Pediatric primary intramedullary spinal cord glioblastoma

Spinal cord tumors in pediatric patients are rare, representing less than 1% of all central nervous system tumors. Two cases of pediatric primary intramedullary spinal cord glioblastoma at ages 14 and 8 years are reported. Both patients presented with rapid onset paraparesis and quadraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging in both showed heterogeneously enhancing solitary mass lesions localized to lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord parenchyma. Histopathologic diagnosis was glioblastoma. Case #1 had a small cell component (primitive neuroectodermal tumor-like areas), higher Ki67, and p53 labeling indices, and a relatively stable karyotype with only minimal single copy losses involving regions: Chr8;pter-30480019, Chr16;pter-29754532, Chr16;56160245–88668979, and Chr19;32848902-qter on retrospective comparative genomic hybridization using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples. Case #2 had relatively bland histomorphology and negligible p53 immunoreactivity. Both underwent multimodal therapy including gross total resection, postoperative radiation and chemotherapy. However, there was no significant improvement in neurological deficits, and overall survival in both cases was 14 months.This report highlights the broad histological spectrum and poor overall survival despite multi modality therapy. The finding of relatively unique genotypic abnormalities resembling pediatric embryonal tumors in one case may highlight the value of genome-wide profiling in development of effective therapy. The differences in management with intracranial and low-grade spinal cord gliomas and current management issues are discussed

Prognostic indices for brain metastases – usefulness and challenges

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This review addresses the strengths and weaknesses of 6 different prognostic indices, published since the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) developed and validated the widely used 3-tiered prognostic index known as recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) classes, i.e. between 1997 and 2008. In addition, other analyses of prognostic factors in groups of patients, which typically are underrepresented in large trials or databases, published in the same time period are reviewed.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Based on a systematic literature search, studies with more than 20 patients were included. The methods and results of prognostic factor analyses were extracted and compared. The authors discuss why current data suggest a need for a more refined index than RPA.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>So far, none of the indices has been derived from analyses of all potential prognostic factors. The 3 most recently published indices, including the RTOG's graded prognostic assessment (GPA), all expanded from the primary 3-tiered RPA system to a 4-tiered system. The authors' own data confirm the results of the RTOG GPA analysis and support further evaluation of this tool.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This review provides a basis for further refinement of the current prognostic indices by identifying open questions regarding, e.g., performance of the ideal index, evaluation of new candidate parameters, and separate analyses for different cancer types. Unusual primary tumors and their potential differences in biology or unique treatment approaches are not well represented in large pooled analyses.</p

Optimizing the Timing of Salvage Postprostatectomy Radiotherapy and the Use of Concurrent Hormonal Therapy for Prostate Cancer.

Context Currently, salvage radiotherapy (SRT) is the only known curative intervention for men with recurrent disease following prostatectomy. Critical issues in the optimal selection and management of men being considered for SRT include the threshold prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value at which to initiate treatment (ie, pre-SRT PSA) and the role of concurrent hormonal therapy (HT).Objective To review the published evidence pertaining to the optimal timing for SRT and the role of concurrent HT.Evidence acquisition MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and guideline statements from professional organizations were queried from January 1, 2000 through January 10, 2018.Evidence synthesis Thirty-three independent reports, including two randomized trials evaluating HT with SRT, were identified. Retrospective data suggest that SRT initiation at lower pre-SRT PSA levels is associated with better clinical outcomes. Prospective data suggest an overall survival benefit with concurrent HT that manifests during long-term follow-up, with the caveat that hypothesis-generating subgroup analyses suggest that this benefit may be limited to patients with higher pre-SRT PSA levels. Patients with adverse risk factors, such as Gleason grade group 4-5 disease, are likely to benefit the most from earlier SRT initiation and/or the use of HT.Conclusions Given the limitations of the available data, it is imperative that physicians participate in shared decision-making, with the recommendation tailored for each man's desire to maximize oncologic benefit (with a risk of overtreatment) versus potential quality-of-life optimization (with a risk of undertreatment). Within that framework, a significant body of retrospective data supports initiation of SRT at low pre-SRT PSA values, without an arbitrary absolute threshold. Prospective data suggest a benefit of HT, but this benefit may be greatest in patients with a pre-SRT PSA that is higher than the typical level in most patients receiving "early" SRT. Further research is necessary before absolute recommendations can be made.Patient summary Two ways to potentially improve outcomes following salvage radiotherapy for prostate cancer that recurs after prostatectomy are to start treatment at a lower prostate-specific antigen level and to use concurrent hormonal therapy. Our review suggests that the available evidence is imperfect, but highlights that both measures are likely to improve clinical outcomes in general, but perhaps not uniformly and/or consistently for all patients. Physician-patient shared decision-making and further research are critical