Immunogenicity of high-dose influenza vaccination in patients with primary central nervous system malignancy.

Background: For cancer patients, rates of influenza-associated hospitalization and death are 4 times greater than that of the general population. Previously, we reported reduced immunogenicity to the standard-dose influenza vaccine in patients with central nervous system malignancy. In other poorly responding populations (eg, elderly patients), high-dose vaccination has improved efficacy and immunogenicity.

Taste and smell disturbances after brain irradiation: a dose-volume histogram analysis of a prospective observational study.

Purpose: Radiation-induced taste and smell disturbances are prevalent in patients receiving brain radiation therapy, although the mechanisms underlying these toxicities are poorly understood. We report the results of a single institution prospective clinical trial aimed at correlating self-reported taste and smell disturbances with radiation dose delivered to defined areas within the brain and nasopharynx.

Methods And Materials: Twenty-two patients with gliomas were enrolled on a prospective observational trial in which patients underwent a validated questionnaire assessing taste and smell disturbances at baseline and at 3 and 6 weeks after commencement of brain radiation therapy.

Influenza vaccine immunogenicity in patients with primary central nervous system malignancy.

Background: Patients with central nervous system (CNS) malignancies represent an "at-risk" population for contracting influenza, particularly if they are receiving ongoing chemotherapy, radiation, and/or glucocorticoid treatment. The Centers for Disease Control endorses vaccination for these patients, although data are not available to indicate whether they mount an immunologic response adequate to achieve clinical protection.

Methods: A pilot prospective cohort study was designed to evaluate the immunogenicity of the standard-dose trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in patients with malignant CNS tumors.

An automated system for detecting nonadherence in laboratory testing and monitoring for myelosuppression in patients receiving self-administered oral chemotherapy.

Introduction: Patient compliance with routine monitoring for self-administered chemotherapy is problematic. We sought to assess monitoring lapses and incidents of myelosuppression in patients undergoing self-administered chemotherapy for glioblastoma, as well as test software designed to detect and alert clinicians to lapses in monitoring.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted to identify patients (N=117) who received standard oral temozolomide for glioblastoma at our institution from 2003 to 2010.