scholarly journals Radiobiology of Radiosurgery for the Central Nervous System

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Santacroce ◽  
Marcel A. Kamp ◽  
Wilfried Budach ◽  
Daniel Hänggi

According to Leksell radiosurgery is defined as “the delivery of a single, high dose of irradiation to a small and critically located intracranial volume through the intact skull.” Before its birth in the early 60s and its introduction in clinical therapeutic protocols in late the 80s dose application in radiation therapy of the brain for benign and malignant lesions was based on the administration of cumulative dose into a variable number of fractions. The rationale of dose fractionation is to lessen the risk of injury of normal tissue surrounding the target volume. Radiobiological studies of cell culture lines of malignant tumors and clinical experience with patients treated with conventional fractionated radiotherapy helped establishing this radiobiological principle. Radiosurgery provides a single high dose of radiation which translates into a specific toxic radiobiological response. Radiobiological investigations to study the effect of high dose focused radiation on the central nervous system began in late the 50s. It is well known currently that radiobiological principles applied for dose fractionation are not reproducible when single high dose of ionizing radiation is delivered. A review of the literature about radiobiology of radiosurgery for the central nervous system is presented.

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuchen Wu ◽  
Xuefei Sun ◽  
Xueyan Bai ◽  
Jun Qian ◽  
Hong Zhu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Secondary central nervous system lymphoma (SCNSL) is defined as lymphoma involvement within the central nervous system (CNS) that originated elsewhere, or a CNS relapse of systemic lymphoma. Prognosis of SCNSL is poor and the most appropriate treatment is still undetermined. Methods We conducted a retrospective study to assess the feasibility of an R-MIADD (rituximab, high-dose methotrexate, ifosfamide, cytarabine, liposomal formulation of doxorubicin, and dexamethasone) regimen for SCNSL patients. Results Nineteen patients with newly diagnosed CNS lesions were selected, with a median age of 58 (range 20 to 72) years. Out of 19 patients, 11 (57.9%) achieved complete remission (CR) and 2 (10.5%) achieved partial remission (PR); the overall response rate was 68.4%. The median progression-free survival after CNS involvement was 28.0 months (95% confidence interval 11.0–44.9), and the median overall survival after CNS involvement was 34.5 months. Treatment-related death occurred in one patient (5.3%). Conclusions These single-centered data underscore the feasibility of an R-MIADD regimen as the induction therapy of SCNSL, further investigation is warranted.


2020 ◽  
pp. 507-524
Author(s):  
Anssi Auvinen ◽  
Diana Withrow ◽  
Preetha Rajaraman ◽  
Hannu Haapasalo ◽  
Peter D. Inskip

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 1571-1578
Author(s):  
Matthias Holdhoff ◽  
Maciej M. Mrugala ◽  
Christian Grommes ◽  
Thomas J. Kaley ◽  
Lode J. Swinnen ◽  
...  

Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs) are rare cancers of the central nervous system (CNS) and are predominantly diffuse large B-cell lymphomas of the activated B-cell (ABC) subtype. They typically present in the sixth and seventh decade of life, with the highest incidence among patients aged >75 years. Although many different regimens have demonstrated efficacy in newly diagnosed and relapsed or refractory PCNSL, there have been few randomized prospective trials, and most recommendations and treatment decisions are based on single-arm phase II trials or even retrospective studies. High-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX; 3–8 g/m2) is the backbone of preferred standard induction regimens. Various effective regimens with different toxicity profiles can be considered that combine other chemotherapies and/or rituximab with HD-MTX, but there is currently no consensus for a single preferred regimen. There is controversy about the role of various consolidation therapies for patients who respond to HD-MTX–based induction therapy. For patients with relapsed or refractory PCNSL who previously experienced response to HD-MTX, repeat treatment with HD-MTX–based therapy can be considered depending on the timing of recurrence. Other more novel and less toxic regimens have been developed that show efficacy in recurrent disease, including ibrutinib, or lenalidomide ± rituximab. There is uniform agreement to delay or avoid whole-brain radiation therapy due to concerns for significant neurotoxicity if a reasonable systemic treatment option exists. This article aims to provide a clinically practical approach to PCNSL, including special considerations for older patients and those with impaired renal function. The benefits and risks of HD-MTX or high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation versus other, better tolerated strategies are also discussed. In all settings, the preferred treatment is always enrollment in a clinical trial if one is available.


Author(s):  
Nick Ward

Residual upper limb dysfunction after injury to the central nervous system is a major clinical, socioeconomic and societal problem. Upper limb dysfunction can occur in many disorders of the central nervous system including cervical spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis, but therapeutic approaches for upper limb dysfunction after stroke are the most thoroughly investigated. General approaches to treatment require:�(i)�avoidance of complications such as spasticity, pain, and loss of range; (ii) early high-dose engaging functional motor training; (iii) consideration of how neuroplastic processes might be engaged to enhance the effects of training. The evidence to deliver optimal personalized treatment strategies for all patients is lacking, but there is evidence that higher doses and intensity of upper limb therapy will be beneficial to most patients. Recent work has focused on how technological innovation might be used to promote recovery of upper limb function.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meifang Yang ◽  
Xuan Zhang ◽  
Jianhua Hu ◽  
Hong Zhao ◽  
Lanjuan Li

Background. Cryptococcosis following kidney transplantation (KT) is rare but is associated with considerably increased risk of mortality. At present, data on the association between cryptococcosis and KT in mainland China remain relatively limited. Objectives. This study aims to review our experience related to the management of cryptococcosis following KT at a Chinese tertiary hospital. Methods. All patients with cryptococcosis following KT admitted to our hospital from January 2010 to December 2018 were reviewed. Results. A total of 37 patients with cryptococcosis were enrolled (males: 62.2%). The mean age of the patients was 49.5 ± 9.38 (20–64) years. The average time to infection following KT was 7.0 ± 5.50 years (5 months to 21 years), and 30 patients (81.1%) had cryptococcosis onset >2 years following transplantation. The most common site of infection was the central nervous system, followed by the pulmonary system and skin. Most patients received fluconazole or voriconazole with or without flucytosine as their initial treatment regimen at our hospital. The 2-week mortality rate was 8.1% (3/37), and five patients (13.5%) died within 6 months of being diagnosed with cryptococcosis. Remarkably, all patients who received high-dose fluconazole (800 mg daily) or voriconazole ± flucytosine survived. Conclusions. Cryptococcosis in kidney transplant recipients is typically a late-occurring infection, with most patients having cryptococcosis onset >2 years following KT at our hospital. The central nervous system, pulmonary system, and skin are the main sites of infection. Voriconazole or high-dose fluconazole can be used as an alternative therapy for post-KT cryptococcosis.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare J. Twist ◽  
Ricardo O. Castillo

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a frequent complication of intestinal transplantation and is associated with a poor prognosis. There is currently no consensus on optimal therapy. Recurrent PTLD involving the central nervous system (CNS) represents a particularly difficult therapeutic challenge. We report the successful treatment of CNS PTLD in a pediatric patient after liver/small bowel transplantation. Initial immunosuppression (IS) was with thymoglobulin, solucortef, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil. EBV viremia developed 8 weeks posttransplantation, and despite treatment with cytogam and valganciclovir the patient developed a polymorphic, CD20+, EBV+ PTLD with peripheral lymphadenopathy. Following treatment with rituximab, the lymphadenopathy resolved, but a new monomorphic CD20−, EBV+, lambda-restricted, plasmacytoid PTLD mesenteric mass emerged. Complete response of this PTLD was achieved with 6 cycles of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) chemotherapy; however, 4 months off therapy he developed CNS PTLD (monomorphic CD20−, EBV+, lambda-restricted, plasmacytoid PTLD) of the brain and spine. IS was discontinued and HD-MTX (2.5–5 gm/m2/dose) followed by intrathecal HD-MTX (2 mg/dose ×2-3 days Q 7–10 days per cycle) was administered Q 4–7 weeks. After 3 cycles of HD-MTX, the CSF was negative for malignant cells, MRI of head/spine showed near-complete response, and PET/CT was negative. The patient remains in complete remission now for 3.5 years after completion of systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy.Conclusion. HD-MTX is an effective therapy for CNS PTLD and recurrent PTLD that have failed rituximab and CHOP chemotherapy.


2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 2289-2295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurbek Igissinov ◽  
Serik Akshulakov ◽  
Talgat Kerimbayev ◽  
Yerzhan Adilbekov ◽  
Nurgul Aldiyarova ◽  
...  

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