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Sheikh SR, Patel NJ, Recinos VMR. Safety and Technical Efficacy of Pediatric Brainstem Biopsies: An Updated Meta-Analysis of 1000+ Children. World Neurosurg 2024:S1878-8750(24)01139-2. [PMID: 38968995 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.06.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brainstem tumors represent ∼10% of pediatric brain tumors, ∼80% of these are diffuse midline glioma. Given invariably poor prognosis in diffuse midline glioma, there continues to be immense variation worldwide in performing biopsy of these lesions. Several contemporary studies in recent years have provided new data to elucidate the safety profile of biopsy and an updated meta-analysis is thus indicated. METHODS We found 29 studies of pediatric brainstem biopsy in the last 20 years (2003-2023, 1002 children). We applied meta-analysis of proportions using a random-effects model to generate point estimates, confidence intervals, and measures of heterogeneity. RESULTS Eighty-seven percent of procedures were stereotactic needle biopsies (of these, 62% with a frame, 14% without frame, and 24% robotic.) Biopsy resulted in a histological diagnosis ("technical yield") in 96.8% of cases (95% CI 95.4-98.2). Temporary complications were seen in 6% (95 CI 4-8), with the most common neurological complications being 1) cranial nerve dysfunction, 2) worsening or new ataxia, and 3) limb weakness. Permanent complications (excluding death) were seen in 1% (95% CI 0.5-2), most commonly including cranial nerve dysfunction and limb weakness. Five deaths were reported in the entire pooled cohort of 1002 children (0.5%). CONCLUSIONS When counseling families on the merits of brainstem biopsy in children, it is reasonable to state that permanent morbidity is rare (<2%). If biopsy is performed specifically to facilitate enrollment in clinical trials requiring a molecular diagnosis, the risks of biopsy outlined here should be weighed against potential benefits of trial enrollment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neha J Patel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Blood & Marrow Transplant, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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2
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Sathyakumar S, Martinez M, Perreault S, Legault G, Bouffet E, Jabado N, Larouche V, Renzi S. Advances in pediatric gliomas: from molecular characterization to personalized treatments. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:2549-2562. [PMID: 38558313 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05540-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Pediatric gliomas, consisting of both pediatric low-grade (pLGG) and high-grade gliomas (pHGG), are the most frequently occurring brain tumors in children. Over the last decade, several milestone advancements in treatments have been achieved as a result of stronger understanding of the molecular biology behind these tumors. This review provides an overview of pLGG and pHGG highlighting their clinical presentation, molecular characteristics, and latest advancements in therapeutic treatments. Conclusion: The increasing understanding of the molecular biology characterizing pediatric low and high grade gliomas has revolutionized treatment options for these patients, especially in pLGG. The implementation of next generation sequencing techniques for these tumors is crucial in obtaining less toxic and more efficacious treatments. What is Known: • Pediatric Gliomas are the most common brain tumour in children. They are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in this population. What is New: • Over the last two decades, there has been a significant increase in our global understanding of the molecular background of pediatric low and high grade gliomas. • The implementation of next generation sequencing techniques for these tumors is crucial in obtaining less toxic and more efficacious treatments, with the ultimate goal of improving both the survival and the quality of life of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Martinez
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sébastien Perreault
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Geneviève Legault
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Montreal Children's Hospital - McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Eric Bouffet
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nada Jabado
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University and McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Valérie Larouche
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705 Boulevard, Laurier, G1V 4G2, Québec, Canada
| | - Samuele Renzi
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705 Boulevard, Laurier, G1V 4G2, Québec, Canada.
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Bernstock JD, Karandikar PV, Chen JA, Seidlitz J, Friedman GK, Meredith DM, Liu KX, Haas-Kogan D, Reardon DA, Peruzzi PP. Case Report: Low-grade glioma with NF1 loss of function mimicking diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. Front Surg 2024; 11:1356660. [PMID: 38840975 PMCID: PMC11150652 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2024.1356660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Intrinsic, expansile pontine tumors typically occur in the pediatric population. These tumors characteristically present as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), which is now considered as diffuse midline glioma (DMG), H3K27-mutated of the pons. DIPG has limited treatment options and a poor prognosis, and the value of tissue diagnosis from an invasive biopsy remains controversial. This study presents the case of a 19-year-old female with clinical and imaging hallmarks of DIPG, who underwent a biopsy of a tumor in the region of the right middle cerebellar peduncle. Her lesional cells were negative for H3K27M alterations and had low-grade histologic features. Next-generation sequencing revealed a frameshift mutation in the NF1 gene as the likely driver mutation. These features suggest a diagnosis of a low-grade glioma associated with NF1 loss of function, with far-reaching consequences regarding both treatment strategy and prognosis. This case provides support for the utility of diagnostic tissue biopsy in cases of suspected DIPG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D. Bernstock
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Jason A. Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jakob Seidlitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Lifespan Brain Institute, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Gregory K. Friedman
- Division of Pediatrics, Neuro-Oncology Section, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - David M. Meredith
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kevin X. Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Daphne Haas-Kogan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David A. Reardon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pier Paolo Peruzzi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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4
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Fu AY, Kavia J, Yadava Y, Srinivasan A, Hargwood P, Mazzola CA, Ammar A. Biopsy of diffuse midline glioma is safe and impacts targeted therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Childs Nerv Syst 2024; 40:625-634. [PMID: 37980290 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-06208-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To quantify the safety and utility of biopsy of pediatric diffuse midline glioma (DMG). METHODS This study was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were queried for relevant articles from inception until June 2023. Two reviewers identified all articles that included diagnostic yield, morbidity, and mortality rates for pediatric DMG patients. Studies that did not present original data or were not in English or peer-reviewed were excluded. Meta-analysis was conducted in R using Freeman-Tukey or logit transformation and DerSimonian-Laird random-effects models. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A protocol for this review was not registered. RESULTS We identified 381 patients from ten studies that met all criteria. DMG biopsy is safe overall (0% mortality, 95% CI: 0-0.6%; 11.0% morbidity, 95% CI: 4.8-18.9%) and has a high diagnostic yield (99.9%, 95% CI: 98.5-100%). The use of stereotactic biopsy is a significant moderator of morbidity (p = 0.0238). Molecular targets can be identified in approximately 53.4% of tumors (95% CI: 37.0-69.0%), although targeted therapies are only delivered in about 33.5% of all cases (95% CI: 24.4-44.1%). Heterogeneity was high for morbidity and identification of targets. The risk of bias was low for all studies. CONCLUSION We conducted the first meta-analysis of DMG biopsy to show that it is safe, effective, and able to identify relevant molecular targets that impact targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Y Fu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute, Morristown, NJ, USA.
| | - Jay Kavia
- Department of Public Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Yug Yadava
- Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute, Morristown, NJ, USA
- Department of Biology, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, USA
| | - Anisha Srinivasan
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Pam Hargwood
- Robert Wood Johnson Library of the Health Sciences, The State University of New Jersey, RutgersNew Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Catherine A Mazzola
- Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute, Morristown, NJ, USA
| | - Adam Ammar
- Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute, Morristown, NJ, USA
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Cheng D, Zhuo Z, Zhang P, Qu L, Duan Y, Xu X, Xie C, Liu X, Haller S, Barkhof F, Zhang L, Liu Y. Amide proton transfer-weighted imaging of pediatric brainstem glioma and its predicted value for H3 K27 alteration. Acta Radiol 2023; 64:2922-2930. [PMID: 37722801 DOI: 10.1177/02841851231197503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-invasive determination of H3 K27 alteration of pediatric brainstem glioma (pedBSG) remains a clinical challenge. PURPOSE To predict H3 K27-altered pedBSG using amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study included patients with pedBSG who underwent APTw imaging and had the H3 K27 alteration status determined by immunohistochemical staining. The presence or absence of foci of markedly increased APTw signal in the lesion was visually assessed. Quantitative APTw histogram parameters within the entire solid portion of tumors were extracted and compared between H3 K27-altered and wild-type groups using Student's t-test. The ability of APTw for differential diagnosis was evaluated using logistic regression. RESULTS Sixty pedBSG patients included 48 patients with H3 K27-altered tumor (aged 2-48 years) and 12 patients with wild-type tumor (aged 3-53 years). Visual assessment showed that the foci of markedly increased APTw signal intensity were more common in the H3 K27-altered group than in wild-type group (60% vs. 16%, P = 0.007). Histogram parameters of APTw signal intensity in the H3 K27-altered group were significantly higher than those in the wild-type group (median, 2.74% vs. 2.22%, P = 0.02). The maximum (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.72, P = 0.01) showed the highest diagnostic performance among histogram analysis. A combination of age, median and maximum APTw signal intensity could predict H3 K27 alteration with a sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 75% and AUC of 0.80. CONCLUSION APTw imaging may serve as an imaging biomarker for H3 K27 alteration of pedBSGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Cheng
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhizheng Zhuo
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Qu
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunyun Duan
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolu Xu
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Xie
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Sven Haller
- Department of Imaging and Medical Informatics, University Hospitals of Geneva and Faculty of Medicine of the University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- UCL Institutes of Neurology and Healthcare Engineering, London, UK
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liwei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaou Liu
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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6
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Vallero SG, Bertero L, Morana G, Sciortino P, Bertin D, Mussano A, Ricci FS, Peretta P, Fagioli F. Pediatric diffuse midline glioma H3K27- altered: A complex clinical and biological landscape behind a neatly defined tumor type. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1082062. [PMID: 36727064 PMCID: PMC9885151 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1082062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2021 World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System, Fifth Edition (WHO-CNS5), has strengthened the concept of tumor grade as a combination of histologic features and molecular alterations. The WHO-CNS5 tumor type "Diffuse midline glioma, H3K27-altered," classified within the family of "Pediatric-type diffuse high-grade gliomas," incarnates an ideally perfect integrated diagnosis in which location, histology, and genetics clearly define a specific tumor entity. It tries to evenly characterize a group of neoplasms that occur primarily in children and midline structures and that have a dismal prognosis. Such a well-defined pathological categorization has strongly influenced the pediatric oncology community, leading to the uniform treatment of most cases of H3K27-altered diffuse midline gliomas (DMG), based on the simplification that the mutation overrides the histological, radiological, and clinical characteristics of such tumors. Indeed, multiple studies have described pediatric H3K27-altered DMG as incurable tumors. However, in biology and clinical practice, exceptions are frequent and complexity is the rule. First of all, H3K27 mutations have also been found in non-diffuse gliomas. On the other hand, a minority of DMGs are H3K27 wild-type but have a similarly poor prognosis. Furthermore, adult-type tumors may rarely occur in children, and differences in prognosis have emerged between adult and pediatric H3K27-altered DMGs. As well, tumor location can determine differences in the outcome: patients with thalamic and spinal DMG have significantly better survival. Finally, other concomitant molecular alterations in H3K27 gliomas have been shown to influence prognosis. So, when such additional mutations are found, which one should we focus on in order to make the correct clinical decision? Our review of the current literature on pediatric diffuse midline H3K27-altered DMG tries to address such questions. Indeed, H3K27 status has become a fundamental supplement to the histological grading of pediatric gliomas; however, it might not be sufficient alone to exhaustively define the complex biological behavior of DMG in children and might not represent an indication for a unique treatment strategy across all patients, irrespective of age, additional molecular alterations, and tumor location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Gabriele Vallero
- Pediatric Oncohematology Division, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy,*Correspondence: Stefano Gabriele Vallero,
| | - Luca Bertero
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Morana
- Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Sciortino
- Department of Neuroradiology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniele Bertin
- Pediatric Oncohematology Division, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Mussano
- Radiotherapy Unit, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Silvia Ricci
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Division, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Peretta
- Pediatric Neurosurgery Division, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Franca Fagioli
- Pediatric Oncohematology Division, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU) Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy,Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Kim HJ, Lee JH, Kim Y, Lim DH, Park SH, Ahn SD, Kim IA, Im JH, Chung JW, Kim JY, Kim IH, Yoon HI, Suh CO. Suggestions for Escaping the Dark Ages for Pediatric Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Treated with Radiotherapy: Analysis of Prognostic Factors from the National Multicenter Study. Cancer Res Treat 2023; 55:41-49. [PMID: 35255651 PMCID: PMC9873330 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2021.1514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This multicenter retrospective study aimed to investigate clinical, radiologic, and treatment-related factors affecting survival in patients with newly diagnosed diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) treated with radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients aged <30 years who underwent radiotherapy as an initial treatment for DIPG between 2000 and 2018 were included; patients who did not undergo magnetic resonance imaging at diagnosis and those with pathologically diagnosed grade I glioma were excluded. We examined medical records of 162 patients collected from 10 participating centers in Korea. The patients' clinical, radiological, molecular, and histopathologic characteristics, and treatment responses were evaluated to identify the prognosticators for DIPG and estimate survival outcomes. RESULTS The median follow-up period was 10.8 months (interquartile range, 7.5 to 18.1). The 1- and 2-year overall survival (OS) rates were 53.5% and 19.0%, respectively, with a median OS of 13.1 months. Long-term survival rate (≥ 2 years) was 16.7%, and median OS was 43.6 months. Age (< 10 years), poor performance status, treatment before 2010, and post-radiotherapy necrosis were independently associated with poor OS in multivariate analysis. In patients with increased post-radiotherapy necrosis, the median OS estimates were 13.3 months and 11.4 months with and without bevacizumab, respectively (p=0.138). CONCLUSION Therapeutic strategy for DIPG has remained unchanged over time, and the associated prognosis remains poor. Our findings suggest that appropriate efforts are needed to reduce the occurrence of post-radiotherapy necrosis. Further well-designed clinical trials are recommended to improve the poor prognosis observed in DIPG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ju Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gachon University Gil Hospital, Incheon,
Korea
| | - Joo Ho Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Youngkyong Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Do Hoon Lim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Shin-Hyung Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu,
Korea
| | - Seung Do Ahn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - In Ah Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam,
Korea
| | - Jung Ho Im
- Department of Radiation Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam,
Korea
| | - Jae Wook Chung
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju,
Korea
| | - Joo-Young Kim
- Proton Therapy Center, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Il Han Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hong In Yoon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Chang-Ok Suh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam,
Korea
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Jovanovich N, Habib A, Head J, Hameed F, Agnihotri S, Zinn PO. Pediatric diffuse midline glioma: Understanding the mechanisms and assessing the next generation of personalized therapeutics. Neurooncol Adv 2023; 5:vdad040. [PMID: 37152806 PMCID: PMC10162114 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdad040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a pediatric cancer that originates in the midline structures of the brain. Prognosis of DMG patients remains poor due to the infiltrative nature of these tumors and the protection they receive from systemically delivered therapeutics via an intact blood-brain barrier (BBB), making treatment difficult. While the cell of origin remains disputed, it is believed to reside in the ventral pons. Recent research has pointed toward epigenetic dysregulation inducing an OPC-like transcriptomic signature in DMG cells. This epigenetic dysregulation is typically caused by a mutation (K27M) in one of two histone genes-H3F3A or HIST1H3B -and can lead to a differentiation block that increases these cells oncogenic potential. Standard treatment with radiation is not sufficient at overcoming the aggressivity of this cancer and only confers a survival benefit of a few months, and thus, discovery of new therapeutics is of utmost importance. In this review, we discuss the cell of origin of DMGs, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to their aggressivity and resistance to treatment. Additionally, we outline the current standard of care for DMG patients and the potential future therapeutics for this cancer that are currently being tested in preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolina Jovanovich
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ahmed Habib
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jeffery Head
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Farrukh Hameed
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sameer Agnihotri
- Sameer Agnihtroi, PhD, 4401 Penn Avenue, Office 7126, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA ()
| | - Pascal O Zinn
- Corresponding Authors: Pascal O. Zinn, MD, PhD, 5150 Centre Ave. Suite 433, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA ()
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Frameless Robotic-Assisted Biopsy of Pediatric Brainstem Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Efficacy and Safety. World Neurosurg 2023; 169:87-93.e1. [PMID: 36307039 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.10.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric brainstem lesions are diagnoses that require tissue sampling to advance our understanding of them and their management. Frameless, robot-assisted biopsy of these lesions has emerged as a novel, viable biopsy approach. Correspondingly, the aim of this study was to quantitively and qualitatively summarize the contemporary literature regarding the likelihood of achieving tumor diagnosis and experiencing any postoperative complications. METHODS Searches of 7 electronic databases from inception to September 2022 were conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Articles were screened against prespecified criteria. Outcomes were pooled by random-effects meta-analyses of proportions where possible. RESULTS A total of 8 cohort studies satisfied all criteria. They described 99 pediatric patients with brainstem lesions in whom frameless, robot-assisted biopsy was involved in their work-up. There were 62 (63%) male and 37 (37%) female patients with a median age of 9 years at time of biopsy. Overall, all patients had sufficient tissue obtained by initial biopsy for evaluation. Pooled estimate of achieving tumor diagnosis was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] 97%-100%) across all studies with a high degree of certainty. Across all studies, there were no cases of procedure-related mortality. The pooled estimates of transient and permanent complications after biopsy were 10% (95% CI 4%-19%) and 0% (95% CI 0%-2%), respectively, of very low and low degrees of certainty each. CONCLUSIONS The contemporary metadata demonstrates the frameless, robot-assisted biopsy of pediatric brainstem lesions is both effective and safe when performed in an experienced setting. Further research is needed to augment robot and automated technologies into workup algorithms.
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10
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Frameless robot-assisted stereotactic biopsy: an effective and minimally invasive technique for pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas. J Neurooncol 2022; 160:107-114. [PMID: 35997920 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-022-04122-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are prone to high surgical risks, and they could even lead to death due to their specific sites. To determine the value of frameless robot-assisted stereotactic biopsies of DIPGs, when compared it with microsurgical biopsies. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of 71 pediatric patients who underwent biopsies from January 2016 to January 2021. (i) group 1: microsurgical biopsies, and (ii) group 2: frameless robot-assisted stereotactic biopsies. Demographic information, neuroimaging characteristics, pathological diagnoses, operation time, postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) stay time, postoperative hospitalization time, complications, cost, and perioperative mortality rate (POMR) were collected for analyses. RESULTS 32 Cases underwent microsurgical biopsies (group 1) and 39 cases underwent frameless robot-assisted stereotactic biopsies (group 2). All cases were accurately diagnosed after surgery. There was no significant difference in gender, age, symptom times and tumor volumes between the two groups (p > 0.05); operation time, postoperative ICU, stay time and postoperative hospitalization time were longer in group 1 than in group 2 (p < 0.001); the intraoperative bleeding volumes and cost were higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p < 0.001). Group 1 patients required more perioperative blood transfusion than group 2 (p = 0.001), and the new neurological impairments were more frequent in group 1 than in group 2 (p = 0.003). The POMR was 9.38% (3/32) in group 1 and 0 in group 2 (p = 0.087). CONCLUSIONS Frameless robot-assisted stereotactic biopsy was an effective and minimally invasive technique for pediatric DIPGs.
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Differences in the MRI Signature and ADC Values of Diffuse Midline Gliomas with H3 K27M Mutation Compared to Midline Glioblastomas. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061397. [PMID: 35326549 PMCID: PMC8946584 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a two-center retrospective survey on standard MRI features including apparent diffusion coefficient mapping (ADC) of diffuse midline gliomas H3 K27M-mutant (DMG) compared to midline glioblastomas H3 K27M-wildtype (midGBM-H3wt). We identified 39 intracranial DMG and 18 midGBM-H3wt tumors. Samples were microscopically re-evaluated for microvascular proliferations and necrosis. Image analysis focused on location, peritumoral edema, degree of contrast enhancement and DWI features. Within DMG, MRI features between tumors with or without histomorphological GBM features were compared. DMG occurred in 15/39 samples from the thalamus (38%), in 23/39 samples from the brainstem (59%) and in 1/39 tumors involving primarily the cerebellum (2%). Edema was present in 3/39 DMG cases (8%) versus 78% in the control (midGBM-H3wt) group (p < 0.001). Contrast enhancement at the tumor rim was detected in 17/39 DMG (44%) versus 67% in control (p = 0.155), and necrosis in 24/39 (62%) versus 89% in control (p = 0.060). Strong contrast enhancement was observed in 15/39 DMG (38%) versus 56% in control (p = 0.262). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis showed significantly higher skewness and kurtosis values in the DMG group compared to the controls (p = 0.0016/p = 0.002). Minimum relative ADC (rADC) values, as well as the 10th and 25th rADC-percentiles, were lower in DMGs with GBM features within the DMG group (p < 0.001/p = 0.012/p = 0.027). In conclusion, DMG cases exhibited markedly less edema than midGBM-H3wt, even if histomorphological malignancy was present. Histologically malignant DMGs and midGBM-H3wt more often displayed strong enhancement, as well as rim enhancement, than DMGs without histomorphological malignancy. DMGs showed higher skewness and kurtosis values on ADC-histogram analysis compared to midGBM-H3wt. Lower minimum rADC values in DMGs indicated malignant histomorphological features, likely representing a more complex tissue microstructure.
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12
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Aquilina K, Chakrapani A, Carr L, Kurian MA, Hargrave D. Convection-Enhanced Delivery in Children: Techniques and Applications. Adv Tech Stand Neurosurg 2022; 45:199-228. [PMID: 35976451 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-99166-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Since its first description in 1994, convection-enhanced delivery (CED) has become a reliable method of administering drugs directly into the brain parenchyma. More predictable and effective than simple diffusion, CED bypasses the challenging boundary of the blood brain barrier, which has frustrated many attempts at delivering large molecules or polymers into the brain parenchyma. Although most of the clinical work with CED has been carried out on adults with incurable neoplasms, principally glioblastoma multiforme, an increasing number of studies have recognized its potential for paediatric applications, which now include treatment of currently incurable brain tumours such as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), as well as metabolic and neurotransmitter diseases. The roadmap for the development of hardware and use of pharmacological agents in CED has been well-established, and some neurosurgical centres throughout the world have successfully undertaken clinical trials, admittedly mostly early phase, on the basis of in vitro, small animal and large animal pre-clinical foundations. However, the clinical efficacy of CED, although theoretically logical, has yet to be unequivocally demonstrated in a clinical trial; this applies particularly to neuro-oncology.This review aims to provide a broad description of the current knowledge of CED as applied to children. It reviews published studies of paediatric CED in the context of its wider history and developments and underlines the challenges related to the development of hardware, the selection of pharmacological agents, and gene therapy. It also reviews the difficulties related to the development of clinical trials involving CED and looks towards its potential disease-modifying opportunities in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Aquilina
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.
| | - A Chakrapani
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - L Carr
- Department of Neurology and Neurodisability, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - M A Kurian
- Department of Neurology and Neurodisability, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
- Neurogenetics Group, Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, UCL-Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - D Hargrave
- Cancer Group, UCL-Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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13
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Gielen GH, Baugh JN, van Vuurden DG, Veldhuijzen van Zanten SEM, Hargrave D, Massimino M, Biassoni V, Morales la Madrid A, Karremann M, Wiese M, Thomale U, Janssens GO, von Bueren AO, Perwein T, Nussbaumer G, Hoving EW, Niehusmann P, Gessi M, Kwiecien R, Bailey S, Pietsch T, Andreiuolo F, Kramm CM. Pediatric high-grade gliomas and the WHO CNS Tumor Classification—Perspectives of pediatric neuro-oncologists and neuropathologists in light of recent updates. Neurooncol Adv 2022; 4:vdac077. [PMID: 35733513 PMCID: PMC9209749 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdac077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System has undergone major restructuring. Molecularly defined diagnostic criteria were introduced in 2016 (revised 4th edition) and expanded in 2021 (5th edition) to incorporate further essential diagnostic molecular parameters. We investigated potential differences between specialists in perception of these molecularly defined subtypes for pediatric high-grade gliomas (pedHGG).
Methods
We designed a 22-question survey studying the impact of the revised 4th edition of the WHO classification on pedHGG. Data were collected and statistically analyzed to examine the spectrum of viewpoints and possible differences between neuro-oncologists and neuropathologists.
Results
465 participants from 53 countries were included; 187 pediatric neuro-oncologists (40%), 160 neuropathologists (34%), and 118 additional experts (26%). Neuro-oncologists reported issues with the introduction of molecularly defined tumor types, as well as the abolishment or renaming of established tumor entities, while neuropathologists did not to the same extent. Both groups indicated less relevant or insufficient diagnostic definitions were available in 2016. Reported issues were classified and assessed in the 2021 WHO classification and a substantial improvement was perceived. However, issues of high clinical relevance remain to be addressed, including the definition of clinical phenotypes for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma and gliomatosis cerebri.
Conclusions
Within the WHO classification of pediatric brain tumors, such as pedHGG, rapid changes in molecular characterization have been introduced. This study highlights the ongoing need for cross talk between pathologist and oncologist to advance the classification of pedHGG subtypes and ensure biological relevance and clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerrit H Gielen
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Center Bonn , Bonn , Germany
| | - Joshua N Baugh
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | | | - Sophie E M Veldhuijzen van Zanten
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology , Utrecht , The Netherlands
- Erasmus University Medical Center, Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Darren Hargrave
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Trust , London , UK
| | - Maura Massimino
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori , Milan , Italy
| | - Veronica Biassoni
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori , Milan , Italy
| | - Andres Morales la Madrid
- Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Passeig Sant Joan de Déu 2 , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Michael Karremann
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Maria Wiese
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology , University Medical Center Goettingen , Goettingen , Germany
| | - Ulrich Thomale
- Pediatric Neurosurgery, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| | - Geert O Janssens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology , Utrecht , The Netherlands
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - André O von Bueren
- Division of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Department of Women, Child and Adolescent, University Hospital of Geneva , Geneva , Switzerland
- CANSEARCH research platform in Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics,University of Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Thomas Perwein
- Division of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - Gunther Nussbaumer
- Division of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - Eelco W Hoving
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Pitt Niehusmann
- Department of Neuropathology, Oslo University Hospital , Oslo , Norway
| | - Marco Gessi
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS , Rome , Italy
| | - Robert Kwiecien
- Institute of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster , Münster , Germany
| | - Simon Bailey
- Sir James Spence Institute of Child Health, Royal Victoria Infirmary , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK
| | - Torsten Pietsch
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Center Bonn , Bonn , Germany
| | - Felipe Andreiuolo
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Center Bonn , Bonn , Germany
- Instituto Estadual Do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer and the IDOR Institute , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Christof M Kramm
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology , University Medical Center Goettingen , Goettingen , Germany
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Use of intra-operative stimulation of brainstem lesion target sites for frameless stereotactic biopsies. Childs Nerv Syst 2021; 37:1515-1523. [PMID: 33683422 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-021-05101-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Frameless stereotactic navigation is used to direct the trajectory and biopsy site of target lesions. We report on a novel intra-operative stimulating (IOS) probe that is integrated into a commercially available stereotactic biopsy needle with the rationale that stimulation of the intended biopsy site should predict functional tissue thus preventing inadvertent biopsy of eloquent tissue. METHODS Patients undergoing brainstem biopsies for atypical lesions were offered the additional stimulation procedure. The IOS probe was used to deliver stimulation in an attempt to determine the proximity of eloquent tissue. Once the desired location of the biopsy needle was achieved, the IOS probe was inserted down the centre of the biopsy needle and the stimulus applied. If no action potential was recorded, biopsies from four quadrants of the lesion were taken. If however a compound action potential was recorded, a new target was selected. RESULTS Nine patients had the biopsy and stimulation procedure performed. The median age was 36 months. A minimum of 8 samples were obtained from each patient. Biopsy material was adequate to obtain a diagnosis in all 9 patients. In 2 cases use of the device influenced the insertion trajectory or biopsy site. No patients experienced any complications directly attributable to either the biopsy procedure or application of the stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Use of the IOS probe for intra-operative stimulation of the intended brainstem biopsy site was found to be safe and feasible. The addition of stimulation using the IOS probe can be done with minimal change in workflow.
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Shi S, Lu S, Jing X, Liao J, Li Q. The Prognostic Impact of Radiotherapy in Conjunction with Temozolomide in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. World Neurosurg 2021; 148:e565-e571. [PMID: 33476781 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a rare and devastating brainstem glioma that occurs predominately in children. To date, the prognostic impact of radiotherapy (RT) in conjunction with temozolomide (TMZ) in DIPG has not been thoroughly analyzed. The aim of this meta-analysis was to analyze the effectiveness of RT quantitatively and precisely in conjunction with TMZ in improving the prognosis of DIPG. METHODS A systematic search of 8 electronic databases was conducted. Articles mainly discussing the prognostic impact of RT in conjunction with TMZ in DIPG were selected. The pooled 1- and 2-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated. RESULTS A total of 14 studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria, involving 283 cases of patients with DIPG who were treated with RT in conjunction with TMZ. The pooled 1- and 2-year OS of this treatment was 43% and 11%, respectively. The pooled 1- and 2-year PFS was 20% and 2%, respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that the heterogeneity remained almost the same in all stratum. Egger's test demonstrated that the possibility of publication bias was low. CONCLUSIONS Requirements of up-to-date evidence on evaluating the prognostic impact of this therapy are urgent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, PR China; Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Shan Lu
- Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Xiyue Jing
- Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Jianwen Liao
- Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Qingguo Li
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, PR China.
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16
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Robertson EG, Wakefield CE, Tsoli M, Kellie SJ, Alvaro F, Gifford AJ, Weber MA, Rodriguez M, Kirby M, Ziegler DS. Parents' experiences of postmortem tumor donation for high-grade gliomas: benefits and suggested improvements. Neurooncol Adv 2021; 3:vdab087. [PMID: 34458732 PMCID: PMC8386242 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdab087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric high-grade glioma is a devastating diagnosis. There has been no improvement in outcomes for several decades, with few children surviving 2 years postdiagnosis. Research progress has been hampered by a lack of tumor samples, which can be used to develop and test novel therapies. Postmortem tumor donations are therefore a valuable opportunity to collect tissue. In this study, we explored Australian parents' experiences of donating their child's tumor for research after their child had died. METHODS We collected qualitative data from 11 bereaved parents who consented to donate samples of their child's high-grade glioma for research postmortem. We asked parents about their perceived benefits/burdens of the autopsy, recommendations for improving consent discussions, and decision regret. RESULTS Parents hoped that their donation would help to find a cure for future children with high-grade glioma. They described feeling comforted knowing that their child's suffering may help others. Some parents also felt that the donation would help them better understand their child's tumor. Although some parents described discomfort about procedures leading up to the autopsy, parents reported minimal regret regarding their decision to donate their child's tumor. Parents provided recommendations to improve consent discussions, such as providing more information about the autopsy logistics and why the donation was needed. CONCLUSION Parents consented to autopsy for altruistic reasons, although donation may also assist parents in their grieving. There is a strong need to improve access to tumor donations for any family who wishes to donate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden G Robertson
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claire E Wakefield
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria Tsoli
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Children’s Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stewart J Kellie
- Children’s Cancer Centre, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Frank Alvaro
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders, John Hunter Children’s Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew J Gifford
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Children’s Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health Pathology East (Prince of Wales Hospital), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Martin A Weber
- Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health Pathology East (Prince of Wales Hospital), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Rodriguez
- Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health Pathology East (Prince of Wales Hospital), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria Kirby
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David S Ziegler
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Children’s Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
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Labuschagne J. 5-aminolevulinic acid-guided surgery for focal pediatric brainstem gliomas: A preliminary study. Surg Neurol Int 2020; 11:334. [PMID: 33194268 PMCID: PMC7656004 DOI: 10.25259/sni_246_2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is a growing body of literature supporting the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) in the pediatric population, however, its use is still considered “off label” in this setting. In this retrospective study, we report our experience using 5-ALA in pediatric patients with focal brainstem gliomas (BSGs). Methods: Patients younger than 16 years presenting with a newly diagnosed BSG that was focal in nature were considered suitable for treatment with 5-ALA-assisted surgery. Exclusion criteria included MRI features suggestive of a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. A single dose of 5-ALA was administered preoperatively. Intraoperative fluorescence was recorded as “solid,” “vague,” or “none.” The effectiveness of the fluorescence was graded as “helpful” or “unhelpful.” Results: Eight patients underwent 5-ALA-assisted surgery. There were four tumors located in the pons, two midbrain tumors, and two cervicomedullary tumors. Histological analysis demonstrated three diffuse astrocytomas, three pilocytic astrocytomas, and two anaplastic astrocytomas. Solid fluorescence was found in three of the eight cases, vague fluorescence was found in two cases, and no fluorescence was found in three cases. Fluorescence was useful in 3 (37%) cases. No patients experienced any complications attributable to the administration of the 5-ALA. Conclusion: With a total fluorescence rate of 62.5% but a subjectively assessed “usefulness” rate of only 37.5%, the role of 5-ALA in BSG surgery is limited. Given the toxicological safety, however, of the agent, caution is perhaps needed before dismissing the use of 5-ALA entirely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Labuschagne
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Nelson Mandela Childrens Hospital, Parktown, Johanessburg, South Africa
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18
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Morana G, Tortora D, Bottoni G, Puntoni M, Piatelli G, Garibotto F, Barra S, Giannelli F, Cistaro A, Severino M, Verrico A, Milanaccio C, Massimino M, Garrè ML, Rossi A, Piccardo A. Correlation of multimodal 18F-DOPA PET and conventional MRI with treatment response and survival in children with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:11881-11891. [PMID: 33204317 PMCID: PMC7667677 DOI: 10.7150/thno.50598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the contribution of 18F-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) PET in association with conventional MRI in predicting treatment response and survival outcome of pediatric patients with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 19 children with newly diagnosed DIPGs who underwent 18F-DOPA PET/CT and conventional MRI within one week of each other at admission and subsequent MRI follow-up. Following co-registration and fusion of PET and MRI, 18F-DOPA uptake avidity and extent (PET tumor volume and uniformity) at admission, along with MRI indices including presence of ring contrast-enhancement, tumor volume at admission and at maximum response following first-line treatment, were evaluated and correlated with overall survival (OS). The association between 18F-DOPA uptake tumor volume at admission and MRI tumor volume following treatment was evaluated. Statistics included Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests, Kaplan-Meier OS curve and Cox analysis. Results: DIPGs with a 18F-DOPA uptake Tumor/Striatum (T/S) ratio >1 presented an OS ≤ 12 months and lower degree of tumor volume reduction following treatment (p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, T/S (p = 0.001), ring enhancement (p = 0.01) and the degree of MRI tumor volume reduction (p = 0.01) independently correlated with OS. In all patients, areas of increased 18F-DOPA uptake overlapped with regions demonstrating more prominent residual components/lack of response following treatment. Conclusions:18F-DOPA PET provides useful information for evaluating the metabolism of DIPGs. T/S ratio is an independent predictor of outcome. 18F-DOPA uptake extent delineates tumoral regions with a more aggressive biological behaviour, less sensitive to first line treatment.
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Variations in attitudes towards stereotactic biopsy of adult diffuse midline glioma patients: a survey of members of the AANS/CNS Tumor Section. J Neurooncol 2020; 149:161-170. [PMID: 32705457 PMCID: PMC7452882 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-020-03585-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Diffuse midline gliomas are rare midline CNS malignancies that primarily affect children but can also affect adults. While radiation is standard treatment, prognosis remains fatal. Furthermore, due to its sensitive anatomic location, many physicians have been reluctant to perform biopsies without potential for improved prognosis. However, recent advancements in molecular-targeted therapeutics have encouraged greater tissue sampling. While the literature reflects this progress, the landscape of how clinicians actually manage these patients remains unclear. Our goal was to assess the attitudes of current practicing neurosurgical oncologists towards management of adult diffuse midline gliomas, reasons behind their practices, and factors that might influence these practices. Methods We created and distributed a survey with 16 multiple choice and open-ended questions to members of the Tumor Section of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Results A total of 81 physicians responded to the survey. Although time since training and volume of glioma patients did not significantly affect the decision to consider clinical trials or to offer biopsy, those that operated on fewer gliomas (< 25/year) were more likely to cite surgical morbidity as the primary reason not to biopsy these midline locations. Further, surgeons with access to more advanced molecular testing were significantly more likely to consider clinical trial eligibility when offering biopsies. Conclusion Factors that affect the management of diffuse midline gliomas and the role of biopsy are relatively uniform across the field, however, there were a few notable differences that reflect the changes within the neuro-oncology field in response to clinical trials. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11060-020-03585-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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