Clinical trial participation of patients with glioblastoma at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Background: It is estimated only 8-11% of patients with glioblastoma (GBM) enrol in clinical trials, limiting treatment development. We analysed the clinical and demographic features of patients with GBM enroled in clinical trials at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC).

Methods: We reviewed the records of adult patients treated for primary GBM between 2007 and 2012 at the MDACC.

RBM10 truncation in astroblastoma in a patient with history of mandibular ameloblastoma: A case report.

Astroblastoma is a rare glial neoplasm composed of cells that have broad processes oriented perpendicular to central vessels and often demonstrate vascular sclerosis. The WHO 2016 classification does not specify a grading system for astroblastoma, and categorizes them as well-differentiated or malignant. These broad classification rubrics, however, do not accurately predict clinical outcome.

Clinical discussion of the management of anaplastic oligodendroglioma/oligoastrocytoma (both codeleted and nondeleted).

Anaplastic oligodendroglioma (AO) and anaplastic oligoastrocytoma (AOA) are uncommon malignant tumors occurring in adults, but have garnered attention because of a high rate of response to chemotherapy in early studies. However, no clinical trial had demonstrated benefit with the addition of chemotherapy to radiotherapy alone until the long-term results of RTOG 9402 and EORTC 26951. These studies revealed prolonged survival in patients with anaplastic gliomas harboring the 1p/19q codeletion when treated with PCV (procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine) and radiation therapy compared with radiation alone.

Pregnancy and glial brain tumors.

Background: Improvements in brain tumor treatments have led to an increase in the number of young women with brain tumors who are now considering pregnancy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of pregnancy on brain tumor biology.

Methods: In this institutional review board-approved retrospective study, we searched the institution's database for patients with glial brain tumors who were pregnant at the time of diagnosis or became pregnant during the course of their illness.

Implications of bevacizumab discontinuation in adults with recurrent glioblastoma.

Background: Patients with recurrent glioblastoma benefiting from bevacizumab are often treated indefinitely due to concerns regarding rebound tumor recurrence upon discontinuation. However, treatment is discontinued for reasons other than disease progression in a subset of these patients, the characteristics and outcomes of which are poorly defined.

Methods: Of 342 adults with recurrent glioblastoma in our database treated with bevacizumab, 82 received treatment for ≥ 6 months; of these, bevacizumab was discontinued for reasons other than tumor progression in 18 patients (Bev-D) and for disease progression in the remainder (Bev-S).

Clinical and prognostic features of adult patients with gangliogliomas.

Background: Gangliogliomas (GGs) represent <1% of primary brain tumors in adults. Little is known regarding prognostic features, clinical characteristics, or the impact of treatment on patient outcomes.

Methods: Our neuro-oncology longitudinal database was screened for patients with GG from 1992 to 2012.

Treatment recommendations for anaplastic oligodendrogliomas that are codeleted.

Abstract: Anaplastic oligodendroglioma (AO) is a rare malignant tumor occurring in adults. Despite early indications of chemosensitivity, no clinical trial had demonstrated a benefit of chemotherapy beyond that of radiotherapy alone. Now, however, the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 9402 and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) 26951 studies investigating PCV (procarbazine [Matulane], lomustine [CeeNU], and vincristine) and radiation therapy vs radiation alone both show improved outcomes in patients with the 1 p/19q codeletion who received PCV and radiation therapy.

Herpes myelitis after thoracic spine surgery.

Herpes simplex or herpes zoster reactivation after spinal surgery is rarely reported. This case report and review of the literature describes patients in whom this reactivation occurs to clarify the diagnosis and management. In addition to reporting their case, the authors reviewed case reports and series published between 1980 and 2012 found through a PubMed search.