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Purpose: Radiation-induced cerebrovascular toxicity is a well-documented sequelae that can be both life-altering and potentially fatal. We performed a meta-analysis of the relevant literature to create practical models for predicting the risk of cerebral vasculopathy after cranial irradiation., Methods and Materials: A literature search was performed for studies reporting pediatric radiation therapy (RT) associated cerebral vasculopathy. When available, we used individual patient RT doses delivered to the Circle of Willis (CW) or optic chiasm (as a surrogate), as reported or digitized from original publications, to formulate a dose-response. A logistic fit and a Normal Tissue Complication Probability (NTCP) model was developed to predict future risk of cerebrovascular toxicity and stroke, respectively. This NTCP risk was assessed as a function of prescribed dose., Results: The search identified 766 abstracts, 5 of which were used for modeling. We identified 101 of 3989 pediatric patients who experienced at least one cerebrovascular toxicity: transient ischemic attack, stroke, moyamoya, or arteriopathy. For a range of shorter follow-ups, as specified in the original publications (approximate attained ages of 17 years), our logistic fit model predicted the incidence of any cerebrovascular toxicity as a function of dose to the CW, or surrogate structure: 0.2% at 30 Gy, 1.3% at 45 Gy, and 4.4% at 54 Gy. At an attained age of 35 years, our NTCP model predicted a stroke incidence of 0.9% to 1.3%, 1.8% to 2.7%, and 2.8% to 4.1%, respectively at prescribed doses of 30 Gy, 45 Gy, and 54 Gy (compared with a baseline risk of 0.2%-0.3%). At an attained age of 45 years, the predicted incidence of stroke was 2.1% to 4.2%, 4.5% to 8.6%, and 6.7% to 13.0%, respectively at prescribed doses of 30 Gy, 45 Gy, and 54 Gy (compared with a baseline risk of 0.5%-1.0%)., Conclusions: Risk of cerebrovascular toxicity continues to increase with longer follow-up. NTCP stroke predictions are very sensitive to model variables (baseline stroke risk and proportional stroke hazard), both of which found in the literature may be systematically erring on minimization of true risk. We hope this information will assist practitioners in counseling, screening, surveilling, and facilitating risk reduction of RT-related cerebrovascular late effects in this highly sensitive population., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Online reputation management (ORM) is an emerging practice strategy that emphasizes the systematic and proactive monitoring of online reviews relating to one's professional reputation., Objective: We developed this survey project to assess whether radiation oncologists are aware of ORM and how it is utilized in their practices. We hypothesized that ORM is largely unknown by most practicing radiation oncologists and that little time is spent actively managing their reputations., Methods: An online survey was submitted to 1222 radiation oncologists using the Qualtrics research platform. Physician emails were gathered from the American Society for Radiation Oncology member directory. A total of 85 physicians initiated the survey, whereas 76 physicians completed more than or equal to 94% (15/16) of the survey questions and were subsequently used in our analyses. The survey consisted of 15 questions querying practice demographics, patient satisfaction determination, ORM understanding, and activities to address ORM and 1 question for physicians to opt-in to a US $50 Amazon gift card raffle. The survey data were summarized using a frequency table, and data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and Spearman correlation coefficients., Results: We calculated a 7% (85/1222) response rate for our survey, with a completion rate of 89% (76/85). A majority of respondents (97%, 74/76) endorsed being somewhat or strongly concerned about patient satisfaction (P<.001). However, 58% (44/76) of respondents reported spending 0 hours per week reviewing or managing their online reputation and 39% (30/76) reported spending less than 1 hour per week (P<.001). A majority of physicians (58%, 44/76) endorsed no familiarity with ORM (P<.001) and 70% (53/76) did not actively manage their online reputation (P<.001). Although 83% (63/76) of respondents strongly or somewhat believed that patients read online reviews (P<.001), 57% (43/76) of respondents did not check their online reviews (P=.25) and 80% (61/76) endorsed never responding to online reviews (P<.001). Moreover, 58% (44/76) of the respondents strongly or somewhat supported the idea of managing their online reputation going forward (P=.001). In addition, 11 out of the 28 pairs of questions asked in our correlation studies reached statistical significance. Degree of concern for patient satisfaction and the notion of managing one's ORM going forward were the 2 most frequently correlated topics of statistical significance in our analyses., Conclusions: ORM is presently under-recognized in radiation oncology. Although most practitioners are concerned about patient satisfaction, little effort is directed toward the internet on this matter. ORM offers an area of practice improvement for many practicing radiation oncologists., (©Jonathan Fredric Waxer, Sudesh Srivastav, Christian Steven DiBiase, Steven Joseph DiBiase. Originally published in JMIR Cancer (http://cancer.jmir.org), 01.04.2019.)

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of tissue samples is a promising analytical tool that has quickly become associated with biomedical and pharmacokinetic studies. It eliminates several labor-intensive protocols associated with more classical imaging techniques, and provides accurate, histological data at a rapid pace. Because mass spectrometry is used as the readout, MSI can be applied to almost any molecule, especially those that are biologically relevant. Many examples of its utility in the study of peptides and proteins have been reported; here we discuss its value in the mass range of small molecules. We explore its success and potential in the analysis of lipids, medicinals, and metal-based compounds by featuring representative studies from mass spectrometry imaging laboratories around the globe.

Primary intracranial germ cell tumors are rare, representing less than 5% of all central nervous system tumors. Overall, the majority of germ cell tumors are germinomas and approximately one-third are non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCT), which include teratoma, embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor (endodermal sinus tumor), choriocarcinoma, or mixed malignant germ cell tumor. Germ cell tumors may secrete detectable levels of proteins into the blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid, and these proteins can be used for diagnostic purposes or to monitor tumor recurrence. Germinomas have long been known to be highly curable with radiation therapy alone. However, many late effects of whole brain or craniospinal irradiation have been well documented. Strategies have been developed to reduce the dose and volume of radiation therapy, often in combination with chemotherapy. In contrast, patients with NGGCT have a poorer prognosis, with about 60% cured with multimodality chemoradiation. There are no standard approaches for relapsed germ cell tumors. Options may be limited by prior treatment. Radiation therapy has been utilized alone or in combination with chemotherapy or high-dose chemotherapy and transplant. We discuss two cases and review options for frameless radiosurgery or fractionated radiotherapy.

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of tissue samples is a promising analytical tool that has quickly become associated with biomedical and pharmacokinetic studies. It eliminates several labor-intensive protocols associated with more classical imaging techniques and provides accurate histological data at a rapid pace. Because mass spectrometry is used as the readout, MSI can be applied to almost any molecule, especially those that are biologically relevant. Many examples of its utility in the study of peptides and proteins have been reported; here we discuss its value in the mass range of small molecules. We explore its success and potential in the analysis of lipids, medicinals, and metal-based compounds by featuring representative studies from MSI laboratories around the globe.