Aim: Genomically matched trials in primary brain tumors (PBTs) require recent tumor sequencing. We evaluated whether circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) could facilitate genomic interrogation in these patients. Methods: Data from 419 PBT patients tested clinically with a ctDNA NGS panel at a CLIA-certified laboratory were analyzed. Results: A total of 211 patients (50%) had ≥1 somatic alteration detected. Detection was highest in meningioma (59%) and gliobastoma (55%). Single nucleotide variants were detected in 61 genes, with amplifications detected in ERBB2, MET, EGFR and others. Conclusion: Contrary to previous studies with very low yields, we found half of PBT patients had detectable ctDNA with genomically targetable off-label or clinical trial options for almost 50%. For those PBT patients with detectable ctDNA, plasma cfDNA genomic analysis is a clinically viable option for identifying genomically driven therapy options.

Background:The past two decades have been the setting for remarkable advancement in endonasal endoscopic neurosurgery. Refinements in camera definition, surgical instrumentation, navigation, and surgical technique, including the dual surgeon team, have facilitated purely endonasal endoscopic approaches to the majority of the midline skull base that were previously difficult to access through the transsphenoidal microscopic approach.Methods:This review article looks at many of the articles from 2011 to 2014 citing endonasal endoscopic surgery with regard to approaches and reconstructive techniques, pathologies treated and outcomes, and new technologies under consideration.Results:Refinements in approach and closure techniques have reduced the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leak and infection. This has allowed surgeons to more aggressively treat a variety of pathologies. Four main pathologies with outcomes after treatment were identified for discussion: pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, anterior skull base meningiomas, and chordomas. Within all four of these tumor types, articles have demonstrated the efficacy, and in certain cases, the advantages over more traditional microscope-based techniques, of the endonasal endoscopic technique.Conclusions:The endonasal endoscopic approach is a necessary tool in the modern skull base surgeon's armamentarium. Its efficacy for treatment of a wide variety of skull base pathologies has been repeatedly demonstrated. In the experienced surgeon's hands, this technique may offer the advantage of greater tumor removal with reduced overall complications over traditional craniotomies for select tumor pathologies centered near the midline skull base.

After decades without promising new treatments for advanced and metastatic melanoma, ipilimumab was the first systemic therapy approved for use in this patient population. A fully human monoclonal antibody that blocks cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) to augment antitumor T-cell responses, ipilimumab significantly extended overall survival in clinical trials. Because ipilimumab is associated with a set of immune-related adverse events that likely reflect the agent’s mechanism of action, a management guide has been established. Nurses play a significant role in initially identifying these adverse reactions and assisting in patient education, treatment, and follow-up. Herein, we discuss commonly asked questions related to ipilimumab therapy and treatment of adverse events, and how nurses can be prepared to answer these questions as they arise from patients and caregivers.

BACKGROUND The mTOR pathway is frequently activated in patients with GBM and is associated with reduced survival, making this pathway a promising target. However, mTOR inhibitors, including everolimus and temsirolimus, have poor brain penetration, limiting their potential use for GBM. ABI-009 is a novel albumin-bound mTOR inhibitor that has a distinct PK profile and biodistribution, including CNS penetration. The goal of this prospective, multi-cohort open-label phase 2 study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ABI-009 monotherapy and combination therapy in rHGG and ndGBM. METHODS Eligible patients are ≥18 years old, KPS score ≥70, and have histologically confirmed rHGG or ndGBM. Arm A has 5 cohorts in patients with rHGG, naïve to mTOR inhibitors: 1) ABI-009 single agent IV 100 mg/m2; 2–5) ABI-009 60mg/m2 plus TMZ 50mg/m2 or BEV 5mg/kg or marizomib 0.8mg/m2 or CCNU 90mg/m2. In Arm B for patients with ndGBM, ABI-009 100mg/m2 is given weekly for 4 weeks (Induction) after surgery, followed by ABI-009 at 60mg/m2 plus RT/TMZ. Up to 19 patients per cohort will be enrolled: initial 9 patients with a stopping rule that only if there are ≥2 responses will the study proceed to further enrollment of the next 10 patients (Simon’s 2-stage design). Treatment will continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint for all cohorts is overall response rate per RANO criteria; secondary endpoints are median PFS and OS, 6-month and 12-month PFS, 12-month OS, and safety. This study is open and actively enrolling patients. The anticipated enrollment period is 24 months. NCT03463265

Two critically ill COVID-19 infected patients, who had exhausted all available treatment options, were treated with the small-molecule RRx-001 with subsequent improvement. RRx-001, a first-in-class small molecule with anti-inflammatory, vascular normalizing and macrophage-repolarizing properties, has been safely administered 300+ patients in clinical trials. This is the first report of RRx-001 treatment of COVID-19.