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Simple Summary: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients often experience serious side effects from treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which can lead to malnutrition and impact their overall health status. Men and women may face different nutritional challenges during these treatments, potentially affecting their treatment outcomes. This study investigates the gender-specific nutritional status of HNC patients over the course of their treatment, examining differences in body weight, body composition, and their impact on survival. While we found significant declines in albumin and total protein levels in both genders, females exhibited a more notable decrease in albumin levels. Survival analysis revealed that for males, the phase angle, an indicator of cellular health, was linked to survival. For females, albumin levels at the end of treatment were significant predictors of survival. Background/Objectives: This analysis aims to evaluate gender-specific differences in nutritional status, body weight changes, and their impact on overall survival (OS) in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing (chemo)radiotherapy (CRT). Methods: Between 2018 and 2020, 61 HNC (17 female and 44 male) patients were prospectively recruited to receive curative (chemo)radiotherapy. Nutritional assessments included dietary questionnaire screenings and records, anthropometric methods (body mass index, BMI, body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)), and the determination of biomarkers like albumin and CRP. Assessments were conducted before, during, and after (chemo)radiotherapy. Results: Gender differences were observed at baseline in Karnofsky performance status (p = 0.01), daily calorie intake (p = 0.04), phase angle (PA) (p = 0.003), and fat-free mass index (FFMI) (p < 0.001). During CRT, males showed a larger increase in calorie deficit (p < 0.001) and greater reductions in BMI, FFMI, and PA compared to females. Malnutrition risk (MUST score) increased significantly in males (p = 0.008) but not in females. Albumin and total protein declined in both genders, with a more pronounced drop in albumin for females. Survival analysis revealed that, for males, several factors, including baseline calorie deficit, BMI, PA, and FFMI, were linked to survival. For females, only albumin at therapy end was significantly associated with survival (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, baseline PA remained a significant predictor of survival for males (p = 0.026). Conclusions: Our findings suggest distinct gender differences in the nutritional and biochemical responses of HNC patients undergoing CRT, indicating the importance of tailored, gender-specific nutritional support during treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Xerostomia following (chemo-) radiotherapy (CRT) is common in head and neck (HNC) patients. This prospective study focused on investigating the link between salivary gland function and the onset of malnutrition in HNC patients. Patients and Methods: Between 2018 and 2020, 61 HNC patients scheduled for curative CRT were prospectively recruited. Nutritional status was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and xerostomia was evaluated based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, (CTCAE). Patient-reported outcomes for xerostomia-related symptoms, such as "dry mouth" and "sticky saliva", were also collected. Data were assessed at the beginning of therapy, during treatment, at the end of treatment, and during follow-up. Organs at risk were contoured including the submandibular and parotid glands. Dose-volume parameters were extracted for the mean Dose (Dmean), V15 Gy, V30Gy and V45Gy. Results: No correlation was found between the dosimetric parameters [Dmean, V15Gy (%), V30Gy (%) and V45Gy (%)] and the occurrence of malnutrition [defined by a fat-free mass index (FFMI) <15 kg/m² (♀) and <17 kg/m² (♂) kg/m² and/or body-mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m²] at any of the three time points tested. However, the volume of the parotid glands prior to therapy appeared to be related to the development of malnutrition. This effect was not observed with the submandibular glands. A cumulative parotid gland volume of 55.3 cm³ was identified as the threshold for malnutrition at the second follow-up examination. Conclusion: Although none of the dosimetric factors were associated with the development of malnutrition, the baseline parotid gland volume emerged as an independent predictor of malnutrition in head and neck cancer patients with xerostomia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study compared 15 × 2.633 Gy over three weeks to 20 × 2.0 Gy over four weeks for malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) in patients with favorable survival prognoses not receiving upfront neurosurgery. After a propensity score adjustment of the Cox and logistic regression models, no significant differences were observed regarding local progression-free survival (LPFS), overall survival (OS), and post-treatment ambulatory status. A trend (p = 0.073) was found in favor of 15 × 2.633 Gy regarding improvement of motor function. Considering the limitations of our study, 15 × 2.633 Gy may be preferable for patients with MSCC with favorable prognosis. Many patients with malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) who are not candidates for neurosurgery receive radiotherapy alone. This study compared 15 × 2.633 Gy over three weeks to 20 × 2.0 Gy over four weeks in patients with favorable survival prognoses. The outcomes of 34 patients treated with 15 × 2.633 Gy (equivalent dose 41.6 Gy10) in the RAMSES-01 trial were compared to 239 patients from an existing database receiving 20 × 2.0 Gy using propensity-score-adjusted Cox and logistic regression models. All patients had favorable survival prognoses. Endpoints included local progression-free survival (LPFS), improvement of motor function, post-treatment ambulatory status, and overall survival (OS). After propensity score adjustment, the 12-month rates of LPFS and OS were 98.1% (RAMSES-01 cohort) vs. 91.6% (p = 0.265) and 79.1% vs. 82.2% (p = 0.704), respectively. Regarding improvement of motor function, 15 × 2.633 Gy appeared superior (p = 0.073). No significant difference was observed regarding ambulatory status (p = 0.822). The three-week regimen for MSCC has similar outcomes and reduces treatment time when compared to a four-week regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: In patients with recurrent glioblastoma, very little data are available regarding the prognostic value of platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) ratios. This study investigated potential associations between PLR or NLR and treatment outcomes. Patients and Methods: PLR and NLR at diagnosis of recurrence plus 10 additional characteristics were retrospectively analyzed for associations with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in 75 patients with recurrent glioblastoma. Results: On multivariate analyses, maximal cumulative diameter of recurrent lesion(s) <40 mm (p=0.015) and systemic therapy (p<0.001) were associated with improved PFS. On multivariate analysis of OS, improved outcomes were significantly associated with PLR ≤150 (p=0.029), maximal cumulative diameter <40 mm (p=0.030), and systemic therapy (p=0.010). Conclusion: In addition to other characteristics, PLR at the time of recurrence was identified as an independent predictor of OS in patients with recurrent glioblastoma. PLR may be useful when designing personalized treatment approaches or clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Previous studies suggested preoperative platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophilto-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to be predictive factors in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This study investigated the prognostic role of PLR and NLR prior to or at the beginning of radiotherapy. Patients and Methods: In 80 patients with GBM receiving conventionally fractionated radiotherapy plus concurrent temozolomide following resection or biopsy, 12 factors including PLR and NLR were retrospectively evaluated regarding progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: On multivariable analyses, PLR ≤150, Karnofsky performance score (KPS) 90-100, and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase promoter methylation were significantly associated with improved PFS. Single lesion, KPS 90-100, and adjuvant chemotherapy were significantly associated with OS; PLR ≤150 showed a trend. NLR ≤3 showed a trend for associations with PFS and OS on univariable analyses. Conclusion: PLR prior to or at the beginning of radiotherapy was associated with treatment outcomes in patients irradiated for GBM and should be considered in future clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Prognostic factors can facilitate treatment personalization in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This study investigated different Glasgow prognostic scores (GPS) and the LabBM score in patients with GBM receiving chemoradiation following resection or biopsy. Patients and Methods: Four GPS versions, LabBM score, and 10 other factors were retrospectively investigated for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in 86 patients. GPS versions included original GPS (oGPS), modified GPS (mGPS), high-sensitivity mGPS (HS-mGPS), and high-sensitivity oGPS (HS-oGPS). Results: On multivariate analysis, higher oGPS was significantly associated with worse OS (p=0.006). On univariate analyses, trends were found for associations between higher mGPS and worse OS (p=0.098) and between higher LabBM scores and worse PFS (p=0.059). Conclusion: The oGPS was an independent predictor of OS in patients receiving chemoradiation for GBM and can help personalizing the treatment for these patients. The LabBM score may be useful for predicting PFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Meningeal melanocytomas are rare tumors of the central nervous system and optimal treatment needs further clarification. This study compared subtotal resection (STR), STR plus radiation therapy (RT), gross total resection (GTR), and GTR+RT to better define the role of postoperative RT. Patients and Methods: All cases reported in the literature were reviewed. Patients (n=184) with complete data were analyzed for local control (LC) and overall survival (OS). Results: On univariate analysis, GTR (vs. STR) was associated with improved LC (p=0.016). When comparing the treatment regimens, best and worst results were found after GTR+RT and STR alone, respectively (p<0.001). On univariate analysis, GTR resulted in better OS than STR (p=0.041). Moreover, the treatment regimen had a significant impact on OS (p=0.049). On multivariate analyses of LC and OS, extent of resection and treatment regimen were found to be significant factors. After STR, RT significantly improved LC but not OS. After GTR, RT did not significantly improve LC or OS. Conclusion: GTR was significantly superior to STR regarding LC and OS. STR+RT resulted in significantly better LC when compared to STR alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]