A Single-Institution Retrospective Series of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Adult Glioma Patients.

A subset of cancer patients is particularly vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, real-world outcomes-based data on primary central nervous system tumor patients is sparse. This retrospective series describes a cohort of adult glioma patients seen at Stanford Cancer Center between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022 who contracted SARS-CoV-2, which, to our knowledge, currently represents the largest single-institution comprehensive analysis of this patient population. We performed a retrospective search of patients seen in the Stanford Neuro-Oncology clinic, identifying 29 cases of COVID-19 amongst glioma patients and extracted clinical data via individual chart review. At the time of COVID-19 diagnosis, 15 patients had been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, 8 patients were taking dexamethasone, and 8 were undergoing cancer-specific treatment. Obesity, prior tobacco use, and diabetes were the most common comorbidities. Cough, sore throat, and congestion were the most common symptoms. Five patients were admitted to the hospital and two received COVID-19-specific treatment. None died from COVID-related causes or complications. Our data suggest that glioma patients seen at Stanford Cancer Center do not experience an exceptionally high COVID-19 infectivity, hospitalization, or mortality rate, especially when compared to other vulnerable populations such as lung cancer patients. High vaccination rates, adherence to COVID-19 guidelines, and low prevalence of comorbidities may have contributed to these results.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Updates in Leptomeningeal Disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is a devastating complication of advanced metastatic cancer associated with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. This study reviews the current understanding of the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of LMD. We highlight opportunities for advances in this disease. RECENT FINDINGS: In recent years, the use of soluble CSF biomarkers has expanded, suggesting improved sensitivity over traditional cytology, identification of targetable mutations, and potential utility for monitoring disease burden. Recent studies of targeted small molecules and intrathecal based therapies have demonstrated an increase in overall and progression-free survival. In addition, there are several ongoing trials evaluating immunotherapy in LMD. Though overall prognosis of LMD remains poor, studies suggest a potential role for soluble CSF biomarkers in diagnosis and management and demonstrate promising findings in patient outcomes with targeted therapies for specific solid tumors. Despite these advances, there continues to be a gap of knowledge in this disease, emphasizing the importance of inclusion of LMD patients in clinical trials.

The Language We Use: Providers' Perceptions About Families.

Implicitly-held unconscious associations and attitudes may not align with the beliefs we hold outwardly or explicitly but can affect our professional perceptions, decisions, and actions. In a phenomenological study identifying strategies used to support families in vulnerable circumstances, we conducted nine focus groups to examine how early interventionists (EIs) described families and children, the language they used, and how they used it. Thematic qualitative analysis revealed three themes about families: perceptions of parenting, perceptions of capability, and perceptions of priorities. How EIs characterized families and their interactions with families were both reflective of and counter to family-centeredness and, at times, indicative of implicit bias. This study addresses a critical gap in the field, given the lack of empirical research available about implicit bias in early childhood intervention professionals. Implications for personnel preparation and practice change are discussed to begin the necessary work of moving the field toward more culturally sustaining practices.