World Neurosurg
-
Review Case Reports
Recurrent pineocytoma-like papillary tumor of the pineal region - a case report and literature review.
Papillary tumors of the pineal region (PTPRs) are malignant World Health Organization grade II/III tumors; however, they may perfectly mimic benign tumors (e.g., pineocytomas [World Health Organization grade I]). ⋯ This case exemplifies that PTPRs can perfectly mimic pineocytomas and simple staining for cytokeratins may warrant correct diagnosis and better treatment.
-
Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive neoplasm with an extremely poor prognosis. Despite maximal gross resection and chemoradiotherapy, these grade IV astrocytomas consistently recur. ⋯ Several vaccine-based treatments have been trialed, such as peptide and heat-shock proteins, dendritic cell-based vaccines, and viral-based immunotherapy. In this literature review, we discuss the immunobiology of glioblastoma, significant current and completed vaccine-based immunotherapy clinical trials, and broad clinical challenges and future directions of glioblastoma vaccine-based immunotherapeutics.
-
Review Comparative Study
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using Reaction Bonded Silicon Nitride Implants: Long term case series of the First Synthetic ALIF Spacer Implanted in Humans.
In this study, a historical case series is reported of reaction bonded silicon nitride (Si3N4) implants for anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) for a patient population of 30 and surgery levels L3/4, L4/5, and/or L5/S1. Before the study, the only work on Si3N4 as a biomedical material was associated preliminary work, which involved animal trials using a rabbit model. The objective was to undertake the first use of Si3N4 as a biomedical material for humans, as an implant for ALIF. ⋯ This study confirms that Si3N4 is biologically safe in the long-term, with capacity for excellent radiologic osseointegration.
-
Meta Analysis
Is Extended Lesionectomy Needed for Patients with Cerebral Cavernous Malformations Presenting with Epilepsy? A Meta-Analysis.
To determine whether extended lesionectomy is needed for patients with cerebral cavernous malformations presenting with epilepsy as compared with lesionectomy. ⋯ Extended lesionectomy does not contribute to better seizure control for patients with cerebral cavernous malformations with epilepsy. Resection of the lesion and surrounding hemosiderin is sufficient for patients with cerebral cavernous malformations presenting with epilepsy.
-
Review Case Reports
Malignant Transformation and Spine Metastasis of an Intracranial Grade I Meningioma: In Situ Immunofluorescence analysis of Cancer Stem Cells.
Malignant meningiomas are rare neoplasms of the central nervous system that occur de novo or rarely as a result of transformation. They have a higher rate of recurrence and metastasis accompanied by a significantly shorter survivorship compared with benign variants. Meningioma cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been previously shown to be associated with resistance and aggressiveness. However, the role they play in meningioma progression is still being investigated. ⋯ Malignant progression of grade I meningioma can occur, and its eventuality may be anticipated by detecting CSCs. We performed a comprehensive literature review of relevant cases and discussed the clinical, diagnostic, and management characteristics of the reported cases.