Rare-06. sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (snuc): incidence of cns involvement
CONCLUSIONS:SNUC have a high rate of CNS invasion at presentation as well as at recurrence. Involvement of the CNS is associated with poor outcomes and represents a cohort in need of improved therapy. (Source: Neuro-Oncology)
Source: Neuro-Oncology - November 6, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Chamberlain, M., Rodriquez, C., Liao, J. Tags: RARE TUMORS Source Type: research

Rare-05. braf-v600e mutant papillary craniopharyngioma dramatically responds to combination braf and mek inhibitors
We present a patient with a papillary craniopharyngioma harboring a BRAF-V600E mutation that was successfully treated with combination combination BRAF (tramatenib) and MEK (dabrafenib) inhibitor therapy. Optimal treatment remains unclear for craniopharyngiomas that recur after maximal resection and radiotherapy. Tumor invasion and/or attempted surgical resection often result in notable morbidity. There is no approved chemotherapy for recurrent tumors. Brastantinos et al, recently showed most papillary craniopharyngiomas in adults harbor the BRAF-V600E mutation, resulting in constitutive activation of the MEK/ERK path...
Source: Neuro-Oncology - November 6, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Roque, A., Odia, Y. Tags: RARE TUMORS Source Type: research

Rare-03. ependymomas arising outside of the central nervous system: a case series
CONCLUSION:Extra CNS ependymomas are very rare tumors that tend to metastasize, even though most cases are histologically classified as low grade ependymomas, suggesting that the tumor biology does not correlate with conventional histologic findings. Future plans include molecular phenotyping to determine if these rare cancers are molecular similar to the recent findings from infratentorial, supratentorial ependymomas or the metabolic profile of classic spinal myxopapillary ependymoma. (Source: Neuro-Oncology)
Source: Neuro-Oncology - November 6, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Yust-Katz, S., Cachia, D., Kamiya-Matsuoka, C., Theeler, B. J., Olar, A., Prado, M. P., Armstrong, T., Gilbert, M. Tags: RARE TUMORS Source Type: research

Rare-02. clinical interrogation for unveiling an isolated hypophysitis mimicking pituitary adenoma
In conclusion, the visual function outcomes were satisfactory, however, the endocrinologic outcomes were vice versa, because the preoperative endocrinologic deterioration was unchanged or aggravated after surgery. (Source: Neuro-Oncology)
Source: Neuro-Oncology - November 6, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Kim, J. H., Kim, Y. H. Tags: RARE TUMORS Source Type: research

Rare-01. intravascular lymphoma (ivl). a single institution study from the modern neuro-imaging era
CONCLUSIONS:IVL is a clinical entity with neurologic and systemic manifestations. Although typically presenting with neurologic symptoms most patients will have clinical and imaging features of systemic lymphoma. If diagnosed early before significant and permanent morbidity occurs, IVL may have a good outcome. (Source: Neuro-Oncology)
Source: Neuro-Oncology - November 6, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: ONeill, B. P., Chou, C., Bennani, N., Johnston, P., McPhail, E., Schiff, D. Tags: RARE TUMORS Source Type: research

Qlif-26. assessing the relationship between vincristine use and outcomes in a retrospective cohort of pediatric patients with average risk medulloblastomas
CONCLUSION:Vincristine was omitted or the dose was reduced in the majority of patients. Incomplete vincristine use was not found to be associated with OS or EFS. (Source: Neuro-Oncology)
Source: Neuro-Oncology - November 6, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Liu, D., Fischer, C., Petriccione, M., Goldman, D., Riedel, E., Braganca, K. D. Tags: QUALITY OF LIFE Source Type: research

Qlif-25. physical health risks in neuro-oncology family caregivers
CONCLUSIONS:Findings suggest that poor emotional health during caregiving is associated with markers of risk for cardiovascular disease. Clinically, interventions to address emotional health in caregivers should be implemented at the time of diagnosis. Future studies are needed to determine how these relationships change throughout the care situation, particularly given the strong link between CRP and cardiovascular health. (Source: Neuro-Oncology)
Source: Neuro-Oncology - November 6, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Sherwood, P., Marsland, A., Donovan, H., Weimer, J., Armstrong, T. S., Drappatz, J. Tags: QUALITY OF LIFE Source Type: research

Qlif-24. assessing the beneficial impacts of the neuro-oncology hospitalist practice model: pilot run at uc irvine
CONCLUSION:This new inpatient neuro-oncology hospitalist practice model has shown benefits for our neuro-onc patients and the hospital: it shortens the length of stay, increases DRG score, satisfaction of the patient, family, and the variety of the primary and other consulting services. Benefits of this model over a longer period shall be further investigated. (Source: Neuro-Oncology)
Source: Neuro-Oncology - November 6, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Kong, X.-T., Fu, D. Tags: QUALITY OF LIFE Source Type: research

Qlif-23. functional outcome, symptom burden and survival vary by molecular subgroup in patients with anaplastic glioma
CONCLUSION:In these pilot data, unfavorable molecular subgroups had worse survival and baseline neurologic dysfunction, but experienced significant recovery of physical and cognitive function after treatment. Whether tumor or patient-related factors account for this selective recovery will be explored in future studies. (Source: Neuro-Oncology)
Source: Neuro-Oncology - November 6, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Kim, M., Hervey-Jumper, S., Tao, Y., Schipper, M., Orringer, D. A., Heth, J. A., Junck, L., Mammoser, A., Kim, C., Lawrence, T., Tsien, C., Armstrong, T. S. Tags: QUALITY OF LIFE Source Type: research

Qlif-21. quality of life domains in relation to glioma grade
Cancer-related quality of life (QOL) factors, some of which are unique to brain tumor patients with glioma, have not been well-studied by glioma grade. To examine potential differences in QOL factors among patients with primary glioma, the validated self-administered instrument, FactBr (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for patients with Brain cancer) version 3, was used to collect QOL data from 754 participants with histologically confirmed WHO (World Health Organization) grade II (n=150), grade III (n=149) or grade IV (n=455) glioma in the San Francisco Bay Area Adult Glioma Study. Time since diagnosis and treatmen...
Source: Neuro-Oncology - November 6, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Bracci, P., Chang, S., Clarke, J., Claus, E., Lachance, D., Luks, T., McCoy, L., Molinaro, A., Taylor, J., Wiemels, J., Wiencke, J., Wrensch, M. Tags: QUALITY OF LIFE Source Type: research

Qlif-20. a cross-sectional study of distress throughout the disease trajectory in primary brain tumor patients
CONCLUSIONS:Primary brain tumor patients experience distress throughout their disease trajectory, but the 6 months after initial diagnosis is the most stressful. A longitudinal study assessing distress in glioma patients may be helpful in ascertaining the periods of greatest distress and greatest need for interventions. (Source: Neuro-Oncology)
Source: Neuro-Oncology - November 6, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Randazzo, D., McSherry, F., Herndon, J., Affronti, M. L., Lipp, E., Flahiff, C., Miller, E., Woodring, S., Freeman, M., Healy, P., Minchew, J., Boulton, S., Desjardins, A., Vlahovic, G., Friedman, H., Keir, S., Peters, K. Tags: QUALITY OF LIFE Source Type: research

Qlif-18. patient experience through qualitative interviews
CONCLUSION:These findings offer a true insight from the patient’s perspective on the impact of symptoms throughout their illness. Future studies can focus on the comprehensive approach of patient care in managing their overall quality of life. (Source: Neuro-Oncology)
Source: Neuro-Oncology - November 6, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Acquaye, A. A., Payen, S. S. Tags: QUALITY OF LIFE Source Type: research

Qlif-17. the importance of the cern foundation adult ependymoma outcomes project
Outcomes projects can be a catalyst in determining disease and treatment-related consequences for patients with rare tumors and in identifying ways to educate patients and providers. The Adult Ependymoma Outcomes (AEO) survey uses self-reported experiences to evaluate how this tumor impacts patients throughout their illness. Patients completed the AEO survey via web-based portal. The survey includes questions on treatment, tumor recurrence, current health status, the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Brain and Spine Module and the MOS 36-Item Short Form Health Survey.The sample included 264 participants (female=54%), with a me...
Source: Neuro-Oncology - November 6, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Acquaye, A. A., Vera, E., Gilbert, M. R., Armstrong, T. S. Tags: QUALITY OF LIFE Source Type: research

Qlif-16. what does the brain cancer community need to improve the brain cancer journey?
CONCLUSION:This research has given brainstrust a very clear plan of action, underpinned by the list of the community’s needs to be able to optimise care, and therefore quality of life. Aligned with the JLA Top Ten Priorities the community has the traction to make, shape and drive change so that together we can improve the quality of life and care for people living with a brain tumour and also for those who work tirelessly with this vulnerable community. (Source: Neuro-Oncology)
Source: Neuro-Oncology - November 6, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Bulbeck, H., Jones, W., Hill, M. Tags: QUALITY OF LIFE Source Type: research

Qlif-15. first swiss integrated multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation program for neuro-oncologic in-patients
Patients diagnosed with brain tumors are wrongly considered poor candidates for neuro-rehabilitation (NR), due to the perception of poor prognosis and the need of oncologic care following surgery. However, intensive rehabilitation often allows to improve functional independence. In this context, we have identified a need for an integrated management of neuro-oncologic patients who are not sufficiently independent to return home after neurosurgery and we set up the first Swiss neuro-rehabilitation program for neuro-oncologic patients. It is based on an innovative public-private partnership between the CHUV University Hospit...
Source: Neuro-Oncology - November 6, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Hottinger, A., Moura, B., Pellet, C., Levivier, M., Berney, L., Giannelli, M., Robert, J.-P., Diserens, K. Tags: QUALITY OF LIFE Source Type: research