bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P16.04.A THE PROGNOSTIC ROLE OF VENTRICULAR SIZE AND ITS DYNAMICS IN PATIENTS WITH LEPTOMENINGEAL METASTASIS FROM SOLID TUMORS
Authors: Le Rhun E , Devos P , Seystahl K , Jongen J , Gramatzki D , Roth P , van den Bent M J , Regli L , Brandsma D , Weller M 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Hydrocephalus is a common radiological sign in patients with leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) from solid tumors and can be assessed using the Evans index (EI) with high interrater agreement. Here we explored the prognostic value of ventricular size at diagnosis and during the disease course of LM.

METHODS
We assembled a cohort of 113 adult patients with a diagnosis of LM from solid extra-CNS tumors and explored the prognostic association of ventricular size assessed by the EI at diagnosis, of its modification between diagnosis and evaluation at first follow-up (&gt;21 days after diagnosis), and at first progression.

RESULTS
Median age was 58.2 years (interquartile range (IQR) 46.1-65.7), 41 patients (36%) were male, the most frequent cancers were lung cancer (n=39, 35%), breast cancer (n=36, 32%) and melanoma (n=23, 20%). The median EI at baseline was 0.28 (IQR 0.26-0.31) and the EI value was 0.27 or more in 67 patients (59%) and 0.30 or more in 37 patients (33%). Among patients with MRI follow-up, the EI increased by 0.01 or more in 19 patients (40%), including 9 of 29 patients (30%) and 10 of 17 patients (59%), respectively, without and with LM progression at first follow-up. At LM progression, an increase of EI of 0.01 or more was noted in 18 of 34 patients (53%). The median overall survival was 2.9 months (IQR 1-7.2). Patients with a baseline EI of 0.26 or less had a longer survival than those with an EI of 0.27 or more (5.3 months, IQR 2.4-10.8, versus 1.3 months, IQR 0.6-4.1) (p=0.006). Median survival was 3.7 months (IQR 1.4-8.3) with an EI of 0.29 or less versus 1.8 months (IQR 0.8-4.1) with an EI of 0.30 or more (p=0.109). Among patients with follow-up scans available, median overall survival was 9.7 months (IQR 5.6-21.4) for patients with stable or decreased EI at first follow-up as opposed to 6.4 months (IQR 3.2-10.5) for those with an increase in the EI (p=0.292).

CONCLUSION
The EI at baseline is prognostic in LM. An increase of EI during the follow-up is associated with inferior LM-progression-free survival. An independent validation cohort with larger sample size and evaluation of confounding factors will help to better define the clinical utility of EI assessments in LM.
P16.06.A INCIDENCE, FOLLOW UP AND OUTCOME IN INCIDENTAL MENINGIOMA IN THE GOTHENBURG REGION - WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN 10 YEARS?
Authors: Näslund O , Strand P S , Solheim O , Al Masri M , Rapi O , Thurin E , Jakola A S 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Meningiomas constitute a large portion of brain tumors, with an often indolent natural course of disease. There a now more asymptomatic meningiomas diagnosed each year as compared to their symptomatic counterparts. With brain imaging widely available, increased findings of incidental meningiomas have emerged. There are many unique challenges to the management of incidental meningioma, where if no symptoms are present, there is a lack of evidence-based guidelines for follow-up and treatment. The aim of this study was to map the use of brain scanning, and the subsequent findings of presumed incidental meningioma between the years 2008-2009 and 2018-2019, and to study differences in follow-up, treatment, and outcome among these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
Records of performed CT and MRI of the brain at the radiological departments at three hospital sites were retrospectively reviewed in search for patients with presumed incidental meningioma. Their medical health records were the used to study the natural course and clinical handling of these patients.

RESULTS
An almost identical number of patients underwent brain scanning at our three hospital sites during the two time periods (n=22 259 vs. 22 013). In 2018-2019, 25% more incidental meningiomas were diagnosed as compared to 2008-2009 (n=161 vs. 129). In the later years, patients had a higher median age (79 years vs. 73 years, p=0.03) and more often underwent brain imaging due to non-metastatic cancer (n=38 vs. 15, p=0.009). There were no differences in the indication for diagnostic scanning, nor management decision at time of diagnosis.

CONCLUSION
We could not show an increase in patients undergoing scanning of the brain between the two time periods studied, but with passing time it has become more common to frequently scan the brain of elder individuals, and individuals with cancer without metastases, perhaps due to improved treatment options for patients if metastatic disease was found. When an incidental meningioma was subsequently found, no differences could be seen in the clinical handling of the patients in terms of treatment or follow-up.
P16.09.B NEUROGENIC DYSPHAGIA IN MENINGEOSIS NEOPLASTICA PATIENTS
Authors: Lapa S , Harborth E , Manß C , Ronellenfitsch M , Steinbach J , Urban H 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Meningeosis neoplastica (MN) occurs in 5-10 % of all cancers and is characterized by diffuse seeding of tumor cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and meninges. Common clinical symptoms suggestive of MN include headache, cranial nerve (CN) deficits, psychiatric symptoms as well as paresthesia. Neurogenic dysphagia (ND) has been suggested a rare MN symptom resulting from affection of CN IX and X. The aim of this work was to investigate frequency, severity and pattern of malfunction of ND due to MN as well as to assess its impact on the rate of pneumonia and overall survival.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
The database of the Institute of Neurooncology of the University Hospital Frankfurt was screened for patients with MN diagnosed between March 2009 and July 2021 who received a systematic dysphagia assessment (DA). DA comprised a standardized clinical swallowing examination as well as an additional fiber optic endoscopic evaluation of the swallowing act (FEES) in case of suspected aspiration. Severity of dysphagia and extent of oral impairment were systematically recorded. In addition to demographics, clinical diagnoses, underlying cancer and treatment, information on radiological imaging including presence of contrast-enhancing lesions was collected.

RESULTS
A total of 262 patients with a diagnosis of MN were detected, 69 of whom (52 % women, mean age 61 ± 14 years) were included for further analysis. Underlying cancers included lung cancer (16 cases, 23 %), breast cancer (15, 22 %), as well as lymphoma and melanoma (each 7 cases, 10%). The remaining 24 patients suffered from cancer entities (ovarian cancer, gastrointestinal tumors or cancers of unknown primary). 46 patients (66.6 %) were diagnosed with ND, 15 of these patients required a feeding tube (FOIS 1-3). Dysphagic patients had an increased risk of pneumonia (p&lt;0.001) and a shorter survival time compared to non-dysphagic patients (p=0.003). Affection of the cranial nerves affected CN V (n=6), CN VII (n=22), CN IX (n=21), CN X (n=7) and CN XII (n=12). There was no significant correlation between the presence of an ND and the above-mentioned cranial nerve deficits.

CONCLUSION
The results of this study show that ND is a common symptom in patients with MN and can also occur independently of paresis of CN IX and X. In addition, the presence of ND is associated with a higher rate of pneumonia and a shorter survival time. Therefore, patients with suspected or confirmed MN should receive a systematic dysphagia assessment. In addition, the presence of MN should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of unclear neurogenic dysphagia.
P17.01.A THE VALUE OF ETOPOSIDE FOR RECURRENT GLIOMA
Authors: van der Meulen M , Chahal M , Mason W P 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
There is currently no consensus on how best to treat diffuse glioma in adults at recurrence. Etoposide in combination with carboplatin and/or bevacizumab has been evaluated in recurrent glioma with modest efficacy. This retrospective study investigates the efficacy of etoposide monotherapy in adults with recurrent diffuse glioma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
In this single center retrospective series, all adult patients with radiographically proven multiply recurrent diffuse glioma (WHO grade 2-4) treated with etoposide between 2016 and 2020 were evaluated. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) after initiating etoposide were calculated for the total group and for different histologic tumor types. In addition, toxicity was recorded after initiation of etoposide.

RESULTS
48 patients with a median age 43 (range 24-78) were included. Etoposide was given as 3rd line of treatment in 18 patients (37.5%) and as 4th or 5th line of treatment in 30 patients (62.5%). The majority were diagnosed with a glioblastoma, WHO grade 4 (27, 56.3%). The median PFS was 8.6 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.3-8.9). The median OS of the total population was 4.0 months (95% CI: 2.4-5.6). Patients with an oligodendroglioma had the best OS (median 13 months), compared to astrocytoma and glioblastoma, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.152). Etoposide was stopped due to progression or toxicity. Only 1 patient had a grade 3 toxicity.

CONCLUSION
Etoposide is a well-tolerated chemotherapy in adult patients with recurrent diffuse glioma, but has limited efficacy in this cohort of multiply recurrent and heavily pretreated patients.
P18.01.A A MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF 40 DRY ASIAN SKULLS TO INVESTIGATE ANATOMICAL VARIABILITY IN THE SUPRASELLAR REGION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS IN MENINGIOMA SURGERY
Authors: Geldart J 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Meningiomas are the most common type of primary brain tumour and when symptomatic, are usually treated by surgical resection. Removing skull-base meningiomas is challenging and subtotal resection remains common, despite utilising the latest surgical

METHODS
. In the suprasellar region, surgery is particularly high risk and carries a 10-20% rate of postoperative visual impairment. This morphometric analysis of 40 dry skulls furthers our understanding of anatomical variability of 3 structures in the suprasellar region: the limbus sphenoidale (LS), prechiasmatic sulcus (PS) and optic strut (OS). Understanding suprasellar anatomical variability is vital for neurosurgeons operating within the region to reduce complication rates and in achieving gross total resection.

METHODS
Variants of the LS (A, B and C) are defined according to descriptions used from a previous study. Curved and straight lengths of the LS are measured using metal callipers and string. Between the three variants, statistical analysis is used to compare differences in lengths, and the ratio between their curved and straight length. PS angle, length and width are measured according to previous studies’ definitions. OS position is determined by measuring its distance from the LS and a drawn midline. Skulls are grouped using PS variables and OS position according to adapted classification systems used in previous studies.

RESULTS
Variants A, B and C of the LS exhibited incidences of 33.33%, 52.82% and 15.39%, respectively. Limbus ratio was significantly different (p&lt;0.05) between variants. Average sulcal angle was 32 ± 13.3°, whilst sulcal type ranked in prevalence: narrow flat sulci (34.21%)&gt; very narrow steep (28.95%)&gt; very narrow flat (21.05%) &gt; narrow steep (15.79%). 32.50% and 18.42% of struts exhibited notable differences in their distances from the midline and from the LS, respectively.

CONCLUSION
The present study improves our understanding of the prevalence of anatomical variants within the suprasellar region and has implications for meningioma surgery. The type C variant is an overhanging ridge, underneath which meningiomas could be hidden from a surgeon’s view during transcranial procedures. Only two studies have previously documented the type C variant, whose incidence in the present study (15.39%) is within the boundaries of previous research; patients with this variant might require removal of the landmark during surgery to achieve gross total resection. The PS displayed varying degrees of steepness, and skulls were on average steeper than previously documented populations. A considerable proportion of skulls exhibited notable differences in left and right OS position. Establishing PS morphology and OS position preoperatively might be helpful in reducing the risk of visual impairment in future operations through better understanding the course of the optic nerve.
P19.05.A THE NEURONAL CORRELATES OF BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATED SEIZURES IN HUMAN AND MOUSE PERITUMORAL CORTEX
Authors: Bolleboom A , Bouwen B L J , Dirven C M F , Vincent A J P E , Gao Z 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The occurrence of seizures is the most common comorbidity in malignant brain tumors. Recent advancements in the field of cancer neuroscience indicate that seizures can potentially influence brain tumor progression through intricate neuron-glioma interactions in the peritumoral infiltrated cortex of glioma patients. Therefore, understanding not only the tumor processes but also the neuronal properties in the tumor microenvironment could provide key insights into the relationship between epilepsy and tumor progression. To investigate this, we conducted a study to characterize neuronal alterations in glioma infiltrated neocortex of both patients and a glioma mouse model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
Infiltrated peritumoral cortex was obtained from both epileptic and non-epileptic patients undergoing brain tumor surgery. Ex vivo brain slices were prepared and single-cell electrophysiology was performed on peritumoral neurons. High grade gliomas were induced into compound LoxP-conditional mice via stereotactic viral injection in combination with serial electro-corticographic activity to monitor epileptogenesis.

RESULTS
Ex vivo recordings from infiltrated human peritumoral cortex revealed electrophysiological and morphological alterations in neocortical neurons of patients experiencing seizures. Using an inducible immunocompetent high-grade glioma mouse model, we tracked the progression of cortical epileptogenesis during tumor infiltration. We observed several spatial and temporal changes in the peritumoral cortex of glioma mice, including progressive glial reaction and gradual neuronal reduction. We also identified intrinsic and network alterations in the cortical neurons of glioma mouse model, consistent with the electrophysiological characteristics of human peritumoral cortex prior to seizure onset.

CONCLUSION
Overall, our study demonstrated dynamic electrophysiological and histological changes in human and mouse peritumoral cortex during the course of tumor progression and epileptogenesis. These findings provide important insights into brain tumor associated seizures and cast light on new therapeutical targets for treatments.
P20.01.A CLINICAL APPLICATION OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GENETIC ALTERATION AND INTRAOPERATIVE FLUORESCENCE ACTIVITY OF 5-AMINOLEVULINIC ACID IN BRAIN METASTASIS OF NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER
Authors: Jeong H Y , Seo W J , Kim H G , Kim S H , Nam T M , Jang J H , Kim K H , Kim S H , Kim Y Z 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Distant metastasis into major organ is a major cause of death in cancer patients. Especially, metastasis to brain is known to duplicate the mortality of cancer patients because brain metastasis makes patients neurologically independent in daily activities. Despite surgical resection of brain metastasis is a core strategy for management, it is not possible for all brain metastasis due to eloquent location, multiple lesions, or clinical condition of patient. With advancement of technology in brain tumor surgery, fluorescence image, such as 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), can help detect the residual tumor during surgery. Recently, genetic alteration of cancer is additionally considered as prognostic factor with being added into traditional prognostic system, such as GPA scoring system. The primary objective of this study is to examine the fluorescence patterns of 5-ALA in brain metastasis surgery and investigate the results of genetic alteration in brain metastasis using next generation sequencing technique.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
Medical records of patients with brain metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer at our center from January 2017 to June 2022. Among them, the patients who were treated with surgical resection under 5-ALA fluorescence image and had NGS results were included in the analysis.

RESULTS
Total 72 patients were eligible for analysis. Mean follow-up duration was 12.36 months. Recurrence occurred in 28 (38.9%) patients and 46 (63.9%) patients succumbed to NSCLC. Mean recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 14.57 months and mean overall survival (OS) was 16.29 months. Strong fluorescence was obtained in 56 (77.8%) patients during surgery. In the NGS data of brain metastasis, genetic alteration of cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, tumorigenesis, proliferation, epigenetic regulation, and cancer immunology were detected in 73.6%, 44.4%, 56.9%, 66.7%, 30.6%, and 2.8%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, KPS, RPA class, extent of resection, modality of adjuvant treatment, genetic alteration of cell cycle regulation and cellular proliferation were associated with RFS. Additionally, age, KPS, status of NSCLC, RPA class, GPA score, modality of adjuvant treatment, genetic alteration of cell cycle regulation and cellular proliferation were associated with OS.

CONCLUSION
The presenting study suggested that microscopic complete resection with assist of fluorescence image could improve clinical outcome, and strong fluorescence image could reflect the genetic alteration of cell cycle regulation and cellular proliferation which are poor prognostic factors.
P20.05.A USE OF VISMODEGIB IN ADULT PATIENTS WITH NEOPLASTIC MENINGITIS FROM SONIC HEDGEHOG (SHH)-ACTIVATED MEDULLOBLASTOMAS: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Bruno F , Pellerino A , Palmiero R , Pronello E , Bertero L , Levis M , Soffietti R , Rudà R 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Vismodegib is a SHH-inhibitor that proved to be effective in locally-recurrent SHH-activated medulloblastoma. However, whether vismodegib is effective in case of neoplastic meningitis (NM) as well has not been assessed so far. Here, we present a case of a patient with NM from SHH-activated medulloblastoma who showed a dramatic response to vismodegib. Case Report: A 34-year-old patient was diagnosed with a SHH-activated cerebellar medulloblastoma in 2015. He underwent gross-total resection, cranio-spinal radiotherapy (RT) and 5 cycles of lomustine, vincristine and cisplatin. Then, he remained disease-free until October 2021, when the MRI showed a new single contrast-enhanced nodule in the spine (T10), which was treated with stereotactic RT. However, the following MRI showed a diffuse leptomeningeal involvement, with new multiple linear and nodular lesions. The CSF cytology confirmed the presence of neoplastic cells. Therefore, in April 2022 vismodegib (150 mg daily) was started. The treatment was well tolerated, except for increased creatine phosphokinase (CTCAE v3.0 grade 1). After only 2 months of therapy, a reduction of the meningeal enhancement was seen on MRI, and after 4 months all nodular and linear lesions disappeared. Similarly, CSF cytology became negative after 4 months of treatment. However, after 8 months of treatment (December 2022), the MRI of the spine showed the new appearance of meningeal contrast-enhanced lesions, and CSF cytology confirmed the presence of neoplastic cells. Therefore, vismodegib was dismissed. In few days, the patient (who did not have any symptoms so far) developed severe meningeal symptoms, and palliative care was started, until his death in February 2023.

CONCLUSION
To our knowledge, this is the first report of an adult patient with NM from SHH-activated medulloblastoma achieving a complete response with vismodegib, even if temporary. Data from larger series are needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of vismodegib in case of leptomeningeal spread.
P20.11.A TEMPORAL MUSCLE THICKNESS AS PROGNOSTIC MARKER IN PRIMARY CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM LYMPHOMA - A VALIDATION STUDY
Authors: van der Meulen M , Gahrmann R , van der Holt B , Doorduijn J K , Issa S , Bromberg J E C 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare, aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, confined to the central nervous system. Age and performance status are validated prognostic variables in PCNSL. Frailty may also be a factor but is not easily quantified. Temporal muscle thickness (TMT), as parameter of sarcopenia, is believed to reflect frailty, is easily measurable and may be a valuable additional prognostic factor: mean TMT has been described as an independent prognostic factor in PCNSL patients. This study aims to validate these results in a prospective cohort.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
All patients from a large phase III trial (HOVON 105/ALLG NHL 24; EudraCT 2009-014722-42) of whom baseline axial T1 weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI) were available were included. Sarcopenia is defined as a mean TMT &lt;6.3mm for men and &lt;5.2mm for women, measured on axial T1-weighted MRI. The TMT was measured by a radiologist (RG) with and a neurologist (MvdM) without correction for angulation of images. Sarcopenia, together with known other prognostic factors were analyzed in a Cox-regression analysis for progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for both investigators.

RESULTS
TMT measurements were possible in 164/199 trial patients. The median mean TMT was 7.62mm (IQR: 6.58-9.00; measured by RG) and 5.94mm (IQR: 5.09-7.01; measured by MvdM). The mean TMT was not significantly different between those who used dexamethasone, and those who did not. Sarcopenia was present in 75 patients (46%), measured by MvdM without correction for angulation of the images and in 21 patients (13%), measured by RG with correction for angulation of the images. In univariate analyses, age (&gt;60 years-old) and baseline Mini-Mental State Examination-score &lt;27 were significantly associated with adverse PFS and OS. In multivariate analyses, only age remained as independent prognostic factor for adverse PFS and OS. Sarcopenia, as measured by either of the investigators, was not associated with survival. For measurements by RG, presumed to be most accurate, the Hazard Ratio (95% confidence interval) was 0.68 (0.33-1.40), p=0.30 for PFS, and HR (95% CI): 0.97 (0.42-2.20), p=0.93 for OS in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION
There was a low interobserver agreement between a neurologist and a radiologist regarding TMT measurements, which questions the use of this parameter in daily practice by non-radiologists. Sarcopenia, based on the mean TMT, was not a prognostic factor in PCNSL patients for PFS and OS. The small number of patients with sarcopenia in this series may have influenced results.