Frequency of social burden and underage children in neuro-oncological patients

OBJECTIVE

Brain tumours can cause significant burden for patients and their families, including physical, psychological, and social challenges. This burden can be particularly difficult for patients with malignant brain tumours and those with underage children. However, the frequency of social burden among neuro-oncological patients and the proportion of patients with underaged children is currently unknown. The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the frequency of social and family dysfunction among neuro-oncological patients, the percentage of such patients who have underage children, and to assess their associated burden.

METHODS

During a 22-month period, all brain tumour patients were asked to complete a short questionnaire that included epidemiological data, the EORTC-qlq-C30 and -BN20 questionnaire, and the distress thermometer. Data were collected and analysed using Prism 9 for macOS (version 9, GraphPad Prism).

RESULTS

Our analysis included 881 brain tumour patients, of which 540 were female. Median age was 61 years (ranging from 16 to 88 years). Of all patients, 228 suffered from malignant intracranial tumours. More than half of all patients and more than 65% of patients with malignant tumours reported that their illness or medical treatment interfered with their social activities and family life. Almost 30% of patients reported moderate or severe complaints. About 27% of all patients (and 31% of patients with malignancies) expressed moderate or major concerns that their family life could be disrupted. Among the patients with malignancies, 83.5% of patients had a total of 318 children at the time of tumour diagnosis, with a mean age of 33 ± 0.9. Of these patients with malignancies, 38 (17.9%) had a total of 56 underage children at the time of tumour diagnosis, and currently have 53 underage children. Patients with minor children had more financial worries but less interference of their disease with social activities, less psycho-oncological distress, and a more positive outlook into the future (each, p < 0.0001). They evaluated their general health status and quality of life in the week prior to their current appointment significantly better (each p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our study found that 17.9% of patients with malignant brain tumours have underage children. However, having underage children may actually be a positive resource for these patients, as they show lower distress values and better quality of life.

Tumor size, treatment patterns, and survival in neuro-oncology patients before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare delivery worldwide, leading to significant delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment of malignant brain tumors, specifically glioblastoma (GBM) and cerebral metastasis (CM), in a specialized neuro-oncology center. We analyzed data from 236 patients diagnosed with previously unknown malignant brain tumors between January 2018 and December 2021. Patients were classified into two groups: pre-COVID (January 2018 to December 2019) and COVID (January 2020 to December 2021). Tumor volumes were compared between the two groups and factors affecting tumor volumes were studied. Of 236 patients diagnosed with previously unknown malignant brain tumors, 114 were in the pre-COVID group and 122 were in the COVID group. Median tumor volumes at first diagnosis were significantly larger in the COVID group compared to the pre-COVID group (21.7 vs 15.7 cm3; p < 0.05). The survival times for the overall cohort and the GBM and CM subgroups did not differ significantly between the pre-COVID and COVID periods. Delays in diagnosis and treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic led to larger tumor volumes at diagnosis for patients with malignant brain tumors. However, these larger tumors did not result in worse survival outcomes. This counterintuitive finding highlights the crucial role of specialized neuro-oncological centers in mitigating the potential negative impact of delayed treatment and emphasizes the need for continued access to specialized care during times of crisis.

Surgery for brain metastases: radiooncology scores predict survival-score index for radiosurgery, graded prognostic assessment, recursive partitioning analysis

BACKGROUND

Radiooncological scores are used to stratify patients for radiation therapy. We assessed their ability to predict overall survival (OS) in patients undergoing surgery for metastatic brain disease.

METHODS

We performed a post-hoc single-center analysis of 175 patients, prospectively enrolled in the MetastaSys study data. Score index of radiosurgery (SIR), graded prognostic assessment (GPA), and recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) were assessed. All scores consider age, systemic disease, and performance status prior to surgery. Furthermore, GPA and SIR include the number of intracranial lesions while SIR additionally requires metastatic lesion volume. Predictive values for case fatality at 1 year after surgery were compared among scoring systems.

RESULTS

All scores produced accurate reflections on OS after surgery (p ≤ 0.003). Median survival was 21-24 weeks in patients scored in the unfavorable cohorts, respectively. In cohorts with favorable scores, median survival ranged from 42 to 60 weeks. Favorable SIR was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.44 [0.29, 0.66] for death within 1 year. For GPA, the HR amounted to 0.44 [0.25, 0.75], while RPA had a HR of 0.30 [0.14, 0.63]. Overall test performance was highest for the SIR.

CONCLUSIONS

All scores proved useful in predicting OS. Considering our data, we recommend using the SIR for preoperative prognostic evaluation and counseling.

Late metachronous cerebral metastasis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma of the tail of the pancreas: a case report

Background

Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality and one of the most lethal malignant neoplasms worldwide. It is known for its local tumor extension to the liver; other common sites include the lung, distant lymph nodes, and bone. Brain metastases are extremely rare and represent less than 0.6% of all brain metastases.

Case report

We report the case of a 66-year-old Caucasian female known to have adenocarcinoma of the tail of the pancreas treated with chemotherapy. During follow-up, thoracoabdominal computed tomography scans did not reveal any residual tumor or any metastasis. Moreover, tumor markers were within normal limits. She presented to the emergency department of our institution following an episode of a generalized tonic–clonic seizure 5 years following the initial diagnosis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed an expansive left frontal intraaxial lesion compatible with high-grade glioma. The patient underwent surgical treatment. Histological examination revealed pancreatic metastasis.

Conclusions

Thought to be rare, metachronous cerebral pancreatic metastasis should be kept in mind in patients with pancreatic cancer. Early diagnosis and complete surgical resection play a key role in the survival of these patients.

Robotic-Assisted Digital Exoscope for Resection of Cerebral Metastases: A Case Series

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection is the primary treatment for cerebral metastases with safe complete resection as the goal. The robotically assisted digital surgical exoscope is a novel system with advanced visualization methods with recent applications in neurosurgery.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcomes for patients with cerebral metastases undergoing resection with the surgical exoscope.

METHODS

Data were retrospectively collected from patients with cerebral metastases where resection was achieved with using the surgical exoscope from 2016 to 2020. Demographics, clinical, imaging, and operative and outcome findings were collected. The relationship between perioperative data and discharge disposition as well as progression-free survival (PFS) and 12 mo overall survival (OS) was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 31 patients (19 males) with a median patient age 63 yr (range 38-80) were included. Average pre- and postoperative volumes were 18.1 cc and 0.75 cc, respectively. Mean depth of the resected lesions was 0.6 cm (range 0-3.6 cm). Complete resection was achieved in 64.5% of patients. The mean extent of resection was 96.7%, with 71.0% achieving PFS at 6 mo. Overall PFS rate was 58.1% and the OS rate at 12 mo was 83.9%. Neurological complications included motor (35.5%) and sensory (12.9%) deficits, with 12 patients reporting no postoperative symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The surgical exoscope can delineate tumor tissues with high resolution, as shown by a gross total resection achieved for the majority of cases in our series. Postoperative complications and patient outcomes were similar to those reported with use of the operative microscope. Use of the exoscope can provide optimal visualization and delineation of cerebral metastases.

Malignant pheochromocytoma with cerebral and skull metastasis: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Malignant pheochromocytoma with cerebral and skull metastasis is a very rare disease. Combining our case with 16 previously reported cases identified from a PubMed search, an analysis of 17 cases of malignant cerebral pheochromocytoma was conducted. This literature review aimed to provide information on clinical manifestations, radiographic and histopathological features, and treatment strategies of this condition.

CASE SUMMARY

A 60-year-old man was admitted with a progressive headache and enlarging scalp mass lasting for 3 mo. Radiographic images revealed a left temporal biconvex-shaped epidural mass and multiple lytic lesions. The patient underwent a left temporal craniotomy for resection of the temporal tumor. Histopathological analysis led to identification of the mass as malignant pheochromocytoma. The patient’s symptoms were alleviated at the postoperative 3-mo clinical follow-up. However, metastatic pheochromocytoma lesions were found on the right 6^th rib and the 6^th to 9^th thoracic vertebrae on a 1-year clinical follow-up computed tomography scan.

CONCLUSION

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy and histopathological examination are necessary to make an accurate differential diagnosis between malignant cerebral pheochromocytoma and meningioma. Surgery is regarded as the first choice of treatment.

Cerebral metastasis of Merkel cell carcinoma following resection with negative margins and adjuvant external beam radiation: a case report

BACKGROUND

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine tumor of the skin. It is associated with advanced age, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and Merkel cell polyomavirus. It has a predilection for the lymphatic system, but rarely spreads to the central nervous system.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 71-year-old Caucasian man with a history of rheumatoid arthritis and MCC of the right lower eyelid and cheek presented with left-sided hemineglect and word-finding difficulty. Twenty months earlier he had undergone local excision of a 3 cm lesion with negative margins, negative sentinel lymph node biopsy, and external beam radiation. On presentation he was found to have a 6.3 cm mass in the right frontotemporal region. He underwent prompt resection, with pathological analysis consistent with metastatic MCC. He subsequently underwent stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and adjunctive immunotherapy with pembrolizumab. He has since tolerated the therapy well and is currently without neurological symptoms or evidence of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Cerebral metastasis of MCC is a rare event and should be considered when a patient with a history of MCC presents with neurological symptoms. Optimal treatment regimens of these rare cases are unclear; however, prompt resection, stereotactic radiosurgery, and adjunctive immunotherapy have shown an initial positive response in this patient.

A late systemic and brain metastasis from subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma of the right forearm: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Leiomyosarcomas are rare malignant tumors which originate from smooth muscle cells and very seldom give rise to intracerebral metastases. Nearly all cases of intracranial metastases stem from leiomyosarcomas of the uterus. We present a 61-year-old Caucasian man who developed multiple intracranial and extracranial metastases from leiomyosarcoma of the right forearm, diagnosed and treated 9 years before the current presentation.

Case presentation

The Caucasian patient presented to the emergency department due to a progressive hemiparesis on the left side. Magnetic resonance imaging scans of the neurocranium showed multiple intracerebral masses with perifocal edema. One of these was located in the right parietal lobe, corresponding to the hemiparesis. The patient underwent microsurgical complete resection of the parietal mass and was subsequently subjected to further radiotherapy. Histopathological studies revealed metastasis of the former leiomyosarcoma.

Conclusions

Leiomyosarcomas represent a rare entity of mesenchymal tumors. Intracerebral metastasis of these tumors is even less frequent. This case shows the importance of long-term follow-up in patients with leiomyosarcoma.

Brain Oligometastasis from Synchronous Uterine Malignancies

Synchronous tumors of female genital tract have been uncommonly reported in literature. The most likely scenario would represent a metastatic disease from a primary tumor within the genital tract as the presence of primary synchronous tumors of the genital tract is an extremely rare event. Most primary synchronous tumors tend to involve the endometrium and ovary, while the incidence of synchronous primary tumors involving the uterine cervix and endometrium as documented in a few case series has been around 0.4%. We present a 41-year-old lady with an extremely rare occurrence of synchronous tumors of the uterus with an endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the uterine fundus and a squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The patient presented to us with cerebral metastasis, which was successfully managed surgically.

Chemotherapy for the Management of Cerebral Metastases

Chemotherapy has played a minor role as adjuvant therapy in treatment of cerebral metastases from solid cancers. The blood-brain barrier and cerebral metastases' considerable machinery of self-preservation have been significant obstacles to delivery and efficacy of chemotherapy. However, several methods intended to surmount these challenges have arisen alongside advent of technology and with the development of targeted molecular therapies. Focused ultrasound and molecular Trojan horses represent two such novel means of increasing permeability of the blood-brain barrier to effector agents. Published data on efficacy of these targeted therapies remain mostly restricted to retrospective studies and phase II prospective clinical trials.

Intracranial Mimics of Cauda Equina Syndrome: Heads or Tails?

BACKGROUND

To report cases of extraspinal mimics of cauda equina syndrome (CES) to enable prompt diagnosis and treatment in the future. CES results from compression of spinal nerve roots. Current practice mandates lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning to diagnose CES. However, it may not reveal compression or provide an explanation for the presentation. We present 3 cases of suspected CES who went on to have intracranial pathology.

METHODS

Retrospective review of all patients presenting with CES-type features who were subsequently found to have causative intracranial pathology over a 6-month period.

RESULTS

Three cases were found, and these are hereby presented.

CASE PRESENTATION

Case 1: A 57-year-old lady presented with urinary retention and bilateral leg weakness. She underwent an MRI spine which showed no evidence of CES. She was diagnosed with haemorrhagic intracranial metastases. Case 2: A 52-year-old lady presented with lower back and right buttock pain, with right-sided leg numbness, saddle hypoesthesia, and bowel and bladder incontinence. MRI spine showed no cauda equina compression. MRI neuraxis revealed a subdural haematoma. Case 3: A 69-year-old lady presented with a 6-day history of urinary incontinence, right foot drop, and leg weakness. MRI spine was negative for CES. She was diagnosed with an intraparenchymal haematoma of posterior left frontal lobe.

CONCLUSIONS

Negative lumbosacral MRI will not exclude extraspinal mimics of CES and, although rare, these cases should be considered.

Brain Metastasis From Bartholin Gland Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the Bartholin gland is an extremely uncommon gynecologic tumor. Brain metastasis from a malignant gynecologic lesion is rarely encountered and the prognosis for this type of metastasis is quite poor.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report a case of a brain metastasis from a small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the Bartholin gland that was treated by surgical resection followed by whole-brain radiation therapy and review the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Different treatment options, including resection, stereotactic radiosurgery, and whole-brain radiation therapy, as well as chemotherapy, are available and should each be considered on an individual basis.

Does the application of diffusion weighted imaging improve the prediction of survival in patients with resected brain metastases? A retrospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Brain metastases are common in clinical practice. Many clinical scales exist for predicting survival and hence deciding on best treatment but none are individualised and none use quantitative imaging parameters. A multicenter study was carried out to evaluate the prognostic utility of a simple diffusion weighted MRI parameter, tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of imaging and clinical data was performed on a cohort of 223 adult patients over a ten-year period 2002-2012 pooled from three institutions. All patients underwent surgical resection with histologically confirmed brain metastases and received adjuvant whole brain radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Survival was modelled using standard clinical variables and statistically compared with and without the addition of tumor ADC.

RESULTS

The median overall survival was 9.6 months (95% CI 7.5-11.7) for this cohort. Greater age (p = 0.002), worse performance status (p < 0.0001) and uncontrolled extracranial disease (p < 0.0001) were all significantly associated with shorter survival in univariate analysis. Adjuvant whole brain radiotherapy (p = 0.007) and higher tumor ADC (p < 0.001) were associated with prolonged survival. Combining values of tumor ADC with conventional clinical scoring systems such as the Graded Prognostic Assessment (GPA) score significantly improved the modelling of survival (e.g. concordance increased from 0.5956 to 0.6277 with Akaike's Information Criterion reduced from 1335 to 1324).

CONCLUSIONS

Combining advanced MRI readings such as tumor ADC with clinical scoring systems is a potentially simple method for improving and individualising the estimation of survival in patients having surgery for brain metastases.

Multiple cerebral metastases and metastatic aneurysms in patients with left atrial Myxoma: a case report

Background

Cardiac myxoma is the most common benign cardiac tumor. Brain metastases or multiple cerebral aneurysms are extremely rare, especially for the case of both complications. Brain metastases are usually found at the same time or few months after the diagnosis or surgical removal of cardiac myxoma

Case presentation

We describe a case of patient, operated for a cardiac myxoma, who presented multiple central nervous system metastases associated, cerebral aneurysms and subsequent intracerebral hemorrhage

Conclusions

The long-term follow-up of the patients with atrial myxoma even after complete surgical excision is recommended, especially for the patient with central nervous system manifestations before atrial myxoma excision

Quantification of PpIX-fluorescence of cerebral metastases: a pilot study

5-ALA fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) is a major advance in neuro-oncological surgery. So far, Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX)-fluorescence has been observed in about half of cerebral metastases resected with routinely equipped microscopes during 5-ALA FGS. The aim of the present pilot study was to quantify PpIX-induced fluorescence of cerebral metastases with a spectrometer. We hypothesize that non-fluorescing metastases under the operating microscope may have spectrometrically measurable levels of fluorescence. A second aim was to analyze correlations between quantified 5-ALA fluorescence and histology or primary tumor type, respectively. Standard FGS was performed in all patients. The fluorescence intensity of the metastasis was semi-quantitatively determined in vivo by a senior surgeon using a special surgical microscope equipped for FGS. A systematic spectrometric ex vivo evaluation of tumor specimens and PpIX-induced fluorescence was performed using a spectrometer connected by optic fibers to a handheld probe. Quantification of 5-ALA-derived fluorescence was measured in a standardized manner with direct contact between mini-spectrometer and metastasis. The difference between the maximum PpIX-fluorescence at 635 nm and the baseline fluorescence was defined as the PpIX fluorescence intensity of the metastasis and given in arbitrary units (AU). Diagnosis of a cerebral metastasis was confirmed by histopathological analysis. A total of 29 patients with cerebral metastases were included. According to neuropathological analysis, 11 patients suffered from non-small cell lung cancer, 10 patients from breast cancer, 6 patients from cancer originating in the gastro-intestinal tract, 1 patient suffered from a malignant melanoma and one patient from renal cancer. The mean age was 63 years (37-81 years). 15 patients were female, 14 patients male. 13 cerebral metastases were considered as ALA-positive by the surgeon. In nine metastases, 5-ALA fluorescence was not visible to the naked eye and could only be detected using the spectrometer. The threshold for an ALA signal rated as "positive" by the surgeon was PpIX fluorescence above 1.1 × 10⁶ AU. The mean PpIX fluorescence of all analyzed cerebral metastases was 1.29 × 10⁶ ± 0.23 × 10⁶ AU. After quantification, we observed a significant difference between the mean 5-ALA-derived fluorescence in NSCLC and breast cancer metastases (Mean Diff: - 1.2 × 10⁶; 95% CI of difference: - 2.2 × 10⁶ to - 0.15 × 10⁶; Šidák-adjusted p = 0.026). In our present pilot series, about half of cerebral metastases showed a 5-ALA fluorescence invisible to the naked eye. Over 50% of these non-fluorescent metastases show a residual 5-ALA fluorescence which can be detected and quantified using a spectrometer. Moreover, the quantified 5-ALA signal significantly differed with respect to the primary tumor of the corresponding cerebral metastasis. Further studies should evaluate the predictive value of the 5-ALA signal and if a quantified 5-ALA signal enables a reliable intraoperative differentiation between residual tumor tissue and edematous brain-in particular in metastases with a residual fluorescence signal invisible to the naked eye.

Leptomeningeal spread of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in a 19-year old woman

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) with brain metastasis is usually seen in patients with advanced disease. Ten percent of metastatic gestational trophoblastic disease involves the brain and spinal cord, most often manifesting as an intracerebral mass or subdural hematoma, and are generally known to be a poor prognostic factor (Dadlani et al., 2010). Leptomeningeal metastases are tremendously rare and not well documented in the literature. A standardized treatment regimen for patients with brain metastases has not been established and is controversial due to a number of multimodal treatments that have been published in the literature without a prospective trial having been completed. We report a case of a patient with gestational trophoblastic disease that metastasized to the lung and leptomeninges, who after treatment with induction chemotherapy using etoposide (E) and cisplatin (P) followed by etoposide, methotrexate and dactinomycin (EMA) chemotherapy achieved a complete response without brain radiation (Han et al., 2012).

•

EMA-EP, after induction with EP, can be utilized as first line chemotherapy in cases of high risk GTN.

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Stage IV high risk GTN may present with relatively low β-HCG levels.

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Intravenous chemotherapy alone is capable of curing most patients with high risk GTN.

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Management of high risk GTN requires multidisciplinary individualized treatment.

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Despite leptomeningeal spread of disease, a cure of GTN was able to be achieved with chemotherapy alone.

Determination of optimal time window for cortical mapping in awake craniotomy: assessment of intraoperative reaction speed

Currently, there is no known time frame when the patients are the most responsive during awake craniotomy. The aim of this work is therefore to determine when the patient has the shortest reaction time and so to extrapolate the optimal time window for cortical mapping. In this analytic observational study, our group has recorded the reaction times of 35 patients undergoing an awake craniotomy and compared them with the preoperative baseline. The operations were performed according to a "sleep-awake-awake" protocol. Data collection was performed in parallel with standard methods for evaluation of language and cognitive functions. The preoperative reaction times of our patient cohort (average ± SD = 510 ± 124 ms) were significantly shorter than those measured during the operation 786 ± 280 ms, p < .001. A one-factor ANOVA within subjects showed a significant increase in reaction times; p < .001. Post hoc comparisons on a Bonferroni-corrected α-error level of .05 showed significant differences between the reaction speed during the 0-10 min time frame and the preoperative baseline, as well as the intraoperative reaction times during the 20-30 min, 30-40 min, and the t > 40 min time frames. In conclusion, measurement of intraoperative reaction speed seems to be a technically feasible method that is well tolerated by the patients. The intraoperative reaction speed performance was shown to be significantly slower than on the day before the operation. The patients seem to be the slowest directly after extubation and gradually wake up during the awake phase. The poorest wakefulness is demonstrated during the first 20 min after extubation.

Operative and Therapeutic Advancements in Breast Cancer Metastases to the Brain

Patients with breast cancer are surviving longer as the state of the art for care advances. Because patients are surviving longer with primary breast cancer, the incidence of secondary metastatic disease has risen. Metastatic breast cancer to the brain was once thought to be universally fatal. While it is still quite lethal, its treatment after diagnosis is increasingly safe and effective. Critical progress has been made in understanding the interaction between breast metastases and the neural niche, neuroimaging of functional anatomy, minimally invasive image-guided brain surgery, characterizing subtypes of breast cancer based on molecular and genetic profiles, and individualized pharmaceuticals and immunotherapies. In this review, we discuss recent advances that have brought us to state-of-the-art management of metastatic breast cancer to the brain.

Improving the Prognostic Value of Disease-Specific Graded Prognostic Assessment Model for Renal Cell Carcinoma by Incorporation of Cumulative Intracranial Tumor Volume

BACKGROUND

We tested the prognostic value of cumulative intracranial tumor volume (CITV) in the context of a disease-specific Graded Prognostic Assessment (ds-GPA) model for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients with brain metastasis (BM) treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).

METHODS

Patient and tumor characteristics were collected from RCC cohorts with new BM who underwent SRS. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression model was used to test the prognostic value of CITV, Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS), and the number of BM. Net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were used to assess whether CITV improved the prognostic utility of RCC ds-GPA.

RESULTS

In univariable logistic regression models, CITV, KPS, and the number of BM were independently associated with RCC patient survival. In a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model, the association between CITV and survival remained robust after controlling for KPS and the number of BM (P = 0.042). The incorporation of the CITV into the RCC ds-GPA model (consisting of KPS and number of BM) improved prognostic accuracy with NRI >0 of 0.3156 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.0883-0.5428; P = 0.0065) and IDI of 0.0151 (95% CI, 0.0036-0.0277; P = 0.0183). These findings were validated in an independent cohort of 107 SRS-treated RCC BM patients.

CONCLUSION

CITV is an important prognostic variable in SRS-treated RCC patients with BM. The prognostic value of the ds-GPA scale for RCC brain metastasis was enhanced by the incorporation of CITV.

Multiparametric Imaging Analysis: Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a magnetic resonance-based imaging modality that allows noninvasive sampling of metabolic changes in normal and abnormal brain parenchyma. MRS is particularly useful in the differentiation of developmental or non-neoplastic disorders from neoplastic processes. MRS is also useful during routine imaging follow-up after radiation treatment or during antiangiogenic treatment and for predicting outcomes and treatment response. The objective of this article is to provide a concise but thorough review of the basic physical principles, important applications of MRS in brain tumor imaging, and future directions.

Clinical Recommendations of DEGRO and AGO on Preferred Standard Palliative Radiotherapy of Bone and Cerebral Metastases, Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression, and Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis in Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

To provide guidance for clinical practice on preferred standard palliative radiotherapy (RT) of different sites of metastasis for breast cancer patients based on current published evidence complemented by expert opinion.

METHODS

The breast cancer expert panel of the German Society for Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) and members of the Working Party of Gynecologic Oncology (AGO) Breast Committee formulated recommendations based on the panel's interpretation of the level of evidence referring to the criteria of evidence-based medicine added to the AGO grades of recommendation.

RESULTS

For different types and sites of metastasis, distinct therapeutic goals (alleviation of symptoms, pain relief, local tumor control, prevention or improvement of neurological deficits, stabilization of the spine or other bones) require complex approaches considering individual factors (i.e. life expectancy, tumor progression at other sites). With regard to different therapeutic goals, different dose concepts and fractionation schedules, and single-versus multi-fraction palliative RT should be adapted individually.

CONCLUSIONS

RT is an effective tool in palliation treatment of bone metastasis (BM), cerebral metastasis (CM) and metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC), or leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC) and plays a central role in an interdisciplinary approach. Preferred technique, targeting, and different dose schedules are described in detail in the DEGRO guidelines, which are also integrated in the updated 2010 AGO recommendations.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunting versus endoscopic third ventriculostomy in the treatment of patients with hydrocephalus related to metastasis

Background:

Between 2005 and 2010, we treated patients with hydrocephalus related to cerebral metastases, who were not good candidates for surgical resection by either endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) or ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS). Patients were excluded from ETV if they had a clinical history suggestive of non-obstructive hydrocephalus, including: (1) history of infection or ventricular hemorrhage and (2) leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. The rest of the patients were treated with VPS.

Methods:

We analyzed the clinical outcome of these patient cohorts, to determine whether the efficacy of VPS was compromised due to a history of infection, ventricular hemorrhage, or leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, and compared these results to those patients who underwent ETV.

Results:

Sixteen patients were treated with ETV and 36 patients were treated with VPS. The overall efficacy of symptomatic palliation was comparable in the ETV and VPS patients (ETV = 69%, VPS = 75%). In both groups, patients with more severe hydrocephalic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and lethargy were more likely to benefit from the procedure. The overall complication rate for the two groups was comparable (ETV = 12.6%, VPS = 19.4%), although the spectrum of complications differed. The overall survival, initial Karnofsky performance status (KPS), and three-month KPS, were similarly comparable (median survival: ETV 3 months, VPS 5.5 months; initial KPS: ETV = 66 ± 7, VPS = 69 ± 12; 3 months KPS: ETV = 86 ± 7, KPS = 84 ± 12).

Conclusion:

VPS remains a reasonable option for poor RPA grade metastasis patients with hydrocephalus, even in the setting of a previous infection, hemorrhage, or in those with leptomeningeal disease. Optimal treatment of this population will involve the judicious consideration of the relative merits of VPS and ETV.

Palliative stereotactic-endoscopic third ventriculostomy for the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus from cerebral metastasis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is increasingly used in the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus. The literature supporting its use in the setting of metastatic disease, however, remains limited.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2010, 16 patients underwent ETV for treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to cerebral metastasis. Efficacy of symptomatic palliation and associated complications were reviewed. The results were compared to reported data for ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement in adult brain tumor patients. Patient selection criteria for ETV are reviewed.

RESULTS

Eleven of the 16 patients experienced symptomatic improvement after ETV (69%). Patients who presented with headache associated with nausea, vomiting, or lethargy were more likely to respond to treatment relative to patients presenting with headache alone. Of the 16 ETV patients, one suffered a wound infection and another underwent external ventricular drainage for assessment of intracranial pressure, yielding an overall complication rate of 12.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

In select patients with obstructive hydrocephalus related to cerebral metastasis, ETV constitutes a minimally invasive palliative option. The efficacy of ETV in this population is comparable to those reported for obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to primary cerebral neoplasm or other non-neoplastic causes. Patients receiving chemotherapy close to the time of ETV may be at increased risk for infection.

Malignant Course of a Metastatic Melanoma During Pregnancy: A Case Report

Cutaneous melanoma can metastasize to any organ, including brain and spinal cord. A 27-year-old lady, four months after conception presented with generalized seizures and was diagnosed to have subarachnoid hemorrhage. Further investigation did not reveal aneurysm. She underwent right ventriculo-peritoneal shunt for hydrocephalus and MTP for unprotected radiation from CT scan. Six weeks later she came to our institution with symptoms of dorsal compression. Imaging showed multiple intradural extramedullary spinal lesions at D3-D4, D8 and D10-D11. Surgical excision of the lesions was done and histopathology was consistent with metastatic deposits from malignant melanoma which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry studies also. Her conscious level deteriorated on the second postoperative day and CT scan showed multiple small tumor emboli with evidence of right temporal bleed and diffuse cerebral edema. In spite of aggressive treatment she could not be saved. This reported case concludes that pregnancy aggravates the clinical course of metastatic melanoma.

Cerebral metastasis from hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach

We first report a rare case of metastasis from gastric hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC) to cerebral parenchyma, in a 50-year-old Chinese patient. He complained of a one-month history of a paroxysm of headache in the left temple and pars parietalis accompanied with binocular caligation caligo, insensible feeling of limbs and transient anepia. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a spherical occupying lesion in the left posterior-temple lobe which was clinically diagnosed as a metastatic tumor. Three years ago, the patient accepted total gastrectomy as he was pathologically diagnosed at gastroscopy having an adenocarcinoma. Eight months after gastrectomy, the occupying lesion in liver was detected by ultrasound and CT, and he accepted transcatheter arterial embolization. Before operation of the brain metastasis, no obvious abnormality was found in liver by ultrasound. Histopathological characteristics of the brain tumor were identical to those of stomach tumor. The growth pattern of both tumors showed solid cell nests. The tumor cells were polygonal, and had abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and round nuclei with obvious nucleoli. Sinusoid-like blood spaces were located between nodular tumor cells. Immunohistochemistry-stained tumor cells were positive for AFP and negative for Hep-Par-1. According to these histopathological findings, both tumors were diagnosed as HAC and metastatic HAC. The patient remained alive 16 mo after tumorectomy of the cerebral metastasis. The differential diagnosis of brain metastasis from metastatic tumors should use a panel of antibodies to avoid confusing with the brain metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This paper describes this rare case of metastasis from gastric hepatoid adenocarcinoma to cerebral parenchyma, and provides a review of the literature concerning its histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics.