Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.4
5.2
Journals
Cancers
Special Issues
Palliative and Complementary Therapies in Neuro-Oncology: Surgical and Therapeutic Challenges
share announcement

Palliative and Complementary Therapies in Neuro-Oncology: Surgical and Therapeutic Challenges

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Therapy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 October 2022) | Viewed by 9461

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Alessio Albanese

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
Interests: neurosurgery
Dr. Giovanni Tringali

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Unit of Neurosurgery, A.R.N.A.S. Civico Hospital, 90127 Palermo, Italy
Interests: neurosurgery
Dr. Francesco Certo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Neurological Surgery, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-S. Marco” University Hospital, 95121 Catania, Italy
Interests: neurosurgery
Dr. Luca Denaro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Academic Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
Interests: neurosurgery
Dr. Rosario Maugeri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences & Advanced Diagnostics, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
Interests: neuro-oncology; brain tumors; MRgFUS; spine; minimally invasive surgery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Giuseppe Emmanuele Umana

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Department of Neurosurgery, Trauma and Gamma Knife Center, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
Interests: skull base surgery; mixed reality; spine trauma; neuro-oncology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent advancement in neuro-oncology have improved the available supportive care for cancer patients. In particular, quality of life and expected survival of cancer patients are still considered the primary outcome of the whole available treatments. Radiotherapy, interventional radiology procedures, immunotherapy, minimally invasive surgery together with palliation, supportive care and social interventions  have significantly improved both life expectancy and quality of life of cancer patients.  Longer survivors often present therapeutic and supportive challenges. In facts, clinical course and oncological care of those frail patients are often burdened by psychological, social, and affective concerns. Multidisciplinary management of those frail patients requires new strategies to meet the demand for treatment in patients who are unlikely to have been treated before. This special issue aims to collect original articles, literature reviews, technical notes, and study protocols reporting new insights in the integrated management of neuro-oncologic patients, from the primary diagnosis to the palliation and supportive care during the latest stage of their disease. Papers focusing on histopathology examination techniques, validation of diagnostic tools, development of innovative materials and therapies, gene therapy, and description of new surgical approaches are also welcome.

Dr. Alessio Albanese
Dr. Giovanni Tringali
Dr. Francesco Certo
Dr. Luca Denaro
Dr. Rosario Maugeri
Dr. Giuseppe Emmanuele Umana
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • neuro-oncology

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 1950 KiB  
Article
Intraoperative Evaluation of Brain-Tumor Microvascularization through MicroV IOUS: A Protocol for Image Acquisition and Analysis of Radiomic Features
by Giuseppe Roberto Giammalva, Anna Viola, Rosario Maugeri, Kevin Giardina, Rina Di Bonaventura, Sofia Musso, Lara Brunasso, Santiago Cepeda, Giuseppe Maria Della Pepa, Alba Scerrati, Giorgio Mantovani, Gianluca Ferini, Rosa Maria Gerardi, Maria Angela Pino, Giuseppe Emmanuele Umana, Luca Denaro, Alessio Albanese and Domenico Gerardo Iacopino
Cancers 2022, 14(21), 5335; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14215335 - 29 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1771
Abstract
Microvascular Doppler (MicroV) is a new-generation Doppler technique developed by Esaote (Esaote s.p.a., Genova, Italy), which is able to visualize small and low-flow vessels through a suppression of interfering signals. MicroV uses advanced filters that are able to differentiate tissue artifacts from low-speed [...] Read more.
Microvascular Doppler (MicroV) is a new-generation Doppler technique developed by Esaote (Esaote s.p.a., Genova, Italy), which is able to visualize small and low-flow vessels through a suppression of interfering signals. MicroV uses advanced filters that are able to differentiate tissue artifacts from low-speed blood flows; by exploiting the space–time coherence information, these filters can selectively suppress tissue components, preserving the signal coming from the microvascular flow. This technique is clinically applied to the study of the vascularization of parenchymatous lesions, often with better diagnostic accuracy than color/power Doppler techniques. The aim of this paper is to develop a reproducible protocol for the recording and collection of MicroV intraoperative ultrasound images by the use of a capable intraoperative ultrasound machine and post-processing aimed at evaluation of brain-tumor microvascularization through the analysis of radiomic features. The proposed protocol has been internally validated on eight patients and will be firstly applied to patients affected by WHO grade IV astrocytoma (glioblastoma—GBM) candidates for craniotomy and lesion removal. In a further stage, it will be generally applied to patients with primary or metastatic brain tumors. IOUS is performed before durotomy. Tumor microvascularization is evaluated using the MicroV Doppler technique and IOUS images are recorded, stored, and post-processed. IOUS images are remotely stored on the BraTIoUS database, which will promote international cooperation and multicentric analysis. Processed images and texture radiomic features are analyzed post-operatively using ImageJ, a free scientific image-analysis software based on the Sun-Java platform. Post-processing protocol is further described in-depth. The study of tumor microvascularization through advanced IOUS techniques such as MicroV could represent, in the future, a non-invasive and real-time method for intraoperative predictive evaluation of the tumor features. This evaluation could finally result in a deeper knowledge of brain-tumor behavior and in the on-going adaptation of the surgery with the improvement of surgical outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Palliative and Complementary Therapies in Neuro-Oncology: Surgical and Therapeutic Challenges)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2593 KiB  
Article
CFR-PEEK Pedicle Screw Instrumentation for Spinal Neoplasms: A Single Center Experience on Safety and Efficacy
by Ann-Kathrin Joerger, Sebastian Seitz, Nicole Lange, Amir K. Aftahy, Arthur Wagner, Yu-Mi Ryang, Denise Bernhardt, Stephanie E. Combs, Maria Wostrack, Jens Gempt and Bernhard Meyer
Cancers 2022, 14(21), 5275; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14215275 - 27 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1697
Abstract
(1) Background: Surgery for spinal metastases has gained a decisive role in modern oncological treatment. Recently, carbon-fiber-reinforced (CFR) polyethyl-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) pedicle screw systems were introduced, reducing artifacts on imaging and showing less perturbation effects on photon radiation. Preliminary clinical experience with CFR-PEEK implants [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Surgery for spinal metastases has gained a decisive role in modern oncological treatment. Recently, carbon-fiber-reinforced (CFR) polyethyl-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) pedicle screw systems were introduced, reducing artifacts on imaging and showing less perturbation effects on photon radiation. Preliminary clinical experience with CFR-PEEK implants for spinal metastases exists. The aim of this monocentric study is to report on the safety and efficacy of CFR-PEEK pedicle screw systems for spinal neoplasms in a large cohort of consecutive patients. (2) Methods: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively the collected data of consecutive patients being operated on from 1 August 2015 to 31 October 2021 using a CFR-PEEK pedicle screw system for posterior stabilization because of spinal metastases or primary bone tumors of the spine. (3) Results: We included 321 patients of a mean age of 65 ± 13 years. On average, 5 ± 2 levels were instrumented. Anterior reconstruction was performed in 121 (37.7%) patients. Intraoperative complications were documented in 30 (9.3%) patients. Revision surgery for postoperative complications was necessary in 55 (17.1%) patients. Implant-related complications, such as intraoperative screw breakage (3.4%) and screw loosening (2.2%), were rare. (4) Conclusions: CFR-PEEK is a safe and efficient alternative to titanium for oncological spinal instrumentation, with low complication and revision rates in routine use and with the advantage of its radiolucency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Palliative and Complementary Therapies in Neuro-Oncology: Surgical and Therapeutic Challenges)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

13 pages, 567 KiB  
Review
Forecasting Molecular Features in IDH-Wildtype Gliomas: The State of the Art of Radiomics Applied to Neurosurgery
by Rosa Maria Gerardi, Roberto Cannella, Lapo Bonosi, Federica Vernuccio, Gianluca Ferini, Anna Viola, Valentina Zagardo, Felice Buscemi, Roberta Costanzo, Massimiliano Porzio, Evier Andrea Giovannini, Federica Paolini, Lara Brunasso, Giuseppe Roberto Giammalva, Giuseppe Emmanuele Umana, Antonino Scarpitta, Domenico Gerardo Iacopino and Rosario Maugeri
Cancers 2023, 15(3), 940; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15030940 - 2 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1754
Abstract
Background: The fifth edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (CNS), published in 2021, marks a step forward the future diagnostic approach to these neoplasms. Alongside this, radiomics has experienced rapid evolution over the last several years, allowing [...] Read more.
Background: The fifth edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (CNS), published in 2021, marks a step forward the future diagnostic approach to these neoplasms. Alongside this, radiomics has experienced rapid evolution over the last several years, allowing us to correlate tumor imaging heterogeneity with a wide range of tumor molecular and subcellular features. Radiomics is a translational field focused on decoding conventional imaging data to extrapolate the molecular and prognostic features of tumors such as gliomas. We herein analyze the state-of-the-art of radiomics applied to glioblastoma, with the goal to estimate its current clinical impact and potential perspectives in relation to well-rounded patient management, including the end-of-life stage. Methods: A literature review was performed on the PubMed, MEDLINE and Scopus databases using the following search items: “radiomics and glioma”, “radiomics and glioblastoma”, “radiomics and glioma and IDH”, “radiomics and glioma and TERT promoter”, “radiomics and glioma and EGFR”, “radiomics and glioma and chromosome”. Results: A total of 719 articles were screened. Further quantitative and qualitative analysis allowed us to finally include 11 papers. This analysis shows that radiomics is rapidly evolving towards a reliable tool. Conclusions: Further studies are necessary to adjust radiomics’ potential to the newest molecular requirements pointed out by the 2021 WHO classification of CNS tumors. At a glance, its application in the clinical routine could be beneficial to achieve a timely diagnosis, especially for those patients not eligible for surgery and/or adjuvant therapies but still deserving palliative and supportive care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Palliative and Complementary Therapies in Neuro-Oncology: Surgical and Therapeutic Challenges)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

37 pages, 484 KiB  
Review
New Directions in the Therapy of Glioblastoma
by Katarzyna Szklener, Marek Mazurek, Małgorzata Wieteska, Monika Wacławska, Mateusz Bilski and Sławomir Mańdziuk
Cancers 2022, 14(21), 5377; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers14215377 - 31 Oct 2022
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3639
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common histologic type of all gliomas and contributes to 57.3% of all cases. Despite the standard management based on surgical resection and radiotherapy, it is related to poor outcome, with a 5-year relative survival rate below 6.9%. In order [...] Read more.
Glioblastoma is the most common histologic type of all gliomas and contributes to 57.3% of all cases. Despite the standard management based on surgical resection and radiotherapy, it is related to poor outcome, with a 5-year relative survival rate below 6.9%. In order to improve the overall outcome for patients, the new therapeutic strategies are needed. Herein, we describe the current state of knowledge on novel targeted therapies in glioblastoma. Based on recent studies, we compared treatment efficacy measured by overall survival and progression-free survival in patients treated with selected potential antitumor drugs. The results of the application of the analyzed inhibitors are highly variable despite the encouraging conclusions of previous preclinical studies. This paper focused on drugs that target major glioblastoma kinases. As far, the results of some BRAF inhibitors are favorable. Vemurafenib demonstrated a long-term efficacy in clinical trials while the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib improves PFS compared with both vemurafenib and dabrafenib alone. There is no evidence that any MEK inhibitor is effective in monotherapy. According to the current state of knowledge, BRAF and MEK inhibition are more advantageous than BRAF inhibitor monotherapy. Moreover, mTOR inhibitors (especially paxalisib) may be considered a particularly important group. Everolimus demonstrated a partial response in a significant proportion of patients when combined with bevacizumab, however its actual role in the treatment is unclear. Neither nintedanib nor pemigatinib were efficient in treatment of GBM. Among the anti-VEGF drugs, bevacizumab monotherapy was a well-tolerated option, significantly associated with anti-GBM activity in patients with recurrent GBM. The efficacy of aflibercept and pazopanib in monotherapy has not been demonstrated. Apatinib has been proven to be effective and tolerable by a single clinical trial, but more research is needed. Lenvatinib is under trial. Finally, promising results from a study with regorafenib may be confirmed by the ongoing randomized AGILE trial. The studies conducted so far have provided a relatively wide range of drugs, which are at least well tolerated and demonstrated some efficacy in the randomized clinical trials. The comprehensive understanding of the molecular biology of gliomas promises to further improve the treatment outcomes of patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Palliative and Complementary Therapies in Neuro-Oncology: Surgical and Therapeutic Challenges)
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop