Hodgkin's disease incidence and survival in European children and adolescents (1978-1997): report from the Automated Cancer Information System project

Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children and Adolescents of Northern Greece: 25-Year Results and Long-term Follow-up

Aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term therapeutic outcome and treatment-related complications in Hodgkin disease. We reviewed the medical records of 93 patients diagnosed with classic Hodgkin lymphoma, treated, and followed-up during the last 25 years. The cohort study included 49 males and 44 females with median age 11.8 years old (range: 3.95 to 17.42 y). The most common subtype was nodular sclerosis in 47/93 (50.5%). B symptoms were present in 15/93 (16.1%). From January 2009 until December 2020, 55 (59%) patients diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma were treated according to European Network for Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma (EURONET)-PHL-C1 protocol. Concerning outcome, a total of 89/93 patients are alive. Relapse occurred in 7/93. Second malignancies are reported in a total of 5 patients, 3 solid tumors (thyroid cancer, breast cancer, and osteosarcoma), and 2 acute myeloid leukemias. The overall survival and event-free survival for the whole cohort were 95.7% and 83.9%, respectively. Disease-free survival was 92.5%. Although a considerable high fraction of patients with Hodgkin disease can achieve continuous complete remission, they are at a high risk of developing long-term treatment-related complications. High curative rates as well as prevention of late effects can be achieved by implementation of individualized treatment strategies and innovative treatments.

Epstein-Barr Virus in Childhood and Adolescent Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma in a French Cohort of 301 Patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to analyze the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the bioclinical characteristics of patients treated for classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) in France.

METHODS

Biopathologic data of 301 patients treated for a cHL in/or according to the EuroNet PHL-C1 trial between November 2008 and February 2013 were centrally reviewed.

RESULTS

Median age at diagnosis was 14 (3 to 18) years and the F/M ratio 0.86, 0.47 before 10 years and 0.9 from 11 to 18. CHL subtypes were nodular sclerosis for 266/301 (88%) patients, mixed cellularity for 22/301 (7%), lymphocyte rich for 2/301 (1%), and 11/301 were unclassified. EBV positivity by in situ hybridization was observed for 68/301 (23%) patients, significantly associated with mixed cellularity subtype and male sex, particularly overrepresented in boys below 10 years: 15/23 (65%) versus 28/139 among other male patients (20%). EBV viral load was detectable in 22 of 108 (22%) tested cases and was overrepresented in EBV cHL (13/28) versus non-EBV cHL (9/80) patients. Detailed semiquantitative histologic analysis showed a high number of B-cell residual follicles in EBV cHL relative to EBV-negative HL.

CONCLUSION

Distribution of EBV cHL in children and adolescents is associated with young age and male sex, suggesting a specific physiopathology and may require a differential therapeutic approach.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome associated with Hodgkin's lymphoma

Hodgkin's lymphoma accounts for approximately 40% of all lymphomas presenting in childhood and can be associated with a variety of dermatologic manifestations. Here, we describe a case of Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting with Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Clinicians should be aware of this association, especially if no alterative trigger for Stevens-Johnson syndrome can be identified.

Outcome and Prognostic Factors of Childhood Hodgkin Disease: Experience From a Single Tertiary Center in Thailand

In childhood, Hodgkin disease (HD) has an excellent outcome in developed countries. There are few studies on outcomes of HD from resource-limited countries. This study aimed to assess clinical outcomes and factors associated with survival rates of childhood HD in a tertiary care center in Thailand. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pediatric HD patients between March 1985 and August 2017. Seventy-two children diagnosed with HD were identified. Pretreatment clinical and laboratory factors were assessed by Cox regression analysis to predict event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). The overall 5-year EFS and OS rate was 70.7% and 75.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified 3 factors predicting inferior EFS: high-risk group (stages III-B, IV-B), splenomegaly, and platelet count >400,000/µL. The prognostic markers were assigned a score of 1 for each factor. For a total score of 0, the 5-year EFS and OS rates were 95% and 86%; scores 2 to 3, 33% and 54%, respectively. In conclusion, our study identified 3 factors predicting inferior EFS. These adverse prognostic factors can be used in clinical practice for predicting outcomes in pediatric HD.

Comparison of Hodgkin's Lymphoma in Children and Adolescents. A Twenty Year Experience with MH'96 and LH2004 AIEOP (Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology) Protocols

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) represent a distinct group of patients. The objectives of this study were: To compare adolescent prognosis to that of younger children; to compare the results achieved with the two consecutive protocols in both age groups; to analyze clinical characteristics of children and adolescents. Between 1996 and 2017, 1759 patients aged <18 years were evaluable for the study. Five hundred and sixty patients were treated with the MH’96 protocol and 1199 with the LH2004 protocol. Four hundred and eighty-two were adolescents aged ≥15 years. Patients in both age groups showed very favorable prognoses. In particular, OS improved with the LH2004 protocol, especially in the adolescent group and in the low risk group, where radiation therapy was spared. Adolescent characteristics differed significantly from the children’s according to sex, histology, and the presence of symptoms. Remarkable is the decrease both in mixed cellularity in the children and in low stages in both age groups in the LH2004 protocol with respect to MH’96 protocol. Based on our experience, adopting pediatric protocols for AYA does not compromise patient outcomes.

Improved survival for adolescents and young adults with Hodgkin lymphoma and continued high survival for children in the Netherlands: a population-based study during 1990-2015

Population‐based studies that assess long‐term patterns of incidence, major aspects of treatment and survival are virtually lacking for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) at a younger age. This study assessed the progress made for young patients with HL (<25 years at diagnosis) in the Netherlands during 1990–2015. Patient and tumour characteristics were extracted from the population‐based Netherlands Cancer Registry. Time trends in incidence and mortality rates were evaluated with average annual percentage change (AAPC) analyses. Stage at diagnosis, initial treatments and site of treatment were studied in relation to observed overall survival (OS). A total of 2619 patients with HL were diagnosed between 1990 and 2015. Incidence rates increased for 18–24‐year‐old patients (AAPC + 1%, P = 0·01) only. Treatment regimens changed into less radiotherapy and more ‘chemotherapy only’, different for age group and stage. Patients aged 15–17 years were increasingly treated at a paediatric oncology centre. The 5‐year OS for children was already high in the early 1990s (93%). For patients aged 15–17 and 18–24 years the 5‐year OS improved from 84% and 90% in 1990–1994 to 96% and 97% in 2010–2015, respectively. Survival for patients aged 15–17 years was not affected by site of treatment. Our present data demonstrate that significant progress in HL treatment has been made in the Netherlands since 1990.

Diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma in the modern era

The Hodgkin lymphomas are a family of unique lymphoma subtypes, in which the nature of the neoplastic cell was enigmatic for many years. Much of the mystery has been solved, with all forms now considered to be of B-cell origin, in most cases of germinal centre derivation. Today we recognize Hodgkin lymphoma as an eponym that encompasses multiple entities. One of the unifying themes is the major contribution from the tumour microenvironment. Both the character of the neoplastic cells and the nature of the immune environment are critical to accurate diagnosis. Moreover, an understanding of the molecular alterations that characterize both the neoplastic cells and their microenvironment have led to therapeutic advances, targeting both neoplastic and reactive components. Other conditions may foster a similar inflammatory milieu and lead to lymphoproliferations that mimic the Hodgkin lymphomas. In this review we provide an update on the diagnostic features of the various subtypes and include additional information relevant for prognostic evaluation and investigation of potential therapeutic targets. Additionally, we also discuss those conditions that often cause confusion in diagnosis and need to be distinguished from the Hodgkin lymphomas.

Incidence and survival of Hodgkin lymphoma patients in Girona (Spain) over three decades: a population-based study

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is characterized by heterogeneous histologic findings, clinical presentation and outcomes. Using the Girona population-based cancer registry data we sought to explore the incidence of HL over three decades in Girona Province (Spain) and examine the relationship between clinical features at diagnosis and survival. From 1985 to 2013, 459 cases were recorded. Patients were stratified by sex, age group, stage at diagnosis, histological subtypes and the presence of B-symptoms. The crude incidence rate (CR) was 2.7 and the corresponding European age-adjusted rate was 2.6, being higher in men than in women (sex ratio=1.6). Incidence remained constant throughout the period of study. Nodular sclerosis was the most frequent histology and showed an increasing incidence over time [estimated annual percentage change=+2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.8-4.0]. The 5-year observed survival and relative survival of patients diagnosed with HL were 73.1% (95% CI: 69.0-77.5) and 74.6% (95% CI: 70.0-79.4), respectively. No statistical differences in observed survival were observed across the three decades of study (P=0.455). Clinical parameters negatively influencing 5-year relative survival in the multivariate analysis were as follows: age at diagnosis at least 65 years; clinical stage IV; and presence of B-symptoms. These current patterns of presentation and outcomes of HL help delineate key populations in order to explore risk factors for HL and strategies to improve treatment outcomes.

Childhood and adolescent lymphoma in Spain: incidence and survival trends over 20 years

BACKGROUND

Lymphoma is the third most common malignancy in children (0-14 years) and the first in adolescents (15-19 years). This population-based study-the largest ever done in Spain-analyses incidence and survival of lymphomas among Spanish children and adolescents.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

1664 lymphoma cases (1983-2007) for incidence and 1030 for survival (1991-2005) followed until 31/12/2010, were provided by 11 cancer registries. Age-adjusted incidence rates (ASRw) to the world standard population were obtained; incidence trends were modelled using the Joinpoint programme, observed survival (OS) was estimated with Kaplan-Meier and trends tested with a log-rank test. Results are presented according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer-3.

RESULTS

In Spain, the ASRw_0-14 for lymphomas was 17.5 per 1.000.000 child-years and 50.0 the specific rate for adolescents. Overall incidence increased significantly during 1983-1997 with no increases thereafter. Patients over 9 years old showed significant rising trends for all subtypes, except for Burkitt lymphoma (BL) in adolescents. During 2001-2005 (age 0-19 years), 5-year OS was 94 (90-98), 73 (64-83) and 86 (78-94) for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and BL, respectively. No improvement in survival was found. The incidence in Spain was higher than overall European rates, but within the range of that in Southern Europe. Comparing OS in Spain 1991-1995 and 2001-2005 with results for Europe of the Automated Childhood Cancer Information System (ACCIS) (1988-1997) and the European cancer registry-based study on survival and care of cancer patients (EUROCARE) (2000-2007), it was similar for HL and lower for NHL and BL.

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic monitoring and analysis of lymphoma paediatric data would provide clinical and epidemiological information to improve the health care of these patients and the outcomes for these malignancies in Spain.

Cancer of childhood in sub-Saharan Africa

Measurement of incidence rates of childhood cancer in Africa is difficult. The study 'Cancer of Childhood in sub Saharan Africa' brings together results from 16 population-based registries which, as members of the African Cancer Registry Network (AFCRN), have been evaluated as achieving adequate coverage of their target population. The cancers are classified according to the third revision of the International Classification of Childhood Cancer (ICCC-3) and recorded rates in Africa are compared with those in childhood populations in the UK, France, and the USA. It is clear that, in many centres, lack of adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities leads to under-diagnosis (and enumeration) of leukaemias and brain cancers. However, for several childhood cancers, incidence rates in Africa are higher than those in high-income countries. This applies to infection-related cancers such as Kaposi sarcoma, Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, and also to two common embryonal cancers - retinoblastoma and nephroblastoma. These (and other) observations are unlikely to be artefact, and are of considerable interest when considering possible aetiological factors, including ethnic differences in risk (and hence genetic/familial antecedents). The data reported are the most extensive so far available on the incidence of cancer in sub Saharan Africa, and clearly indicate the need for more resources to be devoted to cancer registration, especially in the childhood age range, as part of an overall programme to improve the availability of diagnosis and treatment of this group of cancers, many of which have-potentially-an excellent prognosis.

Cancer incidence rates and trends among children and adolescents in Piedmont, 1967-2011

In the past, increases in childhood cancer incidence were reported in Europe and North America. The aim of this study is to show updated patterns of temporal behavior using data of the Childhood Cancer Registry of Piedmont (CCRP), a region with approximately 4.5 million inhabitants in North-West Italy. CCRP has been recording incident cases in children (0–14 years) since 1967 and in adolescents (15–19) since 2000. Time trends were estimated as annual percent change (APC) over the 1976–2011 period for children, and over 2000–2011 for both children and adolescents. CCRP registered 5020 incident cases from 1967 to 2011. Incidence rates were 157 per million person-years for children (1967–2011) and 282 for adolescents (2000–2011). From 1976–2011, increasing trends were observed in children for all neoplasms (APC 1.1, 95%CI: 0.8; 1.5) and for both embryonal and non-embryonal tumors: 1.1%, (0.5; 1.6) and 1.2%, (0.7; 1.6), respectively. Increases were observed in several tumor types, including leukemia, lymphoma, central nervous system tumors and neuroblastoma. In 2000–2011, incidence rates showed mostly non statistically significant variations and large variability. The observation of trends over a long period shows that the incidence of most tumors has increased, and this is only partially explained by diagnostic changes. Large rate variability hampers interpretation of trend patterns in short periods. Given that no satisfying explanation for the increases observed in the past was ever found, efforts must be made to understand and interpret this peculiar and still ununderstood pattern of childhood cancer incidence.

Time and spatial trends in lymphoid leukemia and lymphoma incidence and survival among children and adolescents in Manitoba, Canada: 1984-2013

OBJECTIVES

To test for time and spatial trends in lymphoid malignancies, including lymphoid leukemia (LL), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), in children and adolescents in the province of Manitoba, Canada.

METHODS

Incident cases diagnosed between 1984 and 2013 were identified from the Manitoba Cancer Registry. We assessed time trends in age-standardized incidence rates using joinpoint regression and in 5-year relative survival using Poisson regression model. Kulldorff's scan method was used to assess spatial variation and clustering.

RESULTS

Age-standardized incidence rates (per million person-years) in males and females were 34.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 28.9-39.1) and 26.2 (95% CI 21.5-30.7) for LL, 10.5 (95% CI 7.7-13.3) and 12.5 (95% CI 9.4-15.7) for HL, 12.5 (95% CI 9.3-15.4) and 7.7 (95% CI 5.2-10.2) for NHL (except for Burkitt lymphomas), and 3.2 (95% CI 1.6-4.7) and 1.5 (95% CI 0.4-2.5) for Burkitt lymphomas. Age- and sex- standardized LL incidence rate increased 1.4% (95% CI 0.3%-2.5%) per year, while the changes for HL and NHL incidence rates were not statistically significant. There were geographic differences in age-standardized incidence rates for LL, HL, and NHL and spatial clusters were detected in southern part of the province. Five-year relative survival has improved over time and there was no difference between rural and urban areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Lymphoid leukemia incidence rate increased over time and varied by geographic area. Further research should examine the factors contributing to these trends.

Epidemiology of childhood and adolescent cancer in Bangladesh, 2001-2014

BACKGROUND

Cancer burden among children and adolescents is largely unknown in Bangladesh. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview on childhood and adolescent cancers and to contribute to the future strategies to deal with these diseases in Bangladesh.

METHODS

Data on malignant neoplasms in patients aged less than 20 years diagnosed between 2001 and 2014 (N = 3143) in Bangladesh was collected by the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital and ASHIC Foundation. The age pattern and distribution of cancer types were analysed and the incidence rates were calculated.

RESULTS

The age-standardised incidence rate was 7.8 per million person-years for children (0-14 years) in the last time period (2011-2014). Retinoblastoma (25%) and leukaemia (18%) were the most common childhood cancers. For adolescents (15-19 years), the age-specific incidence rate was 2.1 per million person-years in the same time period. Most common adolescent cancers were malignant bone tumours (38%), germ cell and gonadal tumours (17%), and epithelial tumours (16%). There were more boys affected (M: F ratio 2.0 in children and 1.4 in adolescents) than girls.

CONCLUSION

Cancer incidences were lower than expected most likely due to a low level of awareness about cancer among clinicians and the population, inadequate access to health care, lack of diagnostic equipment and incomplete recording of cases. Improvements on different levels should be made to get a better epidemiologic insight and to detect cancer earlier resulting in a better outcome for affected children and adolescents.

International long-term trends and recent patterns in the incidence of leukemias and lymphomas among children and adolescents ages 0-19 years

To enhance understanding of etiology, we examined international population-based cancer incidence data for lymphoid leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloid leukemia among children aged 0-19. Based on temporal trends during 1978-2007 in 24 populations, lymphoid leukemia and myeloid leukemia incidence rates generally have not changed greatly and differences in rates for non-Hodgkin and for Hodgkin lymphoma have diminished in some regions. Lymphoid leukemia rates during 2003-2007 in 54 populations varied about 10-fold, with rates highest in US white Hispanics (50.2 per million person-years) and Ecuador (48.3) and lowest in US blacks (20.4), Tunisia (17.7) and Uganda (6.9). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma rates varied 30-fold, with very high rates in sub-Saharan Africa (146.0 in Malawi and 54.3 in Uganda) and low rates (≤ 10) in some Asian populations (China, Japan, India, the Philippines and Thailand) and U.S. Asian-Pacific Islanders, eastern and northern European populations and Puerto Rico. Hodgkin lymphoma rates varied 15-fold, with rates highest in Italy (21.3) and lowest in China (1.7). Myeloid leukemia rates varied only about fivefold, with rates highest in the Philippines and Korea (exceeding 14.0) and lowest in Eastern Europe (5.9 in Serbia and 5.3 in the Czech Republic) and Uganda (2.7). The boy/girl average incidence rate ratios were 2.00 or lower. Age-specific patterns differed among the four hematopoietic malignancies, but were generally consistent within major categories world-wide, except for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A systematic world-wide approach comparing postulated etiologic factors in low- versus high-risk populations may help clarify the etiology of these childhood malignancies.

Aetiologic heterogeneity in pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma? Evidence from the Nordic countries, 1978-2010

BACKGROUND

In epidemiological studies, Hodgkin lymphomas (HL) in children younger than 15 years and HL in adolescents and younger adults age 15-35 years has traditionally been studied separately, under the assumption that HL at age 0-14 constitute a homogeneous entity. However, the continued validity of this research practice in affluent settings may be questioned. Specifically, the boundary at age 15 years may not be epidemiologically justified, and therefore also questionable clinically. We therefore updated and further characterised recent HL incidence patterns among Nordic children.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We obtained HL incidence data in children aged 0-14 years for the period 1978-2010 from the five nationwide Nordic cancer registries. The data were analysed by log-linear and/or a mixture of Poisson regression models.

RESULTS

The analyses showed statistically significantly decreasing and increasing HL incidence rates in children younger and older than eight years, respectively during the study period. Statistical modelling suggested that cases in children age 0-6 years constituted a disease entity of its own, whereas cases in older children were more likely to belong to the younger adult HL entity.

CONCLUSION

Diverging incidence trends and statistical modelling suggest that HL in children age 0-14 years cannot be assumed to constitute a homogeneous disease entity in affluent settings.

Hodgkin lymphoma in childhood: clinicopathological features and therapy outcome at 2 centers from a developing country

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) accounts for 5% to 6% of all childhood cancer. It displays characteristic epidemiological, clinical, and pathological features according to various geographic areas. We aimed to assess the epidemiological aspects, clinicopathological features, and treatment outcome of pediatric HL treated at 2 Egyptian centers: Zagazig University Pediatric Oncology Unit and Benha Special Hospital Pediatric Oncology Unit. We carried a cross-sectional retrospective study by reviewing medical records for all patients admitted with the diagnosis of HL over 8 years in 2 oncology units during the period from January 2004 to January 2012. Age of the patients at presentation ranged from 3 to 14 years (median 6 years) and male: female ratio 1.7:1. Lymphadenopathy was the most common presentation (96.6%). Mixed cellularity subtype was dominant (50.8%), followed by nodular sclerosis (28.9%), lymphocyte-rich (18.6%) with lymphocyte depletion being the least dominant (1.7%). More than half of patients (55.9 %) had advanced disease (Ann Arbor stage III/IV disease). The duration of follow-up ranged from 5 to 87 months (mean 39.8 ± 24.1 months). The 5-year overall survival and event-free survival for patients were 96.6% and 84.7% respectively. In Egypt, HL occurs in young age group, with a higher incidence of mixed cellularity subtype and advanced disease. None of the clinical, epidemiological, or pathological characteristics had a significant association with the overall survival. The outcomes of HL in our 2 centers were satisfactory approaching the international percentage.

Incidence of cancer in children aged 0-14 years in Taiwan, 1996-2010

Studies have found lower risk of childhood cancer among Asian children. We aim to characterize the recent incidence and incidence-trend of childhood cancer in Taiwan after the National Health Insurance program was launched in March 1995. Data were extracted from the Taiwan Cancer Registry, a population-based database established in 1979. Cases diagnosed at age 0-14 from 1996 to 2010 were analyzed and categorized according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer, Third Edition (ICCC-3). In total, 8032 childhood cancer cases were included, with a microscopic verification rate of 93.9%. The overall age-standardized rate (ASR) of incidence adjusted to the 2000 World Standard Population is 125.0 cases/million, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.3. The top five cancer types (ICCC-3 subgroup[s]; ASR per million) are acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ia, 30.3), acute myeloid leukemia (Ib; 9.4), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (IIb,c,e, 9.0), extracranial germ cell tumor (Xb,c; 8.3), and neuroblastoma (IVa; 7.8). The median age of diagnosis was 6 years for both genders. During the study period, the ASR of childhood cancer has been increasing at a rate of 1.2% per year (95% confidence interval, 0.6-1.7%). In contrast to Western countries, China, Japan, and Taiwan have lower incidence of childhood cancer; however, Taiwan's incidence rates of childhood germ cell tumors and hepatic tumors are higher. In conclusion, this population-based study reveals that the incidence rate of childhood cancer in Taiwan is rising consistently. The high incidence of germ cell tumors warrants further investigation.

Season of birth and risk of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Infectious etiologies have been hypothesized for Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (HL and NHL) in early life, but findings to date for specific lymphomas and periods of susceptibility are conflicting. We conducted the first national cohort study to examine whether season of birth, a proxy for infectious exposures in the first few months of life, is associated with HL or NHL in childhood through young adulthood. A total of 3,571,574 persons born in Sweden in 1973-2008 were followed up through 2009 to examine the association between season of birth and incidence of HL (943 cases) or NHL (936 cases). We found a sinusoidal pattern in NHL risk by season of birth (p = 0.04), with peak risk occurring among birthdates in April. Relative to persons born in fall (September-November), odds ratios for NHL by season of birth were 1.25 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-1.50; p = 0.02] for spring (March-May), 1.22 (95% CI, 1.01-1.48; p = 0.04) for summer (June-August) and 1.11 (95% CI, 0.91-1.35; p = 0.29) for winter (December-February). These findings did not vary by sex, age at diagnosis or major subtypes. In contrast, there was no seasonal association between birthdate and risk of HL (p = 0.78). In this large cohort study, birth in spring or summer was associated with increased risk of NHL (but not HL) in childhood through young adulthood, possibly related to immunologic effects of delayed infectious exposures compared with fall or winter birth. These findings suggest that immunologic responses in early infancy may play an important role in the development of NHL.

Cancer incidence and survival in adolescents and young adults in France, 2000-2008

This study aimed to describe cancer incidence (2000-2008) and survival (2000-2004) in France in adolescents and young adults (AYA). All cases of cancer diagnosed in 15-24 years, recorded by all French population-based registries (14% of the French population), over the 2000-2008 period, were included. Incidence change over time was described with the conventional annual percentage change (cAPC). The survival of cases diagnosed (2000-2004) was estimated using Kaplan-Meier method. A total of 1022 in adolescents and 1396 in young adults were diagnosed. Overall incidence rates were 219.4/10(6) in 15-19 year olds and 293.1/10(6) in 20-24 year olds. The most frequently diagnosed cancers in male AYA were malignant gonadal germ-cell tumors and Hodgkin's disease, and were melanoma, thyroid carcinoma, and Hodgkin's disease in females. The age-standardized rates appeared stable over time in AYA, with a cAPC of +2.0% (P = 0.68). The 5-year overall survival for all cancers was different between genders and age groups, with 78.8% (95%CI: 75.6-82.0) for males and 85.2% (95%CI: 82.2-88.1) for females (P = 0.01), and 78.5% (95%CI: 75.0-82.1) in 15-19 year olds and 84.3% (95% CI: 81.6-87.0) in 20-24 year olds (P = 0.02). Noteworthy, the frequency and the distribution of tumor types in AYA are unique and different from the observed at any other age group. Survival in French AYA has improved over time. Epidemiological data might reflect major trends in the risk factors and preventive interventions. Thus, further research into etiology of cancers affecting AYA should become key priorities for cancer control among AYA.

Perinatal and family risk factors for Hodgkin lymphoma in childhood through young adulthood

The incidence of Hodgkin lymphoma has increased among adolescents and young adults in recent decades, but the relevant risk factors in early life are still unknown. A national cohort study was conducted of 3,571,574 individuals born in Sweden in 1973-2008 and followed up for Hodgkin lymphoma incidence through 2009, to examine perinatal and family risk factors for Hodgkin lymphoma in childhood through young adulthood (ages 0-37 years). There were 943 Hodgkin lymphoma cases identified in 66.3 million person-years of follow-up. High fetal growth was associated with an increased risk of Hodgkin lymphoma after adjustment for gestational age at birth and other potential confounders (P(trend) = 0.005). Family history of Hodgkin lymphoma in a sibling or parent also was strongly associated with an increased risk, with adjusted hazard ratios = 8.83 (95% confidence interval: 3.67, 21.30) and 7.19 (95% confidence interval: 3.58, 14.44), respectively. No association was found between gestational age at birth, birth order, twinning, parental age, or parental education and Hodgkin lymphoma. These findings did not vary by age at Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis. Similar associations were found for nodular sclerosis and mixed cellularity subtypes. These findings suggest that perinatal factors including possible growth factor pathways may contribute to the risk of Hodgkin lymphoma in childhood through young adulthood.

Allergy-associated symptoms in relation to childhood non-Hodgkin's as contrasted to Hodgkin's lymphomas: a case-control study in Greece and meta-analysis

An increase of the prevalence of childhood allergic diseases and the incidence of childhood Hodgkin's (HL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were reported in the late 20th century. Among adults, several studies point to an inverse association with lymphoma; it remains to be confirmed whether allergy is also related to childhood lymphomas and whether the association, if any, is of an aetiologic nature. Between 1996 and 2008, 277 children (aged 0-14 years) with HL (N = 111) or NHL (N = 166) were enrolled in Nationwide Registry for Childhood Hematological Malignancies (NARECHEM), a Greek hospital-based-registry of childhood hematological malignancies. Hospital controls were individually matched to cases on age and sex. Multivariate conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95%confidence intervals (CIs) for associations of allergic diseases and other covariates with childhood HL or NHL risk. Subsequently, we combined our results with those of a French case-control study in a meta-analysis amounting to a total of 330 NHL cases/1478 controls and 239 HL cases/959 controls. After controlling for sociodemographic, perinatal and environmental factors, childhood NHL was less prevalent among children with allergy-associated symptoms overall (OR:0.50, 95%CI:0.27-0.92) or a history of asthma (OR:0.43, 95%CI:0.21-0.88). By contrast, allergy did not seem to be associated with childhood HL risk, although statistical power was limited. Fewer seaside holidays and higher birth weight were also associated with increased childhood NHL risk. The combined OR of the two studies for the association of asthma with NHL risk was: 0.52, 95%CI:0.32-0.84, whereas for HL: 0.86, 95%CI:0.51-1.45. Allergy seems to be strongly and inversely associated with childhood NHL. It remains to be elucidated in future investigations comprising larger populations, focusing on specific disease subtypes and employing more pertinent study-designs, whether this association is genuinely protective.

Hemorrhagic Cystitis due to BK Reactivation in a Young Female Treated for Hodgkin-Disease

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a disease with a high rate of curability under classic chemo-radiotherapy regimes. Complications due to chemotherapy could include viral reactivation due to chronic lymphopenia. BK virus (BKV) is a polyoma virus belonging to the Papovaviridae family with antibody seroprevalences in healthy populations varying from 60% to 80%. Initial infections are asymptomatic usually occur in early childhood, after which the viruses remain latent in the kidneys or urothelium. Reactivation of BKV occurs in individuals with severe immunosuppression during HIV infections, transplantation or, exceptionally, after classical chemotherapy. BKV incidence is approximately 0% to 5% in immunocompetent individuals. Reactivation is associated with nephropathy and haemorrhagic cystitis. Herein, we present a case of a haemorrhagic cystitis due to BKV reactivation in a patient with Hodgkin's disease treated with chemotherapy.

Population-based incidence of childhood leukaemias and lymphomas in Spain (1993-2002)

The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of leukaemias and lymphomas in children according to the International Classification of Childhood Cancer third edition (ICCC-3) in the population covered by the Girona, Valencia, and Zaragoza population-based cancer registries and compare it with the incidence rates in other European countries. All haematological malignancies (HMs) registered between 1993 and 2002 in children below 15 years of age were included in the study. Pathological and haematological diagnoses were reviewed, recoded according to International Classification of Diseases for Oncology-3 and reclassified on the basis of ICCC-3. Sex and age-adjusted incidence rates were calculated, using the world population as standard. Five hundred and seventy-one HMs were registered in the Girona, Valencia and Zaragoza Cancer Registries during the study period. According to ICCC-3, precursor cell leukaemias were the most frequent HMs in children and constituted 60% of all HMs (an age-adjusted incidence rate of 42.7 per million children-years). The second most frequent childhood HM was Hodgkin lymphoma (11.2% of all HMs), yielding an age-adjusted standardized incidence rate of 6.3 per million children-years. With regard to myeloid lineage, acute myeloid leukaemias were the most frequent with a rate of 7.9 per million children-years. The standardized incidence rates for lymphoid leukaemia (1.19) and Burkitt lymphoma (3.94) were statistically higher than the rates observed in Europe. Compared with European data, Spain has a high incidence of lymphoid leukaemias and lymphomas. In particular, a high incidence of Burkitt lymphoma was observed. The causes of this geographical variation are still unknown.

Childhood cancer survival: a report from the United Kingdom Childhood Cancer Study

BACKGROUND

Improvements in diagnostic approaches and refinements to treatment protocols have resulted in 5-year survival levels above 70% for children diagnosed with cancer in economically developed parts of the world. For some cancers, including leukaemia and tumours of the central nervous system, age and sex have been identified as important prognostic indicators.

METHODS

We examined long-term survival, and affects of age and sex, in a population-based case-control study. Children (0-14 years) newly diagnosed with cancer were ascertained between 1991 and 1996 (n=4433). Follow-up information was obtained from the National Health Service (NHS) Information Centre for Health and Social Care which records all exits from the NHS including deaths.

RESULTS

For all cancer diagnoses combined, 5-year survival was 72.7% dropping to 67.9% at 15 years. As expected, survival differed between diagnostic subtypes ranging from 38.1% for intracranial embryonal tumours to 96.2% for Hodgkin lymphoma. Compared to girls, boys diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia were at a higher risk of dying (RR=1.26, 95% CI 1.03-1.53), whereas boys diagnosed with an intracranial embryonal tumour were at a lower risk of death (RR=0.63, 95% CI 0.43-0.91).

CONCLUSION

Our initial findings are consistent with previous reports, and highlight the importance of considering differences by age and sex. The completeness and population-based nature of the original case-control study is an important feature which will provide the basis for future more detailed investigations linking disease determinants to outcome.

Lymphoma: a pediatrician's perspective

Since Thomas Hodgkin's paper, entitled "On Some Morbid Appearances of the Absorbent Glands and Spleen", published in 1832, an enormous body of research on lymphomas has developed. Even more research is required, however, in order to completely prevent or treat these neoplasms of the lymphocytes.

Hodgkin lymphoma: an update on its biology with new insights into classification

In the past few years, there has been a greater understanding of the spectrum and biology of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). In standard texts, HL is classified as 2 distinct entities, namely nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL and classical HL (CHL). However, recent evidence suggests that CHL is not a single disease. Although the mixed cellularity and lymphocyte-depleted subtypes might be part of a biologic continuum, the nodular sclerosis subtype has a distinct epidemiology, clinical presentation, and histology. Nodular sclerosis HL might also be related to primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma and mediastinal gray-zone lymphomas. We present an update on the pathobiology of HL and discuss these biologic and clinical differences in this review.

The treatment of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma: improved survival in a developing country

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment regimens, and outcome of children with Hodgkin lymphoma in a developing country over a period of 34 years.

METHODS

This paper retrospectively evaluates the treatment and prognosis of 614 children with Hodgkin lymphoma disease between 1971 and 2005. All patients were treated with chemotherapy, and also received radiotherapy.

RESULTS

There were 452 males and 162 females with a median age of 8 years (2 to 21); 183 patients had B symptoms. There were 165, 185, 145, and 119 patients in stage I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Histopathologic subtypes were mixed cellularity (344 patients), nodular sclerosis (90), lymphocytic predominance (62), lymphocytic depletion (46), unclassified types (69), and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (3). Overall (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) rates were 83 and 60%, though OS rates varied according to chemotherapy protocol; age; presence of B symptoms, leukocytosis, anemia, and extranodal involvement; and stage at diagnosis. Over the years, the median age of patients increased, as did the frequency of the nodular sclerosing type of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

This is one of the largest series in a single center. The increase in the median age and in the frequency of the nodular-sclerosing type are thought to be related to the development status of Turkey. The ABVD protocol yielded the best survival rates and should be used for treatment of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma.

[Hodgkin's lymphoma in adolescents: where to treat it--in an adult or pediatric institution?]

Adolescent patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) are treated either in pediatric, or in adult oncological wards.

AIM

The aim of our work was to compare the treatment modalities and the survival rates in adolescents with HL treated in adult (A) or pediatric (P) institutes.

METHODS

From January 1990 to December 2004, 138 patients (14-21 years) with HL were treated in two adult institutes (A) and 107 in the 10 centres of the Hungarian Pediatric Oncology Network (P).

RESULTS

Male:female ratio was 1:1.15 (A) and 1:1.38 (P). The mean age was 18.6 (A) and 15.7 (P) years. There was no difference between the distribution of the stages in the two patient groups. The distribution of histological subtypes (A and P): nodular sclerosing 47% and 59%, mixed cellularity 45% and 25%, lymphocyte rich 1.5% and 10%, lymphocyte depleted 4% and 1%, nodular lymphocyte predominant 1.5% and 3% and unknown 1% and 2%. The majority of the patients were treated with ABVD (A) and OPPA/OEPA +/- COPP (P). One hundred and fifteen (A) and 97 (P) adolescents received irradiation therapy. 80% (A) and 91% (A) of the patients got radiotherapy. In group A 14%, in group P 13% of the patients had relapse. In group A 16 patients died and in group P 7. There was no significant difference in the overall survival (OS) rates at 5 and 10 years in the two patient groups. The event-free survival (EFS) was 76.5 +/- 4% and 72.5 +/- 4% at 5 and 10 years in group A, and 85.3 +/- 4% at both times in group P ( p = 0.0452).

CONCLUSION

Survival rates in HL are quite high, 80-90% of the patients can be cured. Event-free survival was higher in pediatric than in adult institutes. In case of patients younger than 18 years, the survival rates were much better in pediatric institutes, so these patients should be treated in pediatric institutes or with protocols used by the pediatricians.

Temporal trends in the incidence rate of childhood cancer in Germany 1987-2004

The German Childhood Cancer Registry regularly presents graphs of childhood cancer incidence rates by period, but no systematic analysis. The Automated Childhood Cancer Information System-project found an increasing trend in Europe. Against this background we present the first detailed trend analysis of childhood (aged under 15) malignancies in Germany. We examined incidence rates separately in western Germany 1987-2004 and eastern Germany 1991-2004. We analyzed all malignancies, all main diagnostic groups and relevant subsets using an age-period-cohort model. Additionally we fitted fractional polynomials to assess the linearity of the drift. All malignancies combined (excluding Central Nervous System-tumors and neuroblastoma) show a significant trend: +0.7% in western and +1.1% per year in eastern Germany. The overall trend in Germany is mostly due to the significant increase in lymphoid leukemia, which increased significantly in western Germany (+0.7% per year) and significantly nonlinearly in eastern Germany (+3.3% per year until 1998, +0.8% since 1998), catching up from a level 20% below western Germany. This could be due to life style changes since the reunification in eastern Germany influencing early immune system training. We found no trends for acute non-lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin's disease shows a cohort effect in western Germany after reunification. Improved registration of CNS tumors led to an increase. Neuroblastoma yielded a period effect in western Germany due to screening. With the exception of germ cell tumors, further observations for solid tumor entities are in agreement with those reported for Europe.

Survival from adolescent cancer

BACKGROUND

Adolescent cancer is the leading cause of non-accidental mortality in young people. The tumour types occurring most commonly in this age group are distinctive and differ markedly from those developing in younger children and older adults.

OBJECTIVE

The aim is to present survival data for the major types of cancer and for all malignancies combined in adolescents aged from 15 to 19 years, highlighting intercountry differences, temporal trends, and age/treatment regimen comparisons of survival rates.

RESULTS

Results from European and American data show that 5-year overall survival among adolescents with cancer is approximately 73-78%, close to that observed among children. As in paediatric series, there are geographical differences, with lower survival rates in Eastern European countries. Adolescents have substantially lower survival than children for acute lymphoid leukaemia, malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Ewing's tumour, osteosarcoma, soft-tissue sarcoma. Temporal improvement in survival from children cancer is twice higher than survival from adolescents malignancies.

CONCLUSION

Several reasons could explain these geographical differences, such as better referral, greater availability of complex and expensive treatment regimens, reflecting variations in health care systems and resources. Age-group variations could be explained by differences in biology and in treatment regimen, and lack of participation in clinical trials. Some are inherent in the psychosocial characteristics of these patients, such as delays in seeking medical attention, poor compliance with treatment. It is necessary to focus on cancer in adolescence, as the new frontier in oncology, and adolescents with cancer must be now the subject of specific survival analyses.

Up-to-date monitoring of childhood cancer long-term survival in Europe: leukaemias and lymphomas

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, following the introduction of effective chemotherapy, the prognosis of children with leukaemia and lymphoma has dramatically improved, but data reflecting further possible improvement achieved in the 1990s are scarce.

METHODS

Using the Automated Childhood Cancer Information (ACCIS) database, we carried out a period analysis of 10-year survival for the 1995-99 period. Analyses were carried out by diagnostic groups, age-group at diagnosis, sex and four European regions.

RESULTS

Ten-year survival estimates for the 1995-99 period were 73% for any type of leukaemia, 78% for acute lymphoid leukaemia and 52% for acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia. The corresponding 10-year survival rates for all types of lymphomas, Hodgkin lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma were 84, 91 and 79%, respectively. These figures are much higher than those obtained by traditional (cohort-based) methods of survival analysis. A large difference in prognosis is still observed between the East and other parts of Europe.

CONCLUSION

Major improvement in prognosis for children with leukaemia or lymphoma has been ongoing in Europe during the 1990s, but further monitoring and investments are required to remove the large regional differences between European regions.