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Objectives To evaluate the multiparametric diagnostic performance with non-enhancing tumor volume, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and arterial spin labeling (ASL) to differentiate between atypical primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and glioblastoma (GBM). Methods One hundred and fifty-eight patients with pathologically confirmed typical PCNSL (n = 59), atypical PCNSL (hemorrhage, necrosis, or heterogeneous contrast enhancement, n = 29), and GBM (n = 70) were selected. Relative minimum ADC (rADCmin), mean (rADCmean), maximum (rADCmax), and rADCmax-min (rADCdif) were obtained by standardization of the contralateral white matter. Maximum cerebral blood flow (CBFmax) was obtained according to the ASL-CBF map. The regions of interests (ROIs) were manually delineated on the inner side of the tumor to further generate a 3D-ROI and obtain the non-enhancing tumor (nET) volume. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance. Results Atypical PCNSLs showed significantly lower rADCmax, rADCmean, and rADCdif than that of GBMs. GBMs showed significantly higher CBFmax and nET volume ratios than that of atypical PCNSLs. Combined three-variable models with rADCmean, CBFmax, and nET volume ratio were superior to one- and two-variable models. The AUC of the three-variable model was 0.96, and the sensitivity and specificity were 90% and 96.55%, respectively. Conclusion The combined evaluation of rADCmean, CBFmax, and nET volume allowed for reliable differentiation between atypical PCNSL and GBM. Key Points • Atypical PCNSL is easily misdiagnosed as glioblastoma, which leads to unnecessary surgical resection. • The nET volume, ADC, and ASL-derived parameter (CBF) were lower for atypical PCNSL than that for glioblastoma. • The combination of multiple parameters performed well (AUC = 0.96) in the discrimination between atypical PCNSL and glioblastoma.

Brain necrosis (RN) is a common radiotherapy sequela for brain metastases. Bevacizumab is identified as a therapeutic strategy for RN. This study aimed to study the clinical and radiobiological impacts on the efficacy of Bevacizumab in treating RN following stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases.From April 2011 to November 2019, 40 patients diagnosed with RN after SRS for brain metastases were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were treated with Bevacizumab for RN and follow-up for 6 months using MR imaging at different timepoints. Linear regression was performed to evaluate the relationship between these variables.The median time course from the end of radiotherapy to the onset of RN was 11 months (range, 7-35 months). No significant difference was found in the edema volume between the chemotherapy group and non-chemotherapy group (P0.05). Patients received with SRS + WBRT exhibited relatively larger edema volumes post radiotherapy than those without WBRT (P0.05). Interestingly, the ratio of BED/GTV (Gy/cm3 ) correlated positively with the severity (time for half-reduction dose of corticosteroids) (r2 =0.13, P0.05), and negatively with the latency period (time course for development of radiation-induced brain necrosis) (r2 =0.21, P0.01). A new radiation doses volume index, BED × GTV (Gy·cm3 ), was proposed to facilitate the risk stratifications of patients for radiation-induced brain necrosis. Furthermore, no significant difference was found in alleviating brain edema between different regimens of Bevacizumab, i.e., 5 vs. 10 mg/kg, 2 vs.2 cycles (both P0.05).Bevacizumab is a feasible and favorable salvage treatment of BN after SRS for patients with BM. The efficacy is mainly manifested in radiological improvement and symptoms alleviation. The development of RN was found to be largely associated with radiation dose and gross tumor volume, and thus we proposed two new indexes, i.e., BED/GTV (Gy/cm3 ) for quantitative assessment of the severity and latency time, and BED × GTV (Gy·cm3 ) for risk stratifications for BN. A low dose with two cycles of Bevacizumab is recommended.

Since autophagy and the immune microenvironment are deeply involved in the tumor development and progression of Lower-grade gliomas (LGG), our study aimed to construct an autophagy-related risk model for prognosis prediction and investigate the relationship between the immune microenvironment and risk signature in LGG. Therefore, we identified six autophagy-related genes (BAG1, PTK6, EEF2, PEA15, ITGA6, and MAP1LC3C) to build in the training cohort (n = 305 patients) and verify the prognostic model in the validation cohort (n = 128) and the whole cohort (n = 433), based on the data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The six-gene risk signature could divide LGG patients into high- and low-risk groups with distinct overall survival in multiple cohorts (all p < 0.001). The prognostic effect was assessed by area under the time-dependent ROC (t-ROC) analysis in the training, validation, and whole cohorts, in which the AUC value at the survival time of 5 years was 0.837, 0.755, and 0.803, respectively. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the risk model was an independent risk predictor of OS (HR > 1, p < 0.05). A nomogram including the traditional clinical parameters and risk signature was constructed, and t-ROC, C-index, and calibration curves confirmed its robust predictive capacity. KM analysis revealed a significant difference in the subgroup analyses’ survival. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these autophagy-related signatures were mainly involved in the phagosome and immune-related pathways. Besides, we also found significant differences in immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy targets between risk groups. In conclusion, we built a powerful predictive signature and explored immune components (including immune cells and emerging immunotherapy targets) in LGG.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features, prognostic factors, and survival outcomes for patients with intracranial nongerminomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs), with a particular focus on treatment toxicity for long-term survivors.Intracranial NGGCTs treated with platinum-based chemotherapy and craniospinal irradiation (CSI) in our institution were retrospectively analyzed. Hematological complications following sequential chemoradiotherapy as well as height and weight in childhood survivors were evaluated. Plasma growth hormone (GH) concentrations prior to and after radiotherapy were obtained for the comparisons.A total of 111 intracranial NGGCTs were included. The 3‑year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) rates were 83.5% ± 3.9% and 71.0% ± 4.8%, respectively. A combined treatment modality consisting of ≥ 4 cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy and CSI was associated with an improved OS (P = 0.003) and EFS (P 0.001). Thrombocytopenia of any grade occurred in 35.4% (34/96) of patients, and the threshold age for an increased risk of thrombocytopenia was 14 years (area under the curve AUC = 0.752, P 0.0001) as derived from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Growth impediment was found in 8 of 56 (14%) patients. The age for receiving radiotherapy was found to inversely correlate with height development, revealing a cut-off age of 11.5 years for risking growth impairment (AUC = 0.806, P = 0.004). Consistently, a significant decline in plasma growth hormone after radiotherapy was observed in patients ≤ 11.5 years (P 0.01) but not patients 11.5 years. (P 0.05).Our study suggested that a combined treatment modality with at least four cycles of chemotherapy and CSI was safe and effective for patients with intracranial NGGCTs. Radiotherapy should be used with caution for patients 11.5 years due to growth impairment.

BackgroundMolecular characteristics are essential for the classification and grading of gliomas. However, diagnostic classification of midline glioma is still debatable and substantial molecular and clinical heterogeneity within each subgroup suggested that they should be further stratified. Here, we studied the mutation landscape of Chinese midline glioma patients in hope to provide new insights for glioma prognosis and treatment.MethodsTissue samples from 112 midline glioma patients underwent next-generation sequencing targeting 425 cancer-relevant genes. Gene mutations and copy number variations were investigated for their somatic interactions and prognostic effect using overall survival data. Pathway-based survival analysis was performed for ten canonical oncogenic pathways.ResultsWe identified several currently established diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of glioma, including TP53 (33%), EGFR (26%), TERT (24%), PTEN (21%), PIK3CA (14%), ATRX (14%), BRAF (13%), and IDH1/2 (6%). Among all genetic aberrations with more than 5% occurrence rate, six mutations and three copy number gains were greatly associated with poor overall survival (univariate, P < 0.1). Of these, TERT mutations (hazard ratio [HR], 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37–6.61; P = 0.01) and PIK3CA mutations (HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.08–3.84; P = 0.02) remained significant in multivariate analyses. Additionally, we have also identified a novel MCL1 amplification (found in 31% patients) as a potential independent biomarker for glioma (multivariate HR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.53–5.08; P < 0.001), which was seldom reported in public databases. Pathway analyses revealed significantly worse prognosis with abnormal PI3K (HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.12–2.95; P = 0.01) and cell cycle pathways (HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.15–3.37; P = 0.01), both of which stayed meaningful after multivariate adjustment.ConclusionsIn this study, we discovered shorter survival in midline glioma patients with PIK3CA and TERT mutations and with abnormal PI3K and cell cycle pathways. We also revealed a novel prognostic marker, MCL1 amplification that collectively provided new insights and opportunities in understanding and treating midline gliomas.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement have dismal outcomes. The detection sensitivity of conventional diagnosis of lymphoma through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology (CC) and flow cytometry (FCM) is restricted. CSF-ctDNA has shown to be an important method of liquid biopsy in patients with CNS cancers. To assess the correlation between CSF-ctDNA and CNS involvement in DLBCL, targeted mutational profiling was performed on CSF- and plasma -derived ctDNA together with matched systemic tumor tissues in 67 DLBCL patients clinically diagnosed as high risk for CNS relapse, using a validated panel of more than 400 genes. We found that ctDNA concentration in CSF but not in plasma correlated with CNS-IPI score in DLBCL patients. In CSF-positive high-risk DLBCL patients, eighty-six gene alterations(GAs) were shared between tumor tissue and CSF while ninety-five were shared between tumor tissue and plasma. Interestingly, forty-eight GAs(CSF-CNS GAs) were identified including 24 GAs exclusively in CSF and 24GAs shared by plasma which enriched in apoptosis/cell cycle related pathway and immunity-related pathway. To better screen for CNS-related molecular features in CSF, GAs in brain tumor tissue and CSF from a PCNSL-DLBCL cohort of 10 patients were sequenced and compared to that in high-risk group. Moreover, GAs in tumor samples from an additional cohort of 40 DLBCL patients clinically diagnosed as low-risk for CNS relapse were sequenced and compared to that in high-risk group to screen out non-CNS-related features. The number of alterations in five CSF-CNS genes including BTG2, PIM1, DUSP2, ETV6, CXCR4 in CSF was found to be associated with CNS risk in DLBCL patients. Our data supported the feasibility of using CSF-ctDNA as a complementary source for early detection of CNS involvement in DLBCL. The association between GAs in five CSF-CNS genes and CNS involvement deserved further investigation to determine their relevance in patient treatment and outcome. Disclosures Yu: Geneseeq Technology Inc: Current Employment. Ou:Geneseeq Technology Inc: Current Employment. Wang:Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc: Current Employment. Shao:Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc: Current Employment.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of stereotatic radiosurgery (SRS) in treating residual lesions of pineal non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs) after conventional radiotherapy. METHODS The patients admitted to Guangdong Sanjiu Brain Hospital from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2018 who diagnosed with pineal NGGCTs pathologically or clinically were retrospectively analyzed. Among those, the patients received conventional radiotherapy with or without SRS were included. The residual lesions after radiotherapy were defined with a maximum diameter > 10mm. Prognosis related parameters such as local control rate, progress-free survival, overall survival and treatment-related toxicity were determined. RESULTS The median follow-up time was 34 months (range 8-142 months). The objective response rate and disease control rate were 71.4% and 95.2%, respectively. Three-year progression-free survival rate was 85.2% and 3-year total survival rate was 88.0%. The univariate analysis revealed that both age and concurrent chemotherapy were not correlated with the prognosis (P=0.286, 0.824). Partial tumor resection before radiotherapy and chemotherapy, AFP＞500ng/ml, and no more than 4 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy were poor prognostic factors (P=0.037, 0.010, 0.006). Moreover, no acute radiation response was observed after treatment with SRS. Only 1 out of 27 patients (3.7%) had brain neurotoxicity related to a prolonged course of radiochemotherapy. CONCLUSION SRS for residual lesions of NGGCTs following conventional radiotherapy appears to be well tolerant and improved local control. However, the combination of conventional radiotherapy and SRS warrants further investigations in a large-scale randomized controlled clinical trials.

BACKGROUND Limited data is available in intracranial nongerminomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs) in Chinese population. Here we aimed to retrospectively assess the clinical-pathological and prognostic factors of NGGCTs in a single large institution in China. METHODS From June 2003 to December 2018, 111 consecutive NGGCTs were treated in Guangdong Sanjiu Brain Hospital, China. RESULTS The median follow-up was 36.2 months (range, 1.2 to 131.2 months). Three-year EFS and OS for 111 NGGCTs patients were 78.5%±4.5% and 82.8%±4.0%, respectively. 98 patients received CSI plus boost yielded better survival than those who received reduced-volume radiotherapy or no radiotherapy (3y OS, 86.7% vs. 51.4%, p=0.007). Patients had at least four cycles of chemotherapy were strongly associated with improved 3-year OS, compared to those received less than 4 cycles (94.1% vs. 63.6%, p＜0.001). There was no significant difference in survival of patients stratified by age, surgery, hydrocephalus, as well as tumor diameter. Multivariate analysis identified chemotherapy cycles less than 4 was the only prognostic factor that conferring a worse OS (p=0.003). Patients both received CSI and at least 4 courses of chemotherapy were correlated with lower incidence of relapse (p=0.044). CONCLUSIONS Multimodal approach including CSI and enough courses of chemotherapy was effective and should be recommended for the treatment of newly diagnosed NGGCTs in Chinese population.

BACKGROUND Glioma is one of the most malignant tumors in the central neural system, due to a lack of efficient immune therapy targets. Here we explored the transcriptional information of gliomas with the aim to discover novel biomarkers for glioma classifying in the aspects of prognosis and immune therapy targets prediction. METHODS We explored the gene expression data from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA). The extracellular matrix (ECM) and immune cells abundance of gliomas were evaluated on the transcriptional level by the ECM score and cell infiltration enrichment score. RESULTS Based on top differentially expressed genes (DEGs), ECM scores showed significantly differences between various grades (WHO II, III, and IV) of gliomas (p values < 0.0001). Cell infiltration enrichment scores of macrophages, macrophages M1, and monocytes showed positively correlated with the ECM scores by the linear regression analysis (r = 0.51, 0.54, and 0.62, respectively; p values < 0.0001). Variation-partitioning analysis indicated that macrophages, macrophages M1, and monocytes played dominant roles in the variances between WHO II, WHO III, and WHO IV gliomas. Survival association analysis showed that patients with higher infiltration of macrophages, macrophages M1, and monocytes shared shorter overall survival (OS). OS of glioblastoma (GBM) were determined to be shorter in high macrophages M1 enrichment group (p < 0.0001). Univariate and multivariate analysis of clinical characteristics with OS in GBM cohort demonstrated that macrophages M1 enrichment score was an independent survival risk factor for GBM patients. Further subgroup survival association analysis showed that the higher M1 macrophages enrichment score was associated with higher OS in IDH wildtype GBM patients (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates Macrophages M1 infiltration level as a poor prognostic factor for glioma and suggests macrophages M1 could be the potential immune therapy targets for IDH-wild-type GBM patients.

BACKGROUND According to EANO-ESMO clinical practice guidelines, the MRI findings of LM are divided into 4 types, namely linear enhancement (type A), nodular enhancement (type B), linear combined with nodular enhancement (type C), and sign of hydrocephalus (type D). METHODS The MRI features of brain and spinal cord in patients diagnosed with NSCLC-LM in Guangdong Sanjiu Brain Hospital from 2010 until 2019 were investigated, and then were classified into 4 types. The imaging features were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 80 patients were enrolled in the study. The median age of the patients was 53.5 years old, and the median time from the initial diagnosis to the confirmed diagnosis of LM was 11.6 months. The results of enhanced MRI examination of the brain in 79 cases showed that the number of cases with enhancements of type A, B, C and D were 50 (63.3%), 0, 26 (32.9%) and 3 (3.8%), respectively, and that LM with metastases to the brain parenchyma was found in 42 cases (53.2%). The results of enhanced MRI examination of spinal cord in 59 cases showed that there were only enhancements of type A and C in 40 cases (67.8%) and 3 cases (5.0%), and no enhancement sign in the other 16 cases (27.2%). CONCLUSION MRI examination of brain and spinal cord will improve the detection rate of LM. The MRI features of NSCLC-LM in real world are mainly characterized by the linear enhancements of brain and spinal cord, followed by linear combined with nodular enhancement. The enhancements of type B and type D are rare in clinic. Almost half of the patients have LM and metastases to the brain parenchyma. Therefore, the differentiation of tumor metastases is needed to be paid attention to for the early diagnosis and the formulation of reasonable treatment plans.

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of group medical games on the hospitalization adaptability of pediatric patients with neuro tumor. METHODS pediatric patients with neuro tumor (age:6 to 13 years) who were treated in hospital from June to December 2019 and were hospitalized for 1 month to 2 months. 29 pediatric patients(mean age:9y) were selected as the control group and treated as usual; 26 pediatric patients(meanage:8y) were selected as the experimental group for group therapeutic play intervention. Interventions last Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week, with an average duration of one hour. Group medical play include: medical picture book education, medical preview game, emotional games, social table games. Two groups completed self-made questionnaires at the time of admission and two weeks after admission, including: diet, sleep, compliance, and social status, hospital adaptation and other related issues, two groups completed a satisfaction questionnaire after two weeks of admission, recorded analysis and compared the difference of questionnaire data and satisfaction of the two groups of pediatric patients. RESULTS There was no statistical difference in age and sex between the two groups, and there was no significant difference in baseline RESULTS: The re-test results showed that the experimental group was significantly better than the control group in terms of social status, hospital adaptation, compliance and family satisfaction(p＜0.05). CONCLUSION Group medical games can effectively improve the adaptability, compliance and family satisfaction of pediatric with neuro tumor.

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is a rare but lethal complication of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has a devastating impact on patient survival and quality of life. Osimertinib, an irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is approved as a therapy for advanced NSCLC with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. However, the efficacy and optimal dosage of osimertinib in the treatment of NSCLC patients with LM who harbor uncommon EGFR mutations have yet to be fully investigated. Herein, we report a case of an advanced NSCLC patient with LM carrying EGFR G719S and L861Q, who was successfully treated by osimertinib at 160 mg. The patient initially presented with clear cell renal carcinoma and renal metastatic adenocarcinoma, and underwent right nephrectomy. At 2 months after nephrectomy, he developed a disturbance of consciousness and was subsequently diagnosed with NSCLC with LM by meningeal biopsy pathology and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology. Next-generation sequencing detected the rare EGFR mutations G719S and L861R in the meningeal biopsy tissues. The patient was then administered osimertinib at 80 mg quaque die (QD); after 1 month of treatment, his symptoms were alleviated. However, two months later, he experienced epileptic episode. Subsequently, the osimertinib dosage was doubled to 160 mg QD. After 1 month of treatment, the patient achieved central nervous system (CNS) response, and at the time of this manuscript's submission, he had maintained stable disease (SD) for more than 1 year. To our knowledge, this study provides the first clinical evidence that the administration of osimertinib at 160 mg once daily can achieve an encouraging, durable response in an NSCLC patient with LM carrying EGFR G719S and L861Q.

Background Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an important treatment option. This report evaluated the efficacy and safety of SRS in patients with large cerebellum metastases from lung cancer. Methods Between September 2016 and January 2020, a total of 44 patients with large cerebellum metastases >2 cm from lung cancer were evaluated. A median dose of 20 Gy (range, 8-24 Gy) was delivered in 1 to 3 fractions for SRS treatment. The survival rate was analyzed with SPSS software 21.0 and compared by log-rank test using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results The median overall survival (OS) and neurological progression-free survival (PFS) were 10.5 months (range, 1-32 months) and 9.0 months (range, 1-32 months), respectively. The median diameter and volume of the metastases were 3.5 cm (range, 2.1-5.7 cm) and 12.5 cc (range, 1.8-39.7 cc), respectively. The median volume of peritumoral edema was 36.3 cc (range, 3.7-100.3 cc). The median ratio of tumor volume to cerebellum volume was 8.7% (range, 1.3-27.0%). The median ratio of peritumoral edema volume to cerebellum volume was 25.0% (range, 2.5-68.6%). Neurological symptoms were present in 97.7% (43/44) of patients. After SRS treatment, symptoms improved in 83.7% (36/44) patients, stabilized in 11.6% (5/44) patients, whilst two patients experienced symptomatic progression. Of the latter, one patient accepted emergency surgery and the other accepted palliative care. Conclusions Large cerebellum metastases are amongst the most severe forms of brain tumors. Increased tumor volume and peritumoral edema volume correlate with the most severe symptoms. SRS may be an effective alternative treatment for large cerebellum metastases from lung cancer and may preserve neurological function.

Background and purpose Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is a rare but detrimental complication in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is used to eliminating cancer cells or microscopic foci, it is becoming less favorable due to the concerns over neurocognitive toxicity. This study aimed to re-evaluate the role of WBRT in the setting of modern targeted therapy. Materials and methods From December 2014 to March 2019, 80 NSCLC patients with cytologically and/or radiologically proven LM diagnosis were retrospectively analyzed. Results The median OS (mOS) after diagnosis of LM was 8.0 (95%CI: 4.4 to 11.6) months, and the one-year OS was 39.4%. The mOS for EGFR-mutated LM patients was 12.6 (3.0 to 22.2) months versus only 4.1 (2.8 to 5.4) for patients with wild-type EGFR (P P = 0.041). No survival benefits were found in EGFR-mutated patients who received WBRT (P = 0.490). In contrast, mOS was significantly prolonged in wild-type EGFR patients with WBRT versus non-WBRT (mOS: 8.0 vs. 2.1, P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis indicated that WBRT (P = 0.025) and younger age (P = 0.048) were independent prognostic factors that predicted prolonged survival for wild-type EGFR LM patients from NSCLC. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that WBRT has clear survival advantages for patients with wild-type EGFR, and molecular biological stratification of LM patients for WBRT is highly recommended.

Supplemental Material, Glioma_M1_Suppl_V8_upload for Increased M1 Macrophages Infiltration Correlated With Poor Survival Outcomes and Radiation Response in Gliomas by Zhaoming Zhou, Lei Wen, Mingyao Lai, Changguo Shan, Jian Wang, Rong Wang, Hainan Li, Longhua Chen, Linbo Cai, Meijuan Zhou and Cheng Zhou in Dose-Response

PURPOSE Brain metastases (BMs) represent the most common adult intracranial malignancy. The prognosis of BMs is subject to many factors, i.e., the number, size and locations of the metastatic sites, tumor origins, pathologic types, gene mutation status, metastatic sites, and KPS etc. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in brain metastases. METHODS A total of 480 patients diagnosed with brain metastases from a wide range of tumor origins, i.e., NSCLC, SCLC, breast cancer, melanoma, prostate, kidney, gastrointestinal cancer, cervical carcinoma, ovarian cancer, choriocarcinoma of uterus were retrospectively analyzed. Pre-radiotherapy NLR, PLR, and LMR were calculated as total neutrophil/lymphocyte, platelet/Lymphocyte, lymphocyte/monocyte, respectively. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Cox regression models were used to identify independent prognostic factors. RESULTS The median overall survival (OS) was 14.4 months [95%CI: 13.4-15.5]. The median overall survival after radiotherapy was significantly different between patients with NLR< 4 and those with NLR≥4 (OS 16.3 mo. vs. 12.2 mo., P< 0.0001). No significant difference was observed between PLR vs. OS, and LMR vs. OS (PLR< 180: HR=1.221, P=0.240; LMR< 4: HR=0.753, P=0.141). The Cox regression model for the continuous metric values revealed that the NLR increased every 1.0 was associated with additional 5.9% of fatal risk (HR: 1.059; 95%CI = 1.033–1.087, P< 0.0001). NLR was validated as an independent prognostic factor for risk of death after adjusting for sex, age, and KPS. CONCLUSIONS We revealed pre-treatment NLR is an independent prognostic factor in patients with brain metastases for poor OS, independent of different tumor origins. The NLR warrants further studies using sub-group analysis and validation in external cohorts. Future studies in this parameter have a potential to facilitate more precise risk-stratifications to guide personalized treatment for BM.

BACKGROUND the FLAURA study established Osimertinib to be the priority choice for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring mutated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, like many previous studies, the FLAURA study excluded patients with symptomatic CNS metastases. Hence, we performed a systematic review and meta-analyses of studies to assess the efficiency and safety of Osimertinib for the treatment of NSCLC with leptomeningeal metastases (LM). METHODS We included studies published between 2010 and 2021 that evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of Osimertinib in NSCLC patients with LM. We searched PubMed, Embase, and oncology meeting abstracts (ASCO, ESMO and WCLC). Primary outcomes were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), any grade 3/4 toxicity rate. We used the random-effects model to generate pooled estimates for proportions. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the certainty in the evidence. RESULTS Twelve studies reporting on 367 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Most patients (≥90%) received Osimertinib as at least second line of treatment. The objective response rate was 42% (95% CI, 24%-59%; n = 184), and CNS disease control rate was 90% (95% CI, 85%-94%; n = 154). Intracranial progression free survival and overall survival ranged from 3.7 to 15.6 months, and 11.0 to 18.8 months, respectively. Adverse events were similar with previous studies and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 3.0) grade 3 or higher adverse event rates was acceptable. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis confirmed that for advanced NSCLC with LM harboring EGFR-TKI-sensitizing mutations, Osimertinib showed impressive antitumor activity and acceptable toxicity.

BACKGROUND Glioblastomas (GBM) is a common primary malignant brain tumor. This study performed RNA-seq with 227 glioma samples with the aim to identify the immune-related gene markers for glioma prognosis prediction. METHODS Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between glioma and healthy samples in the TCGA dataset. Differentially expressed immune-related genes (DE-IRGs) were determined by intersecting DEGs to the immune-related genes in the ImmProt database. Independent survival associated DE-IRGs were selected by univariate and multivariate cox-regression analysis in TCGA dataset and validated in the CGGA databases and our RNA-seq data. Further enrichment analysis demonstrated the hub-genes among those prognosis-associated DE-IRGs. After the expression of hub-genes were confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), the hub-genes protein levels on slides were further utilized to establishing the prognosis prediction models by several machine learning methods, including least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), generalized linear model (GLM) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). RESULTS There were 404 DE-IRGs determined in glioma in comparison with healthy tissue samples in TCGA. After evaluated by univariate and multivariate cox-regression, 55 DE-IRGs remaining significant. Thirty-four DE-IRGs were verified to be survival associated in both CGGA and our sequencing cohort, among which, 4 hub-genes (LIF and MDK, LAMB1, and CALU) were determined by enrichment analysis. All of the 4 hub-genes were expression confirmed on the protein level by IHC staining. Based on the staining results, a survival risk score (SRS) was established by machine learning methods (GLM, LDA, and LASSO). Based on SRS, glioma patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups, the overall survivals were significantly different between those two groups, regardless of the tumor grades or pathology types. CONCLUSIONS This study identified a potential immune prognostic signature (LIF and MDK, LAMB1, and CALU) of glioma that would be helpful for OS predicting and for potential therapeutics development.

OBJECTIVE Refractory meningioma faces the problems of low total resection rate, high recurrence rate and high disability rate. Here we report a patient with recurrent refractory meningioma who was benefited from precision treatment plan based on molecular diagnosis. METHODS Molecular diagnosis by next generation sequencing (NGS) test was used to test the hybridized captured DNA in the tumor tissue of the patient. RESULTS The 53-year-old female diagnosed with meningioma was admitted to our hospital after tumor progression was observed for 3 weeks. She had received 4 operations for the tumor previously. The first three times of postoperative pathology indicated WHO Ⅰ grade meningioma. The fourth postoperative pathology showed excessive meningioma, with active growth of tumor cells in some areas and small focal necrosis, WHO Ⅰ- fair grade. Somatic mutation GNAS p.F309VFS *25 and deletion of the short arm of chromosome 1 / long arm of chromosome 22 were also found (1P / 22Q) by NGS test. The second recurrent foci showed partial amplification of 17q and 19, except for 1p/22q deletions, compared with the first. Meningiomas with 1p/22q deletion are type C meningiomas (more than half are grade WHO Ⅰ). Meningiomas have been shown to be highly vascularized neoplasms, with a 2-fold increase in VEGF expression in atypical meningiomas and a 10-fold increase in malignant meningiomas. According to the molecular diagnosis results, the precise treatment plan was determined: concurrent chemoradiotherapy, followed by anti-VEGF-targeted drugs combined with temozolomide for 2 months. The residual lesions were significantly reduced after treatment. CONCLUSION This case is the first to report a meningioma with pituitary tumor driver gene GNAS mutation, which is more prone to recurrence due to the combination of 1P / 22Q chromosome mutation. Molecular diagnosis can guide precise treatment to benefit patients.

OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to establish an autophagy-related signature for individualized risk stratification and prognosis prediction in LGG. METHODS RNA-sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genome Tissue Expression (GTEx), and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) were used. The 232 ARGs were obtained from the Human Autophagy Database (HADb). Univariate and Lasso regression were employed to identify differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (ARGs) and establish a prognostic signature whose performance was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve. RESULTS Fifty-three autophagy-related DEGs were identified. Four autophagy-related genes (DIRAS3, GNAI3, PTK6, and BIRC5) were selected to establish the prognostic signature and verified in the CGGA validation cohorts. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression indicated that the autophagy signature (HR, 95%CI, P) was an independent predictor of prognosis in LGG. Finally, a prognostic nomogram incorporating age, grade, targeted therapy, new event, tumor status and autophagy signature achieved excellent predicative performance (AUC 0.907, 0.865 and 0.858 for 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival, respectively) verified by Time-dependent ROC, C-index (0.844, 95% CI, 0.799 to 0.889; P = 1.01e-12) and calibration plots. CONCLUSION The present study constructed a robust four autophagy-related gene signature. A prognostic nomogram in risk stratification and prediction of overall survival in LGG was established. The findings may be beneficial to individualized survival prediction and medical decision-making for LGG.

Ewing/PNET is a rare tumor of the central nervous system. After the standard treatment, there’re still 86.7% of patients had recurrence and no standard treatment after recurrence. Here we report a case of Ewing/PNET with a good survival after synthetic treatment to provide evidence for future clinical strategies. A 23-year-old male underwent resection of the left frontal tumor on April 28, 2017, the pathological diagnosis was Ewing/PNET. He received whole brain radiotherapy 36Gy in 18 fractions, and tumor bed boost to 56Gy in 28 fractions, with 3 courses of Nedaplatin adjuvant chemotherapy. The tumor recured 23 months after the surgery. The patient underwent the second resection, followed by 4 courses of ADM+VCR+CTX/IE chemotherapy. However, 27 months after the first surgery, the tumor evaluation progressive resection of recurrent tumors in the anterior cranial base-ethmoid sinus. During the chemotherapy, MRI showed that tumor still increased. There was a mass in the root of the forehead and nose. After the third recurrence, the patient received re-radiotherapy (50Gy in 25 fractions) 29 months later after the first RT. The tumor was significantly reduced after radiotherapy. Physical examination showed that the sense of smell continued to weaken, the visual acuity was the same as before. 8 courses of VIT (Irinotecan, vincristine, temozolomide) were followed by second RT, tumor was assessed every 2 courses. 44 months after the first surgery, he suffered a third recurrence in spina cord. And then he received rescue RT (20Gy in 10 fractions) in the recurrent tumor. The tumor was reduced after local radiotherapy. He was undergoing follow-up till May 2021, And the OS is 49 months. In conclusion, the incidence of this disease is low, especially in adults. However, the prognosis is poor. Early detection, early operation, combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy are promising to improve the efficacy of Ewing/PNET.

Background Given the increasing use of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases (BM), there is an emerging need for more precise assessment of survival outcomes after SRS, especially in the modern targeted therapy era. Methods Patients with BM and treated by SRS were eligible in this study. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Cox models were used to identify independent prognostic factors. Survival predictive nomogram was developed and evaluated by Concordance-index (C-index), area under the curve (AUC) and calibration curve. Results From January 2016 to December 2019, a total of 356 BM patients were eligible. Median OS was 17.7 months (95%CI 15.5–19.9) and actual OS at 1- and 2-year measured 63.2% and 37.6%, respectively. Nomogram for OS was developed by incorporating four independent prognostic factors: Karnofsky Performance Score, cumulative tumor volume, driver gene mutation status and serum lactate dehydrogenase. The nomogram was validated in a separate cohort demonstrated a well calibration and good discriminative ability (C-index=0.780, AUC=0.784). The prognostic accuracy of the nomogram (0.792) was considerably enhanced compared with classical prognostic indices, i.e., GPA (0.708), RPA (0.587) and SIR (0.536). Kaplan-Meier curves showed significant difference of OS among stratified low-, median- and high-risk groups (P < .001). Conclusion In conclusion, we developed and validated an individualized prognostic nomogram by integrating physiological, volumetric, clinical chemistry and molecular biological surrogates. This nomogram, should be validated by independent external study, has a potential to facilitate more precise risk-stratifications to guide personalized treatment for BM.

Brain is one of the most common sites for distant metastasis of lung cancer. Treatment naïve lung cancer patients diagnosed with brain metastasis are left with very limited options. Checkpoint inhibition is a powerful immunotherapy strategy but delivers benefit only to a small population of patients. Here we harnessed the power and resolution of single cell RNA sequencing and single cell TCR/BCR sequencing to investigate the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of NSCLC brain metastases. We enrolled treatment naïve lung cancer patients with brain metastasis. The enrolled subjects covered different histology types and driver gene mutation status. We revealed the emerging principles of innate and adaptive immune components inherent to NSCLC brain metastases. We also uncovered several significant intercellular communication patterns that potentiates cancer cell seeding and fosters cancer cell proliferation. Those results served as a starting point to design optimal immunotherapy strategies for advanced lung cancer patients with limited options.

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is a rare but lethal complication of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has a devastating impact on patient survival and quality of life. Osimertinib, an irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is approved as a therapy for advanced NSCLC with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. However, the efficacy and optimal dosage of osimertinib in the treatment of NSCLC patients with LM who harbor uncommon EGFR mutations have yet to be fully investigated. Herein, we report a case of an advanced NSCLC patient with LM carrying EGFR G719S and L861Q, who was successfully treated by osimertinib at 160 mg. The patient initially presented with clear cell renal carcinoma and renal metastatic adenocarcinoma, and underwent right nephrectomy. At 2 months after nephrectomy, He developed a disturbance of consciousness and was subsequently diagnosed with NSCLC with LM by meningeal biopsy pathology and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology. Next-generation sequencing detected the rare EGFR mutations G719S and L861R in the meningeal biopsy tissues. The patient was then administered osimertinib at 80 mg quaque die (QD); after 1 month of treatment, his symptoms were alleviated. However, two months later, he experienced epileptic episode. Subsequently, the osimertinib dosage was doubled to 160 mg QD. After 1 month of treatment, the patient achieved central nervous system (CNS) response, and at the time of this manuscript’s submission, he had maintained stable disease (SD) for more than 1 year. To our knowledge, this study provides the first clinical evidence that the administration of osimertinib at 160 mg once daily can achieve an encouraging, durable response in an NSCLC patients with LM carrying EGFR G719S and L861Q. Aslo, it is recommended to consider performing leptomeningeal biopsy for precision treatment in NSCLC paiernts with leptomeningeal metastasis.

BACKGROUND CIC-rearrangements most commonly occur in patients with Ewing-like sarcomas, an emerging class of round cell sarcomas. CIC sarcoma has considered being a new entity in CNS tumors by cIMPACT-NOW conform classification of tumors of soft tissue and bone. However, not all patients harbor CIC fusion are sarcoma cases. Herein, we firstly report a case of primary CNS diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) harboring CIC-rearrangement with a novel partner. METHODS CIC fusions were screened in the tumor tissue or peripheral blood from 3,961 cases with different types of cancer excluded patients with sarcomas. Comprehensive genomic profiling with a 539 cancer-related genes panel was administrated based on next generation sequencing (NGS) which is adept in finding novel fusion mutations. The pathology diagnosis of every case was confirmed via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained. RESULTS Among the whole 3,961 cases, 3 CIC-rearrangements were observed. One case has been reported yet, one was a patient with lung adenocarcinoma, the last one was a patient harboring POU2F2 (Exon5) -CIC (Exon 11) with CNS arisen tumor, primary DLBCL. Literature review revealed only CIC-LEUTX was reported not only in sarcomas, but also in anaplastic ganglioglioma and CNS embryonal tumors. The partners of CIC sarcomas included DUX4, NUTM1, NUTM2A, FOXO4 and LEUTX, and whether specific partner affected biology of CIC-rearrangement tumors. CONCLUSIONS CIC-rearrangement arises in another type of brain cancer besides glioma and embryonal tumor, primary CNS DLBCL. Observation of novel partner provides new basis for further study of biology function of them in CIC fusions. Our study also indicates the presence of a specific tumor type with distinct histopathology driven by CIC fusions can be classified via CIC molecular pathology.

BACKGROUND Pituitary gland metastasis is a rare disease which represents only 1% of pituitary gland lesions. Intracranial solitary pituitary metastasis tends to be misdiagnosed as pituitary adenoma, resulting in a delayed anti-tumor treatment. METHODS Five cases of patients with pituitary gland metastasis recorded between 2014 and 2018 in our hospital were investigated with reference to patient demographics, symptoms at presentation, radiological and histological findings, management and outcomes. RESULTS Five patients (4 male and 1 female) were included and the median age was 48 years (range: 21 to 66). In those five cases, central nervous system related symptoms were the first sign of malignancy, including visual loss (5 in 5 patients), visual field defects (5 in 5 patients), apituitarism (5 in 5 patients), headache (4 in 5 patients), hypothroidism (4 in 5 patients) and diabetes insipidus (2 in 5 patients). All patients received total or partial hypophysectomy and pathologically revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma in 4 patients and metastatic squamous carcinoma in 1 patient. Further examinations by Computed Tomography (CT) or Positron Emission Computed Tomography (PET) indicated lung as primary site in five cases. EGFR mutation and ROS1 fusion were found in 3 and 1 adenocarcinoma patient, respectively, through gene detection of tissue. Postoperative radiotherapy (5 patients), target therapy (4 patients) and chemotherapy (1 patient) were given as subsequent treatment. During the follow-up, four patients died and the overall survival was 2, 8, 28 and 30 months, respectively. CONCLUSION We found that pituitary symptoms usually presented as the first sign of malignancy in intracranial solitary pituitary metastasis. Lung is the most frequently primary site, particularly in adenocarcinoma with driver gene mutation. Patients may benefit from multidiscipline treatment, including resection of pituitary metastasis combined with radiotherapy and targeted therapy.

BACKGROUND Limited data is available in intracranial nongerminomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs) in Chinese population. Here we aimed to retrospectively assess the clinical-pathological and prognostic factors of NGGCTs in a single large institution in China. METHODS From June 2003 to December 2018, 111 consecutive NGGCTs were treated in Guangdong Sanjiu Brain Hospital, China. RESULTS The median follow-up was 36.2 months (range, 1.2 to 131.2 months). Three-year EFS and OS for 111 NGGCTs patients were 78.5%±4.5% and 82.8%±4.0%, respectively. 98 patients received CSI plus boost yielded better survival than those who received reduced-volume radiotherapy or no radiotherapy (3y OS, 86.7% vs. 51.4%, p=0.007). Patients had at least four cycles of chemotherapy were strongly associated with improved 3-year OS, compared to those received less than 4 cycles (94.1% vs. 63.6%, p＜0.001). There was no significant difference in survival of patients stratified by age, surgery, hydrocephalus, as well as tumor diameter. Multivariate analysis identified chemotherapy cycles less than 4 was the only prognostic factor that conferring a worse OS (p=0.003). Patients both received CSI and at least 4 courses of chemotherapy were correlated with lower incidence of relapse (p=0.044). CONCLUSIONS Multimodal approach including CSI and enough courses of chemotherapy was effective and should be recommended for the treatment of newly diagnosed NGGCTs in Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical factors related to the prognosis of basal ganglia germ cell tumors. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 52 cases of the basal ganglia germ cell tumors treated from January 2009 to January 2019 in the department of oncology of Guangdong Sanjiu Brain Hospital. The median age: 12 years (range: 5–32), The median course of disease: 11.7 months (range: 1–54). Thirteen cases were diagnosed by biopsy and 39 cases were diagnosed by elevated tumor markers. There were 31 patients (59.6%) diagnosed with germinomas and 21 patients (40.4%) with non-germ germ cell tumors. Univariate and multivariate survival analysis was performed. RESULTS To October 15, 2019, the median follow-up time was 30.4 months (range 2–124 months). The 5-year survival rate was 85%, and the 5-year progression-free survival rate was 84%. Multivariate analysis found whether serum AFP was greater than 100mIU / ml, (with HR: 11.441,95% CI: 2.09–47.66, P = 0.005),the degree of surgical resection(with HR 5.323 (1.19–23.812), P = 0.029), PD as the effect of radiotherapy (HR: 16.53, (1.19–23.81), P = 0.001) were independent prognostic factor affecting survival. CONCLUSION The pathological type, degree of surgical resection, and response to initial treatment can all affect survival.

PURPOSE Intracranial non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs) have lower overall survival than germinoma because relatively higher recurrence usually occurs after first line therapy. METHODS Between January 2003 and December 2018, 111 consecutive patients diagnosed with NGGCTs reviewed. Those who progressed after first line therapy were included in this study. Data of first line treatment, salvage treatment, clinicopathological features and survival were collected and analyzed. RESULTS Totally, thirty patients (30/111, 27.0%) relapsed in our cohort, including 19 patients with accurate relapse information detail, and 11 patients who died of disease progression during follow up but without exact time and site of relapse. The median OS from diagnosis of the disease was 49.2 months (95% CI: 14.1 to 84.3 months) and 3-year OS was 54.3%. Patients who received both CSI and chemotherapy relapsed less than those who received reduced volume of radiotherapy or only CSI or only chemotherapy (22.5% vs. 45.5%, p=0.034). Of 19 patients who had detail information of recurrence time and site, the median time from diagnosis of disease to relapse was 9.5 months (2.2 to 72.1 months). Regarding to recurrence site, most patients relapsed in primary site (10/19, 52.6%) or distant intracranial (6/19, 31.6%). The recurrence site of other 3 patients were spinal (n=1), ventricular (n=1) and peritoneal (n=1). CONCLUSION Protracted follow-up is recommended because late recurrence is not uncommon. Primary tumor site and distant intracranial are the most prevalent relapsed location. Patients who relapsed could benefited from both CSI and salvage chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features of pediatric glioblastoma patients in our center in the past 10 years. METHODS From November 2009 to December 2018, patients with glioblastoma under 18 years were admitted to Guangdong Sanjiu Brain Hospital. Clinical and pathological features were summarized, and the curative effect was evaluated. RESULTS A total of 31 pediatric patients were enrolled. The median age is 13.8 years (range 0.8–18), including 19 males and 12 females. To Sep, 2019, the median follow-up time was 18 months(Range 4–80 months). Among them, 2 were lost to follow-up, 13 died, 16 still survived, and the longest survivor survived for 80 months. The median survival time was 16.4 months, the 2-year survival rate was 38%. In the prognostic factor analysis, the median survival time of patients with surgical resection ≥90% was 18 months (95% CI 15.9–20 months), and for children with resection 90% was 11 months (95% CI 9.9–12 months), P=0.027, with significantly statistically difference. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor resection rate was an independent prognostic factor for survival. CONCLUSION The prognosis of pediatric glioblastoma is still dismal. This study demonstrates that prognosis of such patients with GTR or near GTR is better.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical factors related to the prognosis of basal ganglia germ cell tumors. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 52 cases of the basal ganglia germ cell tumors treated from January 2009 to January 2019 in the department of oncology of Guangdong Sanjiu Brain Hospital. The median age: 12 years (range: 5–32), The median course of disease: 11.7 months (range: 1–54). Thirteen cases were diagnosed by biopsy and 39 cases were diagnosed by elevated tumor markers. There were 31 patients (59.6%) diagnosed with germinomas and 21 patients (40.4%) with non-germ germ cell tumors. Univariate and multivariate survival analysis was performed. RESULTS To October 15, 2019, the median follow-up time was 30.4 months (range 2–124 months). The 5-year survival rate was 85%, and the 5-year progression-free survival rate was 84%. Multivariate analysis found whether serum AFP was greater than 100mIU / ml, (with HR: 11.441,95% CI: 2.09–47.66, P = 0.005),the degree of surgical resection(with HR 5.323 (1.19–23.812), P = 0.029), PD as the effect of radiotherapy (HR: 16.53, (1.19–23.81), P = 0.001) were independent prognostic factor affecting survival. CONCLUSION The pathological type, degree of surgical resection, and response to initial treatment can all affect survival.