Search

Neuro-oncology is a rapidly evolving subspecialty that involves the management of patients with primary or metastatic central and peripheral nervous system neoplasms, as well as any other disorders or complications affecting the nervous system that result either directly or indirectly from central nervous system or systemic malignancies and related treatment. Neurologists serve a critical role in the multidisciplinary management of these complex patients. As leaders of the Child Neurology Society Special Interest Group in NeuroOncology, we propose ways to provide sufficient exposure, minimize knowledge gaps, and optimize training experiences in neuro-oncology for child neurology residency programs.

BACKGROUND Based on early clinical efficacy data, Seattle Children’s established a standard clinical practice for MEK inhibitor therapy for children with plexiform neurofibroma (PN) or recurrent low-grade glioma (LGG). METHODS Data were collected under an IRB-approved retrospective chart review. Trametinib was prescribed off-label at 0.025 mg/kg daily for up to two years. Physical exam and laboratory monitoring were monthly for 3 months, then every 3 months. Retinal examination, ECHO/ECG were every 3 months. Tumor response was evaluated by MRI every 3 months for LGG; imaging for PN was dependent on tumor location. RESULTS 30 patients received trametinib; 17 LGG, 16 PN (3 both); 22 with Neurofibromatosis, Type-1 (NF1); 16 female/15 male; median age 11 (range 4.1–22.6). Most common tumor location was optic pathway (n=11) and face/neck (n=10). Most common adverse events (AE) were dermatologic and gastrointestinal. Ten had dose interruption/reduction, only one discontinued therapy for AE. Six received dermatology specialty care for AE. With median follow-up of 12 months, only 3 patients had progression, one with NF1. One-year EFS was 100% for PN and 88%+7 for LGG. Driver mutations were identified in 9 of 10 tumors tested (5 BRAF fusion, 1 BRAFV600E, 1 FGFR1+NF1, 1 FGFR1+PTPN11, 1 NF1). Radiology review of response will be presented. CONCLUSIONS This real-world pediatric cohort supports efficacy and tolerability of MEK inhibitor therapy for short-term control of plexiform neurofibroma and low-grade glioma with and without NF1. Further studies are warranted to evaluate comparative efficacy, combination therapy and duration of therapy.

INTRODUCTION Because treatment and clinical management decisions for children with NF1-OPG remain challenging, we sought to establish evidence-based guidelines. We prospectively enrolled children with newly-diagnosed NF1-OPGs, and gathered standardized clinical neuro-oncology and ophthalmology assessments. METHODS Only children with NF1 and newly diagnosed OPGs, confirmed by central review, were eligible. Indications for obtaining the initial MRI, as well as factors associated with the decision to treat with chemotherapy or observe without treatment, were obtained. Quantitative visual acuity (VA), other ophthalmic features, and imaging were captured at standard time points. Goal enrollment is 250 subjects. RESULTS One-hundred thirty-three children (52% female) from 20 institutions met inclusion criteria, and were included in this preliminary analysis. Eighty-six percent of subjects were able to perform quantitative VA testing at enrollment. The most common reasons for the diagnostic MRI included screening related to NF1 diagnosis (36.8%), ophthalmologic concerns (29.3%), and non-ophthalmologic concerns (24.8%), such as headache. To date, twenty subjects have initiated treatment with chemotherapy, twelve (9%) at the time of the initial OPG diagnosis. Median age at OPG diagnosis was 3.1 years. Age and sex distribution were similar in subjects immediately entering the observation and treatment arms (median age 3.0 versus 3.5 years, respectively). CONCLUSION Most children with NF1-OPGs are observed at time of their initial OPG diagnosis, rather than treated. Importantly, a large proportion of children are able to complete quantitative VA testing at enrollment. Once enrollment is complete, these data will help to establish evidence-based guidelines for clinical management of NF1-OPGs.

Objective:To define the clinical and radiologic features of brainstem gliomas (BSGs) in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).Methods:We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of 133 children with NF1 and concurrent BSGs cared for at 4 NF1 referral centers. BSG was determined using radiographic criteria. Age at diagnosis, tumor location and appearance, clinical symptoms, treatment, and presence of a concurrent optic pathway glioma were assessed.Results:The average age at BSG diagnosis was 7.2 years, and tumors occurred most often in the midbrain and medulla (66%). The majority of children with NF1-BSGs were asymptomatic (54%) and were not treated (88%). Only 9 of the 72 asymptomatic children received treatment because of progressive tumor enlargement. In contrast, 61 children presented with clinical signs/symptoms attributable to their BSG; these individuals were older and more often had focal lesions. Thirty-one patients underwent treatment for their tumor, and 14 received CSF diversion only. Progression-free survival was ∼3 years shorter for children receiving tumor-directed therapy relative to those who had either no treatment or CSF diversion only. Overall survival was 85% for the tumor-directed therapy group, whereas no deaths were reported in the untreated or CSF diversion groups.Conclusions:Unlike children with sporadically occurring BSGs, most children with NF1-BSGs were asymptomatic, and few individuals died from complications of their tumor. Those requiring tumor-directed treatment tended to be older children with focal lesions, and had clinically more aggressive disease relative to those who were not treated or underwent CSF diversion only.

In this paper, we propose that spiritual approaches rooted in the practice of Hawai&lsquo, i ritual provide a powerful portal to revealing, supporting, and enhancing our collective aloha (love, fondness, reciprocity, as with a family member) for and dedication to the places and processes that we steward. We provide a case study from Hawai&lsquo, i, where we, a group of conservation professionals known as Hālau &lsquo, Ōhi&rsquo, a, have begun to foster a collective resurgence of sacred commitment to the places and processes we steward through remembering and manifesting genealogical relationships to our landscapes through Indigenous Hawaiian ritual expression. We discuss how a ritual approach to our lands and seas makes us better stewards of our places, better members of our families and communities, and more fulfilled individuals. We assert that foundations of the spiritual and the sacred are required for effectively advancing the science of sustainability, the management of natural resources, and the conservation of nature.