Clinical trial participation and outcome for patients with glioblastoma: multivariate analysis from a comprehensive dataset

Describing the content of trial recruitment interventions using the TIDieR reporting checklist: a systematic methodology review

BACKGROUND

Recruiting participants to clinical trials is an ongoing challenge, and relatively little is known about what recruitment strategies lead to better recruitment. Recruitment interventions can be considered complex interventions, often involving multiple components, targeting a variety of groups, and tailoring to different groups. We used the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) reporting checklist (which comprises 12 items recommended for reporting complex interventions) to guide the assessment of how recruitment interventions are described. We aimed to (1) examine to what extent we could identify information about each TIDieR item within recruitment intervention studies, and (2) observe additional detail for each item to describe useful variation among these studies.

METHODS

We identified randomized, nested recruitment intervention studies providing recruitment or willingness to participate rates from two sources: a Cochrane review of trials evaluating strategies to improve recruitment to randomized trials, and the Online Resource for Research in Clinical triAls database. First, we assessed to what extent authors reported information about each TIDieR item. Second, we developed descriptive categorical variables for 7 TIDieR items and extracting relevant quotes for the other 5 items.

RESULTS

We assessed 122 recruitment intervention studies. We were able to extract information relevant to most TIDieR items (e.g., brief rationale, materials, procedure) with the exception of a few items that were only rarely reported (e.g., tailoring, modifications, planned/actual fidelity). The descriptive variables provided a useful overview of study characteristics, with most studies using various forms of informational interventions (55%) delivered at a single time point (90%), often by a member of the research team (59%) in a clinical care setting (41%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our TIDieR-based variables provide a useful description of the core elements of complex trial recruitment interventions. Recruitment intervention studies report core elements of complex interventions variably; some process elements (e.g., mode of delivery, location) are almost always described, while others (e.g., duration, fidelity) are reported infrequently, with little indication of a reason for their absence. Future research should explore whether these TIDieR-based variables can form the basis of an approach to better reporting of elements of successful recruitment interventions.

Geographic disparity in the distribution of cancer clinical trials in the United States and the associated factors

BACKGROUND

Little is known regarding the geographic disparity in the distribution of phase 1-3 clinical trials of new cancer treatments in the US and the associated factors.

OBJECTIVE

To examine county-level variation in the number of phase 1-3 cancer clinical trials and the associations between county characteristics and having phase 1-3 cancer clinical trials.

METHODS

We identified phase 1-3 cancer clinical trials started in the US between January 2008 and December 2022 from the Aggregate Analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov database. We analyzed the distribution of phase 1-3 cancer clinical trials at the county level. Using a mixed-effects regression with states as random intercepts, we estimated the associations between a county's median age, median household income, percentage of population from racial and ethnic minority groups, proportion of population aged 25 years or older with an educational attainment of bachelor's degree or higher, rurality, cancer incidence rate, and number of medical oncologists per population with having any phase 1-3 cancer clinical trial in a county.

RESULTS

After excluding trials that were suspended, terminated, and withdrawn, a total of 14,977 phase 1-3 cancer clinical trials started in the United States between January 2008 and December 2022 were included in the primary analysis. Only 1,333 out of 3,143 counties (42.4%) had 1 or more trial during this period. Counties that were rural, with lower median household income, a less educated population, fewer medical oncologists per population, and lower cancer incidence rates demonstrated a significantly lower likelihood of having phase 1-3 cancer clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed substantial geographic disparities in the distribution of phase 1-3 cancer clinical trials. Limited trial availability in low-income, low-education, low-oncologist, and rural areas can be a significant barrier to patient participation, potentially hindering adoption and worsening outcomes in disadvantaged populations.

An evaluation of biobanking and therapeutic clinical trial representation among adult glioma patients from rural and urban Utah

Background

Social determinants of health (SDOHs)-specifically those related to rurality, health care accessibility, and income-may play as-yet-unidentified roles in prognosis for glioma patients, and their impact on access to clinical trials is important to understand. We examined SDOHs of patients enrolled in glioma clinical trials and evaluate disparities in trial participation and outcomes between rural and urban patients.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients enrolled in glioma clinical trials at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) from May 2012 to May 2022 to evaluate clinical trial participation. We used multivariable models to evaluate SDOHs and geographic information system mapping to assess representation across Utah's counties. We utilized the most recent 10-year datasets of patients treated for glioma at HCI and from the Utah Cancer Registry to analyze survival and incidence, respectively.

Results

A total of 570 participants (68 trials) resided in Utah, 84.4% from urban counties, 13.5% from rural counties, and 2.1% from frontier (least-populous) counties. Nineteen counties (65.5%) were underrepresented in trials (enrolled participants vs. eligible), 1 (3.5%) was represented in a near-1:1 ratio, and 9 (31.0%) were overrepresented. Counties with greater enrollment had greater population densities, highest per-capita income, and proximity to HCI. Among patients treated at HCI, patients from rural/frontier counties had equivalent survival with urban patients across nearly all glioma types, including glioblastomas, despite underrepresentation in clinical trials.

Conclusions

By highlighting disparities in clinical trial enrollment, our results can support efforts to improve recruitment in underrepresented regions, which can assist providers in delivering equitable care for all patients.

Clinical Trial Enrollment Among Adolescent and Young Adults with Primary Central Nervous System Tumors Treated at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Purpose: In recent decades, the survival outcomes among adolescent and young adults (AYAs, 15-39 years) have not improved substantially, especially among AYAs with primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. While this is likely multifactorial, low participation in clinical trials among AYAs is thought to be a critical contributing factor. In this study, we describe the pattern of clinical trial enrollment among AYAs with primary CNS tumors at our institution. Methods: We performed a retrospective, IRB-approved chart review of AYAs with CNS tumors treated at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) between January 2009 and December 2018. We used logistic regression analyses and descriptive statistics to analyze this sample and determine the clinical trial enrollment at the pediatric affiliate (Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center) and adult affiliate (Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center). Results: Ninety-three AYA patients with primary CNS tumors were treated at the Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, while 507 patients with primary CNS gliomas were treated at the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center. At the pediatric affiliate, 35.4% (33/93) of AYAs were enrolled in a therapeutic clinical trial, while at the adult affiliate, 15.8% (80/507) of AYAs were enrolled in a clinical trial. High-grade gliomas were associated with significantly higher rates of enrollment in the adult affiliate. Conclusions: Clinical trial enrollment remains poor among AYAs with CNS tumors, and clinical trial enrollment participation is modestly higher in the pediatric setting. Our study demonstrates the continued need to evaluate and address factors associated with clinical trial enrollment among AYAs with CNS tumors.

The trial effect in patients with glioblastoma: effect of clinical trial enrollment on overall survival

PURPOSE

To determine whether participation in a clinical trial was associated with improved survival in patients with glioblastoma (GBM).

METHODS

Following IRB approval, patients were identified using CPT and ICD codes. Data was collected using retrospective review of electronic medical records. When necessary, death data was obtained from online obituaries. Inverse propensity score matching was utilized to transform the two cohorts to comparable sets. Survival was compared using Kaplan-Meyer curves and Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test.

RESULTS

In this cohort of 365 patients, 89 were enrolled in a clinical trial and 276 were not. Patients enrolled in clinical trials had a significantly higher mean baseline KPS score, higher proportion of surgical resections, and were more likely to receive temozolomide treatment than patients not enrolled in a clinical trial. After inverse propensity score matching, patients enrolled in a clinical trial lived significantly longer than those not enrolled (28.8 vs 22.2 months, p = 0.005). A potential confounder of this study is that patients not in a clinical trial had significantly fewer visits with neuro-oncologists than patients enrolled in a clinical trial (7 ± 8 vs 12 ± 9, p < 0. 0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical trials enroll patients with the most favorable prognostic features. Even when correcting for this bias, clinical trial enrollment is an independent predictor of increased survival regardless of treatment arm.

Clinical utility of targeted next-generation sequencing assay in IDH-wildtype glioblastoma for therapy decision-making

BACKGROUND

Targeted gene NGS testing is available through many academic institutions and commercial entities and is increasingly incorporated in practice guidelines for glioblastoma (GBM). This single-center retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of incorporating NGS results in the management of GBM patients at a clinical trials-focused academic center.

METHODS

We identified 1011 consecutive adult patients with pathologically confirmed GBM (IDHwt or IDHmut) who had somatic tumor sequencing (Oncopanel, ~500 cancer gene panel) at DFCI from 2013-2019. Clinical records of all IDHwt GBM patients were reviewed to capture clinical trial enrollment and off-label targeted therapy use based on NGS results.

RESULTS

Of the 557 IDHwt GBM patients with sequencing, 182 entered clinical trials at diagnosis (32.7%) and 213 (38.2%) entered after recurrence. Sequencing results for 130 patients (23.3%) were utilized for clinical trial enrollment for either targeted therapy indications (6.9 % upfront and 27.7% at recurrent clinical trials and 3.1% for off-label targeted therapy) or exploratory studies (55.4% upfront and 6.9% recurrent clinical trials). Median overall survival was 20.1 months with no survival difference seen between patients enrolled in clinical trials compared to those who were not, in a posthoc analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

While NGS testing has become essential for improved molecular diagnostics, our study illustrates that targeted gene panels remain underutilized for selecting therapy in GBM-IDHwt. Targeted therapy and clinical trial design remain to be improved to help leverage the potential of NGS in clinical care.

Advances in local therapy for glioblastoma - taking the fight to the tumour

Despite advances in neurosurgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, glioblastoma remains one of the most treatment-resistant CNS malignancies, and the tumour inevitably recurs. The majority of recurrences appear in or near the resection cavity, usually within the area that received the highest dose of radiation. Many new therapies focus on combatting these local recurrences by implementing treatments directly in or near the tumour bed. In this Review, we discuss the latest developments in local therapy for glioblastoma, focusing on recent preclinical and clinical trials. The approaches that we discuss include novel intraoperative techniques, various treatments of the surgical cavity, stereotactic injections directly into the tumour, and new developments in convection-enhanced delivery and intra-arterial treatments.

A population study of clinical trial accrual for women and minorities in neuro-oncology following the NIH Revitalization Act

BACKGROUND

The NIH Revitalization Act, implemented 29 years ago, set to improve the representation of women and minorities in clinical trials. In this study, we investigate progress made in all phase therapeutic clinical trials for neuroepithelial CNS tumors stratified by demographic-specific age-adjusted disease incidence and mortality. Additionally, we identify workforce characteristics associated with clinical trials meeting established accrual benchmarks.

METHODS

Registry study of published clinical trials for World Health Organization defined neuroepithelial CNS tumors between January 2000 and December 2019. Study participants were obtained from PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov. Population-based data originated from the CBTRUS for incidence analyses. SEER-18 Incidence-Based Mortality data was used for mortality analysis. Descriptive statistics, Fisher exact, and χ 2 tests were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Among 662 published clinical trials representing 49 907 participants, 62.5% of participants were men and 37.5% women (P < .0001) representing a mortality specific over-accrual for men (P = .001). Whites, Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics represented 91.7%, 1.5%, 2.6%, and 1.7% of trial participants. Compared with mortality, Blacks (47% of expected mortality, P = .008), Hispanics (17% of expected mortality, P < .001) and Asians (33% of expected mortality, P < .001) were underrepresented compared with Whites (114% of expected mortality, P < .001). Clinical trials meeting accrual benchmarks for race included minority authorship.

CONCLUSIONS

Following the Revitalization Act, minorities and women remain underrepresented in therapeutic clinical trials for neuroepithelial tumors, relative to disease incidence and mortality. Study accrual has improved with time. This study provides a framework for clinical trial accrual efforts and offers guidance regarding workforce considerations associated with enrollment of underserved patients.

Do Patients With Multiple Myeloma Enrolled in Clinical Trials Live Longer?

OBJECTIVES

Enrollment in clinical trials is thought to improve survival outcomes through the trial effect. In this retrospective observational cohort study, we aimed to discern differences in survival outcomes by clinical trial enrollment and race-ethnicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of 1285 patients receiving care for multiple myeloma at an National Cancer Institute designated cancer center from 2012 to 2018, 1065 (83%) were nontrial and 220 (17%) were trial participants. Time to event analyses were used to adjust for baseline characteristics and account for clinical trial enrollment as a time-varying covariate. We analyzed propensity-matched cohorts of trial and nontrial patients to reduce potential bias in observational data.

RESULTS

Trial patients were younger (mean age in years: 60 vs. 63; P<0.001), underwent more lines of therapy (treatment lines ≥6: 39% vs. 17%; P<0.001), and had more comorbidities than nontrial patients. After controlling for baseline characteristics and clinical trial enrollment as a time-varying covariate, no significant difference in survival was found between trial and nontrial participants (hazard ratio [HR]=1.34, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.90-1.99), or between propensity-matched trial and nontrial participants (205 patients in each cohort, HR=1.36, 95% CIs: 0.83-2.23). Subgroup analyses by lines of therapy confirmed results from overall analyses. We did not observe survival differences by race-ethnicity (Logrank P=0.09), though hazard of death was significantly increased for nontrial Black/Hispanic patients compared with trial White patients (HR=1.76, 95% CIs=1.01-3.08).

CONCLUSIONS

This study did not find evidence of a significant survival benefit to trial enrollment among patients with multiple myeloma. Patients enrolled in clinical trials underwent more lines of therapy, suggesting they may have had more treatment-resistant cancers. A small survival benefit in this cohort may be obscured by the lack of difference in survival between trial and nontrial patients.

Are morbidity and mortality estimates from randomized controlled trials externally valid? A comparison of outcomes among infants enrolled into an RCT or a cohort study in Botswana

Background

The external validity of the randomized controlled trial (RCT) refers to the extent to which the results of the RCT apply to the relevant, non-trial population and is impacted by its eligibility criteria, its organization, and its delivery of the intervention. Here, we compared the outcomes of mortality and hospitalization between an RCT and a cohort study that concurrently enrolled HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) newborns in Botswana.

Methods

The Mpepu Study (the RCT) was a clinical trial which determined that co-trimoxazole (CTX) provided no survival benefit for HEUs, allowing both arms of the RCT to be used. The Maikaelelo study (the cohort study) was a prospective observational study that enrolled HEU newborns with telephone follow-up and no in-person visits. Rates of death and hospitalization in the pooled population, were modeled using cox-proportional hazards models for time to death or time to first hospitalization, with study setting (RCT vs. cohort study) as an independent variable. The causal effect of study setting on morbidity and mortality was obtained through a treatment effects approach.

Results

In total, 4,010 infants were included; 1,306 were enrolled into the cohort study and 2,704 were enrolled into the RCT. No significant differences in mortality were observed between the two study settings (HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 0.76, 2.13), but RCT participants had a lower risk of hospitalization (HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.89) that decreased with age. However, RCT participants had a higher risk of hospitalization within the first six months of life. The causal risk difference in hospitalizations attributable to the RCT setting was -0.03 (95% CI: -0.05, -0.01).

Conclusions

Children in an RCT with rigorous application of national standard of care guidelines experienced a significantly lower risk of hospitalization than children participating in a cohort study that did not alter clinical care. Future research is needed to further investigate outcome disparities when real-world results fail to mirror those achieved in a clinical trial.

Trial registration

The Mpepu Trial was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (No. NCT01229761) and the Maikaelelo Study was funded primarily by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (32AI007433-21).

Adolescent and young adult neuro-oncology: a comprehensive review

Adolescent and young adult (AYA; ages 15-39) patients represent a population that experiences significant challenges in cancer care and research, exemplified by poorer clinical outcomes as well as unmet psychosocial and reproductive health needs. Despite central nervous system (CNS) tumors being one of the most common malignancies diagnosed in the age group, there is a clear paucity of AYA CNS tumor-specific publications, especially those related to the unique psychosocial and reproductive health needs of this population of patients. In this review, we examine various aspects of AYA oncological care including tumor biology, clinical outcome, clinical trials enrollment rate, site of care, unique psychosocial needs, and oncofertility. We assess the current state of these issues, highlight areas of deficiencies, and outline the steps needed to address these concerns. We emphasize the importance of comprehensive molecular testing as part of the diagnostic work-up, expansion of clinical trial availability, access to psychosocial care and oncofertility expertise, and the development of AYA-specific clinical research to define best practices and advancing care for this population.

Daily Lifestyle Modifications to Improve Quality of Life and Survival in Glioblastoma: A Review

Survival in glioblastoma remains poor despite advancements in standard-of-care treatment. Some patients wish to take a more active role in their cancer treatment by adopting daily lifestyle changes to improve their quality of life or overall survival. We review the available literature through PubMed and Google Scholar to identify laboratory animal studies, human studies, and ongoing clinical trials. We discuss which health habits patients adopt and which have the most promise in glioblastoma. While results of clinical trials available on these topics are limited, dietary restrictions, exercise, use of supplements and cannabis, and smoking cessation all show some benefit in the comprehensive treatment of glioblastoma. Marital status also has an impact on survival. Further clinical trials combining standard treatments with lifestyle modifications are necessary to quantify their survival advantages.

Scientific and Clinical Challenges within Neuro-Oncology

Both primary and metastatic brain tumors carry poor prognoses despite modern advances in medical therapy, radiation therapy, and surgical techniques. Gliomas, including glioblastoma (GBM), are particularly difficult to treat, and high-grade gliomas have poor outcomes. Treatment of brain tumors involves a unique set of scientific and clinical challenges, which are often not present in the treatment of systemic malignancies. With respect to scientific challenges, the anatomy and physiology of brain tumors (including the blood-brain barrier, blood-tumor barrier, and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier) prevent adequate drug delivery into the central nervous system. The unique nature of the immune system in the central nervous system as well as the immunosuppressive microenvironment of tumors such as GBM also create therapeutic roadblocks in the treatment of brain tumors. Tumor heterogeneity, particularly in GBM, has classically been believed to contribute to multitherapy resistance; however, recent data suggest that this may not be the case. Clinical challenges include neurologic and medical comorbidities of patients with brain tumor, as well as potential toxicity of tumor-directed treatment. Clinical trials investigating new treatment paradigms are needed, but several roadblocks exist to good and promising clinical trial availability.

Association between socioeconomic status and survival in glioblastoma: An Italian single-centre prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

To date, no prospective study has been conducted to investigate the role of socioeconomic status (SES) on clinical outcome of glioblastoma (GBM) in Italy, where there is a National Health Service that provides universal coverage regardless of the patient's economic status.

METHODS

We performed a prospective observational study investigating the association between SES and survival in GBM patients at our institution, a hub centre for brain cancer research and treatment. We included GBM patients who underwent medical treatment or chemo-radiation between April 2017 and December 2017. The SES was measured using the income-brackets, attributed by the Italian Ministry of Finance on the basis of the income of the fiscal family unit, referring to the previous year.

RESULTS

One hundred and six patients were included in the study. In multivariate analysis, overall survival (OS) correlated significantly with higher-income (HR = 0.623.95% CI 0.467-0.832; p = 0.001) and MGMT methylation status (HR = 0.158.95% CI 0.082-0.304; P < 0.001). When adjusted for age, performance status and extension of surgery, survival benefit remained superior for higher-income HR = 0.641 (95% CI 0.478-0.858; p = 0.003) and MGMT methylated tumours HR = 0.167 (95% CI 0.084-0.331; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

SES is an important determinant of prognosis in GBM even in the Italian National Health Service, which provides universal, largely free and relatively comprehensive healthcare. Despite aspirations to achieve equality in healthcare, socioeconomic differences exist and may impact the clinical outcome.

Longer-term (≥ 2 years) survival in patients with glioblastoma in population-based studies pre- and post-2005: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Translation of survival benefits observed in glioblastoma clinical trials to populations and to longer-term survival remains uncertain. We aimed to assess if ≥ 2-year survival has changed in relation to the trial of radiotherapy plus concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide published in 2005. We searched MEDLINE and Embase for population-based studies with ≥ 50 patients published after 2002 reporting survival at ≥ 2 years following glioblastoma diagnosis. Primary endpoints were survival at 2-, 3- and 5-years stratified by recruitment period. We meta-analysed survival estimates using a random effects model stratified according to whether recruitment ended before 2005 (earlier) or started during or after 2005 (later). PROSPERO registration number CRD42019130035. Twenty-three populations from 63 potentially eligible studies contributed to the meta-analyses. Pooled 2-year overall survival estimates for the earlier and later study periods were 9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6-12%; n/N = 1,488/17,507) and 18% (95% CI 14-22%; n/N = 5,670/32,390), respectively. Similarly, pooled 3-year survival estimates increased from 4% (95% CI 2-6%; n/N = 325/10,556) to 11% (95% CI 9-14%; n/N = 1900/16,397). One study with a within-population comparison showed similar improvement in survival among the older population. Pooled 5-year survival estimates were 3% (95% CI 1-5%; n/N = 401/14,919) and 4% (95% CI 2-5%; n/N = 1,291/28,748) for the earlier and later periods, respectively. Meta-analyses of real-world data suggested a doubling of 2- and 3-year survival in glioblastoma patients since 2005. However, 5-year survival remains poor with no apparent improvement. Detailed clinically annotated population-based data and further molecular characterization of longer-term survivors may explain the unchanged survival beyond 5 years.

Racial and socioeconomic disparities differentially affect overall and cause-specific survival in glioblastoma

INTRODUCTION

The prognostic role of racial and socioeconomic factors in patients with glioblastoma is controversially debated. We aimed to evaluate how these factors may affect survival outcomes in an overall and cause-specific manner using large, national cancer registry cohort data in the temozolomide chemoradiation era.

METHODS

The National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was queried for patients diagnosed with glioblastoma between 2005 and 2016. Overall survival was assessed using Cox proportional hazard models using disease intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Cause-specific mortality was assessed using cumulative incidence curves and modeled using multivariate cumulative risk regression.

RESULTS

A total of 28,952 patients met the prespecified inclusion criteria and were included in this analysis. The following factors were associated with all-cause mortality: age, calendar year of diagnosis, sex, treatment receipt, tumor size, tumor location, extent of resection, median household income, and race. Asian/Pacific Islanders and Hispanic Whites had lower mortality compared to Non-Hispanic Whites. Cause-specific mortality was associated with both racial and socioeconomic groups. After adjusting for treatment and tumor-related factors, Asian/Pacific and black patients had lower glioblastoma-specific mortality. However, lower median household income and black race were associated with significantly higher non-glioblastoma mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the aggressive nature of glioblastoma, racial and socioeconomic factors influence glioblastoma-specific and non-glioblastoma associated mortality. Our study shows that patient race has an impact on glioblastoma-associated mortality independently of tumor and treatment related factors. Importantly, socioeconomic and racial differences largely contribute to non-glioblastoma mortality, including death from other cancers, cardio- and cerebrovascular events.

Long-term incidence of glioma in Olmsted County, Minnesota, and disparities in postglioma survival rate: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

We assessed glioma incidence and disparities in postglioma survival rate in the Olmsted County, Minnesota, population.

METHODS

This population-based study assessed the incidence of pathologically confirmed primary gliomas between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2014. Age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates per 100 000 person-years were calculated and standardized to the US white 2010 population. We compared incidence trends of glioma during our study period with previously published Olmsted County data from 1950 to 1990. We assessed postglioma survival rates among individuals with different socioeconomic status (SES), which was measured by a validated individual HOUsing-based SES index (HOUSES).

RESULTS

We identified 135 incident glioma cases (93% white) with 20 pediatric (50% female) and 115 adult cases (44% female). Overall incidence rate during our study period, 5.51 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI: 4.56-6.46), showed no significant changes and was similar to that seen in 1950 to 1990, 5.5 per 100 000 person-years. The incidence of pediatric (age < 20 years) glioma was 2.49 (95% CI: 1.40-3.58), whereas adult glioma incidence was 6.47 (95% CI: 5.26-7.67). Among those with grade II to IV gliomas, individuals with lower SES (< median HOUSES) had significantly lower 5-year survival rates compared to those with higher SES, adjusted hazard ratio 1.61 (95% CI: 1.01-2.85).

CONCLUSION

In a well-defined North American population, long-term glioma incidence appears stable since 1950. Significant socioeconomic disparities exist for postglioma survival.

Are cancer patients better off if they participate in clinical trials? A mixed methods study

Background

Research and cancer care are closely intertwined; however, it is not clear whether physicians and nurses believe that clinical trials offer the best treatment for patients and, if so, whether this belief is justified. The aim of this study was therefore: (i) to explore how physicians and nurses perceive the benefits of clinical trial participation compared with standard care and (ii) whether it is justified to claim that clinical trial participation improves outcomes for cancer patients.

Methods

A mixed methods approach was used employing semi-structured interviews with 57 physicians and nurses in oncology and haematology and a literature review of the evidence for trial superiority, i.e. the idea that receiving treatment in a clinical trial leads to a better outcome compared with standard care. Inductive thematic analysis was used to examine the interview data. A literature review comprising nine articles was conducted according to a conceptual framework developed by Peppercorn et al. and evaluated recent evidence on trial superiority.

Results

Our findings show that many physicians and nurses make claims supporting trial superiority, however very little evidence is available in the literature comparing outcomes for trial participants and non-participants that supports their assertions.

Conclusions

Despite the recent rapid development and use of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, we find no support for trial participation to provide better outcomes for cancer patients than standard care. Hence, our present results are in line with previous results from Peppercorn et al. A weaker version of the superiority claim is that even if a trial does not bring about a direct positive effect, it brings about indirect positive effects. However, as the value of such indirect effects is dependent on the individual’s specific circumstances and preferences, their existence cannot establish the general claim that treatment in trials is superior. Belief in trial superiority is therefore unfounded. Hence, if such beliefs are communicated to patients in a trial recruitment context, it would provide misleading information. Instead emphasis should be on patients volunteering to give an altruistic contribution to the furthering of knowledge and to the potential benefit of future patients.

Identifying Disparities in Care in Treating Glioblastoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Patients Treated at a Safety-net Versus Private Hospital Setting

BACKGROUND

Patients of lower socioeconomic status (SES) may experience barriers to their oncologic care, but current data conflict over whether SES affects the prognosis of patients with glioblastoma (GB).

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine whether SES disparities impaired delivery of neuro-oncologic care and affected the prognosis of GB patients.

METHODS

The records of GB patients treated from 2010 to 2014 at a safety-net hospital (SNH) or private hospital (PH), both served by 1 academic medical institution, were retrospectively reviewed and compared. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

A total of 55 SNH and 39 PH GB patients were analyzed with median 11-month follow-up. SNH patients were predominantly Hispanic, low income, enrolled in Medicaid, were less likely to receive radiation (89% vs. 100%), took longer to start radiation (41 vs. 29 days), and were less likely to complete radiation treatment (80% vs. 95%). Concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide use were also lower (85% vs. 94% and 60% vs. 71%, respectively). OS and PFS were not significantly different (15 vs. 16 months and 8 vs. 11 months, respectively). On multivariate analysis, adjuvant chemotherapy and RT completion predicted for better OS, whereas hospital type, income, and insurance did not.

CONCLUSION

Although GB patients at our SNH received less adjuvant treatment compared with PH, outcomes were similar. Access to multidisciplinary care staffed by academic physicians may play an important role in overcoming socioeconomic barriers to treatment availability and quality at SNHs.

Disparities in health care determine prognosis in newly diagnosed glioblastoma

OBJECTIVE Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain malignancy with a short overall patient survival, yet there remains significant heterogeneity in outcomes. Although access to health care has previously been linked to impact on prognosis in several malignancies, this question remains incompletely answered in GBM. METHODS This study was a retrospective analysis of 354 newly diagnosed patients with GBM who underwent first resection at the authors' institution (2007-2015). RESULTS Of the 354 patients (median age 61 years, and 37.6% were females), 32 (9.0%) had no insurance, whereas 322 (91.0%) had insurance, of whom 131 (40.7%) had Medicare, 45 (14%) had Medicaid, and 146 (45.3%) had private insurance. On average, insured patients survived almost 2-fold longer (p < 0.0001) than those who were uninsured, whereas differences between specific insurance types did not influence survival. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for death was higher in uninsured patients (HR 2.27 [95% CI 1.49-3.33], p = 0.0003). Age, mean household income, tumor size at diagnosis, and extent of resection did not differ between insured and uninsured patients, but there was a disparity in primary care physician (PCP) status-none of the uninsured patients had PCPs, whereas 72% of insured patients had PCPs. Postoperative adjuvant treatment rates with temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation therapy (XRT) were significantly less in uninsured (TMZ in 56.3%, XRT in 56.3%) than in insured (TMZ in 75.2%, XRT in 79.2%; p = 0.02 and p = 0.003) patients. Insured patients receiving both agents had better prognosis than uninsured patients receiving the same treatment (9.1 vs 16.34 months; p = 0.025), suggesting that the survival effect in insured patients could only partly be explained by higher treatment rates. Moreover, having a PCP increased survival among the insured cohort (10.7 vs 16.1 months, HR 1.65 [95% CI 1.27-2.15]; p = 0.0001), which could be explained by significant differences in tumor diameter at initial diagnosis between patients with and without PCPs (4.3 vs 4.8 cm, p = 0.003), and a higher rate of clinical trial enrollment, suggesting a critical role of PCPs for a timelier diagnosis of GBM and proactive cancer care management. CONCLUSIONS Access to health care is a strong determinant of prognosis in newly diagnosed patients with GBM. Any type of insurance coverage and having a PCP improved prognosis in this patient cohort. Higher rates of treatment with TMZ plus XRT, clinical trial enrollment, fewer comorbidities, and early diagnosis may explain survival disparities. Lack of health insurance or a PCP are major challenges within the health care system, which, if improved upon, could favorably impact the prognosis of patients with GBM.

Provider-reported challenges and barriers to referring patients to neuro-oncology clinical trials: a report from the Society for Neuro-Oncology member survey

Background

Whereas much information exists in general oncology regarding the barriers to clinical trial referral, those specific to neuro-oncology are not yet well known. Trial barriers lead to lower patient accrual, which can lead to less-efficient clinical trials and slower improvement of the standard of care, which may negatively effect patient outcomes. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the clinical trial referral barriers that are specific to neuro-oncology to improve trial accrual rates.

Methods

An electronic survey was completed by 426 Society for Neuro-Oncology members, of whom 372 are included in this report. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, means, and proportions, were used to characterize our survey sample.

Results

Only 22% of participants reported that their center tracks referrals to clinical trials inside as well as outside their own institution, with an estimate of less than 30% of patients referred. The most commonly reported provider-referral barrier was finding ongoing trials in the patient's geographic area. Providers also perceived that while considering participation in a trial their patients may not qualify for any trials, and if they do, may be unable to travel to the study site for follow-up. Additionally, practice location and provider and institution type all influenced referral patterns.

Conclusion

Efforts should be made to broaden trial availability and eligibility criteria, improve trial referral tracking, and ensure patients and their caregivers understand the goals and importance of clinical trials to reduce barriers and improve trial participation.

Between-hospital variation in mortality and survival after glioblastoma surgery in the Dutch Quality Registry for Neuro Surgery

PURPOSE

Standards for surgical decisions are unavailable, hence treatment decisions can be personalized, but also introduce variation in treatment and outcome. National registrations seek to monitor healthcare quality. The goal of the study is to measure between-hospital variation in risk-standardized survival outcome after glioblastoma surgery and to explore the association between survival and hospital characteristics in conjunction with patient-related risk factors.

METHODS

Data of 2,409 adults with first-time glioblastoma surgery at 14 hospitals were obtained from a comprehensive, prospective population-based Quality Registry Neuro Surgery in The Netherlands between 2011 and 2014. We compared the observed survival with patient-specific risk-standardized expected early (30-day) mortality and late (2-year) survival, based on age, performance, and treatment year. We analyzed funnel plots, logistic regression and proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Overall 30-day mortality was 5.2% and overall 2-year survival was 13.5%. Median survival varied between 4.8 and 14.9 months among hospitals, and biopsy percentages ranged between 16 and 73%. One hospital had lower than expected early mortality, and four hospitals had lower than expected late survival. Higher case volume was related with lower early mortality (P = 0.031). Patient-related risk factors (lower age; better performance; more recent years of treatment) were significantly associated with longer overall survival. Of the hospital characteristics, longer overall survival was associated with lower biopsy percentage (HR 2.09, 1.34-3.26, P = 0.001), and not with academic setting, nor with case volume.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitals vary more in late survival than early mortality after glioblastoma surgery. Widely varying biopsy percentages indicate treatment variation. Patient-related factors have a stronger association with overall survival than hospital-related factors.

G-quadruplex ligand RHPS4 radiosensitizes glioblastoma xenograft in vivo through a differential targeting of bulky differentiated- and stem-cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and most lethal primary brain tumor in the adulthood. Current standard therapies are not curative and novel therapeutic options are urgently required. Present knowledge suggests that the continued glioblastoma growth and recurrence is determined by glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs), which display self-renewal, tumorigenic potential, and increased radio- and chemo-resistance. The G-quadruplex ligand RHPS4 displays in vitro radiosensitizing effect in GBM radioresistant cells through the targeting and dysfunctionalization of telomeres but RHPS4 and Ionizing Radiation (IR) combined treatment efficacy in vivo has not been explored so far.

METHODS

RHPS4 and IR combined effects were tested in vivo in a heterotopic mice xenograft model and in vitro in stem-like cells derived from U251MG and from four GBM patients. Cell growth assays, cytogenetic analysis, immunoblotting, gene expression and cytofluorimetric analysis were performed in order to characterize the response of differentiated and stem-like cells to RHPS4 and IR in single and combined treatments.

RESULTS

RHPS4 administration and IR exposure is very effective in blocking tumor growth in vivo up to 65 days. The tumor volume reduction and the long-term tumor control suggested the targeting of the stem cell compartment. Interestingly, RHPS4 treatment was able to strongly reduce cell proliferation in GSCs but, unexpectedly, did not synergize with IR. Lack of radiosensitization was supported by the GSCs telomeric-resistance observed as the total absence of telomere-involving chromosomal aberrations. Remarkably, RHPS4 treatment determined a strong reduction of CHK1 and RAD51 proteins and transcript levels suggesting that the inhibition of GSCs growth is determined by the impairment of the replication stress (RS) response and DNA repair.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that the potent antiproliferative effect of RHPS4 in GSCs is not determined by telomeric dysfunction but is achieved by the induction of RS and by the concomitant depletion of CHK1 and RAD51, leading to DNA damage and cell death. These data open to novel therapeutic options for the targeting of GSCs, indicating that the combined inhibition of cell-cycle checkpoints and DNA repair proteins provides the most effective means to overcome resistance of GSC to genotoxic insults.

Improving the estimation of prognosis for glioblastoma patients by MR based hemodynamic tissue signatures

Advanced MRI and molecular markers have been raised as crucial to improve prognostic models for patients having glioblastoma (GBM) lesions. In particular, different MR perfusion based markers describing vascular intrapatient heterogeneity have been correlated with tumor aggressiveness, and represent key information to understand tumor resistance against effective therapies of these neoplasms. Recently, hemodynamic tissue signature (HTS) markers based on MR perfusion images have been demonstrated to be useful for describing the heterogeneity of GBM at the voxel level, as well as demonstrating significant correlations with the patient's overall survival. In this work, we analyze the abilities of these markers to improve the conventional prognostic models based on clinical, morphological, and demographic features. Our results, in both the regression and classification tests, show that inclusion of the HTS markers improves the reliability of prognostic models. The HTS method is fully automatic and it is available for research use at http://www.oncohabitats.upv.es.

The effects of clinical and sociodemographic factors on survival, resource use and lead times in patients with high-grade gliomas: a population-based register study

Background

Previous studies indicate an effect of sociodemographic factors on risk for being diagnosed with, as well as on survival of cancer in general. Our primary aim was to analyse sociodemographic factors, resource use and lead times in health care after diagnosis with high grade malignant glioma (HGG) in a large population based cohort.

Methods

A register-based study using several unique high-coverage registries. All patients over the age of 18 diagnosed with HGG in the Swedish Stockholm–Gotland region between 2001 and 2013 (n = 1149) were included.

Results

In multivariable cox proportional hazard model of survival, older age, male sex and high tumour grade were associated with worse survival. No significant differences could be seen related to country of birth. A high disposable income was associated with better survival and fewer occasions of pre-diagnostic inpatient care. Older age and comorbidities were correlated with a significantly increased number of outpatient visits the year before HGG diagnosis. In addition, male sex, being born outside Sweden was associated to a higher number of outpatient visits the year after diagnosis in multivariable analysis. Leadtime from diagnosis (first suspicion on brain scan) to surgery showed that the oldest patients, patients with comorbidity and patients born outside Europe had to wait longer for surgery.

Conclusions

Sociodemographic factors like education, income and country of birth have impact on care processes both before and after the diagnosis HGG. This needs to be acknowledged in addition to important clinical factors like age, comorbidity and tumour grade, in order to accomplish more equal cancer care.

A combined diffusion tensor imaging and Ki-67 labeling index study for evaluating the extent of tumor infiltration using the F98 rat glioma model

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been proven to be a sophisticated and useful tool for the delineation of tumors. In the present study, we investigated the predictive role of DTI compared to other magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in combination with Ki-67 labeling index in defining tumor cell infiltration in the peritumoral regions of F98 glioma-bearing rats. A total of 29 tumor-bearing Fischer rats underwent T2-weighted imaging, contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging, and DTI of their brain using a 7.0-T MRI scanner. The fractional anisotropy (FA) ratios were correlated to the Ki-67 labeling index using the Spearman correlation analysis. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was established to evaluate parameters with sensitivity and specificity in order to identify the threshold values for predicting tumor infiltration. Significant correlations were observed between the FA ratios and Ki-67 labeling index (r = - 0.865, p < 0.001). The ROC analysis demonstrated that the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and FA ratios could predict 50% of the proliferating cells in the regions of interest (ROI), with a sensitivity of 88.1 and 81.3%, and a specificity of 86.2 and 90.2%, respectively (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the two ratios could also predict 10% of the proliferating cells in the ROI, with a sensitivity of 82.5 and 94.9%, and a specificity of 100 and 88.9%, respectively (p < 0.001). The present study demonstrated that the FA ratios are closely correlated with the Ki-67 labeling index. Furthermore, both ADC and FA ratios, derived from DTI, were useful for quantitatively predicting the Ki-67 labeling of glioma cells.

Reoperation for Recurrent Glioblastoma and Its Association With Survival Benefit

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. Despite current treatment, recurrence is inevitable. There are no clear guidelines for treatment of recurrent glioblastoma.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate factors at initial surgery predictive of reoperation, and the prognostic variables associated with survival, including reoperation for recurrence.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed, including adult patients diagnosed with glioblastoma between January 2010 and December 2013. Student t test and Fisher exact test compared continuous and categorical variables between reoperation and nonreoperation groups. Univariable and Cox regression multivariable analysis was performed.

RESULTS

In a cohort of 204 patients with de novo glioblastoma, 49 (24%) received reoperation at recurrence. The median overall survival in the reoperation group was 20.1 months compared with 9.0 months in the nonreoperation group (P = .001). Reoperation was associated with longer overall survival in our total population (hazard ratio, 0.646; 95% confidence interval, 0.543-0.922; P = .016) but subject to selection bias. Subgroup analyses excluding patients unlikely to be considered for reoperation suggested a much less significant effect of reoperation on survival, which warrants further study with larger cohorts. Factors at initial surgery predictive for reoperation were younger age, smaller tumor size, initial extent of resection ≥50%, shorter inpatient stay, and maximal initial adjuvant therapy. When unfavorable patient characteristics are excluded, reoperation is not an independent predictor of survival.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing reoperation have favorable prognostic characteristics, which may be responsible for the survival difference observed. We recommend that a large clinical registry be developed to better aid consistent and homogenous data collection.

ABBREVIATIONS

ECOG, Eastern Cooperative Oncology GroupEOR, extent of resectionIDH-1, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1IP, inpatientMGMT, O-methylguanine methyltransferaseOS, overall survivalPFS, progression-free survivalRMH, Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Effect of Bevacizumab Plus Temozolomide-Radiotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma with Different MGMT Methylation Status: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND MGMT methylation status can influence the therapeutic effect and prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM). There are conflicting results from studies evaluating the efficacy of bevacizumab (BV) when it is combined with temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy (RT) in patients diagnosed with GBM with different MGMT methylation status. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data were extracted from publications in PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library, with the last search performed March 23, 2016. Data on overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and MGMT methylation status were obtained. RESULTS Data from 3 clinical trials for a total of 1443 subjects were used for this meta-analysis. MGMT methylated and unmethylated patients showed improved PFS in the BV group (pooled HRs, 0.769, 95% CIs 0.604-0.978, P=0.032; 0.675, 95%CIs 0.466-0.979, P=0.038). For patients with either type of GBM, BV did not improve the OS based on the pooled HRs 1.132 (95% CIs 0.876-1.462; P=0.345) for methylated and 1.018 (95% CIs 0.879-1.179; P=0.345) for unmethylated. CONCLUSIONS Bevacizumab combined with temozolomide-radiotherapy correlated with improved PFS for treatment of patients with different MGMT methylation status of newly diagnosed GBM. There was insufficient evidence to determine the synergistic effects of combining BV with TMZ and RT on improving survival in patients with different MGMT methylation status.

Prognostic factors for glioblastoma patients--a clinical population-based study

OBJECTIVES

To address in a retrospective and population-based study prognostic factors for survival time after diagnosis and surgery for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

During the study period, 430 patients were identified at the multidisciplinary team conferences as newly diagnosed GBM, 201 of these were considered not to benefit from surgery, and thus, a total of 229 consecutive adult patients with GBM were operated between January 2004 and December 2008 at Sahlgrenska University Hospital and were retrospectively analyzed. Potential predictors of survival were statistically analyzed using Poisson regression models.

RESULTS

Median survival was 0.73 years. Multivariable analysis showed the following factors to positively influence survival: younger age at surgery, secondary tumor genesis, unifocal tumor location (vs multifocal), resection (vs biopsy only), radiotherapy, and combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

This population-based study supports the importance of surgery instead of biopsy only, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, a finding which has also been stated in earlier non-population-based reports. However, it is obvious that the solution is not just surgical radicality followed by optimal oncological treatment. It is of great importance to seek further subclassifications, biomarkers, and new treatment modalities to make a significant change in survival for individuals.

Socioeconomic status does not affect prognosis in patients with glioblastoma multiforme

Background:

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive malignancy, but there is marked heterogeneity in survival time. Health care disparities have demonstrated significance in oncologic outcomes but have not been clearly examined in this patient population. We investigated the role of sociodemographic variables in the prognosis of adult patients diagnosed with GBM.

Methods:

This retrospective analysis included patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of GBM, who underwent resection or biopsy at a single institution from 2000 to 2014. Socioeconomic status (SES) was determined by household income according to the US Census zip code tabulation areas and the US national poverty level. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis calculated effects on patient survival.

Results:

Thirty percent of 218 subjects were of low SES, 57% mid, and 13% high. Low SES patients tended to be male (62%), Caucasian (92%), unmarried (91%), have dependents (100%), and limited to high school education (55%). SES did not predict insurance or employment status. SES was associated with marital status and number of cohabitants (P < 0.0001) but not clinical trial enrollment. Multivariate analysis demonstrated no relationship between SES and survival. Shorter prognosis was associated with history of military service (hazard ratio [HR] 2.06, P = 0.0125), elderly patients (HR 1.70, P = 0.0158), and multifocal disease (HR 1.75, P = 0.0119). Longer prognosis was associated with gross total resection (HR 0.49, P = 0.0009), radiation therapy (HR 0.12, P < 0.0001), and temozolomide (HR 0.28, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

SES alone does not predict prognosis in patients with newly diagnosed GBM. Sociodemographic variables such as old age, military service record, and insurance type may have a prognostication role.

Coexpression analysis of CD133 and CD44 identifies proneural and mesenchymal subtypes of glioblastoma multiforme

Accumulating evidence suggests that the stem cell markers CD133 and CD44 indicate molecular subtype in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). Gene coexpression analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas GBM dataset was undertaken to compare markers of the Glioblastoma Stem-Progenitor Cell (GSPC) phenotype. Pearson correlation identified genes coexpressed with stem cell markers, which were then used to build a gene signature that classifies patients based on a CD133 coexpression module signature (CD133-M) or CD44-M subtype. CD133-M tumors were enriched for the Proneural (PN) GBM subtype compared to Mesenchymal (MES) subtype for CD44-M tumors. Gene set enrichment identified DNA replication/cell cycle genes in the CD133-M and invasion/migration in CD44-M, while functional experiments showed enhanced cellular growth in CD133 expressing cells and enhanced invasion in cells expressing CD44. As with the 4 major molecular subtypes of GBM, there was no long-term survival difference between CD44-M and CD133-M patients, although CD44-M patients responded better to temozolomide while CD133-M patients benefited from radiotherapy. The use of a targeted coexpression approach to predict functional properties of surface marker expressing cells is novel, and in the context of GBM, supports accumulating evidence that CD133 and CD44 protein marker expression correlates with molecular subtype.

Has the survival of patients with glioblastoma changed over the years?

Background:

Over the last decade, the approach to the management of brain tumours and the understanding of glioblastoma tumour biology has advanced and a number of therapeutic interventions have evolved, some of which have shown statistically significant effects on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival in glioblastoma. The aim of this study is to compare survival in glioblastoma patients over a 10-year period (1999–2000 and 2009–2010).

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was performed. Identification of all histologically confirmed glioblastoma in a single centre in years 1999, 2000, 2009 and 2010, and production of survival analysis comparing 1999–2000 and 2009–2010 were achieved.

Results:

A total of 317 patients were included in the analysis (133 in year 1999–2000, and 184 in year 2009–2010). Cox regression analysis showed that the survival was significantly longer in patients in years 2009–2010 than those in 1999–2000 at P<0.001 with HR=0.56, confidence interval (CI) (0.45–0.71). The 1- and 3-year survival rates were 20.7% and 4.4%, respectively, for patients in 1999–2000, improving to 40.0% and 10.3%, respectively, for patients in 2009–2010. The comparisons between the two groups in survival at 1, 2 and 3 years are all statistically significant at P<0.001, respectively. The median OS was 0.36 and 0.74 in 1999–2000 and 2009–2010 groups, respectively.

Conclusions:

Over this period, OS from glioblastoma has increased significantly in our unit. We believe this is due to the institution of evidence-based surgical and oncological strategies practised in a multidisciplinary setting.

Radiological features combined with IDH1 status for predicting the survival outcome of glioblastoma patients

BACKGROUND

Radiological characteristics may reflect the biological features of brain tumors and may be associated with genetic alterations that occur in tumorigenesis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between radiological features and IDH1 status as well as their predictive value for survival of glioblastoma patients.

METHODS

The clinical information and MR images of 280 patients with histologically confirmed glioblastoma were retrospectively reviewed. The radiological characteristics of tumors were examined on MR images, and the IDH1 status was determined using DNA sequencing for all cases. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model were used to identify prognostic factors for progression-free and overall survival.

RESULTS

The IDH1 mutation was associated with longer progression-free survival (P = .022; hazard ratio, 0.602) and overall survival (P = .018; hazard ratio, 0.554). In patients with the IDH1 mutation, tumor contrast enhancement and peritumoral edema indicated worse progression-free survival (P = .015 and P = .024, respectively) and worse overall survival (P = .024 and P = .032, respectively). For tumors with contrast enhancement, multifocal contrast enhancement of the tumor lesion was associated with poor progression-free survival (P = .002) and poor overall survival (P = .010) in patients with wild-type IDH1 tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining the radiological features and IDH1 status of a tumor allows more accurate prediction of survival outcomes in glioblastoma patients. The complementary roles of genetic changes and radiological features of tumors should be considered in future studies.

Is there a "Trial Effect" on Outcome of Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Sunitinib?

Purpose

Studies suggested the existence of a ‘trial effect', in which for a given treatment, participation in a clinical trial is associated with a better outcome. Sunitinib is a standard treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). We aimed to study the effect of clinical trial participation on the outcome of mRCC patients treated with sunitinib, which at present, is poorly defined.

Materials and Methods

The records of mRCC patients treated with sunitinib between 2004-2013 in 7 centers across 2 countries were reviewed. We compared the response rate (RR), progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), between clinical trial participants (n=49) and a matched cohort of non-participants (n=49) who received standard therapy. Each clinical trial participant was individually matched with a non-participant by clinicopathologic factors. PFS and OS were determined by Cox regression.

Results

The groups were matched by age (median 64), gender (male 67%), Heng risk (favorable 25%, intermediate 59%, poor 16%), prior nephrectomy (92%), RCC histology (clear cell 86%), pre-treatment NLR (>3 in 55%, n=27), sunitinib induced hypertension (45%), and sunitinib dose reduction/treatment interruption (41%). In clinical trial participants versus non-participants, RR was partial response/stable disease 80% (n=39) versus 74% (n=36), and progressive disease 20% (n=10) versus 26% (n=13) (p=0.63, OR 1.2). The median PFS was 10 versus 11 months (HR=0.96, p=0.84), and the median OS 23 versus 24 months (HR=0.97, p=0.89).

Conclusions

In mRCC patients treated with sunitinib, the outcome of clinical trial participants was similar to that of non-participants who received standard therapy.

MRI grading versus histology: predicting survival of World Health Organization grade II-IV astrocytomas

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Histologic grading of intracranial astrocytomas is affected by sampling error and substantial inter- and intraobserver variability. We proposed that incorporating MR imaging into grading will predict patient survival more accurately than histopathology alone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with a new diagnosis of World Health Organization grades II-IV astrocytoma or mixed oligoastrocytoma diagnosed between September 2007 and December 2010 were identified. Two hundred forty-five patients met the inclusion criteria. Preoperative MRIs were independently reviewed by 2 readers blinded to the histologic grade, and an MR imaging grade was given. The MR imaging and histopathologic grades were compared with patient survival.

RESULTS

Patients with grade II or III astrocytomas on histology but evidence of necrosis on MR imaging (consistent with a grade IV tumor) had significantly worse survival than patients with the same histology but no evidence of necrosis on MR imaging (P = .002 for grade II histology and P = .029 for grade III). Their survival was not significantly different from that in patients with grade IV tumors on histology (P = .164 and P = .385, respectively); this outcome suggests that all or most are likely to have truly been grade IV tumors. MR imaging evidence of necrosis was less frequent in grade II and III oligoastrocytomas, preventing adequate subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

MR imaging can improve grading of intracranial astrocytomas by identifying patients suspected of being undergraded by histology, with high interobserver agreement. This finding has the potential to optimize patient management, for example, by encouraging more aggressive treatment earlier in the patient's course.

Uptake of clinical trials in a palliative care setting: a retrospective cohort study

AIM

There has been growth in the number of clinical trials conducted in the palliative care setting. However, issues exist regarding patient acceptance and vulnerability as well as the appropriateness of conducting trials in the dying patient. This study aimed to investigate the uptake of palliative care clinical trials at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, evaluate patient demographics for those enrolled onto study and assess the proportion of patients who died within 28 days of enrolling on a palliative care clinical trial.

METHOD

A retrospective cohort study of all patients prescreened and enrolled onto palliative care clinical trials by the Palliative Care Clinical Trials Team (PCCTT) at the Royal Melbourne Hospital over a 27-month period was undertaken.

RESULTS

Of 515 patients referred to the PCCTT for consideration of trial enrollment, 64 (12.4%) were subsequently enrolled onto one of six clinical trials open during the study period. About 62.5% were non-cancer patients; 81.3% of all patients completed the trial intervention and 65.6% completed trial follow-up; 28.1% of patients enrolled died within 28 days of trial commencement.

CONCLUSION

More than 500 patients were referred for assessment of clinical trial participation perhaps reflecting clinician acceptance of palliative care clinical trials. A number of enrolled patients were involved in trials during their terminal phase, indicating a willingness of participants to be involved, despite poor prognosis.

Downregulation of osteopontin enhances the sensitivity of glioma U251 cells to temozolomide and cisplatin by targeting the NF-κB/Bcl‑2 pathway

Glioma is resistant to the apoptotic effects of chemotherapy and the mechanism underlying its chemoresistance is not currently understood. In a previous study, we reported that osteopontin (OPN) was overexpressed in glioma tissues and had an important anti‑apoptotic effect. Furthermore, overexpression of OPN was observed following chemotherapy. To elucidate whether OPN plays a role in chemotherapy resistance and to investigate its downstream signaling pathway, this study used small interfering RNA (siRNA) to silence the expression of OPN in U251 human neuronal glioma astrocytoma cells. OPN downregulation in U251 cells enhanced the apoptotic effects induced by temozolomide (TMZ) and cisplatin (DDP). Furthermore, OPN siRNA suppressed the nuclear factor κ‑light‑chain‑enhancer of activated B cells (NF‑κB) activation and B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2) expression that was induced by chemotherapy. Taken together, these results demonstrated that the expression levels of OPN are involved in glioma chemoresistance. Knockdown of OPN through siRNA enhanced the effects of TMZ and DDP chemotherapy by targeting the NF‑κB/Bcl‑2 pathway.

Do patients who take part in stroke research differ from non-participants? Implications for generalizability of results

BACKGROUND

Stroke is one of the most disabling neurological conditions. Clinical research is vital for expanding knowledge of treatment effectiveness among stroke patients. However, evidence begins to accumulate that stroke patients who take part in research represent only a small proportion of all stroke patients. Research participants may also differ from the broader patient population in ways that could potentially distort treatment effects reported in therapeutic trials. The aims of this study were to estimate the proportion of stroke patients who take part in clinical research studies and to compare demographic and clinical profiles of research participants and non-participants.

METHODS

5,235 consecutive patients admitted to the Stroke Care Unit of the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, for stroke or transient ischaemic attack between January 2004 and December 2011 were studied. The study used cross-sectional design. Information was collected on patients' demographic and socio-economic characteristics, risk factors, and comorbidities. Associations between research participation and patient characteristics were initially assessed using χ(2) or Mann-Whitney tests, followed by a multivariable logistic regression analysis. The logistic regression analysis was carried out using generalised estimating equations approach, to account for patient readmissions during the study period.

RESULTS

558 Stroke Care Unit patients (10.7%) took part in at least one of the 33 clinical research studies during the study period. Transfer from another hospital (OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.22-0.55), worse premorbid function (OR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.54-0.70), being single (OR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.44-0.84) or widowed (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.60-0.99), non-English language (OR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.53-0.85), high socio-economic status (OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.59-0.93), residence outside Melbourne (OR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.60-0.95), weekend admission (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.64-0.94), and a history of atrial fibrillation (OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.63-0.99) were associated with lower odds of research participation. A history of hypertension (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.08-2.07) and current smoking (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.01-1.50) on the other hand were associated with higher odds of research participation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that stroke patients who take part in clinical research do not represent 'typical' patient admitted to a stroke unit. The imbalance of prognostic factors between stroke participants and non-participants has serious implications for interpretation of research findings reported in stroke literature. This study provides insights into clinical, demographic, and socio-economic characteristics of stroke patients that could potentially be targeted to enhance generalizability of stroke research studies. Given the imbalance of prognostic factors between research participants and non-participants, future studies need to examine differences in stroke outcomes of these groups of patients.