Adult Primary Central Nervous System Research Articles

Abstract 2231: Impact of sociodemographic and clinical factors on symptom burden in the young adult primary central nervous system tumor population

Abstract Purpose: The goal of this analysis was to provide insight into differences in perceived symptom burden and general health status between young adults (YA; 18-39 years of age) and older adults (OA; ≥ 40 years of age) with primary central nervous system (PCNS) tumors. Determining differences in characteristics that impact symptom burden and general health status in YA will allow for tailored survivorship programs that meet the unique needs of this population. Methods: Data were retrospectively analyzed from the National Cancer Institute Neuro-Oncology Branch’s Natural History Study (NCT02851706 PI: T.S. Armstrong), which is an observational prospective cohort study designed to follow and collect PROs and clinical information on patients diagnosed with PCNS tumors throughout their disease trajectory. Differences in patient-reported outcomes (general health status [EQ-5D-3L], symptom burden [MDASI-BT and MDASI-SP], anxiety/depression [PROMIS], and perceived cognition [Neuro-QOL]) and demographic and clinical data were assessed using chi-square tests, one-way ANOVAs, and Students’ t-tests. Linear regression with backward elimination determined which characteristics impacted perceived symptom burden and general health status as evidenced by MDASI-BT and EQ-5D-3L, respectively. Results: The sample included 271 YA (82% with a primary brain tumor [PBT]; median age 31 [range, 18-39]) and 516 OA (88% with a PBT; median age 54 [range, 40-85]). YA were more likely to be single (P<0.001), employed (P<0.001), and make < $50,000 per year (P=0.014). More YA reported pain (P=0.008), nausea (P<0.001), drowsiness (P=0.043), and vomiting (P=0.001) than OA. More YA presented with vision problems (25% of YA, 16% of OA), whereas more OA presented with cognitive deficits (17% of YA, 25% of OA). Compared to YA, 7% more OA with PBTs and 19% more OA with primary spinal tumors (PST) were diagnosed in outpatient clinics, whereas the majority of YA with PBTs (47%) were diagnosed in an emergency room. Among demographic and clinical characteristics, only Karnofsky Performance Scale score was a predictor of general health status (P<0.001) in YA with PCNS tumors and symptom interference (P=0.014) in YA with PBTs. YA reported more affective, cognitive, neurologic, treatment-related, generalized disease, and gastrointestinal symptom burden than OA, with the affective factor being the most severe among the symptom factors reported. Among individuals with PSTs, 20% more YA reported moderate-severe anxiety (P=0.050) and 32% more YA reported moderate-severe perceived cognitive deficits (P=0.023) than OA. Conclusion: YA patients were more likely to be single, employed, have a lower income, and report more symptom burden than OA. These findings underscore the need for tailored survivorship programs providing additional psychosocial support and resources to address symptom presentation in YA. Citation Format: Kimberly Reinhart, Tricia Kunst, Jennifer Reyes, Alvina Acquaye-Mallory, Ewa Grajkowska, Byram H. Ozer, Marta Penas-Prado, Jing Wu, Eric Burton, Lisa Boris, Marissa Panzer, Tina Pillai, Lily Polskin, Mark R. Gilbert, Elizabeth Vera, Terri S. Armstrong. Impact of sociodemographic and clinical factors on symptom burden in the young adult primary central nervous system tumor population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2231.

Mycophenolate mofetil as induction and maintenance immunosuppressive therapy in adult primary central nervous system vasculitis: A prospective observational study.

To observe the clinical and angiographic effectiveness of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as induction and maintenance immunosuppressive therapy in primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV). In this open-label prospective study done at a tertiary care neurology centre, adult patients with PCNSV, diagnosed by Calabrese's criteria, were recruited from 2017 to 2021 and treated with glucocorticoids, MMF and standard of care. Patients were followed-up and clinical and angiographic changes were recorded. Total 26 patients were recruited with median age 39years (34-49) with a slight female predilection (61.5%). Angiographic diagnoses were: small vessels disease 11.5%; large vessels disease 42.3% and both in 46.2%. Median duration of follow-up was 24.5months (14.25-38). Proportion of patients with severe disability (modified Rankin Score (mRS) 4-6) at baseline was 73.08% (19/26) which reduced to 7.69% (2/26) (p < 0.001). At the last follow-up mRS = 0 was achieved in 38.5% (10/26) and mRS of ≤ 1 was achieved in 69.2% (18/26). Median time to achieve a mRS ≤ 1 was 12months (95% CI: 6.8-17.2). Angiography was repeated in 16 patients after a median duration of 13months (10.5-19.7), out of which 10 (62.5%) showed improvement and 5 (31.2%) showed non-progression of lesions. MMF may be an effective immunosuppressive therapy in adult PCNSV as both induction and maintenance. Serial DSA of brain may be useful to monitor the effect of treatment. Key Points • Mycophenolate mofetil is effective as induction and maintenance immunosuppressive therapy in PCNSV. • Repeat angiogram may be useful to monitor treatment response in PCNSV.

Hydrocephalus Shunting in Supratentorial Glioblastoma: Functional Outcomes and Management.

BackgroundGlioblastoma is the most common and the most challenging to treat adult primary central nervous system tumor. Although modern management strategies modestly improved the overall survival, the prognosis remains dismal associated with poor life quality and the clinical course often dotted by treatment side effects and cognitive decline. Functional deterioration might be caused by obstructive or communicating hydrocephalus but due to poor overall prognosis surgical treatment options are often limited and its optimal management strategies remain elusive. We aimed to investigate risk factors, treatment options and outcomes for tumor-associated hydrocephalus in a contemporary 10 years cohort of glioblastoma patients.MethodsWe reviewed electronic health records of 1800 glioblastoma patients operated at the Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center – University of Freiburg from 2009 to 2019. Demographics, clinical characteristics and radiological features were analyzed. Univariate analysis for nominal variables was performed either by Fisher’s exact test or Chi-square test, as appropriate.ResultsWe identified 39 glioblastoma patients with symptomatic communicating hydrocephalus treated by ventricular shunting (incidence 2.1%). Opening of the ventricular system during a previous tumor resection was associated with symptomatic hydrocephalus (p<0.05). There was also a trend toward location (frontal and temporal) and larger tumor volume. Number of craniotomies before shunting was not considered as a risk factor. Shunting improved hydrocephalus symptoms in 95% of the patients and Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) could be restored after shunting. Of note, 75% of the patients had a post-shunting oncological treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy, most prevalently chemotherapy. Infection (7.7%) and over- or under drainage (17.9%) were the most common complications requiring shunt revision in ten patients (25.6%), No peritoneal metastasis was found. The median overall survival (OS) was 385 days and the median post shunting survival was 135 days.ConclusionVentricular system opening was identified as a risk factor for communicating hydrocephalus in glioblastoma patients. Although glioblastoma treatment remains challenging, shunting improved hydrocephalus-related functional status and may be considered even in a palliative setting for symptom relief.

Adult primary central nervous system vasculitis. A case-series

Adult primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV) is a rare and challenging disorder of the brain and spinal cord arteries, which can benefit from immunotherapy. The histological demonstration of vasculitis allows a defined diagnosis; however, brain biopsy is sometimes not feasible, and diagnostic suspicion should drive treatment. We report four cases.

Comparison of Measurement Techniques and Response Criteria for MR Imaging Follow-up in Adult Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma.

Current guidelines proposed for the measurement of primary central nervous system lymphoma in 2005 have indicated that unidimensional and bidimensional measurements may be used, using the same threshold for response categorization, because no clinical study has evaluated the agreement among the measurement techniques. Hence, our study assessed the agreement among different measurements. In this retrospective study, primary central nervous system lymphoma lesions were measured with different techniques (longest 1D, axial 1D, 2D, 3D, and the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor) on consecutive MR images. Intra- and interobserver correlations were calculated with intraclass correlation coefficients. Correlations between raw measurements and variations in size compared with baseline were evaluated with the Spearman rank correlation, and agreement among response categories was evaluated. A total of 304 examinations obtained in 40 patients was assessed. The intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficient for 3D, 2D, and longest 1D were ≥0.993. The interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient was ≥0.967. The correlations in raw measurements and size variation in comparison with 3D were respectively; 0.99 and 0.98 for 2D; 0.94 and 0.92 for longest 1D; 0.94 and 0.83 for axial 1D; and 0.90 and 0.79 for Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor. With 20%-30% and 25%-50% thresholds for unidimensional techniques, response categorizations were 95% and 95% for 2D, 92.5% and 90% for the longest 1D, 87.5% and 82.5% for axial 1D, and 90% and 85% for the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor. Both longest 1D and 2D demonstrated excellent correlations with 3D measurements. The longest 1D could be used for the follow-up of primary central nervous system lymphoma. If unidimensional measurements were used, 20% and 30% cutoffs should be used for defining response categorization instead of the current guidelines.

MMSE is an independent prognostic factor for survival in primary central nervous system lymphoma

IntroductionTo assess the value of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)-score at baseline in predicting survival in adult primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) patients.MethodsIn the HOVON 105/ ALLG NHL 24 phase III study patients with newly-diagnosed PCNSL were randomized between high-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy with or without rituximab. Data on potential (MMSE-score), and known baseline prognostic factors (age, performance status, serum LDH, cerebrospinal fluid total protein, involvement of deep brain structures, multiple cerebral lesions, and the IELSG-score) were collected prospectively. Multivariable stepwise Cox regression analyses were used to assess the prognostic value of all factors on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among patients with available MMSE score at baseline. Age was analyzed as continuous variable, the MMSE-score both as a continuous and as a categorical variable.ResultsIn univariable analysis, age, MMSE-score and whether the patient received rituximab were statistically significantly prognostic factors for PFS. Age and MMSE-score were statistically significantly associated with OS. In a multivariable analysis of the univariately significant factors only MMSE-score was independently associated with the survival endpoints, as a continuous variable (HR for PFS 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.08; OS 1.06 (95% CI 1.02–1.10) and as categorical variable HR (< 27 versus ≥ 27 for PFS 1.55 (1.02–2.35); OS 1.68 (1.05–2.70). In our population, performance status, serum LDH, and CSF protein level were not of prognostic value.ConclusionNeurocognitive disturbances, measured with the MMSE at baseline, are an unfavorable prognostic factor for both PFS and OS in adult PCNSL patients up to 70 years-old.

Adult Primary Brain Neoplasm, Including 2016 World Health Organization Classification

In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) central nervous system (CNS) classification scheme incorporated molecular parameters in addition to traditional microscopic features for the first time. Molecular markers add a level of objectivity that was previously missing for tumor categories heavily dependent on microscopic observation for pathologic diagnosis. This article provides a brief discussion of the major 2016 updates to the WHO CNS classification scheme and reviews typical MR imaging findings of adult primary CNS neoplasms, including diffuse infiltrating gliomas, ependymal tumors, neuronal/glioneuronal tumors, pineal gland tumors, meningiomas, nerve sheath tumors, solitary fibrous tumors, and lymphoma.

Biomaterials and 3D Bioprinting Strategies to Model Glioblastoma and the Blood-Brain Barrier.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent and lethal adult primary central nervous system cancer. An immunosuppresive and highly heterogeneous tumor microenvironment, restricted delivery of chemotherapy or immunotherapy through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), together with the brain's unique biochemical and anatomical features result in its universal recurrence and poor prognosis. As conventional models fail to predict therapeutic efficacy in GBM, in vitro 3D models of GBM and BBB leveraging patient- or healthy-individual-derived cells and biomaterials through 3D bioprinting technologies potentially mimic essential physiological and pathological features of GBM and BBB. 3D-bioprinted constructs enable investigation of cellular and cell-extracellular matrix interactions in a species-matched, high-throughput, and reproducible manner, serving as screening or drug delivery platforms. Here, an overview of current 3D-bioprinted GBM and BBB models is provided, elaborating on the microenvironmental compositions of GBM and BBB, relevant biomaterials to mimic the native tissues, and bioprinting strategies to implement the model fabrication. Collectively, 3D-bioprinted GBM and BBB models are promising systems and biomimetic alternatives to traditional models for more reliable mechanistic studies and preclinical drug screenings that may eventually accelerate the drug development process for GBM.

Rare Primary Central Nervous System Tumors in Adults: An Overview.

Overall, tumors of primary central nervous system (CNS) are quite common in adults with an incidence rate close to 30 new cases/100,000 inhabitants per year. Significant clinical and biological advances have been accomplished in the most common adult primary CNS tumors (i.e., diffuse gliomas). However, most CNS tumor subtypes are rare with an incidence rate below the threshold defining rare disease of 6.0 new cases/100,000 inhabitants per year. Close to 150 entities of primary CNS tumors have now been identified by the novel integrated histomolecular classification published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its updates by the c-IMPACT NOW consortium (the Consortium to Inform Molecular and Practical Approaches to CNS Tumor Taxonomy). While these entities can be better classified into smaller groups either by their histomolecular features and/or by their location, assessing their treatment by clinical trials and improving the survival of patients remain challenging. Despite these tumors are rare, research, and advances remain slower compared to diffuse gliomas for instance. In some cases (i.e., ependymoma, medulloblastoma) the understanding is high because single or few driver mutations have been defined. The European Union has launched European Reference Networks (ERNs) dedicated to support advances on the clinical side of rare diseases including rare cancers. The ERN for rare solid adult tumors is termed EURACAN. Within EURACAN, Domain 10 brings together the European patient advocacy groups (ePAGs) and physicians dedicated to improving outcomes in rare primary CNS tumors and also aims at supporting research, care and teaching in the field. In this review, we discuss the relevant biological and clinical characteristics, clinical management of patients, and research directions for the following types of rare primary CNS tumors: medulloblastoma, pineal region tumors, glioneuronal and rare glial tumors, ependymal tumors, grade III meningioma and mesenchymal tumors, primary central nervous system lymphoma, germ cell tumors, spinal cord tumors and rare pituitary tumors.

Fusions involving BCOR and CREBBP are rare events in infiltrating glioma

BCOR has been recognized as a recurrently altered gene in a subset of pediatric tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we describe a novel BCOR-CREBBP fusion event in a case of pediatric infiltrating astrocytoma and further probe the frequency of related fusion events in CNS tumors. We analyzed biopsy samples taken from a 15-year-old male with an aggressive, unresectable and multifocal infiltrating astrocytoma. We performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and targeted DNA sequencing. In the index case, the fused BCOR-CREBBP transcript comprises exons 1–4 of BCOR and exon 31 of CREBBP. The fused gene thus retains the Bcl6 interaction domain of BCOR while eliminating the domain that has been shown to interact with the polycomb group protein PCGF1. The fusion event was validated by FISH and reverse transcriptase PCR. An additional set of 177 pediatric and adult primary CNS tumors were assessed via FISH for BCOR break apart events, all of which were negative. An additional 509 adult lower grade infiltrating gliomas from the publicly available TCGA dataset were screened for BCOR or CREBBP fusions. In this set, one case was found to harbor a CREBBP-GOLGA6L2 fusion and one case a CREBBP-SRRM2 fusion. In a third patient, both BCOR-L3MBTL2 and EP300-BCOR fusions were seen. Of particular interest to this study, EP300 is a paralog of CREBBP and the breakpoint seen involves a similar region of the gene to that of the index case; however, the resultant transcript is predicted to be completely distinct. While this gene fusion may play an oncogenic role through the loss of tumor suppressor functions of BCOR and CREBBP, further screening over larger cohorts and functional validation is needed to determine the degree to which this or similar fusions are recurrent and to elucidate their oncogenic potential.

Long-term remission, relapses and maintenance therapy in adult primary central nervous system vasculitis: A single-center 35-year experience.

To evaluate long-term treatment and outcomes of patients with primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV). In this cohort of 191 consecutive patients with PCNSV seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, over 35years with long-term follow-up we analyzed response to and duration of therapy, frequency of relapses, long-term remission, efficacy of maintenance therapy and initial intravenous glucocorticoid (GC) pulses, survival and degree of disability. We also compared the efficacy of initial IV and oral cyclophosphamide (CYC). A favorable initial response was observed in 83% of patients treated with prednisone (PDN) alone, 81% of those treated with PDN and CYC and 95% of those initially treated with PDN and an immunosuppressant other than CYC. One or more relapses were observed in 30% of patients, 35% had discontinued therapy by last follow-up, and 21.5% maintained remission for at least 12months after discontinuing therapy. Maintenance therapy was prescribed in 19% of all patients and 34% of patients initially treated with CYC and PDN. High disability scores (Rankin 4-6) and deaths were less frequently observed in patients receiving maintenance therapy and more frequently in patients with Aβ-related angiitis. Large vessel involvement and cerebral infarction at diagnosis were associated with a poor treatment response. Aspirin use was positively associated with long-term remission and having gadolinium-enhanced cerebral lesions or meninges was negatively associated. A high disability score at last follow-up and higher mortality rate were associated with increasing age, cerebral infarction and cognitive dysfunction at diagnosis. Lymphocytic vasculitis on biopsy was associated with a more benign course with reduced disability and mortality. Patients initially treated with mycophenolate mofetil had better outcomes compared to those treated with CYC and PDN. No therapeutic advantages were observed in the patients initially treated with intravenous GC pulses. Intravenous and oral CYC were equally effective in inducing the remission. The majority of patients with PCNSV responded to treatment. We found patient subsets with different outcomes. Mycophenolate mofetil may be an effective alternative to CYC.

Targeting off-target effects: endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy as effective strategies to enhance temozolomide treatment.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive adult primary central nervous system tumor. Unfortunately, GBM is resistant to the classic chemotherapy drug, temozolomide (TMZ). As well as its classic DNA-targeting effects, the off-target effects of TMZ can have pro-survival or pro-death roles and regulate GBM chemoradiation sensitivity. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is one of the most common off-target effects. ER stress and its downstream induction of autophagy, apoptosis, and other events have important roles in regulating TMZ sensitivity. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular homeostasis mechanism that is closely associated with ER stress-induced apoptosis. Under ER stress, autophagy cannot only remove misfolded/unfolded proteins and damaged organelles and degrade and inhibit apoptosis-related caspase activation to reduce cell damage, but may also promote apoptosis dependent on ER stress intensity. Although some protein interactions between autophagy and apoptosis and common upstream signaling pathways have been found, the underlying regulatory mechanisms are still not fully understood. This review summarizes the possible mechanisms underlying the current known off-target roles of ER stress and downstream autophagy in the regulation of cell fate and evaluates their role in TMZ treatment and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Concordance of Time-of-Flight MRA and Digital Subtraction Angiography in Adult Primary Central Nervous System Vasculitis.

3D-TOF-MRA and DSA are 2 available tools to demonstrate neurovascular involvement in primary central nervous system vasculitis. We aimed to compare the diagnostic concordance of vessel imaging using 3D-TOF-MRA and DSA in patients with primary central nervous system vasculitis. We retrospectively identified all patients included in the French primary central nervous system vasculitis cohort of 85 patients who underwent, at baseline, both intracranial 3D-TOF-MRA and DSA in an interval of no more than 2 weeks and before treatment initiation. Two neuroradiologists independently reviewed all 3D-TOF-MRA and DSA imaging. Brain vasculature was divided into 25 arterial segments. Concordance between 3D-TOF-MRA and DSA for the identification of arterial stenosis was assessed by the Cohen κ Index. Thirty-one patients met the inclusion criteria, including 20 imaged with a 1.5T MR unit and 11 with a 3T MR unit. Among the 25 patients (81%) with abnormal DSA findings, 24 demonstrated abnormal 3D-TOF-MRA findings, whereas all 6 remaining patients with normal DSA findings had normal 3D-TOF-MRA findings. In the per-segment analysis, concordance between 1.5T 3D-TOF-MRA and DSA was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.75-0.93), and between 3T 3D-TOF-MRA and DSA, it was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.78-0.91). 3D-TOF-MRA shows a high concordance with DSA in diagnostic performance when analyzing brain vasculature in patients with primary central nervous system vasculitis. In patients with negative 3T 3D-TOF-MRA findings, the added diagnostic value of DSA is limited.

Management of primary and secondary central nervous system vasculitis.

This article summarizes the current evidence on the management of primary and secondary central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis. Two recent retrospective cohort studies have described the treatment and outcomes of patients with adult primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV). Although the majority of the patients (>60%) responded to therapy with glucocorticoids alone or in conjunction with cyclophosphamide (CYC) and tended to improve during the follow-up period, an overall increased mortality was observed. The treatment response and the outcomes appeared primarily related to the size of the vessels involved in the inflammatory process. The involvement of small cortical/leptomeningeal vessels was associated with a more benign course, whereas the involvement of larger/proximal cerebral vessels was related to a less favorable prognosis and identified cases that should be treated more aggressively. Glucocorticoids combined with CYC are the mainstay of therapy for secondary CNS vasculitis. Observational studies have documented the efficacy of rituximab as induction therapy in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) and CNS disease, while the role of antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents is more controversial. Case series have demonstrated the efficacy of anti-TNF agents in patients with neuro-Behçet's disease. Tocilizumab may also be effective in this condition. Recognition of findings at diagnosis that predict the course or outcomes of PCNSV may serve as guide for therapy. Biological agents may provide benefit to difficult-to-treat patients with CNS involvement secondary to AAV and Behçet's disease.

Cough and confusion in an elderly man with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Cough and confusion in an elderly man with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Adult primary central nervous system vasculitis treatment and course: analysis of one hundred sixty-three patients.

To describe the treatment and outcomes of patients with primary central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis. We retrospectively studied a cohort of 163 consecutive patients with primary CNS vasculitis who were seen at the Mayo Clinic over a 29-year period. We analyzed treatments, treatment responses, and factors predictive of outcomes. A favorable response was observed in 85% of patients treated with prednisone alone and in 80% of patients treated with prednisone and cyclophosphamide. Relapses were observed in 27% of patients, and 25% of patients had discontinued therapy by the time of the last followup visit. Treatment with prednisone alone was associated with more frequent relapses (odds ratio [OR] 2.90), while large vessel involvement (OR 6.14) and cerebral infarcts at the time of diagnosis (OR 3.32) were associated with a poor response to treatment. Prominent gadolinium-enhanced cerebral lesions or meninges were linked with continued treatment at the last followup encounter (OR 2.28). Higher disability scores at the last followup visit were associated with increasing age at the time of diagnosis (OR 1.44) and cerebral infarctions (OR 3.74), while lower disability scores were associated with gadolinium-enhanced cerebral lesions or meninges (OR 0.35) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (OR 0.24). Increased mortality was associated with increasing age at diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.39), diagnosis by angiography (HR 3.28), cerebral infarction (HR 4.44), and large vessel involvement (HR 4.98), while reduced mortality was associated with gadolinium-enhanced cerebral lesions or meninges (HR 0.20). The majority of patients with primary CNS vasculitis responded to treatment. Recognition of findings at diagnosis that predict the course or outcome may aid in decision-making regarding therapy.

An update of the Mayo Clinic cohort of patients with adult primary central nervous system vasculitis: description of 163 patients.

Primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV) is an uncommon condition in which lesions are limited to vessels of the brain and spinal cord. Because the clinical manifestations are not specific, the diagnosis is often difficult, and permanent disability and death are frequent outcomes. This study is based on a cohort of 163 consecutive patients with PCNSV who were examined at the Mayo Clinic over a 29-year period from 1983 to 2011. The aim of the study was to define the characteristics of these patients, which represents the largest series in adults reported to date. A total of 105 patients were diagnosed by angiographic findings and 58 by biopsy results. The patients diagnosed by biopsy more frequently had at presentation cognitive dysfunction, greater cerebrospinal fluid total protein concentrations, less frequent cerebral infarcts, and more frequent leptomeningeal gadolinium-enhanced lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), along with less mortality and disability at last follow-up. The patients diagnosed by angiograms more frequently had at presentation hemiparesis or a persistent neurologic deficit or stroke, more frequent infarcts on MRI and an increased mortality. These differences were mainly related to the different size of the vessels involved in the 2 groups. Although most patients responded to therapy with glucocorticoids alone or in conjunction with cyclophosphamide and tended to improve during the follow-up period, an overall increased mortality rate was observed. Relapses occurred in one-quarter of the patients and were less frequent in patients treated with prednisone and cyclophosphamide compared with those treated with prednisone alone. The mortality rate and degree of disability at last follow-up were greater in those with increasing age, cerebral infarctions on MRI, angiographic large vessel involvement, and diagnosis made by angiography alone, but were lower in those with gadolinium-enhanced lesions on MRI and in those with cerebral amyloid angiopathy. The annual incidence rate of PCNSV was estimated at 2.4 cases per 1,000,000 person-years. PCNSV appears to consist of several subsets defined by the size of the vessels involved, the clinical characteristics at presentation, MRI findings, and histopathological patterns on biopsy. Early recognition and treatment may reduce poor outcomes.

Mycophenolate mofetil in primary central nervous system vasculitis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in adult primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV). MethodsWe studied a cohort of 163 patients with PCNSV who were seen at the Mayo Clinic from 1983 to 2011. We compared patients treated with MMF and those receiving other therapies. ResultsWe identified 16 patients treated with MMF. MMF in combination with GCs achieved a favorable response in most patients. A significant proportion of patients treated with MMF had a less severe disability at last follow-up compared to those receiving other therapies (p = 0.023) and cyclophosphamide and prednisone (p = 0.017). No statistically significant differences were observed regarding relapses and ability to discontinue therapy at last follow-up. A trend to a more favorable treatment response was observed in patients treated with MMF compared to those treated with other therapies (p = 0.075). Only 1 patient suspended MMF for severe leukopenia. ConclusionMMF seems to be an effective and safe therapy for adult PCNSV.

P17.69 * FOTEMUSTINE TRATMENT: WHAT ABOUT GLIOBLASTOMA PATIENTS' QUALITY OF LIFE?

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of adult primary central nervous system tumor. The median survival in GBM patients is about 14 months. The prognosis of GBM is poor and in addition there is a very high probability of recurrence. For most patients with newly diagnosed GBM, the gold standard first-line treatment is represented by postoperative radiotherapy plus temozolomide (TMZ). There is not yet a standard of care for treatment of recurrent GBM. Recent phase II studies have demonstrated the efficacy of fotemustine (FTM) in the treatment of recurrent gliomas. To the best of our knowledge, however, no studies have investigated the quality of life in GBM patients treated with FTM as second-line treatment. We therefore sought to assess the quality of life of recurrent glioblastoma patients treated with FTM standard schedule as proposed by Addeo et al. (a dose of 80 mg/sqm every 2 weeks for five consecutive administrations as the induction phase and every 4 weeks at 80 mg/sqm as the maintenance phase). We approached 54 recurrent glioblastoma patients treated with FTM. Of these 54 eligible patients, we excluded 4 patients because they were not willing to participate in the research study and 10 because they did not meet one of the inclusion criteria, i.e. Mini Mental State Examination ≥ 25. We evaluated overall patients' quality of life through various tools: European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30, EORTC brain cancer module (QLQ-BN20), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory form Y (STAI-Y), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Psychological Distress Inventory (PDI). Of the total of 40 patients, 18 patients completed the battery of tests both at the beginning of therapy and 2 months after the start of therapy. We found that patients reported higher levels of distress at two months after the start of therapy (mean value = 22.4) as compared to those experienced at the beginning of the therapy (mean value = 24.5), t (17) = -2.59, p < .05). Although patients' anxiety and depression levels and their quality of life were not compromised, it is interesting to note that distress levels are formerly high at the beginning of the therapy and increase after two months. This finding underlines the necessity to taking into account patients' emotional distress in the first phase of second-line treatment in order to promote a better adjustment to a new condition of life in which patients have mainly to deal with the fact that they cannot be cured of their disease.

Microrna expression distinguish glioblastoma from lower grades astrocytomas (LB286)

Astrocytomas are the most common type of adult primary central nervous system neoplasms. The World Health Organization (WHO) histologically classifies astrocytomas into four malignancy grades spanning from grade I, a benign tumor, to grade IV, a highly malignant tumor. This classification is highly subjective and more specific molecular markers are needed. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small (19‐24 nucleotides) non‐coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level. Increased in vitro and in vivo evidence indicates that several miRNAs are dysregulated in all cancers types including astrocytomas. However, the precise miRNAs aberrantly expressed in each astrocytoma grade have not been identified. The aim of this study was to elucidate the miRNAs dysregulated in each astrocytoma grade using formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) samples. Microarray data was analyzed with the PARTEK software. Eighty‐five miRNAs were differentially regulated in grade II, 72 miRNAs in grade III and 53 miRNAs in GBM compared with control samples. Particularly, miR‐210, miR‐193b and miR‐27a were highly associated with GBMs. Additionally, up‐regulation of miR‐92b and down‐regulation of miR‐1908 occurred in all astrocytoma grades compared with control individuals. Biological pathway analysis showed a relationship between miRNAs signatures and molecular pathways related with tumor initiation and progression of astrocytoma. Taken together, our results provide additional miRNA signatures to distinguish between GBMs and lower grades of astrocytoma.