Challenges in assessing the effects of environmental governance systems on conservation outcomes.

Effective governance is crucial for the success of conservation projects aimed at protecting wildlife populations and supporting human well-being. However, few large-scale, comprehensive syntheses have been conducted on the effects of different environmental governance types on conservation outcomes (i.e., biological and ecological effectiveness or effects of conservation on human well-being), and clarity on the quantity and quality of evidence remains dispersed and ambiguous. We attempted a systematic map of the evidence on the effectiveness of different governance types to meet desired conservation outcomes in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. However, early in this effort, we observed a general lack of empirical research on the links between governance and conservation outcomes. To fill observed data gaps in the evidence base, we tried triangulating governance data from alternative sources (Protected Planet database) and pooling evidence from research conducted within the same conservation areas. Limited data were contained in the Protected Planet database, and governance types in conservation areas and landscapes were complex, making it difficult to use these approaches to assign governance types to conservation areas. To illustrate our observations from the failed systematic map attempt, we prepared a rapid evidence map that outlines a subset of the evidence base of articles linking governance types and governance principles with conservation outcomes. Only 3.2% (34 of 1067) of the articles we screened directly related conservation outcomes to governance type, and even fewer related governance principles to conservation outcomes. Based on our findings, we recommend improving the evidence base by supporting empirical research and increasing the availability and quality of governance data in freely accessible databases. These recommendations are critical for enhancing understanding of the role of governance in conservation projects and improving conservation outcomes.

Retos para la evaluación de los efectos de los sistemas de gestión ambiental sobre los resultados de conservación Resumen Una gestión eficaz es crucial para el éxito de los proyectos de conservación destinados a proteger las poblaciones de fauna y flora y apoyar el bienestar humano. Sin embargo, hay pocas síntesis exhaustivas a gran escala sobre los efectos de los distintos tipos de gestión ambiental en los resultados de conservación (es decir, la eficacia biológica y ecológica o los efectos de la conservación sobre el bienestar humano), y la claridad sobre la cantidad y calidad de las pruebas todavía está dispersa y ambigua. Intentamos elaborar un mapa sistemático con evidencias de la eficacia de los distintos tipos de gestión para logar los resultados de conservación deseados en África, Asia y América Latina. Sin embargo, al principio de este esfuerzo observamos una falta general de investigación empírica sobre los vínculos entre la gestión y los resultados de la conservación. Para cerrar las brechas observadas en la base de pruebas, intentamos triangular los datos sobre gobernanza procedentes de fuentes alternativas (base de datos Protected Planet) y agrupar las pruebas de las investigaciones realizadas en las mismas áreas de conservación. La base de datos Protected Planet tenía datos limitados y los tipos de gestión en las áreas de conservación y los paisajes eran complejos, lo que complicaba el uso de estos enfoques para asignar tipos de gestión a las áreas de conservación. Para ilustrar nuestras observaciones a partir del mapa sistemático fallido, preparamos un mapa rápido con evidencias que resumía un subconjunto de la base de pruebas de artículos que vinculan los tipos y los principios de gestión con los resultados de conservación. Sólo el 3.2% (34 de 1067) de los artículos analizados relacionaban directamente los resultados de conservación con el tipo de gestión; fueron menos los que relacionaban los principios de gestión con los resultados de conservación. Con base en nuestros hallazgos, recomendamos mejorar la base de pruebas con apoyo a la investigación empírica y aumentando la disponibilidad y la calidad de los datos sobre gestiones en bases de datos de libre acceso. Estas recomendaciones son fundamentales para comprender mejor el papel de la gestión en los proyectos de conservación y mejorar los resultados de la conservación.

Laser interstitial thermal therapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

Gliomas are the most frequent primary brain tumor in adults. Patients with glioblastoma (GBM) tumors deemed inoperable with open surgical techniques and treated only with chemo/radiation have a median overall survival of less than 9 months. Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) has emerged as a cytoreductive alternative to surgery for these patients. The present study describes the outcomes of twenty patients with newly diagnosed, IDH wild-type glioblastoma treated with LITT. We retrospectively reviewed patients with newly diagnosed, unresectable GBM who underwent LITT at our institution. Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary endpoint measured in our study, defined as time from LITT to disease progression. Results Twenty patients were identified with newly diagnosed, inoperable GBM lesions who underwent LITT. The overall median PFS was 4 months (95% CI = 2 - N/A, upper limit not reached). The median progression-free survival (PFS) for patients with less than 1 cm 3 residual tumor (gross total ablation, GTA) was 7 months (95% CI = 6 - N/A, upper limit not reached), compared to 2 months (95% CI = 1 - upper limit not reached) for patients with a lower GTA (p = .0019). The median overall survival was 11 months (95% CI = 6 - upper limit not reached). Preoperative Karnofsky performance score (KPS) less than or equal to 80 and deep-seated tumor location were significantly associated with decreased PFS (HR, .18, p = .03; HR, .08, p = .03, respectively). At the end of 1 month, only 4 patients (20%) experienced persistent motor deficits. LITT is a safe and effective treatment for patients with unresectable, untreated GBM with rates of survival and local recurrence comparable to patients with surgically accessible lesions treated with conventional resection. Careful patient selection is needed to determine if GTA is attainable.

Single-center outcomes for percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in metastatic spinal lesions: can spontaneous facet fusion occur?

OBJECTIVE: Survival of cancer patients continues to improve with systemic treatment advancements, leading to an increase in cancer-related complications such as pathological spinal fractures. In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate the outcome of percutaneous stabilization with cement augmentation of the pedicle screws in the management of patients with metastatic cancer to the spine. METHODS: The authors reviewed a retrospective case series of 74 patients with symptomatic pathological spine fractures treated with cement-augmented pedicle screws implanted with a percutaneous technique. The mean imaging follow-up was 11.3 months. Data on demographics, clinical outcomes, and complications were collected. Cement extravasation, spinal hardware integrity, and fusion rates were assessed on CT scans. RESULTS: Among 50 patients with follow-up imaging, 23 patients (46%) showed facet joint fusion. The length of segmental stabilization was not a significant predictor of the occurrence of fusion. Pre- or postoperative radiation therapy, postoperative chemotherapy, and the location of spinal lesions did not have a statistically significant effect on the occurrence of fusion. Patients older than 60 years of age were more likely to have fusion across facet joints compared with younger patients. There was a significant difference in the mean visual analog scale pain score, with 6.28 preoperatively and 3.41 postoperatively, regardless of fusion status (p < 0.001). Cement extravasation was seen in 51% of the cohort, but in all instances, patients remained asymptomatic. Most importantly, the incidence of hardware failure was low (4%). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous fixation with cement-augmented pedicle screws in patients with pathological spine fractures provides an improvement in mechanical back pain, with a low incidence of failure, and in some patients, spontaneous facet fusion was observed. Further research is necessary with regard to both short-term benefits and long-term outcomes.

Concepts toward directing human astroplasticity to promote neuroregeneration.

Astrocytes exhibit dynamic and complex reactions to various insults. Recently, investigations into the transitions that occur during cellular specification, differentiation, maturation, and disease responses have provided insights into understanding the mechanisms that underlie these altered states of reactivity and function. Here we summarize current concepts in how astrocyte state transitions, termed astroplasticity, are regulated, as well as how this affects neural circuit function through extracellular signaling. We postulate that a promising future approach toward enhancing functional repair after injury and disease would be to steer astrocytes away from an inhibitory response and toward one that is beneficial to neuroplasticity and neuroregeneration. Toward this goal, we discuss emerging biotechnological advancements, with a focus on human pluripotent stem cell bioengineering, which has high potential for effective manipulation and control of astroplasticity. Highlights include innovations in cellular transdifferentiation techniques, nanomedicine, organoid and three-dimensional (3D) spheroid microcircuit development, and the use of biomaterials to influence the extracellular environment. Current barriers and future applications are also summarized in order to augment the design of future preclinical trials aimed toward astrocyte-targeted neuroregeneration with a concept termed astrocellular therapeutics. Developmental Dynamics 248:21-33, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for local control of resected brain metastases.

PURPOSE: Postoperative stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been shown to establish local control in patients with resected brain metastases, yet its efficacy may be limited, particularly for resected lesions with large post-operative resection cavities. We describe the efficacy of postoperative fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) for local control in patients who have undergone resection for brain metastases. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed patients who received FSRT for resected brain metastases in 3 or 5 fractions. Time to local recurrence was the primary endpoint in this study. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients (n = 29 female, n = 38 male) met study criteria for review. The median age of the cohort was 62 years (range 18-79 years). Median preoperative tumor volume was 11.1 cm3 (range 0.4-77.0 cm3). The rate of local control was 91.0% at 6 months, 85.1% at 12 months, and 85.1% at 18 months. Estimates of freedom from local recurrence at 6 and 12 months were 90.9% and 84.3%, respectively. Higher biologically equivalent doses (BED10) were found to be predictive of longer freedom from local recurrence on univariate and multivariable analysis. Larger cavity volumes were found to correspond to longer time to local recurrence on univariate and multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that postoperative FSRT may be an effective method for providing local control to the surgical bed in patients with resected brain metastases, particularly for larger tumors not amenable to conventional, single-fraction SRS. Additional prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Intraoperative language mapping guided by real-time visualization of gamma band modulation electrocorticograms: Case report and proof of concept.

Background: Electrocorticography (ECoG) language mapping is often performed extraoperatively, frequently involves offline processing, and relationships with direct cortical stimulation (DCS) remain variable. We sought to determine the feasibility and preliminary utility of an intraoperative language mapping approach guided by real-time visualization of electrocorticograms. Methods: A patient with astrocytoma underwent awake craniotomy with intraoperative language mapping, utilizing a dual iPad stimulus presentation system coupled to a real-time neural signal processing platform capable of both ECoG recording and delivery of DCS. Gamma band modulations in response to 4 language tasks at each electrode were visualized in real-time. Next, DCS was conducted for each neighboring electrode pair during language tasks. Results: All language tasks resulted in strongest heat map activation at an electrode pair in the anterior to mid superior temporal gyrus. Consistent speech arrest during DCS was observed for Object and Action naming tasks at these same electrodes, indicating good correspondence with ECoG heat map recordings. This region corresponded well with posterior language representation via preoperative functional MRI. Conclusions: Intraoperative real-time visualization of language task-based ECoG gamma band modulation is feasible and may help identify targets for DCS. If validated, this may improve the efficiency and accuracy of intraoperative language mapping.

Comparative study of preoperative functional imaging combined with tractography for prediction of iatrogenic motor deficits.

OBJECTIVE: Robust preoperative imaging can improve the extent of resection in patients with brain tumors while minimizing postoperative neurological morbidity. Both structural and functional imaging techniques can provide helpful preoperative information. A recent study found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) tractography has significant predictive value for permanent deficits. The present study directly compares the predictive value of TMS tractography and task-based functional MRI (fMRI) tractography in the same cohort of glioma patients. METHODS: Clinical outcome data were collected from charts of patients with motor eloquent glioma and preoperative fMRI and TMS studies. The primary outcome was a new or worsened motor deficit present at the 3-month postoperative follow-up, which was termed a "permanent deficit." Postoperative MR images were overlaid onto preoperative plans to determine which imaging features were resected. Multiple fractional anisotropic thresholds (FATs) were screened for both TMS and fMRI tractography. The predictive value of the various thresholds was modeled using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: Forty patients were included in this study. Six patients (15%) sustained permanent postoperative motor deficits. A significantly greater predictive value was found for TMS tractography than for fMRI tractography regardless of the FAT. Despite 35% of patients showing clinically relevant neuroplasticity captured by TMS, only 2.5% of patients showed a blood oxygen level-dependent signal displaced from the precentral gyrus. Comparing the best-performing FAT for both modalities, TMS seeded tractography showed superior predictive value across all metrics: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study indicate that the prediction of permanent deficits with TMS tractography is superior to that with fMRI tractography, possibly because TMS tractography captures clinically relevant neuroplasticity. However, future large-scale prospective studies are needed to fully illuminate the proper role of each modality in comprehensive presurgical workups for patients with motor-eloquent tumors.

Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polyetheretherketone Spinal Implants for Treatment of Spinal Tumors: Perceived Advantages and Limitations.

PURPOSE: Carbon-fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFRP)-based spinal implants are an alternative to titanium, offering less image artifact as their metallic counterparts while maintaining similar biomechanical and biocompatibility properties. Its use in the management of spinal tumors has been reported, however the perceived advantages related to improved imaging quality, radiation treatment planning, and detection of tumor recurrence have not been fully assessed. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of medical records amongst oncologic patients treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center with CFRP implants. Histology, tumor location, construct features, time of follow-up, adjuvant radiation, recurrences, overall survival, and hardware-related complications were recorded. RESULTS: Sixty-nine consecutive patients were assessed (22 primary tumors, 47 metastases) and the median time for follow-up was 5.4 months. Amongst the cohort, a total of 491 CFRP pedicle screws were implanted. Hardware complications were observed in 5 cases (7.04%). Adjuvant radiation was completed in 8 patients with primary tumors and 29 patients with spinal metastases. A total of 28 patients (40.5%) from the combined primary and metastatic cohorts experienced systemic disease progression, with 12 patients (17.3%) demonstrating local recurrences. Amongst primary and metastatic tumors, overall survival (p = 0.363) and rate of local recurrence (p = 0.112) were similar. CONCLUSION: This largest series of CFRP implants demonstrates safe and effective spinal stabilization for patients with both primary and metastatic tumors. Enhanced postoperative imaging led to minimal imaging artifacts which facilitated postoperative radiation planning and the ability to detect local recurrence.

Impact of Radiation Therapy on Outcomes After Spinal Instrumentation for Craniocervical Junction Malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal reconstruction after resection of invasive craniocervical junction malignancies is fraught with technical and management considerations as well as a paucity of data in the existing literature. In this study, we describe our experience with craniocervical junction malignancies, especially the influence of radiation on the need for revision spinal instrumentation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent occipitocervical fixation between 2011 and 2019 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients had primary malignancies and 12 (30%) had metastatic tumors. Thirteen (33%) underwent a staged resection in multiple operations during their hospital stay. Tumor resection was performed in 19 patients (48%), while only stabilization was performed in 21 patients (52%). Nine patients (23%) underwent expanded endoscopic transclival approaches for tumor resection, 10 patients (25%) an extreme lateral approach, and 2 patients (5%) an anterior open approach. Eleven patients underwent early postoperative radiation therapy (within 3 months) and 8 underwent delayed radiation therapy (between 3 months and 1 year in 7 patients). The revision rate was 8%, with a median time to revision surgery of 42 months. The administration and timing of adjuvant radiation therapy relative to surgery had no significant effect on the need for instrumentation revision on log-rank and Cox regression analyses (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Revision surgery was needed infrequently in our patients. Postoperative radiation therapy was not associated with hardware failure, indicating that the timing of radiation therapy should be dictated by the diagnosis and can be initiated postoperatively without delay.

Repeat laser interstitial thermal therapy for recurrent primary and metastatic intracranial tumors.

Background: Repeat craniotomy in patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors carries significant morbidity and can delay adjuvant treatments. Repeat laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for recurrent disease has been described and could benefit patients with limited cytoreductive options. We aim to describe the indications, safety, and efficacy of repeat LITT for recurrent primary and metastatic intracranial tumors. Methods: Patients undergoing repeat ablations for the same lesion were included in the study. We retrospectively analyzed 13 patients treated with 29 total LITT ablations. Results: Eleven patients were treated for glioblastoma (GBM), while two had brain metastases. Eleven patients had LITT performed only 2 times, while three patients underwent three total iterations of LITT for disease recurrence. Median length of stay after the 1st ablation was 2 days, while the median length of stay after the 2nd ablation was 1 day. The median time to resuming adjuvant treatments after the 1st LITT was 11 days. The median time to resuming adjuvant treatments after the 2nd LITT was 28 days. Four patients after the 1st and 2nd LITT sustained deficits persisting through 30-day follow-up. The median progression-free survival among the GBM patients from the first ablation was 6.0 months, 3.2 months from the 2nd ablation, and 2.1 months from the 3rd ablation. Conclusion: Recurrent tumors, especially GBM, can be safely treated using repeat LITT when surgery cannot be effectively performed. Our results indicate that patients tolerate the procedure well and have a meaningful survival given the salvage nature of the procedure.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation tractography and the facilitation of gross total resection in a patient with a motor eloquent glioblastoma: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: In patients with perieloquent tumors, neurosurgeons must use a variety of techniques to maximize survival while minimizing postoperative neurological morbidity. Recent publications have shown that conventional anatomical features may not always predict postoperative deficits. Additionally, scientific conceptualizations of complex brain function have shifted toward more dynamic, neuroplastic theories instead of traditional static, localizationist models. Functional imaging techniques have emerged as potential tools to incorporate these advances into modern neurosurgical care. In this case report, we describe our observations using preoperative transcranial magnetic stimulation data combined with tractography to guide a nontraditional surgical approach in a patient with a motor eloquent glioblastoma. OBSERVATIONS: The authors detail the use of preoperative functional and structural imaging to perform a gross total resection despite tumor infiltration of conventionally eloquent anatomical structures. The authors resected the precentral gyrus, specifically the paracentral lobule, localized using intraoperative mapping techniques. The patient demonstrated mild transient postoperative weakness and made a full neurological recovery by discharge 1 week later. LESSONS: Preoperative functional and structural imaging has potential to not only optimize patient selection and surgical planning, but also facilitate important intraoperative decisions. Innovative preoperative imaging techniques should be optimized and used to identify safely resectable structures.

Complex Wound Closure in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery Reduces Complications in High-Risk Patients.

BACKGROUND: Adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery is becoming increasingly prevalent. Soft tissue defects arising from revision closure and impaired healing can predispose to wound complications including dehiscence and infection. Soft tissue coverage with local muscle flaps has been shown to minimize wound complications in high-risk patients. In this study we evaluate the role of complex wound closure in preventing wound complications in high-risk spinal deformity patients. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed charts of patients who underwent ASD surgery. Patients were stratified into muscle flap advancement (by neurosurgery or plastic surgery) closure versus primary approximation by neurosurgery. Relevant patient and operative factors were collected and summarized using descriptive statistics. Outcomes of interest included wound complication and revision surgery. RESULTS: Ninety-four cases met inclusion criteria including 56 wounds closed by neurosurgery and 38 wounds closed by plastic surgery (PRS). Of the neurosurgery wounds, 31 and 25 were closed by primary approximation and muscular flap advancement, respectively. Patients operated on by PRS were higher risk than all patients operated on only by neurosurgery (P = 0.0037) but were not significantly higher risk than the neurosurgery performed flap cohort (P = 0.4914). In subgroup analysis, despite similar levels of risk, the PRS population experienced lower rates of any wound complication (P = 0.028) and specifically dehiscence (P = 0.029) compared with the neurosurgery performed flap closure cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic involvement of plastic surgery in ASD surgery wound closure may improve wound outcomes in higher risk patients. A multidisciplinary approach with plastic and spine surgeons may lessen the risk of wound complications in high-risk spine surgeries.

TMS Seeded Diffusion Tensor Imaging Tractography Predicts Permanent Neurological Deficits.

Surgeons must optimize the onco-functional balance by maximizing the extent of resection and minimizing postoperative neurological morbidity. Optimal patient selection and surgical planning requires preoperative identification of nonresectable structures. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a method of noninvasively mapping the cortical representations of the speech and motor systems. Despite recent promising data, its clinical relevance and appropriate role in a comprehensive mapping approach remains unknown. In this study, we aim to provide direct evidence regarding the clinical utility of transcranial magnetic stimulation by interrogating the eloquence of TMS points. Forty-two glioma patients were included in this retrospective study. We collected motor function outcomes 3 months postoperatively. We overlayed the postoperative MRI onto the preoperative MRI to visualize preoperative TMS points in the context of the surgical cavity. We then generated diffusion tensor imaging tractography to identify meaningful subsets of TMS points. We correlated the resection of preoperative imaging features with clinical outcomes. The resection of TMS-positive points was significantly predictive of permanent deficits (p = 0.05). However, four out of eight patients had TMS-positive points resected without a permanent deficit. DTI tractography at a 75% FA threshold identified which TMS points are essential and which are amenable to surgical resection. TMS combined with DTI tractography shows a significant prediction of postoperative neurological deficits with both a high positive predictive value and negative predictive value.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) seeded tractography provides superior prediction of eloquence compared to anatomic seeded tractography.

Background: For patients with brain tumors, maximizing the extent of resection while minimizing postoperative neurological morbidity requires accurate preoperative identification of eloquent structures. Recent studies have provided evidence that anatomy may not always predict eloquence. In this study, we directly compare transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) data combined with tractography to traditional anatomic grading criteria for predicting permanent deficits in patients with motor eloquent gliomas. Methods: We selected a cohort of 42 glioma patients with perirolandic tumors who underwent preoperative TMS mapping with subsequent resection and intraoperative mapping. We collected clinical outcome data from their chart with the primary outcome being new or worsened motor deficit present at 3 month follow up, termed "permanent deficit". We overlayed the postoperative resection cavity onto the preoperative MRI containing preoperative imaging features. Results: Almost half of the patients showed TMS positive points significantly displaced from the precentral gyrus, indicating tumor induced neuroplasticity. In multivariate regression, resection of TMS points was significantly predictive of permanent deficits while the resection of the precentral gyrus was not. TMS tractography showed significantly greater predictive value for permanent deficits compared to anatomic tractography, regardless of the fractional anisotropic (FA) threshold. For the best performing FA threshold of each modality, TMS tractography provided both higher positive and negative predictive value for identifying true nonresectable, eloquent cortical and subcortical structures. Conclusion: TMS has emerged as a preoperative mapping modality capable of capturing tumor induced plastic reorganization, challenging traditional presurgical imaging modalities.

Validation of Non-invasive Language Mapping Modalities for Eloquent Tumor Resection: A Pilot Study.

Many studies have established a link between extent of resection and survival in patients with gliomas. Surgeons must optimize the oncofunctional balance by maximizing the extent of resection and minimizing postoperative neurological morbidity. Preoperative functional imaging modalities are important tools for optimizing the oncofunctional balance. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are non-invasive imaging modalities that can be used for preoperative functional language mapping. Scarce data exist evaluating the accuracy of these preoperative modalities for language mapping compared with gold standard intraoperative data in the same cohort. This study compares the accuracy of fMRI and TMS for language mapping compared with intraoperative direct cortical stimulation (DCS). We also identified significant predictors of preoperative functional imaging accuracy, as well as significant predictors of functional outcomes. Evidence from this study could inform clinical judgment as well as provide neuroscientific insight. We used geometric distances to determine copositivity between preoperative data and intraoperative data. Twenty-eight patients were included who underwent both preoperative fMRI and TMS procedures, as well as an awake craniotomy and intraoperative language mapping. We found that TMS shows significantly superior correlation to intraoperative DCS compared with fMRI. TMS also showed significantly higher sensitivity and negative predictive value than specificity and positive predictive value. Poor cognitive baseline was associated with decreased TMS accuracy as well as increased risk for worsened aphasia postoperatively. TMS has emerged as a promising preoperative language mapping tool. Future work should be done to identify the proper role of each imaging modality in a comprehensive, multimodal approach to optimize the oncofunctional balance.

The Use of Skin Staples as Fiducial Markers to Confirm Intraoperative Spinal Navigation Registration and Accuracy.

BACKGROUND: With the advent of intraoperative computed tomography (CT) for image guidance, numerous examples of accurate navigation being applied to cranial and spinal pathology have come to light. For spinal disorders, the utilization of image guidance for the placement of percutaneous spinal instrumentation, complex osteotomies, and minimally invasive approaches are frequently utilized in trauma, degenerative, and oncological pathologies. The use of intraoperative CT for navigation, however, requires a low target registration error that must be verified throughout the procedure to confirm the accuracy of image guidance. OBJECTIVE: To present the use of skin staples as a sterile, economical fiducial marker for minimally invasive spinal procedures requiring intraoperative CT navigation. METHODS: Staples are applied to the skin prior to obtaining the registration CT scan and maintained throughout the remainder of the surgery to facilitate confirmation of image guidance accuracy. RESULTS: This low-cost, simple, sterile approach provides surface landmarks that allow reliable verification of navigation accuracy during percutaneous spinal procedures using intraoperative CT scan image guidance. CONCLUSION: The utilization of staples as a fiducial marker represents an economical and easily adaptable technique for ensuring accuracy of image guidance with intraoperative CT navigation.

Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Glioblastoma: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection has been shown to prolong survival in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), although this benefit has not been demonstrated for reoperation following tumor recurrence. Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive ablation technique that has been shown to effectively reduce tumor burden in some patients with intracranial malignancy. The aim of this study was to describe the safety and efficacy of LITT for recurrent and newly diagnosed GBM at a large tertiary referral center. METHODS: Patients with GBM receiving LITT were retrospectively analyzed. Overall survival from the time of LITT was the primary end point measured. RESULTS: There were 69 patients identified for inclusion in this study. The median age of the cohort was 56 years (range, 15-77 years). Median tumor volume was 10.4 cm3 (range, 1.0-64.0 cm3). A Kaplan-Meier estimate of median overall survival for the series from the time of LITT was 12 months (95% confidence interval 8-16 months). Median progression-free survival for the cohort from LITT was 4 months (95% confidence interval 3-7 months). Adjuvant chemotherapy significantly prolonged progression-free survival and overall survival (P < 0.01 for both) in the cohort. Gross total ablation was not significantly associated with progression-free survival (P = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: LITT can safely reduce intracranial tumor burden in patients with GBM who have exhausted other adjuvant therapies or are poor candidates for conventional resection techniques.

Glioblastoma multiforme: novel therapeutic targets.

INTRODUCTION: The increasingly detailed genetic characterization of glioblastoma (GBM) has failed to translate into meaningful breakthroughs in treatment. This is likely to be attributed to molecular heterogeneity of GBM. However, the understanding of the tumor microenvironment in GBM has become more refined and has revealed a wealth of therapeutic targets that may enable the disruption of angiogenesis or immunosuppression. AREAS COVERED: This review discusses the selective targeting of tumor-intrinsic pathways, therapies that target the GBM tumor microenvironment and relevant preclinical studies and their limitations. Relevant literature was derived from a PubMed search encompassing studies from 1989 to 2020. EXPERT OPINION: Despite appropriate target engagement, attempts to directly inhibit oncogenic pathways in GBM have yielded little success. This is likely attributed to the molecular heterogeneity of GBM and the presence of redundant signaling that allow for accumulation of adaptive mutations and development of drug resistance. Subsequently, there has been a shift toward therapies modulating the pro-angiogenic, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in GBM. The non-transformed cells in the microenvironment which includes endothelial cells, myeloid cells, and T cells, are presumably genetically stable, less susceptible to heterogeneity, and easier to target. This approach offers the highest potential for a therapeutic breakthrough in GBM.

Intraspinal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma: An argument for aggressive local resection and adjuvant therapy based on review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is a rare cartilaginous neoplasm that typically involves the axial skeleton. Despite a well-circumscribed appearance, this tumor has a tendency to recur both locally and with distant metastases. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 17-year-old patient presented with numbness and paresthesias in the lower extremities attributed to a T10-T11 intradural extramedullary mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. The patient was treated with aggressive local resection and adjuvant therapy. Here, this case and present literature are appropriately reviewed. CONCLUSION: Although uncommon, intraspinal mesenchymal chondrosarcomas warrant both radical local resection and aggressive adjuvant therapy with chemoradiation to provide the greatest chance of progression-free survival.