Childhood Cancer and Functional Impacts Across the Care Continuum


Book Description

Since the late 1960s, the survival rate in children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer has steadily improved, with a corresponding decline in the cancer-specific death rate. Although the improvements in survival are encouraging, they have come at the cost of acute, chronic, and late adverse effects precipitated by the toxicities associated with the individual or combined use of different types of treatment (e.g., surgery, radiation, chemotherapy). In some cases, the impairments resulting from cancer and its treatment are severe enough to qualify a child for U.S. Social Security Administration disability benefits. At the request of Social Security Administration, Childhood Cancer and Functional Impacts Across the Care Continuum provides current information and findings and conclusions regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of selected childhood cancers, including different types of malignant solid tumors, and the effect of those cancers on childrenâ (TM)s health and functional capacity, including the relative levels of functional limitation typically associated with the cancers and their treatment. This report also provides a summary of selected treatments currently being studied in clinical trials and identifies any limitations on the availability of these treatments, such as whether treatments are available only in certain geographic areas.




The Role of Modern Neuro-oncology in the Treatment of Primary CNS Tumors, and Brain and Spinal Metastases


Book Description

This eBook is a collection of articles from a Frontiers Research Topic. Frontiers Research Topics are very popular trademarks of the Frontiers Journals Series: they are collections of at least ten articles, all centered on a particular subject. With their unique mix of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Frontiers Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author by contacting the Frontiers Editorial Office: frontiersin.org/about/contact.




Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors


Book Description

Intracranial germ cell tumors are a group of uncommon neoplasms of the central nervous system. The clinical features and natural history of these lesions are quite unique and variable. While intracranial germ cell tumors have been a fascination to neurooncologists for decades, the relatively small number of patients seen in any single institution has hampered the important clinical investigation that is so needed. This text is complete with detailed information concerning the epidemiology, pathology, oncological biology, clinical findings, radiology, and treatment options including surgical strategy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy for this heterogeneous group of neoplasms. The ongoing clinical trials concerning the optimization of therapy are efficiently summarized. An important final segment addresses the late sequelae of therapy which is of great significance since the majority suffering from these tumors are young patients. This first and only book on intracranial germ cell tumors includes excellent and comprehensive data sheets, illustrations, and radiograms. It provides a detailed and outstanding reference source for physicians taking care of patients with intracranial germ cell tumors, and will be a very welcome edition to their reference libraries.




Intraoperative Monitoring


Book Description

In recent decades, the advances in and consolidation of Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IOM) in several highly complex surgical areas have been undeniable. Currently all modalities of neurophysiological tests (SSEP, MEP, EMG, PEATC, VEP, BRAIN MAPPING, ETC) are performed in the operating room, where they are used to provide trans operative information on the patient’s neurological status in real time (monitoring), and to identify neural structures which are at immediate risk (mapping). With the inarguably positive impact of IOM on surgical outcomes, there is an increasing interest in reliable, technically focused literature. This volume provides cutting-edge information in the field of IOM, and highlights new neurophysiological tools being used in various surgeries. The book’s initial sections cover a range of topics, including an anatomical overview, electrical safety, and detailed technical descriptions of the neurophysiological tests used in IOM. The subsequent sections address e.g. the brain, brainstem, spinal cord, vascular and peripheral nerves, epilepsy, head and neck, movement disorders and special topics. Some chapters are accompanied by videos of surgeries and IOM so that the reader will have the real sensation of having been in the operating room and will gain an overview of the key steps. Written by experts in the field of IOM, the book offers a valuable resource for both experienced and early-career neurophysiologists, neurosurgeons, vascular and orthopedic surgeons, and surgeons involved with pelvic procedures. Further, its goal is to provide a real rapport, never before attained, between neurophysiologists and surgeons with a sole focus: excellence in terms of the final outcome.




Pediatric Neuro-oncology


Book Description

“The editors...have done an outstanding job of presenting...complex information in a lucid manner – this book is a must-read for the global community of aspiring students and neuro-oncology practitioners.” Amar Gajjar, MD in the Foreword This is a succinct introduction to pediatric neuro-oncology. It summarizes the key advances in molecular biology that have helped transform this rapidly evolving field and provides up-to-date coverage of major and emerging treatment modalities as well as supportive care. Separate chapters present each kind of pediatric brain cancer and its diagnosis and treatment. As more children survive brain cancer, the importance of quality of life issues and helping survivors to cope with the neuropsychological impact and long-term effects of current therapies has come into sharper focus; these topics are also addressed in the book, as are palliative care and pediatric neuro-oncology in countries with limited resources. The book is aimed at trainees and practitioners who seek an up-to-date text in pediatric neuro-oncology that is both comprehensive and concise.




Adult CNS Radiation Oncology


Book Description

This book elucidates the radiation therapy protocols and procedures for the management of adult patients presenting with primary benign and malignant central nervous system tumors. With the development of new treatment strategies and rapid advancement of radiation technology, it is crucial for radiation oncologists to maintain and refine their knowledge and skills. Dedicated exclusively to adult CNS radiation oncology, this textbook explores CNS tumors ranging from the common to the esoteric as well as secondary cancers of metastatic origin. The first half of the book is organized anatomically: tumors of the brain, spinal cord, leptomeninges, optic pathway, ocular choroid, and skull base. The second half covers primary CNS lymphoma, rare CNS tumors, metastatic brain disease, vascular conditions of the CNS, radiation-associated complications, and radiation modalities. Each chapter provides guidance on treatment field design, target delineation, and normal critical structure tolerance constraints in the context of the disease being treated. Learning objectives, case studies, and Maintenance of Certification Self-Assessment Continuing Medical Education-style questions and answers are incorporated throughout the book. This is an ideal guide for radiation oncologists, residents, and fellows, but medical students may also find value in the text.




Brain Tumor Imaging


Book Description

This book describes the basics, the challenges and the limitations of state of the art brain tumor imaging and examines in detail its impact on diagnosis and treatment monitoring. It opens with an introduction to the clinically relevant physical principles of brain imaging. Since MR methodology plays a crucial role in brain imaging, the fundamental aspects of MR spectroscopy, MR perfusion and diffusion-weighted MR methods are described, focusing on the specific demands of brain tumor imaging. The potential and the limits of new imaging methodology are carefully addressed and compared to conventional MR imaging. In the main part of the book, the most important imaging criteria for the differential diagnosis of solid and necrotic brain tumors are delineated and illustrated in examples. A closing section is devoted to the use of MR methods for the monitoring of brain tumor therapy. The book is intended for radiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, oncologists and other scientists in the biomedical field with an interest in neuro-oncology.




Metastatic Spine Disease


Book Description

This comprehensive text focuses exclusively on the management of metastatic spinal disease, evaluating the most recent literature and providing patient-centered treatment algorithms. Beginning with initial imaging, classification and clinical decision-making, the spine is approached anatomically from the upper cervical to the sacrum, describing the unique considerations and approaches appropriate to each region, such as laminectomy and stabilization, en bloc spondylectomy and resection and reconstruction. Less invasive and minimally invasive approaches are discussed throughout the text. Radiation therapy modalities and other adjuvant treatments are also discussed, as well as reconstructive flap coverage and the management of complications. The spinal column is the most common site of metastatic cancer, and a multidisciplinary approach is required to provide patients with reasonable management options to prevent and treat the disabling symptoms caused by this debilitating condition. This compendium of experience from thought leaders in the treatment of metastatic spine disease will provide spine surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, physiatrists and palliative care specialists with up-to-date information to guide their patients through the multidisciplinary management of metastatic spinal disease.




Evidence based practice in Neuro-oncology


Book Description

This book provides evidence-based management in neuro-oncology covering all aspects such as pathology, radiology, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.The field of neuro-oncology is rapidly evolving and new evidence is coming out every day towards the optimal management of brain tumors. This necessitates a requirement of a complete guide that shall provide an evidence-based and personalized approach towards dealing with patients. This book also covers recent advances in personalized treatment formed through the relevant basis of anatomy, imaging, radiology, surgical, radiation and systemic treatment of brain and spinal tumors. In addition it also covers the , practical aspects of the planning of the Gamma knife and other radio surgical aspects. The book shall provide valuable assistance to practicing neuro-oncologists to practice better evidence-based personalized medicine.




Handbook of Brain Tumor Chemotherapy


Book Description

Treatment of patients with a brain tumor remains one of the most challenging and difficult areas of modern oncology. Recent advances in the molecular biology of these neoplasms have improved our understanding of the malignant phenotype and have lead to the development of novel forms of chemotherapy, including "targeted agents. The Handbook of Brain Tumor Chemotherapy reviews the state-of-the-art of chemotherapy development and clinical treatment of patients with this devastating disease. Handbook of Brain Tumor Chemotherapy offers a unique cutting-edge compendium of basic science and clinical information on the subject of brain tumor chemotherapy, reviewing what has been accomplished thus far and how the field will continue to evolve with the development of more specific and efficacious chemotherapeutic agents. This book represents the most complete single-volume resource available for information on the subject of brain tumor chemotherapy. - Provides the most up to date information regarding conventional forms of cytotoxic chemotherapy, as well as the basic science and clinical application of molecular therapeutics, for the treatment of brain tumors - Broadly appeals to anyone interested in the field of Neuro-Oncology and in the treatment of patients with brain tumors - Useful to clinicians interested in a thorough overview of the use of chemotherapy in patients with a broad range of brain tumors as well as serving as a source of background information to basic scientists and pharmaceutical researchers with an interest in the molecular therapeutics of brain tumors