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Tan Y, Pan J, Deng B, Ling Z, Song W, Xu J, Duan J, Wang Z, Yu X, Chang AH, Feng X. Toxicity and effectiveness of CD19 CAR T therapy in children with high-burden central nervous system refractory B-ALL. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 70:1979-1993. [PMID: 33416942 PMCID: PMC10992445 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02829-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although recent clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for refractory or relapsed B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r B-ALL), most trials exclude patients with high-burden CNS leukemia (CNSL) to avoid the risk of severe neurotoxicity. There were only sparse cases describing the effect of CAR T cells on low-burden CNSL, and the safety and effectiveness of CAR T cells in high-burden CNSL remains unknown. METHODS Here, we retrospectively analyzed the results of CD19 CAR T-cell therapy in 12 pediatric patients that had low (Blasts < 20/μL in CSF) or high-burdens (Blasts or intracranial solid mass) of CNS B-ALL, that are enrolled in three clinical trials and one pilot study at Beijing Boren Hospital RESULTS: Eleven patients (91.7%) achieved complete remission (CR) on day 30, and one patient got CR on day 90 after infusion. Most patient experienced mild cytokine-release syndrome. However, of the five patients who retained > 5/μL blasts in CSF or a solid mass before CAR T-cell expansion, four developed severe (grade 3-4) neurotoxicity featured by persistent cerebral edema and seizure, and they fully recovered after intensive managements. Sustained remission was achieved in 9 of the 12 patients, resulted in a 6-month leukemia-free survival rate of 81.8% (95% CI 59.0-100). Only one patient has CNS relapse again. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that CAR T cells are effective in clearing both low- and high-burden CNSL, but a high CNSL burden before CAR T-cell expansion may cause severe neurotoxicity requiring intense intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Hematology, Beijing Boren Hospital, Beijing, 100070, China
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Jing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China.
| | - Biping Deng
- Cytology Laboratory, Beijing Boren Hospital, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Zhuojun Ling
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Boren Hospital, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Weiliang Song
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Boren Hospital, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Jinlong Xu
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Boren Hospital, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Jiajia Duan
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Boren Hospital, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Zelin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Boren Hospital, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Xinjian Yu
- Medical Laboratory, Beijing Boren Hospital, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Alex H Chang
- Clinical Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Xiaoming Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China.
- Central Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
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Aitken MJ, Benton CB, Wang F, Zhang J, Herbrich SM, Takahashi K, Bueso‐Ramos CE, Short NJ. Thirty-three years later: Two distinct cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in one patient. Am J Hematol 2020; 95:1117-1120. [PMID: 32356323 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.25850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marisa J.L. Aitken
- Department of Leukemia The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Houston Texas USA
| | - Christopher B. Benton
- Department of Leukemia The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas USA
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Genomic Medicine The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas USA
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Genomic Medicine The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas USA
| | - Shelley M. Herbrich
- Department of Leukemia The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Houston Texas USA
| | - Koichi Takahashi
- Department of Leukemia The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas USA
| | - Carlos E. Bueso‐Ramos
- Department of Hematopathology The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas USA
| | - Nicholas J. Short
- Department of Leukemia The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas USA
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Triarico S, Maurizi P, Mastrangelo S, Attinà G, Capozza MA, Ruggiero A. Improving the Brain Delivery of Chemotherapeutic Drugs in Childhood Brain Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11060824. [PMID: 31200562 PMCID: PMC6627959 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) may be considered as a sanctuary site, protected from systemic chemotherapy by the meninges, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Consequently, parenchymal and CSF exposure of most antineoplastic agents following intravenous (IV) administration is lower than systemic exposure. In this review, we describe the different strategies developed to improve delivery of antineoplastic agents into the brain in primary and metastatic CNS tumors. We observed that several methods, such as BBB disruption (BBBD), intra-arterial (IA) and intracavitary chemotherapy, are not routinely used because of their invasiveness and potentially serious adverse effects. Conversely, intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy has been safely and widely practiced in the treatment of pediatric primary and metastatic tumors, replacing the neurotoxic cranial irradiation for the treatment of childhood lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). IT chemotherapy may be achieved through lumbar puncture (LP) or across the Ommaya intraventricular reservoir, which are both described in this review. Additionally, we overviewed pharmacokinetics and toxic aspects of the main IT antineoplastic drugs employed for primary or metastatic childhood CNS tumors (such as methotrexate, cytosine arabinoside, hydrocortisone), with a concise focus on new and less used IT antineoplastic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Triarico
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Palma Maurizi
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Stefano Mastrangelo
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Attinà
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Michele Antonio Capozza
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonio Ruggiero
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
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4
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Eryılmaz E, Canpolat C. Novel agents for the treatment of childhood leukemia: an update. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 10:3299-3306. [PMID: 28740405 PMCID: PMC5505617 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s126368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Achieving lower morbidity and higher survival rates in the treatment of childhood leukemia has been a paradigm of success in modern oncology. However, serious long-term health complications occur in very large populations of childhood leukemia survivors, in the case of both acute lymphoid leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Additionally, 15% of acute lymphoid leukemia patients have treatment failures, and rates are even higher in childhood AML. In the last few decades, as a result of well-tested experiments that statistically analyzed treatment cohorts, new agents have emerged as alternatives or supplements to established treatments, in which high survival and/or less morbidity were observed. This review provides an overview of better practice in the treatment of childhood leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ertugrul Eryılmaz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Acibadem Maslak Hospital
| | - Cengiz Canpolat
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Acibadem Kozyatagi Hospital, Acıbadem University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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5
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Miyake MM, Bleier BS. The blood-brain barrier and nasal drug delivery to the central nervous system. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2016; 29:124-7. [PMID: 25785753 DOI: 10.2500/ajra.2015.29.4149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly efficient system that separates the central nervous system (CNS) from general circulation and promotes selective transport of molecules that are essential for brain function. However, it also limits the distribution of systemically administered therapeutics to the brain; therefore, there is a restricted number of drugs available for the treatment of brain disorders. Several drug-targeting strategies have been developed to attempt to bypass the BBB, but none has proved sufficiently effective in reaching the brain. METHODS The objective of this study is to generally review these strategies of drug administration to the CNS. RESULTS Noninvasive methods of drug delivery, such as chemical and biologic transport systems, do not represent a feasible platform, whereas for most drugs, it is still not possible to achieve therapeutic levels within the brain tissue after intravenous or oral administration, and the use of higher potency or more concentrated doses may cause serious toxic side effects. Direct intrathecal drug delivery through a catheter into the CNS also presents several problems. Intranasal drug delivery is a potential alternative method due to the direct transport into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compartment along the olfactory pathway, but the study's conclusions are controversial. An endoscopic intranasal surgical procedure using established skull base surgery reconstruction techniques based on the use of a nasal mucosa surgical flap as the only obstacle between the nose and the subarachnoid space has appeared as a potential solution to increase the absorption of intranasal drugs to the CNS. CONCLUSION Despite extensive efforts to develop new techniques to cross the BBB, none has proved sufficiently effective in reaching the brain, whereas minimizing adverse effects and the endoscopic mucosal grafting technique offers new potential promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Menon Miyake
- Department of Otolaryngology, Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Dai H, Zhang W, Li X, Han Q, Guo Y, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Wang C, Shi F, Zhang Y, Chen M, Feng K, Wang Q, Zhu H, Fu X, Li S, Han W. Tolerance and efficacy of autologous or donor-derived T cells expressing CD19 chimeric antigen receptors in adult B-ALL with extramedullary leukemia. Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e1027469. [PMID: 26451310 PMCID: PMC4590028 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1027469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The engineering of T lymphocytes to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) aims to establish T cell-mediated tumor immunity rapidly. In this study, we conducted a pilot clinical trial of autologous or donor- derived T cells genetically modified to express a CAR targeting the B-cell antigen CD19 harboring 4-1BB and the CD3ζ moiety. All enrolled patients had relapsed or chemotherapy-refractory B-cell lineage acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL). Of the nine patients, six had definite extramedullary involvement, and the rate of overall survival at 18 weeks was 56%. One of the two patients who received conditioning chemotherapy achieved a three-month durable complete response with partial regression of extramedullary lesions. Four of seven patients who did not receive conditioning chemotherapy achieved dramatic regression or a mixed response in the haematopoietic system and extramedullary tissues for two to nine months. Grade 2-3 graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was observed in two patients who received substantial donor-derived anti-CD19 CART (chimeric antigen receptor-modified T) cells 3-4 weeks after cell infusions. These results show for the first time that donor-derived anti-CD19 CART cells can cause GVHD and regression of extramedullary B-ALL. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01864889.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanren Dai
- Department of Immunology; Institute of Basic Medicine; School of Life Sciences; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
| | - Wenying Zhang
- Department of Bio-therapeutic; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolei Li
- Department of Molecular Biology; Institute of Basic Medicine; School of Life Sciences; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
| | - Qingwang Han
- Department of Immunology; Institute of Basic Medicine; School of Life Sciences; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
| | - Yelei Guo
- Department of Immunology; Institute of Basic Medicine; School of Life Sciences; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
| | - Yajing Zhang
- Department of Bio-therapeutic; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Immunology; Institute of Basic Medicine; School of Life Sciences; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
| | - Chunmeng Wang
- Department of Bio-therapeutic; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
| | - Fengxia Shi
- Department of Bio-therapeutic; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Bio-therapeutic; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
| | - Meixia Chen
- Department of Bio-therapeutic; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
| | - Kaichao Feng
- Department of Bio-therapeutic; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
| | - Quanshun Wang
- Department of Hematology; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
| | - Hongli Zhu
- Department of Hematology; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobing Fu
- Department of Bio-therapeutic; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
| | - Suxia Li
- Department of Hematology; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Immunology; Institute of Basic Medicine; School of Life Sciences; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
- Department of Bio-therapeutic; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
- Department of Molecular Biology; Institute of Basic Medicine; School of Life Sciences; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Beijing, China
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Ravindranath Y. Evolution of modern treatment of childhood acute leukemia and cancer: adventures and battles in the 1970s and 1980s. Pediatr Clin North Am 2015; 62:1-10. [PMID: 25435108 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This article summarizes the adventures and explorations in the 1970s and 1980s in the treatment of children with leukemia and cancer that paved the way for the current success in childhood cancers. Indeed, these were adventures and bold steps into unchartered waters. Because childhood leukemia the most common of the childhood cancers, success in childhood leukemia was pivotal in the push toward cure of all childhood cancers. The success in childhood leukemia illustrates how treatment programs were designed using clinical- and biology-based risk factors seen in the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaddanapudi Ravindranath
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3901 Beaubien Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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8
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Kumar K, Kaur J, Walia S, Pathak T, Aggarwal D. L-asparaginase: an effective agent in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2013; 55:256-62. [PMID: 23662993 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2013.803224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) is an enzyme used most effectively in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) for more than 30 years. It catalyzes the hydrolysis of amino acid l-asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia, which leads to cell death. Clinical trials have been conducted using L-ASNase in combination with other drugs and radiotherapy, which have led to great success in the treatment of ALL. Treatments consist of induction therapy and central nervous system therapy. The achievement of complete remission in patients is associated with a few side-effects of using L-asparaginase, including pancreatitis, coagulation abnormalities and allergic reactions. Sometimes tumor cells may develop resistance to L-ASNase. To overcome these difficulties, the drug is modified by pegylation or immobilization, and also treatment protocols can be modified to increase the efficiency of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuldeep Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, M. M. Modi College , Patiala , India
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Grupp SA, Kalos M, Barrett D, Aplenc R, Porter DL, Rheingold SR, Teachey DT, Chew A, Hauck B, Wright JF, Milone MC, Levine BL, June CH. Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells for acute lymphoid leukemia. N Engl J Med 2013; 368:1509-1518. [PMID: 23527958 PMCID: PMC4058440 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1215134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2597] [Impact Index Per Article: 236.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells with specificity for CD19 have shown promise in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It remains to be established whether chimeric antigen receptor T cells have clinical activity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Two children with relapsed and refractory pre-B-cell ALL received infusions of T cells transduced with anti-CD19 antibody and a T-cell signaling molecule (CTL019 chimeric antigen receptor T cells), at a dose of 1.4×10(6) to 1.2×10(7) CTL019 cells per kilogram of body weight. In both patients, CTL019 T cells expanded to a level that was more than 1000 times as high as the initial engraftment level, and the cells were identified in bone marrow. In addition, the chimeric antigen receptor T cells were observed in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), where they persisted at high levels for at least 6 months. Eight grade 3 or 4 adverse events were noted. The cytokine-release syndrome and B-cell aplasia developed in both patients. In one child, the cytokine-release syndrome was severe; cytokine blockade with etanercept and tocilizumab was effective in reversing the syndrome and did not prevent expansion of chimeric antigen receptor T cells or reduce antileukemic efficacy. Complete remission was observed in both patients and is ongoing in one patient at 11 months after treatment. The other patient had a relapse, with blast cells that no longer expressed CD19, approximately 2 months after treatment. Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells are capable of killing even aggressive, treatment-refractory acute leukemia cells in vivo. The emergence of tumor cells that no longer express the target indicates a need to target other molecules in addition to CD19 in some patients with ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan A Grupp
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T., B.H., J.F.W.); the Department of Pediatrics (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T.), Abramson Cancer Center (S.A.G., M.K., R.A., D.L.P., S.R.R., D.T.T., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.); and the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (M.K., A.C., B.H., J.F.W., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.) and Medicine (D.L.P.), University of Pennsylvania - all in Philadelphia
| | - Michael Kalos
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T., B.H., J.F.W.); the Department of Pediatrics (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T.), Abramson Cancer Center (S.A.G., M.K., R.A., D.L.P., S.R.R., D.T.T., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.); and the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (M.K., A.C., B.H., J.F.W., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.) and Medicine (D.L.P.), University of Pennsylvania - all in Philadelphia
| | - David Barrett
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T., B.H., J.F.W.); the Department of Pediatrics (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T.), Abramson Cancer Center (S.A.G., M.K., R.A., D.L.P., S.R.R., D.T.T., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.); and the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (M.K., A.C., B.H., J.F.W., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.) and Medicine (D.L.P.), University of Pennsylvania - all in Philadelphia
| | - Richard Aplenc
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T., B.H., J.F.W.); the Department of Pediatrics (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T.), Abramson Cancer Center (S.A.G., M.K., R.A., D.L.P., S.R.R., D.T.T., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.); and the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (M.K., A.C., B.H., J.F.W., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.) and Medicine (D.L.P.), University of Pennsylvania - all in Philadelphia
| | - David L Porter
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T., B.H., J.F.W.); the Department of Pediatrics (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T.), Abramson Cancer Center (S.A.G., M.K., R.A., D.L.P., S.R.R., D.T.T., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.); and the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (M.K., A.C., B.H., J.F.W., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.) and Medicine (D.L.P.), University of Pennsylvania - all in Philadelphia
| | - Susan R Rheingold
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T., B.H., J.F.W.); the Department of Pediatrics (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T.), Abramson Cancer Center (S.A.G., M.K., R.A., D.L.P., S.R.R., D.T.T., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.); and the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (M.K., A.C., B.H., J.F.W., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.) and Medicine (D.L.P.), University of Pennsylvania - all in Philadelphia
| | - David T Teachey
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T., B.H., J.F.W.); the Department of Pediatrics (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T.), Abramson Cancer Center (S.A.G., M.K., R.A., D.L.P., S.R.R., D.T.T., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.); and the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (M.K., A.C., B.H., J.F.W., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.) and Medicine (D.L.P.), University of Pennsylvania - all in Philadelphia
| | - Anne Chew
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T., B.H., J.F.W.); the Department of Pediatrics (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T.), Abramson Cancer Center (S.A.G., M.K., R.A., D.L.P., S.R.R., D.T.T., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.); and the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (M.K., A.C., B.H., J.F.W., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.) and Medicine (D.L.P.), University of Pennsylvania - all in Philadelphia
| | - Bernd Hauck
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T., B.H., J.F.W.); the Department of Pediatrics (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T.), Abramson Cancer Center (S.A.G., M.K., R.A., D.L.P., S.R.R., D.T.T., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.); and the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (M.K., A.C., B.H., J.F.W., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.) and Medicine (D.L.P.), University of Pennsylvania - all in Philadelphia
| | - J Fraser Wright
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T., B.H., J.F.W.); the Department of Pediatrics (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T.), Abramson Cancer Center (S.A.G., M.K., R.A., D.L.P., S.R.R., D.T.T., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.); and the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (M.K., A.C., B.H., J.F.W., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.) and Medicine (D.L.P.), University of Pennsylvania - all in Philadelphia
| | - Michael C Milone
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T., B.H., J.F.W.); the Department of Pediatrics (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T.), Abramson Cancer Center (S.A.G., M.K., R.A., D.L.P., S.R.R., D.T.T., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.); and the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (M.K., A.C., B.H., J.F.W., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.) and Medicine (D.L.P.), University of Pennsylvania - all in Philadelphia
| | - Bruce L Levine
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T., B.H., J.F.W.); the Department of Pediatrics (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T.), Abramson Cancer Center (S.A.G., M.K., R.A., D.L.P., S.R.R., D.T.T., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.); and the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (M.K., A.C., B.H., J.F.W., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.) and Medicine (D.L.P.), University of Pennsylvania - all in Philadelphia
| | - Carl H June
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T., B.H., J.F.W.); the Department of Pediatrics (S.A.G., D.B., R.A., S.R.R., D.T.T.), Abramson Cancer Center (S.A.G., M.K., R.A., D.L.P., S.R.R., D.T.T., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.); and the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (M.K., A.C., B.H., J.F.W., M.C.M., B.L.L., C.H.J.) and Medicine (D.L.P.), University of Pennsylvania - all in Philadelphia
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10
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Richards S, Pui CH, Gayon P. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials of central nervous system directed therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60:185-95. [PMID: 22693038 PMCID: PMC3461084 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.24228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of the central nervous system (CNS) is an essential therapy component for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Individual patient data from 47 trials addressing 16 CNS treatment comparisons were analyzed. Event-free survival (EFS) was similar for radiotherapy versus intrathecal (IT), and radiotherapy plus IT versus IV methotrexate (IV MTX) plus IT. Triple intrathecal therapy (TIT) gave similar EFS but poorer survival than intrathecal methotrexate (IT MTX), but additional IV MTX improved both outcomes. One trial resulted in similar EFS and survival with IV MTX plus IT MTX versus TIT alone. Radiotherapy can generally be replaced by IT therapy. TIT should be used with effective systemic therapy such as IV MTX.
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11
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Badr MA, Hassan TH, El-Gerby KM, Lamey MES. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Oncol Lett 2012; 5:621-626. [PMID: 23420690 PMCID: PMC3573121 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2012.1072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The issue of delayed neurological damage as a result of treatment is becoming increasingly important now that an increased number of children survive treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Following modification of the treatment protocols, severe symptomatic late effects are rare, and most adverse effects are detected by sensitive imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or by neuropsychological testing. In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of late central nervous system (CNS) damage by MRI and clinical examination in children treated for ALL. A cross-sectional study was carried out at the pediatric oncology unit of Zagazig University, Egypt, and included 25 patients who were consecutively enrolled and treated according to the modified Children’s Cancer Group (CCG) 1991 protocol for standard risk ALL and the modified CCG 1961 protocol for high-risk ALL and who had survived more than 5 years from the diagnosis. All relevant data were collected from patients’ medical records; particularly the data concerning the initial clinical presentation and initial brain imaging. All patients were subjected to thorough history and full physical examination with special emphasis on the neurological system. MRI of the brain was performed for all patients. The mean age of patients was 6.9±3.04 years at diagnosis and was 12.9±3.2 years at the time of study. The patients comprised 14 boys and 11 girls. Abnormal MRI findings were detected in six patients (24%). They were in the form of leukoencephalopathy in two patients (8%), brain atrophy in two patients (8%), old infarct in one patient (4%) and old hemorrhage in one patient (4%). The number of abnormal MRI findings was significantly higher in high-risk patients, patients who had CNS manifestations at diagnosis and patients who had received cranial irradiation. We concluded that cranial irradiation is associated with higher incidence of MRI changes in children treated for ALL. Limitation of cranial irradiation to selected patients contributed to a lower incidence of neurological complications in our study. MRI is a sensitive radiological tool to detect structural changes in children treated for ALL, even in asymptomatic cases.
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12
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Age Factors
- Anemia/etiology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins/genetics
- Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/genetics
- Diploidy
- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation/etiology
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
- Hepatomegaly/etiology
- Humans
- Karyotype
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/classification
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/etiology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/classification
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/etiology
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/therapy
- Leukocyte Count
- Leukostasis/etiology
- Lymphatic Diseases/etiology
- Mutation
- Nuclear Proteins/genetics
- Nucleophosmin
- Pancytopenia/etiology
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/classification
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/diagnosis
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/etiology
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/therapy
- Prognosis
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets/genetics
- Repressor Proteins/genetics
- Risk Factors
- Spinal Puncture
- Splenomegaly/etiology
- Thrombocytopenia/etiology
- Translocation, Genetic
- fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3/genetics
- ETS Translocation Variant 6 Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Frank Cornell
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin and Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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13
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Long-term results of the Japanese Childhood Cancer and Leukemia Study Group studies 811, 841, 874 and 911 on childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leukemia 2009; 24:335-44. [PMID: 20016539 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2009.259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed the long-term outcomes of 1021 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), enrolled in four successive clinical trials (ALL811, ALL841, ALL874 and ALL911) between 1981 and 1993. All patients received risk-adopted therapy according to leukocyte count and age at the time of diagnosis. The median follow-up durations of the four studies were 17.8 years in ALL811, 15.5 years in ALL841, 11.9 years in ALL874 and 15.8 years in ALL911. Patients' event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates at 12 years were 41.0 and 54.3% in ALL811, 50.2 and 60.2% in ALL841, 57.3 and 64.7% in ALL874, and 63.4 and 71.7% in ALL911, respectively. Thus, cure can become a reality for about 70% of children with ALL. There is, however, still a significant difference in survival outcomes according to risk group. Late effects were observed in 70 patients out of 834 (8.4%); hepatitis and short stature were most commonly reported. Reduction of late adverse effects for all patients and development of new treatment strategies for very-high-risk patients are major issues for upcoming trials to address.
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14
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Goldsby RE, Liu Q, Nathan PC, Bowers DC, Yeaton-Massey A, Raber SH, Hill D, Armstrong GT, Yasui Y, Zeltzer L, Robison LL, Packer RJ. Late-occurring neurologic sequelae in adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. J Clin Oncol 2009; 28:324-31. [PMID: 19917844 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.22.5060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are often cured, but the therapies they receive may be neurotoxic. Little is known about the incidence and severity of late-occurring neurologic sequelae in ALL survivors. Data were analyzed to determine the incidence of adverse long-term neurologic outcomes and treatment-related risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed adverse neurologic outcomes that occurred after diagnosis in 4,151 adult survivors of childhood ALL who participated in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS), a retrospective cohort of 5-year survivors of childhood cancer diagnosed between 1970 and 1986. A randomly selected cohort of the survivors' siblings served as a comparison group. Self-reported auditory-vestibular-visual sensory deficits, focal neurologic dysfunction, seizures, and serious headaches were assessed. RESULTS The median age at outcome assessment was 20.2 years for survivors. The median follow-up time to death or last survey since ALL diagnosis was 14.1 years. Of the survivors, 64.5% received cranial radiation and 94% received intrathecal chemotherapy. Compared with the sibling cohort, survivors were at elevated risk for late-onset auditory-vestibular-visual sensory deficits (rate ratio [RR], 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5 to 2.2), coordination problems (RR, 4.1; 95% CI, 3.1 to 5.3), motor problems (RR, 5.0; 95% CI, 3.8 to 6.7), seizures (RR, 4.6; 95% CI, 3.4 to 6.2), and headaches (RR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.4 to 1.7). In multivariable analysis, relapse was the most influential factor that increased risk of late neurologic complications. CONCLUSION Children treated with regimens that include cranial radiation for ALL and those who suffer a relapse are at increased risk for late-onset neurologic sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Goldsby
- UCSF Pediatric Oncology, 505 Parnassus Ave, Box 0106, San Francisco, CA 94143-0106, USA.
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15
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Stark B, Avrahami G, Nirel R, Abramov A, Attias D, Ballin A, Bielorai B, Burstein Y, Gavriel H, Elhasid R, Kapelushnik J, Sthoeger D, Toren A, Wientraub M, Yaniv I, Izraeli S. Extended triple intrathecal therapy in children with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a report from the Israeli National ALL-Studies. Br J Haematol 2009; 147:113-24. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2009.07853.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Re: High-dose compared with intermediate-dose methotrexate in children with a first relapse of acute lymphatic leukemia. Blood 2008; 112:910. [PMID: 18650464 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2008-04-150870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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17
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Buendia MTA, Lozano JM, Suarez GE, Saavedra C, Guevara G. The impact of acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment on central nervous system results in Bogota, Colombia. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2008; 30:643-50. [PMID: 18776755 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0b013e31817e4a7d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
To improve the outcome of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated at the National Cancer Institute, Bogota, Colombia, a protocol based on the BFM-90 (Berlin, Frankfurt, Munster study) and the LSA2L2 regimens was implemented in the year 1993. The patients were classified as being standard risk (SR) or high risk (HR) according to clinical criteria, to which cytogenetic information and day-8 prednisone response were also added. A 123-patient cohort entered the study, 18 of them being considered SR and 105 HR. There was a 94% 10 years' event-free-survival rate for the SR group and 36% for the HR group. Decreased induction death rate (7% vs. 14%), increased complete remission (CR) rate (81% vs. 75%), and continuous CR (45% vs. 33%) were found in comparison with the previous study. A significant improvement was achieved in relapse rate, 44% to 28% (P=0.029), mainly due to reduced central nervous system relapse rate from 16% to 6% (P=0.037), whereas the number of patients receiving cranial radiation was reduced to 55%. A major problem concerned the increased CR mortality rate, 5% to 14% (P=0.06). Improved supportive care therapy and socioeconomic conditions will hopefully reduce the CR mortality rate in the future.
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18
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19
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Goldman S, Echevarría ME, Fangusaro J. Pediatric brain metastasis from extraneural malignancies: a review. Cancer Treat Res 2007; 136:143-168. [PMID: 18078269 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-69222-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stewart Goldman
- Children's Memorial Hospital, Division of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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20
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Dufourg MN, Landman-Parker J, Auclerc MF, Schmitt C, Perel Y, Michel G, Levy P, Couillault G, Gandemer V, Tabone MD, Demeocq F, Vannier JP, Leblanc T, Leverger G, Baruchel A. Age and high-dose methotrexate are associated to clinical acute encephalopathy in FRALLE 93 trial for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. Leukemia 2006; 21:238-47. [PMID: 17170721 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2404495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to assess acute neurotoxicity associated with triple intrathecal therapy (TIT)+/-high-dose methotrexate (HD MTX) in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). 1395 children were enrolled on FRALLE 93 protocol from 1993 to 1999. Lower-risk group (LR, n=182) were randomized to weekly low-dose MTX at 25 mg/m(2)/week (LD MTX, n=81) or HD MTX at 1.5 g/m(2)/2 weeks x 6 (n=77). Intermediate-risk group (IR, n=672) were randomized to LD MTX (n=290) or HD MTX at 8 g/m(2)/2 weeks x 4 (n=316). Higher-risk group (HR, n=541) prednisone-responder patients received LD MTX and cranial radiotherapy. HR group steroid resistant cases were grafted (autologous or allogenic). TIT (MTX, cytarabine and methylprednisolone) was given every 2 weeks during 16-18 weeks and every 3 months during maintenance therapy in LR and IR patients. 52 patients (3.7%) developed neurotoxicity. Isolated seizures: n=15 (1.1%), peripheral and spinal neuropathy: n=17 (1.2%) and encephalopathy: n=20 (1.4%). Age >10 years was significantly associated with neurotoxicity (P=0.01) and use of HD MTX is associated with encephalopathy (P=0.03). Sequels are reported respectively in 60 and 33% of spinal neuropathy and encephalopathy cases. Current strategies tailoring risk of neurological sequels has to be defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N Dufourg
- Service d'Hématologie et d'Oncologie Pédiatrique Hôpital d'Enfant Armand Trousseau, AP-HP, Paris, France
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21
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Moghrabi A, Levy DE, Asselin B, Barr R, Clavell L, Hurwitz C, Samson Y, Schorin M, Dalton VK, Lipshultz SE, Neuberg DS, Gelber RD, Cohen HJ, Sallan SE, Silverman LB. Results of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium Protocol 95-01 for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Blood 2006; 109:896-904. [PMID: 17003366 PMCID: PMC1785142 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2006-06-027714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) Childhood ALL Consortium Protocol 95-01 was designed to minimize therapy-related morbidity for children with newly diagnosed ALL without compromising efficacy. Patients participated in randomized comparisons of (1) doxorubicin given with or without dexrazoxane, a cardioprotectant (high-risk patients), (2) intensive intrathecal chemotherapy and cranial radiation (standard-risk patients), and (3) Erwinia and Escherichia coli asparaginase (all patients). Between 1996 and 2000, 491 patients (aged 0-18 years) were enrolled (272 standard risk and 219 high risk). With a median of 5.7 years of follow-up, the estimated 5-year event-free survival (EFS) for all patients was 82%+/-2%. Dexrazoxane did not have a significant impact on the 5-year EFS of high-risk patients (P=.99), and there was no significant difference in outcome of standard-risk patients based on type of central nervous system (CNS) treatment (P=.26). Compared with E coli asparaginase, Erwinia asparaginase was associated with a lower incidence of toxicity (10% versus 24%), but also an inferior 5-year EFS (78%+/-4% versus 89%+/-3%, P=.01). We conclude that (1) dexrazoxane does not interfere with the antileukemic effect of doxorubicin, (2) intensive intrathecal chemotherapy is as effective as cranial radiation in preventing CNS relapse in standard-risk patients, and (3) once-weekly Erwinia is less toxic than E coli asparaginase, but also less efficacious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Moghrabi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Sainte-Justine Hospital, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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22
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Bogart JA, Seagren SL, Glicksman A. Radiation oncology research in the cancer and leukemia group B. Clin Cancer Res 2006; 12:3628s-34s. [PMID: 16740797 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-06-9011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Radiation oncology initiatives have been an integral component in the evolution of multidisciplinary research in the Cancer and Leukemia Group B. Although early studies in the Group primarily focused on chemotherapy for hematologic and pediatric malignancies, the Radiation Oncology Committee was established in 1972, reflecting the broadening scope of clinical investigation with an increased emphasis on solid tumor research. A major early contribution of the Radiation Oncology Committee was the recognition of the importance of formalized radiation quality review, which led to the development of the Quality Assurance Review Center. The committee has been instrumental in designing trials, in conjunction with our medical oncology and surgical oncology colleagues, to assess multimodality therapy. The results of many of these studies have had important implications for clinical practice. Recent efforts have explored our major research theme of treatment intensification via radiotherapy dose modulation and novel combinations of radiotherapy with sensitizing agents, with an emphasis on safely implementing advanced technologies in the cooperative group setting.
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Barredo JC, Devidas M, Lauer SJ, Billett A, Marymont M, Pullen J, Camitta B, Winick N, Carroll W, Ritchey AK. Isolated CNS Relapse of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treated With Intensive Systemic Chemotherapy and Delayed CNS Radiation: A Pediatric Oncology Group Study. J Clin Oncol 2006; 24:3142-9. [PMID: 16809737 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.03.3373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Prognosis and outcome of children with isolated CNS relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has depended on duration of first complete remission (CR1). This study intensified systemic therapy by delaying CNS radiation for 12 months and tailored CNS radiation by CR1 duration. Patients and Methods Seventy-six children with first isolated CNS relapse of ALL were treated with systemic chemotherapy that effectively penetrates into the CSF and intrathecal chemotherapy for 12 months. Patients with CR1 of less than 18 months received craniospinal radiation (24 Gy cranial/15 Gy spinal), whereas those with CR1 of 18 months or more received cranial radiation only (18 Gy), followed by maintenance chemotherapy. Additionally, asymptomatic patients were enrolled in a thiotepa up-front therapeutic window. Results Seventy-four (97.4%) of 76 eligible patients achieved a second remission. Overall 4-year event-free survival (EFS) for the 71 precursor B-cell patients was 70.1% ± 5.8%. CR1 duration and National Cancer Institute (NCI; National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD) risk group at initial diagnosis predicted outcome. Patients with CR1 of less than 18 months and 18 months or more had a 4-year EFS of 51.6% ± 11.3% and 77.7% ± 6.4% (P = .027), respectively. NCI high- versus standard-risk 4-year EFS was 51.4% ± 10.8% and 80.2% ± 6.3% (P = .0018), respectively. A significant difference in EFS between standard risk/CR1 of at least 18 months and both high risk/CR1 of less than 18 months and high risk/CR1 of at least 18 months groups was detected (P = .0068 and .0314, respectively). Response rate to thiotepa was 78%. Most relapses involved the bone marrow, and three second malignancies were reported. Conclusion Twelve months of intensive systemic chemotherapy with reduced dose cranial radiation (18 Gy) is highly effective for children with isolated CNS relapse and CR1 of 18 months or more. Novel strategies are needed for patients with CR1 of less than 18 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio C Barredo
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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24
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Abstract
Neoplastic meningitis is a complication of the CNS that occurs in 3-5% of patients with cancer and is characterised by multifocal neurological signs and symptoms. Diagnosis is problematic because the disease is commonly the result of pleomorphic manifestations of neoplastic meningitis and co-occurrence of disease at other sites. Useful tests to establish diagnosis and guide treatment include MRI of the brain and spine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology, and radioisotope CSF flow studies. Assessment of the extent of disease of the CNS is of value because large-volume subarachnoid disease or CSF flow obstruction is prognostically significant. Radiotherapy is an established and beneficial treatment for patients with neoplastic meningitis with large tumour volume including parenchymal brain metastasis, sites of symptomatic disease, or CSF flow block. Because neoplastic meningitis affects the entire neuraxis, chemotherapy treatment can include intra-CSF fluid (either intraventricular or intralumbar) or systemic therapy. Most patients (>70%) with neoplastic meningitis have progressive systemic disease and consequently treatment is palliative and tumour response is of restricted durability. Furthermore, as there is no compelling evidence of a survival advantage with aggressive multimodal treatment, future trials need be done to determine the effect of treatment on quality of life and control of neurological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beate Gleissner
- Medical Clinic I, University Hospital of Saarland Medical School, Homburg, Saar, Germany
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25
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Matloub Y, Lindemulder S, Gaynon PS, Sather H, La M, Broxson E, Yanofsky R, Hutchinson R, Heerema NA, Nachman J, Blake M, Wells LM, Sorrell AD, Masterson M, Kelleher JF, Stork LC. Intrathecal triple therapy decreases central nervous system relapse but fails to improve event-free survival when compared with intrathecal methotrexate: results of the Children's Cancer Group (CCG) 1952 study for standard-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia, reported by the Children's Oncology Group. Blood 2006; 108:1165-73. [PMID: 16609069 PMCID: PMC1895867 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2005-12-011809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Children's Cancer Group (CCG) 1952 clinical trial for children with standard-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (SR-ALL) compared intrathecal (IT) methotrexate (MTX) with IT triples (ITT) (MTX, cytarabine, and hydrocortisone sodium succinate [HSS]) as presymptomatic central nervous system (CNS) treatment. Following remission induction, 1018 patients were randomized to receive IT MTX and 1009 ITT. Multivariate analysis identified male sex, hepatomegaly, CNS-2 status, and age younger than 2 or older than 6 years as significant predictors of isolated CNS (iCNS) relapse. The 6-year cumulative incidence estimates of iCNS relapse are 3.4% +/- 1.0% for ITT and 5.9% +/- 1.2% for IT MTX; P = .004. Significantly more relapses occurred in bone marrow (BM) and testicles with ITT than IT MTX, particularly among patients with T-cell phenotype or day 14 BM aspirate containing 5% to 25% blasts. Thus, the estimated 6-year event-free survivals (EFS) with ITT or IT MTX are equivalent at 80.7% +/- 1.9% and 82.5% +/- 1.8%, respectively (P = .3). Because the salvage rate after BM relapse is inferior to that after CNS relapse, the 6-year overall survival (OS) for ITT is 90.3% +/- 1.5% versus 94.4% +/- 1.1% for IT MTX (P = .01). It appears that ITT improves presymptomatic CNS treatment but does not improve overall outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousif Matloub
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin Children's Hospital, Madison, WI 53792-4108, USA.
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Abstract
Leptomeningeal dissemination of lymphoma and leukemia differs from that of solid tumors in a number of clinically important aspects. Specific histologic variants of lymphoma and leukemia have such a high incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dissemination that assessing CSF cytology at diagnosis is crucial and prophylactic therapy of the CSF compartment is required. Furthermore, while the overall prognosis for patients with leptomeningeal metastases from leukemia and lymphoma is similar to solid tumors, selected patients have excellent response to therapy and attain durable remission. Therefore, aggressive treatment is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig P Nolan
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 12745 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
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27
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Aricó M, Baruchel A, Bertrand Y, Biondi A, Conter V, Eden T, Gadner H, Gaynon P, Horibe K, Hunger SP, Janka-Schaub G, Masera G, Nachman J, Pieters R, Schrappe M, Schmiegelow K, Valsecchi MG, Pui CH. The seventh international childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia workshop report: Palermo, Italy, January 29--30, 2005. Leukemia 2005; 19:1145-52. [PMID: 15902295 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2403783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Between 1995 and 2004, six International Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Workshop have been held, and the completion of several collaborative projects has established the clinical relevance and treatment options for several specific genetic subtypes of ALL. This meeting report summarizes the data presented in the seventh meeting and the discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Aricó
- Associazione Italiana di Ematologia ed Oncologia Pediatrica, Italy.
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28
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Whitehead VM, Shuster JJ, Vuchich MJ, Mahoney DH, Lauer SJ, Payment C, Koch PA, Cooley LD, Look AT, Pullen DJ, Camitta B. Accumulation of methotrexate and methotrexate polyglutamates in lymphoblasts and treatment outcome in children with B-progenitor-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a Pediatric Oncology Group study. Leukemia 2005; 19:533-6. [PMID: 15716987 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2403703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We reported that children with B-progenitor-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BpALL) treated in the early 1980s whose lymphoblasts accumulated high levels of methotrexate (MTX) and of methotrexate polyglutamates (MTXPGs) in vitro had an improved 5-year event-free survival (EFS) (65% (standard error (s.e.) 12%) vs 22% (s.e. 9%)). We repeated this study in children with BpALL treated in the early 1990s. The major change in treatment was the addition of 12 24-h infusions of 1 g/M2 MTX with leucovorin rescue (IDMTX). In 87 children treated on Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) study 9005 and POG 9006, the 5-year EFS for those whose lymphoblasts accumulated high levels of MTX and MTXPGs (79.2%, s.e. 8.3%) was not significantly different from that of patients with lesser accumulation of MTX and MTXPGs (77.7%, s.e. 5.4%). These findings support the notion that higher dose MTX therapy has contributed to increased cure, particularly for patients whose lymphoblasts accumulate the drug less well.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Whitehead
- The Penny Cole Hematology Research Laboratory, McGill University - Montreal Children's Hospital Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Hegde U, Filie A, Little RF, Janik JE, Grant N, Steinberg SM, Dunleavy K, Jaffe ES, Abati A, Stetler-Stevenson M, Wilson WH. High incidence of occult leptomeningeal disease detected by flow cytometry in newly diagnosed aggressive B-cell lymphomas at risk for central nervous system involvement: the role of flow cytometry versus cytology. Blood 2004; 105:496-502. [PMID: 15358629 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2004-05-1982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 245] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We assessed the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by flow cytometry and cytology in 51 newly diagnosed and 9 treated aggressive B-cell lymphomas at risk for central nervous system (CNS) involvement to examine the utility of flow cytometry, incidence of CSF disease, and clinical surrogates of CNS spread. Multicolor flow cytometry using multiple antibody panels for light chains and B- and T-cell antigens identified neoplastic clones that constituted as little as 0.2% of total CSF lymphocytes. Among 51 newly diagnosed patients, 11 (22%) had occult CSF involvement. All 11 were detected by flow cytometry but only 1 by cytology (P = .002). Among 9 treated patients, CSF involvement was detected by flow cytometry alone in 2 and also by cytology in 1 case. CSF chemistry and cell counts were similar in patients with and without CSF lymphoma. Only the number of extranodal sites was associated with occult CSF lymphoma in newly diagnosed patients by univariate (P = .006) or logistic regression analysis (P = .012). We hypothesize that the biologic phenotype associated with colonization of extranodal sites leads to CNS spread, possibly related to the microenvironment. Patients at risk for CNS spread should undergo staging CSF evaluation by flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upendra Hegde
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD 20892-1868, USA
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30
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Atra A, Pinkerton CR, Bouffet E, Norton A, Hobson R, Imeson JD, Gerrard M. Acute neurotoxicity in children with advanced stage B-non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated with the United Kingdom children cancer study group 9002/9003 protocols. Eur J Cancer 2004; 40:1346-50. [PMID: 15177494 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2004.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2003] [Revised: 02/04/2004] [Accepted: 02/11/2004] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We reviewed the pattern of acute neurotoxicity in children with B-non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL) and B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) treated with the UKCCSG 9002/9003 protocols. Among 175 patients, 21 (12%) developed acute neurotoxicity: 9002 protocol (n=11/112) and 9003 (n=10/63). There were 20 boys and the median age was 10 years. Patients with neurological symptoms due to other causes were excluded. Acute neurological symptoms developed following induction chemotherapy in 7 patients, or after a more intensive course of chemotherapy containing high-dose methotrexate (n=14). Nine patients required their chemotherapy to be altered because of the acute neurotoxicity. One patient died of cerebral haemorrhage but none of the remaining six deaths was attributed to acute neurotoxicity. We conclude that acute neurotoxicity is common in children treated with the 9002/9003 protocols and tends to be transient. Intrathecal and systemic chemotherapy including high-dose methotrexate is probably the most common predisposing factor. Modification of subsequent chemotherapy is not invariably necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Atra
- Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City-Jeddah, P.O. Box 9515, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia.
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31
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Sutherland ND, Gonzalez-Peralta R, Douglas-Nikitin V, Hunger SP. Polycythemia vera in a child following treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2004; 26:315-9. [PMID: 15111786 DOI: 10.1097/00043426-200405000-00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Polycythemia vera (PV), a hematologic stem cell disorder characterized by predominant erythroid proliferation, is extremely rare in childhood. Some PV patients develop acute leukemia, especially acute myelogenous leukemia, but cases of PV occurring after treatment of acute leukemia are rare. The authors describe a girl with an atrioventricular canal who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at 23 months of age, was cured with chemotherapy, and developed PV 7 years later. She went on to develop hepatic complications of PV that culminated in death from liver disease at 20 years of age, without recurrence of ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia D Sutherland
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0296, USA
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32
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Cohen IJ. Defining the appropriate dosage of folinic acid after high-dose methotrexate for childhood acute lymphatic leukemia that will prevent neurotoxicity without rescuing malignant cells in the central nervous system. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2004; 26:156-63. [PMID: 15125607 DOI: 10.1097/00043426-200403000-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Neurotoxicity after the administration of methotrexate continues to worry physicians. However, inadequate folinic acid rescue is often not considered as a cause of this complication. To clarify whether adequate folinic acid rescue prevents methotrexate-induced neurotoxicity without reducing the cure rate in childhood ALL, published evidence that supported or refuted this claim was investigated. A literature search was conducted and the authors of the relevant studies were contacted. The published data supported the contention that neurotoxicity can be prevented by adequate folinic acid rescue even after very high doses of methotrexate. The safe minimum dose of folinic acid can be defined in terms of the dose of methotrexate given; the time to start of rescue is probably less important. There was no evidence that higher doses of folinic acid, such as those used after methotrexate in the treatment of osteosarcoma, rescue leukemia cells. No change in cure rate was found in relation to changes in scheduling or clinically relevant doses of folinic acid rescue. The accumulation of folinic acid in the cerebrospinal fluid did not seem to be of clinical relevance. No studies indicate that doses of folinic acid after high-dose methotrexate administration interfere with the killing of leukemia cells, nor that delaying the start of rescue beyond a certain point increases the antileukemic effect; neurotoxicity will, however, be increased. Review of current protocols that use low-dose folinic acid rescue and are associated with neurotoxicity is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian J Cohen
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, 14 Kaplan Street, Petah Tiqva 49202, Israel.
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Hill FGH, Richards S, Gibson B, Hann I, Lilleyman J, Kinsey S, Mitchell C, Harrison CJ, Eden OB. Successful treatment without cranial radiotherapy of children receiving intensified chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: results of the risk-stratified randomized central nervous system treatment trial MRC UKALL XI (ISRC TN 16757172). Br J Haematol 2004; 124:33-46. [PMID: 14675406 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2003.04738.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Concern about late adverse effects of cranial radiotherapy (XRT) has led to alternative approaches to eliminate leukaemia from the central nervous system (CNS) in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The Medical Research Council UKALL XI trial recruited 2090 children with ALL between 1990 and 1997. Median follow-up is 7 years 9 months; event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival were 63.1% and 84.6%, respectively, at 5 years and 59.8% and 79.4% at 10 years. The isolated CNS relapse rate was 7.0% at 10 years. Patients were randomized for CNS-directed therapy within white blood cell (WBC) groups. For WBC <50 x 10(9)/l, high-dose intravenous methotrexate (HDMTX) (6-8 g/m2) with intrathecal methotrexate (ITMTX) was compared with ITMTX alone, and was significantly better at preventing isolated and combined CNS relapse, but non-CNS relapses were similar. There was no significant difference in EFS at 10 years, 64.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 60.4-67.8] with HDMTX plus ITMTX, and 63.0% (95% CI 59.5-66.5) with ITMTX alone. For WBC >/=50 x 10(9)/l, HDMTX with ITMTX was compared with XRT and a short course of ITMTX. CNS relapses were significantly fewer with XRT, but there was a non-significant increase in non-CNS relapses. EFS was not significantly different, being 55.2% (95% CI 47.8-62.6) at 10 years with XRT and 52.1% (95% CI 44.8-59.4) with HDMTX plus ITMTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank G H Hill
- Department of Clinical & Laboratory Haematology, The Children's Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK.
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Dalton VK, Rue M, Silverman LB, Gelber RD, Asselin BL, Barr RD, Clavell LA, Hurwitz CA, Moghrabi A, Samson Y, Schorin M, Tarbell NJ, Sallan SE, Cohen LE. Height and weight in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia: relationship to CNS treatment. J Clin Oncol 2003; 21:2953-60. [PMID: 12885815 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2003.03.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We evaluated the long-term effects of treatment on height and weight in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with one of the following three different CNS therapies: intrathecal therapy alone, intrathecal therapy with conventional cranial radiation, or intrathecal therapy with twice-daily radiation. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between 1987 and 1995, 618 children treated on two consecutive Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Consortium protocols for ALL were measured for height and weight at diagnosis, and approximately every 6 months thereafter. Patient height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were converted to z scores for age and sex using the 2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts for the United States. RESULTS Children younger than 13 years at diagnosis had a statistically significant decrease in their height z scores and an increase in their BMI z scores, regardless of whether they had received cranial radiation. Young age at diagnosis and increased chemotherapy intensity were major risk factors. Unexpectedly, there was no significant difference in long-term height between children who received radiation and those who did not. CONCLUSION Final height is compromised in survivors of ALL. The detrimental effects on height occur during therapy without the ability for long-term catch-up growth. Although patients became overweight for height, this seemed to be a result of relative height loss with normal weight gain rather than accelerated weight gain. The type of CNS treatment received did not affect changes in height, weight, or BMI.
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Clarke M, Gaynon P, Hann I, Harrison G, Masera G, Peto R, Richards S. CNS-directed therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Childhood ALL Collaborative Group overview of 43 randomized trials. J Clin Oncol 2003; 21:1798-809. [PMID: 12721257 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2003.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A collaborative meta-analysis was performed to clarify the relative effects on relapse and survival of different types of therapies directed at the CNS in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were sought for each individual patient in all trials started in or before 1993 that included unconfounded randomized comparisons of such treatments. Log-rank survival analyses were performed for each trial, and overall results for groups of trials addressing similar questions were obtained from the totals of the observed minus expected number of events and their variances. RESULTS Radiotherapy and long-term intrathecal therapy gave similar outcomes, with no significant difference in event-free survival despite random assignment of treatment to 2,848 patients, 1,001 of whom suffered relapse or death. Intravenous methotrexate reduced non-CNS rather than CNS relapses, and hence, the addition of intravenous methotrexate to a treatment regimen including radiotherapy or long-term intrathecal therapy improved event-free survival, with a 17% reduction in the event rate (95% confidence interval, 6% to 27%; P =.003). The event-free survival at 10 years in these trials was 61.9% without intravenous methotrexate and 68.1% with intravenous methotrexate. There was no significant difference in survival (14% death rate reduction; P =.09). There were insufficient randomly assigned patients to adequately address other questions, such as effect of different doses. No evidence was found of differences, between trials or between subgroups of different types of patients, in the relative effects of treatment. CONCLUSION Radiotherapy can be replaced by long-term intrathecal therapy. Intravenous methotrexate gives some additional benefit by reducing non-CNS relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Clarke
- Clinical Trial Service Unit, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford OX2 6HE, United Kingdom.
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Mantadakis E, Smith AK, Hynan L, Winick NJ, Kamen BA. Methotrexate polyglutamation may lack prognostic significance in children with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with intensive oral methotrexate. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2002; 24:636-42. [PMID: 12439035 DOI: 10.1097/00043426-200211000-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine if a correlation exists between clinical outcome and accumulation and polyglutamation of methotrexate by lymphoblasts in vitro in children with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). PATIENTS AND METHODS The amount of accumulated methotrexate and of long-chain methotrexate polyglutamates (MTXPG(3-7)) by lymphoblasts was determined in 52 children newly diagnosed with BCP-ALL after incubation with 1 micromol/L [(3)H]MTX for 24 hours in vitro. All patients then received intensive multiagent chemotherapy that used divided-dose oral methotrexate during consolidation and intensive continuation and standard oral weekly methotrexate during maintenance. RESULTS Eight patients had a bone marrow relapse at a median of 40.4 months (range 18.5-48.3 months) after diagnosis. The median follow-up for the remaining 44 patients is 69.0 months (range 22-92.8 months). There was no significant difference in the amount of accumulated methotrexate (1450.0 +/- 896.3 vs. 640 +/- 472.5 pmol/10 cells) or of accumulated MTXPG (1450.0 +/- 919.4 vs. 617.4 +/- 482.7 pmol/10(9) cells) (median +/- semi-interquartile ranges) between patients who relapsed and those who remained in continuous complete remission. The estimated 5-year event-free survival rate for patients whose lymphoblasts accumulated more than 500 pmol MTXPG(3-7)/10(9) cells was 80.0% +/- 7.3% versus 90.5% +/- 6.4% for those whose lymphoblasts accumulated less than 500 pmol MTXPG(3-7)/10(9) cells. CONCLUSIONS In the context of effective prolonged divided-dose oral methotrexate-based therapy in the treatment of BCP-ALL, methotrexate accumulation and polyglutamation no longer seem to have prognostic significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elpis Mantadakis
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic, PEPAGNI University Hospital of Iraklio, Crete, Greece
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Abstract
Given the poor prognosis of central nervous system (CNS) involvement in haematological malignancies, management is directed towards prevention. CNS prophylaxis may take the form of intrathecal therapy, cranial irradiation, systemic therapy or some combination of these. The toxicity of these methods is an important consideration. A risk-orientated approach to the delivery of CNS prophylaxis in each disorder is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Wellwood
- Haematology Department, Mater Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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Abstract
Acute leukemia is the most common childhood malignancy, representing 30% of all cancer in American children under the age of 15 years and 12% of cancer cases in those ages 15 to 19 years old. In the United States, approximately 2500 new cases are diagnosed annually; 80% of these are acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 15% are acute myelogenous leukemia, and 5% belong to the chronic leukemia category.(1) The survival rates of children with acute leukemia have increased dramatically in the last 40 years.(2-5) The most success in outcome has occurred in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, although improvement is also being reported in acute myelogenous leukemia in the past few years. Progress comes from treatment strategy modifications on the basis of observations made in sequential large-scale therapeutic trials, an approach that serves as a paradigm for research in other malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Wah Chan
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas., USA
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LeClerc JM, Billett AL, Gelber RD, Dalton V, Tarbell N, Lipton JM, Barr R, Clavell LA, Asselin B, Hurwitz C, Schorin M, Lipshultz SE, Declerck L, Silverman LB, Cohen HJ, Sallan SE. Treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: results of Dana-Farber ALL Consortium Protocol 87-01. J Clin Oncol 2002; 20:237-46. [PMID: 11773175 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2002.20.1.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To improve efficacy and reduce toxicity of treatment for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients from all risk groups, including infants and those with T-cell disease, were treated between 1987 and 1991. Standard-risk (SR) patients did not receive cranial irradiation, whereas high-risk (HR) and very high-risk (VHR) patients participated in a randomized comparison of 18 Gy of cranial irradiation conventionally fractionated versus two fractions per day (hyperfractionated). RESULTS At a median follow-up of 9.2 years, the 9-year event-free survival (EFS +/- SE) was 75% +/- 2% for all 369 patients, 77% +/- 4% for the 142 SR patients, and 73% +/- 3% for the 227 HR/VHR patients (P =.37 comparing SR and HR/VHR). The CNS, with or without concomitant bone marrow involvement, was the first site of relapse in 19 (13%) of the 142 SR patients: 16 (20%) of 79 SR boys and three (5%) of 63 SR girls. This high incidence of relapses necessitated a recall of SR boys for additional therapy. CNS relapse occurred in only two (1%) of 227 HR and VHR patients. There were no outcome differences found among randomized treatment groups. Nine-year overall survival was 84% +/- 2% for the entire population, 93% +/- 2% for SR children, and 79% +/- 3% for HR and VHR children (P <.01 comparing SR and HR/VHR). CONCLUSION A high overall survival outcome was obtained for SR patients despite the high risk of CNS relapse for SR boys, which was presumed to be associated with eliminating cranial radiation without intensifying systemic or intrathecal chemotherapy. For HR/VHR patients, inability to salvage after relapse (nearly all of which were in the bone marrow) remains a significant clinical problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Marie LeClerc
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Hopital Sainte Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Estlin EJ, Yule SM, Lowis SP. Consolidation therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: clinical and cellular pharmacology of cytosine arabinoside, epipodophyllotoxins and cyclophosphamide. Cancer Treat Rev 2001; 27:339-50. [PMID: 11908927 DOI: 10.1053/ctrv.2002.0244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The intensification of post-remission induction therapy has been shown to improve the relapse-free survival for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), and is now a standard component of the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. For cytosine arabinoside (ara-C), methotrexate, vincristine and corticosteroids, in-vitro studies indicate that the extracellular drug concentration and exposure time are important determinants of cytotoxicity for human leukaemia cell lines. For L-asparaginase, epipodopyllotoxins and cyclophosphamide, there have been few studies of the relationship between cellular pharmacology and cytotoxicity in relation to ALL. The clinical and cellular pharmacology of methotrexate and cytosine arabinoside have been studied in relation to childhood ALL in vivo. For these drugs, there is evidence to suggest that maintenance of plasma concentrations that are biochemically optimal is necessary to maximize anti-leukaemic effects. For cytosine arabinoside in particular, optimal extracellular fluid concentrations are not likely to be achieved or maintained by bolus or short-duration i.v. infusions. A potentially important example of this may be served by the success of antimetabolite-based intrathecal chemotherapy for CNS-directed treatment of childhood ALL. Intrathecal administration of both methotrexate and cytosine arabinoside results in prolonged leukaemic cell exposure to cytotoxic concentrations of the drug. For vincristine, anthracyclines and asparaginase, the actual dose intensity received by children during consolidation therapy may be important, and there is considerable interpatient variation in the pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide and teniposide in the therapy of childhood cancers. The importance of this relationship to childhood ALL is not known. The pharmacological and cellular pharmacological studies performed at St Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis, TN, USA) have allowed investigation of the relationships between the clinical and cellular pharmacology of methotrexate and prognosis, and have supported the individualization of consolidation therapy with this drug. Cytosine arabinoside has been less well studied in relation to childhood ALL, although evidence exists to suggest that the administration of conventional-dose bolus or infusion schedules may not be optimal in terms of the antileukaemic efficacy of this antimetabolite. For L-asparaginase, ongoing studies may allow the relationship between dose and schedule of administration to be related to pharmacodynamic measures such as asparagine depletion and prognosis. Therefore, through knowledge of clinical and cellular pharmacological properties, it may be possible to optimize the consolidation phase of therapy for childhood ALL, without disrupting the fundamental principles by which the overall treatment is administered. This may be particularly important for children with disease that has inherent or acquired resistance to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Estlin
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, Manchester M27 4HA, UK.
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Ruggiero A, Conter V, Milani M, Biagi E, Lazzareschi I, Sparano P, Riccardi R. Intrathecal chemotherapy with antineoplastic agents in children. Paediatr Drugs 2001; 3:237-46. [PMID: 11354696 DOI: 10.2165/00128072-200103040-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Intrathecal chemotherapy with antineoplastic agents is mainly utilised in children with leukaemia and lymphoma, and in selected brain tumours. In these diseases, intrathecal use is restricted to methotrexate (MTX), cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) and corticosteroids. A number of other agents are, at the present time, under evaluation. Intrathecal MTX administered sequentially with systemic high dose MTX infusion prolongs therapeutic cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) levels of the drug. Prolonged therapeutic CSF levels can also be achieved by giving repeated small intrathecal doses of MTX over an extended period in selected patients, with an implanted Ommaya reservoir. In the CSF, the metabolic inactivation of Ara-C is significantly lower than in plasma with a CSF clearance similar to the rate of CSF bulk flow. A slow-release formulation of Ara-C may be given intrathecally, resulting in a prolonged cytotoxic concentration in the CSF. CNS relapse and neurotoxicity in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, especially younger children, may be reduced by using age-related dosing of intrathecal MTX and Ara-C. Hydrocortisone is used in combination with MTX and Ara-C for so-called 'triple intrathecal chemotherapy' in the treatment of meningeal leukaemia. Intrathecal thiotepa does not appear to be advantageous over systemic administration in patients with brain and meningeal leukaemia. Monoclonal antibodies, reactive with tumour-associated antigens, can be used as delivery systems for chemotherapeutic agents and radionuclides. However, the development of this new approach is currently under evaluation in larger clinical studies. Neurological adverse effects may be expected with intrathecal chemotherapy and are increased by high dose systemic therapy, concomitant cranial radiotherapy or meningeal infiltration by neoplastic cells. Inadvertant intrathecal administration of antineoplastic agents that are indicated for systemic administration only, is dangerous and may result in a fatal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ruggiero
- Division of Paediatric Oncology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Manabe A, Tsuchida M, Hanada R, Ikuta K, Toyoda Y, Okimoto Y, Ishimoto K, Okawa H, Ohara A, Kaneko T, Koike K, Sato T, Sugita K, Bessho F, Hoshi Y, Maeda M, Kinoshita A, Saito T, Tsunematsu Y, Nakazawa S. Delay of the diagnostic lumbar puncture and intrathecal chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who undergo routine corticosteroid testing: Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group study L89-12. J Clin Oncol 2001; 19:3182-7. [PMID: 11432884 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2001.19.13.3182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the effects of eliminating initial lumbar punctures in 418 consecutively treated children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were enrolled onto a trial conducted in central Japan between 1989 and 1992. Treatment consisted of standard four-drug induction therapy followed by a risk-based intensification phase, reinduction therapy, late intensification, and remission maintenance therapy (total of 104 weeks). The initial lumbar puncture, with an intrathecal injection of chemotherapy, was performed after 1 week of prednisolone sensitivity testing (day 8). End points included response to prednisolone, CNS status at the time of the day 8 lumbar puncture, subsequent adverse events in CNS and bone marrow, and event-free survival (EFS). RESULTS The remission induction rate was 93.1% with a 6-year EFS rate (+/- SE) of 68.7% +/- 2.4%, which is similar to historical results for patients who received their diagnostic lumbar puncture and first instillation of intrathecal chemotherapy on day 0. Overall, 84.5% of the patients had good responses to prednisolone, whereas 15.5% had poor responses. Clinical outcome was strikingly better for the good responders (6-year EFS, 74.1% +/- 2.5% compared with 40.1% +/- 6.4% for patients with poor responses), suggesting that omission of intrathecal chemotherapy did not alter the predictive value of drug sensitivity testing. Eighteen patients experienced CNS relapse as their first adverse event (cumulative risk, 5.1%; 95% confidence interval, 2.7% to 7.4%), coincident with reports from groups using conventional strategies of CNS clinical management. Bleeding into the CSF at the time of the day 8 lumbar puncture was apparent in 29 cases (8.1%), but leukemic blasts were identified in only two. CONCLUSION Delay of the initial lumbar puncture and intrathecal injection of chemotherapy seems to be feasible in children with ALL. Further controlled evaluations are needed to establish the validity of this conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Manabe
- Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group, Japan.
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Millot F, Suciu S, Philippe N, Benoit Y, Mazingue F, Uyttebroeck A, Lutz P, Mechinaud F, Robert A, Boutard P, Marguerite G, Ferster A, Plouvier E, Rialland X, Behard C, Plantaz D, Dresse MF, Philippet P, Norton L, Thyss A, Dastugue N, Waterkeyn C, Vilmer E, Otten J. Value of high-dose cytarabine during interval therapy of a Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster-based protocol in increased-risk children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma: results of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 58881 randomized phase III trial. J Clin Oncol 2001; 19:1935-42. [PMID: 11283125 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2001.19.7.1935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 58881 study was designed to test in a prospective multicentric randomized trial the value of high-dose (HD) intravenous (IV) cytarabine (Ara-C) added to HD IV methotrexate (MTX) to reduce the incidence of CNS and systemic relapses in children with increased-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or stage III and IV lymphoblastic lymphoma treated with a Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster (BFM)-based regimen. PATIENTS AND METHODS After completion of induction-consolidation phase, children with increased-risk (risk factor > 0.8 or T-lineage) ALL or stage III and IV lymphoblastic lymphoma were randomized to receive four courses of HD MTX (5 g/m(2) over 24 hours every 2 weeks) and four intrathecal administrations of MTX (Arm A) or the same treatment schedule with additional HD IV Ara-C (1 g/m(2) in bolus injection 12 and 24 hours after the start of each MTX infusion) (Arm B). RESULTS Between January 1990 and January 1996, 653 patients with ALL (593 patients) or lymphoblastic lymphoma (60 patients) were randomized: 323 were assigned to Arm A (without Ara-C) and 330 to Arm B (with Ara-C). A total of 190 events (177 relapses and 13 deaths without relapse) were reported, and the median follow up was 6.5 years (range, 2 to 10 years). The incidence rates of CNS relapse were similar in both arms whether isolated (5.6% and 3.3%, respectively) or combined (5.3% and 4.6%, respectively). The estimated 6-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was similar (log-rank P =.67) in the two treatment groups: 70.4% (SE = 2.6%) in Arm A and 71.0% (SE = 2.5%) in Arm B. The 6-year DFS rate was similar for ALL and LL patients: 70.2% (SE = 1.9%) versus 76.3% (SE = 5.6%). CONCLUSION Prevention of CNS relapse was satisfactorily achieved with HD IV MTX and intrathecal injections of MTX in children with increased-risk ALL or stage III and IV lymphoblastic lymphoma treated with our BFM-based treatment protocol in which cranial irradiation was omitted. Disappointingly, with the dose schedule used in this protocol, HD Ara-C added to HD MTX, although well tolerated, failed to further decrease the incidence of CNS relapse or to improve the overall DFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Millot
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Poitiers, France.
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Abstract
With effective CNS prophylaxis, most adults with ALL may remain free of CNS leukemia. Several combinations of IT chemotherapy, high-dose systemic chemotherapy, and cranial irradiation have been used with varying results. Excellent prophylaxis can be achieved without cranial irradiation, and in view of the potential acute and long-term toxicity of radiation, these methods may be preferable. A prophylactic approach tailored to the risk of CNS leukemia was shown to be valuable in childhood ALL and in at least one adult study. Further studies should focus on defining risk groups for CNS leukemia and designing effective prophylaxis for each group. More research is needed to define the intensity and duration of treatment and the role of cranial irradiation in the treatment of isolated CNS relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cortes
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Silverman LB, Declerck L, Gelber RD, Dalton VK, Asselin BL, Barr RD, Clavell LA, Hurwitz CA, Moghrabi A, Samson Y, Schorin MA, Lipton JM, Cohen HJ, Sallan SE. Results of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Consortium protocols for children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (1981-1995). Leukemia 2000; 14:2247-56. [PMID: 11187916 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2401980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) ALL consortium has been conducting clinical trials in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) since 1981. The treatment backbone has included intensive, multi-agent remission induction, early intensification with weekly, high-dose asparaginase, cranial radiation for the majority of patients, frequent vincristine/ corticosteroid pulses during post-remission therapy, and for high-risk patients, doxorubicin during intensification. Between 1981 and 1995, 1,255 children with newly diagnosed ALL were evaluated on four consecutive protocols: 81-01 (1981-1985), 85-01 (1985-1987), 87-01 (1987-1991) and 91-01 (1991-1995). The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rates (+/- standard error) for all patients by protocol were as follows: 74 +/- 3% (81-01), 78 +/- 3% (85-01), 77 +/- 2% (87-01) and 83 +/- 2% (91-01). The 5-year EFS rates ranged from 78 to 85% for patients with B-progenitor phenotype retrospectively classified as NCI standard-risk, 63-82% for NCI high-risk B-progenitor patients, and 70-79% for patients with T cell phenotype. Results of randomized studies revealed that neither high-dose methotrexate during induction (protocol 87-01) nor high-dose 6-mercaptopurine during intensification (protocol 91-01) were associated with improvement in EFS compared with standard doses. Current studies continue to focus on improving efficacy while minimizing acute and late toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B Silverman
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Insititute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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46
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Estlin EJ, Lowis SP, Hall AG. Optimizing antimetabolite-based chemotherapy for the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2000; 110:29-40. [PMID: 10930977 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2000.02028.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E J Estlin
- Department of Paediatric Oncology,Royal Hospital For Sick Children, St Michael's Hill, Bristol, UK.
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47
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Abstract
There have been significant improvements in the outlook for children with acute leukaemia but these advances are only available to a minority of the world's children. There is still room for improvements in conventional chemotherapy and these need evaluation in randomised trials. The role of bone marrow transplants in first remission is evolving as chemotherapy becomes more effective. New treatments are needed for relapsed patients. Molecular diagnosis has refined the assessment of prognosis but the extra value afforded by measurement of minimal residual disease is not clear. International collaboration is needed to evaluate treatment for rare subtypes of leukaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Chessells
- Camelia Botnar Laboratories, Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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48
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Laver JH, Barredo JC, Amylon M, Schwenn M, Kurtzberg J, Camitta BM, Pullen J, Link MP, Borowitz M, Ravindranath Y, Murphy SB, Shuster J. Effects of cranial radiation in children with high risk T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a Pediatric Oncology Group report. Leukemia 2000; 14:369-73. [PMID: 10720128 DOI: 10.1038/sj.leu.2401693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Contemporary chemotherapy has significantly improved event-free survival among patients with T cell-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Unlike B-precursor ALL, most investigators are still using cranial radiation (CRT) and are hesitant to rely solely on intrathecal therapy for T-ALL. In this study we assessed the effects of CRT upon event-free survival and central nervous system (CNS) relapses in a cohort of children with high risk features of T cell leukemia. In a series of six consecutive studies (1987-1995) patients were non-randomly assigned their CNS prophylaxis per individual protocol. These protocols were based on POG 8704 which relied on rotating drug combinations (cytarabine/cyclophosphamide, teniposide/Ara-C, and vincristine/doxorubicin/6-MP/prednisone) postinduction. Modifications such as high-dose cytarabine, intermediate-dose methotrexate, and the addition of G-CSF, were designed to give higher CNS drug levels (decreasing the need for CRT), to eliminate epidophyllotoxin (decreasing the risk of secondary leukemia), and to reduce therapy-related neutropenia (pilot studies POG 9086, 9295, 9296, 9297, 9398). All patients included in this analysis qualified for POG high risk criteria, WBC >50000/mm3 and/or CNS leukemia. Patients without CNS involvement received 16 doses of age-adjusted triple intra-thecal therapy (TIT = hydrocortisone, MTX, and cytarabine) whereas patients with CNS disease received three more doses of TIT during induction and consolidation. Patients who received CRT were treated with 2400 cGy (POG 8704) or 1800 cGy (POG 9086 and 9295). CNS therapy included CRT in 144 patients while the remaining 78 patients received no radiation by original protocol design. There were 155 males and 57 females with a median age of 8.2 years. The median WBC for the CRT+ and CRT- patients were 186000/mm3 and 200000/mm3, respectively. CNS involvement at diagnosis was seen in 16% of the CRT+ and 23% of the CRT- groups. The complete continuous remission rate (CCR) was not significantly different for the irradiated vs. non-irradiated groups (P = 0.46). The 3-year event-free survival was 65% (s.e. 6%) and 63% (s.e. 4%) for the non-irradiated vs. the radiated group. However, the 3-year CNS relapse rate was significantly higher amongst patients who did not receive CRT; 18% (s.e. 5%) vs. 7% (s.e. 3%) in the irradiated group (P = 0.012). Our analysis in a non-randomized setting, suggests that CRT did not significantly correlate with event-free survival but omitting it had an adverse effect on the CNS involvement at the time of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Laver
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425-3311, USA
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49
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Chessells
- Centre for Childhood Leukaemia, Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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50
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Pollock BH, DeBaun MR, Camitta BM, Shuster JJ, Ravindranath Y, Pullen DJ, Land VJ, Mahoney DH, Lauer SJ, Murphy SB. Racial differences in the survival of childhood B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a Pediatric Oncology Group Study. J Clin Oncol 2000; 18:813-23. [PMID: 10673523 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2000.18.4.813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We conducted a historic cohort study to test the hypothesis that, after adjustment for biologic factors, African-American (AA) children and Spanish surname (SS) children with newly diagnosed B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia had lower survival than did comparable white children. PATIENTS AND METHODS From 1981 to 1994, 4,061 white, 518 AA, and 507 SS children aged 1 to 20 years were treated on three successive Pediatric Oncology Group multicenter randomized clinical trials. RESULTS AA and SS patients were more likely to have adverse prognostic features at diagnosis and lower survival than were white patients. The 5-year cumulative survival rates were (probability +/- SE) 81.9% +/- 0.6%, 68.6% +/- 2.1%, and 74.9% +/- 2.0% for white, AA, and SS children, respectively. Adjusting for age, leukocyte count, sex, era of treatment, and leukemia blast cell ploidy, we found that AA children had a 42% excess mortality rate compared with white children (proportional hazards ratio [PHR] = 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12 to 1. 80), and SS children had a 33% excess mortality rate compared with white children (PHR = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.19 to 1.49). CONCLUSION Clinical presentation, tumor biology, and deviations from prescribed therapy did not explain the differences in survival and event-free survival that we observed, although differences seem to be diminishing over time with improvements in therapy. The disparity in outcome for AA and SS children is most likely related to variations in chemotherapeutic response to therapy and not to compliance. Further improvements in outcome may require individualized dosing based on specific pharmacogenetic profiles, especially for AA and SS children.
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Affiliation(s)
- B H Pollock
- University of Florida, and Pediatric Oncology Group Statistical Office, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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