bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
QOLP-19. FINANCIAL TOXICITY AND DISTRESS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH PRIMARY BRAIN TUMORS
Authors: Leeper Heather , Vera Elizabeth , Acquaye Alvina , Briceno Nicole , Choi Anna , Christ Alexa , Grajkowska Ewa , Jammula Varna , Levine Jason , Lindsley Matthew , Reyes Jennifer , Roche Kayla , Rogers James , Timmer Michael , Boris Lisa , Burton Eric , Lollo Nicole , Panzer Marissa , Penas-Prado Marta , Pillai Valentina , Polskin Lily , Theeler Brett , Wu Jing , Gilbert Mark , Armstrong Terri 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Primary brain tumor (PBT) patients experience high symptom burden and functional limitations, which may be impacted by the economic strain and mood disturbance during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed financial toxicity and associated patient reported outcomes (PROs) after one year of lockdown in a cohort of PBT patients. Patient and disease characteristics and PROs including FACIT-COST, MDASI-Brain Tumor, PROMIS-Anxiety/Depression short forms, and EQ-5D-3L were collected from 7/2020 to 5/2021 from participants in our Natural History Study. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and independent samples t-tests evaluated PRO relationships. The cohort included 112 PBT patients: 57% male, 87% white, mean age = 47 (range 25 – 80). Majority were married (65%), completed ≥ 4-year college degree (73%), earned annual family income ≥ $50,000 (68%) and living with a high-grade glioma (72%) complicated by recurrence (51%). Using FACIT-COST, 56% reported some financial hardship due to illness with a mean FACIT-COST of 28.3 (SD = 11.3, range: 0 - 44). Half of patients reported feeling moderately to extremely anxious or depressed. Non-Whites and Hispanics as well as those not currently working reported worse financial toxicity compared to White non-Hispanics and individuals currently working (21.4 vs 29.8 and 25.7 vs 30.4, respectively). Worse financial toxicity scores strongly correlated with worse overall symptom burden (r = -0.55) and interference (r = -0.42), worse anxiety (r = -0.39) and depression scores (r = -0.44), and worse overall HRQOL scores (r = –0.33)[all p&lt; .01]. This is the first report of FACIT-COST in PBT patients to our knowledge and demonstrates that non-White individuals living with high grade glioma who are not currently working due to their tumor reported worse financial toxicity which was strongly correlated with higher symptom burden and interference with lower HRQOL. Future studies to assess financial toxicity longitudinally and post-pandemic using the FACIT-COST are needed.
QOLP-24. COMBATING EMOTIONAL DISTRESS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION IN PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR FAMILIES: A CASE STUDY OF A NATIONAL NONPROFIT’S IMPLEMENTATION OF A PEER INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE
Authors: Riley Kathy 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Interpersonal and emotional support issues present some of the deepest and most pervasive challenges for patients and families. In the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s 2018 Community Health Needs Assessment report (n=900), family survey respondents cited patient anxiety and depression as the greatest challenge patients face in nearly one in three cases, with isolation lagging not far behind. Beyond patients, interpersonal and emotional issues represent the dominant category of challenges for families as well. Many parents stated they felt guilty thinking about their problems, as the patient’s suffering far exceeded their own, and nearly half reported often neglecting their own well-being at considerable personal cost. To combat these interpersonal and emotional support issues, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation launched a national intervention in 2020 titled the Peer to Peer Mentoring Program. The program matches patients or family members with trained mentor volunteers who have experience facing the challenges that come with a pediatric brain tumor diagnosis. The theoretical framework used to design the intervention is the Social Support theory. This theory is based on the work of House (1981) who defines social support as the functional content of relationships and categorizes four broad types of supportive behaviors: emotional support, instrumental support, informational support and appraisal support (Glanz, Rimer & Viswanath, 2008). The case study explores the technology platform employed to track matches; how matches are made; how mentors are recruited and trained; how mentees are recruited; and how mental health support is provided to mentors. Analysis of peer meeting logs elucidates key themes that emerge in peer encounters as well as key program challenges and how they are being overcome. This theoretical and practical presentation will define the interpersonal and emotional support issues families face, describe the peer intervention’s goals and objectives, and report on insights gained and outcomes achieved.
QOLP-31. QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED GLIOBLASTOMA DURING TTFIELDS THERAPY IN ROUTINE CLINICAL CARE: FIRST RESULTS OF THE TIGER STUDY
Authors: Bähr Oliver , Tabatabai Ghazaleh , Fietkau Rainer , Goldbrunner Roland , Glas Martin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Current interdisciplinary treatment strategies for glioblastoma (GBM) outside clinical trials include maximally safe resection, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. The results of the positive phase III trial EF-14, adding Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) to temozolomide (TMZ) maintenance therapy, brought an additional treatment method to clinical routine. The TIGER (TTFields In GErmany in Routine Clinical Care) study documents the use of TTFields in routine clinical care with a focus on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) within 4 months after starting therapy, treatment compliance and duration.

METHODS
This multi-center, prospective, non-interventional study in Germany (NCT03258021) included ndGBM patients eligible for TTFields therapy. Following their consent, patients received a comprehensive introduction to the therapy and baseline demographic data were collected. Information on TTFields therapy decision was evaluated based on a dedicated TTFields questionnaire at baseline in both arms; follow-up information on how patients handle the therapy was collected two months after TTFields treatment start. HRQoL was assessed in patients deciding for TTFields therapy at baseline and at 2 and 4 months using the EORTC-QLQ-C30/BN-20 questionnaires.

RESULTS
Between August 2017 and November 2019, 710 patients (259 female/451 male) were enrolled at 81 participating centers. The mean age was 58.5 years (range: 19.0-85.0; Cut-off: August 31, 2020). The overall baseline characteristics of the study group reflects a typical GBM population. Of these, 582 (82%) decided to start TTFields; 128 (18%) refused TTFields treatment. HRQoL did not decline during TTFields therapy except for itchy skin, comparable to the EF-14 trial. A detailed analysis of the cohort as well as their reported QoL will be presented.

CONCLUSION
The TIGER study is the largest non-interventional trial on the use of TTFields in routine clinical care. The use of TTFields in patients with ndGBM did not impair HRQoL during the follow-up period, except for more itchy skin.
QOLP-37. MOOD DISTURBANCE IN PATIENTS WITH CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) TUMORS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Polskin Lily , Pillai Valentina , Vera Elizabeth , Acquaye Alvina , Briceno Nicole , Choi Anna , Christ Alexa , Grajkowska Ewa , Jammula Varna , Leeper Heather , Levine Jason , Lindsley Matthew , Reyes Jennifer , Roche Kayla , Rogers James , Timmer Michael , Boris Lisa , Burton Eric , Lollo Nicole , Panzer Marissa , Penas-Prado Marta , Theeler Brett , Wu Jing , Gilbert Mark , Armstrong Terri , King Amanda 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Primary CNS tumors are associated with uncertainty likely contributing to mood disturbance that is common throughout the disease trajectory. The intersection of the COVID-19 pandemic with a CNS tumor diagnosis may further impact the anxiety/depression experienced in this population. This study assessed key anxiety/depression symptoms in patients with CNS tumors prior to and during the COVID year.

METHODS
Patient reported outcomes (PROs), including the PROMIS Anxiety and Depression Short Forms and EQ-5D-3L, were collected at the time of clinical or telehealth evaluation from the COVID year (March 2020-February 2021) and were compared to assessments through February 2020 (a NOB-normative sample), reflecting what we would typically see in our regular clinic evaluations.

RESULTS
The COVID sample (N = 178) was primarily White (82%), male (55%), median age of 45 (range 18–79), and KPS ³ 90 (50%). The majority had high grade (70%) brain (83%) tumors with ³ 1 prior recurrence (60%) and 25% were on active treatment. Visits were primarily conducted via telehealth (64%) and 20% had progression at assessment. Compared to the NOB-normative sample, patients reported significantly higher depression scores (moderate-severe, 17% vs. 12%, p &lt; 0.05), but not anxiety (18% vs. 16%). Eleven percent reported both moderate-severe anxiety and depressive symptoms (8% pre-COVID). Overall health assessed by the EQ-5D-3L was similar to the normative sample in all dimensions, apart from impact of moderate/extreme mood disturbance, which was more prevalent in the COVID year (53% vs. 43%, p &lt; 0.05%).

CONCLUSION
Patients with CNS tumors are at risk for significant symptoms of depression and anxiety; this risk was heightened during the COVID year. Further evaluation of clinical factors associated with risk are underway. These findings highlight the need for assessments and interventions that can be administered via telehealth to address the mental health needs of this vulnerable population.
Radiobiology
RTID-07. AN INVESTIGATOR-LEAD PHASE II CLINICAL TRIAL OF ACCELERATOR-BASED BNCT FOR REFRACTORY AND RECURRENT HIGH-GRADE MENINGIOMA
Authors: Miyatake Shin-Ichi , Kawabata Shinji , Takai Satoshi , Wanibuchi Masahiko 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUD
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is tumor-selective particle radiation. We applied this unique technique and achieved excellent clinical results for recurrent and refractory high-grade meningiomas (HGM) using reactor neutron sources (Neuro-Oncology, in press, doi:10.1093/neuonc/noab108). Recently accelerator-based neutron sources (ABNS) was approved for medical device in Japan for refractory H&N cancers.

PURPOSES
Based on these situations, we proposed “A phase II clinical trial using accelerator-based BNCT system for refractory recurrent HGM” for AMED in Japan which is similar to NIH in USA. This proposal was successfully accepted.

DESIGN
We prepared 2 study groups, BNCT test treatment group and control best supportive care group, for RCT. PFS and OS were set-up as primary and secondary endpoints, respectively. Rescue BNCT is allowed for control group patients, if they showed PD during observation. The trial started in August 2019.

METHODS
Twelve BNCT and 6 control subjects will be included. Patients’ eligibility criteria is recurrent HGM after some radiotherapy. Cyclotron-based ABNS system is used for neutron source. Neutron-irradiation time is determined not to exceed to 7.5 Gy-Eq for scalp dose which was referencing preceding phase I trial for malignant gliomas.

PROGRESS
As of March 2021, 13 subjects were included, 9 for BNCT treatment group, 4 for control best supportive care group. All 4 control subjects showed PD during 2 months while 8 out of 9 subjects showed SD or PR during observation period and there is a statistical significance in both groups, by Log-rank and Wilcoxon analyses with p=0.0012 and 0.0020, respectively.

CONCLUSION
We started this RCT and will introduce the interim report of this clinical trial in the meeting. At the SNO meeting we will present further detail of this trial.
SURG-03. FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES OF LASER INTERSTITIAL THERMAL THERAPY (LITT) VERSUS RESECTION IN THE TREATMENT OF LESIONS IN OR NEAR THE PRIMARY MOTOR CORTEX
Authors: Srinivasan Ethan , Lerner Emily , Edwards Ryan , Huie David , Fecci Peter 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally-invasive treatment option for radiographically-progressive (RP) brain metastases. This study compares the functional outcomes of LITT vs resection (RS) for lesions in or near the primary motor cortex (PMC).

METHODS
Retrospective review was performed of patients treated for PMC lesions by LITT or RS. Functional outcomes were graded relative to pre-treatment symptoms and categorized as improved, stable, or worsened at 30, 90, and 180 days post-LITT/RS.

RESULTS
36 patients were identified with median follow-up of 194 days (IQR 72-503), age 64 years (57-72), and estimated baseline KPS 80 (80-90). 35 (98%) had pre-treatment weakness or motor seizure; 15 (42%) received LITT and 21 (58%) RS; all RS were performed with intra-operative motor mapping while LITT were not. All LITT patients were treated for RP lesions (radiation necrosis (RN) or disease progression) vs. 24% of RS patients (p&lt; 0.01). LITT patients trended towards smaller lesions (1.9 cm vs 2.7 cm, p=0.03) and were more likely to show RN (67% vs 5%, p&lt; 0.01) and be discharged home (87% vs 52%, p=0.04), with shorter ICU (0 vs 1 day, p&lt; 0.01) and hospital stays (1 vs. 2 days, p&lt; 0.01). At 30 days, 89% of surviving patients who received RS had stable or improved symptoms, compared to 46% of the LITT cohort (p=0.02). At 90 days, the difference was 88% to 50% (p=0.07), and at 180 days 100% to 80% (p=0.2941).

CONCLUSIONS
In the short term (30 days), patients with PMC lesions have better functional outcomes when treated with RS compared to LITT, while those who survive to the 180-day timepoint experience similar outcomes. These differences are likely due to transient, expected post-LITT edema that subsides with time. Taken together, prognosis and patient priorities are important considerations in the decision between LITT and RS.
SURG-10. DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL TOPICAL FLUORESCENT PROBE FOR INTRAOPERATIVE RAPID DETECTION OF GLIOMA
Authors: Tanaka Shota , Kitagawa Yosuke , Kamiya Mako , Kuriki Yugo , Yamamoto Kyoko , Shimizu Takenori , Nejo Takahide , Hana Taijun , Koike Tsukasa , Yamazawa Erika , Kushihara Yoshihiro , Takahashi Satoshi , Nomura Masashi , Takami Hirokazu , Takayanagi Shunsaku , Mukasa Akitake , Urano Yasuteru , Saito Nobuhito 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

PURPOSE
Fluorescence imaging is an important surgical adjunct in malignant glioma surgery. 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has been proven effective for radical tumor resection and extended progression-free survival in a phase III randomized trial and therefore integrated into surgery for malignant glioma. Importantly, however, some limitations still exist in its use, which include false positivity and false negativity as well as inability of re-administration. In this study, we aimed to develop a novel, spray-type fluorescent probe using hydroxymethyl rhodamine green (HMRG) as a fluorescent scaffold.

METHODS
We have previously established a fluorescent probe library comprised of more than 320 kinds of HMRG probes. They have HMRG as a fluorescent scaffold with various types of dipeptides attached to it. Primary probe screening was performed using the homogenized tumor samples from patients with glioblastoma operated at our institution. Secondary screening followed using the selected probes and fresh tumor samples obtained from patients with glioblastoma operated from 2016 until 2018. Diced electrophoresis gel (DEG) assay, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by a multi-well plate-based fluorometric assay, was performed to identify responsible enzymes for the selected probe. Further experiments with inhibitors, real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting were performed for confirmation.

RESULTS
Proline-arginine-HMRG (PR-HMRG) was selected as a candidate probe based upon the above two-step screenings. It achieved 79.4% accuracy in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Calpain-1 was found to be responsible to cleave PR-HMRG probe by DEG-proteome analysis. Calpain-1 protein was expressed at significantly higher level in tumors that were fluoresced by PR-HMRG than in those that were not.

CONCLUSIONS
Our innovative screening method was able to find PR-HMRG as a novel fluorescent probe effective for rapid detection of glioblastoma. A preclinical study is planned to assess the efficacy and safety of the selected probe.
SURG-11. TUMOR RECURRENCE PATTERNS AFTER SURGICAL RESECTION OF INTRACRANIAL LOW-GRADE GLIOMAS
Authors: Muragaki Yoshihiro , Fukuya Yasukazu , Ikuta Soko , NItta Masayuki , Saito Taiichi , Tsuzuki Shunsuke , Maruyama Takashi , Kawamata Takakazu 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Tumor recurrence patterns after resection of intracranial low-grade gliomas (LGG) generally remain obscured. The objective of the present retrospective study was their multifaceted analysis, evaluation of associated factors, and assessment of impact on prognosis.

METHODS
Study group comprised 81 consecutive adult patients (46 men and 35 women; median age, 37 years) with recurrent diffuse astrocytomas (DA; 51 cases) and oligodendrogliomas (OD; 30 cases). The median length of follow-up after primary surgery was 6.7 years.

RESULTS
Early (within 2 years after primary surgery) and non-early ( &gt; 2 years after primary surgery) recurrence was noted in 23 (28%) and 58 (72%) cases, respectively. Fast (≤ 6 months) and slow ( &gt; 6 months) radiological progression of relapse was noted in 31 (38%) and 48 (59%) cases, respectively. Tumor recurrence was local and non-local in 71 (88%) and 10 (12%) cases, respectively. Recurrence patterns have differed in OD, IDH1-mutant DA, and IDH wild-type DA. Early onset, fast radiological progression, and non-local site of relapse had statistically significant negative impact on overall survival of patients and were often associated with malignant transformation of the tumor (38 cases). However, in subgroup with extent of resection ≥ 90% (56 cases) no differences in recurrence characteristics were found between 3 molecularly defined groups of LGG. Follow-up MRI also showed same results.

CONCLUSIONS
Recurrence patterns after resection of LGG show significant variability, differ in distinct molecularly defined types of tumors, and demonstrate definitive impact on prognosis. Aggressive resection at the time of primary surgery may result in more favorable characteristics of recurrence at the time of its development.
TAMI-10. CHARACTERIZATION OF CANCER-ASSOCIATED FIBROBLASTS IN GBM AND DEFINING THEIR PRO-TUMORAL EFFECTS
Authors: Jain Saket , Rick Jonathan , Joshi Rushikesh , Beniwal Angad , Spatz Jordan , Chang Alexander , Nguyen Alan , Shudir Sweta , Chandra Ankush , Haddad Alexander , Wadhwa Harsh , Shah Sumedh , Choi Serah , Yagnik Garima , Costello Joseph , Diaz Aaron , Aghi Manish K 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) constitute a key component of the tumor microenvironment. While pro-tumoral CAFs have been identified in some cancers, CAFs had been presumed absent in glioblastoma given the lack of brain fibroblasts. We found that serial trypsinization of primary glioblastoma cultures yields cells that morphologically resemble fibroblasts and transcriptomically resemble CAFs as shown by bulk RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq. Moreover, Single-cell RNA-seq from patient GBMs showed a mesenchymal lineage for CAFs. We demonstrate that Glioblastoma CAFs are chemotactically attracted to glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) and CAFs enriched GSCs. To identify CAF/GSC interaction mediators, we created a resource of inferred crosstalk by mapping the expression of receptors to their cognate ligands/agonists. This analysis suggested PDGF-b and TGF-b as mediators of GSC recruitment and proliferation of CAFs, and osteopontin and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as mediators of CAF-induced GSC enrichment, hypothesis confirmed by blocking antibodies. Glioblastoma CAFs also induce hypertrophied vessels and M2 macrophage polarization, the latter through unique CAF production of the EDA fibronectin variant which binds macrophage toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in a targetable manner. Glioblastoma CAFs were enriched in the subventricular zone which houses the neural stem cells that produce GSCs. Depleting CAFs in GSC-derived xenografts slowed their in vivo growth. These findings are among the first to identify glioblastoma CAFs and reveal their involvement with GSCs, making them an intriguing target.
TAMI-14. REDUCTION IN S. CEREVISIAE GROWTH AND CELL VIABILITY IN RESPONSE TO D-2-HYDROXYGLUTARATE ACCUMULATION IS DAMPENED BY GROWTH CONDITIONS PERMISSIVE OF OXIDATIVE PHOSPHORYLATION
Authors: Fiola Sophie , Kulbay Merve , Beaulieu Jamie , Diaz Roberto 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Elevated levels of D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D2HG) have been detected in several cancers, including IDH1/2 mutant gliomas, PHGDH-amplified breast cancer, diffuse large B-cell lymphomas which harbor loss-of-function mutations in D2HG dehydrogenase gene (D2HGDH), and MYC-amplified breast cancers. Given the high degree of conservation between the yeast and human isocitrate dehydrogenases the similarities between yeast and cancer glycolytic metabolism, we hypothesized that a yeast model would allow for the successful recapitulation of metabolic dysregulation by D2HG.

METHODS
A heteroallelic idp1 R148H yeast strain was created (equivalent to human IDH2 R172H). The growth characteristics of this strain and the dld3∆ strain (equivalent to D2HGDH loss of function) were evaluated with glucose or galactose carbon source. Octyl-D2HG, a cell permeable mimic of D2HG, was used to assess the effects of D2HG accumulation at varying concentration. FACS was used to measure cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Analysis of the synthetic lethal genetic array for the dld3∆ strain was performed.

RESULTS
Accumulation of D2HG in mutant and wild-type yeast strains results in impaired growth and reduction in cell viability in a concentration dependent manner. The negative effect on growth and cell viability is more prominent when cells are not utilizing oxidative phosphorylation for energy production (glucose versus galactose carbon source). D-2HG accumulation results in ROS production in dld3∆ but not in the heteroallelicidp1 R148H yeast strain. An increase in mitochondrial membrane potential occurs in both strains when grown with galactose, but not in glucose. The top negative genetic interactors with dld3∆ include genes involved in mitochondrial function.

CONCLUSIONS
We found that yeast cells have different sensitivity to the toxic effects of D-2HG depending on the metabolic status of the cell. This suggests that altering cell metabolism may be a viable therapeutic target in cancers with excess production of D2HG such as IDH mutant gliomas.