Journal of neuro-oncology
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Journal of neuro-oncology · Aug 2017
ReviewEthical considerations of neuro-oncology trial design in the era of precision medicine.
The field of oncology is currently undergoing a paradigm shift. Advances in the understanding of tumor biology and in tumor sequencing technology have contributed to the shift towards precision medicine, the therapeutic framework of targeting the individual oncogenic changes each tumor harbors. ⋯ While these new trials advance the clinical application of increasingly precise and individualized therapies, their design brings ethical challenges. We review the pertinent ethical considerations for clinical trials of precision medicine in neuro-oncology and discuss methods to protect patients in this new era of trial design.
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Journal of neuro-oncology · Aug 2017
Comparative volumetric analysis of the extent of resection of molecularly and histologically distinct low grade gliomas and its role on survival.
The authors investigate the role of extent of resection (EOR) and genetic markers on patient outcome and survival for LGGs. We conducted a retrospective cohort between 2005 and 2015, of 109 adult patients who underwent surgery for a LGG by a single surgeon. Volumetric computations of MRI studies were conducted to evaluate the EOR, and genetic markers (IDH1, 1p/19q co-deletion, and p53) were assessed and their effects on survival and neurological outcome were evaluated. ⋯ Preoperative tumor volume was found to have significant association with EOR (R2 = 0.049, p = 0.031). Increased EOR is associated with improved OS and PFS survival outcomes, while 1p/19q co-deletion provides improved MPFS. Understanding both surgical resections and molecular markers of the tumor are important for effective management of LGG patients.
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Journal of neuro-oncology · Aug 2017
Outcome and prognostic factors in patients with brain metastases from small-cell lung cancer treated with whole brain radiotherapy.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors associated with overall survival (OS) and neurological progression free survival (nPFS) in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients with brain metastases who received whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT). From 2003 to 2015, 229 SCLC patients diagnosed with brain metastases who received WBRT were analyzed retrospectively. In this cohort 219 patients (95%) received a total photon dose of 30 Gy in 10 fractions. ⋯ In this series, the main prognostic factors associated with OS were performance status, time of appearance of intracranial disease (synchronous vs. metachronous), initial response to chemotherapy and higher RPA class. NPFS was negatively influenced by poor KPS, multiplicity of brain metastases, and higher RPA class in univariate analysis. For patients with low performance status, metachronous disease or RPA class III, WBRT should be weighed against supportive therapy with steroids alone or palliative chemotherapy.