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Lakshmipathy D, Winter E, Fritz C, Harris J, Gentile M, Moreira A, Rajasekaran K. Managing vestibular schwannomas with radiosurgery and radiotherapy: AGREE II appraisal of clinical practice guidelines. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2024; 68:462-471. [PMID: 38477433 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13640] [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] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are rare, benign intracranial tumours that have prompted clinical practice guideline (CPG) creation given their complex management. Our aim was to utilize the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument to assess if such CPGs on the management of VSs with radiosurgery and radiotherapy are of acceptable quality. METHODS Relevant CPGs were identified following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocols. Experienced reviewers then extracted general CPG properties and rated their quality via the AGREE II instrument. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were quantified to assess interrater reliability. RESULTS Nine CPGs on the management of VSs with radiosurgery and radiotherapy were identified. All CPGs were created in the past six years and developed recommendations based on literature review and expert consensus. One guideline was deemed as high quality with seven others being moderate and one being low in quality. The clarity of the presentation domain had the highest mean scaled domain score of 96.0%. The domains of stakeholder involvement and applicability had the lowest means of 49.2% and 47.2%, respectively. ICCs were either good or excellent across all domains. CONCLUSION Current CPGs on the management of VSs with radiosurgery and radiotherapy are of acceptable quality but would greatly benefit from improvements in applicability, stakeholder involvement, editorial independence and rigour of development. We recommend CPG authors reference the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) guideline as a developmental framework with the Congress of Neurological Surgeons/American Association of Neurological Surgeons (CNS/AANS) CPG being a valid alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Lakshmipathy
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eric Winter
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christian Fritz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jacob Harris
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michelle Gentile
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alvaro Moreira
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Centre at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Karthik Rajasekaran
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Liu C, Wang J, Shen J, Chen X, Ji N, Yue S. Accurate and rapid molecular subgrouping of high-grade glioma via deep learning-assisted label-free fiber-optic Raman spectroscopy. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae208. [PMID: 38860145 PMCID: PMC11164103 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Molecular genetics is highly related with prognosis of high-grade glioma. Accordingly, the latest WHO guideline recommends that molecular subgroups of the genes, including IDH, 1p/19q, MGMT, TERT, EGFR, Chromosome 7/10, CDKN2A/B, need to be detected to better classify glioma and guide surgery and treatment. Unfortunately, there is no preoperative or intraoperative technology available for accurate and comprehensive molecular subgrouping of glioma. Here, we develop a deep learning-assisted fiber-optic Raman diagnostic platform for accurate and rapid molecular subgrouping of high-grade glioma. Specifically, a total of 2,354 fingerprint Raman spectra was obtained from 743 tissue sites (astrocytoma: 151; oligodendroglioma: 150; glioblastoma (GBM): 442) of 44 high-grade glioma patients. The convolutional neural networks (ResNet) model was then established and optimized for molecular subgrouping. The mean area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) for identifying the molecular subgroups of high-grade glioma reached 0.904, with mean sensitivity of 83.3%, mean specificity of 85.0%, mean accuracy of 83.3%, and mean time expense of 10.6 s. The diagnosis performance using ResNet model was shown to be superior to PCA-SVM and UMAP models, suggesting that high dimensional information from Raman spectra would be helpful. In addition, for the molecular subgroups of GBM, the mean AUC reached 0.932, with mean sensitivity of 87.8%, mean specificity of 83.6%, and mean accuracy of 84.1%. Furthermore, according to saliency maps, the specific Raman features corresponding to tumor-associated biomolecules (e.g. nucleic acid, tyrosine, tryptophan, cholesteryl ester, fatty acid, and collagen) were found to contribute to the accurate molecular subgrouping. Collectively, this study opens up new opportunities for accurate and rapid molecular subgrouping of high-grade glioma, which would assist optimal surgical resection and instant post-operative decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Photonics, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Xueyuan Road 37, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jiejun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, South Fourth Ring West Road 119, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jianghao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Photonics, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Xueyuan Road 37, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Photonics, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Xueyuan Road 37, Beijing 100191, China
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Xueyuan Road 37, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Nan Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, South Fourth Ring West Road 119, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shuhua Yue
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Photonics, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Xueyuan Road 37, Beijing 100191, China
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Safitri A, Konstantakopoulou E, Gazzard G, Hu K. Priorities for health outcomes in glaucoma in an ethnically diverse UK cohort: an observational study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e081998. [PMID: 38772893 PMCID: PMC11110553 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess whether patients from minority ethnic groups have different perceptions about the quality-of-life outcomes that matter most to them. DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING High volume eye centres serving the most ethnically diverse region in the UK, recruiting from July 2021 to February 2022. PARTICIPANTS 511 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and the predisease state of ocular hypertension. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome was participants' self-reported priorities for health outcomes. RESULTS Participants fell into one of four clusters with differing priorities for health outcomes, namely: (1) vision, (2) drop freedom, (3) intraocular pressure and (4) one-time treatment. Ethnicity was the strongest determinant of cluster membership after adjusting for potential confounders. Compared with white patients prioritising vision alone, the OR for black/black British patients was 7.31 (95% CI 3.43 to 15.57, p<0.001) for prioritising drop freedom; 5.95 (2.91 to 12.16, p<0.001) for intraocular pressure; and 2.99 (1.44 to 6.18, p=0.003) for one-time treatment. For Asian/Asian British patients, the OR was 3.17 (1.12 to 8.96, p=0.030) for prioritising intraocular pressure as highly as vision. Other ethnic minority groups also had higher ORs for prioritising health outcomes other than vision alone: 4.50 (1.03 to 19.63, p=0.045) for drop freedom and 5.37 (1.47 to 19.60, p=0.011) for intraocular pressure. CONCLUSIONS Ethnicity is strongly associated with differing perceptions about the health outcomes that matter. An individualised and ethnically inclusive approach is needed when selecting and evaluating treatments in clinical and research settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atika Safitri
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Evgenia Konstantakopoulou
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- Division of Optics and Optometry, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Gus Gazzard
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kuang Hu
- NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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Khalighi S, Reddy K, Midya A, Pandav KB, Madabhushi A, Abedalthagafi M. Artificial intelligence in neuro-oncology: advances and challenges in brain tumor diagnosis, prognosis, and precision treatment. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:80. [PMID: 38553633 PMCID: PMC10980741 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00575-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
This review delves into the most recent advancements in applying artificial intelligence (AI) within neuro-oncology, specifically emphasizing work on gliomas, a class of brain tumors that represent a significant global health issue. AI has brought transformative innovations to brain tumor management, utilizing imaging, histopathological, and genomic tools for efficient detection, categorization, outcome prediction, and treatment planning. Assessing its influence across all facets of malignant brain tumor management- diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy- AI models outperform human evaluations in terms of accuracy and specificity. Their ability to discern molecular aspects from imaging may reduce reliance on invasive diagnostics and may accelerate the time to molecular diagnoses. The review covers AI techniques, from classical machine learning to deep learning, highlighting current applications and challenges. Promising directions for future research include multimodal data integration, generative AI, large medical language models, precise tumor delineation and characterization, and addressing racial and gender disparities. Adaptive personalized treatment strategies are also emphasized for optimizing clinical outcomes. Ethical, legal, and social implications are discussed, advocating for transparency and fairness in AI integration for neuro-oncology and providing a holistic understanding of its transformative impact on patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirvan Khalighi
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kartik Reddy
- Department of Radiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Abhishek Midya
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Krunal Balvantbhai Pandav
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anant Madabhushi
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Malak Abedalthagafi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- The Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Kankam SB. Racial disparities and glioblastoma recurrence; a double impact for increased patient mortality: a correspondence. Neurosurg Rev 2024; 47:82. [PMID: 38358593 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-024-02318-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Berchi Kankam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
- Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, USA.
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Wang Y, Wang X, Yu T, Wang Z, Zhang H, Chao B, Luo W, Jiang W, Li M, Jiao J, Wu M. Epidemiology and survival of patients with spinal meningiomas: a large retrospective cohort study. Int J Surg 2024; 110:921-933. [PMID: 37983808 PMCID: PMC10871561 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000884] [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] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinal meningiomas (SMs) are relatively rare central nervous system tumors that usually trigger neurological symptoms. The prevalence of SMs is increasing with the aging of the global population. This study aimed to perform a systematic epidemiologic and survival prognostic analysis of SMs to evaluate their public health impact and to develop a novel method to estimate the overall survival at 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year in patients with SMs. METHODS Five thousand one hundred fifty eight patients with SMs were recruited from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2000 to 2019. Firstly, descriptive analysis was performed on the epidemiology of SMs. Secondly, these individuals were randomly allocated to the training and validation sets in a ratio of 7:3. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were utilized in the training set to identify independent prognostic factors and to construct a nomogram for survival prognosis. Subsequently, the discriminative power, predictive performance, and clinical utility of the nomogram were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve and decision curve analysis. Finally, a mortality risk stratification system and a web-based dynamic nomogram were constructed to quantify the risk of mortality in patients with SMs. RESULTS The annual age-adjusted incidence rates of SMs increased steadily since 2004, reaching a rate of 0.40 cases per 100 000 population in 2019, with a female-to-male ratio of ~4:1. The age groups of 50-59, 60-69, and 70-79 years old were the most prevalent ages for SMs, accounting for 19.08, 24.93, and 23.32%, respectively. In addition, seven independent prognostic factors were identified to establish a prognostic nomogram for patients with SMs. The decision curve analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that the nomogram had high clinical utility and favorable accuracy. Moreover, the mortality risk stratification system effectively divided patients into low-risk, middle-risk, and high-risk subgroups. CONCLUSIONS SMs are relatively rare benign spinal tumors prevalent in the white elderly female population. Clinicians could use the nomogram to personalize the prediction of the overall survival probability of patients with SMs, categorize these patients into different mortality risk subgroups, and develop personalized decision-making plans. Moreover, the web-based dynamic nomogram could help to further promote clinical application and assist clinicians in providing personalized counseling, timely monitoring, and clinical assessment for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaoman Wang
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, People’s Republic of China
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Michaelson NM, Watsula A, Bakare-Okpala A, Mohamadpour M, Chukwueke UN, Budhu JA. Disparities in Neuro-Oncology. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2023; 23:815-825. [PMID: 37889427 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01314-x] [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] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSEOF REVIEW Health disparities are preventable differences in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of many diseases, including central nervous system (CNS) tumors. This review will summarize and compile the existing literature on health disparities in neuro-oncology and provide directions for future research and interventions. RECENT FINDINGS Patients from historically marginalized groups are more likely to receive inadequate treatment, develop complications, and experience a shorter life expectancy. Financial toxicity can be particularly severe for patients with CNS tumors due to the high costs of treatment. Additionally, CNS clinical trials and research lack diverse representation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Watsula
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Maliheh Mohamadpour
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, C719, USA
| | - Ugonma N Chukwueke
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua A Budhu
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, C719, USA.
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Ioachimescu AG. Sociodemographic Factors in Pituitary Adenomas. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2023; 52:705-717. [PMID: 37865483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2023.05.008] [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: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary adenomas have been increasingly detected in recent years, especially in the older population. Black patients have a higher incidence than other racial groups. In patients with functioning tumors, presentation and comorbidities are influenced by age and sex, whereas the impact of ethnoracial background is unclear. Active surveillance recommendation and surgery refusal disproportionally affect Black and older patients. The likelihood of surgery at high-volume centers is lower for patients of Black or Hispanic background, uninsured or with lower socioeconomic status. Multicentric studies are necessary to delineate the influence of sociodemographic factors according to the adenoma type and to address the causes of health care disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana G Ioachimescu
- Medical College of Wisconsin, HUB for Collaborative Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
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Kerluku J, Walker P, Amen T, Almeida BA, McColgan R, Urruela A, Nguyen J, Fufa DT. Evaluation of Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Disparities in Indication for Carpal Tunnel Release. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2023; 105:1442-1449. [PMID: 37406133 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.22.01045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disparities in the utilization of orthopaedic surgery based on race and ethnicity continue to be reported. We examined the impact of sociodemographic factors on treatment recommendation by hand surgeons for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) of similar disease severity. METHODS Patients with electrodiagnostic study (EDS)-confirmed CTS were evaluated at a single institution between 2016 and 2020. Data including patient age, sex, race/ethnicity, ZIP Code, and EDS severity were collected. The primary outcome was the recommended treatment by the hand surgeon at the first clinic visit according to patient race/ethnicity and the Social Deprivation Index (SDI). Secondary outcomes included the treatment selected by patients (nonsurgical or surgical) and the time to surgery. RESULTS The 949 patients had a mean age of 58 years (range, 18 to 80 years); 60.5% (n = 574) were women. The race/ethnicity of the patient cohort was 9.8% (n = 93) Black non-Hispanic, 11.2% (n = 106) Hispanic/Latino, 70.3% (n = 667) White non-Hispanic, and 8.7% (n = 83) "other." Overall, Black non-Hispanic patients (38.7%; odds ratio, [OR] 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40 to 0.96) and Hispanic/Latino patients (35.8%; OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.84) were less likely to have surgery recommended at their first visit compared with White non-Hispanic patients (50.5%). This was no longer apparent after adjusting for demographic and clinical variables including EDS severity and SDI (Black non-Hispanic patients: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.67; 95% CI, 0.4 to 1.11; Hispanic/Latino patients: aOR, 0.69: 95% CI, 0.41 to 1.14). Across all categories of EDS severity, surgeons were less likely to recommend surgery to patients with a higher SDI (aOR: 0.66, 0.64, and 0.54 for quintiles 2, 3 and 4, respectively). When surgery was recommended, patients in the highest SDI quintile were less likely to proceed with surgery (p = 0.032). There was no association between patient race/ethnicity and the treatment selected by the patient or time to surgery (p = 0.303 and p = 0.725, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Patients experiencing higher levels of social deprivation were less likely to be recommended for CTS surgery and were less likely to proceed with surgery, regardless of patient race/ethnicity. Additional investigation into the social factors influencing both surgeon and patient selection of treatment for CTS, including the impact of patient socioeconomic background, is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Bakillah E, Brown D, Syvyk S, Wirtalla C, Kelz RR. Barriers and facilitators to surgical access in underinsured and immigrant populations. Am J Surg 2023; 226:176-185. [PMID: 37156680 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.04.003] [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] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marginalized communities are at risk of receiving inequitable access to surgical care. We aimed to examine the barriers and facilitators to access to surgery in underinsured and immigrant populations. METHODS A systematic review of disparities in access to surgical care was performed between January 1, 2000-March 2, 2022. Methodological quality was assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A convergent integrated approach was used to code common themes between studies. RESULTS Of 1315 publications, a total of 66 studies were included for systematic review. Eight studies specifically discussed immigrant patient populations. Barriers and facilitators to surgical access were categorized by patient and health systems related factors. CONCLUSIONS Established facilitators to improve surgical access are centered on patient-level factors while interventions to address systems-related barriers are limited and may be an area for further investigation. Research focused on access to surgery in immigrant populations remains sparse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emna Bakillah
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Danielle Brown
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Solomiya Syvyk
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christopher Wirtalla
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rachel R Kelz
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Awad M, Butterfield JT, Dhawan S, Tyler MA, Venteicher AS. Prognostic Factors and Treatment Impact on Overall Survival in Adult Craniopharyngioma. World Neurosurg 2023; 173:e132-e139. [PMID: 36773809 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.02.020] [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] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the demographics, tumor characteristics, treatments, and clinical outcomes of a large adult craniopharyngioma population. METHODS The 2004-2018 National Cancer Database was queried to investigate adult patients with craniopharyngioma. Univariable and multivariable Cox hazard ratio analysis was conducted to analyze the overall survival (OS) impact of demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS A total of 666 adult patients with craniopharyngioma were identified with a mean age of 51 years (standard deviation 16 years). On multivariable analysis, independent of demographic and clinical variables, increased age, uninsured status, Medicaid, Medicare, Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity Index of 2, and tumor size greater than 40 mm were independently associated with worse OS. There was no significant difference in survival between histologic subtypes. Gross total resection (GTR) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.602, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.384-0.942, P = 0.026) and subtotal resection (STR) with adjuvant radiotherapy (HR 0.316, 95% CI 0.140-0.710, P = 0.005) were independently associated with improved OS. GTR with radiotherapy trended towards improved OS (HR 0.601, 95% CI 0.334-1.083, P =0.090), but STR alone and radiotherapy alone demonstrated no significant difference in survival compared with no treatment on multivariable analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival models demonstrated improved survival with GTR, GTR + radiation therapy, and STR + radiation therapy. Patients undergoing endoscopic resection had significantly lower GTR rates and greater rates of adjuvant radiotherapy compared with open approaches but no difference in OS. CONCLUSION Adult patients with craniopharyngioma who underwent GTR or STR with adjuvant radiotherapy had significantly improved overall survival. Endoscopic approaches had lower rates of GTR but no difference in OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Awad
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - John T Butterfield
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sanjay Dhawan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Matthew A Tyler
- Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Andrew S Venteicher
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
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Brandel MG, Plonsker JH, Khan UA, Rennert RC, Friedman RA, Schwartz MS. Going the distance in acoustic neuroma resection: microsurgical outcomes at high-volume centers of excellence. J Neurooncol 2023; 163:105-114. [PMID: 37084124 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04313-7] [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: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE High-volume hospitals are associated with improved surgical outcomes for acoustic neuromas (ANs). Due to the benign and slow-growing nature of ANs, many patients travel to geographically distant cities, states, or countries for their treatment. However, the impact of travel burden to high-volume centers, as well as its relative benefit are poorly understood. We compared post-operative outcomes between AN patients that underwent treatment at local, low-volume hospitals with those that traveled long distances to high-volume hospitals. METHODS The National Cancer Database was used to analyze AN patients that underwent surgery (2004-2015). Patients in the lowest quartile of travel distance and volume (Short-travel/Low-Volume: STLV) were compared to patients in the highest quartile of travel distance and volume (Long-travel/High-Volume: LTHV). Only STLV and LTHV cases were included for analysis. RESULTS Of 13,370 cases, 2,408 met inclusion criteria. STLV patients (n = 1,305) traveled a median of 6 miles (Interquartile range [IQR] 3-9) to low-volume centers (median 2, IQR 1-3 annual cases) and LTHV patients (n = 1,103) traveled a median of 143 miles [IQR 103-230, maximum 4,797] to high-volume centers (median 34, IQR 28-42 annual cases). LTHV patients had lower Charlson/Deyo scores (p = 0.001), mostly received care at academic centers (81.7% vs. 39.4%, p < 0.001), and were less likely to be minorities (7.0% vs. 24.2%, p < 0.001) or underinsured (4.2% vs. 13.8%, p < 0.001). There was no difference in average tumor size. On multivariable analysis, LTHV predicted increased likelihood of gross total resection (odds ratio [OR] 5.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.8-8.4, p < 0.001), longer duration between diagnosis and surgery (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0-1.6, p = 0.040), decreased length of hospital stay (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4-0.7, p < 0.001), and greater overall survival (Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.95, p = 0.029). There was no significant difference in 30-day readmission on adjusted analysis. CONCLUSION Although traveling farther to high-volume centers was associated with greater time between diagnosis and treatment for AN patients, they experienced superior postoperative outcomes compared to patients who received treatment locally at low-volume centers. Enabling access and travel to high-volume centers may improve AN patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Brandel
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jillian H Plonsker
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Usman A Khan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Robert C Rennert
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Rick A Friedman
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Marc S Schwartz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Acoustic Neuroma Center, 9300 Campus Point Drive Mail Code 7893, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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Choi JS, Venteicher AS, Adams ME. Guiding Patients Through Decision-Making in Management of Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2023; 56:459-469. [PMID: 37024332 DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2023.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Decision-making in management of sporadic vestibular schwannoma aims to identify the most appropriate options based on tumor characteristics, symptoms, health, and goals for each patient. Advances in knowledge of tumor natural history, improvements in radiation techniques, and achievements in neurologic preservation with microsurgery have shifted emphasis toward maximizing quality of life using a personalized approach. To empower patients to make informed decisions, we present a framework to help match patient values and priorities with reasonable expectations from modern management options. Introduced herein are practical examples of communication strategies and decision aids to support shared decision-making in modern practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet S Choi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street Southeast, MMC 396, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Andrew S Venteicher
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street Southeast, MMC 96, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Meredith E Adams
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street Southeast, MMC 396, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Center for Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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Brown LB, Johnston F. Racial disparities in physician decision making for primary brain tumours. Lancet 2022; 400:2010-2011. [PMID: 36502825 PMCID: PMC9844514 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)02077-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence B Brown
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Fabian Johnston
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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