TREATMENT OF SPINAL TUMORS USING CYBERKNIFE FRACTIONATED STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY

Neurosurgery ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 297-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory J. Gagnon ◽  
Nadim M. Nasr ◽  
Jay J. Liao ◽  
Inge Molzahn ◽  
David Marsh ◽  
...  

Abstract OBJECTIVE Benign and malignant tumors of the spine significantly impair the function and quality of life of many patients. Standard treatment options, including conventional radiotherapy and surgery, are often limited by anatomic constraints and previous treatment. Image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery using the CyberKnife system (Accuray, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) is a novel approach in the multidisciplinary management of spinal tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery on pain and quality-of-life outcomes of patients with spinal tumors. METHODS We conducted a prospective study of 200 patients with benign or malignant spinal tumors treated at Georgetown University Hospital between March 2002 and September 2006. Patients were treated by means of multisession stereotactic radiosurgery using the CyberKnife as initial treatment, postoperative treatment, or retreatment. Pain scores were assessed by the Visual Analog Scale, quality of life was assessed by the SF-12 survey, and neurological examinations were conducted after treatment. RESULTS Mean pain scores decreased significantly from 40.1 to 28.6 after treatment (P < 0.001) and continued to decrease over the entire 4-year follow-up period (P < 0.05). SF-12 Physical Component scores demonstrated no significant change throughout the follow-up period. Mental Component scores were significantly higher after treatment (P < 0.01), representing a quality-of-life improvement. Early side effects of radiosurgery were mild and self-limited, and no late radiation toxicity was observed. CONCLUSION CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery is a safe and effective modality in the treatment of patients with spinal tumors. CyberKnife offers durable pain relief and maintenance of quality of life with a very favorable side effect profile.

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1545-1545
Author(s):  
J. J. Liao ◽  
N. M. Nasr ◽  
G. J. Gagnon ◽  
F. C. Henderson ◽  
B. T. Collins ◽  
...  

1545 Background: Morbidity associated with spinal tumors can leave patients with functional limitations, pain, and poor quality of life. Since the integrity of the spinal column and the spinal cord must be preserved, treatments are limited especially in the setting of previous radiotherapy. We describe our experience using Cyberknife fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery in the initial treatment and retreatment of spinal tumors and its impact on patient quality of life. Methods: 152 patients with primary or metastatic spinal tumors were treated to 228 spinal sites at Georgetown University Hospital from 2002 to 2005. Neurologic examination, pain assessment by visual analog scale (0–100), and quality of life evaluations by SF-12 survey (mental and physical health scores) were performed initially and at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months following treatment. The primary endpoints were pain and quality of life. 44 patients (109 sites) received Cyberknife radiosurgery as a component of their initial management. The median dose delivered was 2400 cGy (range 1400–8000) in 1–5 fractions (median 3). Median tumor volume was 56 mm3 (range 0.65–457.26). 108 patients (119 sites) with recurrent/persistent disease and a history of prior conventional radiation to the spine received Cyberknife radiosurgery as retreatment. Previous radiation doses ranged from 2000–5940 cGy. The median retreatment dose delivered was 2100 cGy (range 750–3500) in 1–5 fractions (median 3). Median tumor volume was 107.2 mm3 (range 0.94–838.9). Results: Optimized treatment plans were designed with the goal of limiting spinal cord doses. Median follow up is 13 months. No complications have been observed, including treatment related myelitis. Across all patients, the mean initial pain score was 73. Mean pain scores decreased significantly after the first month to 49 and remained significantly lower (40–44) for over one year. SF-12 PCS (initial mean 33) and MCS scores (initial mean 47) remained stable during the duration of the study. Conclusions: Fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery using the CyberKnife is a safe and effective treatment capable of delivering high-dose radiation to primary and recurrent spinal tumors. Follow-up data demonstrates durable pain relief and stable quality of life. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Jung Kim ◽  
Ji Won Park ◽  
Mi Ae Lee ◽  
Han-Ki Lim ◽  
Yoon-Hye Kwon ◽  
...  

AbstractTo identify low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) patterns and their associations with risk factors and quality of life (QOL). This cross-sectional study analyzed patients who underwent restorative anterior resection for left-sided colorectal cancer at Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea. We administered LARS questionnaires to assess bowel dysfunction and quality of life between April 2017 and November 2019. LARS patterns were classified based on factor analyses. Variable effects on LARS patterns were estimated using logistic regression analysis. The risk factors and quality of life associated with dominant LARS patterns were analyzed. Data of 283 patients with a median follow-up duration of 24 months were analyzed. Major LARS was observed in 123 (43.3%) patients. Radiotherapy (odds ratio [OR]: 2.851, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.504–43.958, p = 0.002), low anastomosis (OR: 10.492, 95% CI: 2.504–43.958, p = 0.001), and complications (OR: 2.163, 95% CI: 1.100–4.255, p = 0.025) were independently associated with major LARS. LARS was classified into incontinence- or frequency-dominant types. Risk factors for incontinence-dominant LARS were radiotherapy and complications, whereas those for frequency-dominant LARS included low tumor location. Patients with incontinence-dominant patterns showed lower emotional function, whereas those with frequency-dominant patterns showed lower global health QOL, lower emotional, cognitive, and social functions, and higher incidence of pain and diarrhea. Frequency-dominant LARS had a greater negative effect on QOL than incontinence-dominant LARS. These patterns could be used for preoperative prediction and postoperative treatment of LARS.


Author(s):  
Marilot C. T. Batenburg ◽  
Wies Maarse ◽  
Femke van der Leij ◽  
Inge O. Baas ◽  
Onno Boonstra ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose To evaluate symptoms of late radiation toxicity, side effects, and quality of life in breast cancer patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Methods For this cohort study breast cancer patients treated with HBOT in 5 Dutch facilities were eligible for inclusion. Breast cancer patients with late radiation toxicity treated with ≥ 20 HBOT sessions from 2015 to 2019 were included. Breast and arm symptoms, pain, and quality of life were assessed by means of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and -BR23 before, immediately after, and 3 months after HBOT on a scale of 0–100. Determinants associated with persistent breast pain after HBOT were assessed. Results 1005/1280 patients were included for analysis. Pain scores decreased significantly from 43.4 before HBOT to 29.7 after 3 months (p < 0.001). Breast symptoms decreased significantly from 44.6 at baseline to 28.9 at 3 months follow-up (p < 0.001) and arm symptoms decreased significantly from 38.2 at baseline to 27.4 at 3 months follow-up (p < 0.001). All quality of life domains improved at the end of HBOT and after 3 months follow-up in comparison to baseline scores. Most prevalent side effects of HBOT were myopia (any grade, n = 576, 57.3%) and mild barotrauma (n = 179, 17.8%). Moderate/severe side effects were reported in 3.2% (n = 32) of the patients. Active smoking during HBOT and shorter time (i.e., median 17.5 vs. 22.0 months) since radiotherapy were associated with persistent breast pain after HBOT. Conclusion Breast cancer patients with late radiation toxicity reported reduced pain, breast and arm symptoms, and improved quality of life following treatment with HBOT.


2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 540-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey W. Degen ◽  
Gregory J. Gagnon ◽  
Jean-Marc Voyadzis ◽  
Donald A. McRae ◽  
Michael Lunsden ◽  
...  

Object. The authors conducted a study to assess safety, pain, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes following CyberKnife radiosurgical treatment of spinal tumors. Methods. Data obtained in all patients with spinal tumors who underwent CyberKnife radiosurgery at Georgetown University Hospital between March 2002 and March 2003 were analyzed. Patients underwent examination, visual analog scale (VAS) pain assessment, and completed the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 months following treatment. Fifty-one patients with 72 lesions (58 metastatic and 14 primary) were treated. The mean follow-up period was 1 year. Pain was improved, with the mean VAS score decreasing significantly from 51.5 to 21.3 at 4 weeks (p < 0.001). This effect on pain was durable, with a mean score of 17.5 at 1 year, which was still significantly decreased (p = 0.002). Quality of life was maintained throughout the study period. After 18 months, physical well-being was 33 (initial score 32; p = 0.96) and mental well-being was 43.8 (initial score 44.2; p = 0.97). (The mean SF-12 score is 50 ± 10 [standard deviation].) Adverse effects included self-limited dysphagia (three cases), diarrhea (two cases), lethargy (three cases), paresthesias (one case), and wound dehiscence (one case). Conclusions. CyberKnife radiosurgery improves pain control and maintains QOL in patients treated for spinal tumors. Early adverse events are infrequent and minor. The authors await long-term follow-up data to determine late complications and tumor control rates.


2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (9) ◽  
pp. 601
Author(s):  
Joana Fernandes ◽  
Liliana Fontes ◽  
Isabel Coimbra ◽  
José Artur Paiva

Introduction: Long-term health impairments are often experienced among survivors of critical illness, which may have a negative impact on their quality of life. The aim of this study was to characterize COVID-19 survivors of critical illness and to evaluate health-related quality of life and disability following hospital discharge.Material and Methods: This is a retrospective case-series study that included COVID-19 survivors admitted to the Intensive Care Medicine Department of a University Hospital. Follow-up evaluation was performed between the 30th and the 90th day after discharge. Quality of life was explored using the five-level version of the EQ-5D instrument (EQ-5D-5L) and functionality using the 12-question World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0).Results: Forty-five survivors were enrolled, 28 (62.2%) men, median age 63.0 years. The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire showed moderate to extreme problems in some dimension in 29 patients (64.4%): mobility in six (13.3%), self-care in seven (13.3%), usual activities in 23 (51.1%), pain/discomfort in 14 (31.1%) and anxiety/depression in 17 (37.8%). When using the 12-question WHODAS 2.0 questionnaire, moderate to extreme disability was reported in some question in 37 patients (82.2%): 19 (42.2%) in standing for long periods, 18 (40.0%) in long-distance walking; 14 (31.1%) on taking care of household responsibilities and 17 (37.8%) in their day-to-day work; 23 (51.1%) felt emotionally affected by their health problems.Discussion: Based on COVID-19 survivors-reported outcomes after critical illness, mobility, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression were the main problems that persisted one to three months after hospital discharge.Conclusion: An organized follow-up structure is crucial to improve health-related quality of life in critical COVID-19 survivors.


Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silja Kosola ◽  
Heikki Relas

Abstract Introduction Transition of adolescents with chronic diseases from pediatric healthcare to adult care requires attention to maintain optimal treatment results. We examined changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and disease activity among juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients with or without concomitant psychiatric diagnoses after transfer to an adult clinic. Methods We prospectively followed 106 consecutive patients who were transferred from the New Children’s Hospital to the Helsinki University Hospital Rheumatology outpatient clinic between April 2015 and August 2019 and who had at least one follow-up visit. HRQoL was measured using 15D, a generic instrument. Results The patients’ median age at transfer was 16 years and disease duration 4.0 years. Patients were followed for a median of 1.8 years. Disease activity and overall HRQoL remained stable, but distress (dimension 13 of 15D) increased during follow up (P=0.03). At baseline, patients with at least one psychiatric diagnosis had lower overall 15D scores (0.89±0.14 vs. 0.95±0.05, P&lt;0.01) and higher disease activity (Disease Activity Score 28; 1.88±0.66 vs. 1.61±0.31, P=0.01) than patients without psychiatric diagnoses. The difference in overall 15D persisted over the study period. Conclusions Transition phase JIA patients with psychiatric diagnoses had lower HRQoL than other JIA patients. Despite reduced disease activity and pain, HRQoL of patients with psychiatric diagnoses remained suboptimal at the end of follow-up. Our results highlight the necessity of comprehensive care and support for transition phase JIA patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (13) ◽  
pp. 3238-3246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joost C. Peerbooms ◽  
Paul Lodder ◽  
Brenda L. den Oudsten ◽  
Kamiel Doorgeest ◽  
Hans M. Schuller ◽  
...  

Background: When nonoperative treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis fails, often a corticosteroid injection is given. Corticosteroid injection gives temporary pain reduction but no healing. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has proven to be a safe therapeutic option in the treatment of tendon, muscle, bone, and cartilage injuries. Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of PRP as compared with corticosteroid injections for chronic plantar fasciitis. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Patients with chronic plantar fasciitis were allocated to have steroid injection or PRP. The primary outcome measure was the Foot Function Index (FFI) Pain score. Secondary outcome measures were function, as scored by the FFI Activity, FFI Disability, and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, and quality of life, as scored with the short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF). All outcomes were measured at baseline and at 4, 12, and 26 weeks and 1 year after the procedure. Results: Of the 115 patients, 63 were allocated to the PRP group, of which 46 (73%) completed the study, and 52 were allocated to the control group (corticosteroid injection), of which 36 (69%) completed the study. In the control group, FFI Pain scores decreased quickly and then remained stable during follow-up. In the PRP group, FFI Pain reduction was more modest but reached a lower point after 12 months than the control group. After adjusting for baseline differences, the PRP group showed significantly lower pain scores at the 1-year follow-up than the control group (mean difference, 14.4; 95% CI, 3.2-25.6). The number of patients with at least 25% improvement (FFI Pain score) between baseline and 12-month follow-up differed significantly between the groups. Of the 46 patients in the PRP group, 39 (84.4%) improved at least 25%, while only 20 (55.6%) of the 36 in the control group showed such an improvement ( P = .003). The PRP group showed significantly lower FFI Disability scores than the control group (mean difference, 12.0; 95% CI, 2.3-21.6). Conclusion: Treatment of patients with chronic plantar fasciitis with PRP seems to reduce pain and increase function more as compared with the effect of corticosteroid injection. Registration: NCT00758641 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).


Neurosurgery ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob A. Miller ◽  
Rupesh Kotecha ◽  
Gene H. Barnett ◽  
John H. Suh ◽  
Lilyana Angelov ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Given the neurological morbidity and poor prognosis associated with brain metastases, it is critical to deliver appropriate therapy while remaining mindful of patient quality of life (QOL). For many patients, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) effectively controls intracranial disease, but QOL outcomes have not been characterized. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of number of brain metastases upon QOL preservation following SRS. METHODS: The EuroQol 5 Dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 instruments were prospectively collected from a cohort of patients undergoing SRS for brain metastasis between 2008 and 2015. These instruments served as measures of overall QOL and depression. QOL deterioration exceeding the minimum clinically important difference was considered failure. Freedom from 12-month EQ-5D index failure was the primary outcome. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-two SRS treatments (67 patients, 421 lesions) were eligible for inclusion. Intracranial failure (local or distant) occurred following 61% of treatments. Among 421 lesions, 8% progressed locally. Median follow-up was 12 months. All subscores of the EQ-5D instrument expectantly worsened at last follow-up; however, the magnitude of this difference (0.079) did not exceed the EQ-5D index minimum clinically important difference (mean 0.752 vs 0.673, P &lt; .01). Twelve-month EQ-5D index QOL preservation was 79%. Patients with more than 3 brain metastases had a greater rate of EQ-5D index deterioration (hazard ratio 4.14, P &lt; .01) than those with a single metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with brain metastasis, QOL preservation must remain paramount as multimodality therapy continues to improve. In the present investigation, 12-month QOL preservation was 79%. However, patients with more than 3 brain metastases were at significantly greater risk for QOL decline.


2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 640-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Viereck ◽  
George M. Ghobrial ◽  
Sara Beygi ◽  
James S. Harrop

OBJECTIVE Resection significantly improves the clinical symptoms and functional outcomes of patients with intradural extramedullary tumors. However, patient quality of life following resection has not been adequately investigated. The aim in this retrospective analysis of prospectively collected quality of life outcomes is to analyze the efficacy of resection of intradural extramedullary spinal tumors in terms of quality of life markers. METHODS A retrospective review of a single institutional neurosurgical administrative database was conducted to analyze clinical data. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and the EQ-5D-3 L descriptive system were used to analyze quality of life preoperatively, less than 1 month postoperatively, 1–3 months postoperatively, 3–12 months postoperatively, and more than 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS The ODI scores increased perioperatively at the < 1-month follow-up from 36 preoperatively to 47. Relative to preoperative values, the ODI score decreased significantly at 1–3, 3–12, and > 12 months to 23, 17, and 20, respectively. VAS scores significantly decreased from 6.1 to 3.5, 2.4, 2.0, and 2.9 at the < 1-month, 1- to 3-, 3- to 12-, and > 12-month follow-ups, respectively. EQ-5D mobility significantly worsened at the < 1-month follow-up but improved at the 3- to 12-and > 12-month follow-ups. EQ-5D self-care significantly worsened at the < 1-month follow-up but significantly improved by the 3- to 12-month follow-up. EQ-5D usual activities improved at the 1- to 3-, 3- to 12-, and > 12-month follow-ups. EQ-5D pain and discomfort significantly improved at all follow-up points. EQ-5D anxiety and depression significantly improved at 1- to 3-month and 3- to 12-month follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS Resection of intradural extramedullary spine tumors appears to significantly improve patient quality of life by decreasing patient disability and pain and by improving each of the EQ-5D domains.


2019 ◽  
Vol 131 (6) ◽  
pp. 1848-1854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason P. Sheehan ◽  
Inga Grills ◽  
Veronica L. Chiang ◽  
Huamei Dong ◽  
Arthur Berg ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEStereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is increasingly used for the treatment of brain metastasis. To date, most studies have focused on survival, radiological response, or surrogate quality endpoints such as Karnofsky Performance Scale status or neurocognitive indices. The current study prospectively evaluated pre-procedural factors impacting quality of life in brain metastasis patients undergoing SRS.METHODSUsing a national, cloud-based platform, patients undergoing SRS for brain metastasis were accrued to the registry. Quality of life prior to SRS was assessed using the 5-level EQ-5D (EQ5D-L) validated tool; additionally, patient and treatment attributes were collected. Patient quality of life was assessed as part of routine follow-up after SRS. Factors predicting a difference in the aggregate EQ5D-L score or the subscores were evaluated. Pre-SRS covariates impacting changes in EQ5D-L were statistically evaluated. Statistical analyses were conducted using multivariate linear regression models.RESULTSEQ5D-L results were available for 116 patients. EQ5D-L improvement (average of 0.387) was noted in patients treated with earlier SRS (p = 0.000175). Worsening overall EQ5D-L (average of 0.052 per lesion) was associated with an increased number of brain metastases at the time of initial presentation (p = 0.0399). Male sex predicted a risk of worsening (average of 0.347) of the pain and discomfort subscore at last follow-up (p = 0.004205). Baseline subscores of pain/discomfort were not correlated with pain/discomfort subscores at follow-up (p = 0.604), whereas baseline subscores of anxiety/depression were strongly positively correlated with the anxiety/depression follow-up subscores (p = 0.0039).CONCLUSIONSAfter SRS, quality of life was likely to improve in patients treated early with SRS and worsen in those with a greater number of brain metastases. Sex differences appear to exist regarding pain and discomfort worsening after SRS. Those with high levels of anxiety and depression at SRS may benefit from medical treatment as this particular quality of life factor generally remains unchanged after SRS.


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