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Lippa L, Cadieux M, Barthélemy EJ, Baticulon RE, Ghotme KA, Shlobin NA, Piquer J, Härtl R, Lafuente J, Uche E, Young PH, Copeland WR, Henderson F, Sims-Williams HP, Garcia RM, Rosseau G, Qureshi MM. Clinical Capacity Building Through Partnerships: Boots on the Ground in Global Neurosurgery. Neurosurgery 2024:00006123-990000000-01321. [PMID: 39185894 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000003129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Global neurosurgery seeks to provide quality neurosurgical health care worldwide and faces challenges because of historical, socioeconomic, and political factors. To address the shortfall of essential neurosurgical procedures worldwide, dyads between established neurosurgical and developing centers have been established. Concerns have been raised about their effectiveness and ability to sustain capacity development. Successful partnerships involve multiple stakeholders, extended timelines, and twinning programs. This article outlines current initiatives and challenges within the neurosurgical community. This narrative review aims to provide a practical tool for colleagues embarking on clinical partnerships, the Engagements and assets, Capacity, Operative autonomy, Sustainability, and scalability (ECOSystem) of care. To create the ECOSystem of care in global neurosurgery, the authors had multiple online discussions regarding important points in the practical tool. All developed tiers were expanded based on logistics, clinical, and educational aspects. An online search was performed from August to November 2023 to highlight global neurosurgery partnerships and link them to tiers of the ECOSystem. The ECOSystem of care involves 5 tiers: Tiers 0 (foundation), 1 (essential), 2 (complexity), 3 (autonomy), and 4 (final). A nonexhaustive list of 16 neurosurgical partnerships was created and serves as a reference for using the ECOSystem. Personal experiences from the authors through their partnerships were also captured. We propose a tiered approach for capacity building that provides structured guidance for establishing neurosurgical partnerships with the ECOSystem of care. Clinical partnerships in global neurosurgery aim to build autonomy, enabling independent provision of quality healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lippa
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurosciences, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
- Sezione di Traumatologia Cranica, Società Italiana di Neurochirurgia (SINCh), Padua, Italy
| | - Magalie Cadieux
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, Muhimbili Orthopaedic Hospital, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
- Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ernest J Barthélemy
- Global Neurosurgery Laboratory, Division of Neurosurgery, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Ronnie E Baticulon
- Division of Neurosurgery, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kemel A Ghotme
- Translational Neuroscience Research Lab, School of Medicine, Universidad de La Sabana, Chia, Colombia
- Neurosurgery Department, Fundacion Santa Fe De Bogota, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Nathan A Shlobin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - José Piquer
- Chair VIU-NED Foundation, Hospital de la Ribera, Alzira, Valencia, Spain
| | - Roger Härtl
- Division of Neurosurgery, Muhimbili Orthopaedic Hospital, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
- Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Enoch Uche
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria
- Division of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ituku/Ozalla Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Paul H Young
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Fraser Henderson
- Division of Neurosurgery, Tenwek Hospital, Bomet, Kenya
- Department of Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | | | - Roxanna M Garcia
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Gail Rosseau
- Department of Neurosurgery, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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Balogun JA, Udayakumaran S, Collange NZ. Surgical treatment of pediatric low-grade glioma in developing countries. Childs Nerv Syst 2024:10.1007/s00381-024-06448-y. [PMID: 38709257 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-024-06448-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Pediatric low-grade gliomas constitute the most common brain tumors worldwide, though with some peculiarities in the presentation and surgical care in different parts of the world. The symptomatology in developing countries is likely to be over longer periods with a tendency to delayed diagnosis due to cultural, religious beliefs, manpower, and infrastructural deficits. Thus, the children present with large tumors with attendant morbidities and an increased risk of mortalities from surgery. Surgery is mainly by "general" neurosurgeons due to the paucity of trained pediatric neurosurgeons. The pre-operative imaging may be limited to anatomic MR imaging, and in some cases, CT scans, without expansive neuropsychological evaluation. The armamentarium available to the neurosurgeon may warrant large openings to access the tumor, and there may be limited possibility for intra-operative mapping of "eloquent" brain functions when this is deemed necessary. Complicating pre-operative acute hydrocephalus can result in two operations that further worsen the catastrophic spending associated with brain tumor surgeries in these climes. While these challenges appear daunting but certainly have not been enough to deter the "can do" spirit of neurosurgeons in developing countries, it is essential to strengthen the training of pediatric neurosurgeons in LMICs and provide a platform for the advocacy of better infrastructure for the surgical management of these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Balogun
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, No 1 Queen Elizabeth Road, Mokola, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Suhas Udayakumaran
- Division of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kochi, India
| | - Nelci Z Collange
- Centro de Neurocirurgia Pediátrica (CENEPE), Pediatric Neurosurgical Center, São Paulo, Brazil
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Yevudza WE, Buckman V, Darko K, Banson M, Totimeh T. Neuro-oncology access in Sub-Saharan Africa: A literature review of challenges and opportunities. Neurooncol Adv 2024; 6:vdae057. [PMID: 38994233 PMCID: PMC11237987 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdae057] [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] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Ensuring equitable access to treatments and therapies in the constantly evolving field of neuro-oncology is an imperative global health issue. With its unique demographic, cultural, socioeconomic, and infrastructure characteristics, Sub-Saharan Africa faces distinct challenges. This literature review highlights specific barriers to neuro-oncology care in the region and explores potential opportunities for enhancing access. Methods Predetermined keyword searches were employed to screen titles and abstracts using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework. Inclusion criteria were studies published between January 1, 2003, and June 20, 2023, specifically addressing the capacity and challenges of neuro-oncology in the Sub-Saharan African region. The data sources queried were PubMed and Google Scholar. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were deliberately excluded. All authors conducted independent screening and structured data extraction meticulously. Results Our paper identified multiple challenges that impede access to quality treatment for brain tumors. These include constrained resources, insufficient training of healthcare professionals, certain cultural beliefs, and a general lack of awareness about brain tumors, all contributing to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the lack of detailed data on the incidence and prevalence of primary central nervous system tumors impairs the accurate assessment of disease burden and precise identification of areas requiring improvement. However, we discovered that ongoing research, advocacy, enhanced training, mentorship, and collaborative efforts present valuable opportunities for substantial progress in neuro-oncology access. Conclusions While we provide a glimpse of the current state, we hope these results will help stimulate dialogue and catalyze initiatives to surmount highlighted obstacles and improve neuro-oncology outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Elorm Yevudza
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vincent Buckman
- University of Chicago Medical School Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kwadwo Darko
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mabel Banson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Teddy Totimeh
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Ghana Medical Center, Accra, Ghana
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Farooq M, Scalia G, Umana GE, Parekh UA, Naeem F, Abid SF, Khan MH, Zahra SG, Sarkar HP, Chaurasia B. A Systematic Review of Nanomedicine in Glioblastoma Treatment: Clinical Efficacy, Safety, and Future Directions. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1727. [PMID: 38137175 PMCID: PMC10742051 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121727] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is categorized as a grade IV astrocytoma by the World Health Organization (WHO), representing the most aggressive and prevalent form of glioma. It presents a significant clinical challenge, with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of various nanotherapy approaches for GBM and explores future directions in tumor management. Nanomedicine, which involves nanoparticles in the 1-100 nm range, shows promise in improving drug delivery and targeting tumor cells. (2) Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of databases including Google Scholar, NCBI PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted to identify clinical trials on GBM and nanomedicine. The primary outcome measures were median overall survival, progression-free survival, and quality of life assessed through Karnofsky performance scores. The safety profile was assessed by adverse events. (3) Results: The analysis included 225 GBM patients, divided into primary and recurrent sub-populations. Primary GBM patients had a median overall survival of 6.75 months, while recurrent GBM patients had a median overall survival of 9.7 months. The mean PFS period was 2.3 months and 3.92 months in primary GBM and recurrent GBM patients, respectively. Nanotherapy showed an improvement in quality of life, with KPS scores increasing after treatment in recurrent GBM patients. Adverse events were observed in 14.2% of patients. Notably, Bevacizumab therapy exhibited better survival outcomes but with a higher incidence of adverse events. (4) Conclusions: Nanotherapy offers a modest increase in survival with fewer severe side effects. It shows promise in improving the quality of life, especially in recurrent GBM patients. However, it falls short in terms of overall survival compared to Bevacizumab. The heterogeneous nature of treatment protocols and reporting methods highlights the need for standardized multicenter trials to further evaluate the potential of nanomedicine in GBM management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minaam Farooq
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10021, USA;
| | - Gianluca Scalia
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Garibaldi Hospital, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe E. Umana
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gamma Knife and Trauma Center, Cannizzaro Hospital, 95126 Catania, Italy;
| | - Urja A. Parekh
- German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Faiza Naeem
- Department of Neurosurgery, King Edward Medical University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (F.N.); (S.F.A.); (M.H.K.); (S.G.Z.)
| | - Sayeda Fatima Abid
- Department of Neurosurgery, King Edward Medical University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (F.N.); (S.F.A.); (M.H.K.); (S.G.Z.)
| | - Muhammad Hammad Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, King Edward Medical University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (F.N.); (S.F.A.); (M.H.K.); (S.G.Z.)
| | - Shah Gul Zahra
- Department of Neurosurgery, King Edward Medical University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (F.N.); (S.F.A.); (M.H.K.); (S.G.Z.)
| | - Hrishikesh P. Sarkar
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai 400053, India;
| | - Bipin Chaurasia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Clinic, Birgunj 44300, Nepal;
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