Neurosurgery
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Neoplasms of the peripheral nervous system represent a heterogenous group with a wide spectrum of morphological features and biological potential. They range from benign and curable by complete excision (schwannoma and soft tissue perineurioma) to benign but potentially aggressive at the local level (plexiform neurofibroma) to the highly malignant (malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors [MPNST]). In this review, we discuss the diagnostic and pathologic features of common peripheral nerve sheath tumors, particularly those that may be encountered in the intracranial compartment or in the spine and paraspinal region. ⋯ We also discuss the diagnostic relevance of these neoplasms to specific genetic and familial syndromes of nerve, including neurofibromatosis 1, neurofibromatosis 2, and schwannomatosis. In addition, we discuss updates in our understanding of the molecular alterations that represent key drivers of these neoplasms, including neurofibromatosis type 1 and type 2, SMARCB1, LZTR1, and PRKAR1A loss, as well as the acquisition of CDKN2A/B mutations and alterations in the polycomb repressor complex members (SUZ12 and EED) in the malignant progression to MPNST. In summary, this review covers practical aspects of pathologic diagnosis with updates relevant to neurosurgical practice.
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Managing cancer pain once it is refractory to conventional treatment continues to challenge caregivers committed to serving those who are suffering from a malignancy. Although neuromodulation has a role in the treatment of cancer pain for some patients, these therapies may not be suitable for all patients. Therefore, neuroablative procedures, which were once a mainstay in treating intractable cancer pain, are again on the rise. This guideline serves as a systematic review of the literature of the outcomes following neuroablative procedures. ⋯ Neuroablative procedures may be an option for treating patients with refractory cancer pain. Serious adverse events were reported in some studies, but were relatively uncommon. Improved imaging, refinements in technique and the availability of new lesioning modalities may minimize the risks of neuroablation even further.The full guidelines can be accessed at https://www.cns.org/guidelines/browse-guidelines-detail/guidelines-on-neuroablative-procedures-patients-wi.
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Resection of brain tumors involving motor areas and pathways requires the identification and preservation of various cortical and subcortical structures involved in motor control at the time of the procedure, in order to maintain the patient's full motor capacities. The use of brain mapping techniques has now been integrated into clinical practice for many years, as they help the surgeon to identify the neural structures involved in motor functions. A common definition of motor function, as well as knowledge of its neural organization, has been continuously evolving, underlining the need for implementing intraoperative strategies at the time of the procedure. ⋯ As a general rule, the motor mapping strategy should be as flexible as possible and adapted strictly to the individual patient and clinical context of the tumor. In this work, we present an overview of current knowledge of motor organization, indications for motor mapping, available motor mapping, and monitoring strategies, as well as their advantages and limitations. The use of motor mapping improves resection and outcomes in patients harboring tumors involving motor areas and pathways, and should be considered the gold standard in the resection of this type of tumor.
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Accurate circulating biomarkers have potential clinical applications in population screening, tumor subclassification, monitoring tumor status, and the delivery of individualized treatments resulting from tumor genotyping. Recently, significant progress has been made within this field in several cancer types, but despite the many potential benefits, currently there is no validated circulating biomarker test for patients with glioma. ⋯ In the following article, we provide a narrative review of the current evidence pertaining to circulating biomarkers in patients with glioma, including discussion of the advantages and challenges encountered with the current methods used for discovery. Additionally, the potential clinical applications are described with reference to the literature.