Bench-to-bedside imaging in brain metastases: a road to precision oncology

Radiology has seen tremendous evolution in the last few decades. At the same time, oncology has made great strides in diagnosing and treating cancer. Distant metastases of neoplasms are being encountered more often in light of longer patient survival due to better therapeutic strategies and diagnostic methods. Brain metastasis (BM) is a dismal manifestation of systemic cancer. In the present scenario, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) are playing a big role in providing molecular information about cancer. Lately, molecular imaging has emerged as a stirring arena of dynamic imaging techniques that have enabled clinicians and scientists to noninvasively visualize and understand biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels. This knowledge has impacted etiopathogenesis, detection, personalized treatment, drug development, and our understanding of carcinogenesis. This article offers insight into the molecular biology underlying brain metastasis, its pathogenesis, imaging protocols, and algorithms. It also discusses disease-specific molecular imaging features, focusing on common tumors that spread to the brain, such as lung, breast, colorectal cancer, melanoma, and renal cell carcinoma. Additionally, it covers various targeted treatment options, criteria for assessing treatment response, and the role of artificial intelligence in diagnosing, managing, and predicting prognosis for patients with brain metastases.

Post-treatment imaging of gliomas: challenging the existing dogmas

Gliomas are the commonest malignant central nervous system tumours in adults and imaging is the cornerstone of diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment follow-up of these patients. With the ever-evolving treatment strategies post-treatment imaging and interpretation in glioma remains challenging, more so with the advent of anti-angiogenic drugs and immunotherapy, which can significantly alter the appearance in this setting, thus making interpretation of routine imaging findings such as contrast enhancement, oedema, and mass effect difficult to interpret. This review details the various methods of management of glioma including the upcoming novel therapies and their impact on imaging findings, with a comprehensive description of the imaging findings in conventional and advanced imaging techniques. A systematic appraisal for the existing and emerging techniques of imaging in these settings and their clinical application including various response assessment guidelines and artificial intelligence based response assessment will also be discussed.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) for Large Brain Metastases: Dosimetric and Clinical Predictors of Local Progression and Radionecrosis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) provides high rates of local control for small brain metastases with low rates of radionecrosis (RN). Larger targets are associated with increased risk of both local progression (LP) and RN. In this analysis, we hypothesized that dosimetric and clinical parameters predict for risk of LP and RN in SRS targets larger than two centimeters.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with one or more targets with either an intact versus post-operative cavity larger than 2.0 cm treated with LINAC-based SRS between 2017 and 2022 at one institution. We assessed for association between patient, treatment, and disease variables with LP and RN. Variables assessed included tumor resection status, PDL1 positivity, target volume, maximum and minimum target dose, EQD2 and BED (a/b = 2 for necrosis and a/b = 10 for tumor control), as well as receipt of steroids, bevacizumab, or systemic therapy before or after SRS. Radionecrosis was determined by characteristic radiographic changes. Analyses were performed for the entire cohort and within subsets including by resection status and dose fractionation.

RESULTS

A total of 178 lesions in 143 patients were included. Targets with volume diameters measuring at least 2 cm were used. Median follow-up was 2.3 years. Overall survival at 1 and 2 years was 56% and 32%, respectively. Most lesions (n = 119) were resected and treated with SRS post-operatively. The most common dose and fractionation schemes used were 30 Gy in 5 fractions (n = 89) and 27 Gy in 3 fractions (n = 63). For the entire cohort, the cumulative incidence of LP 1 and 2 years was 26% and 34%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of radiographic radionecrosis at 1 and 2 years was 12% and 17%, respectively. There was no difference in LP or RN between 27 Gy in 3 fractions versus 30 Gy in 5 fractions (p>0.5 for both). Median planning target volume (PTV) size was 18.5 cc for the 27 Gy in 3 fraction group compared to 21.9 cc in the 30 Gy in 5 fraction group. Minimum or maximum dose within the target was not associated with increased risk of LP or RN. Among patients receiving 27 Gy in 3 fractions, patients treated with resection followed by SRS had lower risk of LP compared to those treated with SRS alone (HR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03-0.64, p = 0.011). Among patients receiving 30 Gy in 5 fractions, patients who received corticosteroids prior to SRS had a lower risk of RN (HR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03-0.66, p = 0.013). For the entire cohort as well as within all subgroups, PD-L1≥1% was associated with increased risk of RN (p<0.001 for all).

CONCLUSION

Selecting the optimal SRS dose fractionation and planning parameters to minimize both LP and RN remains a challenge for large targets. In this analysis, 27 Gy in 3 fractions appeared to provide equivalent LP and RN compared to 30 Gy in 5 fractions, and may be more convenient for patients. Patients with PD-L1≥1% with large brain targets treated with SRS may be at increased risk of RN; corticosteroid prophylaxis may be considered in this population.

Memantine for Pediatric Patients Receiving Cranial Irradiation: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

While memantine has become standard in certain adults receiving brain RT to decrease the cognitive impacts of RT, it is unknown whether pediatric patients can take and tolerate memantine or experience benefit. In this prospective single-arm feasibility study, we hypothesized pediatric patients receiving brain RT would tolerate memantine with good treatment adherence.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients aged 4-18 years with a primary CNS malignancy (excluding WHO Grade IV astrocytoma and glioblastoma) receiving intracranial RT were eligible. A 6-month course of memantine was given during and after RT. Dosing began once daily at 5 mg with up-titration in 5 mg increments over 4 weeks to a weight-based maximum (0.4 mg/kg to the closest 5 mg), not to exceed 10 mg BID. To reduce patient and clinical research associate (CRA) burden, medication adherence was tracked via the Medisafe Pill and Reminder application which study staff helped install on the patient or parent's smart phone. A paper pill diary was provided for those unable to use the app. The primary endpoint was to achieve 80% adherence rate to memantine in 80% of patients measured 1-month post-RT.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (14 male and 4 female, median age 11.5 years (range: 4-18)) were enrolled from 2020-2022. The study closed early after enrolling 18 of 20 planned patients to avoid competing with the phase III randomized Children's Oncology Group (COG) study AACL2031. One patient withdrew for cognition-altering substance-use, leaving 17 patients with data available for analysis. Histologies included germ cell tumor (n = 6), craniopharyngioma (n = 3), choroid plexus papilloma (n = 2), ependymoma (n = 2), glial/astrocytoma (n = 2), medulloblastoma (n = 1), and meningioma (n = 1). Thirteen had surgery, and 9 received chemotherapy. Eight received craniospinal irradiation (CSI). Median RT dose was 54 Gy (range 36-59.4) in 30 fractions (range: 20-33). At data freeze, all 17 had passed the 1-month post-RT time point. One patient discontinued memantine after a single dose due to nausea. Pill-reports were available for 14 of the remaining 16; two patients did not complete digital pill logs. For those with complete logs, all adherence rates were above 80%, with a median of 99.32% pill completion rate (range: 92.67-100). Seven (50%) took 100% of prescribed doses. Irrespective of adherence for the 2 unavailable for evaluation, the primary endpoint was still achieved. Grade 1 toxicities included headache (n = 6, 35%) and constipation (n = 1, 6%); there were no grade 2+ toxicities. At last follow-up, 15/16 have completed the full 6-month memantine course. Secondary endpoints including neurocognitive evaluations have not yet been met and will be the subject of future reports.

CONCLUSION

Memantine is a feasible and well-tolerated addition to multi-modality treatment for pediatric brain tumors. Secondary endpoints of this study and results of the ongoing COG study are awaited to define the value of memantine in this population.

Clinical Outcomes for Chest Wall Ewing Sarcoma: A Multi-Center Single Institution Experience

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

We report tumor and treatment characteristics, oncologic outcomes, and treatment-associated toxicities in a cohort of chest wall Ewing sarcoma (cwES) patients treated at a single tertiary care institution.

MATERIALS/METHODS

After IRB approval, patients with cwES treated from 1997-2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient, tumor, treatment, outcomes, and toxicity data were abstracted. Local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were defined from end of treatment and assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank test and unadjusted Cox models were performed to determine factors associated with outcomes.

RESULTS

The cohort includes 45 patients. Median age at diagnosis was 19.8 years (range: 3.5 - 57.8 years). Five patients (11.1%) presented with pleural effusion and eight patients with lung metastases (17.8%). Two (4.4%) patients had metastatic disease outside the thorax. Median tumor volume (TV) was 138.6 mL (range: 3.0-6762.0 mL). All patients received VDC/IE chemotherapy. LC modality was surgery (S) in 21 patients (47%), radiation therapy (RT) in 5 (11%), and S+RT in 19 (42%). Median TV was larger in S+RT patients (319.4 mL, range: 5.3-6761.9 mL) compared to RT (152.3 mL, range: 20.4-366.9 mL) or S (70.4 mL, range: 3.1-1037.8 mL) (p = 0.03). R0 and R1 resections were performed in 36 (90%) and 4 (10%) patients, respectively. Proton beam therapy was used in 15 (63%) patients. Median dose was 50.40 Gy (range: 34.2 - 60 Gy) in 28 fractions to the primary tumor or post operative bed. Median dose for hemithorax (1 patient, 2.2%) and whole lung irradiation (7 patients, 15.6%) was 15.0 Gy (range: 15.0-15.0 Gy) in 10 fractions. Median follow-up was 2.38 years (range: 0 - 21.90 years). Five-year LC, PFS, and OS for all patients was 77.9% (95% CI, 65.3 - 92.9%), 54.2% (95% CI, 39.9 - 73.5%), and 63.5% (95% CI, 49.3 - 81.8%), respectively. In patients with localized disease, 5-year LC, PFS, and OS were 82.4% (95% CI, 67.9-99.8%), 66.4% (95% CI, 49.7-88.8%), and 71.3% (95% CI, 54.2-93.9%), respectively. Two-year LC by modality was 100% for RT (95% CI, 100-100%), 84.2% (95% CI, 69.3- 100%) for S and 73.3% (95% CI, 54 - 99.5%) for S+RT (p = 0.51). On univariate analysis, TV ≥ 200 mL was associated with a significantly worse 5-year OS (49.5%, TV ≥ 200 mL vs. 80.8%, TV < 200 mL; HR 4.44, p = 0.032) and PFS (35.2%, TV ≥ 200 mL vs. 76%, TV < 200 mL; HR 3.55, p = 0.025). TV ≥ 200 mL trended towards worse 5-year LC: 69.2% for TV ≥ 200 mL versus 81.5% for TV <200 mL [HR 2.26(95% CI 0.49 - 10.47), p = 0.287]. Overall, low rates of grade ≥2 toxicity were observed: 4 (8.9%) fatigue, 4 (8.9%) radiation dermatitis, 1 (2.2%) chyle leak, 3 (6.6%) scoliosis, 4 (8.9%) infection, 1 (2.2%) pneumonia, and 1 (2.2%) chest wall deformity.

CONCLUSION

RT is a safe, effective local therapy for small to moderate cwES tumors. Patients with TV ≥ 200 mL had significantly worse survival outcomes and an inferior LC rate. This suggests large cwES tumors may benefit from an aggressive multi-modality approach.

Spot Scanning Proton Therapy for Pregnant Patients with Brain and Head and Neck Tumors

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

When radiotherapy is medically necessary, x-ray based treatments (XRT) have traditionally been used to treat pregnant patients. Treatment planning and delivery techniques may be modified to minimize dose to the fetus but results in less optimal plans due to avoiding posterior beams or arcs. Monte Carlo calculations and published case studies suggest spot scanning proton therapy (PRT) reduces the equivalent dose to the fetus by a factor of 10 compared to XRT and does not require modified treatment planning techniques. However, due to concern for dose uncertainties and neutron scatter with PRT, few centers have adopted PRT over XRT for pregnant patients. The purpose of this work is to perform a retrospective study on the pregnant patients previously treated at our institution with XRT to measure the equivalent dose that would be delivered to the fetus with spot scanning PRT compared to XRT.

MATERIALS/METHODS

PRT plans were made for seven pregnant patients, 4 brain tumors and 3 head and neck tumors, who had received XRT. Due to the finite range of protons, the fetal exposure is dominated by neutrons and not the primary beam. Thus, no beam arrangement modifications were required to minimize fetal dose for PRT plans. Fetal dose measurements were performed with the patient plans using a Rando phantom and Wendi-2 (Thermo Scientific) meter placed at the phantom's abdomen. The Wendi-2 measures ambient dose equivalent, which accounts for the biological effect of the neutron energies. Measurements were made at various distances from isocenter to the center of the detector. The total dose equivalent from PRT at several out of field distances was compared to that from XRT. Patient specific measurements were used to determine the total fetal dose from each modality, accounting for the changing position of the fetus each week of the mother's treatment. The imaging dose for standard of practice imaging, including verification CT scans and daily alignment imaging, was also evaluated using a similar setup with a Fluke 451 dose meter.

RESULTS

The average measured fetal equivalent dose for the brain plans was 0.4 mSv for PRT and 7 mSv for XRT. For the head and neck plans, it was 6 mSv for PRT and 90 mSv for XRT. The dose from PRT was consistently at least a factor of 10 less than the XRT plans. In addition, the PRT plans were preferred by the physicians when considering tumor coverage and other normal tissue sparing. Daily imaging added between 0.05 and 1.5 mSv to the total dose in the PRT treatments.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective study showed that when treating brain or head and neck tumors in pregnant patients, the equivalent dose a fetus would receive with PRT is approximately a factor of 10 less than XRT without making any compromises in treatment planning. These results support changing the standard of practice to utilizing spot scanning PRT as the preferred method for treating pregnant patients with brain or head and neck tumors when available instead of XRT. We have brought this process to clinic at our center.

Trends of surgical-care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-centre study in India (IndSurg Collaboration)

Context

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns adversely affected global healthcare services to varying extents. To accommodate its added burden, emergency services were affected along-with elective surgeries.

Aims

To quantify and analyze the trends of essential surgeries and bellwether procedures during the waxing and waning of the pandemic, across various hospitals in India.

Settings and Design

Multi-centric retrospective study.

Methods and Material

A research consortium led by World Health Organization (WHO) Collaboration Center (WHOCC) for Research in Surgical Care Delivery in Low-and Middle-Income countries, India, conducted this study with 5 centers. All surgeries performed during April 2020 (Wave I), November 2020 (Recovery I), and April 2021 (Wave II) were compared with those performed in April 2019 (pre-pandemic period).

Statistical Analysis Used

Microsoft Excel 2019 and SPSS Version 20.

Results

The total number of surgeries reduced by 77% during Wave I, which improved to a 52% reduction in Recovery I compared to the pre-pandemic period. However, surgeries were reduced again during Wave II to 68%, but the reduction was less compared to Wave I. Emergency and essential surgeries were affected along with the elective ones but to a lesser extent.

Conclusions

The present study has quantified the effects of the pandemic on surgical-care delivery across a timeline and documented a reduction in overall surgical volumes during the peaks of the pandemic (Wave I and II) with minimal improvement as the surge of COVID-19 cases declined (Recovery II). The surgical volumes improved during the second wave compared to the first one which may be attributable to better preparedness. Cesarean sections were affected the least.

Imaging Analytics using Artificial Intelligence in Oncology: A Comprehensive Review

The present era has seen a surge in artificial intelligence-related research in oncology, mainly using deep learning, because of powerful computer hardware, improved algorithms and the availability of large amounts of data from open-source domains and the use of transfer learning. Here we discuss the multifaceted role of deep learning in cancer care, ranging from risk stratification, the screening and diagnosis of cancer, to the prediction of genomic mutations, treatment response and survival outcome prediction, through the use of convolutional neural networks. Another role of artificial intelligence is in the generation of automated radiology reports, which is a boon in high-volume centres to minimise report turnaround time. Although a validated and deployable deep-learning model for clinical use is still in its infancy, there is ongoing research to overcome the barriers for its universal implementation and we also delve into this aspect. We also briefly describe the role of radiomics in oncoimaging. Artificial intelligence can provide answers pertaining to cancer management at baseline imaging, saving cost and time. Imaging biobanks, which are repositories of anonymised images, are also briefly described. We also discuss the commercialisation and ethical issues pertaining to artificial intelligence. The latest generation generalist artificial intelligence model is also briefly described at the end of the article. We believe this article will not only enrich knowledge, but also promote research acumen in the minds of readers to take oncoimaging to another level using artificial intelligence and also work towards clinical translation of such research.

Imaging of Neck Nodes in Head and Neck Cancers - a Comprehensive Update

Cervical lymph node metastases from head and neck squamous cell cancers significantly reduce disease-free survival and worsen overall prognosis and, hence, deserve more aggressive management and follow-up. As per the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging manual, extranodal extension, especially in human papillomavirus-negative cancers, has been incorporated in staging as it is important in deciding management and significantly impacts the outcome of head and neck squamous cell cancer. Lymph node imaging with various radiological modalities, including ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, has been widely used, not only to demonstrate nodal involvement but also for guided histopathological evaluation and therapeutic intervention. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, together with positron emission tomography, are used widely for the follow-up of treated patients. Finally, there is an emerging role for artificial intelligence in neck node imaging that has shown promising results, increasing the accuracy of detection of nodal involvement, especially normal-appearing nodes. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis and management of involved neck nodes with a focus on sentinel node anatomy, pathogenesis, imaging correlates (including radiogenomics and artificial intelligence) and the role of image-guided interventions.

Anatomical categorization of isolated non-focal dystonia: novel and existing patterns using a data-driven approach

According to expert consensus, dystonia can be classified as focal, segmental, multifocal, and generalized, based on the affected body distribution. To provide an empirical and data-driven approach to categorizing these distributions, we used a data-driven clustering approach to compare frequency and co-occurrence rates of non-focal dystonia in pre-defined body regions using the Dystonia Coalition (DC) dataset. We analyzed 1,618 participants with isolated non-focal dystonia from the DC database. The analytic approach included construction of frequency tables, variable-wise analysis using hierarchical clustering and independent component analysis (ICA), and case-wise consensus hierarchical clustering to describe associations and clusters for dystonia affecting any combination of eighteen pre-defined body regions. Variable-wise hierarchical clustering demonstrated closest relationships between bilateral upper legs (distance = 0.40), upper and lower face (distance = 0.45), bilateral hands (distance = 0.53), and bilateral feet (distance = 0.53). ICA demonstrated clear grouping for the a) bilateral hands, b) neck, and c) upper and lower face. Case-wise consensus hierarchical clustering at k = 9 identified 3 major clusters. Major clusters consisted primarily of a) cervical dystonia with nearby regions, b) bilateral hand dystonia, and c) cranial dystonia. Our data-driven approach in a large dataset of isolated non-focal dystonia reinforces common segmental patterns in cranial and cervical regions. We observed unexpectedly strong associations between bilateral upper or lower limbs, which suggests that symmetric multifocal patterns may represent a previously underrecognized dystonia subtype.

Imaging of brain metastasis in non-small-cell lung cancer: indications, protocols, diagnosis, post-therapy imaging, and implications regarding management

Increased survival (due to the use of targeted therapies based on genomic profiling) has resulted in the increased incidence of brain metastasis during the course of disease, and thus, made it essential to have proper imaging guidelines in place for brain metastasis from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Brain parenchymal metastases can have varied imaging appearances, and it is pertinent to be aware of the various molecular risk factors for brain metastasis from NSCLC along with their suggestive imaging appearances, so as to identify them early. Leptomeningeal metastasis requires additional imaging of the spine and an early cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Differentiation of post-therapy change from recurrence on imaging has a bearing on the management, hence the need for its awareness. This article will provide in-depth literature review of the epidemiology, aetiopathogenesis, screening, detection, diagnosis, post-therapy imaging, and implications regarding the management of brain metastasis from NSCLC. In addition, we will also briefly highlight the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in brain metastasis screening.

O108 Central adiposity influences serum calcium concentrations and increases risk of kidney stone disease

Introduction

Serum calcium (SCa) and adiposity are associated with kidney stone disease (KSD). We used conventional and genetic epidemiological approaches to further understanding of these relationships.

Methods

Waist-hip ratio (WHR), a marker of central adiposity, SCa and KSD data were analysed by adjusted linear regression using UK Biobank participants. Univariable, multivariable and mediation Mendelian randomisation (MR) were undertaken using 316 and 246 genetic instruments for WHR and SCa, respectively.

Results

Observational analyses of 3,466 KSD cases and 489,944 controls showed that participants of normal BMI (20–25kg/m2) but in the fifth quintile for WHR have greater risk of incident KSD compared to the first quintile (HR=1.39 (95%CI=1.18–1.63)). After adjustment for sex, age, serum vitamin D, and phosphate, higher WHR was positively associated with SCa (ß=0.04, 95%=CI 0.04–0.05, P&lt;0.001). Univariable MR demonstrated that relative risk of KSD increases with increasing WHR and SCa; 1 standard deviation (SD) increases relative risk by 46% (95%CI=1.27–1.67, P=5.9e-8) and 63% (95%CI=1.37–1.93, P=2.0E-8), respectively. A 1 SD increase in WHR increases SCa by 0.11mmol/L (95%CI=0.07–0.14, P=1.8e-8). Multivariable MR revealed that SCa and WHR independently increase KSD relative risk (OR=1.71, 95%CI=1.49–1.96, P&lt;0.001 and OR=1.41, 95%CI=1.17–1.69, P&lt;0.001 respectively). Mediation MR established that 14% of the effect of WHR on KSD risk is mediated via alterations in SCa.

Conclusion

Central adiposity is causally linked to KSD, partly by raising SCa. Mechanisms by which central adiposity increases KSD risk, independent of and via SCa, remain to be revealed and may identify novel therapeutic methods for KSD.

Take-home message

Central adiposity and serum calcium are independent, causal risk factors for kidney stone disease. One mechanism by which central obesity increases risk of kidney stone disease is by influencing serum calcium concentrations.

Prevalence of growth hormone deficiency in patients with unexplained chronic fatigue after undergoing bone marrow transplantation in adulthood

PURPOSE

Many patients who undergo bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in adulthood experience unexplained chronic fatigue which can have a major impact on their health-related quality of life (QoL). Pre-BMT treatment regimens increase the risk of developing acquired growth hormone deficiency (GHD), which results in a clinical syndrome with decreased energy and has additionally been linked to metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

Using the gold-standard insulin hypoglycemic test (IHT), we evaluated the prevalence of GHD in 18 post-BMT adult patients with unexplained chronic fatigue, as well as the correlation between peak serum GH response and QoL scores, the metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. Peak serum GH cut-point less than 3.0 ug/L was used for the diagnosis of severe GHD. The Fatigue Severity Scale and Quality of Life in Adult GHD Assessment questionnaires were used to quantify fatigue symptoms.

RESULTS

The prevalence of severe GHD within this sample of 18 patients was 50%. A trend between lower peak serum GH response and higher fatigue and QoL-AGHDA scores was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

GHD may represent a remediable contributor to post-BMT chronic fatigue in adults, further studies are needed to evaluate the potential role of screening and GH replacement therapy in this vulnerable patient population.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

GHD may be a treatable explanation for disabling post-BMT fatigue pending results of intervention studies.

Listening to community concerns in the COVID-19 infodemic: A WHO digital approach

Background

The Infodemic (too much information including false or misleading information in digital and physical environments) during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to confusion, risk-taking and behaviors that can amplify outbreaks, and reduce effectiveness of pandemic response efforts. To address this challenge, the WHO Information Network for Epidemics (EPI-WIN), in collaboration with research partners, developed a public health Infodemic intelligence analysis methodology for weekly analysis of digital media data to identify, categorize, and understand key concerns expressed in online conversations.

Methods

Thirty-five keyword-based searches (per language) using Meltwater Explore and Google Trends were created and grouped according to a set of pandemic public health taxonomy categories developed specifically for this analysis. The taxonomy has five thematic categories of conversation about COVID-19 and public health response: (1) the cause of the illness, (2) the illness, (3) the treatment, (4) the interventions and (5) Information.

Results

The two most recurring topics to attract increasing interest were Vaccines and Asymptomatic transmission followed by Immunity, Cause of the virus, Vulnerable communities and Reduction of movement, and Risk factors based on demographics and risk of misinformation.

Conclusions

The application of this taxonomy to online social listening week-on-week resulted in a better in-time understanding of the evolution and dynamics of high velocity conversations about COVID-19 globally during the pandemic and proposes a quantifiable approach to support planning of risk communication response.

Key messages

Describe widespread innovation in social listening methods for greater accountability to affected populations. Formulate insights into how digital media can be better utilized for more rapidly responding to the evolving needs of communities.

WHO public health research agenda for managing infodemics

Background

Following the World Health Organization's initial infodemic consultation in April 2020, a major infodemic conference was organised virtually in June-July 2020. Hundreds of experts participated to define science of infodemiology and build a public health research agenda that serves as a playbook for conducting relevant researches. Research Agenda provides guidance to invest in research and innovation so that we have better interventions and tools to understand, measure and respond to infodemics, and steer people towards timely, accessible, understandable information for good health choices.

Methods

The research agenda was developed during a virtual meeting, followed by research question prioritization exercise. It consisted of eight days spread out over four weeks. These were made up of: public preconference meeting; scientific conference, consisting of opening/closing plenary meetings either side of four separate “topic sprint” days; final public meeting to present the meeting outcomes.

After the meeting, a process took place to gather and rank research questions based on the research agenda created during the meeting.

Results

The following five streams and 65 research questions were developed. Measuring and monitoring the impact of infodemics during health emergencies Detecting and understanding the spread and impact of infodemics Responding and deploying interventions that protect against the infodemic and mitigate its harmful effects Evaluating infodemic interventions and strengthening resilience of individuals and communities to infodemics Promoting the development, adaptation and application of tools for managing infodemics.

Conclusions

Five streams with 65 research questions were developed and prioritized to structuralise infodemic management based on evidence. The conference yielded on the development of an infodemiology glossary, which can be used by the community of research.

Key messages

Discuss investments in research and innovation to enable a whole-of-society response to infodemics. Explain the practice of infodemic management as a discipline.

Advances in real-time social listening for an adaptive public health response: WHO’s EARS platform

Background

COVID-19 pandemic was accompanied by an Infodemic (overabundance of information, including misinformation and disinformation, both online and offline); in response to this Infodemic, WHO launched the EARS platform (Early AI-assisted Response with Social Listening), showing real-time information about how people are talking about COVID-19 online. This information is intended to serve health information professionals to understand narratives and needs of the general public, in order to inform policy or communications decisions.

Methods

Data is collected daily from online conversations in publicly available sources, including Twitter, online forums, and blogs in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese, for 20 pilot countries. Once the data is collected, it is processed and classified into 39 categories, according to a set of pandemic public health taxonomy. The classification is made based on semi-supervised machine learning.

Results

Top 5 categories across regions are Covid-19 vaccine, Transmission settings, Personal measures, Testing and Industry (industry refers to the impact of the pandemic on the economy). We find that conversations around Covid-19 vaccines usually rank in the second or third position in all regions and represent 9%-12% of the conversation.

Conclusions

The configuration and application of the EARS platform has enabled progress towards more scalable and sustainable social listening to inform Infodemic management and response, compared to previous methods which were more manual, required data scientists in the team, or had fewer analytics capabilities. Future work will focus on gradually adding more data sources which can expand coverage and representativity.

Key messages

Discuss social listening methods for greater accountability to affected populations. Formulate insights into how digital media and information technology can be better utilized for more rapidly responding to the evolving needs of communities.

50 Global Actions to Manage the COVID-19 Infodemic: A WHO Framework

Issue

The World Health Organization describes an infodemic as an “overabundance of information - good or bad - that makes it difficult for people to make decisions for their health.”

Description of the problem

On April 7-8, 2020, the WHO Information Network for Epidemics (EPI-WIN) held a global online to crowdsource ideas from an interdisciplinary group of experts to form a novel COVID-19 infodemic response framework. The online consultation comprised of four plenary sessions and a brainstorming session conducted entirely online. Nearly 1500 individuals from over 100 countries and territories spanning social scientists, epidemiologists, staff from ministries of health and institutes of public health, registered for the consultation.

Results

A set of 50 proposed actions for a framework for managing infodemics in health emergencies was developed that will provide guidance for governments and public health institutions to take in five key areas of action that emerged from the consultation:

strengthening evidence and information

simplifying and explaining what is known fact-checking and addressing misinformation

amplifying messages and reaching the communities and individuals who need the information

quantifying and analysing the infodemic, including information flows, monitoring the acceptance of public health interventions, and assessing factors affecting behaviour at individual and population levels

strengthening systems for infodemic management in health emergencies

Lessons

Everyone has a role to play

Read the Call for Action

Sign the Call for Action

https://www.who.int/news/item/11-12-2020-call-for-action-managing-the-infode

Key messages

The confusion due to Infodemic can lead people to ignore public health measures and take risks that can cause serious harm.

Recognizing this WHO convened an interdisciplinary group of experts 7-8 April 2020 virtually to form a novel COVID-19 infodemic response framework.

Cardiac sympathetic denervation for catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), a rare inheritable fatal arrhythmogenic disorder, is difficult to diagnose and is a challenge to manage. A 21-years-old man presented with recurrent exertional syncope and complex multifocal ventricular ectopy. CPVT was diagnosed based on the clinical criteria, despite the absence of some classical findings. The patient underwent cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) after lifestyle modification and pharmacological management were ineffective. CSD proved to be effective. The patient did not have any exertional symptoms or recurrence of syncope at follow-up period of 1 year. The present case report adds to the growing evidence in favour of CSD for CPVT.

Su salud a la mano (your health at hand): patient perceptions about a bilingual patient portal in the Los Angeles safety net

OBJECTIVES

Driven by beneficial patient-centered outcomes associated with patient portal use and the Affordable Care Act, portal implementation has expanded into safety nets-health systems that offer access to care to a large share of uninsured, Medicaid, and other vulnerable populations. However, little attention has been paid to the factors that affect portal accessibility by the vulnerable patients served by these health systems-including those who are limited English proficient (LEP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (LAC DHS), the second-largest safety net system in the nation, launched its first patient portal, and one of the few bilingual English-Spanish interfaces in existence, in March of 2015. To explore portal awareness and perceptions, we conducted focus groups with LAC DHS patients, in English and Spanish (LEP). The Technology Acceptance Model was used to guide thematic analysis of focus group data.

RESULTS

Of the 46 participants, 37 were patients and 9 were caretakers; 23 were English-speaking and 23 Spanish-speaking LEP. All patients had diabetes or hypertension. Over half had an annual household income <$10 000, yet 78% of English-speaking and 65% of Spanish-speaking LEP participants reported at-home Internet access. Participants' discussion centered around 3 major thematic narratives: (1) participants' awareness or attitudes about the LAC DHS portal; (2) role of culture, language, or community with regard to portal accessibility and utility; and (3) perceived needs for successful portal implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

Safety net participants identified concrete benefits to the portal and emphasized the need for portal engagement that offered accessible education, support, and resources in clinical and community settings. The portal offers an additional opportunity to engage the patient and family with trusted and validated health information, and should be further developed in this capacity. This study provides a better understanding of preferred improvements of patient portal engagement that guide broader health technology efforts to address electronic health disparities.

Is the right ventricular function affected by permanent pacemaker?

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

The effect of right ventricular (RV) pacing on left ventricular (LV) function has been extensively evaluated, and so has the effect of the RV pacing lead on tricuspid valve function. However, the effects on RV function per se have not been evaluated systematically.

Purpose

We aimed to assess the RV dimensions and RV function six months after dual chamber pacemaker implantation

performed for atrioventricular (AV) block by detailed echocardiography, including three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography.

Method

All adult patients undergoing dual chamber pacemaker from January 2018 to March 2019 for symptomatic AV block with a structurally normal heart were included in the study. They underwent pre-procedure detailed echocardiography specifically directed at measuring RV dimensions and function [including 3D RV ejection fraction (EF)] and a repeat detailed echocardiogram at six-month follow-up, by the same echocardiographer. The echocardiographic parameters at baseline and after six-month follow-up were compared.

Results

All patients had more than 75% ventricular pacing in these six months. At six-month follow-up, there was no significant change in LVEF, while there was a mild decrease in RVEF as outlined in the Table 1. While there was some overlap between RVEF range of values at baseline and after six months, 23 (38.3%) patients showed a drop in RVEF by &gt;5%.

Conclusion

Our study shows a change in several RV function parameters in a majority of patients six months after

pacemaker implantation for AV block.

RV Function at six month follow-up Parameters Pre-procedure Six-Month Follow-up p value (Paired t-test) PASP (mm Hg) 20.2 ± 1.3 26.1 ± 12.2 &lt;0.001 FAC (%) 42.6 ± 3.4 39.4 ± 6 &lt;0.001 TAPSE (mm) 18.4 ±3.8 15.6 ± 4.7 &lt;0.001 RIMP 0.66 ± 0.09 0.61 ± 0.11 0.003 RV E/E’ 9.4 ± 2.1 7.7 ± 2.1 &lt;0.001 RV S’ 13.6 ± 2.4 10.7 ± 2.4 &lt;0.001 RVEF % [By 3D Echocardiography] 47.7± 5.1 44.9 ± 7.4 &lt;0.001 TR Jet Area (cm2) 0.03 ± 0.26 0.55 ± 0.96 &lt;0.001 RV= Right Ventricle; RA= Right Atrium; RVOT = Right Ventricular Outflow Tract; PASP = Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure; FAC= Fractional Area Change; TAPSE= Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion; RIMP = Right Ventricular Index of Myocardial Performance; TR = Tricuspid Regurgitation S’ = Peak Systolic Annular Velocity; RVEF = Right Ventricular Ejection Fraction; 3D = Three Dimensional Abstract Figure. Change in RVEF in 6 months

Portals of Change: How Patient Portals Will Ultimately Work for Safety Net Populations

Despite the implementation of internet patient portals into the safety net after the introduction of the Affordable Care Act in the United States, little attention has been paid to the process of engaging vulnerable patients into these portals. The portal is a health technology tool that was developed with a mainstream, English-speaking audience in mind. Thus, there are valid concerns that such technologies will actually exacerbate health care disparities, conferring further advantages to the already advantaged. In this paper, we describe a framework for portal engagement (awareness, registration, and use) among safety net patients. We incorporate the experiences in the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services to illustrate important contextual factors for portal outreach in our safety net. Finally, we discuss considerations for moving forward with health technology in the safety net as the next version of patient portals are being developed.

Challenges for Adult Undocumented Immigrants in Accessing Primary Care: A Qualitative Study of Health Care Workers in Los Angeles County

Purpose: Amid increasingly restrictive federal immigration and health care policies in the United States, access to health care for undocumented immigrants is highly dependent on the extent to which local and state policies and programs address the needs of this population. In Los Angeles County (LA County), home to the nation's largest undocumented immigrant population, supportive policies are in place, yet little is known about how undocumented immigrants navigate available services.

Methods: To gain insight into how federal, state, and local policies overlay and contribute to the experience of health care seeking among undocumented immigrants in LA County, we interviewed 19 key informant health care workers involved in the delivery of health care services, using a purposive snowball sampling approach.

Results: Three key themes emerged: (1) health care workers at all clinics sampled reported primary care appointments are readily available for undocumented immigrants; however, primary care services remain underutilized; (2) fear, misinformation, and misperceptions of coverage and immigration policies—most commonly related to the revised Public Charge Rule—may reduce program enrollment and access; and (3) frontline health care workers feel ill-equipped to address patient fears and misinformation.

Conclusion: Although county programs were perceived to improve access by covering health care costs and ensuring appointment availability, new restrictive immigration policies, such as the revised Public Charge Rule, and widespread misinformation present challenges that threaten the success of these programs. Future study to improve undocumented immigrant access to care should focus on addressing barriers resulting from these policies.

Radiation therapy strategies for skull-base malignancies

INTRODUCTION

The management of skull base malignancies continues to evolve with improvements in surgical technique, advances in radiation delivery and novel systemic agents.

METHODS

In this review, we aim to discuss in detail the management of common skull base pathologies which typically require multimodality therapy, focusing on the radiotherapeutic aspects of care.

RESULTS

Technological advances in the administration of radiation therapy have led to a wide variety of different treatment strategies for the treatment of skull base malignances, with outcomes summarized herein.

CONCLUSION

Radiation treatment plays a key and critical role in the management of patients with skull base tumors. Recent advancements continue to improve the risk/benefit ratio for radiotherapy in this setting.

How have advances in genetic technology modified movement disorder nosology?

The role of genetics and its technological development have been fundamental in advancing the field of movement disorders, opening the door to precision medicine. Starting from the revolutionary discovery of the locus of the Huntington's disease gene, we review the milestones of genetic discoveries in movement disorders and their impact on clinical practice and research efforts. Before the 1980s, early techniques did not allow the identification of genetic alteration in complex diseases. Further advances increasingly defined a large number of pathogenic genetic alterations. Moreover, these techniques allowed epigenomic, transcriptomic and microbiome analyses. In the 2020s, these new technologies are poised to displace phenotype-based classifications towards a nosology based on genetic/biological data. Advances in genetic technologies are engineering a reversal of the phenotype-to-genotype order of nosology development, replacing convergent clinicopathological disease models with the genotypic divergence required for future precision medicine applications.