Optimization of Free-Flap Limb Salvage and Maximizing Function and Quality of Life Following Oncologic Resection: 12-Year Experience.

INTRODUCTION: A knowledge gap exists regarding factors to optimize limb salvage and function following oncologic resection. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all free flaps performed for upper extremity (UE) and lower extremity (LE) salvage from 2000 to 2012. RESULTS: Overall, 220 patients underwent free-flap reconstruction for limb salvage (UE: 64, and LE: 156). Flaps were classified as muscle-only (n = 77), myocutaneous (MC; n = 67), or fasciocutaneous (FC; n = 76). Smoking, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and prior chemotherapy or radiation had no impact on complications, while osteomyelitis significantly increased the risk of infection (odds ratio [OR] 19.5, confidence interval [95% CI] 3.77-100.64; p = 0.0004), wound healing complications (OR 7.51, 95% CI 2.21-25.49; p = 0.001), and amputation (OR 4.63, 95% CI 1.41-15.19; p = 0.01). Hardware increased the risk for flap loss (OR 4.92, 95% CI 1.33-18.23; p = 0.017). MC and FC flaps had increased risks for hematoma (p = 0.02) and reoperation for microvascular complications (p = 0.005) but were at lower risk for infection (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.02-0.87; p = 0.03) compared with muscle-only flaps. There were a total of seven total flap losses (3.2%), with significantly increased risks for MC/FC flaps (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.06-6.26; p = 0.03). For LE, 103 patients (66.3%) were fully ambulatory, while 23 (14.7%) were ambulatory with assistance (mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score (MSTS) 80.2, and Karnofsky score 84.0). For UE, 49 patients (76.6%) were able to perform their activities of daily living independently (mean MSTS 80.2, and Karnofsky score 86.0). Overall, 190 patients (86.4%) were successfully salvaged. CONCLUSIONS: Free flaps can be performed reliably for limb salvage following tumor extirpation. While MC/FC flaps demonstrated improved postoperative function, they were at significantly higher risk for take-backs and total flap loss.

Fatigue among patients with brain tumors.

Fatigue is a ubiquitous and an extremely distressing symptom among patients with brain tumors (BT), particularly those with high-grade gliomas. The pathophysiology of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in the context of patients with BT is multifactorial and complex, involving biological, behavioral, medical and social factors. The etiology of CRF in the general oncology population is pointing to the role of inflammatory cytokines as a key factor in the genesis of CRF, but this research is currently limited in the setting of BT. CRF should be screened, assessed and managed according to clinical practice guidelines. Fatigue has recently emerged as a strong, independent prognostic factor for survival that provides incremental prognostic value to the traditional markers of prognosis in recurrent high-grade gliomas. Therefore, strategies to treat fatigue warrant investigation, not only to improve the QOL of a group of patients with often limited life expectancy, but also possibly to optimize survival.