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Concise review of radiosurgery for contemporary management of pilocytic astrocytomas in children and adults

Authors:

Abstract

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) may be seen in both adults and children as a distinct histologic and biologic subset of low-grade glioma. Surgery is the principal treatment for the management of PAs; however, selected patients may benefit from irradiation particularly in the setting of inoperability, incomplete resection, or recurrent disease. While conventionally fractionated radiation therapy has been traditionally utilized for radiotherapeutic management, stereotactic irradiation strategies have been introduced more recently to improve the toxicity profile of radiation delivery without compromising tumor control. PAs may be suitable for radiosurgical management due to their typical appearance as well circumscribed lesions. Focused and precise targeting of these well-defined lesions under stereotactic immobilization and image guidance may offer great potential for achieving an improved therapeutic ratio by virtue of radiosurgical techniques. Given the high conformality along with steep dose gradients around the target volume allowing for reduced normal tissue exposure, radiosurgery may be considered a viable modality of radiotherapeutic management. Another advantage of radiosurgery may be the completion of therapy in a usually shorter overall treatment time, which may be particularly well suited for children with requirement of anesthesia during irradiation. Several studies have addressed the utility of radiosurgery particularly as an adjuvant or salvage treatment modality for PA. Nevertheless, despite the growing body of evidence supporting the use of radiosurgery, there is need for a high level of evidence to dictate treatment decisions and establish its optimal role in the management of PA. Herein, we provide a concise review of radiosurgery for PA in light of the literature.
World Journal of
Experimental Medicine
ISSN 2220-315x (online)
World J Exp Med 2022 May 20; 12(3): 36-52
Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc
WJEM https://www.wjgnet.com IMay 20, 2022 Volume 12 Issue 3
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Contents Bimonthly Volume 12 Number 3 May 20, 2022
MINIREVIEWS
Concise review of radiosurgery for contemporary management of pilocytic astrocytomas in children and
adults
36
Sager O, Dincoglan F, Demiral S, Uysal B, Gamsiz H, Gumustepe E, Ozcan F, Colak O, Gursoy AT, Dursun CU, Tugcu
AO, Dogru GD, Arslan R, Elcim Y, Gundem E, Dirican B, Beyzadeoglu M
Use of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin combination to treat the COVID-19 infection
44
Bajpai J, Pradhan A, Verma AK, Kant S
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DOI: 10.5493/wjem.v12.i3.36 ISSN 2220-315x (online)
MINIREVIEWS
Concise review of radiosurgery for contemporary management of
pilocytic astrocytomas in children and adults
Omer Sager, Ferrat Dincoglan, Selcuk Demiral, Bora Uysal, Hakan Gamsiz, Esra Gumustepe, Fatih Ozcan,
Onurhan Colak, Ahmet Tarik Gursoy, Cemal Ugur Dursun, Ahmet Oguz Tugcu, Galip Dogukan Dogru,
Rukiyye Arslan, Yelda Elcim, Esin Gundem, Bahar Dirican, Murat Beyzadeoglu
Specialty type: Oncology
Provenance and peer review:
Invited article; Externally peer
reviewed.
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P-Reviewer: Hata M, Japan
Received: September 30, 2021
Peer-review started: September 30,
2021
First decision: March 7, 2022
Revised: March 9, 2022
Accepted: April 21, 2022
Article in press: April 21, 2022
Published online: May 20, 2022
Omer Sager, Ferrat Dincoglan, Selcuk Demiral, Bora Uysal, Hakan Gamsiz, Esra Gumustepe, Fatih
Ozcan, Onurhan Colak, Ahmet Tarik Gursoy, Cemal Ugur Dursun, Ahmet Oguz Tugcu, Galip
Dogukan Dogru, Rukiyye Arslan, Yelda Elcim, Esin Gundem, Bahar Dirican, Murat Beyzadeoglu,
Department of Radiation Oncology, Gulhane Medical Faculty, University of Health Sciences,
Ankara 0090, Turkey
Corresponding author: Omer Sager, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Radiation
Oncology, Gulhane Medical Faculty, University of Health Sciences, Ankara 0090, Turkey.
omersager@gmail.com
Abstract
Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) may be seen in both adults and children as a distinct
histologic and biologic subset of low-grade glioma. Surgery is the principal
treatment for the management of PAs; however, selected patients may benefit
from irradiation particularly in the setting of inoperability, incomplete resection,
or recurrent disease. While conventionally fractionated radiation therapy has been
traditionally utilized for radiotherapeutic management, stereotactic irradiation
strategies have been introduced more recently to improve the toxicity profile of
radiation delivery without compromising tumor control. PAs may be suitable for
radiosurgical management due to their typical appearance as well circumscribed
lesions. Focused and precise targeting of these well-defined lesions under
stereotactic immobilization and image guidance may offer great potential for
achieving an improved therapeutic ratio by virtue of radiosurgical techniques.
Given the high conformality along with steep dose gradients around the target
volume allowing for reduced normal tissue exposure, radiosurgery may be
considered a viable modality of radiotherapeutic management. Another adv-
antage of radiosurgery may be the completion of therapy in a usually shorter
overall treatment time, which may be particularly well suited for children with
requirement of anesthesia during irradiation. Several studies have addressed the
utility of radiosurgery particularly as an adjuvant or salvage treatment modality
for PA. Nevertheless, despite the growing body of evidence supporting the use of
radiosurgery, there is need for a high level of evidence to dictate treatment
decisions and establish its optimal role in the management of PA. Herein, we
provide a concise review of radiosurgery for PA in light of the literature.
Sager O et al. Radiosurgery for pilocytic astrocytomas
WJEM https://www.wjgnet.com 37 May 20, 2022 Volume 12 Issue 3
Key Words: Pilocytic astrocytoma; Radiosurgery; Stereotactic irradiation; Low-grade glioma; Radiation
oncology; Children
©The Author(s) 2022. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Core Tip: Radiosurgery for pilocytic astrocytomas may be utilized as part of initial management, as
adjuvant therapy, or for the salvage of recurrences. Radiosurgery offers a convenient procedure by a
condensed treatment schedule with rapid recovery. An improved toxicity profile may be achieved through
optimal normal tissue sparing. Accurate setup verification under stereotactic immobilization and image
guidance may be achieved, and the procedure is convenient with regards to staff and facility workload.
Citation: Sager O, Dincoglan F, Demiral S, Uysal B, Gamsiz H, Gumustepe E, Ozcan F, Colak O, Gursoy AT,
Dursun CU, Tugcu AO, Dogru GD, Arslan R, Elcim Y, Gundem E, Dirican B, Beyzadeoglu M. Concise review of
radiosurgery for contemporary management of pilocytic astrocytomas in children and adults. World J Exp Med
2022; 12(3): 36-43
URL: https://www.wjgnet.com/2220-315x/full/v12/i3/36.htm
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.5493/wjem.v12.i3.36
INTRODUCTION
Gliomas are neuroepithelial tumors arising from supporting glial cells of the central nervous system
(CNS). Low-grade glioma (LGG) may be seen in both adults and more commonly in the pediatric
population, and constitutes the most frequent CNS malignancy in children, accounting for approx-
imately one-third of pediatric brain tumors[1-3]. Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), previously referred to as
polar spongioblastoma, cystic cerebellar astrocytoma, or juvenile PA (JPA), is a distinct histologic and
biologic subset of LGG initially described by Harvey Cushing in 1931[4,5]. The term “pilocytic” has been
used due to the microscopic appearance of cells with long, thin bipolar processes resembling hairs[5].
Rosenthal fibers may be typically found on hematoxylin and eosin staining as elongated eosinophilic
bundles. PA comprises roughly 25%-30% and 2%-5% of all CNS tumors in children and adults,
respectively[6,7]. These tumors are typically classified as World Health Organization (WHO) grade I
tumors[8]. The majority of PAs usually portend favorable prognosis with low growth rates; however, a
more aggressive clinical course may be observed in adult PAs and pilomyxoid astrocytomas[9,10]. PAs
mostly arise in the cerebellum, chiasmatic, and hypothalamic areas; nevertheless, these tumors may also
be seen at other locations including the cerebral hemispheres, brainstem, and spinal cord[11]. Surgery is
the main modality of management for PA, and gross total resection is intended to achieve tumor
eradication[12-14]. Observation has been considered given the relatively favorable prognosis to spare
patients from adverse effects of adjuvant therapy; however, failure to achieve optimal surgical tumor
removal may result in subsequent recurrences and the prognosis may be affected by age, disease
localization, and extent of resection[15-19]. In this context, radiation therapy (RT) may be considered for
the management of selected patients with PA. Irradiation has been shown to improve progression-free
survival (PFS) for PA; nevertheless, there have been concerns over the utility of RT due to the risk of
radiation-induced toxicity[19-25]. Since a significant proportion of patients with PA are children with
vulnerability to adverse effects of irradiation, several strategies have been introduced such as reserving
RT for salvage treatment for selected patients, decreasing the total delivered doses, and improving the
toxicity profile of radiation delivery through focused stereotactic irradiation[23-25].
Herein, we provide a concise review of radiosurgery for the management of PA in light of the
literature.
RADIOSURGERY FOR PA
PA comprises a considerable proportion of LGG particularly in the pediatric population. Typically, PAs
are well circumscribed WHO grade I tumors with low growth rates and indolent disease course. PAs
may present in the form of solid tumors or may include both cystic and solid components. While some
patients may have no symptoms until the tumors grow to a substantial size before diagnosis,
symptomatic presentation may occur depending on lesion location and association with critical
neurovascular structures. The disease course may also be affected by patient age with adult PAs
portending a typically poorer prognosis compared to JPA. Surgery is the principal therapy; however,
the extent of resection is a critical factor and patients undergoing incomplete surgical removal of the
Sager O et al. Radiosurgery for pilocytic astrocytomas
WJEM https://www.wjgnet.com 38 May 20, 2022 Volume 12 Issue 3
tumor may suffer from recurrences particularly within the first years of postoperative period[26]. While
there is no consensus on radiotherapeutic management, selected patients may benefit from irradiation
particularly in the setting of inoperability, incomplete resection, or recurrent disease. Conventionally
fractionated RT has been traditionally utilized for radiotherapeutic management. More recently,
stereotactic irradiation strategies have been introduced for improving the toxicity profile of radiation
delivery without jeopardizing disease control.
Radiosurgery in the forms of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), hypofractionated stereotactic RT
(HFSRT), and Stereotactic Body RT (SBRT) has been judiciously used for management of several CNS
disorders and tumors throughout the human body with promising therapeutic outcomes[27-41]. Unique
features of radiosurgical management include focused and precise targeting of well-defined tumors
under stereotactic immobilization and image guidance. Also, radiosurgery typically offers a condensed
treatment schedule, which may be particularly well suited for children with requirement of anesthesia
during irradiation. While conventionally fractionated RT is delivered over 5 to 6 wk, overall treatment
time is significantly reduced in radiosurgical management, which includes the delivery of a single or a
few fractions in a significantly shorter overall treatment time. Since a substantial proportion of patients
with PA are children, the requirement for daily anesthesia is a critical consideration and abbreviated
treatment with radiosurgery may offer a viable radiotherapeutic approach. Multiple convergent beams
are focused on the target to achieve excellent target coverage in radiosurgical applications. Steep dose
gradients around the target allow for optimal normal tissue sparing, which may be of utmost
importance for the management of children with PA to improve the toxicity profile of radiation
delivery. The need for expanding the target with margins to account for setup uncertainties is
eliminated or minimized under image guidance and robust stereotactic immobilization of the patients
which may contribute to reduced normal tissue exposure in radiosurgery of PAs. Table 1 shows
summarized data from selected series of stereotactic irradiation for management of PA in pediatric and
adult patients.
Murphy et al[42] assessed outcomes of Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GKSRS) for PA.
Median patient age was 14 years (range: 2-84 years) at the time of GKSRS. Median tumor volume was
3.45 cc (range: 0.17-33.7 cc). Median margin dose was 14 Gy (range: 4-22.5 Gy). At last follow-up, 5- and
10-year overall survival (OS) rates were 95.7% and 92.5%, respectively, whereas 5- and 10-year PFS rates
were 74.0% and 69.7%, respectively. In this largest study of single session GKSRS including 141 patients
from 9 International Radiosurgery Research Foundation centers, the authors concluded that GKSRS
provided favorable long term PFS and OS[42].
Trifiletti et al[43] from the University of Virginia evaluated GK-based stereotactic irradiation in a
series of 28 patients with PA. Median age was 17.4 years (range: 2-70.3 years). Median tumor volume
was 1.84 cc and the median margin dose was 16 Gy. One patient received multi-fraction SRS with a total
dose of 15 Gy delivered in three fractions. Local tumor control rate was 93% without adverse radiation
effects. Actuarial PFS rates at 1, 3, 6, and 12 years were 96%, 96%, 96%, and 80%, respectively. Authors
concluded that favorable tumor control rates may be achieved by SRS as a viable technique for
management of PA in the primary or recurrent disease setting[43].
Simonova et al[44] assessed long-term outcomes with GK-based stereotactic irradiation for PA. Their
series included 25 pediatric patients with a median age of 13 years (range: 3-17 years). Median target
volume was 2.7 cc (range: 0.2-25 cc). The 10-year OS and PFS rates were 96% and 80%, respectively.
Patients with a planning target volume of 2.7 cc or less had increased PFS. Authors concluded that
radiosurgery offers an alternative treatment modality, providing long term local control for man-
agement of small residual or recurrent PAs[44].
Lizarraga et al[45] evaluated linear accelerator based stereotactic irradiation for progressive residual
PAs in a series of 12 patients. Median age at the start of stereotactic irradiation was 21 years (range: 5-41
years). There were no radiation-induced adverse effects in the follow-up period, and probabilities of
long-term PFS and disease-specific survival were 73.3% and 91.7%, respectively[45].
Hallemeier et al[46] assessed GKSRS for the management of recurrent or unresectable PA in a series of
18 patients treated at the Mayo Clinic. Median age at GKSRS was 23 years (range: 4-56 years). Median
treatment volume for GKSRS was 9.1 cc. Median margin dose was 15 and 16 Gy for patients with and
without prior RT, respectively. PFS rates were 65%, 41%, and 17% at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively, at a
median follow-up duration of 8 years. OS rates were 94%, 71%, and 71%, at 1, 5, and 10 years after
GKSRS, respectively. The authors concluded that GKSRS may serve as a meaningful therapeutic option
for management of recurrent or unresectable PAs in the setting of treatment failure with surgery and/or
external beam RT considering the durable local tumor control and low permanent radiation induced
morbidity with GKSRS[46].
Kano et al[47] evaluated GKSRS for the management of newly diagnosed or recurrent JPAs in a series
of 50 pediatric patients with a median age of 10.5 years (range: 4.2-17.9 years). Median margin dose was
14.5 Gy. PFS after GKSRS (including tumor growth and cyst enlargement) was 91.7%, 82.8% and 70.8%
at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively, for the entire series at a median follow-up duration of 55 mo. The
authors concluded that response to treatment was better in small volume residual solid JPAs, and
GKSRS should be considered when resection is not feasible or in the presence of early recurrence[47].
Sager O et al. Radiosurgery for pilocytic astrocytomas
WJEM https://www.wjgnet.com 39 May 20, 2022 Volume 12 Issue 3
Table 1 Selected series of stereotactic irradiation for management of pilocytic astrocytoma in pediatric and adult patients
Ref. Publication year
and study period Histology Number of
patients Age (yr) Setting Treatment Tumor size Dose Prior
RT
Follow-up
duration
PFS / tumor
control
Murphy et al
[42]
2019 (1990-2016) PA 141 Median age 14
yr (range: 2-84
yr)
As part of initial
management or
salvage therapy
GKSRS Median 3.45 cc Median margin dose 16 Gy 21
patients
Median 67.3 mo PFS 74.0% at 5
yr; PFS 69.7%
at 10 yr
Trifiletti et al
[43]
2017 (1990-2015) PA 28 Median age
17.4 yr (range:
2-70.3 yr)
As part of initial
management or
salvage therapy
GK-based SRS
or SRT
Median 1.84 cc Median margin dose 16 Gy for single
fraction SRS, and 15 Gy delivered in 3
fractions for SRT
4
patients
Median 5.4 yr PFS 96% at 6
yr; Tumor
control 93%
Simonova et al
[44]
2016 (1992-2002) PA 25 Median age 13
yr (range: 3-17
yr)
As part of initial
management or
salvage therapy
GK-based SRS
or SRT
Median 2.7 cc Median margin dose 16 Gy for
patients receiving single fraction,
median dose 25 Gy delivered in 5
fractions for SRT
2
patients
Median 15 yr PFS 80% at 10
yr
Lizarraga et al
[45]
2012 (1995-2010) PA 12 Median age 21
yr (range: 5-41
yr)
Salvage therapy LINAC-based
SRS or SRT
Median 6.5 cc for
SRT; Median 1.69
cc for SRS
Median dose 18.75 Gy for SRS and
median dose 50.4 Gy delivered in 28
fractions for SRT
0
patients
Median 37.5 mo PFS 73.3% at
long term
Hallemeier et al
[46]
2012 (1992-2005) PA 18 Median age 23
yr (range: 4-56
yr)
As part of initial
management or
salvage therapy
GKSRS Median 9.1 cc Median margin dose 15 Gy 10
patients
Median 8 yr PFS 41% at 5
yr; Tumor
control 75%
Kano et al[47] 2009 (1987-2006) PA 50 Median age
10.5 yr (range:
4.2-17.9 yr)
As part of initial
management or
salvage therapy
GKSRS Median 2.1 cc Median margin dose 14.5 Gy 5
patients
Median 55.5 mo PFS 70.8% at 5
yr
Kano et al[48] 2009 (1994-2006) PA 14 Median age 32
yr (range: 19-52
yr)
As part of initial
management or
salvage therapy
GKSRS Median 4.7 cc Median margin dose 13.3 Gy 6
patients
Median 36.3 mo PFS 31.5% at 5
yr
Hadjipanayis et
al[49]
2002(1987-2000) PA 37 Median age 14
yr (range: 3-52
yr)
As part of initial
management or
salvage therapy
GKSRS Median 3 cc Median margin dose 15 Gy 9
patients
Median 28 mo
after GKSRS
Tumor control
68%
Boëthius et al
[50]
2002 (1978-1997) PA 19 Mean age 10.6
yr (range: 2-60
yr)
Adjuvant therapy GKSRS Median 2.2 cc Median margin dose 10 Gy 2
patients
Median
radiological
follow-up 4.7 yr
Tumor control
94.7%
Somaza et al
[51]
1996 (1990-1993) PA 9 Mean age 8.6 yr
(range: 4-17 yr)
Adjuvant or salvage
therapy
GKSRS Mean tumor
diameter 16 mm
Median margin dose 15 Gy 2
patients
Median 19 mo Tumor control
100%
GKSRS: Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery; LINAC: Linear accelerator; PA: Pilocytic astrocytoma; PFS: Progression-free survival; SRS: Stereotactic radiosurgery; SRT: Stereotactic radiation therapy.
In another study, Kano et al[48] separately assessed GKSRS for the management of PA in adult
patients. A total of 14 patients treated using GKSRS between 1994 and 2006 were included. Median age
was 32 years (range: 19-52 years). Median margin dose was 13.3 Gy, and median radiosurgery target
volume was 4.7 cc. At a median follow-up duration of 36.3 mo, 3 patients died and 11 patients were
Sager O et al. Radiosurgery for pilocytic astrocytomas
WJEM https://www.wjgnet.com 40 May 20, 2022 Volume 12 Issue 3
alive with OS rates of 100%, 88.9%, and 88.9% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively, for the entire series. The
authors emphasized that PA could behave more aggressively in adult patients, and thus additional
treatment strategies could be considered for unresectable PAs located in critical brain areas. The authors
concluded that GKSRS was most valuable for patients after maximal feasible surgical resection and
delayed cyst progression contributed to late loss of tumor control[48].
Hadjipanayis et al[49] performed a retrospective analysis of 37 patients receiving GKSRS at the
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for recurrent or critically located PAs. Median age at GKSRS
was 14 years. At a median follow-up duration of 28 mo after GKSRS and 59 mo after diagnosis, 33 (89%)
of 37 patients were alive, providing a 7-year actuarial survival rate of 76%. Follow-up imaging revealed
tumor control in 25 (68%) of 37 patients. While 10 patients had complete resolution of tumor, 8 had
greater than 50% reduction in tumor volume. There were no procedure-related permanent morbidity or
mortality. The authors concluded that GKSRS could be used as part of multimodal management for
progressive, recurrent, or unresectable PAs and GKSRS could replace fractionated RT and
chemotherapy in selected patients as a safe and promising treatment modality[49].
Boëthius et al[50] evaluated outcomes of 19 patients receiving GKSRS for PA. Mean age was 10.6
years, and the study group included 16 pediatric patients. Median tumor volume was 2.2 cc. A median
marginal dose of 10 Gy was used given that majority of tumors were localized within or in close
neighborhood of the brainstem. A satisfactory tumor control rate of 94.7% was achieved at a median
radiological follow-up duration of 4.7 years and median clinical follow-up duration of 7 years albeit
with a relatively lower GKSRS dose[50].
Somaza et al[51] from Pittsburgh University assessed the utility of GKSRS in adjuvant treatment of 9
pediatric patients with growing and unresectable deeply seated PAs. Mean margin dose was 15 Gy. At a
mean follow-up duration of 19 mo, tumor control was achieved in all patients with significant tumor
shrinkage in 5 patients and no further growth in 4 patients. No patients had early or late toxicity. The
authors concluded that GKSRS served as a safe and effective therapeutic modality for management of
deeply seated and small volume PAs[51].
Overall, stereotactic irradiation has been utilized for management of PA in both children and adults
as a promising treatment modality. Since adverse effects of irradiation constitute major concerns over
the use of RT for treatment of PAs, improving the toxicity profile of radiation delivery is a critical aspect
of contemporary patient management in the millennium era. Within this context, focused and precise
targeting of well circumscribed PAs under stereotactic immobilization and image guidance may offer
great potential for achieving an improved therapeutic ratio by virtue of radiosurgical techniques.
Another advantage of radiosurgery may be the completion of therapy in a usually shorter overall
treatment time, which may be particularly well suited for children with requirement of anesthesia
during irradiation. Although radiosurgery is a relatively newer treatment paradigm compared to
conventional RT, it has gained widespread popularity and adoption with growing body of evidence
supporting its utility. Nevertheless, there is still room for further improvements with the need for high
level of evidence to reach multidisciplinary consensus for optimal management of PAs.
CONCLUSION
PA may be seen in both adults and children as a distinct histologic and biologic subset of LGG. Surgery
is the principal treatment for management of PAs, however, selected patients may benefit from
irradiation particularly in the setting of inoperability, incomplete resection, or recurrent disease. While
conventionally fractionated RT has been traditionally utilized for radiotherapeutic management,
stereotactic irradiation strategies have been introduced more recently to improve the toxicity profile of
radiation delivery without compromising tumor control. PAs may be suitable for radiosurgical
management due to their typical appearance as well circumscribed lesions. Focused and precise
targeting of these well-defined lesions under stereotactic immobilization and image guidance may offer
great potential for achieving an improved therapeutic ratio by virtue of radiosurgical techniques. Given
the high conformality along with steep dose gradients around the target volume allowing for reduced
normal tissue exposure, radiosurgery may be considered as a viable modality of radiotherapeutic
management. Another advantage of radiosurgery may be the completion of therapy in a usually shorter
overall treatment time, which may be particularly well suited for children with requirement of
anesthesia during irradiation.
Although radiosurgery has a shorter history compared to conventional RT, there is accumulating data
on its utility for management of several tumors throughout the human body. In the context of PAs,
several studies have addressed its use particularly as an adjuvant or salvage treatment modality.
Nevertheless, despite the growing body of evidence supporting the utility of radiosurgery, there is need
for high level of evidence to dictate treatment decisions and establish its optimal role in management of
PA. We believe that both SRS and SRT may be considered as viable radiosurgical methods for
management of PA and selection between SRS and SRT should be based on patient, tumor, and
treatment characteristics.
Sager O et al. Radiosurgery for pilocytic astrocytomas
WJEM https://www.wjgnet.com 41 May 20, 2022 Volume 12 Issue 3
In the context of future perspectives, immunotherapy, identification of driver alterations and
introduction of efficacious targeted therapies may pave the way for contemporary treatment approaches
for PAs. Further extensive investigation is warranted to develop safe and effective treatment strategies
for management of PAs.
FOOTNOTES
Author contributions: Sager O, Dincoglan F, Demiral S, Uysal B, Gamsiz H, Gumustepe E, Ozcan F, Colak O, Gursoy
AT, Dursun CU, Tugcu AO, Dogru GD, and Arslan R played significant roles in data acquisition, interpretation of
data, and reviewing and writing of the manuscript; Elcim Y, Gundem E, and Dirican B revised the manuscript for
important intellectual content; Beyzadeoglu M took part in designing, reviewing, and writing the manuscript and
revising the manuscript for important intellectual content; All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by
external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-
NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license
their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-
commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Country/Territory of origin: Turkey
ORCID number: Omer Sager 0000-0001-7866-2598; Ferrat Dincoglan 0000-0002-7668-0976; Selcuk Demiral 0000-0002-3408-
0323; Bora Uysal 0000-0002-7288-7005; Hakan Gamsiz 0000-0002-7791-3487; Esra Gumustepe 0000-0002-3664-4663; Fatih
Ozcan 0000-0002-1965-7067; Onurhan Colak 0000-0003-1421-4678; Ahmet Tarik Gursoy 0000-0002-9404-4578; Cemal Ugur
Dursun 0000-0001-6095-3506; Ahmet Oguz Tugcu 0000-0001-6229-9405; Galip Dogukan Dogru 0000-0002-4906-8087;
Rukiyye Arslan 0000-0003-2835-5893; Yelda Elcim 0000-0001-6274-1267; Esin Gundem 0000-0002-9482-8567; Bahar Dirican
0000-0002-1749-5375; Murat Beyzadeoglu 0000-0003-1035-7209.
S-Editor: Ma YJ
L-Editor: Filipodia
P-Editor: Ma YJ
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... If PA recurs, a new surgical approach should be performed. It has been reported that stereotactic radiosurgery may achieve good results for residual and recurrent PA (50). ...
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Among low-grade gliomas, representing 10–20% of all primary brain tumours, the paradigmatic entity is constituted by pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), considered a grade 1 tumour by the World Health Organization. Generally, this tumour requires surgical treatment with an infrequent progression towards malignant gliomas. The present review focuses on clinicopathological characteristics, and reports imaging, neurosurgical and molecular features using a multidisciplinary approach. Macroscopically, PA is a slow-growing soft grey tissue, characteristically presenting in association with a cyst and forming a small mural nodule, typically located in the cerebellum, but sometimes occurring in the spinal cord, basal ganglia or cerebral hemisphere. Microscopically, it may appear as densely fibrillated areas composed of elongated pilocytic cells with bipolar ‘hairlike’ processes or densely fibrillated areas composed of elongated pilocytic cells with Rosenthal fibres alternating with loosely fibrillated areas with a varied degree of myxoid component. A wide range of molecular alterations have been encountered in PA, mostly affecting the MAPK signalling pathway. In detail, the most frequent alteration is a rearrangement of the BRAF gene, although other alterations include neurofibromatosis type-1 mutations, BRAFV600E mutations, KRAS mutations, fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 mutations of fusions, neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase family receptor tyrosine kinase fusions and RAF1 gene fusions. The gold standard of PA treatment is surgical excision with complete margin resection, achieving minimal neurological damage. Conventional radiotherapy is not required; the more appropriate treatment appears to be serial follow-up. Chemotherapy should only be applied in younger children to avoid the risk of long-term growth and developmental issues associated with radiation. Finally, if PA recurs, a new surgical approach should be performed. At present, novel therapy involving agents targeting MAPK signalling pathway dysregulation is in development, defining BRAF and MEK inhibitors as target therapeutical agents.
... As the site of origin and different biologic behavior of PA, the treatment options are diverse. Management strategies range from conservative monitoring, to biopsy, subtotal resection, total resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy [25,26]. For ACP, traditional treatment options include surgery and radiotherapy. ...
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Objective There are no specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features that distinguish pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) from adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP). In this study we compared the frequency of a novel enhancement characteristic on MRI (called the cut green pepper sign) in PA and ACP. Methods Consecutive patients with PA (n = 24) and ACP (n = 36) in the suprasellar region were included in the analysis. The cut green pepper sign was evaluated on post-contrast T1WI images independently by 2 neuroradiologists who were unaware of the pathologic diagnosis. The frequency of cut green pepper sign in PA and ACP was compared with Fisher’s exact test. Results The cut green pepper sign was identified in 50% (12/24) of patients with PA, and 5.6% (2/36) with ACP. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the cut green pepper sign for diagnosing PA were 50%, 94.4%, 85.7% and 73.9%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the age of patients with PA with and without the cut green pepper sign (12.3 ± 9.2 years vs. 5.5 ± 4.4 years, p = 0.035). Conclusion The novel cut green pepper sign can help distinguish suprasellar PA from ACP on MRI.
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Objective: Hodgkin lymphoma is a critical malignancy which may be seen during childhood and adolescence. Since it may be observed in younger patients, treatment strategies should be considered thoroughly to achieve optimal results in terms of local control and treatment related adverse effects. Systemic therapy plays a critical role in treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma. In this study, we evaluated changes in tumor volume following chemotherapy for nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma (NSHL).
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A 21-year-old female, who had prior stereotactic biopsy for cerebral glioma 3 months ago, presented with generalized tonic-clonic seizures, multiple café au lait macules on the trunk, and a positive first-degree family history of von Recklinghausen’s disease (Type 1 Neurofibromatosis-NF1). She was treated with upfront (primary); Linac-based SRS for mixed cystic-solid, right, fronto-parietal pilocytic astrocytoma (WHO Grade I). Only the solid tumor component was targeted. The target volume of 5.3 cc received a marginal dose of 15.0 Gy normalized to 80% isodose line. At 5 months post-SRS, the patient developed contralateral moderate hemiparesis, probably attributed to the focal mass effect of tumor pseudo-progression and increased peritumoral vasogenic edema, which required treatment with steroids and diuretics. This neurological deficit showed progressive improvement starting at 12 months post-SRS because of a marked progressive decrease in tumor size and vasogenic edema as shown in subsequent follow-up MRIs. At last radiological follow-up (122 months post-SRS), MRI showed markedly decreased tumor size, with only residual small enhancing lesion in T1 Gadolinium-enhanced study, sustainable complete disappearance of the cystic tumor component, and residual minimal perilesional edema in T2 and FLAIR studies. Serial post-SRS follow-up MRIs showed a decrease in size of both the solid and cystic tumor components. At last clinical follow-up (122 months post-SRS), the patient had sustainable control of seizures without anticonvulsant medications and residual minimal left-sided body weakness, not interfering with normal daily activities.
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A 25-year-old female presented asymptomatic, but with old, post-previous surgery, persistent minimal chocking, mild dysphagia, and repeated mild aspirations. She had history of surgery for brain stem glioma 3 years ago. The patient was treated with upfront (primary); Linac-based SRS for post-surgery residual, medullary pilocytic astrocytoma (WHO Grade I). The target volume of 6.0 cc received a marginal dose of 10.0 Gy normalized to 80% isodose line. The maximum dose to brain stem was 13.1 Gy. At 7 months post-SRS, follow-up MRI showed unchanged tumor size and contrast enhancement, and a de novo tumor-related cyst formation within the medulla. At 32 months post-SRS, follow-up MRI showed a mild decrease in tumor size and contrast enhancement and increased size of medullary cyst. Serial follow-up MRIs demonstrated stationary tumor size and contrast enhancement and a marked decrease in size of de novo tumor-related medullary cyst. At last follow-up (96 months post-SRS), the patient was neurologically intact and had sustainable improvement of chocking, dysphagia, and recurrent aspirations.
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A 9-year-old boy, who had prior surgery for pilocytic astrocytoma 3 months ago, presented asymptomatic. He was treated with adjunctive; Linac-based SRS for mixed cystic-solid, post-surgical residual, suprasellar pilocytic astrocytoma (WHO Grade I). Only the solid tumor component was targeted. The target volume of 9.1 cc received a marginal dose of 10.5 Gy normalized to 70% isodose line. The optic chiasm received a maximum dose of 8.1 Gy. Serial post-SRS follow-up MRIs showed a decrease in size of both the solid and cystic tumor components. At last clinical follow-up (60 months post-SRS), the patient remained asymptomatic and neurologically intact.
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Brain tumors, which are among the most common solid tumors in childhood, remain a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in pediatric population. Gliomas, which may be broadly categorized as low grade glioma and high grade glioma, account for the majority of brain tumors in children. Expectant management, surgery, radiation therapy (RT), chemotherapy, targeted therapy or combinations of these modalities may be used for management of pediatric gliomas. Several patient, tumor and treatment-related characteristics including age, lesion size, grade, location, phenotypic and genotypic features, symptomatology, predicted outcomes and toxicity profile of available therapeutic options should be considered in decision making for optimal treatment. Management of pediatric gliomas poses a formidable challenge to the physicians due to concerns about treatment induced toxicity. Adverse effects of therapy may include neurological deficits, hemiparesis, dysphagia, ataxia, spasticity, endocrine sequelae, neurocognitive and communication impairment, deterioration in quality of life, adverse socioeconomic consequences, and secondary cancers. Nevertheless, improved understanding of molecular pathology and technological advancements may pave the way for progress in management of pediatric glial neoplasms. Multidisciplinary management with close collaboration of disciplines including pediatric oncology, surgery, and radiation oncology is warranted to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. In the context of RT, stereotactic irradiation is a viable treatment modality for several central nervous system disorders and brain tumors. Considering the importance of minimizing adverse effects of irradiation, radiosurgery has attracted great attention for clinical applications in both adults and children. Radiosurgical applications offer great potential for improving the toxicity profile of radiation delivery by focused and precise targeting of well-defined tumors under stereotactic immobilization and image guidance. Herein, we provide a concise review of stereotactic irradiation for pediatric glial neoplasms in light of the literature.
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Purpose The aim of this study was to understand the use of chemotherapy (CMT) and radiotherapy (RT) in pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) and their impact on overall survival (OS). Methods Data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) for patients with non-metastatic WHO grade I PA from 2004 to 2014 were analyzed. Pearson’s chi-squared test and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the distribution of demographic, clinical, and treatment factors. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to account for differences in baseline characteristics. Kaplan–Meier analyses and doubly-robust estimation with multivariate Cox proportional hazards modeling were used to analyze OS. Results Of 3865 patients analyzed, 294 received CMT (7.6%), 233 received RT (6.0%), and 42 (1.1%) received both. On multivariate analyses, decreasing extent of surgical resection was associated with receipt of both CMT and RT. Brainstem tumors were associated with RT, optic nerve tumors were associated with CMT. Cerebellar tumors were inversely associated with both CMT and RT. Younger age was associated with receipt of CMT; conversely, older age was associated with receipt of RT. After IPTW, receipt of CMT and/or RT were associated with an OS decrement compared with matched patients treated with surgery alone or observation (HR 3.29, p < 0.01). Conclusions This is the largest study to date to examine patterns of care and resultant OS outcomes in PA. We identified patient characteristics associated with receipt of CMT and RT. After propensity score matching, receipt of CMT and/or RT was associated with decreased OS.
Article
BACKGROUND Rapid recurrence of a pilocytic astrocytoma with anaplastic transformation is extremely rare. The case of an elderly patient with a cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma with anaplastic transformation during short-term follow-up is reported. CASE DESCRIPTION An 83-year-old woman presented initially with dizziness and a gait deviation to the right. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a homogeneously enhanced mass in the right cerebellar hemisphere, and the tumor was subtotally removed by right suboccipital craniotomy. Histological examination showed that the tumor cells contained eosinophilic cytoplasm and spindle-shaped processes with Rosenthal fibers and eosinophilic granular bodies, diagnosed as a typical pilocytic astrocytoma (PA). The MIB-1 index was less than 1%. The patient did not receive postoperative adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy. Two months after surgery, MRI showed growth of the residual tumor adjacent to the fourth ventricle, causing obstructive hydrocephalus. She underwent surgery again, and the tumor was totally removed. Histological findings showed mitotic cells and increased cellularity compared with the primary tumor, which was compatible with anaplastic transformation of PA with a MIB-1 index of 50%. Postoperatively, she was observed with best supportive care without postoperative adjuvant therapy. Nine months after the second operation, she died due to tonsillar herniation and obstructive hydrocephalus caused by a recurrent tumor. An autopsy was performed. CONCLUSION It is extremely rare, as in the present case, that a cerebellar PA in an elderly patient recurs rapidly with anaplastic transformation, despite deferred postoperative adjuvant therapy including radiation and chemotherapy A novel molecular-targeted therapy is needed for anaplastic PA showing aggressive biological behavior.
Article
Objective: The current standard initial therapy for pilocytic astrocytoma is maximal safe resection. Radiation therapy is considered for residual, recurrent, or unresectable pilocytic astrocytomas. However, the optimal radiation strategy has not yet been established. Here, the authors describe the outcomes of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for pilocytic astrocytoma in a large multiinstitutional cohort. Methods: An institutional review board-approved multiinstitutional database of patients treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) between 1990 and 2016 was queried. Data were gathered from 9 participating International Radiosurgery Research Foundation (IRRF) centers. Patients with a histological diagnosis of pilocytic astrocytoma treated using a single session of GKRS and with at least 6 months of follow-up were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 141 patients were analyzed in the study. The median patient age was 14 years (range 2-84 years) at the time of GKRS. The median follow-up was 67.3 months. Thirty-nine percent of patients underwent SRS as the initial therapy, whereas 61% underwent SRS as salvage treatment. The median tumor volume was 3.45 cm3. The tumor location was the brainstem in 30% of cases, with a nonbrainstem location in the remainder. Five- and 10-year overall survival rates at the last follow-up were 95.7% and 92.5%, respectively. Five- and 10-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 74.0% and 69.7%, respectively. On univariate analysis, an age < 18 years, tumor volumes < 4.5 cm3, and no prior radiotherapy or chemotherapy were identified as positive prognostic factors for improved PFS. On multivariate analysis, only prior radiotherapy was significant for worse PFS. Conclusions: This represents the largest study of single-session GKRS for pilocytic astrocytoma to date. Favorable long-term PFS and overall survival were observed with GKRS. Further prospective studies should be performed to evaluate appropriate radiosurgery dosing, timing, and sequencing of treatment along with their impact on toxicity and the quality of life of patients with pilocytic astrocytoma.
Article
Introducton: Adjuvant radiotherapy after surgical resection is used for the treatment of patients with brain metastasis. In this study, we assessed the use of adjuvant hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HFSRT) to the resection cavity for the management of patients with brain metastasis. Materials and methods: A total of 28 patients undergoing surgical resection for their brain metastasis were treated using HFSRT to the resection cavity. A total HFSRT dose of 25-30 Gray (Gy) was delivered in 5 consecutive daily fractions. Patients were retrospectively assessed for toxicity, local control, and survival outcomes. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Median planning target volume (PTV) was 27.2 cc (range: 6-76.1 cc). At a median follow-up time of 11 months (range: 2-21 months.), 1-year local control rate was 85.7%, and 1-year distant failure rate was 57.1% (16 patients). Median overall survival was 15 months from HFSRT. Higher recursive partitioning analysis class (P = 0.01) and the presence of extracranial metastases (P = 0.02) were associated with decreased overall survival on statistical analysis. There was no radiation necrosis observed during follow-up. Conclusion: HFSRT to the resection cavity offers a safe and effective adjuvant treatment for patients undergoing surgical resection of brain metastasis. With comparable local control rates, HFSRT may serve as a viable alternative to whole brain irradiation.
Article
Aims and background: There is scant data on the utility of repeated radiosurgery for management of locally recurrent brain metastases after upfront stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Most studies have used single-fraction SRS for repeated radiosurgery, and the use of fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (f-SRS) in this setting has been poorly addressed. In this study, we assessed the utility of f-SRS for the management of locally recurrent brain metastases after failed upfront single-fraction SRS and report our single-center experience. Methods and study design: A total of 30 patients receiving f-SRS for locally recurrent brain metastases after upfront single-fraction SRS at our department between September 2011 and September 2017 were retrospectively evaluated for local control (LC), toxicity, and overall survival outcomes. Results: Median age and Karnofsky performance status were 57 (range: 38-78 years) and 80 (range: 70-100) at repeated radiosurgery (SRS2). The median time interval between the two radiosurgery applications was 13.5 months (range: 3.7-49 months). LC after SRS2 was 83.3%. Radionecrosis developed in 4 of the 30 lesions after SRS2, and total rate of radionecrosis was 13.3%. Statistical analysis revealed that the volume of planning target volume (PTV) at SRS2 was significantly associated with radionecrosis (P = 0.014). The volume of PTV was >13 cm3 at SRS2 in all patients with radionecrosis. Conclusion: A repeated course of radiosurgery in the form of f-SRS may be a viable therapeutic option for the management of locally recurrent brain metastases after failed upfront SRS with high LC rates and an acceptable toxicity profile despite the need for further supporting evidence.
Chapter
Low-grade gliomas represent a heterogeneous group of tumors. The goals of treatment include prolonged survival and reduced morbidity. Treatment strategies vary depending upon tumor histology, anatomic location, age, and the general medical condition of the patient. Safe surgical resection remains the first choice for the treatment of resectable tumors. In cases of unresectable lesions, adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy are considered. Several reports in recent years have documented the safety and effectiveness of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in controlling tumor growth and improving patients' survival for patients with low-grade gliomas. Patients with progressive, pilocytic, or grade 2 fibrillary astrocytomas, located in critical or deep areas of the brain, are ideal candidates for radiosurgery. The use of SRS as part of multimodal therapy for progressive, recurrent, or unresectable pilocytic or WHO grade 2 fibrillary astrocytomas is a safe and promising therapeutic modality. Gamma Knife radiosurgery has progressively gained more relevance in the management of low-grade gliomas.
Article
Pilomyxoid astrocytoma is a variant of pilocytic astrocytoma and the clinical, histological and molecular data point to a very close relationship as well as a more aggressive biological behavior for the former. WHO 2016 classification does not provide a specific grade for these neoplasms, but there is sufficient evidence in the literature that pilomyxoid astrocytoma has slightly worse prognosis than typical pilocytic astrocytoma. There is increasing evidence that in addition to the MAPK pathway alterations, pilomyxoid astrocytomas harbor genetic alterations that distinguish them from typical pilocytic astrocytoma
Article
Purpose of review: Pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGGs) have been treated with similar therapies for the last 30 years. Recent biological insights have allowed a new generation of targeted therapies to be developed for these diverse tumors. At the same time, technological advances may redefine the late toxicities associated with radiation therapy. Understanding recent developments in pLGG therapy is essential to the management of these common pediatric tumors. Recent findings: It is now well understood that aberrations of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway are key to oncogenesis in low-grade gliomas. This understanding, along with the development of available targeted agents, have heralded a new era of understanding and treatment for these patients. Promising, sustained responses are now being seen in early phase trials among patients with multiply recurrent/progressive disease. Also, newer and highly conformal radiation approaches such as proton beam radiotherapy maintain efficacy of radiation but limit radiation-associated toxicities. Summary: Novel therapies offer the potential for tumor control with greatly reduced toxicities. However, late effects of these therapies are just now being explored. Improved radiation approaches and targeted agents have the potential to redefine traditional therapy for pLGG.