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Background Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) is an infrequent and fatal infectious disease worldwide. Antemortem diagnosis in this condition is very difficult because clinical manifestations and neuroimaging are nonspecific. Case presentation A 60-year-old Japanese woman was admitted with a chief complaint of left homonymous hemianopsia. Brain-MRI showed extensive necrotizing lesions enhanced by gadolinium, in the right frontal lobe, right occipital lobe, and left parietal lobe. Epithelioid granulomas of unknown etiology were found in the biopsied brain specimens. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing using a next-generation sequencer detected DNA fragments of Balamuthia mandrillaris in the tissue specimens. The diagnosis of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis was confirmed using an amoeba-specific polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining on the biopsied tissues. Conclusions Shotgun metagenomics is useful for the diagnosis of central nervous system infections such as GAE wherein the pathogens are difficult to identify.

Background There is no standard treatment for patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas who progress after bevacizumab treatment. We evaluated the outcomes of re-irradiation combined with bevacizumab for patients refractory to bevacizumab. Methods Between January 2015 and September 2019, patients with progression after bevacizumab treatment were treated with re-irradiation combined with bevacizumab (25 Gy in five fractions). Results Fourteen patients [glioblastoma, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild type (N = 6), glioblastoma, IDH mutant (N = 4), anaplastic astrocytoma, IDH wild type (N = 1), anaplastic astrocytoma, IDH mutant (N = 1), glioblastoma, not otherwise specified (N = 1) and radiologically diagnosed brainstem glioma (N = 1)] were included in this study. The median survival and progression-free survival times after re-irradiation combined with bevacizumab were 6.1 and 3.8 months, respectively. The 6-month survival and progression-free survival rates were 54.5 and 15.7%, respectively. Patients with a Karnofsky performance status of ≥70 tended to have longer median survival time (9.3 vs. 5.4 months, respectively; P = 0.058) and had a significantly longer median progression-free survival time (4.2 vs. 3.7 months, respectively; P = 0.046) than those with a Karnofsky performance status of Conclusions Re-irradiation combined with bevacizumab for patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas who progress after bevacizumab treatment was feasible. Re-irradiation combined with bevacizumab is a potential treatment option, especially for patients with a Karnofsky performance status of ≥70.

Background High-grade meningiomas are aggressive tumors with high morbidity and mortality rates that frequently recur even after surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. However, limited information is currently available on the biology of these tumors, and no alternative adjuvant treatment options exist. Although we previously demonstrated that high-grade meningioma cells were highly sensitive to gemcitabine in vitro and in vivo, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Methods We examined the roles of hENT1 (human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1) and dCK (deoxycytidine kinase) in the gemcitabine sensitivity and growth of meningioma cells in vitro. Tissue samples from meningiomas (26 WHO grade I and 21 WHO grade II/III meningiomas) were immunohistochemically analyzed for hENT1 and dCK as well as for Ki-67 as a marker of proliferative activity. Results hENT1 and dCK, which play critical roles in the intracellular transport and activation of gemcitabine, respectively, were responsible for the high gemcitabine sensitivity of high-grade meningioma cells and were strongly expressed in high-grade meningiomas. hENT1 expression was required for the proliferation and survival of high-grade meningioma cells and dCK expression. Furthermore, high hENT1 and dCK expression levels correlated with stronger tumor cell proliferative activity and shorter survival in meningioma patients. Conclusions The present results suggest that hENT1 is a key molecular factor influencing the growth capacity and gemcitabine sensitivity of meningioma cells and also that hENT1, together with dCK, may be a viable prognostic marker for meningioma patients as well as a predictive marker of their responses to gemcitabine.

Background Cases of primary central nervous system lymphoma manifesting with hemorrhage are very rare, with only a few previous studies available. Case Description A 49-year-old man presented with occipital headache and visual disturbance for the past 4 months. Computed tomography showed a high-density area involving the left basal ganglia, with surrounding vasogenic edema. Head T2∗-weighted imaging showed a hypointense signaling area. Edematous changes and a midline shift were observed on fluid attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging. Radiologic features were highly suggestive of intracerebral hemorrhage. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy improved his symptoms transiently and reduced the size of the lesion. Nonetheless, there was recurrence 1 month later. The patient was referred to our institution; a biopsy was performed, and a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was diagnosed. After 3 cycles of high-dose methotrexate and whole-brain radiation therapy, his symptoms improved, and there were no signs of recurrence. Conclusions We report a very rare case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma manifested with intratumoral hemorrhage. This case indicates the importance of regular clinical and radiologic follow-up, histopathologic examination, and combined treatment with high-dose methotrexate and whole-brain radiation therapy.

Central nervous system tumors are classified based on an integrated diagnosis combining histology and molecular characteristics, including IDH1/2 and H3‐K27M mutations, as well as 1p/19q codeletion. Here, we aimed to develop and assess the feasibility of a glioma‐tailored 48‐gene next‐generation sequencing (NGS) panel for integrated glioma diagnosis. We designed a glioma‐tailored 48‐gene NGS panel for detecting 1p/19q codeletion and mutations in IDH1/2, TP53, PTEN, PDGFRA, NF1, RB1, CDKN2A/B, CDK4, and the TERT promoter (TERTp). We analyzed 106 glioma patients (grade II: 19 cases, grade III: 23 cases, grade IV: 64 cases) using this system. The 1p/19q codeletion was detected precisely in oligodendroglial tumors using our NGS panel. In a cohort of 64 grade Ⅳ gliomas, we identified 56 IDH‐wildtype glioblastomas. Within these IDH‐wildtype glioblastomas, 33 samples (58.9%) showed a mutation in TERTp. Notably, PDGFRA mutations and their amplification were more commonly seen in TERTp‐wildtype glioblastomas (43%) than in TERTp‐mutant glioblastomas (6%) (P = .001). Hierarchical molecular classification of IDH‐wildtype glioblastomas revealed 3 distinct groups of IDH‐wildtype glioblastomas. One major cluster was characterized by mutations in PDGFRA, amplification of CDK4 and PDGFRA, homozygous deletion of CDKN2A/B, and absence of TERTp mutations. This cluster was significantly associated with older age (P = .021), higher Ki‐67 score (P = .007), poor prognosis (P = .012), and a periventricular tumor location. We report the development of a glioma‐tailored NGS panel for detecting 1p/19q codeletion and driver gene mutations on a single platform. Our panel identified distinct subtypes of IDH‐ and TERTp‐wildtype glioblastomas with frequent PDGFRA alterations., A glioma‐tailored 48‐gene next‐generation sequencing panel identified distinct subtypes of wildtype IDH and TERT promoter glioblastomas with PDGFRA alterations.

BackgroundThe safety, tolerability, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of tirabrutinib, a second-generation, highly selective oral Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor, were evaluated for relapsed/refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).MethodsPatients with relapsed/refractory PCNSL, Karnofsky performance status ≥70, and normal end-organ function received tirabrutinib 320 and 480 mg once daily (q.d.) in phase I to evaluate dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) within 28 days using a 3 + 3 dose escalation design and with 480 mg q.d. under fasted conditions in phase II.ResultsForty-four patients were enrolled; 20, 7, and 17 received tirabrutinib at 320, 480, and 480 mg under fasted conditions, respectively. No DLTs were observed, and the maximum tolerated dose was not reached at 480 mg. Common grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) were neutropenia (9.1%), lymphopenia, leukopenia, and erythema multiforme (6.8% each). One patient with 480 mg q.d. had grade 5 AEs (pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and interstitial lung disease). Independent review committee assessed overall response rate (ORR) at 64%: 60% with 5 complete responses (CR)/unconfirmed complete responses (CRu) at 320 mg, 100% with 4 CR/CRu at 480 mg, and 53% with 6 CR/CRu at 480 mg under fasted conditions. Median progression-free survival was 2.9 months: 2.1, 11.1, and 5.8 months at 320, 480, and 480 mg under fasted conditions, respectively. Median overall survival was not reached. ORR was similar among patients harboring CARD11, MYD88, and CD79B mutations, and corresponding wild types.ConclusionThese data indicate favorable efficacy of tirabrutinib in patients with relapsed/refractory PCNSL.Trial registrationJapicCTI-173646.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive brain tumor. To identify the factors influencing the improvement of the activities of daily living (ADL) in newly diagnosed patients with GBM, we investigated the characteristics and variable factors and overall survival. A total of 105 patients with GBM were retrospectively analyzed and categorized into the following three groups according to the quartile of change of their Barthel index score from admission to discharge: deterioration (n = 25), no remarkable change (n = 55), and good recovery (n = 25). A statistical difference was observed in the pre-operative, intra-operative, post-operative, and rehabilitation-related factors between the deterioration and good recovery groups. Multiple regression analysis identified the following significant factors that may influence the improvement of ADL after surgery: the improvement of motor paralysis after surgery, mild fatigue during radio and chemotherapy, and length up to early walking training onset. The median overall survival was significantly different between the deterioration (10.6 months) and good recovery groups (18.9 months, p = 0.025). Our findings identified several factors that may be associated with post-operative functional improvement in patients with GBM. The inpatient rehabilitation during radio and chemotherapy may be encouraged without severe adverse events and can promote functional outcomes, which may contribute to the overall survival of newly diagnosed patients with GBM.

Purpose To identify pre-, intra-, and postoperative factors influencing the improvement of the activities of daily living (ADL) in newly diagnosed patients with glioblastoma (GBM), we investigated the characteristics and variable factors and overall survival. Methods A total of 105 patients with GBM were retrospectively analyzed and categorized into three groups according to the quartile of change of Barthel index score from admission to discharge: deterioration (n = 25), no remarkable change (n = 55), and good recovery (n = 25). We compared with the characteristics, variable factors, and overall survival of patients with deterioration and good recovery after tumor resection. Results There was statistically different in the pre-, intra-, and post-operative factors between the groups. Multiple regression analysis identified four significant predictor variables that may influence the improvement of ADL after surgery: the improvement of motor paralysis after surgery, mild fatigue during chemoradiotherapy, poor Karnofsky performance status at admission, and length up to early walking training onset. The median overall survival was significantly different between the patients with deterioration (10.6 months, 95% CIs, 5.19–16.00) and good recovery (18.9 months, 95% CIs, 8.61–29.18) (p = 0.025). Conclusion This study identified four factors influencing the improvement of ADL after surgery. In addition, a structured inpatient rehabilitation programs can be performed safely and improve functional outcomes, which may contribute to the survival prognosis.

Purpose Although we have shown the clinical benefit of bevacizumab (BEV) in the treatment of unresectable newly diagnosed glioblastomas (nd-GBM), the relationship between early radiographic response and survival outcome remains unclear. We performed a volumetric study of early radiographic responses in nd-GBM treated with BEV. Methods Twenty-two patients with unresectable nd-GBM treated with BEV during concurrent temozolomide radiotherapy were analyzed. An experienced neuroradiologist interpreted early responses on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images (GdT1WI). Volumetric changes were evaluated using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and GdT1WI according to the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria. The results were categorized into improved (complete response [CR] or partial response [PR]) or non-improved (stable disease [SD] or progressive disease [PD]) groups; outcomes were compared using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results The volumetric GdT1WI improvement was a significant predictive factor for overall survival (OS) prolongation (p = 0.0093, median OS: 24.7 vs. 13.6 months); however, FLAIR and DWI images were not predictive. The threshold for the neuroradiologist’s interpretation of improvement in GdT1WI was nearly 20% of volume reduction, which was lesser than 50%, the definition of PR applied in the RANO criteria. However, even less stringent neuroradiologist interpretation could successfully predict OS prolongation (improved vs. non-improved: p = 0.0067, median OS: 17.6 vs. 8.3 months). Significant impact of OS on the early response in volumetric GdT1WI was observed within the cut-off range of 20–50% (20%, p = 0.0315; 30%, p = 0.087; 40%, p = 0.0456). Conclusions Early response during BEV-containing chemoradiation can be a predictive indicator of patient outcome in unresectable nd-GBM.

Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common brain malignancy in adults, is generally aggressive and incurable, even with multiple treatment modalities and agents. Filamins (FLNs) are a group of actin-binding proteins that regulate the actin cytoskeleton in cells. However, the role of FLNs in malignancies—particularly in GBM—is unclear. Methods The relation between FLNC expression and overall survival in GBM was evaluated by the Kaplan−Meier analysis using GBM patients from the Kagoshima University Hospital (n = 90) and data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) (n = 153). To assess FLNC function in GBM, cell migration and invasion were examined with Transwell and Matrigel invasion assays using FLNC-overexpressing U251MG and LN299 GBM cells, and ShRNA-mediated FLNC knocked-down KNS81 and U87MG cells. The gelatin zymography assay was used to estimate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 activity. Results In silico analysis of GBM patient data from TCGA and immunohistochemical analyses of clinical GBM specimens revealed that increased FLNC expression was associated with poor patient prognosis. FLNC overexpression in GBM cell lines was positively correlated with enhanced invasiveness, but not migration, and was accompanied by upregulation of MMP2. Conclusions FLNC is a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for GBM progression.

Background: This study evaluated the outcomes of reirradiation combined with bevacizumab (Bev) for patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas that progressed after treatment with Bev.Methods: Between January 2015 and September 2019, 14 patients who experienced progression after Bev treatment were treated with reirradiation consisting of 25 Gy in five fractions combined with Bev (ReRT/Bev). The isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1/2 mutation status was analysed by pyrosequencing. Results: The diagnoses of 14 patients at the time of reirradiation included six cases of glioblastoma (GBM) with IDH-wildtype, four cases of GBM with IDH-mutant, one case of anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) with IDH-wildtype, one case of AA with IDH-mutant, and one case of GBM not otherwise specified (NOS), and one case of radiologically diagnosed brainstem glioma. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) times with ReRT/Bev were 6.1 months and 3.8 months, respectively. The 6-month OS and PFS rates were 54.5% and 15.7%, respectively. The median OS and PFS did not differ significantly between patients with IDH-wildtype (N=7) and IDH-mutant (N=5) (OS: 7.3 [wildtype] vs 6.0 [mutant] months, p = 0.64; PFS: 3.8 [wildtype] vs 3.7 [mutant] months, p = 0.56). The median OS and PFS did not differ significantly between patients with a diagnosis of GBM (N=6) and those with a diagnosis of non-GBM (N=7) (OS: 9.3 [GBM] vs 6.0 [non-GBM] months, p = 0.19; PFS: 4.0 [GBM] vs 3.8 [non-GBM] months, p = 0.31). Four patients (28.6%) achieved a complete or partial radiological response and three patients (21.4%) experienced improvement after ReRT/Bev. Tumor recurrences were observed in 12 patients, including 3 (21.4%) in-field recurrence; 5 (35.7%) marginal recurrence, 3 (21.4%) out-field recurrence, and 1 (7.1%) had in-field and out-field recurrence. Grade 3/4 toxicities included leukopenia in four patients (28.6%), hypertension in three (21.4%), proteinuria in one (7.1%), and gastrointestinal haemorrhage in one (7.1%) with ReRT/Bev. Conclusions: ReRT/Bev for patients with high-grade glioma who experienced progression after Bev was effective and involved acceptable toxicities.

Background: Based on the results of a phase I/II study in Japan (Trial registration: JapicCTI-173646), tirabrutinib (TIR), a second-generation inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase, was approved in March 2020 for the treatment of relapsed or refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma (r/r PCNSL). We have previously reported overall response rate of 63.6% and manageable safety profile results of this study (Narita et al. Neuro Oncol. 2021;23(1):122-133). Further, one-year follow-up data after the last patient had enrolled showed that the effects of TIR persisted in r/r PCNSL patients (Mishima et al. Poster presented at the Society for Neuro-Oncology virtual conference; November 19-21, 2020). Here, based on this one-year follow-up data, we describe the Quality of Life (QoL) and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) in r/r PCNSL patients treated with TIR. Methods: Patients with r/r PCNSL, age ≥20 years, and KPS ≥70 were treated with TIR once daily (QD) at a dose of 320 mg, 480 mg, or 480 mg upon fasting (480 mg fasted QD). TIR was administered in 28-day cycles, and treatment was continued until disease progression or clinically unacceptable toxicity was observed. QoL was assessed using questionnaires issued by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), namely QLQ-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), EORTC QLQ-BN20, and EuroQol 5 dimensions 3-level (EQ-5D-3L). The QoL survey was conducted during the screening period, on Day 28 of Cycle 1, after every 2 cycles (i.e., after Day 1 of Cycle 3), after every 4 cycles (i.e., after Day 1 of Cycle 25), and at the end of treatment. KPS was measured during the screening period, on days 1, 8, 15, and 28 of Cycle 1, on day 1 of every cycle after Cycle 3, and at the end of treatment. Results: Forty-four patients were prospectively enrolled, and 20, 7, and 17 patients were treated with TIR at 320 mg QD, 480 mg QD, and 480 mg fasted QD, respectively. Median patient age was 60 years (range 29-86). Median follow-up period was 14.9 months (range, 1.4-27.7) for the entire cohort but was 19.1 months, 23.5 months, and 12.0 months for the 320 mg QD, 480 mg QD, and 480 mg fasted QD groups, respectively. At the time of data cutoff (February 25, 2020), 11 patients (25%) remained on treatment. Mean (SD) score for the global health status/QoL section of the EORTC QLQ-C30 was 50.9 (23.7) at baseline and remained relatively constant during treatment (Figure 1). This trend was also observed for emotional function, cognitive function, and fatigue sections of the EORTC QLQ-C30, for motor dysfunction, communication deficit, weakness of legs, and bladder control sections of the EORTC QLQ-BN20, and in items pertaining to self-care, usual activities, and anxiety/depression in the EQ-5D-3L. Median KPS was 80.0 (range, 70-100) at baseline, which remained unchanged during TIR treatment (Figure 2). Conclusion: QoL and KPS scores in r/r PCNSL patients were maintained during TIR administration, a new treatment option for r/r PCNSL, which does not lead to the deterioration of QoL and KPS. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Terui: Ono Pharmaceutical: Speakers Bureau; MSD: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Esai: Speakers Bureau; Chugai Pharmaceutical: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; AbbVie: Speakers Bureau; Takeda Pharmaceutical: Speakers Bureau. Narita: Ono Pharmaceutical co.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Dainippon-Sumitomo: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Stella-pharma: Research Funding; Daiichi-Sankyo: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bayer: Research Funding; Ohara: Research Funding; Chugai Pharmaceutical co.: Honoraria; Novocure: Honoraria. Nagane: AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi-Sankyo: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; Astellas: Research Funding; Nippon-Kayaku: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bayer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Shionogi: Research Funding; Otsuka: Research Funding; Ono Pharma: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novocure: Honoraria; Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma: Honoraria; RIEMSER: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mishima: Ono Pharmaceutical Co: Research Funding; Astellas: Research Funding; HOYA Technosurgical Co.: Research Funding; Daiichi-Sankyo: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Medical U and A: Research Funding; Teijin Pharma: Research Funding; Eisai: Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; Chugai: Research Funding. Arakawa: Sanofi: Research Funding; Carl Zeiss: Honoraria, Research Funding; Brainlab: Honoraria, Research Funding; Nihon Medi-Physics: Research Funding; Ono Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Philips: Research Funding; Siemens: Research Funding; Tanabe Mitsubishi: Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Merck: Honoraria, Research Funding; Meiji Seika: Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria, Research Funding; CSL Behring: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Stryker: Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Research Funding; Taiho Pharma: Research Funding; Nippon Kayaku: Honoraria; Novocure: Honoraria; UCB Japan: Honoraria; Integra Japan: Honoraria; Otsuka: Honoraria; Abbvie: Honoraria. Yonezawa: Eisai: Speakers Bureau; Ono Pharmaceutical co.: Speakers Bureau; Chugai Pharmaceutical co.: Speakers Bureau. Fukuhara: Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Eisai: Honoraria; HUYA Bioscience International: Honoraria; Incyte: Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria; Kyowa Kirin: Honoraria; Nippon Shinyaku: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Ono Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda Pharmaceutical: Honoraria; Zenyaku Kogyo: Honoraria; Bayer: Research Funding; AbbVie: Honoraria. Sugiyama: Daichi Sankyo Inc.: Consultancy; Ono Pharmaceutical Inc: Honoraria. Aoi: Ono Pharma USA, Inc.: Current Employment. Nishikawa: Novocure: Consultancy; Chugai: Honoraria, Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; Daiichi-Sankyo: Honoraria, Research Funding; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Ono: Honoraria; Nihon-Kayaku: Honoraria. OffLabel Disclosure: Tirabrutinib. Clinical trial for PCNSL.

Calcifying pseudoneoplasms of the neuraxis (CAPNON) are presumed to be a non-neoplastic reactive pathology, based on the frequent finding of granulomatous inflammation. To our knowledge, there are few reports of CAPNON in association with a neoplasm. Here, we report the case of a 62-year-old man presenting with headache, which was caused by CAPNON in the left cingulate gyrus. CT scan revealed a calcified mass exhibiting gradual growth and increasing peritumoral edema. MRI showed an intra-axial hypointense mass on T1- and T2-weighted images. Development of a peri-lesional hyperintense lesion on T2-weighted images suggested local edema or tumoral invasion. Gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images revealed mild peripheral enhancement of the calcified nodule. L-methyl-11 C methionine-positron emission tomography revealed the uptake of tracer in the calcified nodule. The calcified mass and its enveloping brain tissue were removed using a parietal craniotomy. The calcified tissue was surrounded by spindle-shaped cells positive for GFAP and nestin. The MIB-1 labeling index of spindle cells was around 10% (i.e. a hot spot). Fourteen months after surgery, gadolinium-enhanced MRI evidenced growth of a tiny residual lesion. Therefore, this report illustrates a potential case of CAPNON arising from low-grade glial neoplasm.

We herein present an autopsy case of a glioma patient who received long-term treatment with temozolomide (TMZ). The patient, a 35-year-old man with a hypointense tumor of the left frontal lobe, without contrast enhancement following gadolinium (Gd) administration on T1-weighted images, underwent tumor removal surgery, after which the tumor was diagnosed as anaplastic astrocytoma. By the third round of surgery, the tumor had progressed to anaplastic astrocytoma with contrast enhancement following Gd administration, and the patient received 60 Gy of external beam radiotherapy and nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU)-based chemotherapy. After the fifth tumor removal surgery, TMZ was substituted with ACNU chemotherapy, which suppressed tumor progression. Following the 41st TMZ treatment, hemorrhage was observed in the residual tumor, and the hematoma had been replaced by a hemangioma. The hemangioma and surrounding brain tissue was removed during the sixth surgery. The patient survived for 14 years and 9 months after the initial surgery, but succumbed to hydrocephalus due to bleeding from hemangiomas. The histopathological specimens of the first to the sixth surgeries revealed mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1; R132H point mutation) and p53-positive tumor cells, but cells positive for the R132H mutation or p53 could not be detected by immunohistochemistry in the autopsy specimens of the brain after 108 courses of TMZ treatment. Mutant IDH1 (R132H) cells were also not detected in the autopsy specimens of the brain by polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is known as one of the incurable brain tumors. In March 2020, Tirabrutinib (TIR), a second-generation oral Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was approved for the indication of relapsed or refractory PCNSL (rrPCNSL) based on the results of a phase I/II study in Japan (Trial registration: JapicCTI-173646). In this study, 44 Japanese patients with rrPCNSL were treated with TIR QD at 320 mg, 480 mg, or 480 mg in the fasted condition (480 mg fasted QD). The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) assessed by an independent review committee according to International PCNSL Collaborative Group criteria. We previously reported the results of this study with data cutoff on June 13, 2019 (Nagane et al., the 61st American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition in 2019). In the report, 17 of 44 patients were treated with TIR at 480 mg fasted QD which is an approved dose, and had ORR of 52.9%, median progression-free survival of 5.8 months, and median overall survival of not reached (median follow-up: 3.8 months). In 44 patients, ORR was similar among patients harboring either of the oncogenic mutants CARD11, MYD88, CD79B, or wild type. Throughout the whole patients, most common adverse events (AEs) at any grade were rash (32%), neutropenia (23%), leukopenia (18%), and lymphopenia (16%), and grade ≥3 AEs were neutropenia (9.1%), lymphopenia, leukopenia, and erythema multiforme (6.8% each). One patient with 480 mg QD had grade 5 AEs (pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and interstitial lung disease). We will present one-year follow-up data of this study at the meeting. As of data cutoff (February 25, 2020), 11 of 44 patients continued to receive TIR, including 6 patients with 480 mg fasted QD. Updated data for OS, duration of response, and time to onset of AEs will also be presented.

AIM The 2016 WHO classification requires molecular diagnosis in routine glioma diagnostics. However, analysis of key driver gene mutations and chromosome 1p/19q co-deletions cannot be performed in a single platform. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of a glioma-specific NGS panel for molecular diagnosis of glioma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We developed a glioma-specific NGS panel consisting of 48 genes, including glioma-relevant key driver genes and 21 genes mapped to chromosome 1 and 19. DNA was extracted from formaldehyde fixed-paraffin embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues histologically identified by a pathologist, and from patient-derived blood as a control. In this system, we implemented a molecular barcodes method to enhance confidence in clinical samples and analyzed 80 glioma patients (Grade II: 17 cases, Grade III: 16 cases, Grade IV: 47 cases). RESULTS From these 80 cases, IDH1 and H3F3A mutations were detected in 23 cases (29%) and 2 cases (5%), respectively. The 1p/19q co-deletion was detected in 15 cases (19%), with all cases also containing IDH1 mutations. In Grade IV cases, EGFR, PDGFR, and FGFR mutations were detected in 6% (amp 19%), 9%, and 4% (amp 17%) of cases, respectively. PTEN, TP53, NF1, RB1, and CDKN2A mutations were detected in 37% (del 72%), 45% (del 13%), 21% (del 23%), 15% (del 60%), and 2% (del 53%) of cases, respectively. CONCLUSION Diagnosis of glioma patients with this glioma-specific NGS panel is feasible.

INTRODUCTION Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common primary malignant brain tumour in adults. It is characterised by rapid proliferation, aggressive migration, and invasion into normal brain tissue. Formin proteins have been implicated in cancer progression, invasion, and migration. However, the role of FMNL1 in cancer remains unclear. We are the first to investigate FMNL1 in GBM. METHODS Clinical specimens were obtained from tumours surgically removed and pathologically confirmed as GBM from 217 GBM patients treated from 2000 to 2015 at the Department of Neurosurgery, Kagoshima University Hospital. We studied the expression of FMNL1 in glioblastoma samples by immunohistochemistry to analyse the correlation between FMNL1 expression, clinicopathologic variables, and patient survival. Migration and invasion assays were used to verify the effect of FMNL1 on glioblastoma cell lines. Microarray data were downloaded from TCGA and analysed using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). RESULTS FMNL1 was found to be a predictor of poor prognosis in a cohort of 217 cases (P < 0.001). GSEA showed that upregulation and downregulation of FMNL1 were associated with mesenchymal and proneural markers, respectively. Contrarily, downregulation of FMNL1 suppressed migration and invasion of glioblastoma multiforme cells via DIAPH1 and GOLGA2, respectively. Downregulation of FMNL1 also suppressed assembly of actin fibres, induced morphological changes, and diminished filamentous actin. CONCLUSION Our studies show that abundant FMNL1 expression in GBM patients is correlated with an unfavourable prognosis. FMNL1 is a promising therapeutic target and a useful biomarker for GBM progression.

Gliomas in children are rarer than in adult, then treatment strategies might vary from facility to facility. We report clinical features and outcome of pediatric glioma in our institution. Twenty-nine patients diagnosed with glioma, exclude ependymoma, 14 boys and 15 girls, among 98 pediatric brain tumor patients treated at Kagoshima University Hospital since 2006 were reviewed histopathology, extent of resection, adjuvant therapy and outcome, etc. Mean age at surgery was 10.4 (S.D. 5.6) years. Median follow-up period was 19.1 months. Histopathological diagnosis comprised 8 pilocytic astrocytoma, 3 ganglioglioma, 2 subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, 5 WHO grade Ⅱ astrocytoma, 8 glioblastoma, and desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma, anaplastic astrocytoma and astroblastoma were one case each. Tumor resection was performed in 24 cases, and 5 cases underwent biopsy. Chemotherapy was performed in 15 cases and irradiation was performed in 9 cases. Out of 5 WHO grade Ⅱ astrocytoma cases, 2 cases underwent biopsy following chemotherapy, 1 case underwent biopsy only and other 1 case underwent total resection. The four cases show long survival ranged from 71 to 136 months without irradiation. All of eight glioblastoma cases show poor prognosis ranged from 8.6 to 26.7 months regardless of chemo-radiotherapy. In management for pediatric brain tumor patients, irradiation is often laid over until recurrence. In WHO grade Ⅱ astrocytoma, the treatment strategy might be reasonable using appropriate chemotherapy even though biopsy cases.

Current consensus for the treatment of optico-hypothalamic astrocytoma (OHA) is a chemotherapy-first policy, limiting the role of surgery for histopathological diagnosis and partial decompression. However, a subgroup of OHA patients show resistance to chemotherapy and have a worse prognosis. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed our clinical experiences of the treatment of patients with OHA in two university hospitals. We have extracted and analyzed the medical charts of 15 pediatric OHA patients treated in two university hospitals since 1990. NF-1-associated OHA patients were excluded. Patient ages ranged from 10 months to 21 years (median 7 years). Out of 15 cases, 12 patients had a tumor larger than 3 cm and classified as Dodge 3. The final histopathological diagnosis was pilocytic astrocytoma in 13 cases. Three patients with tumors classified as Dodge 1 or 2 show good prognosis only by biopsy or partial resection. However, regarding Dodge 3 tumor, patient prognosis is worse regardless of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After the initial surgery, chemotherapy was administered in 11 cases and radiotherapy in 5 cases. Multiple surgeries are needed for tumor control in 7 patients. Four patients died of tumor progression or treatment-associated complications. When the initial tumor is large enough to cause neurological deterioration, a chemotherapeutic tumor suppressive effect might be limited in a subset of large OHA cases. Therefore, it is important to consider the proper timing of safe surgical decompression in the early phase when a large tumor does not respond to chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION Malignant gliomas in children and adolescents are rare. They are difficult to treat and are associated with an extremely poor prognosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The treatment and outcomes of WHO grade IV -gliomas and diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) in children and adolescents (Age 4–39, median 28) treated at our institute since 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-five cases were included in this study. Nine cases were located in their brain stem and 2 of them were diagnosed as DIPG clinically without biopsy. Three (brain stem -2, thalamus- 1) cases were diffuse midline glioma H3 K27 M mutant. Remaining 30 cases were diagnosed histologically as glioblastoma. Expect for 2 cases, all were irradiated. Twenty-four cases were treated with temozolomide (TMZ). Bevacizumab (BEV) was administrated as an initial therapy in 10 cases (concomitant with TMZ in 9 cases) and was administrated at the time of relapse in 9 cases. In summary, 19 cases were treated with BEV. RESULTS Median survival time (MST) of all cases was 16.8 (4.4 -152.3) months. In total, BEV did not prolonged overall survival (OS), MST 16.02 vs 14.44, (p=0.498). Among adolescents (age 15–39), patients treated with BEV had a trend of longer OS but did not reached statistical significance, MST 19.64 vs 10.76 (p=0.167). An extent of resection and KPS =>70 at discharge from hospital were beneficial factors associated with prolonged OS. CONCLUSION As well as in elderly cases, multidisciplinary treatment including resection, radiation and chemotherapy including BEV improves outcomes.

INTRODUCTION Intellectual assessment in children with craniopharyngioma after tumor removal is still unknown. We assessed intellectual development in children who underwent microsurgical resection in our institute over the last twelve years. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten children among 41 patients with craniopharyngioma treated and followed at Kagoshima University Hospital between 2007 and 2019 were reviewed. We also assessed intellectual development in 10 years or younger children with craniopharyngioma one year after tumor removal. Intelligence was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-Ⅳ). RESULTS Ten children underwent microsurgical tumor removal. The mean age at surgery was 5.8 (range 1–10) years. Transcranial approach was performed in 8 children, transsphenoidal approach in two children. The mean follow up period was 110 months. Gamma knife surgery (GKS) was performed in 6 children less than 6 months after first surgery. Regional recurrences occurred in 5 children, and additional GKS was performed in four children, second microsurgical removal in one child. Severe obesity with a transient electrolyte imbalance occurred in one child. Eight children with GH deficiency underwent GH replacement therapy. Eight children were assessed working memory index (WMI), processing speed index (PSI), Perceptual reasoning index (PRI), and verbal comprehension index (VCI) using WISC 4. Each mean value of WMI, PSI, and PRI was lower than VCI, except for 2 children with normal full scale intelligence quotient. CONCLUSION WMI, PSI and PRI in children with intellectual disabilities were lower tendency than VCI after surgical removal of craniopharyngiomas in the present study.

Bevacizumab (BEV), an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor A, has been used for primary and recurrent malignant gliomas in Japan since June, 2013. Previous randomized controlled studies demonstrated that BEV prolonged the progression-free survival, but not the overall survival (OS) of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effect of BEV on the OS of patients with unresectable malignant gliomas. Of the 440 cases of malignant glioma initially treated in our institute between 2000 and 2015, 88 were not suitable for maximal resection due to patient age, physical condition, tumor location and extent, or the patient's wishes. Based on the biopsy results, the pathological diagnosis was glioblastoma, anaplastic astrocytoma and anaplastic oligodendroglioma in 60, 19 and 9 patients, respectively. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analyses were performed to investigate the effect of BEV on OS. OS was longer in the BEV group (n=24) compared with that in the non-BEV group [n=64; median survival time (MST), 566 vs. 243 days, respectively; hazard ratio (HR)=0.413; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.216–0.787; P=0.003]. In the 41 patients who received temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy and the 31 patients with glioblastoma who received TMZ and radiotherapy, OS was longer in the BEV group compared with that in the non-BEV group (MST, 568 vs. 334 days, HR=0.404, 95% CI: 0.175–0.933, P=0.016; and MST, 566 vs. 160 days, HR=0.253, 95% CI: 0.099–0.646, P=0.001, respectively). In the Cox hazard model analysis of 41 patients who underwent TMZ-based chemoradiotherapy after biopsy, the use of BEV was the strongest independent beneficial factor associated with prolonged OS (HR=0.101; P=0.0002). Our retrospective survey suggested that BEV prolongs the OS of patients with unresectable malignant gliomas. However, these results must be verified by a well-designed prospective randomized controlled trial.

Gangliogliomas typically arise in the cerebral hemispheres, but may occur rarely in the ventricles. Herein, we report a 38-year-old woman who was treated for hydrocephalus caused by a ganglioglioma of the third ventricle. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a heterogeneously enhanced tumor occupying the anterior part of the third ventricle. A left trans-lateral ventricular trans-foramen of Monroi approach was effective in achieving subtotal resection of the tumor, which had arisen from the medial part of left thalamus to the hypothalamus. Follow-up MRI showed no recurrence of the tumor 5-years after surgery. On pathological examination, the tumor was composed of a glial component that presented features mimicking pilocytic astrocytoma with proliferations of large gangliocytic cells that stained positive for neuronal markers. A review of six similar cases in the literature, including our own, revealed hydrocephalus to be the main symptom of gangliogliomas, with pituitary insufficiencies and visual disturbances having also been reported. In conclusion, we highlight the importance of gangliogliomas in the differential diagnosis of third ventricular tumors presenting with hydrocephalus.

In March 2020, Tirabrutinib (TIR), a second-generation oral Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was approved for the indication of relapsed or refractory PCNSL (r/rPCNSL) based on the results of a phase I/II study in Japan. In this study, 44 Japanese patients with r/rPCNSL were treated with TIR QD at 320 mg, 480 mg, or 480 mg in the fasted condition (480 mg fasted QD). The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) assessed by an independent review committee according to International PCNSL Collaborative Group criteria. We previously reported the results of this study with data cutoff in June 2019 (Narita et al. Neuro Oncol. 2020). In the report, 17 of 44 patients were treated with TIR at 480 mg fasted QD which is an approved dose, and had ORR of 52.9%, median progression-free survival of 5.8 months, and median overall survival of not reached (median follow-up: 3.8 months). In 44 patients, ORR was similar among patients harboring either of the oncogenic mutants CARD11, MYD88, CD79B, or wild type. Throughout the whole patients, most common adverse events (AEs) at any grade were rash (31.8%), neutropenia (22.7%), leukopenia (18.2%), and lymphopenia (15.9%), and grade ≥3 AEs were neutropenia (9.1%), lymphopenia, leukopenia, and erythema multiforme (6.8% each). One patient with 480 mg QD had grade 5 AEs (pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and interstitial lung disease). We will present one-year follow-up data of this study at the meeting. As of data cutoff (February 2020), 11 of 44 patients continued to receive TIR, including 6 patients with 480 mg fasted QD. Updated data for overall survival, duration of response, and time to onset of AEs will also be presented. TIR is a promising new treatment for r/rPCNSL.

Background: Sellar neuroblastoma is a very rare entity. We report a rare case of arginine vasopressin (AVP)- producing sellar neuroblastoma presumed to have originated from the lower part of sellar turcica, which grew very rapidly. Case Description: A 33-year-old woman was found to have a sellar lesion with a diameter of 18 mm invading into the bilateral cavernous sinus on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed for dizziness. Six years later, when she visited the clinic due to bilateral visual disturbance, MRI showed a rapid growth of the tumor, with a maximal diameter of 56 mm at the current state, strongly compressing the optic nerve and chiasm. Transsphenoidal decompression of the optic chiasm revealed an intact pituitary gland on the top of the tumor. The tumor was composed of neoplastic cells that were immunohistochemically positive for neuronal markers and arginine vasopressin (AVP), but negative for all anterior pituitary hormones, glial fibrillary acidic protein, or thyroid transcription factor-1; these findings were suggestive of sellar neuroblastoma. She underwent 50-Gy radiation therapy, which has controlled the growth for the past 3 years. Conclusion: Awareness of rare sellar neuroblastomas will allow the accumulation of clinicopathologic information that may facilitate the understanding of their origin, clinical features, neuroimaging characteristics, and pertinent adjuvant treatment.

INTRODUCTION Here,we discuss the presentation,histology,therapy,and outcome of central nervous system tumors in children. METHODS Treatment outcome and management was assessed for children diagnosed with central nervous tumors from 2007 to 2017 at Kagoshima University. RESULTS Eight-eight patients (56 boys,32 girls) with a mean age of 10.3 years were included in this study. Patient tumor types included: germ cell tumor (n = 26); medulloblastoma (n = 16); pilocytic astrocytoma (n = 8); glioblastoma (n = 8); ependymoma (n = 6,1 with grade 2,5 with grade 3); hemangioblastoma,schwannoma,and ganglioglioma (n = 3 each); SEGA,pilomyxoid astrocytoma,and diffuse astrocytoma (n = 2 each),and anaplastic astrocytoma,PPTID,PNET,PXA,DIA,central neurocytoma,astroblastoma,meningioma,and choroid plexus papilloma (n = 1 each). The most common patient clinical features were headache and vomiting associated with hydrocephalus. The median follow-up period was 61 months. All patients with germ cell tumors underwent adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT); patients with germinoma or immature teratoma were still alive,while patients with embryonal carcinoma,yolk sac tumor,or choriocarcinoma had poor prognosis with a median survival of 16 months. For cases of ependymoma,three patients received ICE chemotherapy and RT,and two patients received RT alone; median survival time was 31 months. For high grade glioma,seven patients received temozolomide and RT,and two patients received temozolomide alone; median survival time was 13 months. CONCLUSIONS Patients with germ cell tumors had a relatively good prognosis,while patients with ependymoma or high grade glioma had a poor prognosis. As treatment strategies for ependymoma and high grade glioma are currently limited,it is necessary to evaluate treatment options in consideration of clinical course and quality of life,in addition to histologic and genetic findings.

AIM Molecular classification of glioma is a mandatory in the diagnosis of glioma according to the WHO 2016 classification of tumors of the central nervous system. However, WHO does not indicate the molecular methodology to be integrated, and the versatility and cost-effectiveness of molecular diagnosis is a concern. In this study, we evaluate the feasibility of a glioma specific tailored NGS panel where driver gene mutation and 1p/19q codeletion can be analyzed in a single platform. MATERIALS AND METHODS We developed a glioma specific tailored NGS panel consisting of 48 key driver genes including IDH1/2, TP53, PTEN, EGFR, PDGFR, NF1, RB1, CDKN2A, and the TERT promoter. DNA was extracted from FFPE tumor tissues histologically identified by a pathologist, and from patient derived blood to serve as a control. In this system, gene mutations and copy number alterations can be precisely characterized, thus 1p/19q co-deletion can also be evaluated. We have analyzed 106 glioma patients (Grade II: 19 cases, Grade III: 23 cases, Grade IV: 64 cases) using this system. RESULTS From these 106 cases, IDH1 and TERT promoter mutations were detected in 33 cases (28%) and 55 cases (52%), respectively. 1p/19q co-deletion was detected in 19 cases (18%), with IDH1 mutations in all cases. In 57 Grade IV cases, TP53, PTEN, RB1, NF1, PDGFRA mutations were detected in 25 cases (43%), 24 cases (41%), 10 cases (17%), 8 cases (14%) and 6 cases (10%). Although EGFR mutation frequency was low (3%), amplification was detected in 14 cases (24%). As for deletion, PTEN and CDKN2A loci were deleted in 36 cases (62%) and 30 cases (52%), respectively. To note, MET alterations were detected in 2 cases. The cases in which histopathological diagnosis is difficult to make have a tendency to show atypical genetic alterations. CONCLUSION Diagnosis of glioma patients with this glioma-specific tailored NGS panel is feasible.

PURPOSE We are developing a 48-gene OncoPanel (Kagoshima Brain Tumor 48 OncoPanel) specializing in glioma diagnosis. Clinical application of genetic diagnosis derived from genetic alterations detected by OncoPanel, including IDH mutation, 1p/19q-codeletion, and other gene mutations in lower-grade glioma was verified. METHODS The 48 genes consist of 24 genes related to glioma and 24 genes on chromosomes 1 and 19. DNA was extracted from tumor FFPE samples and blood samples, and then single nucleotide variants and copy number variants were detected using next-generation sequencer. RESULTS Among the 99 diffuse glioma cases that had undergone OncoPanel analysis by July 2019, 40 cases diagnosed histologically as WHO grade 2 or 3 diffuse glioma were included. The integrated diagnosis by conventional gene analysis were Diffuse astrocytoma 10 cases, anaplastic astrocytoma 11 cases, oligodendroglioma 10 cases, anaplastic oligodendroglioma 9 cases. IDH1 mutation was detected in 30 cases, of which in 19 cases 1p/19q-codeletion was detected, all with TERT mutation. Among 11 cases with 1p/19q-non-codeletion, ATRX mutation was detected in 10 cases and was almost mutually exclusive with TERT mutation. In 10 cases without IDH mutation, EGFR amplification or mutation was detected in 6 cases, of which 4 cases were accompanied by TERT mutation. DISCUSSION KBT48 can detect TERT and ATRX mutations in a mutually exclusive manner and can improve the classification accuracy of oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma. Groups with gene profiles similar to glioblastoma with EGFR amplification/mutation and TERT mutation can also be classified. CONCLUSIONS In the diagnostic classification of lower-grade glioma, KBT48 can well classify into oligodendroglioma group, astrocytoma group and glioblastoma-like group, and is considered to be applicable in clinical practice.

Choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) are rare intraventricular neoplasms accounting for about 0.3–0.6% of all intracranial tumors. This retrospective study on CPTs presents clinico-pathological features and management strategies based on a 20-year single-institutional experience. This series included 10 consecutive patients with pathologically proven CPTs; 5 choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs), 3 atypical CPPs (ACPPs), and 2 choroid plexus carcinomas (CPCs). Their clinical, radiological, and histopathological features as well as management including follow-up studies were reviewed. The patients included five males and five females, aging from 0 years to 61 years with median of 28 years. The affected site was lateral ventricle in two adults and fourth ventricle in eight patients; four children and four adults. The most common symptoms were gait disturbance and memory disturbance. All the patients underwent craniotomy with total, subtotal, and partial removals achieved in 50%, 40%, and 10% of the patients, respectively. The occurrence of the high grade subtypes was 50% in both the adult and pediatric groups. The Ki-67/MIB-1 index increased across the three histological subtypes, from CPP to ACPP and then to CPC. Adjuvant therapy was administered in three patients. The two patients (one adult and one child) with CPC died of whole central nervous system dissemination. At a median of 62-month follow-up, the other eight patients were alive, with only one patient having recurrence and reoperation. The results demonstrate that gross total resection is usually curative for CPP and ACPP, and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy would be required for CPC and incompletely resected ACPP.

A hyperintensity rim is often seen at the brain–tumor interface of meningiomas upon T2-weighted (T2WI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and it is referred to as the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space; however, the true nature of the rim remains unclear. We surveyed the MRI findings and the histopathologic characteristics of such rims. Our study population consisted of 53 consecutive patients who underwent meningioma removal at our hospital. The intensity of the rim on MRI scans obtained with different imaging sequences was assessed in all patients. We used 22 tumors for histopathologic investigation: tissue samples were acquired from both the tumor surface and from a deep intratumoral site. Of the 53 meningiomas, 37 (69.8%) manifested a hyperintensity rim on T2WI (T2-rim). The other 16 showed neither a hyperintense nor a hypointense rim on their T2WI. An enhancement effect corresponding to the rim was observed in 28 of the 37 (75.7%) T2-rim positive tumors. While 9 among the 37 tumors with a T2-rim (24.3%) did not show rim enhancement, they showed low intensity on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. The microvascular density in the tumor capsule was significantly greater in the 12 T2-rim and rim enhancement positive tumors than in 10 tumors that were T2-rim negative or T2-rim positive, but rim enhancement-negative ( p

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the trend of glioblastoma outcome and scrutinize the factors contributing to better outcome over three decades.Survival time and the influencing factors were retrospectively analyzed in 223 newly diagnosed primary glioblastoma patients during 1980-2010. Appraised factors included age, sex, tumor site, year of surgery, extent of resections, use of surgery supporting system, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), chemotherapy, conventional external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), and CyberKnife stereotactic radiotherapy (CK-SRT) use.The median survival time (MST) in all patients was 13.6 months. The MSTs for 4 periods were 9.8 (1980-1990), 13.7 (1991-2000), 12.9 (2001-2005), and 15.8 months (2006-2010), respectively (p=0.0047). Total resection, subtotal resection, partial resection, and biopsy had MSTs of 31.8, 13.9, 11.4, and 7.0 months, respectively (p0.0001). Regarding chemotherapy, MSTs of the temozolomide base group and nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU) base group were 16.9 and 14.6 months, respectively, whereas the MST of patients without chemotherapy was only 9.8 months (p0.0001). The MSTs for 40-Gy EBRT plus CK-SRT and 60-Gy EBRT were 19.1 and 10.7 months, respectively (p0.0001). But in sub-selected patients, treated during 2001-2010, whose resection rate was total resection or subtotal resection, EBRT was completed and postoperative KPS was greater than or equal to 70, the MST with and without CK-SRT was 26.6 and 18.3 months, respectively (p=0.1529). According to the Cox proportional hazards model, degree of resection, KPS, ACNU use, temozolomide use, bevacizumab use, EBRT dose, and CK-SRT use were good prognostic factors. Use of neuronavigation and use of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging were related to higher resection rate, but not determined as prognostic factors.We observed a gradual improvement in glioblastoma outcome, presumably because of improvements in therapeutic modalities for surgery, anticancer agents, and radiation, but the efficacy of CK-SRT remains unclear.

Meningiomas in the third ventricle are rare, with only very few cases reported in the literature. We report a case of primary third ventricular anaplastic meningioma in a 49-year-old man who presented with progressive weakness of the left limbs and headache. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor which seemed to arise from the right thalamus and extending into third ventricle. The tumor was heterogeneously enhanced with gadolinium. It was totally removed by right transventricular-subchoroidal approach. The lesion was intraoperatively found to be whitish hard and embedded in right thalamus, but had attachment to choroid plexus near foramen Monroi with narrow interface. The histological diagnosis was atypical meningioma, WHO Grade II. Lesion recurred 20 months later and was resected via the same approach, which turned out to be papillary meningioma, WHO Grade III. The patient had second recurrence 23 months after second surgery which was operated and the final diagnosis was anaplastic meningioma (WHO Grade III). Literature review showed meningioma of the third ventricle is quite exceptional and more than half of the cases were aggressive subtypes (Grade II or III).

BACKGROUND The first-generation Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib is effective in patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Tirabrutinib is a second-generation oral BTK inhibitor with greater selectivity than ibrutinib. We evaluated the safety, tolerability, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of tirabrutinib once daily (QD) as monotherapy in patients with PCNSL to investigate BTK targeting as a novel therapeutic strategy. This multicenter clinical trial was sponsored by Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and was conducted in Japan. METHODS Patients with r/r PCNSL, at least 1 parenchymal disease, Karnofsky performance status (KPS) ≥70, and normal end-organ function were treated with tirabrutinib 320 and 480 mg QD in the phase 1 portion to evaluate dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) within 28 days using a 3+3 dose escalation design, and with 480 mg QD in a fasted condition in the phase 2 portion to assess the safety, efficacy, and PK of tirabrutinib. The primary objective of the phase 2 portion was to evaluate overall response rate (ORR) as assessed by an independent review committee (IRC) according to International PCNSL Collaborative Group (IPCG) criteria. RESULTS Forty-four patients were enrolled; 20 received tirabrutinib at 320 mg, 7 at 480 mg, and 17 at 480 mg under fasted conditions as of June 13, 2019. The median patient age and KPS were 60 years (range 29-86) and 80, respectively. The median number of prior therapies was 2 (range 1-14); all patients had received methotrexate; and 28 had isolated parenchymal disease, 14 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) involvement, and 3 intraocular involvement. No DLTs were observed, and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was not reached up to 480 mg. Commonly observed events (AEs) at any grade were rash (32%), neutropenia (23%), leukopenia (18%), and lymphopenia (16%). Commonly observed grade ≥3 AEs were neutropenia (9.1%), lymphopenia, leukopenia, and erythema multiforme (6.8% each). Two grade 5 AEs (pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and interstitial lung disease) were observed in a patient 33 days after starting tirabrutinib at 480 mg QD. IRC-assessed ORR was 64% (28/44); 60% (12/20) with 5 complete response (CR)/unconfirmed complete response (CRu) at 320 mg, 100% (7/7) with 4 CR/CRu at 480 mg, and 53% (9/17) with 6 CR/CRu at 480 mg under fasted conditions. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8-11.1); 2.1 months (95% CI: 1.8-NA) at 320 mg, 11.1 months (95% CI: 1.4-NA) at 480 mg, and 5.8 months (95% CI: 1.0-5.8) at 480 mg under fasted conditions. Median overall survival was not reached (95% CI: NA-NA). ORR was similar among patients harboring the oncogenic mutants CARD11, MYD88, CD79B, and wild type (Table 1). Mean values of maximum observed plasma concentration of tirabrutinib after multiple administration on Day 28 at 320 mg, 480 mg, and 480 mg under fasting conditions were 1360, 2270, and 2690 ng/mL, respectively. The area under the plasma concentration time curve over a dosing interval was 6370, 11800, and 11800 ng*h/mL, respectively. The exposure of tirabrutinib increased with increasing dose, regardless of fasting status. Mean trough concentration of tirabrutinib in CSF/plasma at 320 mg and 480 mg on Day 28 was 2.19/16.3 ng/mL and 14.0/89.3 ng/mL, respectively. This indicated that CSF concentration increased with increasing plasma concentration at trough, while the trough concentration ratios between CSF and plasma at each dose were comparable with the free fraction of tirabrutinib in plasma. CONCLUSION Tirabrutinib had a tolerable safety profile and MTD was not reached in patients with PCNSL. IRC-assessed ORR was 64%, despite the presence of CARD11 mutation. Median PFS was longer with the increasing dose. Further investigation is warranted. Disclosures Nagane: Tsumura: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Astellas: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Otsuka: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers-Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Dainippon-Sumitomo: Honoraria; NovoCure: Honoraria; UCB Japan: Honoraria; Daiichi-Sankyo: Honoraria, Research Funding; Nippon-Kayaku: Honoraria, Research Funding; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; MSD: Honoraria, Research Funding; AbbVie: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Ono: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Shionogi: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding. Narita:Ono: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria, Research Funding; AbbVie: Honoraria, Research Funding; Dainippon-Sumitomo: Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi-Sankyo: Honoraria, Research Funding; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Stella-pharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; Otsuka: Honoraria, Research Funding; Meiji-seika: Honoraria, Research Funding; SBI pharma: Honoraria, Research Funding. Mishima:Ono: Research Funding; Chugai: Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; Eisai: Research Funding; Teijin Pharma: Research Funding; Medical U and A: Research Funding; AbbVie: Research Funding; Otsuka: Research Funding; Daiichi-Sankyo: Research Funding; Nihon-Medi-Physics: Research Funding. Terui:Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Janssen, Takeda, MSD, Eisai, Ono, and Chugai-Roche Pharmaceuticals Co.,Ltd.: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb K.K.: Research Funding. Arakawa:UCB: Honoraria; Otsuka: Honoraria; AbbVie: Honoraria; NovoCure: Honoraria; CSL Behring: Honoraria; Nippon-Kayaku: Honoraria; Pfizer: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; CLS: Research Funding; Daiichi-Sankyo: Honoraria, Research Funding; Meiji Seika: Honoraria, Research Funding; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Merck: Honoraria, Research Funding; TanabeMitsubishi: Research Funding; Zeiss: Research Funding; Brainlab: Honoraria, Research Funding; Nihon Medi-Physics: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Philips: Research Funding; Siemens: Research Funding; Ono: Research Funding. Yonezawa:Ono: Research Funding. Asai:Ono: Research Funding. Fukuhara:Mundi: Honoraria; Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Nippon Shinkyaku: Honoraria; Kyowa-Hakko Kirin: Honoraria; Mochida: Honoraria; Bayer: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Honoraria; Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Honoraria; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene Corporation: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen Pharma: Honoraria; Zenyaku: Honoraria; AbbVie: Research Funding; Solasia Pharma: Research Funding. Sugiyama:Ono: Research Funding; Taiho: Research Funding; Daiichi-Sankyo: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers-Squibb: Research Funding; Chugai: Research Funding; Meiji Seika: Research Funding; Yakult: Research Funding. Shinojima:Ono: Research Funding. Kitagawa:Ono: Employment. Aoi:Ono: Employment. Nishikawa:Ono: Honoraria, Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; AbbVie: Honoraria, Research Funding; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria, Research Funding; NovoCure: Honoraria; Daiichi-Sankyo: Honoraria. OffLabel Disclosure: Tirabrutinib. Clinical trial for PCNSL.

Although there is a relationship between DNA repair deficiency and temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in glioblastoma (GBM), it remains unclear which molecule is associated with GBM recurrence. We isolated three TMZ-resistant human GBM cell lines and examined the expression of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and mismatch repair (MMR) components. We used immunohistochemical analysis to compare MutL homolog 1 (MLH1), postmeiotic segregation increased 2 (PMS2) and MGMT expression in primary and recurrent GBM specimens obtained from GBM patients during TMZ treatment. We found a reduction in MLH1 expression and a subsequent reduction in PMS2 protein levels in TMZ-resistant cells. Furthermore, MLH1 or PMS2 knockdown confered TMZ resistance. In recurrent GBM tumours, the expression of MLH1 and PMS2 was reduced when compared to primary tumours.

Metastatic brain tumors from gastric and colon cancers are frequently revealed by hypointensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRIs). However, the reason for this T2 hypointensity has yet to be clarified. We hypothesize that it is due to collagen deposition within the tissues. Seven metastatic brain tumors, from 3 gastric cancers and 4 colon cancers were investigated. The degree of hypointensity of these tumors in T2-weighted images was quantitatively assessed as the ratio of gray-scale densities of tumor to brain using ImageJ. The result was compared with the amount of collagen in the resected specimens, which was quantified by ImageJ analysis software, utilizing the colour deconvolution method following Azan-Mallory staining. The degree of hypointensity was also compared with the ratio of viable epithelial component area/whole tissue area. Additionally, collagen distribution was studied by immunohistochemical staining. There was a clear negative correlation between intensity in T2-weighted images of these metastatic tumors and the amount of collagen they contained (R 2 = 0.766). However, there was no significant correlation between the T2 intensity and the ratio of viable epithelial component. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that collagen types I, III, VII, X, and XI were expressed in the epithelial components and types IV, V, and VI were expressed in the stromal areas of the metastatic tumors. Collagen deposition was observed not only in stromal fibrous areas, but also in cytoplasmic areas in these metastatic tumors. Hypointensity of metastatic brain tumors arising from gastric and colonic cancers may be due to the accumulation of collagen in the tissues.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of Wnt5a and its receptors on the survival of glioblastoma patients and to determine reliable evaluation methods for immunohistochemistry. Diagnostic specimens from 41 histopathologically confirmed primary glioblastoma patients whose Gd-enhanced tumors had been totally removed were immunohistochemically stained for Wnt5a, Fzd2, Fzd6, and Ryk. The immunoreactivity was evaluated using the following methods: (A) grayscale optical density after color deconvolution, (B) percentage of stained cells, (C) density of stained cells, (D) staining amount (multiplication product of B and C), and (E) staining rank. The data sets of A to E were statistically evaluated by correlation matrix analysis and regression analysis. The influence of the expression of the markers on survival was analyzed using a proportional hazard model. The results of color deconvolution (A) were well correlated with the results of the staining rank (E). In the semiquantitative results (B, C, and D), the staining amount (D) tended to show a better correlation with results of color deconvolution (A). Among all data sets, color deconvolution (A) demonstrated the most preferable fit in a proportional hazard model, and the expression of Fzd2 and Fzd6 was associated with poor prognosis in glioblastoma patients.

Many vestibular schwannomas (VS) manifest intratumoral microhemorrhages whose underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Thrombomodulin (TM) is an endothelial anticoagulant cofactor that promotes the thrombin-mediated formation of activated protein C that inhibits thrombus formation. We investigated the existence of TM in VS and its potential role in the development of microhemorrhages. We used immunohistochemical staining to study the expression of TM in tissues derived from 25 patients with VS. Hemosiderin deposition was examined by Berlin blue staining and compared with the expression of TM. Vascular endothelial cells in all 25 VS tissues expressed TM. The TM-positive vessel ratio, calculated by dividing the number of TM-positive by the number of CD34-positive lumens, was significantly higher in hemosiderin-laden than hemosiderin-negative tissues (0.71 ± 0.17 vs. 0.53 ± 0.31, p = 0.049, Mann-Whitney U test). Our findings suggest a close relationship between the expression of TM and microhemorrhage in VS.

We determined distribution of plasma cells and IgG4/IgG index and factors associated with the index in intracranial inflammatory lesions. Specimens of nine patients were analyzed immunohistochemically using antibodies against CD45, CD68, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD138, lambda chain, kappa chain, IgG, IgG4, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-18, toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR4, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). The relationship between all the factors was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (ρ). Negative ALK staining was observed in all the patients. Plasma cells were detected in eight patients with varying degrees. The highest number of neutrophils, but no plasma cells, was observed in a patient with the shortest history of inflammation. IgG4/IgG index was independent of the number of plasma cells. The index was relatively highly correlated with IL-6 (ρ = 0.7271) and TLR4 expression (ρ = 0.7246). IL-6 expression was highly correlated with TLR4 expression (ρ = 0.8042). IL-18 was maximally expressed in all the patients. TLR4 expression was strong, but TRL2 expression was weak. Positive HMGB1 staining was observed in all the patients, predominantly in the nuclei, but also in the cytoplasm in four patients. The cytoplasmic expression strongly correlated with IL-1α expression (ρ = 0.9583). The cytoplasmic colocalization of HMGB1 and IL-1α was histologically confirmed in cells with collapsing nuclei by the double-staining method. The IgG4/IgG indexes varied case by case. IL-6 and TLR4 expressions may influence IgG4/IgG index. The nuclei of cells with both IL-1α and HMGB1 expressions in the cytoplasm collapse in the cell death stage. The cooperative high expression of TLR4, IL-6, IL-18, MyD88 and HMGB1 suggest their critical roles in the inflammation circuit.

The sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is essential for normal development and embryogenic morphogenesis. In malignant neoplasms its inappropriate activation correlates with tumorigenesis, proliferation, and migration. However, the role of SHH in infiltrative growth of glioblastoma remains to be elucidated. CD133 is a marker of tumor stem cells in glioblastoma, which are thought to play important roles in tumorigenesis, drug resistance, and tumor recurrence. We investigated the role of the SHH signaling pathway in migration of glioblastoma cell lines derived from CD133-positive cells. Two cell lines, GBM1 and GBM2, were established from CD133-positive cells sorted on an automagnetic cell separator from dispersed human glioblastoma cells. Both cell lines exhibited sphere-like growth in serum-free medium containing growth factor. Expression of patched (PTCH)-, a receptor of SHH, of smoothened (SMO)-, a 7 transmembrane receptor, and of GLI1- and GLI2, PTCH cascade signal proteins, was evaluated by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The effects of recombinant SHH in the medium, and of knockdown of SMO-, GLI1- or GLI2 messenger RNA (mRNA) on the migratory ability of neoplastic cells were evaluated by scratch assays. RT-PCR revealed the presence of PTCH-, SMO-, GLI1-, and GLI2 mRNA in these cells. Their migratory ability was significantly enhanced (P

A previously healthy 31-year-old Japanese man presented with a very rare germinoma of the corpus callosum without other intracranial lesions manifesting as transitory speech disturbance. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a heterogeneously enhanced mass in the corpus callosum extending into the cavity of the septum pellucidum. A tumor specimen obtained by stereotactic biopsy revealed a two-cell pattern germinoma containing human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)-β-positive giant cells. The cerebrospinal fluid and serum levels of HCG and HCG-β subunit were measurable. The diagnosis was germinoma with syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells. Three cycles of chemotherapy consisting of ifosfamide, cisplatin, and etoposide, followed by radiation therapy achieved complete remission, and 5 cycles of chemotherapy with carboplatin and etoposide were added. MR imaging performed 40 months after the diagnosis showed a cicatricial cyst in the body of the corpus callosum, the original tumor site. All 11 previously reported cases of germinoma in the corpus callosum were associated with synchronous or metachronous intracranial lesions. These patients tended to be older than patients with general intracranial germinoma. Germinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of corpus callosum tumors, especially in young adult males.

A 6-year-old boy presented with mental disturbance and progressive left hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated large intracranial mass lesions with ring-like enhancement. His neurological condition deteriorated rapidly. Open biopsy via craniotomy was performed under the suspicion of tumor. Histological examination showed massive demyelination and axon preservation, but no tumor cells. The diagnosis was myelinoclastic diffuse sclerosis (MDS). He was treated with high-dose methylprednisolone and improved dramatically. MDS is a rare demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system that affects mainly children and may mimic a brain tumor. MDS must be included in the differential diagnosis in young patients with a brain tumor with atypical radiological appearance.

Background Primary pineal malignant melanomas are uncommon intracranial tumor. Here we discuss and review a case of primary pineal malignant melanoma over its feature of imaging studies, pathological findings, and management. Case description A 49-year-old woman receiving renal dialysis underwent computed tomography due to a 4-month history of tinnitus and hearing disturbance. A high-density 35-mm diameter tumor was detected in the pineal region; there was obstructive hydrocephalus. The tumor was heterogeneously hyperintense on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images, iso- and low-mixed intense on T2-weighted images with hemorrhagic components, and very low-intense on T2(*) images. A tumor was subtotally removed via the occipital transtentorial approach. Histologically, it consisted of densely proliferated spindle-shaped or polygonal cells with rich cytoplasmic melanin. The neoplastic cells manifested cellular pleomorphism, nuclear atypia, and mitosis (3/10 high-power fields) and were immunopositive for HMB45, Melan-A, and S100 protein. The MIB-1 index was 17.4%. Whole-body 18-fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography did not demonstrate any sites with hyper uptake. Examination of the skin and mucosa identified no lesions suggestive of melanoma. She underwent treatment with the whole brain and extended local boost irradiation. Chemotherapy was not delivered due to renal failure. Follow-up imaging studies showed no recurrence or distant lesions 56 weeks after surgery. Conclusion We report a rare case of primary pineal malignant melanoma with prolonged survival of more than 56 weeks after subtotal tumor resection followed by whole-brain and extended local irradiation without chemotherapy. Radiotherapy without chemotherapy might be sufficient for the treatment of this tumor.

We describe a very rare case of mature posterior fossa teratoma in an adult who presented with clinico-radiological findings consistent with a dermoid cyst. A computed tomography scan showed a hypodense mass in the cistern magna with calcification and a sinus tract in the occipital bone. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a hypo- to hyperintense mass without contrast enhancement. The intraoperative picture showed a dermal sinus and a cyst containing lipid, keratin and hair. Histopathological examination showed a tumor with components of all the three germ layers; thereby, a diagnosis of mature teratoma was made. The histopathological differentiation between teratoma and dermoid cyst is very valuable for ruling out the presence of immature/malignant or germinomatous components that would require further adjuvant therapies. Thus, we here present a rare case of posterior fossa teratoma mimicking dermoid cyst and emphasize the importance of histopathological differentiation between these entities.

Aneurysms located at the distal portion of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are rare, and their clinical features are not fully understood. We report the clinical features and management of 30 distal PICA aneurysms in 28 patients treated during the past decade at Kagoshima University Hospital and affiliated hospitals. Our series includes 20 women and eight men. Of their 30 aneurysms, 24 were ruptured, and six were unruptured; there were 27 saccular and two fusiform aneurysms; one was dissecting. Their location was at the anterior-medullary (n = 4), lateral-medullary (n = 9), tonsillomedullary (n = 7), telovelotonsillar (n = 6), and cortical (n = 4) segment of the PICA. In 18 patients, angiographic features suggested hemodynamic stress including an absent contralateral PICA or ipsilateral anterior inferior cerebellar artery, termination of the vertebral artery (VA) at the PICA, and hyperplasia or occlusion of the contralateral VA. As three patients died before surgery, 27 aneurysms in 25 patients were surgically treated. Of these, 6 were unruptured aneurysms; 20 were clipped via midline or lateral suboccipital craniotomy, and 5 were embolized with Guglielmi coils; in one, the PICA flow was reconstructed by OA-PICA anastomosis, and in the other one, the PICA was resected. Of the 25 surgically treated patients, 22 (88%) had good outcomes. The predominant contributor to the development of distal PICA aneurysms is thought to be increased hemodynamic stress attributable to anomalies in the PICA and related posterior circulation. Both direct clipping and coil embolization yielded favorable outcomes in our series. However, considering the difficulties that may be encountered at direct clipping in the acute stage and the availability of advanced techniques and instrumentation, aneurysmal coiling is now the first option to address these aneurysms.

Intracranial endodermal cysts presenting with hemifacial spasm (HFS) are extremely rare. We report a right cerebellopontine angle (CPA) endodermal cyst in a 56-year-old man who presented with a 6-month history of right-sided hemifacial spasm. Computed tomography revealed a homogenous, well-demarcated, hyperdense lesion extending from prepontine cistern to right CPA. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a right CPA extra-axial cystic lesion protruding into Meckel’s cave, with compression of cranial nerves VII and VIII. Light brown, creamy cystic content was totally removed, and the thin cyst wall surrounding cranial nerves VII and VIII and the right vertebral artery was subtotally removed through the right lateral suboccipital approach. On microscopic examination, the cyst wall was composed of mono- to multilayered stratified epithelia, which were lined by ciliated or nonciliated cuboidal cells, with cilia showing the characteristic 9 + 2 pattern. Immunohistochemistry showed positive staining of cells composing the cyst wall with carcinoembryonic antigen, epithelial membrane antigen, cytokeratin 8, and negative staining with cytokeratin 20, and S-100, thereby characterizing endodermal cyst. Postoperatively, the patient was free of facial spasm.

Intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) typically affect children and adolescents. We here report on a 59-year-old male patient presenting with diplopia, polydipsia and polyuria. On clinical examination, slight restriction of the upward gaze was seen on the left side. Computed tomography demonstrated calcifications in the pineal region and enhanced neurohypophysis. Magnetic resonance imaging displayed a heterogeneous pineal mass of 3-cm diameter, which was multicystic with an enhanced cyst wall, and also swelling of the pituitary stalk. The pineal lesion of the tumor, which included calcifications and keratinaceous components, was totally excised using an occipital transtentorial approach. Histopathological examination showed it to be a mixed GCT with germinoma and mature teratoma components. Postoperative chemoradiotherapy provided complete disappearance of the suprasellar lesion. To our knowledge, this is the first case of mixed bifocal GCT in an older adult reported in the literature, although a few cases of tumors with a single histological component have been reported. Hence, our case further underlines the possibility of the occurrence of GCTs in older adults and advocates the consideration of GCTs in the differential diagnosis of such cases for appropriate management.