Rates of Adverse Events in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis Undergoing Colectomy During Treatment With Tofacitinib vs Biologics: A Multicenter Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) receiving immunosuppressive drugs are at substantial risk of colectomy. We aimed to assess the risk of postoperative complications of tofacitinib exposure before colectomy in comparison with biologics. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective, observational study was conducted in patients with UC who underwent total colectomy for medically refractory disease, exposed to tofacitinib or a biologic before surgery. Primary outcome was the occurrence of any complication within 30 (early) and 90 (late) days after surgery. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of infections, sepsis, surgical site complications, venous thromboembolic events (VTE), hospital readmissions, and redo surgery within the same timepoints. RESULTS: Three hundred one patients (64 tofacitinib, 162 anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agents, 54 vedolizumab, and 21 ustekinumab) were included. No significant differences were reported in any outcome, except for a higher rate of early VTE with anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agents ( P = 0.047) and of late VTE with vedolizumab ( P = 0.03). In the multivariate analysis, drug class was not associated with a higher risk of any early and late complications. Urgent colectomy increased the risk of any early (odds ratio [OR] 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-3.48) complications, early hospital readmission (OR 4.79, 95% CI 1.12-20.58), and early redo surgery (OR 7.49, 95% CI 1.17-47.85). A high steroid dose increased the risk of any early complications (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.08-3.57), early surgical site complications (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.01-4.09), and early redo surgery (OR 7.52, 95% CI 1.42-39.82). Laparoscopic surgery decreased the risk of any early complications (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.29-1.00), early infections (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18-0.85), and late hospital readmissions (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.12-1.00). DISCUSSION: Preoperative tofacitinib treatment demonstrated a postoperative safety profile comparable with biologics in patients with UC undergoing colectomy.

Mitigating the Risk of Tofacitinib-induced Adverse Events in the Elderly Population with Ulcerative Colitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Older patients with ulcerative colitis treated with tofacitinib are at risk for major cardiovascular events, thromboembolism, herpes zoster, and malignancies and, accordingly, its use is limited by the regulatory authorities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of adverse events and potential preventive measures. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients treated with tofacitinib, divided into two groups according to comorbidities and age. Patient- and disease-related variables were recorded [primary non-response, loss of response, and persistence], together with deviations from the recommended induction regimen, ie, dose reduction, and concomitant treatments with anti-thrombotic therapy. RESULTS: The age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index of Group 1 [n = 30] was ≥2 and that of Group 2 [n = 37] was ≤ 1. No differences were observed for primary or secondary treatment failures. Both groups achieved comparable steroid-free remission rates at 12 months [53% and 46%, respectively]. Herpes zoster occurred in two patients per group, and no more cases occurred after strict recombinant zoster vaccination. No major cardiovascular event or thromboembolism was registered. Half of patients in Group 1 were treated with a reduced induction dose of 5 mg twice daily and 47% were on concomitant anti-thrombotic therapy. Malignancies were registered in two patients from Group 1 and one patient from Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Modulation of induction dose and anti-thrombotic therapy may have contributed to prevent cardiological events and thromboembolism. The introduction of zoster vaccine virtually eliminated zoster risk after the first cases. Potential malignancies deserve a careful work-up of older patients before treatment start.

Safety and effectiveness of tofacitinib in ulcerative colitis: Data from TOFA-UC, a SN-IBD study.

BACKGROUND: Real-world evidence is needed to determine the value of tofacitinib (TOFA) for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). AIM: To assess the safety and effectiveness of TOFA in clinical practice. METHODS: TOFA-UC is a multicenter, observational study performed among the Sicilian Network for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (SN-IBD). All consecutive patients with UC starting TOFA from its introduction in Sicily (July 2021) to July 2022 were included. RESULTS: 111 patients were included (mean follow-up: 31.7 ± 14.9 weeks; biologic-experienced: 92.8%). Nineteen adverse events were reported (17.1%; incidence rate: 28.2 per 100 patient years), including 11 cases of hypercholesterolemia and 3 infections (no cases of herpes zoster reactivation. At week 8, the rates of clinical response, steroid free clinical remission, and CRP normalization were 74.8%, 45.0%, and 56.9%, respectively, and 68.5%, 51.4%, and 65.2%, respectively, at the end of follow-up. Eighteen patients experienced a loss of response after successful induction (21.7%; incidence rate: 33.2 per 100 patient years). Twenty-six patients (23.4%) discontinued TOFA over time, of whom 3 due to AEs, and 23 to non response or loss of response. CONCLUSIONS: TOFA is safe and effective in patients with UC, including those with history of multiple failures to biological therapies.

Management of radiation-induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients: a real-life survey among 25 Italian radiation oncology centers.

AIM: Radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) is the most frequent side effect in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients treated with curative radiotherapy (RT). A standardized strategy for preventing and treating RIOM has not been defined. Aim of this study was to perform a real-life survey on RIOM management among Italian RT centers. METHODS: A 40-question survey was administered to 25 radiation oncologists working in 25 different RT centers across Italy. RESULTS: A total of 1554 HNC patients have been treated in the participating centers in 2021, the majority (median across the centers 91%) with curative intent. Median treatment time was 41 days, with a mean percentage of interruption due to toxicity of 14.5%. Eighty percent of responders provide written oral cavity hygiene recommendations. Regarding RIOM prevention, sodium bicarbonate mouthwashes, oral mucosa barrier agents, and hyaluronic acid-based mouthwashes were the most frequent topic agents used. Regarding RIOM treatment, 14 (56%) centers relied on literature evidence, while internal guidelines were available in 13 centers (44%). Grade (G)1 mucositis is mostly treated with sodium bicarbonate mouthwashes, oral mucosa barrier agents, and steroids, while hyaluronic acid-based agents, local anesthetics, and benzydamine were the most used in mucositis G2/G3. Steroids, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs were the most frequent systemic agents used independently from the RIOM severity. CONCLUSION: Great variety of strategies exist among Italian centers in RIOM management for HNC patients. Whether different strategies could impact patients' compliance and overall treatment time of the radiation course is still unclear and needs further investigation.

Towards Personalization of Planning Target Volume Margins Fitted to the Abdominal Adiposity in Localized Prostate Cancer Patients Receiving Definitive or Adjuvant/Salvage Radiotherapy: Suggestive Data from an ExacTrac vs. CBCT Comparison.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to assess whether the patient's abdominal adiposity affects the performance of the Exactrac imaging system compared to the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based setup, which was used as the reference positioning for the image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) delivery to patients with localized prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The daily positionings of patients with localized prostate cancer undergoing definitive or adjuvant/salvage radiotherapy (RT) were analyzed. The abdominal fat areas and pelvic incidence angle were determined on the CT simulation for each patient. A couple of ExacTrac images and a CBCT were acquired daily to verify the patient setup. We recorded every daily set of the three residual translational errors detected on the CBCT after the ExacTrac-based setup. These sets were clustered within three different thresholds (0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, and 0.3 mm), for each of which the influence of adipose tissues on Exactrac accuracy was assessed as the percentage of sub-threshold displacements as the fat parameters varied. A full bladder and empty rectum preparation protocol was adopted as much as possible. RESULTS: From the assessment of 1,770 daily positionings in 55 patients (38 definitive RT, 17 adjuvant/salvage RT), a good agreement between ExacTrac and CBCT could be inferred, which was quite robust against slight variations in the bladder and rectal filling, and the presence or not of the prostate. The percentages of above-threshold corrections increased with increasing abdominal fat, which therefore seemed to reduce the ExacTrac accuracy. This might be influenced by any intrafraction prostate displacement, likely induced by abdominal respiratory movements, and are more pronounced among overweight men. CONCLUSION: Our results promote the CBCT use over ExacTrac for IGRT of overweight patients with localized prostate cancer, while calling for attention to the probable need for personalization of planning target volume margins depending on the patient's body habitus.

Considerations on surgery invasiveness and response and toxicity patterns in classic palliative radiotherapy for acrometastases of the hand: a hint for a potential role of stereotactic body radiation therapy? A case report and literature review.

Background: The rarity of hand acrometastases hampers the consensus-building for their optimal management among the involved oncology professionals. In the current literature, demolitive surgery overcomes the use of palliative radiotherapy, which proved to be ineffective in more than 30% of cases treated with classic palliative dose schemes, carrying also a not negligible radiation-related adverse event rate. Against this background, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) could emerge as a well-balanced therapeutic option. Case summary: Here we describe the methods and outcomes of a SBRT treatment of a painful and function-limiting hand acrometastasis in a patient with a history of stage IIIB lung adenocarcinoma. We delivered a total dose of 30 Gy in five daily fractions to a soft-tissue metastasis abutting the fifth metacarpal bone through the SBRT protocol generally used for intracranial treatments. A few weeks later, the patient reported a clinical complete response with acrometastasis and pain disappearance, function recovery, and no significant toxicity. The acrometastasis was the first sign of an atypical cancer progression. Conclusions: SBRT for hand acrometastases is feasible and might have the best therapeutic profile among the currently available treatment options for this rare clinical scenario. Larger investigations are needed to confirm the present single-case experience.

Efficacy and Safety of Biological Therapies and JAK Inhibitors in Older Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

With the introduction of more and more monoclonal antibodies selectively targeting various mediators of the immune system, together with Janus-Kinase (JAK)-inhibitors with variable affinities towards different JAK subtypes, the available therapeutic options for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have undergone an acceleration in the last five years. On the other hand, the prevalence of IBD patients over 65-years-old is steadily increasing, and, with this, there is a large population of patients that presents more comorbidities, polypharmacy, and, more frequently, frailty compared to younger patients, exposing them to potentially major risks for adverse events deriving from newer therapies, e.g., infections, cardiovascular risks, and malignancies. Unfortunately, pivotal trials for the commercialization of new therapies rarely include older IBD patients, and those with serious comorbidities are virtually excluded. In the present review, we focus on existing literature from pivotal trials and real-world studies, analyzing data on efficacy/effectiveness and safety of newer therapies in older IBD patients with special emphasis on comorbidities and frailty, two distinct but intercorrelated aspects of the older population since age by itself seems to be of minor importance.

Longitudinal Characterization of Immune Response in a Cohort of Children Hospitalized with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a severe complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection caused by hyperactivation of the immune system. METHODS: this is a retrospective analysis of clinical data, biochemical parameters, and immune cell subsets in 40 MIS-C patients from hospital admission to outpatient long-term follow-up. RESULTS: MIS-C patients had elevated inflammatory markers, associated with T- and NK-cell lymphopenia, a profound depletion of dendritic cells, and altered monocyte phenotype at disease onset, while the subacute phase of the disease was characterized by a significant increase in T- and B-cell counts and a rapid decline in activated T cells and terminally differentiated B cells. Most of the immunological parameters returned to values close to the normal range during the remission phase (20-60 days after hospital admission). Nevertheless, we observed a significantly reduced ratio between recently generated and more differentiated CD8+ T- and B-cell subsets, which partially settled at longer-term follow-up determinations. CONCLUSIONS: The characterization of lymphocyte distribution in different phases of MIS-C may help to understand the course of diseases that are associated with dysregulated immune responses and to calibrate prompt and targeted treatments.

Quality of Life (QoL) in Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: How Much Better with Biological Drugs?

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), are chronic and disabling diseases that affect patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL). IBD patients are frequently exposed to high levels of stress and psychological distress. Biological drugs have been proven to reduce inflammation, hospitalization, and most of the complications that characterize IBDs; their potential contribution to patients' HRQoL remains to be explored. AIM: To evaluate and compare any change in the HRQoL and markers of inflammation in IBD patients undergoing biological drugs (infliximab or vedolizumab). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted on a cohort of IBD patients, aged >18 years, who were prescribed with infliximab or vedolizumab. Demographic and disease-related data at baseline were collected. Standard hematological and clinical biochemistry parameters, including C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cells count (WBC), erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR), and α1 and α2 globulins were measured after a 12-h fast at baseline (T0), after 6 weeks (T1), and at 14 weeks (T2) of biological treatment. Steroid use, disease activity as measured by the Harvey-Bradshaw index (HBI) and partial Mayo score (pMS) for the CD and UC, respectively, were also recorded at each timepoint. The Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT-F), and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment-General Health Questionnaire (WPAI:GH) were administered to each patient at baseline, T1, and T2 to address the study aims. RESULTS: Fifty eligible consecutive patients (52% with CD and 48% with UC) were included in the study. Twenty-two patients received infliximab and twenty-eight received vedolizumab. We noted a significant reduction in the CRP, WBC, α1, and α2 globulins from T0 to T2 (p = 0.046, p = 0.002, p = 0.008, and p = 0.002, respectively). Participants showed a significant decrease in steroid administration during the observation period. A significant reduction in the HBI of CD patients at all three timepoints and a similarly significant decrease in the pMS of UC patients from baseline to T1 were recorded. Statistically significant changes were observed in all questionnaires during follow-up as well as an overall improvement in the HRQoL. The interdependence analysis carried out between the biomarkers and the scores of the individual subscales showed a significant correlation between the variation (Δ) of the CRP, Hb, MCH, and MCV with physical and emotional dimensions of the SF-36 and FACIT-F tools; work productivity loss expressed by some of the WPAI:GH items negatively correlated with the ΔWBC and positively with the ΔMCV, ΔMCH, and Δ α1 globulins. A sub-analysis according to the type of treatment showed that patients receiving infliximab experienced a more pronounced improvement in their HRQoL (according to both SF-36 and FACIT-F) compared with patients receiving vedolizumab. CONCLUSIONS: Both infliximab and vedolizumab played an important role in contributing to the improvement of the HRQoL in IBD patients by also reducing inflammation and, consequently, steroid use in patients with an active disease. HRQoL, being one of the treatment goals, should also be assessed when taking charge of IBD patients to assess their clinical response and remission. The specific correlation between the biomarkers of inflammation and life's spheres, as well as their possible role as clinical markers of HRQoL, should be further investigated.

Introducing Radiotherapy in Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma Patients with Limited Progression on Avelumab: An Effective Step against Primary and Secondary Immune Resistance?

PURPOSE: To investigate the ability of radiotherapy (RT) to prolong progression-free survival (PFS) and to report treatment-related toxicities among oligoprogressive metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) patients on avelumab. METHODS: We retrospectively collected clinical data on mMCC patients who underwent radiotherapy for limited progression on avelumab. Patients were categorized as primary or secondary immune refractory depending on the time of onset of resistance to immunotherapy (at the first or subsequent follow-up visits after avelumab initiation). Pre- and post-RT PFS were calculated. Overall survival (OS) from the first progression treated with RT was also reported. Radiological responses and toxicities were evaluated according to the irRECIST criteria and RTOG scoring system, respectively. RESULTS: Eight patients, including five females, with a median age of 75 years, met our inclusion criteria. The median gross tumor and clinical target volumes at first progression on avelumab were 29.85 cc and 236.7 cc, respectively. The treatment sites included lymph node, skin, brain, and spine metastases. Four patients received more than one course of RT. Most patients were treated with palliative radiation doses (mainly 30 Gy in 3 Gy/day fractions). Two patients were treated with stereotactic RT. Five/eight patients were primary immune refractory. The objective response rate at the first post-RT assessment was 75%, whereas no local failure was reported. The median pre-RT PFS was 3 months. The pre-RT PFS was 37.5% at 6 months and 12.5% at 1 year. The median post-RT PFS was not reached. The post-RT PFS was 60% at 6 months and 1 year. The post-RT OS was 85.7% at 1 year and 64.3% at 2 years. No relevant treatment-related toxicity was observed. After a median follow-up of 18.5 months, 6/8 patients are still alive and continuing on avelumab therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Adding radiotherapy to mMCC patients with limited progression on avelumab seems to be safe and effective in prolonging the successful use of immunotherapy, regardless of the type of immune refractoriness.

Ustekinumab is a promising option for the treatment of postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Postoperative recurrence (POR) following ileocolonic resection is a major concern in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). The role of ustekinumab (UST) in this setting is poorly known. METHODS: All consecutive CD patients with a baseline colonoscopy at 6-12 months from ileocolonic resection showing POR (Rutgeerts score ≥ i2) who were treated with UST after the baseline colonoscopy and with an available post-treatment endoscopy, were extracted from the cohort of the Sicilian Network for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (SN-IBD). The primary outcome was endoscopic success, defined as reduction of at least one point of Rutgeerts score. The secondary outcome was clinical success, assessed at the end of follow-up. Reasons for clinical failure included mild clinical relapse (Harvey-Bradshaw index 5-7), clinically relevant relapse (Harvey-Bradshaw index > 7), and need for new resection. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were included (mean follow-up: 17.8 ± 8.4 months). The baseline postoperative colonoscopy showed severe POR (Rutgeerts score i3 or i4) in 75.0% of patients. The post-treatment colonoscopy was performed after a mean of 14.5 ± 5.5 months following initiation of UST. Endoscopic success was reported in 22 out of 44 (50.0%) patients, of whom 12 (27.3%) achieved a Rutgeerts score i0 or i1. Clinical success at the end of follow-up was reported in 32 out of 44 patients (72.7%); none of the 12 patients with clinical failure had achieved endoscopic success at post-treatment colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Ustekinumab could be a promising option for the treatment of POR of CD.

Comparison of two strategies for the management of postoperative recurrence in Crohn's disease patients with one clinical risk factor: A multicentre IG-IBD study.

BACKGROUND: The management of postoperative recurrence (POR) in Crohn's disease (CD) after ileo-colonic resection is a highly debated topic. Prophylactic immunosuppression after surgery is currently recommended in the presence of at least one clinical risk factor. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine whether early immunosuppression can be avoided and guided by endoscopy in CD patients with only one risk factor. METHODS: CD patients with only one risk factor for POR, including previous intestinal resection, extensive small intestine resection (>50 cm), fistulising phenotype, history of perianal disease, and active smoking, were retrospectively included. Two groups were formed based on whether immunosuppression was started immediately after surgery ("prophylaxis group") or guided by endoscopy ("endoscopy-driven group"). Primary endpoints were rates of any endoscopic recurrence (Rutgeerts ≥ i2a) and severe endoscopic recurrence (i4) within 12 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes were clinical recurrence rates at 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 195 patients were enroled, of whom 61 (31.3%) received immunoprophylaxis. No differences between immunoprophylaxis and the endoscopy-driven approach were found regarding any endoscopic recurrence (36.1% vs. 45.5%, respectively, p = 0.10) and severe endoscopic recurrence (9.8% vs. 15.7%, respectively, p = 0.15) at the first endoscopic evaluation. Clinical recurrence rates were also not statistically different (p = 0.43, p = 0.09, and p = 0.63 at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In operated CD patients with only one risk factor for POR, immediate immunoprophylaxis does not decrease the rate of early clinical and endoscopic recurrence. Prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.

Low Adherence is Associated with Chronic Active Disease in Ulcerative Colitis: A Retrospective Study from a Single Referral Center.

Purpose: New therapeutic approaches for ulcerative colitis (UC) are now available, but there is still no robust evidence for predictors of poor outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the factors associated with a chronic active UC disease course. Patients and Methods: Data of all UC outpatients followed for at least 3 years after diagnosis between 2005 and 2018 were retrospectively collected. The primary aim was to identify risk factors for chronic active disease 3 years after diagnosis. Moreover, the following variables were investigated: proximal disease extension or disease regression, proctocolectomy, early use of biologics (BIO) or immunomodulators (IMM), hospitalization, colorectal cancer, and adherence. We defined adherence as both, taking the prescribed therapy and constancy in scheduled follow-up visits. Results: A total of 345 UC patients followed for a median period of 82 months were included. Patients with extensive colitis at diagnosis had a higher rate of chronic active disease 3 years after diagnosis (p<0.012) together with a higher rate of surgery (p<0.001) at maximum follow-up. Patients with pancolitis showed significant disease regression over time (51%) without differences in treatment. The only factor associated with chronic active disease was non-adherence (p < 0.03; OR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.26-0.95). Adherent patients developed chronic active disease (p<0.025) less frequently but did receive more frequent IMM (p<0.045) or BIO (p<0.009) therapy. Conclusion: Patients diagnosed with pancolitis were more likely to have chronic active disease and to undergo colectomy. The only predictor for developing chronically active UC regardless of disease extension was the lack of adherence to therapy within the first 3 years after diagnosis, underlining the importance of tight control of UC patients and the need to timely identify potential risk factors for non-adherence.

Standardization of Strategies to Perform a Parafascicular Tubular Approach for the Resection of Brain Tumors in Eloquent Areas.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to define a methodological strategy for the minimally invasive tubular retractor (MITR) parafascicular transulcal approach (PTA) for the management of brain tumors sited in eloquent areas. METHODS: An observational prospective study was designed to evaluate the benefits of PTA associated with MITRs, tractography and intraoperative cortical stimulation. They study was conducted from June 2018 to June 2021. Information regarding white matter tracts was processed, preventing a potential damage during the approach and/or resection. All patients older than 18 years who had a single brain tumor lesion were included in the study. Patients with a preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score greater than 70% and a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score > 14 points were included. RESULTS: 72 patients were included in the study, the mean age was 49.6, the most affected gender was male, 12.5% presented aphasia, 11.1% presented paraphasia, 41.6% had motor deficit, 9.7% had an affection in the optic pathway, the most frequently affected region was the frontal lobe (26.3%), the most frequent lesions were high-grade gliomas (34.7%) and the measurement of the incisions was on average 5.58 cm. Of the patients, 94.4% underwent a total macroscopic resection and 90.2% did not present new postoperative neurological deficits. In all cases, a PTA was used. CONCLUSION: Tubular minimally invasive approaches (MIAs) allow one to perform maximal safe resection of brain tumors in eloquent areas, through small surgical corridors. Future comparative studies between traditional and minimally invasive techniques are required to further investigate the potential of these surgical nuances.

Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues in Patients with Brain Cancer Admitted to ICU.

Background and Objectives: Palliative care is an interdisciplinary medical specialty focused on improving the quality of life of critically ill patients, including those with frailty, during their illness. Materials and Methods: We conducted an extensive literature review on Pubmed focusing on palliative care in neuro-oncology patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Results: We identified 967 articles and, after excluding 952 articles in accordance with the PRISMA flow chart, we included a total of 15 articles in the final selection. The potential role of palliative care in neuro-oncology appears necessary to ensure comprehensive end-of-life patient care. However, this seems underestimated and poorly applied, especially in the context of intensive care units. Medical personnel also face ethical dilemmas, considering not only the pathology but also the socio-spiritual context of the patient. In addition, caregivers' understanding of prognosis and realistic goals is critical for optimal end-of-life management. Conclusions: The provision of palliative care to neuro-oncological patients admitted to ICU is a complex challenge supported by fragmented evidence. Additional research on palliative care and communication about end-of-life care in the neuro-oncology and neuro-ICU setting is needed.

Forecasting Molecular Features in IDH-Wildtype Gliomas: The State of the Art of Radiomics Applied to Neurosurgery.

BACKGROUND: The fifth edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (CNS), published in 2021, marks a step forward the future diagnostic approach to these neoplasms. Alongside this, radiomics has experienced rapid evolution over the last several years, allowing us to correlate tumor imaging heterogeneity with a wide range of tumor molecular and subcellular features. Radiomics is a translational field focused on decoding conventional imaging data to extrapolate the molecular and prognostic features of tumors such as gliomas. We herein analyze the state-of-the-art of radiomics applied to glioblastoma, with the goal to estimate its current clinical impact and potential perspectives in relation to well-rounded patient management, including the end-of-life stage. METHODS: A literature review was performed on the PubMed, MEDLINE and Scopus databases using the following search items: "radiomics and glioma", "radiomics and glioblastoma", "radiomics and glioma and IDH", "radiomics and glioma and TERT promoter", "radiomics and glioma and EGFR", "radiomics and glioma and chromosome". RESULTS: A total of 719 articles were screened. Further quantitative and qualitative analysis allowed us to finally include 11 papers. This analysis shows that radiomics is rapidly evolving towards a reliable tool. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are necessary to adjust radiomics' potential to the newest molecular requirements pointed out by the 2021 WHO classification of CNS tumors. At a glance, its application in the clinical routine could be beneficial to achieve a timely diagnosis, especially for those patients not eligible for surgery and/or adjuvant therapies but still deserving palliative and supportive care.

Intramedullary Spinal Cord Metastases from Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Intramedullary spinal cord metastases (ISCM) are deemed extremely aggressive, as confirmed by the low life expectancy since the diagnosis. Up to 26.5% of total ISCM stem from breast cancer (BC), representing the second most frequent primary site after the lung. The increasing incidence of BC and the widespread use of MRI for the diagnosis could therefore lead to an earlier diagnosis and, therefore, to a progressively longer survival in patients affected by ISCM from BC. This systematic review is intended to provide an orientation through a management algorithm for the most appropriate therapeutic approach in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research strategy initially relied on title and abstract analysis. The article's full text was retrieved for further investigation if the title and abstract met the inclusion criteria. The extracted data included the following: authors, publication time, study design, patient characteristics, ISCM location, treatment modalities, time interval from initial cancer diagnosis to ISCM diagnosis, clinical outcomes, and survival time. RESULTS: This systematic search regarding ISCM from BC yielded 574 articles. After screening, a total of 44 studies were included in this systematic review. A total of 123 patients were evaluated. The mean patient age was 53.2 years with a standard deviation of 10.4 years. Female patients were 122. There was only one male patient. CONCLUSION: ISCM from BC have a better prognosis than lung metastases and, thanks to recent advances in diagnostic imaging and intraoperative planning and neuromonitoring, an early diagnosis and a prompt multidisciplinary treatment may be accomplished. Prospective studies to generate evidence-based data regarding the most appropriate treatment for ISCM are mandatory.

Severe Activity of Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a Risk Factor for Severe COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Data from the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic suggested that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are not at higher risk of being infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) than the general population and that a worse prognosis is not associated with immunomodulatory drugs, with the possible exception of systemic steroids. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study included consecutive IBD patients from the Sicilian Network for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (SN-IBD) cohort who had a SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosis (polymerase chain reaction-confirmed presence of the viral genome in a nasopharyngeal swab) during the second COVID-19 pandemic wave (September 2020 to December 2020). Data regarding demographics, IBD features and treatments, and comorbidities were analyzed in correlation with COVID-19 clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Data on 122 patients (mean age, 43.9 ±â€…16.7 years; males, 50.0%; Crohn's disease, 62.3%; ulcerative colitis, 37.7%) were reported. Twelve patients developed COVID-19-related pneumonia (9.8%), 4 (3.3%) required respiratory assistance (nonmechanical ventilation or orotracheal intubation), and 4 died (case fatality rate, 3.3%). In a multivariable analysis, age (odds ratio [OR], 1.034; 95% CI, 1.006-1.147; P = .032) and severe IBD activity (OR, 13.465; 95% CI, 1.104-164.182; P = .042) were independent predictors of COVID-19-related pneumonia, while severe IBD activity (OR, 15.359; 95% CI, 1.320-178.677; P = .030) was the only independent predictor of severe COVID-19, a composite endpoint defined as the need for respiratory assistance or death. A trend towards a protective role of tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors on pneumonia development was reported (P = .076). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of patients with IBD and SARS-CoV-2 infection, severe IBD activity was the only independent risk factor for severe COVID-19.

This retrospective, observational study on patients with inflammatory bowel disease and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection showed that severe inflammatory bowel disease activity was the only independent risk factor for severe coronavirus disease 2019.

Prevalence, Pathogenesis and Management of Anemia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An IG-IBD Multicenter, Prospective, and Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a common extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with a 6% to 74% prevalence and a negative impact on patient survival and quality of life, although the prevalence is apparently declining due to improved disease treatment. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, pathogenesis, and clinical correlates of anemia in Italian patients with IBD. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, observational study, involving 28 Italian gastroenterology centers, was conducted to investigate the epidemiology and consequences of IBD-associated anemia. Clinical and laboratory data of anemic patients were obtained at study enrolment. RESULTS: Anemia was diagnosed in 737 of 5416 adult IBD outpatients (prevalence 13.6%); females were more commonly affected than males (odds ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-1.7) and had more severe anemia. In the majority of cases, anemia was due to iron deficiency (62.5% of cases; 95% CI, 58.3%-66.6%), either isolated or in association with inflammation and/or vitamin deficiencies; anemia of inflammation accounted for only 8.3% of cases. More severe anemia was associated with increasing fatigue and worse quality of life. Only 68.9% of anemic patients with iron deficiency (95% CI, 63.4%-73.8%) and 34.6% of those with vitamin deficiencies (95% CI, 26.2%-44.2%) were properly treated with supplementation therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In Italy, the prevalence of IBD-associated anemia is lower than previously reported. Anemia of IBD is most commonly due to iron deficiency and contributes to fatigue and poor quality of life, but remains untreated in a large proportion of patients with iron and/or vitamin deficiencies. This study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02872376.

The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease­associated anemia is 13.6%. The prevalence is higher among females younger than 50. Anemia is usually due to iron deficiency and adversely affects fatigue and quality of life. Many patients with iron or vitamin deficiency (31% and 65%, respectively) remain untreated.