THE AFTERCARE SURVEY:Assessment and intervention practices after brain tumour surgery in Europe

Introduction People with gliomas need specialized neurosurgical, neuro-oncological, psycho-oncological, and neuropsychological care. The role of language and cognitive recovery and rehabilitation in patients’ well-being and resumption of work is crucial, but there are no clear guidelines for the ideal timing and character of assessments and interventions. The goal of the present work was to describe representative (neuro)psychological practices implemented after brain surgery in Europe. Methods An online survey was addressed to professionals working with individuals after brain surgery. We inquired about the assessments and interventions and the involvement of caregivers. Additionally, we asked about recommendations for an ideal assessment and intervention plan. Results Thirty-eight European centres completed the survey. Thirty of them offered at least one post-surgical (neuro)psychological assessment, mainly for language and cognition, especially during the early recovery stage and at long-term. Twenty-eight of the participating centres offered post-surgical therapies. Patients who stand the highest chances of being included in evaluation and therapy post-surgically are those who underwent awake brain surgery, harboured a low-grade glioma, or showed poor recovery. Nearly half of the respondents offer support programs to caregivers, and all teams recommend them. Treatments differed between these offered to individuals with low-grade glioma versus those with high-grade glioma. The figure of caregiver is not yet fully recognized in the recovery phase. Conclusion We stress the need for more complete rehabilitation plans, including the emotional and health-related aspects of recovery. In respondents´ opinions, assessment and rehabilitation plans should also be individually tailored and goal-directed (e.g., professional reinsertion)

Dynamics of eligibility criteria for central nervous system metastases in non-small cell lung cancer randomized clinical trials over time: A systematic review

Although central nervous system (CNS) metastases frequently occur in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), historically these patients have been excluded from clinical trials. However, due to improving NSCLC prognosis, time to develop CNS metastases increases and information on CNS efficacy of systemic treatment is important. We performed a systematic PubMed review (2000-2020) to describe CNS related eligibility and screening criteria over time. Randomized phase III, and for tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) also randomized phase II trials enrolling advanced/metastatic NSCLC patients were included. 256/1195 trials were included. In 71 %, CNS metastases were eligible, but in only 3% regardless of symptoms/ treatment. Only 37 % required baseline CNS screening (most often TKI and immunotherapy trials), without significant increase over time. A CNS endpoint was pre-specified in 4%. Conclusion: CNS screening and eligibility criteria are heterogenous across trials, and CNS related endpoints are rare. These criteria and endpoints should be improved and harmonized

Diagnostic value of F-18-FDG PET-CT in detecting malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors among adult and pediatric neurofibromatosis type 1 patients

PURPOSE: Detecting malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) remains difficult. (18)F-FDG PET-CT has been shown helpful, but ideal threshold values of semi-quantitative markers remain unclear, partially because of variation among scanners. Using EU-certified scanners diagnostic accuracy of ideal and commonly used (18)F-FDG PET-CT thresholds were investigated and differences between adult and pediatric lesions were evaluated. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed including patients from two hospitals with a clinical or radiological suspicion of MPNST between 2013 and 2019. Several markers were studied for ideal threshold values and differences among adults and children. A diagnostic algorithm was subsequently developed. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included (10 MPNSTs). Ideal threshold values were 5.8 for SUVmax (sensitivity 0.70, specificity 0.92), 5.0 for SUVpeak (sensitivity 0.70, specificity 0.97), 1.7 for TLmax (sensitivity 0.90, specificity 0.86), and 2.3 for TLmean (sensitivity 0.90, specificity 0.79). The standard TLmean threshold value of 2.0 yielded a sensitivity of 0.90 and specificity of 0.74, while the standard SUVmax threshold value of 3.5 yielded a sensitivity of 0.80 and specificity of 0.63. SUVmax and adjusted SUV for lean body mass (SUL) were lower in children, but tumor-to-liver ratios were similar in adult and pediatric lesions. Using TLmean > 2.0 or TLmean  3.5, a sensitivity and specificity of 1.00 and 0.63 can be achieved. CONCLUSION: (18)F-FDG PET-CT offers adequate accuracy to detect MPNSTs. SUV values in pediatric MPNSTs may be lower, but tumor-to-liver ratios are not. By combining TLmean and SUVmax values, a 100% sensitivity can be achieved with acceptable specificity. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11060-021-03936-y

Diagnostic value of F-18-FDG PET-CT in detecting malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors among adult and pediatric neurofibromatosis type 1 patients

Purpose Detecting malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) remains difficult. F-18-FDG PET-CT has been shown helpful, but ideal threshold values of semi-quantitative markers remain unclear, partially because of variation among scanners. Using EU-certified scanners diagnostic accuracy of ideal and commonly used F-18-FDG PET-CT thresholds were investigated and differences between adult and pediatric lesions were evaluated. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed including patients from two hospitals with a clinical or radiological suspicion of MPNST between 2013 and 2019. Several markers were studied for ideal threshold values and differences among adults and children. A diagnostic algorithm was subsequently developed. Results Sixty patients were included (10 MPNSTs). Ideal threshold values were 5.8 for SUVmax (sensitivity 0.70, specificity 0.92), 5.0 for SUVpeak (sensitivity 0.70, specificity 0.97), 1.7 for TLmax (sensitivity 0.90, specificity 0.86), and 2.3 for TLmean (sensitivity 0.90, specificity 0.79). The standard TLmean threshold value of 2.0 yielded a sensitivity of 0.90 and specificity of 0.74, while the standard SUVmax threshold value of 3.5 yielded a sensitivity of 0.80 and specificity of 0.63. SUVmax and adjusted SUV for lean body mass (SUL) were lower in children, but tumor-to-liver ratios were similar in adult and pediatric lesions. Using TLmean > 2.0 or TLmean 3.5, a sensitivity and specificity of 1.00 and 0.63 can be achieved. Conclusion F-18-FDG PET-CT offers adequate accuracy to detect MPNSTs. SUV values in pediatric MPNSTs may be lower, but tumor-to-liver ratios are not. By combining TLmean and SUVmax values, a 100% sensitivity can be achieved with acceptable specificity

Clinical implementation of standardized neurocognitive assessment before and after radiation to the brain

Background: Radiotherapy induced impairment of cognitive function can lead to a reduced quality of life. The aim of this study was to describe the implementation and compliance of standardized neurocognitive assessment. In addition, the first results of cognitive changes for patients receiving a radiation dose to the brain are described. Materials and methods: Patients that received radiation dose to the brain (neuro, head and neck and prophylactic cranial irradiation between April-2019 and Dec-2021 were included. Three neuro cognitive tests were performed a verbal learning and memory test, the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test; a verbal fluency test, the Controlled Oral Word Association Test and a speed and cognitive flexibility test, the Trail Making Test A&B. Tests were performed before the start of radiation, 6 months (6 m) and 1 year (1y) after irradiation. The Reliable Change Index (RCI) between baseline and follow-up was calculated using reference data from literature. Results: 644 patients performed the neurocognitive tests at baseline, 346 at 6 months and 205 at 1y after RT, with compliance rates of 90.4%, 85.6%, and 75.3%, respectively. Reasons for non-compliance were: 1. Patient did not attend appointment (49%), 2. Patient was unable to perform the test due to illness (12%), 3. Patient refused the test (8 %), 4. Various causes, (31%). A semi-automated analysis was developed to evaluate the test results. In total, 26% of patients showed a significant decline in at least one of variables at 1y and 11% on at least 2 variables at 1y. However, an increase in cognitive performance was observed in 49% (≥1 variable) and 22% (≥2 variables). Conclusion: Standardized neurocognitive testing within the radiotherapy clinic was successfully implemented, with a high patient compliance. A semi-automatic method to evaluate cognitive changes after treatment was defined. Data collection is ongoing, long term follow-up (up to 5 years after treatment) and dose–effect analysis will be performed

The T2-FLAIR mismatch sign as an imaging marker for non-enhancing IDH-mutant, 1p/19q-intact lower-grade glioma: A validation study

Background. The purpose of this study was to assess the reproducibility of the previously describedT2–fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) mismatch sign as a specific imaging marker in non-enhancing isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutant, 1p/19q non-codeleted lower-grade glioma (LGG), encompassing both diffuse and anaplastic astrocytoma. Methods. MR scans (n = 154) from 3 separate databases with genotyped LGG were evaluated by 2 independent reviewers to assess (i) presence/absence of “T2-FLAIR mismatch” sign and (ii) presence/absence of homogeneous signal onT2-weighted images. Interrater agreement with Cohen's kappa (κ) was calculated, as well as diagnostic test performance of theT2-FLAIR mismatch sign to identify IDH-mutant astrocytoma. Results. There was substantial interrater agreement for theT2-FLAIR mismatch sign [κ = 0.75 (0.64–0.87)], but only fair agreement forT2 homogeneity [κ = 0.38 (0.25–0.52)].TheT2-FLAIR mismatch sign was present in 38 cases (25%) and had a positive predictive value of 100%, negative predictive value of 68%, a sensitivity of 51%, and a specificity of 100%. Conclusions. With a robust interrater agreement, our study confirms that among non-enhancing LGG theT2-FLAIR mismatch sign represents a highly specific imaging marker for IDH-mutant astrocytoma.This non-invasive marker may enable a more informed patient counsel and can aid in the treatment decision processes in a significant proportion of patients presenting with non-enhancing, LGG-like lesions