Journal of neuro-oncology
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Journal of neuro-oncology · Jun 2012
Cognitive outcome after awake surgery for tumors in language areas.
In surgery for tumors of the dominant hemisphere, the attention devoted to quality of resection and preservation of language function has not been accompanied by comparable interest in preservation of cognitive abilities which may affect quality of life. We studied 22 patients undergoing awake surgery for glioma removal in the language areas of the brain. Besides monitoring tumor variables (size, location, histology, edema), we used a multifaceted battery of tests to investigate mood, cognition, and language in an attempt to assess the burden of disease and treatment, and the relationships between these three dimensions. ⋯ No correlation was observed between scores for mood, cognition, and language function. A subset of patients with low-grade glioma was followed up for 3-6 months; although some improvement was observed they did not always regain their preoperative performance. In conclusion, we believe that cognitive assessment performed in conjunction with language testing is a necessary step in the global evaluation of brain tumor patients both before and after surgery.
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Journal of neuro-oncology · Jun 2012
Methodological issues in designing and reporting health-related quality of life in cancer clinical trials: the challenge of brain cancer studies.
Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and other types of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are now important outcome measures in cancer clinical trials. A number of potentially less toxic drugs are available, and newer treatments can potentially offer cancer patients the possibility to be treated with less aggressive approaches, making PROs more critical in evaluating treatment effectiveness. ⋯ Robust methodology and accurate reporting of results are crucial to provide the scientific community and health care providers with a transparent message about the impact of a given drug or a new medical approach on patients' health status. This paper provides basic guidance on methodological issues to be addressed when designing and reporting HRQOL in clinical trials and presents examples of relevant brain cancer studies.
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Journal of neuro-oncology · Jun 2012
Measuring clinical outcomes in neuro-oncology. A battery to evaluate low-grade gliomas (LGG).
We describe how a neuropsychological evaluation in patients with brain tumors should be performed, specifically in the case of low-grade gliomas. Neuropsychological examination is crucial before starting any treatment as well as during the follow-up, since it can improve neurosurgery techniques and reveal potential cognitive effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, besides planning rehabilitation. ⋯ Moreover, some tests can provide additional information about the evolution of the tumor. A careful, thorough examination improves quality of life.
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Journal of neuro-oncology · May 2012
ReviewEmerging techniques in the minimally invasive treatment and management of thoracic spine tumors.
Over the past decade, the development and refinement of minimally invasive spine surgery techniques has lead to procedures with the potential to minimize iatrogenic and post-operative sequelae that may occur during the surgical treatment of various pathologies. In a similar manner, parallel advances in other current treatment technologies have led to the development of other minimally invasive treatments of spinal malignancies. These advances include percutaneous techniques for vertebral reconstruction, including vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, the development of safe and effective spinal radiosurgery, and minimal-access spinal surgical procedures that allow surgeons to safely decompress and reconstruct the anterior spinal column. ⋯ The author's describe how these emerging treatment options are significantly expanding the options open to clinicians in the treatment of thoracic spinal column malignancies. Specific illustrative case examples are provided. The development of these techniques has the potential to improve clinical outcomes, limit surgical morbidity, and also improve the safety and efficiency of treatment pathways.