scholarly journals The Challenges of Management of High-grade Gliomas in Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 08 (03) ◽  
pp. 407-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chika Anele Ndubuisi ◽  
Wilfred C. Mezue ◽  
Martin Nzegwu ◽  
Okwuoma Okwunodulu ◽  
Gabriel Ejembi ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background: High-grade gliomas (HGG) are among the most challenging brain tumors despite many research efforts worldwide. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the local challenges that may influence outcome of HGG managed in a neurosurgical center in Nigeria. Methodology: Retrospective analysis of prospectively recorded data of patients managed for intracranial HGG at Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery, Enugu, Nigeria, between the year 2006 and 2015. Only cases with conclusive histology following surgery were analyzed. Results: Glioma was 60 (23.8%) of 252 histology confirmed brain tumors. HGG represented 53.8% of gliomas with male:female ratio of 2.2:1.0 and peaked from fifth decade of life. Glioblastoma multiforme accounted for 69% of HGG. At 1-year postsurgery, 53% of HGGs were dead and 88% of these deaths were in the World Health Organization Grade IV group. Only 40% of cases could receive adjuvant treatment with only 15% mortality at 1 year in this subgroup that received adjuvant therapy. In addition, 19% of cases had surgery at Karnofsky score (Ks) of ≤70%. However, 94% of mortality at 1 year was related to surgery at Ks of ≤60%. Only four patients had a tumor volume of ≤50 cm3, and among these cases, three patients were independent at 1 year. Patients with tumor volume above 50 cm3 accounted for 94% of mortality. Conclusion: The peak age incidence for HGG seems to be lower than in Caucasians. Most cases present late with poor Ks and big tumor volume. The proportion with access to adjuvant treatment is still poor. Preoperative Karnofsky, extent of resection, duration of hospital, and Intensive Care Unit stay have impact on outcome.

2021 ◽  
pp. 197140092198932
Author(s):  
Timo Alexander Auer ◽  
Maike Kern ◽  
Uli Fehrenbach ◽  
Yasemin Tanyldizi ◽  
Martin Misch ◽  
...  

Purpose To characterise peritumoral zones in glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma evaluating T2 values using T2 mapping sequences. Materials and methods In this study, 41 patients with histopathologically confirmed World Health Organization high grade gliomas and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging examinations were retrospectively identified and enrolled. High grade gliomas were differentiated: (a) by grade, glioblastoma versus anaplastic astrocytoma; and (b) by isocitrate dehydrogenase mutational state, mutated versus wildtype. T2 map relaxation times were assessed from the tumour centre to peritumoral zones by means of a region of interest and calculated pixelwise by using a fit model. Results Significant differences between T2 values evaluated from the tumour centre to the peritumoral zone were found between glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma, showing a higher decrease in signal intensity (T2 value) from tumour centre to periphery for glioblastoma ( P = 0.0049 – fit-model: glioblastoma –25.02± 19.89 (–54–10); anaplastic astrocytoma –5.57±22.94 (–51–47)). Similar results were found when the cohort was subdivided by their isocitrate dehydrogenase profile, showing an increased drawdown from tumour centre to periphery for wildtype in comparison to mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase ( P = 0.0430 – fit model: isocitrate dehydrogenase wildtype –10.35±16.20 (–51) – 0; isocitrate dehydrogenase mutated 12.14±21.24 (–15–47)). A strong statistical proof for both subgroup analyses ( P = 0.9987 – glioblastoma R2 0.93±0.08; anaplastic astrocytoma R2 0.94±0.15) was found. Conclusion Peritumoral T2 mapping relaxation time tissue behaviour of glioblastoma differs from anaplastic astrocytoma. Significant differences in T2 values, using T2 mapping relaxation time, were found between glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma, capturing the tumour centre to the peritumoral zone. A similar curve progression from tumour centre to peritumoral zone was found for isocitrate dehydrogenase wildtype high grade gliomas in comparison to isocitrate dehydrogenase mutated high grade gliomas. This finding is in accordance with the biologically more aggressive behaviour of isocitrate dehydrogenase wildtype in comparison to isocitrate dehydrogenase mutated high grade gliomas. These results emphasize the potential of mapping techniques to reflect the tissue composition of high grade gliomas.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ugo Testa ◽  
Germana Castelli ◽  
Elvira Pelosi

Brain tumors are highly heterogeneous and have been classified by the World Health Organization in various histological and molecular subtypes. Gliomas have been classified as ranging from low-grade astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas to high-grade astrocytomas or glioblastomas. These tumors are characterized by a peculiar pattern of genetic alterations. Pediatric high-grade gliomas are histologically indistinguishable from adult glioblastomas, but they are considered distinct from adult glioblastomas because they possess a different spectrum of driver mutations (genes encoding histones H3.3 and H3.1). Medulloblastomas, the most frequent pediatric brain tumors, are considered to be of embryonic derivation and are currently subdivided into distinct subgroups depending on histological features and genetic profiling. There is emerging evidence that brain tumors are maintained by a special neural or glial stem cell-like population that self-renews and gives rise to differentiated progeny. In many instances, the prognosis of the majority of brain tumors remains negative and there is hope that the new acquisition of information on the molecular and cellular bases of these tumors will be translated in the development of new, more active treatments.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang Gok Woo

Abstract Background: Nestin, a type VI intermediate filament, is expressed in neuroepithelial cells during embryogenesis and has been expressed in various human tumors. Recent studies have reported that expression is associated with poor prognosis in brain tumors, but the results are inconclusive. In this study, we evaluated usefulness of Nestin expression using immunohistochemistry as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for IDH mutation and the new World Health Organization (WHO) classification.Methods: To investigate Nestin expression, immunohistochemistry was performed on 92 adult brain gliomas using tissue microarrays. We further analyzed the clinical characteristics and survival outcomes according to Nestin expression and examined its correlation with another glioma biomarker, IDH mutation.Results: Sixty patients (65.2%) were Nestin-positive (weak and strong). Nestin expression and intensity were significantly correlated with age, location, diagnosis, and IDH mutations. Old age and high-grade gliomas showed a higher frequency and stronger intensity of Nestin expression than those of young age and with low-grade gliomas (p<0.001). Gliomas with IDH mutations that are located in the frontal lobe showed no expression or had weak positivity. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that Nestin expression (weak, hazard ratio [HR] 5.39, p=0.036; strong, HR 8.43, p=0.007) and IDH wildtype (HR 7.63; p=.001) were significant independent prognostic factors. Moreover, patients with tumors expressing Nestin showed shorter survival (p<0.001).Conclusions: Nestin expression exhibits high intensity in high-grade gliomas and is a useful diagnostic marker. High expression and level of Nestin were significantly correlated with worse survival and was considered a significant marker of poor prognosis in new WHO classification, independent of IDH mutation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii157-ii157
Author(s):  
Yasmeen Elsawaf ◽  
Stephanie Anetsberger ◽  
Ana Aguilar-Bonilla ◽  
Amy Smith ◽  
Samer Elbabaa

Abstract INTRODUCTION Horos (LGPL 3.0) is a free, open source medical image viewer that has gained attention in the neurosurgical community because of the familiar OsiriX-based interface and its useful three-dimensional (3D) volumetric rendering capabilities. We present the use of Horos software as a postoperative tool for residual tumor volume analysis in children with high-grade gliomas. METHODS A retrospective study of 11 pediatric patients with histologically confirmed HGG underwent tumor resection (n=8) or biopsy (n=3) as definitive treatment from 6/2011 to 6/2019. Volumetric data and extent of resection were obtained via region of interest-based 3D analysis using Horos image-processing software. Age, initial tumor volume, extent of resection, and postoperative residual volume were assessed as predictors of overall survival or event free survival. TECHNIQUE Region of interest (ROI) segmentation was performed utilizing the “Closed Polygon Tool” to outline the tumor and the “Generate Missing ROIs” function to capture the entirety of the tumor within the MRI series. The “Computer Volume” function was used to render the 3D tumor volumes. The preoperative and postoperative tumor volumes were compared per patient to yield the percent extent of resection and residual volume. RESULTS The Horos software is a highly effective means of volumetric analysis for high-grade gliomas depicted in T1 and T2 MRI series. In our series, eight (73%) patients underwent tumor resection and three (27%) underwent biopsy. Patients who underwent resection were older than biopsy patients [12 (8-18) vs. 9 (8-21) years old]. Age, initial tumor volume, extent of resection, and postoperative residual volume were not significant predictors of overall survival or event free survival. CONCLUSION Horos software provides increased accuracy and confidence in determining post-operative volume and is useful in assessing the impact of residual volume on outcome after maximal safe resection in pediatric patients with high-grade gliomas.


2019 ◽  
Vol 130 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shawn L. Hervey-Jumper ◽  
Mitchel S. Berger

OBJECTIVEThe goal of this article is to review the history of surgery for low- and high-grade gliomas located within the insula with particular focus on microsurgical technique, anatomical considerations, survival, and postoperative morbidity.METHODSThe authors reviewed the literature for published reports focused on insular region anatomy, neurophysiology, surgical approaches, and outcomes for adults with World Health Organization grade II–IV gliomas.RESULTSWhile originally considered to pose too great a risk, insular glioma surgery can be performed safely due to the collective efforts of many individuals. Similar to resection of gliomas located within other cortical regions, maximal resection of gliomas within the insula offers patients greater survival time and superior seizure control for both newly diagnosed and recurrent tumors in this region. The identification and the preservation of M2 perforating and lateral lenticulostriate arteries are critical steps to preventing internal capsule stroke and hemiparesis. The transcortical approach and intraoperative mapping are useful tools to maximize safety.CONCLUSIONSThe insula’s proximity to middle cerebral and lenticulostriate arteries, primary motor areas, and perisylvian language areas makes accessing and resecting gliomas in this region challenging. Maximal safe resection of insular gliomas not only is possible but also is associated with excellent outcomes and should be considered for all patients with low- and high-grade gliomas in this area.


2020 ◽  
Vol 133 (5) ◽  
pp. 1324-1331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasmus W. Hansen ◽  
Christian B. Pedersen ◽  
Bo Halle ◽  
Anders R. Korshoej ◽  
Mette K. Schulz ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEMaximal safe resection is an important surgical goal in the treatment for high-grade gliomas. Fluorescent dyes help the surgeon to distinguish malignant tissue from healthy. The aims of this study were 1) to compare the 2 fluorescent dyes 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and sodium fluorescein (fluorescein) regarding extent of resection, progression-free survival, and overall survival; and 2) to assess the influence of other risk factors on clinical outcome and screen for potential disadvantages of the dyes.METHODSA total of 209 patients with high-grade gliomas were included in this retrospective study. Resections were performed in the period from 2012 to 2017 using 5-ALA or fluorescein. Extent of resection was assessed as the difference in tumor volume between early postoperative and preoperative MRI studies. Tumor progression–free survival and overall survival were analyzed using an adjusted Cox proportional hazards model.RESULTSOne hundred fifty-eight patients were operated on with 5-ALA and 51 with fluorescein. The median duration of follow-up was 46.7 and 21.2 months, respectively. Covariables were evenly distributed. There was no statistically significant difference in volumetrically assessed median extent of resection (96.9% for 5-ALA vs 97.4% for fluorescein, p = 0.46) or the percentage of patients with residual tumor volume less than 0.175 cm3 (29.5% for 5-ALA vs 36.2% for fluorescein, p = 0.39). The median overall survival was 14.8 months for the 5-ALA group and 19.7 months for the fluorescein group (p = 0.06). The median adjusted progression-free survival was 8.7 months for the 5-ALA group and 9.2 months for the fluorescein group (p = 0.03).CONCLUSIONSFluorescein can be used as a viable alternative to 5-ALA for intraoperative fluorescent guidance in brain tumor surgery. Comparative, prospective, and randomized studies are much needed.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 358-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Nimsky ◽  
Atsushi Fujita ◽  
Oliver Ganslandt ◽  
Boris von Keller ◽  
Rudolf Fahlbusch

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To investigate the contribution of high-field intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) for further reduction of tumor volume in glioma surgery. METHODS: From April 2002 to June 2003, 182 neurosurgical procedures were performed with a 1.5-T magnetic resonance system. Among patients who underwent these procedures, 47 patients with gliomas (14 with World Health Organization Grade I or II glioma, and 33 with World Health Organization Grade III or IV glioma) who underwent craniotomy were investigated retrospectively. Completeness of tumor resection and volumetric analysis were assessed with intraoperative imaging data. RESULTS: Surgical procedures were influenced by iMRI in 36.2% of operations, and surgery was continued to remove residual tumor. Additional further resection significantly reduced the percentage of final tumor volume compared with first iMRI scan (6.9% ± 10.3% versus 21.4% ± 13.8%; P &lt; 0.001). Percentages of final tumor volume also were significantly reduced in both low-grade (10.3% ± 11.5% versus 25.8% ± 16.3%; P &lt; 0.05) and high-grade gliomas (5.4% ± 9.9% versus 19.5% ± 13.0%; P &lt; 0.001). Complete resection was achieved finally in 36.2% of all patients (low-grade, 57.1%; high-grade, 27.3%). Among the 17 patients in whom complete tumor resection was achieved, 7 complete resections (41.2%) were attributable to further tumor removal after iMRI. We did not encounter unexpected events attributable to high-field iMRI, and standard neurosurgical equipment could be used safely. CONCLUSION: Despite extended resections, introduction of high-field iMRI in conjunction with functional navigation did not translate into an increased risk of postoperative deficits. The use of high-field iMRI increased radicality in glioma surgery without additional morbidity.


2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 109-115
Author(s):  
Beata Grygalewicz

StreszczenieB-komórkowe agresywne chłoniaki nieziarnicze (B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma – B-NHL) to heterogenna grupa nowotworów układu chłonnego, wywodząca się z obwodowych limfocytów B. Aberracje cytogenetyczne towarzyszące B-NHL to najczęściej translokacje onkogenów takich jak MYC, BCL2, BCL6 w okolice genowych loci dla łańcuchów ciężkich lub lekkich immunoglobulin. W niektórych przypadkach dochodzi do wystąpienia kilku wymienionych aberracji jednocześnie, tak jak w przypadkach przebiegających z równoczesną translokacją genów MYC i BCL2 (double hit), niekiedy także z obecnością rearanżacji BCL6 (triple hit). Takie chłoniaki cechuje szczególnie agresywny przebieg kliniczny. Obecnie molekularna diagnostyka cytogenetyczna przy użyciu techniki fluorescencyjnej hybrydyzacji in situ (FISH) oraz, w niektórych przypadkach, aCGH jest niezbędnym narzędziem rozpoznawania, klasyfikowania i oceny stopnia zaawansowania agresywnych, nieziarniczych chłoniaków B-komórkowych. Technika mikromacierzy CGH (aCGH) była kluczowym elementem wyróżnienia prowizorycznej grupy chłoniaków Burkitt-like z aberracją chromosomu 11q (Burkitt-like lymphoma with 11q aberration – BLL, 11q) w najnowszej klasyfikacji nowotworów układu chłonnego Światowej Organizacji Zdrowia (World Health Organization – WHO) z 2016 r. Omówione zostaną sposoby różnicowania na poziomie cytogenetycznym takich chłoniaków jak: chłoniak Burkitta (Burkitt lymphoma – BL), chłoniak rozlany z dużych komórek B (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma – DLBCL) oraz 2 nowych jednostek klasyfikacji WHO 2016, czyli chłoniaka z komórek B wysokiego stopnia złośliwości z obecnością translokacji MYC i BCL2 i/lub BCL6 (high-grade B-cell lymphoma HGBL, with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 translocations) oraz chłoniaka BLL, 11q.


2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Jain ◽  
L. Caulley ◽  
K.I. Macdonald ◽  
B. Purgina ◽  
C.K. Lai ◽  
...  

Background Non-intestinal-type adenocarcinoma is a malignancy traditionally found in the sinonasal cavity. To our knowledge, this case is the first reported of this rare condition originating in the nasopharynx.Case Presentation A 67-year-old woman with nasopharyngeal non-intestinal-type adenocarcinoma, with an accompanying parapharyngeal mass received primary radiation treatment for both lesions. Her tumour subsequently persisted, with a concomitant conversion in pathology from a low- to a high-grade malignancy.Results Non-intestinal-type and intestinal-type adenocarcinomas of the nasopharynx are extremely rare tumours and do not appear in the World Health Organization classification system. We review the pathophysiologic features of these malignancies and propose modifications to the current classification system.Conclusions Non-intestinal-type adenocarcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of nasopharyngeal masses. In our experience, this tumour in this location showed a partial response to primary radiation but later converted from a low- to a high-grade adenocarcinoma.


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