Improved survival of glioblastoma patients treated at academic and high-volume facilities: a hospital-based study from the National Cancer Database

The relationship between social determinants of health and neurocognitive and mood-related symptoms in the primary brain tumor population: A systematic review

Social determinants of health (SDOH) impact cancer-related health outcomes, including survival, but their impact on symptoms is less understood among the primary brain tumor (PBT) population. We conducted a systematic review to examine the relationships between SDOH and neurocognitive and mood-related symptoms among the PBT population. PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched using PROGRESS criteria (place of residence, race/ethnicity, occupation, gender/sex, religion, education, socioeconomic status, and social capital) on March 8th, 2022. Two individuals screened and assessed study quality using the NHLBI Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies. Of 3006 abstracts identified, 150 full-text articles were assessed, and 48 were included for a total sample of 28 454 study participants. Twenty-two studies examined 1 SDOH; none examined all 8. Four studies measured place of residence, 2 race/ethnicity, 13 occupation, 42 gender, 1 religion, 18 education, 4 socioeconomic status, and 15 social capital. Fifteen studies assessed neurocognitive and 37 mood-related symptoms. While higher education was associated with less neurocognitive symptoms, and among individuals with meningioma sustained unemployment after surgery was associated with depressive symptoms, results were otherwise disparate among SDOH and symptoms. Most studies were descriptive or exploratory, lacking comprehensive inclusion of SDOH. Standardizing SDOH collection, reducing bias, and recruiting diverse samples are recommended in future interventions.

Regional Variability in Survival for Patients Diagnosed with Selected Central Nervous System Tumours in Canada

Canada's decentralized healthcare system may lead to regional disparities in survival among Canadians diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) tumours. We identified 50,670 patients diagnosed with a first-ever primary CNS tumour between 2008 and 2017 with follow-up until 31 December 2017. We selected the four highest incidence histologies and used proportional hazard regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for five regions (British Columbia, Prairie Provinces, Ontario, Atlantic Provinces and the Territories), adjusting for sex, tumour behaviour and patient age. Ontario had the best survival profile for all histologies investigated. The Atlantic Provinces had the highest HR for glioblastoma (HR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.18-1.35) and malignant glioma not otherwise specified (NOS) (Overall: HR = 1.87, 95% CI:1.43-2.43; Pediatric population: HR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.28-6.39). For meningioma, the Territories had the highest HR (HR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.09-5.45) followed by the Prairie Provinces (HR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.38-1.67). For malignant unclassified tumours, the highest HRs were in British Columbia (HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.22-1.71) and the Atlantic Provinces (HR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.13-1.74). There are regional differences in the survival of CNS patients at the population level for all four specific histological types of CNS tumours investigated. Factors contributing to these observed regional survival differences are unknown and warrant further investigation.

The detrimental effect of biopsy preceding resection in surgically accessible glioblastoma: results from the national cancer database

PURPOSE

Aggressive resection in surgically-accessible glioblastoma (GBM) correlates with improved survival over less extensive resections. However, the clinical impact of performing a biopsy before definitive resection have not been previously evaluated.

METHODS

We analyzed 17,334 GBM patients from the NCDB from 2010-2014. We categorized them into: "upfront resection" and "biopsy followed by resection". The outcomes of interes included OS, 30-day readmission/mortality, 90-day mortality, and length of hospital stay (LOS). The Kaplan-Meier methods and accelerated failure time (AFT) models were applied for survival analysis. Multivariable binary logistic regression were performed to compare differences among groups. Multiple imputation and propensity score matching (PSM) were conducted for validation.

RESULTS

"Upfront resection" had superior OS over "biopsy followed by resection" (median OS:12.4 versus 11.1 months, log-rank p = 0.001). Similarly, multivariable AFT models favored "upfront resection" (time ratio[TR]:0.83, 95%CI: 0.75-0.93, p = 0.001). Patients undergoing "upfront gross-total resection (GTR)" had higher OS over "upfront subtotal resection (STR)", "GTR following STR", and "GTR or STR following initial biopsy" (14.4 vs. 10.3, 13.5, 13.3, and 9.1 months;TR: 1.00 [Ref.], 0.75, 0.82, 0.88, and 0.67). Recent years of diagnosis, higher income, facilities located in Southern regions, and treatment at academic facilities were significantly associated with the higher likelihood of undergoing upfront resection. Multivariable regression showed a decreased 30 and 90-day mortality for patients undergoing "upfront resection", 73% and 44%, respectively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-operative biopsies for surgically accessible GBM are associated with worse survival despite subsequent resection compared to patients undergoing upfront resection.

The surgical management of diffuse gliomas: Current state of neurosurgical management and future directions

After recent updates to the World Health Organization pathological criteria for diagnosing and grading diffuse gliomas, all major North American and European neuro-oncology societies recommend a maximal safe resection as the initial management of a diffuse glioma. For neurosurgeons to achieve this goal, the surgical plan for both low- and high-grade gliomas should be to perform a supramaximal resection when feasible based on preoperative imaging and the patient's performance status, utilizing every intraoperative adjunct to minimize postoperative neurological deficits. While the surgical approach and technique can vary, every effort must be taken to identify and preserve functional cortical and subcortical regions. In this summary statement on the current state of the field, we describe the tools and technologies that facilitate the safe removal of diffuse gliomas and highlight intraoperative and postoperative management strategies to minimize complications for these patients. Moreover, we discuss how surgical resections can go beyond cytoreduction by facilitating biological discoveries and improving the local delivery of adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapies.

Socioeconomic disparities in immunotherapy use among advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients: analysis of the National Cancer Database

Socioeconomic and racial disparities exist in access to care among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the United States. Immunotherapy is a widely established treatment modality for patients with advanced-stage NSCLC (aNSCLC). We examined associations of area-level socioeconomic status with receipt of immunotherapy for aNSCLC patients by race/ethnicity and cancer facility type (academic and non-academic). We used the National Cancer Database (2015-2016), and included patients aged 40-89 years who were diagnosed with stage III-IV NSCLC. Area-level income was defined as the median household income in the patient's zip code, and area-level education was defined as the proportion of adults aged ≥ 25 years in the patient's zip code without a high school degree. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using multi-level multivariable logistic regression. Among 100,298 aNSCLC patients, lower area-level education and income were associated with lower odds of immunotherapy treatment (education: aOR 0.71; 95% CI 0.65, 0.76 and income: aOR 0.71; 95% CI 0.66, 0.77). These associations persisted for NH-White patients. However, among NH-Black patients, we only observed an association with lower education (aOR 0.74; 95% CI 0.57, 0.97). Across all cancer facility types, lower education and income were associated with lower immunotherapy receipt among NH-White patients. However, among NH-Black patients, this association only persisted with education for patients treated at non-academic facilities (aOR 0.70; 95% CI 0.49, 0.99). In conclusion, aNSCLC patients residing in areas of lower educational and economic wealth were less likely to receive immunotherapy.

Adjuvant treatment of surgically treated bone metastasis patients: association with hospital characteristics and trends over time

Patients with metastatic disease of the bone (MDB) often require surgical stabilization; however, there is not widespread consensus on subsequent adjuvant management. This study aimed to characterize utilization of perioperative adjuvant treatment among MDB patients. We identified 9413 surgically treated MDB patients with primary (breast, kidney, lung, prostate, or multiple myeloma) cancer from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for receipt of chemotherapy, radiation, and bisphosphonates, respectively, in the adjuvant setting (90 days before or after surgery) by hospital characteristics-medical school affiliation, surgery volume, and Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation. Trends in treatment utilization by year of surgery were assessed via bar charts and Chi-square tests for trend. Patients surgically treated at major medical schools or high-volume facilities (compared to no medical school affiliation and low volume) had significantly higher odds of receiving radiation and chemotherapy, independent of patient and tumor characteristics (OR (95% CI); medical school: radiation 1.33 (1.19-1.49), chemotherapy 1.15 (1.02-1.30); and high volume: radiation 1.22 (1.11-1.34), chemotherapy 1.11 (1.02-1.22)). Patients surgically treated at CoC-accredited institutions, compared to non-accredited, had significantly higher odds of receiving radiation and bisphosphonates [radiation 1.24 (1.13-1.36); bisphosphonates 1.15 (1.04-1.28)]. Use of chemotherapy and bisphosphonates increased while radiation use declined over the study period from 1991 to 2014. Medical school affiliation, hospital volume, and CoC accreditation are associated with receipt of adjuvant treatment to prevent or manage pathologic fractures in MDB patients. Further investigation is needed to determine whether these associations reflect delivery of optimal care.

Surgeon experience in glioblastoma surgery of the elderly-a multicenter, retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

To assess the impact of individual surgeon experience on overall survival (OS), extent of resection (EOR) and surgery-related morbidity in elderly patients with glioblastoma (GBM), we performed a retrospective case-by-case analysis.

METHODS

GBM patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent tumor resection at two academic centers were analyzed. The experience of each neurosurgeon was quantified in three ways: (1) total number of previously performed glioma surgeries (lifetime experience); (2) number of surgeries performed in the previous five years (medium-term experience) and (3) in the last two years (short-term experience). Surgeon experience data was correlated with survival (OS) and surrogate parameters for surgical quality (EOR, morbidity).

RESULTS

198 GBM patients (median age 73.0 years, median preoperative KPS 80, IDH-wildtype status 96.5%) were included. Median OS was 10.0 months (95% CI 8.0-12.0); median EOR was 89.4%. Surgery-related morbidity affected 19.7% patients. No correlations of lifetime surgeon experience with OS (P = .693), EOR (P = .693), and surgery-related morbidity (P = .435) were identified. Adjuvant therapy was associated with improved OS (P < .001); patients with surgery-related morbidity were less likely to receive adjuvant treatment (P = .002). In multivariable testing, adjuvant therapy (P < .001; HR = 0.064, 95%CI 0.028-0.144) remained the only significant predictor for improved OS.

CONCLUSION

Less experienced neurosurgeons achieve similar surgical results and outcome in elderly GBM patients within the setting of academic teaching hospitals. Adjuvant treatment and avoidance of surgery-related morbidity are crucial for generating a treatment benefit for this cohort.

Outcome and characteristics of patients with adult grade 4 diffuse gliomas changing sites of treatment

PURPOSE

With increasing patient self-empowerment and participation in decision making, we hypothesized that patients with adult-type diffuse gliomas, CNS WHO grade 4 who change sites of treatment differ from patients being entirely treated in one neuro-oncological center.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data from all diffuse glioma grade 4 patients who underwent treatment in our neuro-oncological center between 2012 and 2018 were retrospectively examined for differences between patients having initially been diagnosed and/or treated elsewhere (External Group) and patients having entirely been treated in our neuro-oncological center (Internal Group). Additionally, a matched-pair analysis was performed to adjust for possible confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 616 patients was analyzed. Patients from the External Group (n = 78) were significantly younger, more frequently suffered from IDH-mutant astrocytoma grade 4, had a greater extent of tumor resection, more frequently underwent adjuvant therapy and experienced longer overall survival (all p < 0.001). However, after matching these patients to patients of the Internal Group considering IDH mutations, extent of resection, adjuvant therapy, age and gender, no difference in patients' overall survival was observed anymore.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that mobile diffuse glioma grade 4 patients stand out from a comprehensive diffuse glioma grade 4 patient cohort due to their favorable prognostic characteristics. However, changing treatment sites did not result in survival benefit over similar patients being entirely taken care of within one neuro-oncological institution. These results underline the importance of treatment and molecular markers in glioma disease for patients' self-empowerment, including changing treatment sites according to patients' needs and wishes.

Hospital Academic Status and the Volume-Outcome Association in Postoperative Patients Requiring Intensive Care: Results of a Nationwide Analysis of Intensive Care Units in the United States

Objective: To determine whether the outcomes of postoperative patients admitted directly to an intensive care unit (ICU) differ based on the academic status of the institution and the total operative volume of the unit. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis using the eICU Collaborative Research Database v2.0, a national database from participating ICUs in the United States. All patients admitted directly to the ICU from the operating room were included. Transfer patients and patients readmitted to the ICU were excluded. Patients were stratified based on admission to an ICU in an academic medical center (AMC) versus non-AMC, and to ICUs with different operative volume experience, after stratification in quartiles (high, medium-high, medium-low, and low volume). Primary outcomes were ICU and hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included the need for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) during ICU stay, ICU length of stay (LOS), and 30-day ventilator free days. Results: Our analysis included 22,180 unique patients; the majority of which (15,085[68%]) were admitted to ICUs in non-AMCs. Cardiac and vascular procedures were the most common types of procedures performed. Patients admitted to AMCs were more likely to be younger and less likely to be Hispanic or Asian. Multivariable logistic regression indicated no meaningful association between academic status and ICU mortality, hospital mortality, initiation of CRRT, duration of ICU LOS, or 30-day ventilator-free-days. Contrarily, medium-high operative volume units had higher ICU mortality (OR = 1.45, 95%CI = 1.10-1.91, p-value = 0.040), higher hospital mortality (OR = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.07-1.66, p-value = 0.033), longer ICU LOS (Coefficient = 0.23, 95%CI = 0.07-0.39, p-value = 0.038), and fewer 30-day ventilator-free-days (Coefficient = -0.30, 95%CI = -0.48 - -0.13, p-value = 0.015) compared to their high operative volume counterparts. Conclusions: This study found that a volume-outcome association in the management of postoperative patients requiring ICU level of care immediately after a surgical procedure may exist. The academic status of the institution did not affect the outcomes of these patients.

Early repeat resection for residual glioblastoma: decision-making among an international cohort of neurosurgeons

OBJECTIVE

The importance of extent of resection (EOR) in glioblastoma (GBM) has been thoroughly demonstrated. However, few studies have explored the practices and benefits of early repeat resection (ERR) when residual tumor deemed resectable is unintentionally left after an initial resection, and the survival benefit of ERR is still unknown. Herein, the authors aimed to internationally survey current practices regarding ERR and to analyze differences based on geographic location and practice setting.

METHODS

The authors distributed a survey to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons Tumor Section, Society of British Neurological Surgeons, European Association of Neurosurgical Society, and Latin American Federation of Neurosurgical Societies. Neurosurgeons responded to questions about their training, practice setting, and current ERR practices. They also reported the EOR threshold below which they would pursue ERR and their likelihood of performing ERR using a Likert scale of 1-5 (5 being the most likely) in two sets of 5 cases, the first set for a patient's initial hospitalization and the second for a referred patient who had undergone resection elsewhere. The resection likelihood index for each respondent was calculated as the mean Likert score across all cases.

RESULTS

Overall, 180 neurosurgeons from 25 countries responded to the survey. Neurosurgeons performed ERRs very rarely in their practices (< 1% of all GBM cases), with an EOR threshold of 80.2% (75%-95%). When presented with 10 cases, the case context (initial hospitalization vs referred patient) did not significantly change the surgeon ERR likelihood, although ERR likelihood did vary significantly on the basis of tumor location (p < 0.0001). Latin American neurosurgeons were more likely to pursue ERR in the provided cases. Neurosurgeons were more likely to pursue ERR when the tumor was MGMT methylated versus unmethylated, with a resection likelihood index of 3.78 and 3.21, respectively (p = 0.004); however, there was no significant difference between IDH mutant and IDH wild-type tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this survey reveal current practices regarding ERR, but they also demonstrate the variability in how neurosurgeons approach ERR. Standardized guidelines based on future studies incorporating tumor molecular characteristics are needed to guide neurosurgeons in their decision-making on this complicated issue.

Effect of facility volume on giant pituitary adenoma neurosurgical outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Giant pituitary adenomas (PAs), defined as 4 cm or greater at their maximum diameter, are commonly treated with neurosurgical intervention as the first-line therapy. However, existing studies are from high-volume institutions whose outcomes may not be representative of many cancer centers. In the present study, the authors use a large cancer registry to evaluate demographics, national treatment trends, and outcomes by facility volume to address knowledge gaps for this uncommon tumor.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for adult patients with PAs who had undergone resection from 2004 to 2016. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to evaluate the prognostic impact of covariates on short-term outcomes including 30-day readmission (30R), 30-day mortality (30M), 90-day mortality (90M), and prolonged length of inpatient hospital stay (LOS). Propensity score matching was used for validation.

RESULTS

Among the 39,030 patients who met the study inclusion criteria, 3696 giant PAs were identified. These tumors had higher rates of subtotal resection (55% vs 24%, p < 0.001), adjunctive radiotherapy (15% vs 5%, p < 0.001), and hormonal therapy (8% vs 4%, p < 0.001) than nongiant PAs. The giant PAs also had worse 30M (0.6% vs 3.1%, p < 0.001), 90M (1.0% vs 5.0%, p < 0.001), 30R (4.0% vs 6.3%, p < 0.001), and LOS (22.2% vs 42.1%, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis for giant PA, decreased tumor size, younger age, race other than African American, lower comorbidity score, and high-volume facility (HVF; defined as ≥ 2.5 giant PA cases per year) were statistically significant predictors of favorable outcomes. Specifically, 30M, 90M, 30R, and LOS were decreased by 50%, 43%, 55%, and 32%, respectively, when giant PAs were treated at HVFs (each p < 0.05). HVFs more often used the endoscopic approach (71% vs 46%, p < 0.001) and less adjuvant radiotherapy (11% vs 16%, p < 0.001). Propensity score matching validated 30M, 30R, and LOS outcome differences in a cohort of 1056 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence of superior outcomes when giant PAs are treated at HVFs. These results likely reflect the relation between physician experience and outcomes for these uncommon tumors, which suggests the need for institutional collaboration as a potential goal in their surgical management.

Association of area-level socioeconomic status and non-small cell lung cancer stage by race/ethnicity and health care-level factors: Analysis of the National Cancer Database

BACKGROUND

This study examined whether the association of socioeconomic status (SES) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stage varied by race/ethnicity and health care access measures.

METHODS

This study used data from the 2004-2016 National Cancer Database for patients aged 18-89 years who had been diagnosed with Stage 0-IV NSCLC. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the associations of area-level SES with an advanced stage at diagnosis via multilevel, multivariable logistic regression. The stage at diagnosis was dichotomized into early (0-II) and advanced (III-IV) stages, and area-level SES was categorized on the basis of the patient's zip code level: (1) the proportion of adults aged ≥25 years without a high school degree and (2) the median household income. The models were stratified by race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic [NH] White, NH Black, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander), insurance status (none, government, and private), and health care facility type (community, comprehensive community, academic/research, and integrated network).

RESULTS

The study population included 1,329,972 patients. Although only 17% of the NH White patients were in the lowest income quartile, 50% of the NH Black patients were in this group. Lower area-level education and income were associated with higher odds of an advanced-stage diagnosis (aOR for education, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.10-1.13; aOR for income, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.11-1.14). These associations persisted among NH White, NH Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients; among those with government and private insurance (but not the uninsured); and among those treated at each facility type.

CONCLUSIONS

Area-level income and education are strongly associated with an advanced NSCLC diagnosis regardless of the facility type and among those with government and private insurance.

CCL18 Expression Is Higher in a Glioblastoma Multiforme Tumor than in the Peritumoral Area and Causes the Migration of Tumor Cells Sensitized by Hypoxia

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a brain tumor with a very poor prognosis. For this reason, researchers worldwide study the impact of the tumor microenvironment in GBM, such as the effect of chemokines. In the present study, we focus on the role of the chemokine CCL18 and its receptors in the GBM tumor. We measured the expression of CCL18, CCR8 and PITPNM3 in the GMB tumor from patients (16 men and 12 women) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. To investigate the effect of CCL18 on the proliferation and migration of GBM cells, experiments were performed using U-87 MG cells. The results showed that CCL18 expression was higher in the GBM tumor than in the peritumoral area. The women had a decreased expression of PITPNM3 receptor in the GBM tumor, while in the men a lower expression of CCR8 was observed. The hypoxia-mimetic agent, cobalt chloride (CoCl₂), increased the expression of CCL18 and PITPNM3 and thereby sensitized U-87 MG cells to CCL18, which did not affect the proliferation of U-87 MG cells but increased the migration of the test cells. The results indicate that GBM cells migrate from hypoxic areas, which may be important in understanding the mechanisms of tumorigenesis.

The Influence of Hospital Characteristics on Patient Survival in Surgically Managed Metastatic Disease of Bone: An Analysis of the SEER-Medicare Linked Database

OBJECTIVES

We investigated whether patients receiving surgical treatment for metastatic disease of bone (MDB) at hospitals with higher volume, medical school affiliation, or Commission on Cancer accreditation have superior outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database, we identified 9413 patients surgically treated for extremity MDB between 1992 and 2014 at the age of 66 years or older. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the hazards ratios (HR) for 90-day and 1-year mortality and 30-day readmission according to the characteristics of the hospital where bone surgery was performed.

RESULTS

We observed no notable differences in 90-day mortality, 1-year mortality, or 30-day readmission associated with hospital volume. Major medical school affiliation was associated with lower 90-day (HR: 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80-0.96) and 1-year (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.99) mortality after adjustments for demographic and tumor characteristics. Surgical treatment at Commission on Cancer accredited hospitals was associated with significantly higher risk of death at 90 days and 1 year after the surgery. This effect appeared to be driven by lung cancer patients (1-year HR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.07-1.27).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest surgical management of MDB at lower-volume hospitals does not compromise survival or readmissions. There may be benefit to referral or consultation with an academic medical center in some tumor types or clinical scenarios.

Disparities in access to surgery for glioblastoma multiforme at high-volume Commission on Cancer-accredited hospitals in the United States

OBJECTIVE

Although it has been shown that surgery for glioblastoma (GBM) at high-volume facilities (HVFs) may be associated with better postoperative outcomes, the use of such hospitals may not be equally distributed. The authors aimed to evaluate racial and socioeconomic differences in access to surgery for GBM at high-volume Commission on Cancer (CoC)-accredited hospitals.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with GBM that was newly diagnosed between 2004 and 2015. Patients who received no surgical intervention or those who received surgical intervention at a site other than the reporting facility were excluded. Annual surgical case volume was calculated for each hospital, with volume ≥ 90th percentile defined as an HVF. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify patient-level predictors for undergoing surgery at an HVF. Furthermore, multiple subgroup analyses were performed to determine the adjusted odds ratio of the likelihood of undergoing surgery at an HVF in 2016 as compared to 2004 for each patient subpopulation (by age, race, sex, educational group, etc.).

RESULTS

A total of 51,859 patients were included, with 10.7% (n = 5562) undergoing surgery at an HVF. On multivariable analysis, Hispanic White patients (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.49-0.69, p < 0.001) were found to have significantly lower odds of undergoing surgery at an HVF (reference = non-Hispanic White). In addition, patients from a rural residential location (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41-0.72, p < 0.001; reference = metropolitan); patients with nonprivate insurance status (Medicare [OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.71-0.86, p < 0.001], Medicaid [OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.60-0.78, p < 0001], other government insurance [OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52-0.86, p = 0.002], or who were uninsured [OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.51-0.72, p < 0.001]); and lower-income patients ($50,354-$63,332 [OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.63-0.74, p < 0.001], $40,227-$50,353 [OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.76-0.92, p < 0.001]; reference = ≥ $63,333) were also found to be significantly associated with a lower likelihood of surgery at an HVF. Subgroup analyses revealed that elderly patients (age ≥ 65 years), both male and female patients and non-Hispanic White patients, and those with private insurance, Medicare, metropolitan residential location, median zip code-level household income in the first and second quartiles, and educational attainment in the first and third quartiles had increased odds of undergoing surgery at an HVF in 2016 compared to 2004 (all p ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, patients with other governmental insurance, patients with a rural residence, and those from a non-White racial category did not show a significant difference in odds of surgery at an HVF over time (all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The present analysis from the National Cancer Database revealed significant disparities in access to surgery at an HVF for GBM within the United States. Furthermore, there was evidence that these racial and socioeconomic disparities may have widened between 2004 and 2016. The findings should assist health policy makers in the development of strategies for improving access to HVFs for racially and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.

Predictors of survival and time to progression following operative management of intramedullary spinal cord astrocytomas

PURPOSE

Surgical resection is considered standard of care for primary intramedullary astrocytomas, but the infiltrative nature of these lesions often precludes complete resection without causing new post-operative neurologic deficits. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy serve as potential adjuvants, but high-quality data evaluating their efficacy are limited. Here we analyze the experience at a single comprehensive cancer center to identify independent predictors of postoperative overall and progression-free survival.

METHODS

Data was collected on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, pre-operative presentation, resection extent, long-term survival, and tumor progression/recurrence. Kaplan-Meier curves modeled overall and progression-free survival. Univariable and multivariable accelerated failure time regressions were used to compute time ratios (TR) to determine predictors of survival.

RESULTS

94 patients were included, of which 58 (62%) were alive at last follow-up. On multivariable analysis, older age (TR = 0.98; p = 0.03), higher tumor grade (TR = 0.12; p < 0.01), preoperative back pain (TR = 0.45; p < 0.01), biopsy [vs GTR] (TR = 0.18; p = 0.02), and chemotherapy (TR = 0.34; p = 0.02) were significantly associated with poorer survival. Higher tumor grade (TR = 0.34; p = 0.02) and preoperative bowel dysfunction (TR = 0.31; p = 0.02) were significant predictors of shorter time to detection of tumor growth.

CONCLUSION

Tumor grade and chemotherapy were associated with poorer survival and progression-free survival. Chemotherapy regimens were highly heterogeneous, and randomized trials are needed to determine if any optimal regimens exist. Additionally, GTR was associated with improved survival, and patients should be counseled about the benefits and risks of resection extent.

Pituitary adenoma in the elderly: surgical outcomes and treatment trends in the United States

OBJECTIVE

Decision-making in how to manage pituitary adenomas (PAs) in the elderly (age ≥ 65 years) can be challenging given the benign nature of these tumors and concerns about surgical morbidity in these patients. In this study involving a large multicenter national registry, the authors examined treatment trends and surgical outcomes in elderly compared to nonelderly patients.

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was queried for adults aged ≥ 18 years with PA diagnosed by MRI (in observed cases) or pathology (in surgical cases) from 2004 to 2016. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to evaluate the prognostic impact of age and other covariates on 30- and 90-day postsurgical mortality (30M/90M), prolonged (≥ 5 days) length of inpatient hospital stay (LOS), and extent of resection.

RESULTS

A total of 96,399 cases met the study inclusion criteria, 27% of which were microadenomas and 73% of which were macroadenomas. Among these cases were 25,464 elderly patients with PA. Fifty-three percent of these elderly patients were treated with surgery, 1.9% underwent upfront radiotherapy, and 44.9% were observed without treatment. Factors associated with surgical treatment compared to observation included younger age, higher income, private insurance, higher Charlson-Deyo comorbidity (CD) score, larger tumor size, and receiving treatment at an academic hospital (each p ≤ 0.01). Elderly patients undergoing surgery had increased rates of 30M (1.4% vs 0.6%), 90M (2.8% vs 0.9%), prolonged LOS (26.1% vs 23.0%), and subtotal resection (27.2% vs 24.5%; each p ≤ 0.01) compared to those in nonelderly PA patients. On multivariate analysis, age, tumor size, and CD score were independently associated with worse postsurgical mortality. High-volume facilities (HVFs) had significantly better outcomes than low-volume facilities: 30M (0.9% vs 1.8%, p < 0.001), 90M (2.0% vs 3.5%, p < 0.001), and prolonged LOS (21.8% vs 30.3%, p < 0.001). A systematic literature review composed of 22 studies demonstrated an elderly PA patient mortality rate of 0.7%, which is dramatically lower than real-world NCDB outcomes and speaks to substantial selection bias in the previously published literature.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings confirm that elderly patients with PA are at higher risk for postoperative mortality than younger patients. Surgical risk in this age group may have been previously underreported in the literature. Resection at HVFs better reflects these historical rates, which has important implications in elderly patients for whom surgery is being considered.

Rat and Mouse Brain Tumor Models for Experimental Neuro-Oncology Research

Rodent brain tumor models have been useful for developing effective therapies for glioblastomas (GBMs). In this review, we first discuss the 3 most commonly used rat brain tumor models, the C6, 9L, and F98 gliomas, which are all induced by repeated injections of nitrosourea to adult rats. The C6 glioma arose in an outbred Wistar rat and its potential to evoke an alloimmune response is a serious limitation. The 9L gliosarcoma arose in a Fischer rat and is strongly immunogenic, which must be taken into consideration when using it for therapy studies. The F98 glioma may be the best of the 3 but it does not fully recapitulate human GBMs because it is weakly immunogenic. Next, we discuss a number of mouse models. The first are human patient-derived xenograft gliomas in immunodeficient mice. These have failed to reproduce the tumor-host interactions and microenvironment of human GBMs. Genetically engineered mouse models recapitulate the molecular alterations of GBMs in an immunocompetent environment and “humanized” mouse models repopulate with human immune cells. While the latter are rarely isogenic, expensive to produce, and challenging to use, they represent an important advance. The advantages and limitations of each of these brain tumor models are discussed. This information will assist investigators in selecting the most appropriate model for the specific focus of their research.

Phenethyl Isothiocyanate Suppresses the Proinflammatory Cytokines in Human Glioblastoma Cells through the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Signaling Pathway In Vitro

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), extracted from cruciferous vegetables, showed anticancer activity in many human cancer cells. Our previous studies disclosed the anticancer activity of PEITC in human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) 8401 cells, including suppressing the cell proliferation, inducing apoptotic cell death, and suppressing cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, PEITC also inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors of human glioblastoma cells. We are the first to investigate PEITC effects on the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathway and the effects of proinflammatory cytokines on glioblastoma. The cell viability was analyzed by flow cytometric assay. The protein levels and mRNA expressions of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reader and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, respectively. Furthermore, nuclear factor-kappa B- (NF-κB-) associated proteins were evaluated by western blotting. NF-κB expression and nuclear translocation were confirmed by confocal laser microscopy. NF-κB binding to the DNA was examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Our results indicated that PEITC decreased the cell viability and inhibited the protein levels and expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α genes at the transcriptional level in GBM 8401 cells. PEITC inhibited the binding of NF-κB on promoter site of DNA in GBM 8401 cells. PEITC also altered the protein expressions of protein kinase B (Akt), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and NF-κB signaling pathways. The inflammatory responses in human glioblastoma cells may be suppressed by PEITC through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. Thus, PEITC may have the potential to be an anti-inflammatory agent for human glioblastoma in the future.

The Discrepancy Between Standard Histologic WHO Grading of Meningioma and Molecular Profile: A Single Institution Series

Introduction

Meningiomas are the most common primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor. They are most often benign, but a subset of these can behave aggressively. Current World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines classify meningiomas into three grades based on the histologic findings and presence or absence of brain invasion. These grades are intended to guide treatment, but meningiomas can behave inconsistently with regard to their assigned histopathological grade, influencing patient expectations and management. Advanced molecular profiling of meningiomas has led to the proposal of alternative molecular grading schemes that have shown superior predictive power. These include methylation patterns, copy number alterations, and mutually exclusive driver mutations affecting oncogenes, including BAP1, CDKN2A/B, and the TERT promoter, which are associated with particularly aggressive tumor biology. Despite the evident clinical value, advanced molecular profiling methods are not widely incorporated in routine clinical practice for meningiomas.

Objective

To assess the degree of concordance between the molecular profile of meningiomas and the histopathologic WHO classification, the current method of predicting meningioma behavior.

Methods

In a two-year single-institution experience, we used commercially available resources to determine molecular profiles of all resected meningiomas. Copy number aberrations and oncogenic driver mutations were identified and compared with the histopathologic grade.

Results

One hundred fifty-one total meningioma cases were included for analysis (85.4% WHO grade 1, 13.3% WHO grade 2, and 1.3% grade 3). Chromosomal analysis of 124 of these samples showed that 29% of WHO grade 1 tumor featured copy number profiles consistent with higher grade meningioma, and 25% of WHO grade 2 meningiomas had copy number profiles consistent with less aggressive tumors. Furthermore, 8% harbored mutations in TERT, CDKN2A/B, or BAP1 of which 6% occurred in grade 1 meningiomas.

Conclusions

Routine advanced molecular profiling of all resected meningiomas using commercially available resources allowed for identification of a significant number of meningiomas whose molecular profiles were inconsistent with WHO grade. Our work shows the clinical value of integrating routine molecular profiling with histopathologic grading to guide clinical decision making.

Disparity in use of modern combination chemotherapy associated with facility type influences survival of 2655 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer

AIM

Academic and high volume hospitals have better outcome for pancreatic cancer (PC) surgery, but there are no reports on oncological treatment. We aimed to determine the influence of facility types on overall survival (OS) after treatment with chemotherapy for inoperable PC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

2,657 patients were treated in Denmark from 2012 to 2018 and registered in the Danish Pancreatic Cancer Database. Facilities were classified as either secondary oncological units or comprehensive, tertiary referral cancer centers.

RESULTS

The average yearly number of patients seen at the four tertiary facilities was 71, and 31 at the four secondary facilities. Patients at secondary facilities were older, more frequently had severe comorbidity and lived in non-urban municipalities. As compared to combination chemotherapy, monotherapy with gemcitabine was used more often (59%) in secondary facilities than in tertiary (34%). The unadjusted median OS was 7.7 months at tertiary and 6.1 months at secondary facilities. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.16 (confidence interval 1.07-1.27) demonstrated an excess risk of death for patients treated at secondary facilities, which disappeared when taking type of chemotherapy used into account. Hence, more use of combination chemotherapy was associated with the observed improved OS of patients treated at tertiary facilities. Declining HR's per year of first treatment indicated improved outcomes with time, however the difference among facility types remained significant.

DISCUSSION

Equal access to modern combination chemotherapy at all facilities on a national level is essential to ensure equality in treatment results.

The current state of glioma data registries

Background

The landscape of glioma research has evolved in the past 20 years to include numerous large, multi-institutional, database efforts compiling either clinical data on glioma patients, molecular data on glioma specimens, or a combination of both. While these strategies can provide a wealth of information for glioma research, obtaining information regarding data availability and access specifications can be challenging.

Methods

We reviewed the literature for ongoing clinical, molecular, and combined database efforts related to glioma research to provide researchers with a curated overview of the current state of glioma database resources.

Results

We identified and reviewed a total of 20 databases with data collection spanning from 1975 to 2022. Surveyed databases included both low- and high-grade gliomas, and data elements included over 100 clinical variables and 12 molecular data types. Select database strengths included large sample sizes and a wide variety of variables available, while limitations of some databases included complex data access requirements and a lack of glioma-specific variables.

Conclusions

This review highlights current databases and registries and their potential utility in clinical and genomic glioma research. While many high-quality resources exist, the fluid nature of glioma taxonomy makes it difficult to isolate a large cohort of patients with a pathologically confirmed diagnosis. Large, well-defined, and publicly available glioma datasets have the potential to expand the reach of glioma research and drive the field forward.

Residential distance from the reporting hospital and survival among adolescents, and young adults diagnosed with CNS tumors

PURPOSE

Prior research shows that residential distance to a treatment facility may be an important factor in central nervous system (CNS) tumor outcomes. Our goal was to examine residential distance to the reporting hospital and overall survival in adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with CNS tumors.

METHODS

National Cancer Database data on AYA 15-39 years old diagnosed with CNS and Other Intracranial and Intraspinal Neoplasms (CNS tumors) from 2010 to 2014 were obtained. Distance between the case's residence at diagnosis or initial treatment and the reporting hospital was classified in miles as short (≤ 12.5), intermediate (> 12.5 and < 50), and long (≥ 50). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used for analyses.

RESULTS

Among 9335 AYA diagnosed with CNS tumors, hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.06 (95% CI 0.96-1.17) and 0.82 (95% CI 0.73-0.93) for those with residences at intermediate and long vs. short distances, respectively, after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and zip-code level education and income. After adjusting for the facility volume of CNS tumor patients, the association was attenuated for long vs. short distance residences (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.81-1.04). The HRs varied by tumor type, race/ethnicity, and zip-code level income with significantly lower hazards of death for those with residences at long vs. short distances for low-grade astrocytic tumors, ependymomas, non-Hispanic Whites, and those from higher-income areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Living at long distances for CNS tumor care may be associated with better survival in AYA patients. This may be explained by travel to facilities with more experience treating CNS tumors.

Strengths and Limitations of Registries in Surgical Oncology Research

Over the past two decades, there has been a dramatic increase in studies based on large multi-institutional tumor registries. Applications of such databases span various research themes including epidemiology, oncology, surgical techniques, perioperative outcomes, and prognosis. Although these databases are acquired relatively easily, offer larger sample sizes and improved generalizability compared with institutional data, acknowledging limitations within analysis and cautious interpretation of data is important. Questionable conclusions can result when insufficient attention is paid to issues such as data quality and depth, potential sources of bias and missing data. This article reviews research themes and important limitations of these databases. The contemporary reporting of these issues in the literature and an increased awareness among surgical oncologists of potential applications and limitations will ensure that studies in the surgical oncology literature achieve high standards of methodological quality and clinical utility.

Relationship between primary stroke center volume and time to endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke

Background and purpose

We investigated whether the annual volume of patients with acute ischemic stroke referred from a primary stroke center (PSC) for endovascular treatment (EVT) is associated with treatment times and functional outcome.

Methods

We used data from the Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN) registry (2014–2017). We included patients with acute ischemic stroke of the anterior circulation who were transferred from a PSC to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) for EVT. We examined the association between EVT referral volume of PSCs and treatment times and functional outcome using multivariable regression modeling. The main outcomes were time from arrival at the PSC to groin puncture (PSC‐door‐to‐groin time), adjusted for estimated ambulance travel times, time from arrival at the CSC to groin puncture (CSC‐door‐to‐groin time), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days after stroke.

Results

Of the 3637 patients in the registry, 1541 patients (42%) from 65 PSCs were included. Mean age was 71 years (SD ± 13.3), median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 16 (interquartile range [IQR]: 12–19), and median time from stroke onset to arrival at the PSC was 53 min (IQR: 38–90). Eighty‐three percent had received intravenous thrombolysis. EVT referral volume was not associated with PSC‐door‐to‐groin time (adjusted coefficient: −0.49 min/annual referral, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.27 to 0.29), CSC‐door‐to‐groin time (adjusted coefficient: −0.34 min/annual referral, 95% CI: −0.69 to 0.01) or 90‐day mRS score (adjusted common odds ratio: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.96–1.01).

Conclusions

In patients transferred from a PSC for EVT, higher PSC volumes do not seem to translate into better workflow metrics or patient outcome.

A Molecularly Integrated Grade for Meningioma

Background

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumor in adults. Clinical care is currently guided by the World Health Organization (WHO) grade assigned to meningiomas, a 3-tiered grading system based on histopathology features, as well as extent of surgical resection. Clinical behavior, however, often fails to conform to the WHO grade. Additional prognostic information is needed to optimize patient management.

Methods

We evaluated whether chromosomal copy-number data improved prediction of time-to-recurrence for patients with meningioma who were treated with surgery, relative to the WHO schema. The models were developed using Cox proportional hazards, random survival forest, and gradient boosting in a discovery cohort of 527 meningioma patients and validated in 2 independent cohorts of 172 meningioma patients characterized by orthogonal genomic platforms.

Results

We developed a 3-tiered grading scheme (Integrated Grades 1-3), which incorporated mitotic count and loss of chromosome 1p, 3p, 4, 6, 10, 14q, 18, 19, or CDKN2A. 32% of meningiomas reclassified to either a lower-risk or higher-risk Integrated Grade compared to their assigned WHO grade. The Integrated Grade more accurately identified meningioma patients at risk for recurrence, relative to the WHO grade, as determined by time-dependent area under the curve, average precision, and the Brier score.

Conclusion

We propose a molecularly integrated grading scheme for meningiomas that significantly improves upon the current WHO grading system in prediction of progression-free survival. This framework can be broadly adopted by clinicians with relative ease using widely available genomic technologies and presents an advance in the care of meningioma patients.

Improved outcomes associated with maximal extent of resection for butterfly glioblastoma: insights from institutional and national data

BACKGROUND

Butterfly glioblastomas (bGBMs) are grade IV gliomas that infiltrate the corpus callosum and spread to bilateral cerebral hemispheres. Due to the rarity of cases, there is a dearth of information in existing literature. Herein, we evaluate clinical and genetic characteristics, associated predictors, and survival outcomes in an institutional series and compare them to a national cohort.

METHODS

We identified all adult patients with bGBM treated at Brigham & Women's Hospital (2008-2018). The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was also queried for bGBM patients. Survival was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier methods, and Cox models were built to assess for predictive factors.

RESULTS

Of 993 glioblastoma patients, 62 cases (6.2%) of bGBM were identified. Craniotomy for resection was attempted in 26 patients (41.9%), with a median volumetric extent of resection (vEOR) of 72.3% (95% confidence interval [95%CI] 58.3-82.1). The IDH1 R132H mutation was detected in two patients (3.2%), and MGMT promoter was methylated in 55.5% of the assessed cases. In multivariable regression, factors predictive of longer OS were increased vEOR, MGMT promoter methylation, and receipt of adjuvant therapy. Median OS for the resected cases was 11.5 months (95%CI 7.7-18.8) vs. 6.3 (95%CI 5.1-8.9) for the biopsied. Of 21,353 GBMs, 719 (3.37%) bGBM patients were identified in the NCDB. Resection was more likely to be pursued in recent years, and GTR was independently associated with prolonged OS (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Surgical resection followed by adjuvant chemoradiation is associated with significant survival gains and should be pursued in carefully selected bGBM patients.

Implementation, relevance, and virtual adaptation of neuro-oncological tumor boards during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide provider survey

Purpose

Neuro-oncology tumor boards (NTBs) hold an established function in cancer care as multidisciplinary tumor boards. However, NTBs predominantly exist at academic and/or specialized centers. In addition to increasing centralization throughout the healthcare system, changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic have arguably resulted in advantages by conducting clinical meetings virtually. We therefore asked about the experience and acceptance of (virtualized) NTBs and their potential benefits.

Methods

A survey questionnaire was developed and distributed via a web-based platform. Specialized neuro-oncological centers in Germany were identified based on the number of brain tumor cases treated in the respective institution per year. Only one representative per center was invited to participate in the survey. Questions targeted the structure/organization of NTBs as well as changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

A total of 65/97 institutions participated in the survey (response rate 67%). In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, regular conventions of NTBs were maintained by the respective centers and multi-specialty participation remained high. NTBs were considered valuable by respondents in achieving the most optimal therapy for the affected patient and in maintaining/encouraging interdisciplinary debate/exchange. The settings of NTBs have been adapted during the pandemic with the increased use of virtual technology. Virtual NTBs were found to be beneficial, yet administrative support is lacking in some places.

Conclusions

Virtual implementation of NTBs was feasible and accepted in the centers surveyed. Therefore, successful implementation offers new avenues and may be pursued for networking between centers, thereby increasing coverage of neuro-oncology care.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11060-021-03784-w.

Impact of race on care, readmissions, and survival for patients with glioblastoma: an analysis of the National Cancer Database

Background

The objective of this study was to explore racial/ethnic factors that may be associated with survival in patients with glioblastoma by querying the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Methods

The NCDB was queried for patients diagnosed with glioblastoma between 2004 and 2014. Patient demographic variables included age at diagnosis, sex, race, ethnicity, Charlson-Deyo score, insurance status, and rural/urban/metropolitan location of zip code. Treatment variables included surgical treatment, extent of resection, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, type of radiation, and treatment facility type. Outcomes included 30-day readmission, 30- and 90-day mortality, and overall survival. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate variables associated with race and overall survival.

Results

A total of 103 652 glioblastoma patients were identified. There was a difference in the proportion of patients for whom surgery was performed, as well as the proportion receiving radiation, when stratified by race (P < .001). Black non-Hispanics had the highest rates of unplanned readmission (7.6%) within 30 days (odds ratio [OR]: 1.39 compared to White non-Hispanics, P < .001). Asian non-Hispanics had the lowest 30- (3.2%) and 90-day mortality (9.8%) when compared to other races (OR: 0.52 compared to White non-Hispanics, P = .031). Compared to White non-Hispanics, we found Black non-Hispanics (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.88, P < .001), Asian non-Hispanics (HR: 0.72, P < .001), and Hispanics (HR: 0.69, P < .001) had longer overall survival.

Conclusions

Differences in treatment and outcomes exist between races. Further studies are needed to elucidate the etiology of these race-related disparities and to improve outcomes for all patients.

Genomic alterations predictive of response to radiosurgery in recurrent IDH-WT glioblastoma

INTRODUCTION

Despite aggressive treatment, glioblastoma invariably recurs. The optimal treatment for recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) is not well defined. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for rGBM has demonstrated favorable outcomes for selected patients; however, its efficacy in molecular GBM subtypes is unknown. We sought to identify genetic alterations that predict response/outcomes from SRS in rGBM-IDH-wild-type (IDH-WT).

METHODS

rGBM-IDH-WT patients undergoing SRS at first recurrence and tested by next-generation sequencing (NGS) were reviewed (2009-2018). Demographic, clinical, and molecular characteristics were evaluated. NGS interrogating 205-genes was performed. Primary outcome was survival from GK-SRS assessed by Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox proportional-hazards.

RESULTS

Sixty-three lesions (43-patients) were treated at 1st recurrence. Median age was 61-years. All patients were treated with resection and chemoradiotherapy. Median time from diagnosis to 1st recurrence was 8.7-months. Median cumulative volume was 2.895 cm3 and SRS median marginal dose was 18 Gy (median isodose-54%). Bevacizumab was administered in 81.4% patients. PFS from SRS was 12.9-months. Survival from SRS was 18.2-months. PTEN-mutant patients had a longer PFS (p = 0.049) and survival from SRS (p = 0.013) in multivariable analysis. Although no statistically significant PTEN-mutants patients had higher frequency of radiation necrosis (21.4% vs. 3.4%) and lower in-field recurrence (28.6% vs. 37.9%) compared to PTEN-WT patients.

CONCLUSIONS

SRS is a safe and effective treatment option for selected rGBM-IDH-WT patients following first recurrence. rGBM-IDH-WT harboring PTEN-mutation have improved survival with salvage SRS compared to PTEN-WT patients. PTEN may be used as a molecular biomarker to identify a subset of rGBM patients who may benefit the most from SRS.

Sex Differences in Time to Treat and Outcomes for Gliomas

Background

Gliomas are the most common type of primary malignant brain tumor in adults, representing one third of all primary and central nervous system (CNS) tumors and 80% of malignant tumors diagnosed in the Western world. Epidemiological data indicate that the overall incidence and mortality of cancer is higher in males, while females have a better prognosis. The goal of this study is to determine whether there are sex differences in the time to treat and clinical outcomes in patients with glioma

Methods

Glioblastoma (GB) and Lower Grade Glioma (LGG) patients were defined per the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS) from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) for diagnosis years 2004 to 2016. Associations between sex and time to treatment variables as well as associations between sex and multiple clinical outcomes were assessed using univariable and multivariable models.

Results

A total of 176,100 patients were used for analysis (124,502 GBM and 51,598 LGG). Males had a statistically significant association with >7 days to surgery (OR = 1.09, CI 1.05–1.13, p < 0.001) but this association was not observed in the multivariable model (OR = 1.05, CI 0.96–1.16, p = 0.25). After adjustment for key variables including time to treat variables, males with GB and LGG had a higher risk of death (HR = 1.11, CI 1.09–1.13, p < 0.001, HR = 1.09, CI 1.03–1.15, p < 0.001; respectfully). Sex differences in 90-day mortality for GBM were not found after adjustment (OR for males = 0.99, CI 0.91–1.08, p = 0.93). For LGG, both the univariable and multivariable logistic regression models showed no sex differences in 90-day mortality (OR for males = 1.03, CI 0.94–1.12, p = 0.45; multivariable OR for males = 0.81, CI 0.62–1.06, p = 0.13).

Conclusions

Based on NCDB data, there were no statistically significant differences in time to treatment between males and females, however males had a higher proportion of GB and LGG as well as a higher risk of death compared to females.

Role of Ethnicity and Geographic Location on Glioblastoma IDH1/IDH2 Mutations

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated possible differences in glioblastoma (GBM) survival attributable to ethnicity. The goal of this study was to quantify oncogenic differences and evaluate the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) differences in GBM patients across race/ethnicity using both population-based surveillance and institutional data sets from the United States (US) and Mexico.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study comprising the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR, n = 4134) and referral institutions located in US (n = 254) and Mexico (n = 47) were evaluated. Primary outcomes include OS and PFS. Oncogenic differences attributable to ethnicity were assessed. IDH1/IDH2 status was evaluated by sequencing in US and Mexico samples. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression for survival analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 4134 GBM patients were identified from the TCR data set, ethnicity comparison demonstrated that Hispanic patients were diagnosed at a significantly younger age compared to non-Hispanic white patients (NHW) (median: 58 vs. 62, P < 0.001) and had improved OS (hazard ratio: 0.82, P < 0.001). In the oncogenic analysis, we observed a significant enrichment of IDH1/IDH2 mutations in Mexican Hispanic patients compared to US Hispanic patients (29.8% vs. 7.9%, P = 0.012); IDH2 mutations drove this difference. Post-progression survival was significantly shorter in patients from Mexico than US (3.0 vs. 11.4 months; P < 0.001), while OS remained similar.

CONCLUSIONS

IDH2 mutations are more prevalent in Mexican Hispanic individuals compared to US individuals and may be a crucial contributor to the previously reported survival benefit of Hispanic individuals in large population databases. These findings are critical for both screening of IDH2 mutations and targeted interventions in GBM.

The role of RB1 alteration and 4q12 amplification in IDH-WT glioblastoma

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have identified that glioblastoma IDH-wildtype (GBM IDH-WT) might be comprised of molecular subgroups with distinct prognoses. Therefore, we investigated the correlation between genetic alterations and survival in 282 GBM IDH-WT patients, to identify subgroups with distinct outcomes.

METHODS

We reviewed characteristics of GBM IDH-WT (2009-2019) patients analyzed by next-generation sequencing interrogating 205 genes and 26 rearrangements. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated with the log-rank test and Cox regression models. We validated our results utilizing data from cBioPortal (MSK-IMPACT dataset).

RESULTS

Multivariable analysis of GBM IDH-WT revealed that treatment with chemoradiation and RB1-mutant status correlated with improved PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.25, P < .001 and HR 0.47, P = .002) and OS (HR 0.24, P < .001 and HR 0.49, P = .016). In addition, younger age (<55 years) was associated with improved OS. Karnofsky performance status less than 80 (HR 1.44, P = .024) and KDR amplification (HR 2.51, P = .008) were predictors of worse OS. KDR-amplified patients harbored coexisting PDGFRA and KIT amplification (P < .001) and TP53 mutations (P = .04). RB1-mutant patients had less frequent CDKN2A/B and EGFR alterations (P < .001). Conversely, RB1-mutant patients had more frequent TP53 (P < .001) and SETD2 (P = .006) mutations. Analysis of the MSK-IMPACT dataset (n = 551) validated the association between RB1 mutations and improved PFS (11.0 vs 8.7 months, P = .009) and OS (34.7 vs 21.7 months, P = .016).

CONCLUSIONS

RB1-mutant GBM IDH-WT is a molecular subgroup with improved PFS and OS. Meanwhile, 4q12 amplification (KDR/PDGFRA/KIT) denoted patients with worse OS. Identifying subgroups of GBM IDH-WT with distinct survival is important for optimal clinical trial design, incorporation of targeted therapies, and personalized neuro-oncological care.

Glioma and temozolomide induced alterations in gut microbiome

The gut microbiome is fundamental in neurogenesis processes. Alterations in microbial constituents promote inflammation and immunosuppression. Recently, in immune-oncology, specific microbial taxa have been described to enhance the effects of therapeutic modalities. However, the effects of microbial dysbiosis on glioma are still unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of glioma development and Temozolomide (TMZ) on fecal microbiome in mice and humans. C57BL/6 mice were implanted with GL261/Sham and given TMZ/Saline. Fecal samples were collected longitudinally and analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Fecal samples were collected from healthy controls as well as glioma patients at diagnosis, before and after chemoradiation. Compared to healthy controls, mice and glioma patients demonstrated significant differences in beta diversity, Firmicutes/Bacteroides (F/B) ratio, and increase of Verrucomicrobia phylum and Akkermansia genus. These changes were not observed following TMZ in mice. TMZ treatment in the non-tumor bearing mouse-model diminished the F/B ratio, increase Muribaculaceae family and decrease Ruminococcaceae family. Nevertheless, there were no changes in Verrucomicrobia/Akkermansia. Glioma development leads to gut dysbiosis in a mouse-model, which was not observed in the setting of TMZ. These findings seem translational to humans and warrant further study.

Proposed Additions to the NCCN Guidelines for Adult Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma is a rare brain tumor that occurs in both children and adults, with patients aged 15 to 39 years accounting for 30% of all cases. In adults, guidelines for diagnosis and treatment are often based on retrospective data and extrapolated from the pediatric experience due to limited availability of prospective trials or registries involving adults. Importantly, adult patients differ from pediatric patients in many aspects, including the molecular features of the tumor and tolerance to treatment. In 2017, the NCI was granted support from the Cancer Moonshot initiative to address the challenges and unmet needs of adults with rare central nervous system (CNS) tumors through the NCI Comprehensive Oncology Network for Evaluating Rare CNS Tumors (NCI-CONNECT). On November 25, 2019, NCI-CONNECT convened a multidisciplinary workshop on adult medulloblastoma. Working groups identified unmet needs in clinical care and research and developed specific action items, including a proposal for inclusion of new items in the NCCN Guidelines for Adult Medulloblastoma, delineated in this review along with the evidence supporting their incorporation. Recommendations included facilitating referral of patients to centers of excellence; promoting patient participation in clinical trials or registries; encouraging use of DNA methylation for confirmation of diagnosis and subgrouping; offering counseling on contraception and fertility preservation; evaluating patients for symptoms and medical management of endocrine, vision, hearing, and neurocognitive deficits; providing psychosocial support and referral to neurorehabilitation; minimizing delays in therapy; and incorporating imaging standards and criteria for progression.

Molecular characteristics and clinical features of multifocal glioblastoma

INTRODUCTION

Glioblastomas (GBMs) usually occur as a solitary lesion; however, about 0.5-35% present with multiple lesions (M-GBM). The genetic landscape of GBMs have been thoroughly investigated; nevertheless, differences between M-GBM and single-foci GBM (S-GBM) remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine differences in clinical and molecular characteristics between M-GBM and S-GBM.

METHODS

A retrospective review of multifocal/multicentric infiltrative gliomas (M-IG) from our institutional database was performed. Demographics, clinical, radiological, and genetic features were obtained and compared between M-GBM IDH-wild type (IDH-WT) vs 193 S-GBM IDH-WT. Mutations were examined by a targeted next-generation sequencing assay interrogating 315 genes.

RESULTS

33M-IG were identified from which 94% were diagnosed as M-GBM IDH-WT, the remaining 6% were diagnosed as astrocytomas IDH-mutant. M-GBM and S-GBM comparison revealed that EGFR alterations were more frequent in M-GBM (65% vs 42% p = 0.019). Furthermore, concomitant EGFR/PTEN alterations were more common in M-GBM vs. S-GBM (36% vs 19%) as well as compared to TCGA (21%). No statistically significant differences in overall survival were observed between M-GBM and S-GBM; however, within the M-GBM cohort, patients harboring KDR alterations had a worse survival (KDR-altered 6.7 vs KDR-WT 16.6 months, p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study demonstrate that M-GBM genetically resembles S-GBM, however, M-GBM harbor higher frequency of EGFR alterations and co-occurrence of EGFR/PTEN alterations, which may account for their highly malignant and invasive phenotype. Further study of genetic alterations including differences between multifocal and multicentric GBMs are warranted, which may identify potential targets for this aggressive tumor.

Increased 30-day readmission rate after craniotomy for tumor resection at safety net hospitals in small metropolitan areas

PURPOSE

Unplanned readmission of post-operative brain tumor patients is often attributed to hospital and patient characteristics and is associated with higher mortality and cost. Previous studies demonstrate multiple patient outcome disparities in safety net hospitals (SNHs) when compared to non-SNHs. This study uses the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) to determine if initial brain tumor resection at SNHs is associated with increased 30-day non-elective readmission rates.

METHODS

Patients with benign or malignant primary or metastatic brain tumor undergoing craniotomy for surgical resection were retrospectively identified in the NRD from 2010 to 2014. SNHs were defined as hospitals with Medicaid and uninsured patient burden in the top quartile. Descriptive and multivariate analyses employing survey-adjusted logistic regression evaluated patient and hospital level factors influencing 30-day readmissions.

RESULTS

During the study period, 83,367 patients met inclusion criteria. 44.7% of patients had a benign tumor, and 55.3% had a malignant tumor. Secondary CNS neoplasm (5.99%), post-operative infection (5.96%), and septicemia (4.26%) caused most readmissions within 30 days. Patients had increased unplanned readmission rates if they underwent craniotomy for tumor resection at a SNH in a small metropolitan area (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.21, p = 0.01), but not at a SNH in a large metropolitan area (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.93-1.05, p = 0.73).

CONCLUSION

This finding may reflect differences in access to care and disparities in neurosurgical resources between small and large metropolitan areas. Inequities in expertise and capacity are relevant as surgical volume was also related to readmission rates. Further studies may be warranted to address such disparities.

Disparities in glioblastoma survival by case volume: a nationwide observational study

Introduction

High hospital case volumes are associated with improved treatment outcomes for numerous diseases. We assessed the association between academic non-profit hospital case volume and survival of adult glioblastoma patients.

Methods

From the nationwide Finnish Cancer Registry, we identified all adult (≥ 18 years) patients with histopathological diagnoses of glioblastoma from 2000 to 2013. Five university hospitals (treating all glioblastoma patients in Finland) were classified as high-volume (one hospital), middle-volume (one hospital), and low-volume (three hospitals) based on their annual numbers of cases. We estimated one-year survival rates, estimated median overall survival times, and compared relative excess risk (RER) of death between high, middle, and low-volume hospitals.

Results

A total of 2,045 patients were included. The mean numbers of annually treated patients were 54, 40, and 17 in the high, middle, and low-volume hospitals, respectively. One-year survival rates and median survival times were higher and longer in the high-volume (39%, 9.3 months) and medium-volume (38%, 8.9 months) hospitals than in the low-volume (32%, 7.8 months) hospitals. RER of death was higher in the low-volume hospitals than in the high-volume hospital (RER = 1.19, 95% CI 1.07–1.32, p = 0.002). There was no difference in RER of death between the high-volume and medium-volume hospitals (p = 0.690).

Conclusion

Higher glioblastoma case volumes were associated with improved survival. Future studies should assess whether this association is due to differences in patient-specific factors or treatment quality.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s11060-020-03428-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Failure to complete standard radiation therapy in glioblastoma patients: Patterns from a national database with implications for survival and therapeutic decision making in older glioblastoma patients

INTRODUCTION

It is estimated that 5%-10% of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) fail to complete standard chemoradiation (CRT). We sought to determine the impact of failure to complete CRT on survival and to identify risk factors.

METHODS

We queried the National Cancer Database and identified a cohort of 17,451 adults with GBM diagnosed from 2005 to 2012. The cohort was restricted to patients that started conventionally fractionated adjuvant chemoradiation of 1.8 to 2.0 Gy per fraction to a dose of ≤66Gy. Patients were stratified by RT dose: a) completed RT ≥ 58Gy, b) nearly completed RT ≥ 50Gy - <58Gy, and c) did not complete RT ≤ 50Gy.

RESULTS

The CRT completion rate correlated with survival, 87% of patients completed CRT and had a median OS of 13.5 months, 4% were near completers (median OS 5.7 months), and 9% did not complete RT (median OS 1.9 months). Older age was associated with a higher risk of non-completion. Twenty-eight percent of patients ≥80 years old did not complete standard CRT (OR 2.99) and 19% of 70-79-year olds did not complete CRT (OR 1.99). The adjusted mortality hazard ratio was greater for patients that did not complete CRT across all age categories and for nearly complete CRT patients older than 40 (non-significant for age < 40).

CONCLUSIONS

Failure to complete standard chemoradiation was associated with decreased survival in our cohort. Patients with risk factors for failure (like advanced age) should be considered for alternative treatments such as hypofractionated radiotherapy.