Complementary and alternative medicine use in glioma patients in France

PURPOSE Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use increases in cancer patients, including adult patients with diffuse gliomas. METHODS Questionnaires addressing CAM use were distributed to adult patients with gliomas of WHO grades II-IV and ECOG performance score of 0-2 during hospital visits and filled in anonymously. The study was conducted in nine centers in France from May 2017 to May 2018. Descriptive cohort analyses and comparative analyses according to gender, age, WHO grade, and recurrent versus newly diagnosed disease were conducted. RESULTS Two hundred twenty-seven questionnaires were collected; 135 patients (59%) were male. Median age was 48 years, 105 patients (46%) declared having glioblastoma, 99 patients (43%) declared having recurrent disease. Hundred-three patients (45%) had modified their alimentary habits after the glioma diagnosis. At the time of the questionnaire, 100 patients (44%) were on complementary treatment, mainly vitamins and food supplements, and 73 patients (32%) used alternative medicine approaches, mainly magnetism and acupuncture. In total, 154 patients (68%) declared using at least one of these approaches. Expenditures exceeding 100 € per month were reported by users in 14% for modification of alimentary habits, in 25% for complementary treatment, and in 18% for alternative medicines. All approaches were commonly considered as improving quality of life and experienced as efficient, notably those associated with more expenditures. CONCLUSIONS CAM are frequently used by glioma patients in France. Underlying needs and expectations, as well as potential interactions with tumor-specific treatments, and financial and quality of life burden, should be discussed with patients and caregivers

Long-term survival with IDH wildtype glioblastoma: first results from the ETERNITY Brain Tumor Funders’ Collaborative Consortium (EORTC 1419)

Background: Median survival with glioblastoma remains in the range of 12 months on population levels. Only few patients survive for more than 5 years. Patient and disease features associated with long-term survival remain poorly defined. Methods: European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) 1419 (ETERNITY) is a registry study supported by the Brain Tumor Funders Collaborative in the US and the EORTC Brain Tumor Group. Patients with glioblastoma surviving at least 5 years from diagnosis were identified at 24 sites in Europe, US, and Australia. In patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wildtype tumours, prognostic factors were analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model. A population-based reference cohort was obtained from the Cantonal cancer registry Zurich. Results: At the database lock of July 2020, 280 patients with histologically centrally confirmed glioblastoma (189 IDH wildtype, 80 IDH mutant, 11 incompletely characterised) had been registered. In the IDH wildtype population, median age was 56 years (range 24-78 years), 96 patients (50.8%) were female, 139 patients (74.3%) had tumours with O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation. Median overall survival was 9.9 years (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 7.9-11.9). Patients without recurrence experienced longer median survival (not reached) than patients with one or more recurrences (8.92 years) (p < 0.001) and had a high rate (48.8%) of MGMT promoter-unmethylated tumours. Conclusions: Freedom from progression is a powerful predictor of overall survival in long-term survivors with glioblastoma. Patients without relapse often have MGMT promoter-unmethylated glioblastoma and may represent a distinct subtype of glioblastoma

Diffuse low-grade gliomas : epidemiology and etiologic hypotheses.

L’épidémiologie et les facteurs de risque des gliomes diffus de bas grade (GDBG, ou gliomes diffus de grade II OMS) sont à ce jour mal connus. Ce travail de thèse s’est intéressé à décrire les caractéristiques épidémiologiques (taux d’incidence, données démographiques) et à rechercher, dans la littérature et par nos travaux, des arguments en faveur de facteurs de risque environnementaux, fonctionnels et moléculaires. Epidémiologie descriptive : l’analyse d’une série exhaustive de cas incidents de GDBG diagnostiqués entre 2006 et 2011, à l’échelle nationale, a permis de déterminer l’incidence des GDBG dans leur ensemble (incidence standardisée sur la population française : 0,775/105 personnes-années) et pour chacun de leurs sous-types histologiques définis par la classification 2007 de l’OMS. Facteurs de risque environnementaux : nous avons pu mettre en évidence des différences significatives dans la distribution géographique des gliomes diffus de grade II et III OMS en France métropolitaine, avec une incidence plus élevée dans le Nord-Est et le centre de la France. Cette hétérogénéité semble en faveur de facteurs de risque environnementaux, même s’il n’existe à ce jour aucun facteur de risque environnemental démontré dans les GDBG. Facteurs de risque biologiques : notre travail a permis de démontrer l’existence d’une dichotomie sur le plan moléculaire entre les GDBG de topographie frontale, plus fréquemment mutés IDH et codélétés 1p19q, et les GDBG temporo-insulaires, moins fréquemment mutés IDH et codélétés 1p19q, suggérant des voies de gliomagénèse différentes pour ces deux patterns tumoraux. Facteurs de risque fonctionnels : enfin, comme le montrent les données de la littérature, il existe deux arguments principaux en faveur de facteurs de risque fonctionnels dans les GDBG. D’une part, ces tumeurs présentent des localisations intracérébrales spécifiques et distinctes des autres gliomes, et impliquent préférentiellement les zones dites « fonctionnelles ». D’autre part, des modifications macroscopiques cérébrales ont été rapportées en lien avec l’apprentissage d’une tâche ou une expertise particulière. Les mécanismes microscopiques qui sous-tendent ces modifications sont encore incertains mais une implication (directe ou indirecte) des cellules gliales, semble probable, ce qui pourrait faire le lit de la gliomagénèse. Peu d’études se sont intéressées jusqu’à présent aux corrélations entre les activités du sujet et le risque de GDBG, et nous proposons donc, dans les suites de ce travail de thèse, une étude cas-témoins en ce sens. En conclusion, même s’il n’existe à ce jour aucun facteur de risque démontré de GDBG, certains éléments bibliographiques, et les travaux de cette thèse, suggèrent l’implication de facteurs environnementaux, fonctionnels et biologiques dans la genèse des GDBG.The epidemiology and risks factors of diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGG, or WHO grade II diffuse gliomas) are yet poorly known. This thesis aimed at describing the epidemiology (incidence rates, demographic data) and at looking for arguments in favor of environmental, functional and molecular risk factors, in the literature and by our works. Descriptive epidemiology: The analysis of an exhaustive series of incident cases of DLGG diagnosed between 2006 and 2011 allowed the determination of DLGG incidence (incidence rate standardized on the French population: 0,775/105 person-years) as well as that of each histological subtype described by the 2007 WHO classification. Environmental risk factors: We were able to demonstrate significant differences in the geographical distribution of WHO grade II and III diffuse gliomas in metropolitan France, with higher incidence rates in the North-East and Center regions. This heterogeneity stands in favor of environmental risk factors, even though there is to date no proven environmental risk factor for DLGG. Biological risk factors: Our work demonstrated the existence of a clear dichotomy, regarding molecular biology, between frontal DLGG, more frequently IDH-mutated and 1p19q codeleted, and temporo-insular tumors, less frequently IDH-mutated and 1p19q codeleted, suggesting different gliomagenesis pathways for these two patterns of tumors. Functional risk factors: Finally, data from the literature provide two main arguments in favor of the existence of functional risk factors in DLGG. First, the intra-cerebral location of these tumors is specific and distinct from that of other gliomas, with a preferential implication of “functional” areas. Second, macroscopic intra-cerebral changes have been reported following training on specific tasks, or in relation with a specific expertise. The microscopic mechanisms that underlie these modifications are uncertain but an implication (direct or indirect) of glial cells seems probable, and could favor gliomagenesis. To date, only few studies have investigated the correlation between the subject’s activity and the risk of DLGG. We thus propose, following this thesis, a case-control study to further investigate this issue. In conclusion, even though there is no demonstrated risk factor for DLGG, data from the literature, and conclusions from the present work, suggest the implication of environmental, functional and biological factors in DLGG genesis

Diffuse Low-grade Glioma Database

<p>Diffuse low-grade glioma (WHO grade II, DLGG) are infiltrative brain tumors that are generally revealed by seizures, in young patients with a normal social and professional life.</p> <p>In this database, we provide 210 different FLAIR MR Images of DLGG at different levels of evolution. The data is provided in NIFTI format, and accompanied with expert manual segmentations in XML format.</p> <p>The goal of this work is to provide data for the evaluation of tumor segmentation methods, as well as probabilistic studies on the tumors' preferential localisations.</p> <p>You are free to download a portion of the dataset for non-commercial research and educational purposes.</p><p>Work based on the dataset should cite our Plos one 2016 paper: </p><p>DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144200</p><pre>@article{parisot2016, title={A Probabilistic Atlas of Diffuse WHO Grade II Glioma Locations in the Brain}, author={Parisot, Sarah and Darlix, Am{\'e}lie and Baumann, C{\'e}dric and Zouaoui, Sonia and Yordanova, Yordanka and Blonski, Marie and Rigau, Val{\'e}rie and Chemouny, St{\'e}phane and Taillandier, Luc and Bauchet, Luc and others}, journal={PloS one}, volume={11}, number={1}, year={2016}, publisher={Public Library of Science} }</pre

High levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in the serum of breast cancer patients can serve as an independent prognostic marker

Background: Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is a pentameric cartilage protein also expressed in breast cancer tumors. A high expression of COMP evaluated by immunohistochemical staining is as an independent prognostic marker associated with poor patients’ prognosis. Methods: Herein, levels of COMP were analyzed using an IVD approved ELISA in serum samples from 233 well-characterized breast cancer patients; 176 with metastatic breast cancer; and 57 in an early stage of the disease. Results: The metastatic patients had double the concentration of serum COMP compared with those with early breast cancer. High levels of COMP in sera of metastatic patients were associated with the histological subtype (p = 0.025) and estrogen receptor positivity (p = 0.019) at the time of breast cancer diagnosis. Further, correlation was observed between the serum levels of COMP and the presence of liver (p = 0.010) or bone (p = 0.010) metastases in this population. Most importantly, elevated serum levels of COMP appear to serve as an independent prognostic marker of survival as assessed by Cox proportional hazard regression analysis (p = 0.001) for the metastatic patients. Among metastatic patients treated with taxanes (Docetaxel-Paclitaxel) as part of their first metastatic line (n = 25), those with high levels of serum COMP detected in the metastatic stage of the disease had a shorter median survival (0.2 years) compared with those with low levels of serum COMP (1.1 years) (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Taken together, the serum levels of COMP are elevated in the metastatic patients and may be a potential novel biomarker for the evaluation of the prognosis in this population

The etiopathogenesis of diffuse low-grade gliomas

International audienceThe origins of diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGG) are unknown. Beyond some limited data on their temporal and cellular origins, the mechanisms and risk factors involved are poorly known. First, based on strong relationships between DLGG development and the eloquence of brain regions frequently invaded by these tumors, we propose a "functional theory" to explain the origin of DLGG. Second, the biological pathways involved in DLGG genesis may differ according to tumor location (anatomo-molecular correlations). The cellular and molecular mechanisms of such "molecular theory" will be reviewed. Third, the geographical distribution of diffuse WHO grade II-III gliomas within populations is heterogeneous, suggesting possible environmental risk factors. We will discuss this "environmental theory". Finally, we will summarize the current knowledge on genetic susceptibility in gliomas ("genetic predisposition theory"). These crucial issues illustrate the close relationships between the pathophysiology of gliomagenesis, the anatomo-functional organization of the brain, and personalized management of DLGG patients

Serum glial fibrillary acidic protein is a predictor of brain metastases in patients with metastatic breast cancer

International audienceIn patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), brain metastases (BM) are associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, there is no validated serum biomarker that accurately predicts BM occurrence in these patients, and the role of serum biomarkers for prognosis remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the association of neurofilament light chain (NfL), ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and tau serum levels with BM presence and prognosis in patients with MBC. In serum samples from patients with MBC with (n = 100) and without BM (n = 47), we measured the biomarker serum levels using single molecule array (Simoa) technology (Neurology-4-Plex assay). To evaluate their accuracy to identify patients with BM, we determined the receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve (AUC) for each biomarker and calculated their sensitivity and specificity. The median serum levels of NfL, UCHL1, tau and GFAP were significantly higher in patients with BM. The AUC for GFAP (0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75-0.88) was significantly higher than those of the other biomarkers considered independently. Using the medians as cutoff values, elevated serum levels of NfL, UCHL1, tau and GFAP were associated with BM in univariate analysis, but only high GFAP levels in multivariate analysis (odd ratio 23.4, 95% CI 6.8-80.5, P < .001). Elevated serum GFAP levels were independently associated with poor outcome. GFAP outperforms NfL, UCHL1 and tau as diagnostic and prognostic factor of BM in patients with MBC. These results must now be validated in an independent cohort of patients

Perioperative imaging in patients treated with resection of brain metastases: a survey by the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) Youngsters committee

BACKGROUND Neurosurgical resection represents an important treatment option in the modern, multimodal therapy approach of brain metastases (BM). Guidelines for perioperative imaging exist for primary brain tumors to guide postsurgical treatment. Optimal perioperative imaging of BM patients is so far a matter of debate as no structured guidelines exist. METHODS A comprehensive questionnaire about perioperative imaging was designed by the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) Youngsters Committee. The survey was distributed to physicians via the EANO network to perform a descriptive overview on the current habits and their variability on perioperative imaging. Chi square test was used for dichotomous variables. RESULTS One hundred twenty physicians worldwide responded to the survey. MRI was the preferred preoperative imaging method (93.3%). Overall 106/120 (88.3%) physicians performed postsurgical imaging routinely including MRI alone (62/120 [51.7%]), postoperative CT (29/120 [24.2%]) and MRI + CT (15/120 [12.5%]). No correlation of postsurgical MRI utilization in academic vs. non-academic hospitals (58/89 [65.2%] vs. 19/31 [61.3%], p = 0.698) was found. Early postoperative MRI within ≤72 h after resection is obtained by 60.8% of the participants. The most frequent reason for postsurgical imaging was to evaluate the extent of tumor resection (73/120 [60.8%]). In case of residual tumor, 32/120 (26.7%) participants indicated to adjust radiotherapy, 34/120 (28.3%) to consider re-surgery to achieve complete resection and 8/120 (6.7%) to evaluate both. CONCLUSIONS MRI was the preferred imaging method in the preoperative setting. In the postoperative course, imaging modalities and timing showed high variability. International guidelines for perioperative imaging with special focus on postoperative MRI to assess residual tumor are warranted to optimize standardized management and adjuvant treatment decisions for BM patients

Serum NSE, MMP-9 and HER2 extracellular domain are associated with brain metastases in metastatic breast cancer patients: predictive biomarkers for brain metastases?

International audienceBreast cancer (BC) is the second most common cause of brain metastases (BM). Predictive factors for BM have been widely studied in metastatic BC; however, there is no known serum tumor marker to accurately predict BM. Elevated serum S100ß protein and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) could reflect the brain damages induced by BM. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is involved in tumor invasion and metastatic dissemination, including BM. Also, HER2-amplified BC were shown to have a particular tropism for central nervous system (CNS). This study evaluated the correlation of these biomarkers with the presence of BM in metastatic BC patients. In this case-control study, 88 consecutive metastatic BC patients with BM (BM group) treated in our institution (2008-2015) were retrospectively selected, based on the availability of frozen serum samples for tumor marker determination. Patients were matched by age, tumor biology and number of previous metastatic chemotherapy lines to 162 metastatic BC patients without CNS involvement (control group). Serum NSE, MMP-9 and HER2 extracellular domain (ECD) levels were significantly higher in the BM group (p = 0.0051, p = 0.0062 and p = 0.0057, respectively). In multivariate analysis, serum HER2 and MMP-9 levels accurately discriminated patients with BM: odds ratios 4.4 (p < 0.001; 95%CI: 1.9-9.6) for HER2 ECD and 3.5 (p = 0.005; 95%CI: 1.5-8.4) for MMP-9. In multivariate analysis, HER2 ECD and NSE serum levels were independent prognostic factors in patients with BM. Serum HER2 ECD and MMP-9 appear to be associated with BM in metastatic BC patients. Their predictive value for BM still needs to be evaluated in further prospective studies