Karnovsky Performance Status Research Articles

NIMG-06. OUR THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES FOR GLIOBLASTOMA: INTRAOPERATIVE SUPPORT SYSTEMS [INTRAOPERATIVE MRI, PET, 5-AMINOLEVULINIC ACID (5-ALA)] AND NEOADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY

Abstract OBJECTIVE Neuronavigation systems with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging (methionine [MET], fluorothymidine [FLT], and fluoromisonidazole [FMISO]) are routinely used in glioblastoma surgery. Residual tumor identified using intraoperative MRI (IoMRI) or 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence is removed. Neoadjuvant bevacizumab therapy is offered to patients with low Karnovsky performance status (KPS) or with tumors in eloquent regions. We evaluated the usefulness of neoadjuvant bevacizumab therapy. METHODS Twelve patients with glioblastoma with low KPS or tumors in eloquent regions on multiple PET and IoMRI evaluations were enrolled between January 2016 and April 2019. Six had received neoadjuvant bevacizumab before surgery; six had not. Postsurgical 5-ALA fluorescence (strong, vague, and none) tumor extraction rate, residual volume on MRI and PET imaging, and prognosis in the patients with and without bevacizumab were compared. RESULTS In patients with bevacizumab adjuvant therapy, the KPS scores immediately prior to surgery were 90 in 3 cases, 80 in 2, and 70 in 1. The scores in patients without bevacizumab were 50 in 2 and 40 in 4. The 5-ALA fluorescence in patients with bevacizumab was vague in one and none in five. Vague fluorescence was noted in all six patients without bevacizumab. Tumor extraction rates in patients with vs. those without bevacizumab were 97.6% vs. 91.5% by T1-Gd, 95.4% vs. 99.9% by MET, 96.2% vs. 90.2% by FLT, and 97% vs. 92% by FMISO. Corresponding residual volumes (ml) were (0.6 vs. 1.7) for T1-Gd, 1.2 vs. 2.9 for MET, 1.0 vs. 2.1 for FLT, and 0.5 vs. 1.1 for. FLT. Median progression free survival (PFS) was 10.1 vs. 4.9 months; median overall survival (OS) was 15.7 vs. 13.3 months. CONCLUSIONS Neoadjuvant bevacizumab therapy improved KPS at the time of surgery, increased extraction rate, reduced residual tumor volume, and improved PFS and OS prognosis.

Peritumoral Edema/Tumor Volume Ratio: A Strong Survival Predictor for Posterior Fossa Metastases.

Twenty percent of all brain metastases (BM) occur in the posterior fossa (PF). Radiotherapy sometimes associated with surgical resection remains the therapeutic option, while Karnovsky performance status and graded prognostic assessment (GPA) are the best preoperative survival prognostic factors. To explore the prognostic role of peritumoral brain edema in the PF, which has never been explored though its role in supratentorial BM has been debated. A total of 120 patients diagnosed with PF metastasis who underwent surgical resection were included retrospectively in this analysis. Clinical data were retrieved from electronic patient medical files. The tumor volumes and their associated edema were calculated via manual delineation; subsequently the edema/tumor volume ratio was determined. In multivariate analysis with Cox multivariate proportional hazard model, the edema to tumor volumes ratio (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.727, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.427-2.083; P<.0001) was identified as a new strong independent prognosis factor on overall survival (OS) whereas edema volume alone was not (P=.469). Moreover, BM complete resection (HR: 0.447, 95% CI 0.277-0.719; P<.001), low (0-1) World Health Organization status at diagnosis (HR: 2.109, 95% CI 1.481-3.015; P<.0001), high GPA class at diagnosis (HR: 1.77, 95% CI 0.9-2.9; P<.04), and postoperative brain irradiation (HR: 2.019, 95% CI 1.213-3.361; P<.007] were all confirmed as independent predictive factors for survival. The edema/tumor ratio appears to greatly influence OS in patients suffering from PF metastases unlike the extent of edema alone. This easily determined as well as strong prognostic factor could be used as an interesting tool in clinical practice to help the management of these patients.

Reliability and Responsiveness of NutriQoL® Questionnaire.

NutriQoL® (Nestlé Health Science, Vevay, Switzerland) is a questionnaire developed to assess the health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) of patients with home enteral nutrition (HEN) irrespective of their underlying condition and route of administration. The aim of this work is assessing the questionnaire's reliability and responsiveness to change. Two cohorts of patients with HEN and their primary caregivers were enrolled to assess reliability and responsiveness, respectively. All participants had to be 18years of age or older, without mental deterioration (≤3 or 4 errors in the Pfeiffer's test) and with sufficient functional status (>40 points on Karnovsky's performance status scale). When the patients' ability to respond to the questionnaire was impaired due to underlying disease, their caregivers answered on their behalf. NutriQoL was administered in two and three visits to reliability and responsiveness cohorts, respectively. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were assessed by the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Cronbach's α, respectively. Responsiveness was evaluated by standardized effect size and standardized response mean between basal visit and third visit. Finally, the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was estimated. A total of 54 and 86 participants were recruited to the reliability and responsiveness cohort, respectively. Thirty-five caregivers were selected to assess the inter-observer reliability. ICC values confirmed the good reproducibility level (ICC >0.75) of the questionnaire in both "physical functioning and activities of daily living" and "social life" domains and total score. The assessment of internal consistency in both domains of the questionnaire showed good internal consistency in visit 2. ICC showed the excellent agreement level between caregiver and patient in the global NutriQoL score. Finally, patients classified as having a minimal change in their health reported a mean (standard deviation) MCID in NutriQoL score of 0.63 (11.51). NutriQoL is a reliable and unique instrument to measure the HRQoL in HEN patients. NutriQoL detects changes in the health status of the patient. Nevertheless, further research is needed to determine the full extent of the questionnaire responsiveness.

Facilitation of accurate and effective radiation therapy using fentanyl pectin nasal spray (FPNS) to reduce incidental breakthrough pain due to procedure positioning

PurposeTo provide effective and accurate radiotherapy (RT) for advanced cancer patients who experience breakthrough pain (BP) due to positioning manoeuvres, through the use of FPNS. Secondary endpoints were the dose and time required to achieve a 50% numeric rating scale (NRS) reduction and conduction of a pharmacoeconomic analysis. Patients and methodsTwenty-seven advanced cancer patients with moderate-severe BP associated with routine radiotherapy procedures and manoeuvres were selected to receive FPNS. Most patients (20/27) had bone metastases. The patients showed a low Karnovsky performance status (mean 54%; range: 30–80). BP intensity was scored with the NRS before and after the procedures that triggered it. All patients were already receiving opioid baseline treatment at a total dose equivalent to 40–160mg oral morphine. Before the procedure, BP was treated with 100–400μg of FPNS. Data related to tolerance, pain relief, onset of the relief and efficient dose to allow RT to proceed were collected. ResultsIn 26 patients the BP score was reduced by at least 50% as determined in 15.5min (range 8–35min) after fentanyl pectin intranasal administration, and pain relief started after 7min (range 3–15min); p<0.05 in both cases. The duration of pain reduction facilitated the proceeding of RT. The Mean NRS score before the procedure was 9 (95%CI: 8.6–9.4) and decreased during procedure to 3 (95%CI: 2.5–3.8). The average dose of FPNS for most patients was 100–200μg to achieve pain control, except in three patients who required progressive doses of up to 300–400μg. After receiving 300μg, one patient dropped out of the study due to severe adverse effects (nausea). Seven patients reported minor undesirable effects related to FPNS administration. Conclusions and implicationsCertain necessary RT procedures in advanced cancer patients can cause severe BP episodes. A simple, safe, fast acting and strong analgesic is needed. FPNS is a rapidly absorbed opioid analgesic with a pain relief profile that would be particularly well suited for this patient population. By reducing BP, the drug enables the completion of necessary RT procedures without needless patient discomfort. When BP is attenuated, Department productivity is maintained and unnecessary delays are avoided. Further studies and clinical trials are needed to assess therapeutic FPNS dosages with a view to defining efficacy in the correct clinical context.

Immunotherapy with CpG‐ODN in neoplastic meningitis: A phase I trial

TLR-9 agonists are immunostimulating agents that have antitumor effects in animal models. A phase I trial was conducted to define the safety profile of subcutaneous injections, combined with intrathecally administration of CpG-28, a TRL 9 agonist, in patients with neoplastic meningitis (NM). Cohorts of 3–6 patients with NM were treated for 5 weeks with escalating doses of CpG-28. The primary endpoint was tolerance. Secondary endpoints were progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Twenty-nine patients were treated with CpG-28. The primary cancers were malignant glioma, lung carcinoma, breast cancer, melanoma or melanocytoma, ependymoma, and colorectal cancer. The median age was 56 years and median Karnovsky Performance status (KPS) was 70%. The treatment was well tolerated. Adverse effects that were possibly or probably related to the studied drug were grade 2 lymphopenia, anemia and neutropenia, local erythema at injection sites, fever and seizure. There were five serious adverse events: two confusions, two infections of ventricular devices and one grade 4 thrombopenia and neutropenia. The median PFS was 7 weeks and median OS was 15 weeks. Interestingly, the median survival was slightly (but not significantly) higher in the eight patients who were concomitantly treated with bevacizumab (19 weeks vs 15 weeks; P = 0.11). CpG-28 was well tolerated at doses up to 0.3 mg/kg subcutaneously and 18 mg intrathecally. Additional trials are warranted.

Irradiation and Bevacizumab in High-Grade Glioma Retreatment Settings

Reirradiation is a treatment option for recurrent high-grade glioma with proven but limited effectiveness. Therapies directed against vascular endothelial growth factor have been shown to exert certain efficacy in combination with chemotherapy and have been safely tested in combination with radiotherapy in a small cohort of patients. To study the feasibility of reirradiation combined with bevacizumab treatment, the toxicity and treatment outcomes of this approach were analyzed retrospectively. After previous treatment with standard radiotherapy (with or without temozolomide) patients with recurrent malignant glioma received bevacizumab (10 mg/kg intravenous) on Day 1 and Day 15 during radiotherapy. Maintenance therapy was selected based on individual considerations, and mainly bevacizumab-containing regimens were chosen. Patients received 36 Gy in 18 fractions. The data of the medical charts of the 30 patients were analyzed retrospectively. All were irradiated in a single institution and received either bevacizumab (n = 20), no additional substance (n = 7), or temozolomide (n = 3). Reirradiation was tolerated well, regardless of the added drug. In 1 patient treated with bevacizumab, a wound dehiscence occurred. Overall survival was significantly better in patients receiving bevacizumab (p = 0.03, log-rank test). In a multivariate proportional hazards Cox model, bevacizumab, Karnovsky performance status, and World Health Organization grade at relapse turned out to be the most important predictors for overall survival. Reirradiation with bevacizumab is a feasible and effective treatment for patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas. A randomized trial is warranted to finally answer the question whether bevacizumab adds substantial benefit to a radiotherapeutic retreatment setting.

A pilot study of Auron Misheil Therapy in patients with advanced cervical cancer: Tumor response and its correlation with clinical benefit response, and preliminary quality of life data

This pilot study of Auron Misheil Therapy (AMT) in women with advanced cervical cancer was an open-label, single arm study to collect initial safety, efficacy, and quality of life data. Fifteen women with stage IIIb or IVa cervical cancer were given twice daily intramuscular injections of AMT (insulin, chlorpheniramine and camomile extract) for 3 months. Objective tumor response was evaluated using CT scans and analyzing the data according to the WHO RECIST criteria. Clinical Benefit Response (CBR) was assessed using a composite score comprising Karnovsky performance status, pain intensity and body weight. Safety and tolerability parameters were monitored. Quality of life was evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC C-30). Eight out of 15 patients were rated as clinical responders (CBR) at 12 weeks. One patient had a partial response and 11 stable disease (WHO RECIST criteria). AMT was well tolerated. An initial analysis showed improvement in quality of life (EORTC C-30). Promising response rates, early indications of improved quality of life, and no significant safety issues mean that the second, randomized phase of the trial can be initiated with a longer treatment duration. Patients with advanced cervical cancer showed positive clinical responses to Auron Misheil Therapy. The treatment was well tolerated, with indications of improved quality of life.

Treatment of Primary CNS Lymphoma with Induction High-Dose Methotrexate, Temozolomide, Rituximab Followed by Consolidation Cytarabine/Etoposide: A Pilot Study with Biomarker Analysis.

Background: There is no consensus on the optimal treatment for patients diagnosed with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). The goals of this study were:1.to determine the safety and efficacy of a methotrexate (MTX)-based induction therapy followed by high-dose consolidation chemotherapy and the elimination or deferral of whole brain irradiation,2.to identify molecular markers in PCNSL which predict sensitivity to chemotherapy and outcome.Methods: 23 newly diagnosed, CD20-positive, immunocompetent PCNSL patients were treated with combination high-dose intravenous MTX (8 gm/m2), temozolomide (150 mg/m2/day) and intravenous rituximab (375 mg/m2) (MTR). Patients in complete remission (CR) after eight courses of MTX were offered consolidation with high-dose cytarabine (2 g/m2 x 8 doses) and etoposide (40 mg/kg over 96 hours) (AE). Candidate markers of outcome in PCNSL were identified by gene expression profile analysis of an independent, multicenter dataset of PCNSL tumors. Immunohistochemical analysis of one of these markers, death-associated protein-1 (DAP-1), was performed on paraffin sections of tumors from 18 of the patients treated with the MTR regimen.Results: MTR induction followed by AE consolidation was well tolerated with no treatment-related mortality or evidence for neurotoxicity. Thirteen patients (56.5%) attained CR with induction; 8 received consolidation; 5 in CR refused AE. Median progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) has not yet been reached with a median follow-up of 33 months. Karnovsky performance status (KPS) correlated with improved survival (p<0.0281). Expression by lymphoma cells of DAP-1, a regulator of apoptosis, was associated with improved progression-free survival (p<0.03) and overall survival (p<0.038).Conclusions: Combination MTR followed by AE is well tolerated in PCNSL. PFS appears at least similar to regimens that contain whole brain irradiation. A multi-center study has been initiated to further evaluate this regimen. DAP-1 may be a tumor suppressor whose expression in PCNSL predicts a favorable response to MTX-based therapy.

MRgFUS for pain relief as palliative treatment in recurrent cervical carcinoma: A case report

Introduction. Focused ultrasound under real-time MR guidance and control (MRgFUS) can be used for the thermal ablation of tissue. Currently this technique is used clinically for the noninvasive treatment of uterine leiomyomas and is in clinical evaluation for breast cancer, adenomyosis and other indications. MRgFUS is being tested for pain relief in patients suffering from bone metastases. This is the first case to report on MRgFUS for pain relief in patients suffering from recurrent cervical carcinoma. Case report. A 29-year-old patient with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of cervix following radical hysterectomy, chemotherapy and radiation was treated by MRgFUS due to pelvic mass unresponsive to conventional treatment that caused intractable pain. Following two treatments the patient experienced a marked reduction in pain and increase in Karnovsky Performance Status (KPS) from 50% to 80%. Discussion. Palliative treatment of pain with noninvasive MRgFUS in cases of recurrent cervical carcinoma may be a safe and efficient alternative to other invasive techniques.

Impact of Karnovsky performance status (KPS) on outcome of elderly patients (pts) with glioblastoma (GBM) and activity of temozolomide (TMZ) as first line therapy: Retrospective analysis of a cohort

1515 Background: Due to increasing incidence of GBM in the elderly, prognostic factors and therapeutic strategies need to be considered in this population. Recently radiotherapy has shown survival improvement in patients with KPS ≥ 70 (ANOCEF, EANO 2005), while chemotherapy with TMZ may be considered as a therapeutic option (Chinot at al, Cancer 2003). Methods: We analyzed retrospectively all pts above 70 years old with GBM, who were referred to our institution from May 1998 to October 2004; all responses to TMZ were reviewed. Results: We identified 136 pts registered. Median age was 74 (range 70–87), and 43% had a KPS &lt; 70. Surgery consisted of stereotactic biopsy (SB), 29% ; partial surgery (PS), 12%; and gross total removal (GTR), 29% of pts. Diagnosis was strongly suggested by neuroradiology in 30% of cases. Treatment consisted of TMZ (5 days standard schedule) (group A) as first-line treatment in 89 pts (65%), radiotherapy and/or nitroso-urea based regimens in 40 pts (30%) (group B) and best supportive care in 7 (5%) pts. For the all cohort, median of overall survival (OS) was 7 months (m), strongly impacted by KPS (3.9 vs 8.7 m, p&lt;0.0001 for KPS &lt; 70 and ≥70 respectively) and age (8.2 vs 6.0 m, p&lt;0.007 for age &lt; 75 years vs. ≥ 75). OS was 6.6, 7.3, and 8.4 mos in the case of SB, PS, and GTR respectively and was 5.2 for neuroradiologic diagnosis. In group A, median time to tumour progression (TTP) and OS were 4.7 &amp; 7.3 m. KPS impacted TTP (2.9 vs. 5.1 m, p=0.0002) and OS (4.9 vs. 8.7 m, p&lt;0.0001) for KPS &lt; and ≥ 70 respectively. Response rates (RR) were for 71 pts evaluable 28%; SD 35%; PD 37% associated with an OS of 11.7, 7 and 3.2 m respectively. RR was 34% for histologically proven GBM, vs 22% in cases of neuroradiologic diagnosis. In group B, TTP and OS were 4.3 &amp; 6.7 m respectively. Conclusions: KPS appeared to have a major impact on outcomes in elderly patients with GBM. Future trials designs should take this impact into consideration. TMZ appeared to be effective in elderly patients with newly diagnosed GBM. This alternative approach is currently being tested against RT alone in international trials. Impact of MGMT status in the TMZ population will be presented. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Photosensitization with hematoporphyrin derivative compared to 5-aminolaevulinic acid for photodynamic therapy of esophageal carcinoma

Background. Hematoporphyrin derivatives (HpD) as sensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in advanced esophageal cancer carry the risk of prolonged photosensitivity of the skin. New sensitizers such as 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) with low rates of skin phototoxicity appear to be promising alternatives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ALA compared with HpD for PDT in advanced esophageal carcinoma regarding phototoxicity of the skin, reduction of dysphagia, tumor stenosis and length, and Karnovsky performance status. Methods. After diagnostic workup, photosensitization was done in 22 patients with ALA (60 mg/kg body weight, oral, 6 to 8 hours before PDT) and in 27 patients with a hematoporphyrin derivative (2 mg/kg body weight, intravenously, 48 hours before PDT). The light dose was calculated as 300 J/cm fiber tip. Light at 630 nm was applied using a pumped dye laser. In both groups, additional hyperbaric oxygenation was applied at a level of 2 absolute atmospheric pressure. Results. Improvement regarding dysphagia, stenosis diameter, and tumor length could be obtained in both treatment arms with a significant difference in favor of the HpD group ( p = 0.02; p = 0.0000; and p = 0.000014, respectively). A questionnaire of patients in the HpD group confirmed that the ability of swallowing a meal was superior compared with the discomfort from limitation to sun exposure. No sunburn or other major treatment-related complication occurred in both treatment arms. Conclusions. Despite the limitations of a nonrandomized study, photosensitzation with HpD seems to be more effective in PDT of advanced esophageal carcinoma compared with ALA.

The effect of external beam irradiation after endoscopic palliation of esophageal carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to verify the value of additional external beam irradiation (EBR) after endoscopic palliation, regarding quality of life and survival rate. From January 1988 to December 1995, 99 patients with esophageal carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma 61; adenocarcinoma 38) were reviewed, there were 84 males (mean age: 67 years) and 16 females (mean age: 65 years). Seventeen patients were in stage IIb, 45 stage III and 37 patients in stage IV. HDR-brachyradiotherapy (mean: 14.7 Gy) was carried out in all patients. Additional EBR (mean: 47.8 Gy) after endoluminal palliation was done in 51 cases. At 6-months follow-up swallowing of a semi-solid diet at least was possible in all patients and dysphagia was found with significant difference in favour to EBR only in stage IV (p=0.011). The Karnovsky performance status showed a difference in favour of EBR for stage III and IV (p=0.040 and p=0. 049, respectively). The median overall survival for EBR compared to no EBR was 10 and 7 months, with a 12 months survival rate of 60% and 16% (p=0.0012). However, considering different stages and EBR versus no EBR a significant difference in survival could only be found for stage IIb (p=0.031), a trend in favour of EBR could be found for stage III (p=0.0985) and stage IV (p=0.0543). Tumor regrowth 6-12 months after treatment occurred in 31 cases and was successfully treated with Nd-YAG laser in 25 and stenting in 6 cases. Postirradiation fibrotic stenosis occurred in 12 cases. Improved survival rates after additional EBR can only be expected in stage IIb. However, in case of advanced esophageal carcinoma and fair performance status, EBR after endoluminal palliation help to maintain quality of life.

Quality of life aspects in cases of oral cancer

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the possibility of using three standardized instruments to assess quality of life aspects in a group of patients being treated for oral cancer. Forty-two patients with oral and pharyngeal cancer participated in the study 12 months after the surgery. Fifteen of these patients participated prospectively before surgery and up to 12 months after surgery. The three instruments were the Sickness Impact Profile, Health Index and Karnovsky Performance Status scale. The prospective patients were significantly worse in psychosocial functioning and well-being and non-significantly worse in physical and overall sickness after the surgery compared with before. The patients improved with regard to performance status, though not statistically significantly. There were fairly close significant intercorrelations between the instruments. Weight loss seemed to be less related to quality of life parameters than greater surgical procedures. It is suggested that, in measuring the quality of life in cases of oral cancer,several instruments should be included.

Very accelerated radiation therapy: Preliminary results in locally unresectable head and neck carcinomas

To report preliminary results of a very accelerated radiation therapy Phase I/II trial in locally advanced head and squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Between 01/92 and 06/93, 35 patients with an unresectable HNSCC were entered in this study. Thirty-two (91%) had Stage IV, and 3 had Stage III disease. The mean nodal diameter, in patients with clinically involved nodes (83%), was 6.3 cm. The median Karnovsky performance status was 70. The treatment consisted of a twice daily schedule (BID) giving 62 Gy in 20 days. In all cases, confluent mucositis was observed, which started about day 15 and resolved within 6 to 10 weeks. Eighty percent of patients had enteral nutritional support. The nasogastric tube or gastrostomy was maintained in these patients for a mean duration of 51.8 days. Eighteen patients (53%) were hospitalized during the course of treatment due to a poor medical status or because they lived far from the center (mean 25 days). Nineteen patients (56%) (some of whom were initially in-patients) were hospitalized posttreatment for toxicity (mean 13 days). Five patients (15%) were never hospitalized. During the follow-up period, 12 local and/or regional failures were observed. The actuarial 18-month loco-regional control rate was 59% (95% confidence interval, 45-73%). The dramatic shortening of radiation therapy compared to conventional schedules in our series of very advanced HNSCC resulted in: (a) severe acute mucosal toxicity, which was manageable but required intensive nutritional support in all cases; and (b) high loco-regional response rates, strongly suggesting that the time factor is likely to be critical for tumor control in this type of cancer.

A long surviving case of recurrent medulloblastoma displaying effectiveness of ACNU/vincristine chemotherapy.

A favorable case of recurrent medulloblastoma, in which 19 years has elapsed with combination therapy due to surgery, radiation and chemotherapy since the initial operation, is reported. The case was a male of age 12 who was admitted due to medulloblastoma of the classical type. Tumor recurrences were observed 3 times within 7 years after the initial operation and radiation treatment. At the 3rd recurrence, a large tumor was found in the cerebellar vermis and left cerebellar hemisphere on CT with CSF dissemination and a high NSE level in the CSF (62 ng/ml). Only chemotherapy by intravenous administration of 2 courses of 120-150 mg ACNU (1.7-2.2 mg/kg) and 4 mg vincristine (0.06 mg/kg) with intrathecal administration of methotrexate was given at this time. The tumor image and gait disturbance with radicular pain disappeared completely and the NSE level in the CSF improved to within the normal range (5.4 ng/ml). The patient continues in complete remission, with a Karnovsky performance status of 100% at 4 years after the 3rd recurrence. We report full details of this case in which active treatments consisting mainly of chemotherapy proved to be effective for recurrent medulloblastoma, even though its prognosis is generally very unfavorable.

Reoperation for malignant astrocytoma

We evaluated 15 consecutive patients with malignant astrocytomas who were reoperated for functional status and survival. Their Karnovsky Performance Status (KPS) was not changed by surgery. None suffered perioperative death, wound infection, or complications. Patients with glioblastoma maintained KPS unchanged for a mean of 13 weeks (median, 10 weeks); with anaplastic astrocytoma, mean, 37.2 weeks (median, 24 weeks). Life spans were approximately twice that of non-reoperated historical controls. Reoperation for patients with recurrent malignant astrocytoma should be seriously considered when a gross total re-resection can be the goal in a patient whose tumor is in an accessible brain region.