bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NCOG-03. PREDICTORS OF NEUROLOGIC DEATH IN PATIENTS WITH BRAIN METASTASES
Authors: Reese Alexander , Lamba Nayan , Catalano Paul , Cagney Daniel , Wen Patrick , Aizer Ayal 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Neurologic death (ND), defined as intracranial disease progression with accompanying neurologic symptoms in the absence of life-threatening systemic disease, is the most serious consequence of intracranial disease among patients with brain metastases (BMs). Data indicating which factors are predictive of this outcome remain limited, however. Determining which patients are at increased risk of ND will guide improved care and further research aimed at preventing ND.

METHODS
We identified 1,218 patients with newly diagnosed BMs managed at Brigham and Women’s Hospital from 2008-2015. Demographic and tumor characteristics for patients experiencing ND, non-neurologic death, and who were alive at last follow up were analyzed by univariable and multivariable Fine and Gray competing risks regression to identify predictors of ND, with non-neurologic death serving as a competing risk.

RESULTS
In multivariable analysis, ND was associated with number of BMs (hazard ratio [HR] 1.01 per 1 metastasis increase, 95% CI 1.01-1.02, p&lt; 0.001) and three primary tumor sites (with non-small cell lung cancer as the reference): melanoma (HR 4.67, 95% CI 3.27-6.68, p&lt; 0.001), small cell lung cancer (HR 2.33, 95% CI 1.47-3.68, p&lt; 0.001), and gastrointestinal cancer (HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.28-3.82, p=0.005). Additionally, among patients with breast primaries, HER2+ tumors displayed increased risk of ND relative to the reference subtype (HR+/HER2-) in univariable analysis (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.00-5.84, p=0.05). A reduced risk of ND was found in patients with Karnofsky performance status of 90-100 versus 30-80 (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.48-0.95, p=0.03) and progressive extracranial disease (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.38-0.67, p&lt; 0.001).

CONCLUSION
Patients with melanoma, small cell lung cancer, gastrointestinal, and HER2+ breast cancer primaries, in addition to those with greater intracranial versus extracranial disease burdens, are at increased risk of ND. Future research into novel intracranial approaches should focus on these groups of patients.
NCOG-09. PREDICTIVE GERIATRIC FACTORS IN ELDERLY PATIENTS TREATED FOR IDH-MUTANT HIGH-GRADE GLIOMAS: A FRENCH POLA NETWORK STUDY
Authors: Montégut Coline , Guillamo Jean-Sébastien , Ducray François , Dehais Caroline , Elisabeth Cohen-Jonathan Moyal , Desenclos Christine , Petit Antoine , Seizeur Romuald , Bekaert Lien , Gaultier Claude , Fotso Marie Jeannette Motuo , Blonsky Marie , Frenel Jean Sébastien , Vauléon Elodie , Langlois Olivier , Noël Georges , Carpentier Antoine , Stefano Anna Luisa Di , Bronnimann Charlotte , Figarella-Branger Dominique , Chinot Olivier , Tabouret Emeline 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
We aimed to describe the characteristics, patterns of care and predictive geriatric factors of elderly patients with IDH-mutant (IDHm) high-grade gliomas (HGG) included in the French POLA network, dedicated to HGG (including 68% of IDHm HGG). For IDHm HGG patients over the age of 70 years, geriatric features were collected: G8 score items (appetite, weight loss, mobility, neuropsychological disorders, body mass index, medications, self-rated health, age), Activities and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (ADL, IADL) scores, Charlson’s comorbidity Index (CCI) and biological markers. Out of the 1433 HGG patients included in the POLA Network, 119 (8.3%) occurred in patients ≥ 70 years. Among them, 39 presented with IDHm HGG. Of these 39 patients, estimated G8 score was ≤ 14/17 for 16 patients (64%), ADL score was &lt; 6 for 33.3%, IADL score was &lt; 4 for 47% and CCI was ≥ 5 for 72%. Regarding treatment feasibility, 6 of the 19 patients treated by temozolomide prematurely discontinued chemotherapy including 2 for toxicity and 4 for progression. Five of the 10 patients treated by PCV prematurely discontinued chemotherapy, all for toxicity. In multivariate analysis, loss of mobility (p=0.018; p=0.008), severe neuropsychological disorders (p=0.005; p=0.047), body mass index &lt; 21 kg/m2 (p=0.002; p=0.006) and ADL score &lt; 6 (p=0.002; p=0.01) were significantly predictive of poor PFS and OS. Then we generated a specific brain geriatric score including these four items with a sensibility, specificity and AUC for long term survivor (≥ 48 months) of 100%, 83% and 0.948 respectively. Using a cutoff of &lt; 10/13, this score was significantly correlated to PFS and OS (p&lt; 0.001 both). In conclusion, geriatric predictive factors may contribute to the elderly management improvement: the brain geriatric score must now be validated in a prospective independent cohort including IDHm and IDHwt elderly patients.
NCOG-12. COGNITIVE FUNCTION (CF) & QUALITY OF LIFE (QOL) IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH PROCARBAZINE, CCNU, & VINCRISTINE (PCV) + RADIOTHERAPY (RT) VS. RT FOR ANAPLASTIC OLIGODENDROGLIOMA (AO) ON NRG RTOG TRIAL 9402
Authors: Donovan Laura , Won Minhee , Cairncross J Gregory , Iwamoto Fabio , Buckner Jan , Fink Karen , Bahary Jean-Paul , Hartford Alan , Souhami Luis , Nguyen Timothy , Cescon Terrence , Mishra Mark , Barani Igor , Pu Anthony , Roa Wilson , Huang Jiayi , Polley Mei , Mehta Minesh 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
PCV+RT substantially prolongs survival in AO patients, but long-term CF and QOL implications are unclear. We compared CF and QOL by treatment arm in RTOG 9402 participants and evaluated the impact that baseline characteristics had on CF, QOL, and survival.

METHODS
CF and QOL were evaluated using the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) and Brain-Quality of Life (B-QOL) scale at baseline and annually. Scores were analyzed between treatment arms at each time point for patients with ≥ 10 years of follow-up data. Shared parameter models evaluated MMSE and B-QOL scores and survival for all patients.

RESULTS
42/148 (28.4%) participants in PCV+RT and 20/143 (14%) in RT alone arms survived ≥ 10 years. 35/42 and 39/42 (PCV+RT) and 18/20 and 17/20 (RT) participants completed baseline B-QOL and MMSE assessments, respectively. B-QOL scores did not differ between treatment groups at any time-point. Among 16 patients (10 PCV+RT, 6 RT) who completed year 10 MMSE evaluations, mean MMSE score at 10 years was higher in the RT arm (29.83 [95% CI 22.1, 30.0] vs. 26.50 [95% CI 29.4, 30.0], P= 0.04). Change in MMSE and B-QOL scores from baseline did not differ significantly between treatment groups at any time. In shared parameter models including all patients with baseline assessments, MMSE and B-QOL scores decreased over time (MMSE P= 0.0189, B-QOL P= 0.0005), but this did not differ by treatment group (MMSE P= 0.5727, B-QOL P= 0.3592). Younger age and higher KPS predicted better scores (MMSE P &lt; 0.0001, P = 0.0002; B-QOL P = 0.0043, P = 0.0007). PCV+RT predicted better survival in both models.

CONCLUSIONS
PCV+RT improves survival in AO. Shared parameter models show decrease in MMSE and B-QOL over time. However, relative to RT alone, the addition of PCV did not impact change in CF and QOL over time.
NCOG-16. RELEVANCE OF GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT FOR PRIMARY BRAIN TUMOR PATIENTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH AND CARE
Authors: Leeper Heather , Choi Anna , Vera Elizabeth , Acquaye Alvina , Briceno Nicole , 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

BACKGROUND
The utility of geriatric assessment (GA) has been evaluated in older adults diagnosed with solid tumors other than primary brain tumors (PBT). We assessed several key GA domains in adults with PBT receiving tumor-directed treatment.

METHODS
Patient and disease characteristics and key GA domains within patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including symptom burden (MDASI-BT), Anxiety/ Depression (PROMIS-short forms) and general health status (EQ-5D-3L) were systematically and prospectively collected between 9/2016–8/2019 from adults diagnosed with PBT. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to assess PROs.

RESULTS
Of 581 participants, 92 were 65 – 85 years old (median age = 70 years; “older”) and 489 were ≤ 64 years (median age = 46 years; “younger”). Tumor grade distribution in the older group was 74% WHO grade III/IV, 26% WHO grade I/II; tumor types included gliomas and meningiomas with no tissue diagnosis in 3 patients. Older patients were 49% less likely to receive chemotherapy and twice as likely to have KPS ≤ 80 (p=0.003, OR=0.51, OR=1.98). More older patients reported problems with mobility (57% vs 44%), self-care (38% vs 26%), and usual activities (64% vs 51%) than younger patients. Charlson Comorbidity Index mean scores were significantly higher in older patients (3.5 vs 0.6, p&lt; 0.001). The top 3 most frequently reported moderate-to-severe symptoms were similar in older vs younger groups: fatigue (44% vs 41%), feeling drowsy (29% vs 30%) and difficulty remembering (28% vs 29%). Feeling distressed was the only symptom whose frequency differed between the age groups (11% older vs 27% younger, p=0.001).

CONCLUSION
Older PBT patients had lower performance status, more co-morbidities and increased functional impairments, affirming that GA is relevant. Symptom burden was similarly high in both age groups. These findings support conducting GA concurrently in future symptom intervention and therapeutic clinical trials for adults with PBT receiving tumor-directed treatment.
NCOG-21. PREDICTORS OF SURVIVAL IN ELDERLY PATIENTS UNDERGOING SURGERY FOR GBM
Authors: Voisin Mathew , Sasikumar Sanskriti , Zadeh Gelareh 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
An increasing number of elderly patients are being diagnosed with GBM and undergoing surgery. These patients often present with multiple medical comorbidities and have significantly worse outcomes compared to adult patients. The goal of this study was to determine clinical predictors of survival in elderly patients undergoing surgery for GBM.

METHODS
A retrospective chart review of all consecutive patients 65 years of age and older that underwent surgery for newly diagnosed GBM from 2005-2018 was performed. A total of 150 patients were included, and subdivided into two age categories; 65-74 and 75 or older.

RESULTS
Advanced age and medical comorbidities were not associated with decreased survival (p = 0.07 and p = 0.09, respectively). Postoperative complication was associated with worse survival for all patients (HR = 2.34, p = 0.01) and occurred in patients with longer lengths of stay (p &lt; 0.0001) and discharge destination other than home (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
The presence of medical comorbidities and advanced age are not reasons to exclude patients with GBM from surgical consideration. Postoperative complication is the most significant predictor of survival in elderly patients and can be avoided by a short length of stay and discharge home.
NCOG-23. PATIENT-REPORTED SYMPTOM BURDEN AND INTERFERENCE: A COMPARISON BETWEEN COVID-19 PANDEMIC YEAR AND NORMATIVE DATA IN PATIENTS WITH CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) TUMORS
Authors: Pillai Valentina , Polskin Lily , 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
CNS tumor patients are highly symptomatic causing interference with activity and worse quality of life. Social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic increased demands on the patient, caregivers, clinicians, and the health care system. The NCI’s Neuro-Oncology Branch Natural History Study (NHS) systematically collected patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide insight into how these challenges influenced symptom burden and interference during the COVID year. METHODS: Patient and disease characteristic as well as patient-reported symptoms and interference (MDASI-BT/-SP) and general health status (EQ-5D-3L) from 3/2020-2/2021) were compared to NHS normative sample collected prior to 3/2020. RESULTS: The sample (n = 178) was primarily White (82%), male (55%), median age of 45 (range 18 – 79) and KPS ³ 90 (51%). The majority had high-grade (70%) brain (83%) tumors (BT) with ≥ 1 prior recurrence (60%) and 25% were on active treatment. Clinical visits were primarily conducted via telehealth (64%) and 20% of all patients were diagnosed with progression at the time of assessment. Most commonly reported moderate-severe symptoms among BT patients were fatigue (30%), difficulty remembering (28%), feeling drowsy (22%). Among spinal cord tumor patients, fatigue (39%), pain (35%) and numbness/tingling in arms/legs/trunk (35%) were most frequently reported. These symptoms were reported in similar frequencies by the normative sample. Nearly half of the COVID year sample (48%) reported moderate-severe activity-related interference. Reported problems with mobility (38%), self-care (19%), pain/discomfort (40%), and usual activities (50%) were similar in both groups except for increased mood disturbance (53%) was reported during the COVID year. CONCLUSION: These findings support CNS tumor patients remained highly symptomatic with significant impact on health-related quality of life during the COVID year. Clinicians should develop timely individual care plans to help BT patients navigate their disease course. Evaluation of risk associated with more severe symptoms and functional limitations are ongoing.
NCOG-24. REAL-WORLD ANALYSIS OF OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS RECEIVING BEVACIZUMAB FOR RECURRENT GLIOBLASTOMA IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Authors: Chahal Manik , Thiessen Brian 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Bevacizumab (Bev) has been publicly funded in British Columbia (BC) since 2011 for treatment of recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM). We performed a retrospective outcomes assessment of patients with rGBM treated with Bev.

METHODS
Patients with rGBM treated at BC Cancer centers with Bev between January 2011 and December 2016 were reviewed. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment regimens, and dates of radiographic progression and death were collected. Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess survival, and comparisons were made using the log-rank test.

RESULTS
138 patients were reviewed. There were 136 reported deaths with median PFS 3 months (CI95 = 2.5 - 3.5) and OS 7 months (CI95 = 6.1-8.0) from Bev initiation. 64% of patients on corticosteroids prior to Bev reduced their dose shortly after initiation. The majority of patients (72%) were treated with multiple lines of therapy prior to Bev, with a median time from chemoradiation to Bev initiation of 8 months (range 1-67). Patients started on Bev &lt; 6 months from chemoradiation (prior to completion of adjuvant temozolomide) had improved OS compared to those who started Bev later (p = 0.05), but there was no association between extent of treatment prior to Bev and outcomes (p = 0.182). Addition of chemotherapy to Bev did not improve survival over Bev monotherapy (p = 0.175).

CONCLUSIONS
Despite limited benefits to overall survival, Bev is associated with reduction in corticosteroid use and likely improvement in quality of life. Bev combinations with chemotherapy did not confer survival advantage over Bev monotherapy. Furthermore, our results show that patients receiving Bev before completion of adjuvant chemotherapy have better outcomes, suggesting pseudoprogression may have prompted the therapeutic switch. Further research is required to optimize patient selection for and administration of Bev. Additional analysis of rGBM patients prescribed Bev until 2020 in BC is currently underway.
NCOG-25. REVISITING THE PIGNATTI RISK SCORE IN LOW-GRADE GLIOMA PATIENTS IN THE MOLECULAR ERA
Authors: Jungk Christine , Gluszak Mara , Trong Philip Dao , von Deimling Andreas , Herold-Mende Christel , Unterberg Andreas 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Until now, the Pignatti risk score has been used to guide treatment decisions after histological diagnosis of diffuse glioma WHO grade 2. However, its prognostic value was derived from a historic cohort that has been diagnosed by morphologic rather than molecular criteria. We re-challenged the Pignatti score in a contemporary, molecularly characterized cohort. From our institutional cohort of 422 diffuse gliomas WHO grade 2, 202 patients were identified for whom IDH mutation status was known and 1p/19q co-deletion or loss of ATRX expression unambiguously classified tumors into astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma. Patients with IDH wildtype astrocytoma (n=9), multifocal lesions or brainstem involvement were excluded. Potential prognostic factors including the individual items of the Pignatti score (astrocytoma; age ≥40 years; neurologic deficit; maximum tumor diameter ≥6cm; tumor crossing midline) were correlated with progression-free survival (PFS) by univariate log-rank und multivariate Cox regression analysis. 165 patients with astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma were analysed of whom 109 (66%) did not receive adjuvant radio- or chemotherapy. 94 untreated patients with a minimum follow-up of 24 months entered survival analysis. These patients were classified as “high-risk” (Pignatti 3-5) and “low-risk” (Pignatti 0-2) in 15% and 85% and did not differ with regard to potential prognostic factors (gender; resection vs. biopsy; tumor recurrence) other than the individual Pignatti score items. Diameter ≥6 cm (p=0.006; HR=2.18) and midline crossing (p=0.003; HR=3.54) were identified as independent prognostic factors of PFS. Noteworthy, prognostic factors coincided when all patients (n=144) with a minimum follow-up of 24 months, regardless of adjuvant treatment, were analysed. In IDH mutant, molecularly characterized diffuse gliomas WHO grade 2, the Pignatti risk score as a whole no longer seems to be of prognostic relevance. Instead, outcome seems to be determined by tumor burden.
NCOG-28. THE IMPACT OF MULTIPLE MENINGIOMAS ON PROGRESSION-FREE SURVIVAL: A 10-YEAR MULTI-CENTER STUDY
Authors: Ramos-Fresnedo Andres , Domingo Ricardo , Sanchez-Garavito Jesus , Perez-Vega Carlos , Akinduro Oluwaseun , Jentoft Mark , Brown Paul , Porter Alyx , Bendok Bernard , Link Michael , Middlebrooks Erik , Trifiletti Daniel , Chaichana Kaisorn , Quinones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Sherman Wendy 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Multiple meningiomas (MM) occurs in up to 18% of meningioma patients and progression data are scarce. The objective of this study is to explore the influence of number of lesions and clinical characteristics on progression-free survival (PFS) and time to a second intervention (TTSI) in patients with WHO grade 1 meningiomas.

METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed records of all adults diagnosed with a meningioma at our three main sites from January 2009 to May 2020. Progression was considered as time from diagnosis until radiographic progression of the originally resected meningioma. A secondary analysis was carried to evaluate the time from diagnosis to time of a second intervention. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to assess whether number of lesions or any associated variables (age, sex, race, radiation, location, and extent of resection) had a significant impact on PFS and TTSI.

RESULTS
838 patients were included. Log-rank test evaluating PFS and TTSI between single and multiple lesions showed significantly shorter progression for MM (p&lt; 0.001 and p&lt; 0.001, respectively). Multivariable Cox regression showed significantly inferior PFS on MM vs. single lesion (HR 2.262 [CI 95%, 1.392-3.677], p=0.001) and a significantly inferior TTSI for patients with MM vs. single meningioma (HR 2.377 [CI 95%, 1.617 – 3.494], p=0.001). When input as a continuous variable, PFS was significantly inferior for each additional meningioma (HR 1.350 [CI 95% 1.074-1.698], p=0.010) and TTSI is significantly inferior as well (HR 1.428 [CI 95% 1.189 – 1.716], p&lt; 0.001). African-Americans had an inferior PFS when compared to Non-Hispanic White patients (HR 3.472 [CI 95% 1.083-11.129], p=0.036).

CONCLUSION
The PFS of meningiomas is influenced by the number of lesions present. Patients with MM are more prone to undergo a second intervention for progressive disease. Hence, a closer follow-up may be warranted in patients who present with multiple lesions.
NCOG-31. GIANT PITUITARY ADENOMA (GPA) SCORE: A NOVEL SCORING SYSTEM TO PREDICT POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOMES OF GIANT PITUITARY ADENOMAS
Authors: Enam Syed Ather , Hashmi Fauzan Alam , Ghazi Sanam Mir , Khan Ahsan Ali , Tariq Muhammad Bilal , Shamim Muhammad Shahzad , Raghib Muhammad Faraz 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Giant pituitary adenomas (GPA) are uncommon and highly variable in morphology and extension. There is no scoring system that considers all the dimensions of adenoma invasion. We developed a new Giant Pituitary Adenoma score and report our surgical experience and evaluate outcomes after resection of these tumors in accordance with the preoperative score.

METHODS
We developed a novel scoring system for classifying giant pituitary adenomas, and 11-year data of GPA surgery at our center was collected retrospectively, based on this scoring system. GPA Score considered tumor’s parasellar extension, encasement of cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA), suprasellar extension &gt; 2 cm, suprasellar extension &gt; 4cm and retrosellar extension. Maximum possible score was 9. The scoring system was applied to 53 patients of GPA who underwent surgical resection between January 1, 2006, and December 2017. The Lundin-Pederson (ABC/2) method was used to calculate the tumor volume both pre- and post-resection and linear regression was used to assess the relationship between extent of tumor resection and GPA score.

RESULTS
The median age of the study population was 42.08 ± 16.49 years. The mean maximum diameter of the pituitary adenomas was 5.0 cm (range 4.0 cm-8.5cm) while the mean volume of the adenomas was 27.3 cm3 (range 10 cm3-149 cm3). There were 3 cases of score 2, 5 cases of score 3, 13 cases of score 4, 20 cases of score 5, 9 cases of score 6 and 3 cases of score 7. The range of tumor volumes of tumors for scores from 2-7 was 17.3 cm3 to 65.8 cm3 and GPA score was correlated with the percent residual tumor using linear regression that was statistically significant (p= 0.001).

CONCLUSION
GPA Score is a reliable scoring system to predict the extent and subsequent difficulty in tumor resection in GPA.