, after correcting for estimated premorbid IQ. Nevertheless, more than 41.7% of the variance in cognitive performance remained unexplained, indicating a substantial role for additional, as yet unaccounted for, clinical factors. Notable disparity between objective and subjective cognitive impairment status re-emphasizes the importance of assessing both domains to ascertain a patient's overall functioning in the context of treatment outcomes.

Sequential immunotherapy and bevacizumab treatments in glioblastoma multiforme: A case series and review of the literature

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a tumor with a high refractory rate to immunotherapy and a low tumor mutational burden phenotype, leading to limited immunogenic neoantigens. The present study aimed to investigate the sequential use of immunotherapy and bevacizumab in patients with GBM, exploring the clinical outcomes and potential complications. Patients received various combinations of immunotherapy and bevacizumab after standard treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy and temozolomide. Clinical courses, radiological findings and treatment outcomes were monitored and documented during each clinical visit through routine physical examinations, imaging studies and review of medical records. The efficacy and side effects of this sequential drug approach remained unclear. The common features of these patients were a marked decline in cognitive function and clinical deterioration, assessed clinically in the absence of obvious tumor progression. Radiological evaluation was also performed, particularly for possible cerebrovascular events. In these cases, the potential for sequential treatment to suppress tumors while inducing cerebrovascular events was also investigated, and patients were not lost to overt tumor progression. Notably, further research is required to clarify the mechanisms of action and complications associated with the sequential use of immunotherapy and bevacizumab in the treatment of GBM.

Deficits of Attention and Working Memory in Patients with Gliomas of Supplementary Motor Area

Objectives: The effects of brain tumors located in the supplementary motor area (SMA) have so far been described mainly in the context of motor and speech disorders. There are few studies that have considered other cognitive domains, so this study aimed to fill this gap by focusing on examining attention and working memory in a population of patients with gliomas in the SMA region. Methods: This study included 50 patients diagnosed with gliomas located in the SMA who have not yet had any treatment and 57 demographically matched healthy individuals. A set of neuropsychological tests was conducted to assess attention and working memory: Digit Span from WAIS-R, Visual Elevator from TEA, Verbal Fluency Test (switching condition), and Color Trails Test (CTT). Results: The analyses showed that patients scored lower in most of the evaluated tests and indicators, namely in Digit Span-forward (t = -2.05; p = 0.022), Digit Span-backward (t = -2.63; p = 0.005), CTT-2 (t = 4.24; p = 0.001), CTT-interference (t = 2.31; p = 0.012), Visual Elevator-time (t = 1.83; p = 0.035), Visual Elevator-accuracy (t = -2.42, p = 0.010), and Verbal Fluency-switching (t = -3.41; p = 0.001). A significant relationship was also demonstrated between the grade of tumor malignancy and the results achieved in some of the neuropsychological tests. The lateralization of the tumor, the size of the lesion, and the presence of epilepsy did not prove to be particularly significant. Conclusions: Due to the significant decline in cognitive performance in terms of attention and working memory, we believe that every patient with a tumor in the SMA should undergo a detailed neuropsychological examination, which will profile their functioning and help tailor the best possible psychological care.

Brain tumor patient perceptions toward repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for rehabilitation after surgery

Background

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is established for depression and rehabilitation after stroke and is emerging for cognitive rehabilitation. We sought to evaluate patient and carer perceptions toward rTMS for rehabilitation after neurosurgery.

Methods

Two surveys were undertaken. Group 1: Patients who received 7 days of rTMS for motor or language rehabilitation for severe postoperative deficits following lesional resection were prospectively surveyed on the last day of their rTMS treatment, as well as their next of kin. Group 2: Patients who had previously been diagnosed with glioma but did not receive rTMS were retrospectively surveyed through two brain tumor charities, including next of kin.

Results

Group 1: Twenty-one responses. Eleven patients, 10 next of kin. The commonest pathology was WHO Grade 4 glioma (n = 3). Group 2: 24 responses. Sixteen patients, 8 next of kin. The commonest pathology was WHO Grade 2 glioma (n = 7). Most Group 1 respondents reported a positive experience of rTMS (15/21). Patients experienced subjective improvements in gross motor functions of arm and leg weakness and purposeful movement (9/11). Lack of subjective motor improvement was associated with adverse symptoms (e.g., headaches; p = .01). Group 2 respondents were supportive of rTMS. Key priorities included motor and cognitive rehabilitation. They were accepting of longer and more frequent rTMS sessions than Group 1 (p = .028 and <.001, respectively). Commonest concerns pertained to side effects are seizures and headaches.

Conclusions

rTMS for rehabilitation was well-tolerated by patients with side effects being commoner in those with no subjective motor improvements. Nontreated patients and their next of kin would find longer and more sessions acceptable but have concerns about potential side effects.

Comparison of Subjective and Objective Cognitive Function and Emotional State in Supratentorial Brain Tumors Before Surgery-Recognizing the Influence of Laterality

OBJECTIVE

Because of its high prognostic value, neuropsychological assessment plays a crucial role in the neuro-oncology setting. Subjective and objective cognitive performance correlate only to a limited extent, and subjective cognitive performance is strongly dependent on emotional state. We postulate that the relation of subjective and objective cognitive performance depends on tumor laterality.

METHODS

In this prospective study, N = 63 patients with brain tumors underwent a neuropsychological test battery, including assessment of subjective cognitive function (attention, memory, executive), and symptoms of depression and anxiety before surgery. Patients with psychiatric comorbidity or severe neurological conditions were excluded.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in subjective and objective cognitive function, symptoms of depression and anxiety between left (N = 37) and right (N = 26) hemisphere tumors. All measures of subjective cognitive function correlated highly significantly with symptoms of depression and anxiety in left hemisphere tumor patients (all r ≥ 0.470). In right hemisphere tumor patients, there was no relation between subjective cognitive function and emotional state. Significant laterality differences for correlations of subjective and objective cognitive function were not found and were not significant within the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Even when unbiased by symptoms of anxiety and depression, right hemisphere tumor patients show the same discrepancy in subjective and objective cognitive function as left hemisphere tumor patients. This discrepancy may be based on a different mechanism in right hemisphere tumor patients.

Symptom management in isocitrate dehydrogenase mutant glioma

According to the 2021 World Health Organization classification of CNS tumors, gliomas harboring a mutation in isocitrate dehydrogenase (mIDH) are considered a distinct disease entity, typically presenting in adult patients before the age of 50 years. Given their multiyear survival, patients with mIDH glioma are affected by tumor and treatment-related symptoms that can have a large impact on the daily life of both patients and their caregivers for an extended period of time. Selective oral inhibitors of mIDH enzymes have recently joined existing anticancer treatments, including resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, as an additional targeted treatment modality. With new treatments that improve progression-free and possibly overall survival, preventing and addressing daily symptoms becomes even more clinically relevant. In this review we discuss the management of the most prevalent symptoms, including tumor-related epilepsy, cognitive dysfunction, mood disorders, and fatigue, in patients with mIDH glioma, and issues regarding patient's health-related quality of life and caregiver needs in the era of mIDH inhibitors. We provide recommendations for practicing healthcare professionals caring for patients who are eligible for treatment with mIDH inhibitors.

ICAM-1 and IL-10 are associated with cognitive dysfunction using the MoCA test in glioma: Findings from the NCI Neuro-Oncology Branch Natural History Study

Background

Cognitive dysfunction is common among patients with malignant glioma, yet the underlying mechanisms of this dysfunction remain unclear. Protein markers of neurodegeneration, inflammation, and vascular damage have been associated with central nervous system pathology and with cognitive changes in neurological diseases, but their clinical utility in gliomas is unknown. This study examined the relationships between cognitive dysfunction, tumor isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation status in gliomas, and a panel of blood-based protein biomarkers.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 73 glioma patients with either IDH-mutant (n = 45) or IDH-wildtype tumors (n = 28) enrolled in a natural history study. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (scores <26 indicated cognitive dysfunction). Serum levels of 17 proteins were measured using ultrasensitive assays.

Results

Cognitive dysfunction was present in 53% of participants (n = 39), and more frequently in the IDH-wildtype group (75%) than in the IDH-mutant group (40%). Patients with wildtype tumors had higher levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α than patients with IDH-mutant tumors, which remained in multivariate analysis. ICAM-1 and IL-10 were higher in patients with cognitive dysfunction compared to those with normal cognition, even after adjusting for tumor IDH-mutation status, age, tumor grade, and surgery history.

Conclusions

Cognitive dysfunction was associated with protein markers linked to vascular damage and inflammation regardless of tumor IDH status. Our findings suggest an association of cognitive dysfunction with heightened systemic inflammatory status that requires further interrogation for its role in pathophysiologic mechanisms.

Brain tumor-related epilepsy: an overview on neuropsychological, behavioral, and quality of life issues and assessment methodology

Brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) is a rare disease in which brain tumor (BT) and epilepsy overlap simultaneously and can have a negative impact on a patient's neuropsychological, behavioral, and quality of life (QoL) spheres. In this review we (a) addressed the main neuropsychological, behavioral, and QoL issues that may occur in BTRE patients, (b) described how BT, BTRE, and their respective treatments can impact these domains, and (c) identified tools and standardized evaluation methodologies specific for BTRE patients. Neuropsychological disorders and behavioral issues can be direct consequences of BTRE and all related treatments, such as surgery, anti-cancer and anti-seizure medication, corticosteroids, etc., which can alter the structure of specific brain areas and networks, and by emotional aspects reactive to BTRE diagnosis, including the possible loss of autonomy, poor prognosis, and fear of death. Unfortunately, it seems there is a lack of uniformity in assessment methodologies, such as the administration of different batteries of neuropsychological tests, different times, frames, and purposes. Further research is needed to establish causality and deepen our understanding of the interplay between all these variables and our intervention in terms of diagnosis, treatment, psychosocial assessment, and their timing. We propose that the care of these patients to rely on the concepts of "BTRE-induced disability" and "biopsychosocial model" of BTRE, to prompt healthcare providers to handle and monitor BTRE-related psychological and social aspects, as to maintain the patient's best possible QoL.

Research trends of glioma-related epilepsy: A bibliometric analysis from 2004 to 2023

Glioma-related epilepsy (GRE) is a hotspot in recent years and there remains many urgent unsolved issues. This study aimed to conduct bibliometric analysis on GRE research over the past 2 decades. We collected scientific outputs relating to GRE on Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) from 2004 to 2023 and conducted visual analysis using VOSviewer and Microsoft Excel. A total of 2697 publications were retrieved with an increasing trend over the past 20 years. The USA ranked first in publication number, total citation and H-index. Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (Inserm) was the institution with the most publications. In the field of GRE, core journals were Journal of Neurosurgery, Epilepsia and Neurology. Duffau, Hugues was the author with the most papers and total citations, and the highest H-index. Co-occurrence analysis revealed that the latest research focus of GRE were awake craniotomy, immunotherapy, cognitive impairment, and basic research on pathogenesis, with particular emphasis on the IDH1 mutation. This study intended to gain a deeper understanding of the current global GRE research and identify hotspots, as well as to provide theoretical reference for further studies.

Predictors of cognition after glioma surgery: connectotomy, structure-function phenotype, plasticity

Determining preoperatively the maximal extent of resection that would preserve cognitive functions is the core challenge of brain tumour surgery. Over the past decade, the methodological framework to achieve this goal has been thoroughly renewed: the population-level topographically-focused voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping has been progressively overshadowed by machine learning (ML) algorithmics, in which the problem is framed as predicting cognitive outcomes in a patient-specific manner from a typically large set of variables. However, the choice of these predictors is of utmost importance, as they should be both informative and parsimonious. In this perspective, we first introduce the concept of connectotomy: instead of parameterizing resection topography through the status (intact/resected) of a huge number of voxels (or parcels) paving the whole brain in the Cartesian 3D-space, the connectotomy models the resection in the connectivity space, by computing a handful number of networks disconnection indices, measuring how the structural connectivity sustaining each network of interest was hit by the resection. This connectivity-informed reduction of dimensionality is a necessary step for efficiently implementing ML tools, given the relatively small number of patient-examples in available training datasets. We further argue that two other major sources of interindividual variability must be considered to improve the accuracy with which outcomes are predicted: the underlying structure-function phenotype and neuroplasticity, for which we provide an in-depth review and propose new ways of determining relevant predictors. We finally discuss the benefits of our approach for precision surgery of glioma.

Brain network topology and its cognitive impact in adult glioma survivors

Structural brain network topology can be altered in case of a brain tumor, due to both the tumor itself and its treatment. In this study, we explored the role of structural whole-brain and nodal network metrics and their association with cognitive functioning. Fifty WHO grade 2-3 adult glioma survivors (> 1-year post-therapy) and 50 matched healthy controls underwent a cognitive assessment, covering six cognitive domains. Raw cognitive assessment scores were transformed into w-scores, corrected for age and education. Furthermore, based on multi-shell diffusion-weighted MRI, whole-brain tractography was performed to create weighted graphs and to estimate whole-brain and nodal graph metrics. Hubs were defined based on nodal strength, betweenness centrality, clustering coefficient and shortest path length in healthy controls. Significant differences in these metrics between patients and controls were tested for the hub nodes (i.e. n = 12) and non-hub nodes (i.e. n = 30) in two mixed-design ANOVAs. Group differences in whole-brain graph measures were explored using Mann-Whitney U tests. Graph metrics that significantly differed were ultimately correlated with the cognitive domain-specific w-scores. Bonferroni correction was applied to correct for multiple testing. In survivors, the bilateral putamen were significantly less frequently observed as a hub (pbonf < 0.001). These nodes' assortativity values were positively correlated with attention (r(90) > 0.573, pbonf < 0.001), and proxy IQ (r(90) > 0.794, pbonf < 0.001). Attention and proxy IQ were significantly more often correlated with assortativity of hubs compared to non-hubs (pbonf < 0.001). Finally, the whole-brain graph measures of clustering coefficient (r = 0.685), global (r = 0.570) and local efficiency (r = 0.500) only correlated with proxy IQ (pbonf < 0.001). This study demonstrated potential reorganization of hubs in glioma survivors. Assortativity of these hubs was specifically associated with cognitive functioning, which could be important to consider in future modeling of cognitive outcomes and risk classification in glioma survivors.

Perioperative Neurocognitive Function in Glioma Surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review provides a concise overview of the recent literature regarding preoperative and postoperative neurocognitive functioning (NCF) in patients with glioma. Brief discussion also covers contemporary intraoperative brain mapping work, with a focus on potential influence of mapping upon NCF outcomes following awake surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Most patients with glioma exhibit preoperative NCF impairment, with severity varying by germ line and tumoral genetics, tumor grade, and lesion location, among other characteristics. Literature regarding postoperative NCF changes is mixed, though numerous studies indicate a majority of patients exhibit immediate and short-term worsening. This is often followed by recovery over several months; however, a substantial portion of patients harbor persisting declines. Decline appears related to surgically-induced structural and functional brain alterations, both local and distal to the tumor and resection cavity. Importantly, NCF decline may be mitigated to some extent by intraoperative brain mapping, including mapping of both language-mediated and nonverbal functions. Research regarding perioperative NCF in patients with glioma has flourished over recent years. While this has increased our understanding of contributors to NCF and risk of decline associated with surgical intervention, more work is needed to better preserve NCF throughout the disease course.

Repeat surgery of recurrent glioma for molecularly informed treatment in the age of precision oncology: A risk-benefit analysis

PURPOSE

Surgery for recurrent glioma provides cytoreduction and tissue for molecularly informed treatment. With mostly heavily pretreated patients involved, it is unclear whether the benefits of repeat surgery outweigh its potential risks.

METHODS

Patients receiving surgery for recurrent glioma WHO grade 2-4 with the goal of tissue sampling for targeted therapies were analyzed retrospectively. Complication rates (surgical, neurological) were compared to our institutional glioma surgery cohort. Tissue molecular diagnostic yield, targeted therapies and post-surgical survival rates were analyzed.

RESULTS

Between 2017 and 2022, tumor board recommendation for targeted therapy through molecular diagnostics was made for 180 patients. Of these, 70 patients (38%) underwent repeat surgery. IDH-wildtype glioblastoma was diagnosed in 48 patients (69%), followed by IDH-mutant astrocytoma (n = 13; 19%) and oligodendroglioma (n = 9; 13%). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 50 patients (71%). Tissue was processed for next-generation sequencing in 64 cases (91%), and for DNA methylation analysis in 58 cases (83%), while immunohistochemistry for mTOR phosphorylation was performed in 24 cases (34%). Targeted therapy was recommended in 35 (50%) and commenced in 21 (30%) cases. Postoperatively, 7 patients (11%) required revision surgery, compared to 7% (p = 0.519) and 6% (p = 0.359) of our reference cohorts of patients undergoing first and second craniotomy, respectively. Non-resolving neurological deterioration was documented in 6 cases (10% vs. 8%, p = 0.612, after first and 4%, p = 0.519, after second craniotomy). Median survival after repeat surgery was 399 days in all patients and 348 days in GBM patients after repeat GTR.

CONCLUSION

Surgery for recurrent glioma provides relevant molecular diagnostic information with a direct consequence for targeted therapy under a reasonable risk of postoperative complications. With satisfactory postoperative survival it can therefore complement a multi-modal glioma therapy approach.

Emotion recognition in relation to tumor characteristics in patients with low-grade glioma

BACKGROUND

Patients with low-grade gliomas (LGG) treated with surgery, generally function well and have a favorable prognosis. However, LGG can affect neurocognitive functioning. To date, little is known about social cognition (SC) in these patients, although impaired SC is related to social-behavioral problems and poor societal participation. Frontal brain areas are important for SC and LGG frequently have a frontal location. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether emotion recognition, a key component of SC, was impaired, and related to general cognition, tumor location, laterality, tumor volume, and histopathological characteristics in patients with LGG, postsurgery, and before start of adjuvant therapy.

METHODS

A total of 121 patients with LGG were matched with 169 healthy controls (HC). Tumor location [including (frontal) subregions; insula, anterior cingulate cortex, lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC), orbitofrontal-ventromedial PFC] and tumor volume were determined on MRI scans. Emotion recognition was measured with the Ekman 60 faces test of the Facial Expressions of Emotion-Stimuli and Tests (FEEST).

RESULTS

Patients with LGG performed significantly lower on the FEEST than HC, with 33.1% showing impairment compared to norm data. Emotion recognition was not significantly correlated to frontal tumor location, laterality, and histopathological characteristics, and significantly but weakly with general cognition and tumor volume.

CONCLUSIONS

Emotion recognition is impaired in patients with LGG but not (strongly) related to specific tumor characteristics or general cognition. Hence, measuring SC with individual neuropsychological assessment of these patients is crucial, irrespective of tumor characteristics, to inform clinicians about possible impairments, and consequently offer appropriate care.

Digital participation of brain tumour patients in the assessment and treatment of communication disorders

Introduction

Communication deficits have a severe impact on our social interactions and health-related quality of life. Subtle communication deficits are frequently overlooked or neglected in brain tumour patients, due to insufficient diagnostics. Digital tools may represent a valuable adjunct to the conventional assessment or therapy setting but might not be readily suitable for every patient.

Methods

This article summarises results of three surveys on the readiness for telemedicine among (a) patients diagnosed with high-grade glioma, (b) matched controls, and (c) speech and language therapists. The respective surveys assessed the motivation for participation in telemedical assessments and supposed influencing factors, and the use potential of digital assessment and therapy technologies in daily routine, with a spotlight on brain tumour patients and the future prospects of respective telemedical interventions. Respondents included 56 high-grade glioma patients (age median: 59 years; 48% males), 73 propensity-score matched neurologically healthy controls who were instructed to imagine themselves with a severe disease, and 23 speech and language therapists (61% <35 years; all females).

Results and discussion

The vast majority of the interviewed high-grade glioma (HGG) patients was open to digitisation, felt well-equipped and sufficiently skilled. The factorial analysis showed that digital offers would be of particular interest for patients in reduced general health condition (p = 0.03) and those who live far from specialised treatment services (p = 0.03). The particular motivation of these subgroups seemed to outweigh the effects of age, equipment and internet skills, which were only significant in the control cohort. The therapists' survey demonstrated a broad consensus on the need for improving the therapy access of brain tumour patients (64%) and strengthening their respective digital participation (78%), although digitisation seems to have yet hardly entered the therapists' daily practise. In summary, the combined results of the surveys call for a joint effort to enhance the prerequisites for digital participation of patients with neurogenic communication disorders, particularly in the context of heavily burdened HGG patients with limited mobility.

Radiotherapy of high-grade gliomas: dealing with a stalemate

This article discusses the studies on radiotherapy of high-grade gliomas published between January 1, 2022, and June 30, 2022, with special reference to their molecular biology basis. The focus was on advances in radioresistance, radiosensitization and the toxicity of radiotherapy treatments. In the first half of 2022, several important advances have been made in understanding resistance mechanisms in high-grade gliomas. Furthermore, the development of several radiosensitization procedures for these deadly tumors, including studies with small molecule radiosensitizers, new fractionation protocols, and new immunostimulatory agents, has progressed in both the preclinical and clinical settings, reflecting the frantic research effort in the field. However, since 2005 our research efforts fail to produce significant improvements to treatment guidelines for high-grade gliomas. Possible reasons for this stalemate and measures to overcome it are discussed.

Long-term follow up of patients with WHO grade 2 oligodendroglioma

PURPOSE

Since the introduction of the molecular definition of oligodendrogliomas based on isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-status and the 1p19q-codeletion, it has become increasingly evident how this glioma entity differs much from other diffuse lower grade gliomas and stands out with longer survival and often better responsiveness to adjuvant therapy. Therefore, apart from using a molecular oligodendroglioma definition, an extended follow-up time is necessary to understand the nature of this slow growing, yet malignant condition. The aim of this study was to describe the long-term course of the oligodendroglioma disease in a population-based setting and to determine which factors affect outcome in terms of survival.

METHODS

All adults with WHO-grade 2 oligodendrogliomas with known 1p19q-codeletion from five Scandinavian neurosurgical centers and with a follow-up time exceeding 5 years, were analyzed regarding survival and factors potentially affecting survival.

RESULTS

126 patients diagnosed between 1998 and 2016 were identified. The median follow-up was 12.0 years, and the median survival was 17.8 years (95% CI 16.0-19.6). Factors associated with shorter survival in multivariable analysis were age (HR 1.05 per year; CI 1.02-1.08, p < 0.001), tumor diameter (HR 1.05 per millimeter; CI 1.02-1.08, p < 0.001) and poor preoperative functional status (KPS < 80) (HR 4.47; CI 1.70-11.78, p = 0.002). In our material, surgical strategy was not associated with survival.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with molecularly defined oligodendrogliomas demonstrate long survival, also in a population-based setting. This is important to consider for optimal timing of therapies that may cause long-term side effects. Advanced age, large tumors and poor function before surgery are predictors of shorter survival.

Neurocognition in adults with intracranial tumors: does location really matter?

OBJECTIVE

As preservation of cognitive functioning increasingly becomes important in the light of ameliorated survival after intracranial tumor treatments, identification of eloquent brain areas would enable optimization of these treatments.

METHODS

This cohort study enrolled adult intracranial tumor patients who received neuropsychological assessments pre-irradiation, estimating processing speed, verbal fluency and memory. Anatomical magnetic resonance imaging scans were used for multivariate voxel-wise lesion-symptom predictions of the test scores (corrected for age, gender, educational level, histological subtype, surgery, and tumor volume). Potential effects of histological and molecular subtype and corresponding WHO grades on the risk of cognitive impairment were investigated using Chi square tests. P-values were adjusted for multiple comparisons (p < .001 and p < .05 for voxel- and cluster-level, resp.).

RESULTS

A cohort of 179 intracranial tumor patients was included [aged 19-85 years, median age (SD) = 58.46 (14.62), 50% females]. In this cohort, test-specific impairment was detected in 20-30% of patients. Higher WHO grade was associated with lower processing speed, cognitive flexibility and delayed memory in gliomas, while no acute surgery-effects were found. No grading, nor surgery effects were found in meningiomas. The voxel-wise analyses showed that tumor locations in left temporal areas and right temporo-parietal areas were related to verbal memory and processing speed, respectively.

INTERPRETATION

Patients with intracranial tumors affecting the left temporal areas and right temporo-parietal areas might specifically be vulnerable for lower verbal memory and processing speed. These specific patients at-risk might benefit from early-stage interventions. Furthermore, based on future validation studies, imaging-informed surgical and radiotherapy planning could further be improved.

Interventions for preventing and ameliorating cognitive deficits in adults treated with cranial irradiation

BACKGROUND

Cognitive deficits are common in people who have received cranial irradiation and have a serious impact on daily functioning and quality of life. The benefit of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of cognitive deficits in this population is unclear. This is an updated version of the original Cochrane Review published in Issue 12, 2014.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of interventions for preventing or ameliorating cognitive deficits in adults treated with cranial irradiation.

SEARCH METHODS

For this review update we searched the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE via Ovid, Embase via Ovid, and PsycInfo via Ovid to 12 September 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled (RCTs) trials that evaluated pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions in cranial irradiated adults, with objective cognitive functioning as a primary or secondary outcome measure.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors (MK, JD) independently extracted data from selected studies and carried out a risk of bias assessment. Cognitive function, fatigue and mood outcomes were reported. No data were pooled.

MAIN RESULTS

Eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this updated review. Six were from the original version of the review, and two more were added when the search was updated. Nineteen further studies were assessed as part of this update but did not fulfil the inclusion criteria. Of the eight included studies, four studies investigated "prevention" of cognitive problems (during radiotherapy and follow-up) and four studies investigated "amelioration" (interventions to treat cognitive impairment as a late complication of radiotherapy). There were five pharmacological studies (two studies on prevention and three in amelioration) and three non-pharmacological studies (two on prevention and one in amelioration). Due to differences between studies in the interventions being evaluated, a meta-analysis was not possible.  Studies in early radiotherapy treatment phase (five studies) Pharmacological studies in the "early radiotherapy treatment phase" were designed to prevent or ameliorate cognitive deficits and included drugs used in dementia (memantine) and fatigue (d-threo-methylphenidate hydrochloride). Non-pharmacological studies in the "early radiotherapy treatment phase" included a ketogenic diet and a two-week cognitive rehabilitation and problem-solving programme.  In the memantine study, the primary cognitive outcome of memory at six months did not reach significance, but there was significant improvement in overall cognitive function compared to placebo, with similar adverse events across groups. The d-threo-methylphenidate hydrochloride study found no statistically significant difference between arms, with few adverse events. The study of a calorie-restricted ketogenic diet found no effect, although a lower than expected calorie intake in the control group complicates interpretation of the results.  The study investigating the utility of a rehabilitation program did not carry out a statistical comparison of cognitive performance between groups.  Studies in delayed radiation or late effect phase (four studies) The "amelioration" pharmacological studies to treat cognitive complications of radiotherapy included drugs used in dementia (donepezil) or psychostimulants (methylphenidate and modafinil). Non-pharmacological measures included cognitive rehabilitation and problem solving (Goal Management Training). These studies included patients with cognitive problems at entry who had "stable" brain cancer.  The donepezil study did not find an improvement in the primary cognitive outcome of overall cognitive performance, but did find improvement in an individual test of memory, compared to placebo; adverse events were not reported. A study comparing methylphenidate with modafinil found improvements in cognitive function in both the methylphenidate and modafinil arms; few adverse events were reported. Another  study comparing two different doses of modafinil combined treatment arms and found improvements across all cognitive tests, however, a number of adverse events were reported. Both studies were limited by a small sample size. The Goal Management Training study suggested a benefit of the intervention, a behavioural intervention that combined mindfulness and strategy training, on executive function and processing speed.  There were a number of limitations across studies and few were without high risks of bias.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In this update, limited additional evidence was found for the treatment or amelioration of cognitive deficits in adults treated with cranial irradiation. As concluded in the original review, there is supportive evidence that memantine may help prevent cognitive deficits for adults with brain metastases receiving cranial irradiation. There is supportive evidence that donepezil, methylphenidate and modafinil may have a role in treating cognitive deficits in adults with brain tumours who have been treated with cranial irradiation; patient withdrawal affected the statistical power of these studies. Further research that tries to minimise the withdrawal of consent, and subsequently reduce the requirement for imputation procedures, may offer a higher certainty of evidence. There is evidence from only a single small study to support non-pharmacological interventions in the amelioration of cognitive deficits. Further research is required.