Medical Management of Cerebral Metastases

Malignant neoplasm of the bronchi and lung: Russian clinical guidelines

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Fulminant necrotizing fasciitis to the hand in a patient on high-dose steroids: A case report of successful limb salvage

Glucocorticoids are commonly used in the management of patients with brain Tumour for reducing peritumoral and vasogenic edema. However, they may lead to development of limb and life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis (NF). NF is a rare but potentially lethal condition. Early detection and aggressive treatment may lead to decreased mortality and limb salvage. The diagnosis is predominately clinical but may be supported by laboratory and radiological investigations. Chronic steroid use not only predisposes to the development of NF but also may mask early features delaying presentation and diagnosis. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion especially in patients on chronic steroid therapy as this may aid in early detection and treatment. We present a case report of a successful limb salvage that exemplifies these points.

Abnormal movements in critical care patients with brain injury: a diagnostic approach

Abnormal movements are frequently encountered in patients with brain injury hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs), yet characterization of these movements and their underlying pathophysiology is difficult due to the comatose or uncooperative state of the patient. In addition, the available diagnostic approaches are largely derived from outpatients with neurodegenerative or developmental disorders frequently encountered in the outpatient setting, thereby limiting the applicability to inpatients with acute brain injuries. Thus, we reviewed the available literature regarding abnormal movements encountered in acutely ill patients with brain injuries. We classified the brain injury into the following categories: anoxic, vascular, infectious, inflammatory, traumatic, toxic-metabolic, tumor-related and seizures. Then, we identified the abnormal movements seen in each category as well as their epidemiologic, semiologic and clinicopathologic correlates. We propose a practical paradigm that can be applied at the bedside for diagnosing abnormal movements in the ICU. This model seeks to classify observed abnormal movements in light of various patient-specific factors. It begins with classifying the patient’s level of consciousness. Then, it integrates the frequency and type of each movement with the availability of ancillary diagnostic tests and the specific etiology of brain injury.

Corticosteroids in brain cancer patients: benefits and pitfalls

Glucocorticoids have been used for decades in the treatment of brain tumor patients and belong to the most powerful class of agents in reducing tumor-associated edema and minimizing side effects and the risk of encephalopathy in patients undergoing radiation therapy. Unfortunately, corticosteroids are associated with numerous and well-characterized adverse effects, constituting a major challenge in patients requiring long-term application of corticosteroids. Novel antiangiogenic agents, such as bevacizumab (Avastin®), which have been increasingly used in cancer patients, are associated with significant steroid-sparing effects, allowing neuro-oncologists to reduce the overall use of corticosteroids in patients with progressive malignant brain tumors. Recent experimental studies have revealed novel insights into the mechanisms and effects of corticosteroids in cancer patients, including modulation of tumor biology, angiogenesis and steroid-associated neurotoxicity. This article summarizes current concepts of using corticosteroids in brain cancer patients and highlights potential pitfalls in their effects on both tumor and neural progenitor cells.

Oncologic emergencies: Pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment

Oncologic emergencies can occur at any time during the course of a malignancy, from the presenting symptom to end-stage disease. Although some of these conditions are related to cancer therapy, they are by no means confined to the period of initial diagnosis and active treatment. In the setting of recurrent malignancy, these events can occur years after the surveillance of a cancer patient has been appropriately transferred from a medical oncologist to a primary care provider. As such, awareness of a patient's cancer history and its possible complications forms an important part of any clinician's knowledge base. Prompt identification of and intervention in these emergencies can prolong survival and improve quality of life, even in the setting of terminal illness. This article reviews hypercalcemia, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, tumor lysis syndrome, cardiac tamponade, superior vena cava syndrome, neutropenic fever, spinal cord compression, increased intracranial pressure, seizures, hyperviscosity syndrome, leukostasis, and airway obstruction in patients with malignancies. Chemotherapeutic emergencies are also addressed.

Treatment of brain metastasis from lung cancer

Brain metastases are not only the most common intracranial neoplasm in adults but also very prevalent in patients with lung cancer. Patients have been grouped into different classes based on the presence of prognostic factors such as control of the primary tumor, functional performance status, age, and number of brain metastases. Patients with good prognosis may benefit from more aggressive treatment because of the potential for prolonged survival for some of them. In this review, we will comprehensively discuss the therapeutic options for treating brain metastases, which arise mostly from a lung cancer primary. In particular, we will focus on the patient selection for combined modality treatment of brain metastases, such as surgical resection or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) combined with whole brain irradiation; the use of radiosensitizers; and the neurocognitive deficits after whole brain irradiation with or without SRS. The benefit of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) and its potentially associated neuro-toxicity for both small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are also discussed, along with the combined treatment of intrathoracic primary disease and solitary brain metastasis. The roles of SRS to the surgical bed, fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy, WBRT with an integrated boost to the gross brain metastases, as well as combining WBRT with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, are explored as well.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery to the surgical cavity following resection of brain metastases

OBJECT

This study evaluated the efficacy of postoperative Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) to the tumor cavity following gross-total resection of a brain metastasis.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of 700 patients who were treated for brain metastases using GKS. Forty-seven patients with pathologically confirmed metastatic disease underwent GKS to the postoperative resection cavity following gross-total resection of the tumor. Patients who underwent subtotal resection or who had visible tumor in the resection cavity on the postresection neuroimaging study (either CT or MR imaging with and without contrast administration) were excluded. Radiographic and clinical follow-up was assessed using clinic visits and MR imaging. The radiographic end point was defined as tumor growth control (no tumor growth regarding the resection cavity, and stable or decreasing tumor size for the other metastatic targets). Clinical end points were defined as functional status (assessed prospectively using the Karnofsky Performance Scale) and survival. Primary tumor pathology was consistent with lung cancer in 19 cases (40%), melanoma in 10 cases (21%), renal cell carcinoma in 7 cases (15%), breast cancer in 7 cases (15%), and gastrointestinal malignancies in 4 cases (9%). The mean duration between resection and radiosurgery was 15 days (range 2-115 days). The mean volume of the treated cavity was 10.5 cm3 (range 1.75-35.45 cm3), and the mean dose to the cavity margin was 19 Gy. In addition to the resection cavity, 34 patients (72%) underwent GKS for 116 synchronous metastases observed at the time of the initial radiosurgery.

RESULTS

The mean radiographic follow-up duration was 14 months (median 10 months, range 4-37 months). Local tumor control at the site of the surgical cavity was achieved in 44 patients (94%), and tumor recurrence at the surgical site was statistically related to the volume of the surgical cavity (p=0.04). During follow-up, 34 patients (72%) underwent additional radiosurgery for 140 new (metachronous) metastases. At the most recent follow-up evaluation, 11 patients (23%) were alive, whereas 36 patients had died (mean duration until death 12 months, median 10 months). Patients who showed good systemic control of their primary tumor tended to have longer survival durations than those who did not (p=0.004). At the last clinical follow-up evaluation, the mean Karnofsky Performance Scale score for the overall group was 78 (median 80, range 40-100).

CONCLUSION

Radiosurgery appears to be effective in terms of providing local tumor control at the resection cavity following resection of a brain metastasis, and in the treatment of synchronous and metachronous tumors. These data suggest that radiosurgery can be used to prevent recurrence following gross-total resection of a brain metastasis.

Medical management of brain tumor patients

Brain tumors can present challenging medical problems. Seizures, peritumoral edema, venous thromboembolism, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction can complicate the treatment of patients who have primary or metastatic brain tumors. Effective medical management results in decreased morbidity and mortality and improved quality of life for affected patients.

Seizures and brain tumors

Seizures commonly occur in people with brain tumors. They may be the presenting symptom of a brain tumor, or develop some time after tumor diagnosis. The risk of seizures is greatest when the tumors have a central location, slow growth rate, and when multiple lesions are present. Interactions between anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), chemotherapeutic agents, and corticosteroids increase the complexity and challenge in managing seizures, and drugs that do not interfere with the cytochrome P-450 enzyme complex and have low protein binding may be preferable. The comparative efficacy and side effects of the various AEDs are not established in brain tumors, so drug choice relies on both the theoretical advantages of pharmacokinetic properties and clinical judgment. Prophylactic anticonvulsant treatment is not advisable in brain tumor patients who have not experienced seizures.

Medical management of patients with brain tumors

The most common medical problems in brain tumor patients include the management of seizures, peritumoral edema, medication side effects, venous thromboembolism (VTE), fatigue and cognitive dysfunction. Despite their importance, there are relatively few studies specifically addressing these issues. There is increasing evidence that brain tumor patients who have not had a seizure do not benefit from prophylactic antiepileptic medications. Patients on corticosteroids are at greater risk of Pneumocystis jerovecii pneumonia and may benefit from prophylactic therapy. There is also growing evidence suggesting that anticoagulation may be more effective than inferior vena cava IVC) filtration devices for treating VTE in brain tumor patients and the risk of hemorrhage with anticoagulation is relatively small. Low-molecular weight heparin may be more effective than coumadin. Medications such as modafinil and methylphenidate have assumed an increasing role in the treatment of fatigue, while donepezil and memantine may be helpful with memory loss.

Current treatment paradigms for the management of patients with brain metastases

Brain metastases continue to be a major and growing challenge in oncology, but recent advances in surgery, radiosurgery, and chemotherapy have broadened the number of treatment options. Current approaches to the management of brain metastases focus on individualizing patient care based on factors including the Karnofsky Performance Status, the tumor histology, the number of metastases, and the status of the systemic disease. A number of treatment approaches have been shown to be effective for brain metastases, including surgery; radiosurgery; whole-brain radiotherapy; and, more recently, chemotherapy. The use of adjuvant whole-brain radiotherapy with local therapies, such as surgery or radiosurgery, along with newer chemotherapy options, such as targeted biological agents, temozolomide, and implantable 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) Gliadel wafers, are at the forefront of recent advances in the treatment of patients with brain metastases that may provide longer survival and improved quality of life. Although there is no current standard treatment, some general guidelines are recommended for single metastases, oligometastases (two to three brain metastases), and multiple (four or more) brain metastases, and for new or recurrent disease. With advances in systemic therapy for cancer, the treatment of brain metastases is becoming an increasingly important determinant of the length of survival and quality of life for cancer patients.

The pathogenesis and treatment of brain metastases: a comprehensive review

Brain metastases are the most common intracranial tumors and their incidence is increasing. Untreated brain metastases are associated with a poor prognosis and a poor performance status. The role of surgery in the management of multiple brain metastases is still controversial. As more than 70% of patients have multiple metastases at the time of diagnosis, whole brain radiotherapy is the treatment of choice in most cases. Brain metastases are an ideal target for stereotactic radiosurgery, as they are better circumscribed than primary brain tumors. Currently, chemotherapy has a limited role in the treatment of most brain metastases. Several new therapies, with a good penetration through the blood brain barrier, such as temozolomide, have been used in brain metastases with different results depending on the histology of the primary tumor. A better understanding of the complex processes underlying the development of brain metastasis will enable us to develop more satisfactory targeted treatments.

Management of brain metastases

Patients with brain metastases have a generally poor outcome with a median survival after diagnosis of approximately 4 months. Management of brain metastases involves symptomatic treatment and definitive therapy, with the goal of stabilizing and improving neurologic function and survival. Traditional and novel therapies, including whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT), surgery, radiosurgery, radiosensitizers, and chemotherapy are reviewed. The results of important clinical trials are discussed. In addition, current controversies in the management of brain metastases, such as the choice of surgery or radiosurgery for resectable lesions and the possible avoidance of (WBRT), are highlighted.

Medical management of patients with brain tumors

The most common medical problems in brain tumor patients involve the management of seizures, peritumoral edema, medication side effects, and venous thromboembolism. Despite the importance of these issues, there are very few studies specifically addressing them. Nonetheless, there has been some progress in recent years. There is increasing evidence that brain tumor patients who have not had a seizure do not benefit from prophylactic antiepileptic medications. Patients taking corticosteroids are at greater risk of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and may benefit from prophylactic therapy. There is also growing evidence suggesting that anticoagulation may be more effective than inferior vena cava filtration devices for treating venous thromboembolism in brain tumor patients and that the risk of hemorrhage with anticoagulation is relatively small.

Rehabilitation of persons with central nervous system tumors

A tumor that affects the central nervous system can have a dramatic impact on the individual affected, as well as his or her family and friends. The tumor, regardless of extent or location, may affect the physical, social, vocational, and emotional capabilities of the individual. Basic aspects of rehabilitation for patients with tumors affecting the brain and spinal cord are reviewed in this article. The authors have found that the same principles of neurorehabilitation applied to persons with traumatic brain injury, stroke, and traumatic spinal cord injury are equally appropriate for persons with brain and spinal cord tumors. These principles include the prevention of medical complications; the treatment of medical problems such as pain, spasticity, and neuropathic bowel and bladder; and the improvement of patients' mobility and activities of daily living. Rehabilitation specialists can help prevent complications, maximize function, and improve the quality of life for patients with central nervous system tumors.

Brain metastases

Brain metastases are an increasingly common complication in patients with systemic cancer. The optimal treatment for each patient depends on careful evaluation of several factors: the location, size, and number of brain metastases; the patient's age, general condition, and neurologic status; and the extent of systemic cancer to name a few. For patients with a single brain metastasis and limited systemic disease, the standard treatment is surgical resection followed by whole brain radiation therapy. In patients with a small, single metastasis, stereotactic radiosurgery is probably comparable to surgery. Patients with several metastases (up to three) and controlled systemic disease can be treated with whole-brain radiation and stereotactic radiosurgery. Patients with multiple metastases (more than three) are generally treated with whole-brain radiation alone. Radiosurgery is effective in treating patients with a limited number of recurrent brain metastases and stable systemic diseases. Surgery may have a role in patients with a large symptomatic recurrent lesion producing mass effect. Reirradiation and chemotherapy may have a limited role in patients with multiple recurrent metastases.

ECT administration in a patient after craniotomy and gamma knife surgery: a case report and review

The safe administration of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a man with steroid-induced depression and a history of craniotomy and gamma knife surgery for two separate foci of metastatic laryngeal cancer is reported. This is the first reported case of ECT given to a patient with a history of gamma knife surgery. The literature on ECT administration to patients with brain masses or a history of craniotomy is reviewed. The current case report indicates that with careful medical evaluation, including consultation with neurosurgeons and internal medicine physicians, ECT may be safely administered to this patient population.

Functional outcome of inpatient rehabilitation in persons with brain tumors

OBJECTIVE

To document functional outcome in persons with brain tumors undergoing inpatient rehabilitation and to compare outcomes with a group of traumatically brain injured patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective, descriptive, and case-matched.

SETTING

A free-standing inpatient brain injury rehabilitation unit.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty consecutive patients with a variety of tumor types (40% were either glioblastoma multiforme or meningioma) and a mean age of 53.1 (SD 15.4) years. Sixty percent were men, 25% had recurrent tumors, and 15% had metastatic disease. Also, 40 patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) matched for age, gender, and admission functional status.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Change in Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores, length of rehabilitation stay (LOS), and discharge disposition.

RESULTS

The mean LOS for the tumor group was 17.8 (SD 9.9) days, mean FIM gain was 25.4 (SD 20.1) points, and 82.5% were discharged home. No demographic or tumor characteristic was statistically significant in predicting functional outcome at discharge, but greater gains were seen for persons with the diagnosis of meningioma, those with left-sided cerebral lesions, and those not receiving radiation therapy. TBI patients made statistically significant greater gains in total FIM change (34.6 vs 25.4), self-care (12.3 vs 8.5), and social cognition (5.2 vs 3.6). However, FIM efficiency and LOS were not statistically different between the TBI and tumor groups (1.9 vs 1.5 FIM points/day and 22.1 vs 17.8 days, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Daily functional gains made by persons with brain tumor undergoing rehabilitation were similar to those made by a group of persons with TBI matched by age, gender, and admission functional status. Further research should use larger samples and address the impact of psychosocial and team factors on LOS and discharge disposition.

Neurologic emergencies in cancer patients

Neurologic emergencies are common among cancer patients and their incidence is increasing as patients live longer as a result of improved antineoplastic therapy. This article reviews acute neurologic complications in cancer patients. Among those complications reviewed are brain metastases, epidural spinal cord compression, leptomeningeal metastases, cerebrovascular disorders, complications of antineoplastic therapy, and paraneoplastic syndromes.