Elena Wilson

World Health Organization grade III meningiomas. A retrospective study for outcome and prognostic factors assessment

Background. Anaplastic meningiomas are uncommon primary intracranial tumours associated with high level of recurrence and low life expectancy. Through three institutions experience, we analysed the clinical characteristics of patients with malignant meningiomas to determine their outcome and identify prognostic factors that may influence recurrence and survival. Material and methods. A retrospective search identified 62 cases of WHO grade III meningiomas, of whom 9 (14.5%) were not considered in the survival analysis as no follow-up data were available. Thirty patients (48.4%) had a previous history of non-malignant meningioma surgery. The patients underwent a total of 139 surgical resections and 42 courses of radiotherapy of which 27 were given after the WHO grade III meningioma diagnosis. Results. Eighteen patients (29.5%) were re-operated for a relapse of their anaplastic meningioma. Median time between the first and the second surgery was 1.3 years. Median overall survival time was 3.5 years. Overall survival probabilities at 1, 2 and 5 years were 74.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) [63.8, 87.1], 58.7%, 95% CI [46.4, 74.3] and 37.7%, 95% CI [25, 56.8], respectively. Extent of resection was associated with the survival. Discussion. This retrospective series highlights the poor prognosis associated with the diagnosis of malignant meningioma. Complete or subtotal resection may prolong the patients’ survival. We could not confirm the usefulness of postoperative radiotherapy.

Protocol for the CONVERT trial—Concurrent ONce-daily VErsus twice-daily RadioTherapy: an international 2-arm randomised controlled trial of concurrent chemoradiotherapy comparing twice-daily and once-daily radiotherapy schedules in patients with limited stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) and good performance status

Introduction Concurrent ONce-daily VErsus twice-daily RadioTherapy (CONVERT) is the only multicentre, international, randomised, phase III trial open in Europe and Canada looking at optimisation of chemoradiotherapy (RT) in limited stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC). Following on from the Turrisi trial of once-daily versus twice-daily (BD) concurrent chemoradiotherapy, there is a real need for a new phase III trial using modern conformal RT techniques and investigating higher once-daily radiation dose. This trial has the potential to define a new standard chemo-RT regimen for patients with LS-SCLC and good performance status. Methods and analysis 447 patients with histologically or cytologically proven diagnosis of SCLC were recruited from 74 centres in eight countries between 2008 and 2013. Patients were randomised to receive either concurrent twice-daily RT(45 Gy in 30 twice-daily fractions over 3 weeks) or concurrent once-daily RT(66 Gy in 33 once-daily fractions over 6.5 weeks) both starting on day 22 of cycle 1. Patients are followed up until death. The primary end point of the study is overall survival and secondary end points include local progression-free survival, metastasis-free survival, acute and late toxicity based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events V.3.0, chemotherapy and RTdose intensity. Ethics and dissemination The trial received ethical approval from NRES Committee North West—Greater Manchester Central (07/H1008/229). There is a trial steering committee, including independent members and an independent data monitoring committee. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international conferences. Trial registration number ISRCTN91927162; Pre-results.

Is pre-trial quality assurance necessary? Experiences of the CONVERT Phase III randomized trial for good performance status patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE This study is an analysis of the pre-trial quality assurance (QA) exercises submitted by clinicians from radiotherapy (RT) centres across Europe and Canada to qualify for participation in the CONVERT trial. METHODS QA exercises submitted by 64 clinicians at 64 RT centres were included in this analysis. The exercises included the completion of a trial-specific questionnaire and submission of a treatment plan, for both trial arms, for a patient fitting the eligibility criteria of the trial. This article describes the QA programme set up for the CONVERT trial and identifies deviations from the trial protocol. Patient eligibility, disease and critical structure outlining and treatment planning technique were assessed. RESULTS Results from QA trial-specific questionnaires received between February 2008 and September 2011, returned as part of the QA exercise, indicated that the majority of centres (70.3%) were using 6-MV photons and type B treatment planning system algorithms (57.8%). 90.6% of clinicians assessed submitted data for patients who fitted the eligibility criteria for the trial. There were inconsistencies in outlining of gross tumour volume (GTV) and organs at risk, mainly heart and oesophagus, and in the use of margins around the GTV. CONCLUSION Such a QA programme helps to ensure that centres conform to trial protocol and should reduce inconsistencies in RT planning that may confound the results of the CONVERT trial. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE Few studies reporting pre-trial QA have been published to date. This article outlines the importance of such a QA programme in the context of multicentre Phase III studies.

Meningeal haemangiopericytoma and solitary fibrous tumour: a retrospective bi centre study for outcome and prognostic factor assessment

To describe the outcome of patients diagnosed with central nervous system haemangiopericytoma (HPC) or solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) and identify factors that may influence recurrence and survival. Between January 2000 and September 2016, a retrospective search identified 55 HPCs/SFTs. The patients underwent a total of 101 surgical resections and 56.9% received radiation therapy. Median follow-up was 7.8 years. 28 patients (50.9%) were re-operated for tumour recurrence. At the end of the study, 21 patients (42%) had no residual tumour on the last scan. Surgical recurrence-free survival at 5 years was 75.2%, 95% CI [63.3–89.3] and, the median surgical recurrence-free survival was 7.4 years. In the adjusted analysis, venous sinus invasion (present vs. absent) (HR 3.39, 95% CI [1.16, 9.93], p = 0.026), completeness of resection (HR 0.38, 95% CI [0.15–0.97], p = 0.042) and tumour subtype (SFT vs. HPC) (HR 3.02, 95% CI[1.02, 8.91], p = 0.045) were established as independent prognostic factors. At the end of the study, 25 patients were deceased (45.5%). and only 15 patients (27.3%) had no residual tumour on the last scan and were alive. Overall survival at 5 years was 80.2, 95% CI [69.3–92.8] and the median overall survival was 13.1 years. None of the investigated variables was associated with overall survival. Patients who received radiation therapy demonstrated neither a reduced risk of surgical recurrence (p = 0.370) nor a longer overall survival (p = 1.000). SFTs/HPCs are associated with a significant risk of recurrence that may reduce the survival of the patients. Total tumour resection upon initial surgery is associated with a lower risk of relapse but not with a prolonged survival. We did not observe a significant improvement in any of the clinical outcomes after radiation therapy.

Social and structural conditions for the avoidance of advance care planning in neuro-oncology: a qualitative study

Background Primary brain tumours newly affect >260 000 people each year worldwide. In the UK, every year >10 000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour while >5000 die annually from the disease. Prognoses are poor, cognitive deterioration common and patients have prolonged palliative needs. Advance care planning (ACP) may enable early discussion of future care decisions. Although a core commitment in the UK healthcare strategy, and the shared responsibility of clinical teams, ACP appears uncommon in practice. Evidence around ACP practice in neuro-oncology is limited. Objectives We aimed to elicit key social and structural conditions contributing to the avoidance of ACP in neuro-oncology. Design A cross-sectional qualitative study design was used. Setting One tertiary care hospital in the UK. Participants Fifteen healthcare professionals working in neuro-oncology participated in this study, including neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, clinical nurse specialists, allied healthcare professionals and a neurologist. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants to explore their assumptions and experiences of ACP. Data were analysed thematically using the well-established framework method. Results Participants recognised the importance of ACP but few had ever completed formal ACP documentation. We identified eight key factors, which we suggest comprise three main conditions for avoidance: (1) difficulties being a highly emotive, time-intensive practice requiring the right ‘window of opportunity’ and (2) presence and availability of others; (3) ambiguities in ACP definition, purpose and practice. Combined, these created a ‘culture of shared avoidance’. Conclusion In busy clinical environments, ‘shared responsibility’ is interpreted as ‘others’ responsibility’ laying the basis for a culture of avoidance. To address this, we suggest a ‘generalists and specialists’ model of ACP, wherein healthcare professionals undertake particular responsibilities. Healthcare professionals are already adopting this model informally, but without formalised structure it is likely to fail given a tendency for people to assume a generalist role.