A New Prognostic Tool for Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy plus Upfront Transurethral Resection for Bladder Cancer

Clinical Prognostic Factors for Local Control and Survival After Irradiation of Grade II Gliomas

BACKGROUND/AIM

Personalized treatment for low-grade gliomas likely improves patient outcomes. This study aimed to identify predictors of local control and survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-five patients irradiated for grade II gliomas were retrospectively analyzed. Irradiation was performed after biopsy (n=6) or incomplete resection (n=19). Nineteen patients received additional chemotherapy. Eight factors were analyzed, namely the number of glioma sites, cumulative maximum diameter, radiotherapy technique, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), gender, age, resection and chemotherapy.

RESULTS

On univariate analysis, trends for associations with local control were found for cumulative maximum diameter ≤43 mm (p=0.087) and age ≤45 years (p=0.065). In the Cox regression analysis, cumulative maximum diameter maintained significance (p=0.046). On univariate analysis, KPS 90-100 (p=0.039) and female gender (p=0.022) were significantly associated with better survival. In the Cox regression analysis, both KPS (p=0.039) and gender (p=0.016) were significant.

CONCLUSION

Independent predictors of local control and survival were identified that can contribute to better treatment personalization.

Predicting Survival After Whole-brain Irradiation for Cerebral Metastases in Patients with Cancer of the Bladder

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study aimed to create a predictive tool for estimating the remaining lifespan of patients after whole-brain irradiation (WBI) for cerebral metastases from bladder cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 34 of these patients clinical parameters were analyzed for survival including age at start of WBI, gender, Karnofsky score, number of cerebral metastases and involvement of extra-cranial sites of metastasis.

RESULTS

Involvement of extra-cranial sites (14%) and Karnofsky score (9%) showed the greatest difference regarding 6-month survival and were considered for the tool. Points were assigned based on the following: no involvement of extra-cranial sites=1 point, involvement of extra-cranial sites=0 points, Karnofsky score ≥70=1 point, Karnofsky score ≤60=0 points. Patients' scores were 0, 1 or 2 points with 6-month survival rates of 13%, 27% and 50%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Based on two clinical parameters, a tool was developed that may help estimate the lifespan of patients irradiated for cerebral metastases from bladder cancer.

Predicting Survival After Whole-brain Irradiation for Cerebral Metastases in Patients with Cancer of the Bladder

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study aimed to create a predictive tool for estimating the remaining lifespan of patients after whole-brain irradiation (WBI) for cerebral metastases from bladder cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 34 of these patients clinical parameters were analyzed for survival including age at start of WBI, gender, Karnofsky score, number of cerebral metastases and involvement of extra-cranial sites of metastasis.

RESULTS

Involvement of extra-cranial sites (14%) and Karnofsky score (9%) showed the greatest difference regarding 6-month survival and were considered for the tool. Points were assigned based on the following: no involvement of extra-cranial sites=1 point, involvement of extra-cranial sites=0 points, Karnofsky score ≥70=1 point, Karnofsky score ≤60=0 points. Patients' scores were 0, 1 or 2 points with 6-month survival rates of 13%, 27% and 50%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Based on two clinical parameters, a tool was developed that may help estimate the lifespan of patients irradiated for cerebral metastases from bladder cancer.