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Martin JA, Hart NH, Bradford N, Naumann F, Pinkham MB, Pinkham EP, Holland JJ. Prevalence and management of sleep disturbance in adults with primary brain tumours and their caregivers: a systematic review. J Neurooncol 2023; 162:25-44. [PMID: 36864318 PMCID: PMC10049936 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04270-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aims of this systematic review were to (1) examine the prevalence, severity, manifestations, and clinical associations/risk factors of sleep disturbance in primary brain tumour (PBT) survivors and their caregivers; and (2) determine whether there are any sleep-focused interventons reported in the literature pertaining to people affected by PBT. METHODS This systematic review was registered with the international register for systematic reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42022299332). PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, PsychINFO, and CINAHL were electronically searched for relevant articles reporting sleep disturbance and/or interventions for managing sleep disturbance published between September 2015 and May 2022. The search strategy included terms focusing on sleep disturbance, primary brain tumours, caregivers of PBT survivors, and interventions. Two reviewers conducted the quality appraisal (JBI Critical Appraisal Tools) independently, with results compared upon completion. RESULTS 34 manuscripts were eligible for inclusion. Sleep disturbance was highly prevalent in PBT survivors with associations between sleep disturbance and some treatments (e.g., surgical resection, radiotherapy, corticosteroid use), as well as other prevalent symptoms (e.g., fatigue, drowsiness, stress, pain). While the current review was unable to find any sleep-targeted interventions, preliminary evidence suggests physical activity may elicit beneficial change on subjectively reported sleep disturbance in PBT survivors. Only one manuscript that discussed caregivers sleep disturbance was identified. CONCLUSIONS Sleep disturbance is a prevalent symptom experienced by PBT survivors, yet there is a distinct lack of sleep-focused interventions in this population. This includes a need for future research to include caregivers, with only one study identified. Future research exploring interventions directly focused on the management of sleep disturbance in the context of PBT is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A Martin
- Faculty of Health, School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Nicolas H Hart
- Faculty of Health, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, Australia.,Faculty of Health, Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia.,College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.,Institute for Health Research, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, Australia.,Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Natalie Bradford
- Faculty of Health, Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Fiona Naumann
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Mark B Pinkham
- Radiation Oncology, Division of Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Elizabeth P Pinkham
- Physiotherapy, Clinical Support Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Justin J Holland
- Faculty of Health, School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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Olubajo F, Thorpe A, Davis C, Sinha R, Crofton A, Mills SJ, Williams M, Jenkinson MD, Price SJ, Watts C, Brodbelt AR. Tumour treating fields in glioblastoma: is the treatment tolerable, effective, and practical in UK patients? Br J Neurosurg 2022; 36:770-776. [PMID: 35200077 DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2022.2028722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumour Treating Fields (TTF) in combination with standard therapy, prolongs survival in patients with glioblastoma (GBM). The aim of the current study was to assess the feasibility of integrating TTF into a standard UK neuro-oncology service with a focus on patient tolerability, compliance, and treatment delivery. METHODS A prospective study was performed of UK patients with IDH 1 Wild Type, MGMT Unmethylated GBM treated with TTF, in conjunction with conventional therapy. Patient compliance data, device-specific tolerability questions, and an evaluation of disease progression and survival were collected. Monthly quality of life (QoL) questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 with BN-20) examined the trend of global health, psychosocial function, and symptom progression. RESULTS Nine patients were enrolled with a median age of 47 (seven males; two females). Overall, compliance with TTF was 89% (range 16-97%). Only one patient failed to comply with treatment. Patients tolerated the device with minimal side effects. Eight patients described mild to moderate skin irritation, whilst all patients were keen to recommend the device to other patients (100%). Most patients found the weight and size of the device to be its biggest drawback (72%). Progression-free survival was 5.5 months and median overall survival was 14.9 months. CONCLUSIONS TTF was well-tolerated amongst a small cohort of UK patients, who were able to comply with treatment without any significant complication. QoL questionnaires showed no sustained deterioration in global health, physical and emotional function until the final months of life when the disease burden was greatest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farouk Olubajo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Walton Centre, Liverpool, UK
| | - Antonia Thorpe
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Walton Centre, Liverpool, UK
| | - Charles Davis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, UK
| | - Rohitashwa Sinha
- Academic Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anna Crofton
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Walton Centre, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Michael D Jenkinson
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Walton Centre, Liverpool, UK.,Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stephen J Price
- Academic Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Colin Watts
- University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
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Shams S, Patel CB. Anti-cancer mechanisms of action of therapeutic alternating electric fields (tumor treating fields [TTFields]). J Mol Cell Biol 2022; 14:6668799. [PMID: 35973687 PMCID: PMC9912101 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjac047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite improved survival outcomes across many cancer types, the prognosis remains grim for certain solid organ cancers including glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer. Invariably in these cancers, the control achieved by time-limited interventions such as traditional surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy is short-lived. A new form of anti-cancer therapy called therapeutic alternating electric fields (AEFs) or tumor treating fields (TTFields) has been shown, either by itself or in combination with chemotherapy, to have anti-cancer effects that translate to improved survival outcomes in patients. Although the pre-clinical and clinical data are promising, the mechanisms of TTFields are not fully elucidated. Many investigations are underway to better understand how and why TTFields is able to selectively kill cancer cells and impede their proliferation. The purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss the reported mechanisms of action of TTFields from pre-clinical studies (both in vitro and in vivo). An improved understanding of how TTFields works will guide strategies focused on the timing and combination of TTFields with other therapies, to further improve survival outcomes in patients with solid organ cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Shams
- Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ 08028, USA
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Krigers A, Pinggera D, Demetz M, Kornberger LM, Kerschbaumer J, Thomé C, Freyschlag CF. The Routine Application of Tumor-Treating Fields in the Treatment of Glioblastoma WHO° IV. Front Neurol 2022; 13:900377. [PMID: 35785334 PMCID: PMC9243748 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.900377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction:Tumor-treating fields (TTFs) are a specific local oncological treatment modality in glioblastoma multiforme WHO° IV (GBM). Their mechanism of action is based on the effect of electrical fields interfering with the mitotic activity of malignant cells. Prospective studies have demonstrated efficacy, but TTF benefits are still controversially discussed. This treatment was implemented in our center as the standard of care in January 2016. We thus discuss the current state of the art and our long-term experience in the routine application of TTF.MethodsThe data of 48 patients suffering from GBM and treated with TTF were assessed and compared with previously published studies. Up-to-date information from open sources was evaluated.ResultsA total of 31 males and 17 females harboring a GBM were treated with TTF, between January 2016 and August 2021, in our center. In 98% of cases, TTFs were started within 6 weeks after concomitant radiochemotherapy (Stupp protocol). Mean overall survival was 22.6 months (95% CI: 17.3–27.9). Current indications, benefits, and restrictions were evaluated. Future TTF opportunities and ongoing studies were reviewed.ConclusionTTFs are a feasible and routinely applicable specific oncological treatment option for glioblastoma multiforme WHO° IV. Further research is ongoing to extend the indications and the efficacy of TTF.
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Skull modulated strategies to intensify tumor treating fields on brain tumor: a finite element study. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2022; 21:1133-1144. [PMID: 35477828 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-022-01580-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Tumor treating fields (TTFields) are a breakthrough in treating glioblastoma (GBM), whereas the intensity cannot be further enhanced, due to the limitation of scalp lesions. Skull remodeling (SR) surgery can elevate the treatment dose of TTFields in the intracranial foci. This study was aimed at exploring the characteristics of the skull modulated strategies toward TTFields augmentation. The simplified multiple-tissue-layer model (MTL) and realistic head (RH) model were reconstructed through finite element methods (FEM), to simulate the remodeling of the skull, which included skull drilling, thinning, and cranioplasty with PEEK, titanium, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), connective tissue and autologous bone. Skull thinning could enhance the intensity of TTFields in the brain tumor, with a 10% of increase in average peritumoral intensity (API) by every 1 cm decrease in skull thickness. Cranioplasty with titanium accompanied the most enhancement of TTFields in the MTL model, but CSF was superior in TTFields enhancement when simulated in the RH model. Besides, API increased nonlinearly with the expansion of drilled burr holes. In comparison with the single drill replaced by titanium, nine burr holes could reach 96.98% of enhancement in API, but it could only reach 63.08% of enhancement under craniectomy of nine times skull defect area. Skull thinning and drilling could enhance API, which was correlated with the number and area of skull drilling. Cranioplasty with highly conductive material could also augment API, but might not provide clinical benefits as expected.
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Tumor treating fields therapy is feasible and safe in a 3-year-old patient with diffuse midline glioma H3K27M - a case report. Childs Nerv Syst 2022; 38:1791-1796. [PMID: 35181800 PMCID: PMC9463302 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05465-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Since high grade gliomas are aggressive brain tumors, intensive search for new treatment options is ongoing. For adult patients with newly diagnosed (ndGBM) and recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM), low intensity intermediate frequency alternating electric fields, known as tumor treating fields (TTFields) have been established as a new treatment modality. Tumor treating fields significantly increase survival rates in combination with adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) in adult and GBM patients. Here, we report about feasibility and safety of treatment on a pediatric patient with diffuse midline glioma who is receiving TTFields therapy in combination with temozolomide.
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Kim AE, Wang GM, Waite KA, Elder S, Fine A, Ahluwalia MS, Brat D, Mehta MP, Page R, Dunbar E, Calderone HM, Robins DS, DeVitto R, Willmarth NE, Barnholtz-Sloan JS, Brastianos PK. Cross-sectional survey of patients, caregivers, and physicians on diagnosis and treatment of brain metastases. Neurooncol Pract 2021; 8:662-673. [PMID: 34777835 PMCID: PMC8579087 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of brain metastases (BM) is one of the most feared complications of cancer due to the substantial neurocognitive morbidity and a grim prognosis. In the past decade, targeted therapies and checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated promising intracranial response rates for tumors of multiple histologies. As overall survival for these patients improves, there is a growing need to identify issues surrounding patient survivorship and to standardize physician practice patterns for these patients. To date, there has not been an adequate study to specifically explore these questions of survivorship and practice standardization for patients with advanced cancer and BM. METHODS Here, we present results from a cross-sectional survey in which we analyze responses from 237 patients, 209 caregivers, and 239 physicians to identify areas of improvement in the clinical care of BM. RESULTS In comparing physician and patient/caregiver responses, we found a disparity in the perceived discussion of topics pertaining to important aspects of BM clinical care. We identified variability in practice patterns for this patient population between private practice and academic physicians. Many physicians continue to have patients with BM excluded from clinical trials. Finally, we obtained patient/physician recommendations on high-yield areas for federal funding to improve patient quality of life. CONCLUSION By identifying potential areas of unmet need, we anticipate this wealth of actionable information will translate into tangible benefits for both patients and caregivers. Future studies are needed to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert E Kim
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gi-Ming Wang
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Kristin A Waite
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Scott Elder
- Penn, Schoen, and Berland (PSB) Research, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Avery Fine
- Penn, Schoen, and Berland (PSB) Research, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Manmeet S Ahluwalia
- Burkhardt Brain Tumor Neuro-Oncology Center, Neurological Institute, Taussig Cancer Center Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel Brat
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Minesh P Mehta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Robin Page
- American Brain Tumor Association, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Erin Dunbar
- Piedmont Brain Tumor Center, Piedmont Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - Ralph DeVitto
- American Brain Tumor Association, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Jill S Barnholtz-Sloan
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Priscilla K Brastianos
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Liang C, Gong J, Zhang B, Meng Z, Li M, Guo Y. Multiple subtentorial metastasis in diffuse midline glioma receiving tumor treating fields: a case report and literature review. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1604. [PMID: 34790810 PMCID: PMC8576728 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-4395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is one of fatal glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) with no proven medical therapies. Tumor treating fields (TTFields) is a new revolutionary therapy for GBM which prolongs the overall survival time obviously. However, we can observe more tumor growth phenomena (such as distant multiple metastases) than before. This report describes an adult patient who presented headache and dizziness, accompanied by left limb weakness, nausea, and vomiting following car accident trauma, following imaging examinations suggested thalamus GBM. He was treated with subtotal excision. Final pathology was diagnosed as DMG with H3F3A mutation, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild type. Following concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy + TTFields therapy were carried out. Supratentorial tumor has been exhibited a partial radiological response for nine months until TTFields was used irregularly or even discontinued in the later stage. Especially, subtentorial and spinal multiple metastasis occurred during this time. Both supratentorial and subtentorial tumors were treated with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, even targeted drugs, with the only difference being TTFields, but we could see different consequences for tumor growth. One conclusion might be drawn that TTFields can provide a longer survival time (14 vs. 8 months reported before) for DMG patients and improve survival benefits. However, we can observe that patients maybe die from subtentorial metastasis because TTFields could not cover the subtentorial tumors, which is the focal challenge at present. So further research on subtentorial tumors with TTFields is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofeng Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhan'ao Meng
- Department of Radiology, 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Manting Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Regev O, Merkin V, Blumenthal DT, Melamed I, Kaisman-Elbaz T. Tumor-Treating Fields for the treatment of glioblastoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurooncol Pract 2021; 8:426-440. [PMID: 34277021 PMCID: PMC8278345 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npab026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor-Treating Fields (TTFields) is an emerging treatment modality for glioblastoma (GBM). Studies have shown a good safety profile alongside improved efficacy in newly diagnosed GBM (ndGBM), while a less clear effect was shown for recurrent GBM (rGBM). Despite regulatory support, sectors of the neuro-oncology community have been reluctant to accept it as part of the standard treatment protocol. To establish an objective understanding of TTFields' mechanism of action, safety, efficacy, and economical implications, we conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. Twenty studies met the pre-defined inclusion criteria, incorporating 1636 patients (542 ndGBM and 1094 rGBM), and 11 558 patients (6403 ndGBM and 5155 rGBM) analyzed for the clinical outcomes and safety endpoints, respectively. RESULTS This study demonstrated improved clinical efficacy and a good safety profile of TTFields. For ndGBM, pooled median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 21.7 (95%CI = 19.6-23.8) and 7.2 (95%CI = 6.1-8.2) months, respectively. For rGBM, pooled median OS and PFS were 10.3 (95%CI = 8.3-12.8) and 5.7 (95%CI = 2.8-10) months, respectively. Compliance of ≥75% was associated with an improved OS and the predominant adverse events were dermatologic, with a pooled prevalence of 38.4% (95%CI = 32.3-44.9). Preclinical studies demonstrated TTFields' diverse molecular mechanism of action, its potential synergistic efficacy, and suggest possible benefits for certain populations. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the use of TTFields for GBM, alongside the standard-of-care treatment protocol, and provides a practical summary, discussing the current clinical and preclinical aspects of the treatment and their implication on the disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ohad Regev
- Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er-Sheva, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er-Sheva, Israel
| | - Vladimir Merkin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Soroka University Medical Center, Be’er-Sheva, Israel
| | - Deborah T Blumenthal
- Neuro-Oncology Service, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Israel Melamed
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Soroka University Medical Center, Be’er-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tehila Kaisman-Elbaz
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Soroka University Medical Center, Be’er-Sheva, Israel
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Senft C, Behrens M, Lortz I, Wenger K, Filipski K, Seifert V, Forster MT. The ability to return to work: a patient-centered outcome parameter following glioma surgery. J Neurooncol 2020; 149:403-411. [PMID: 32960402 PMCID: PMC7609423 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-020-03609-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With refinements in diagnosis and therapy of gliomas, the importance of survival time as the sole outcome parameter has decreased, and patient-centered outcome parameters have gained interest. Pursuing a profession is an indispensable component of human happiness. The aim of this study was to analyze the professional outcomes besides their neuro-oncological and functional evaluation after surgery for gliomas in eloquent areas. METHODS We assessed neuro-oncological and functional outcomes of patients with gliomas WHO grades II and III undergoing surgery between 2012 and 2018. All patients underwent routine follow-up and adjuvant treatment. Treatment and survival parameters were collected prospectively. Repercussions of the disease on the patients' professional status, socio-economic situation, and neurocognitive function were evaluated retrospectively with questionnaires. RESULTS We analyzed data of 58 patients with gliomas (WHO II: 9; III: 49). Median patient age was 35.8 years (range 21-63 years). Awake surgery techniques were applied in 32 patients (55.2%). Gross total and subtotal tumor resections were achieved in 33 (56.9%) and 17 (29.3%) patients, respectively, whereas in 8 patients (13.8%) resection had to remain partial. Most patients (n = 46; 79.3%) received adjuvant treatment. Median follow up was 43.8 months (range 11-82 months). After treatment 41 patients (70.7%) were able to resume a working life. Median time until returning to work was 8.0 months (range 0.2-22.0 months). To be younger than 40 at the time of the surgery was associated with a higher probability to return to work (p < .001). Multivariable regression analysis showed that patient age < 40 years as well as occupational group and self-reported fatigue were factors independently associated with the ability to return to work. CONCLUSION The ability to resume professional activities following brain tumor surgery is an important patient-oriented outcome parameter. We found that the majority of patients with gliomas were able to return to work following surgical and adjuvant treatment. Preservation of neurological function is of utmost relevance for individual patients´ quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Senft
- Department of Neurosurgery, Goethe-University Hospital, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany. .,University Cancer Center Frankfurt - UCT, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Marion Behrens
- Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Irina Lortz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Goethe-University Hospital, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Katharina Wenger
- Institute of Neuroradiology, Goethe-University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany.,University Cancer Center Frankfurt - UCT, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Katharina Filipski
- Neurological Institute (Edinger-Institute), Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany.,University Cancer Center Frankfurt - UCT, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Seifert
- Department of Neurosurgery, Goethe-University Hospital, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany.,University Cancer Center Frankfurt - UCT, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Marie-Thérèse Forster
- Department of Neurosurgery, Goethe-University Hospital, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany.,University Cancer Center Frankfurt - UCT, Frankfurt, Germany
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