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LeBlanc FR, Grier DD, Myers KC, Shimamura A, Pommert L. A case of co-occurring acute myeloid leukemia and relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a young adult with Shwachman-Diamond syndrome. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024:e31137. [PMID: 38837649 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Francis R LeBlanc
- Division of Oncology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - David D Grier
- Division of Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Kasiani C Myers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Immune Deficiency, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Akiko Shimamura
- Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren Pommert
- Division of Oncology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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2
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Nachmias B, Aumann S, Haran A, Schimmer AD. Venetoclax resistance in acute myeloid leukaemia-Clinical and biological insights. Br J Haematol 2024; 204:1146-1158. [PMID: 38296617 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Venetoclax, an oral BCL-2 inhibitor, has been widely incorporated in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia. The combination of hypomethylating agents and venetoclax is the current standard of care for elderly and patient's ineligible for aggressive therapies. However, venetoclax is being increasingly used with aggressive chemotherapy regimens both in the front line and in the relapse setting. Our growing experience and intensive research demonstrate that certain genetic abnormalities are associated with venetoclax sensitivity, while others with resistance, and that resistance can emerge during treatment leading to disease relapse. In the current review, we provide a summary of the known mechanisms of venetoclax cytotoxicity, both regarding the inhibition of BCL-2-mediated apoptosis and its effect on cell metabolism. We describe how these pathways are linked to venetoclax resistance and are associated with specific mutations. Finally, we provide the rationale for novel drug combinations in current and future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boaz Nachmias
- Department of Hematology, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shlomzion Aumann
- Department of Hematology, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Arnon Haran
- Department of Hematology, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Aaron D Schimmer
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Chatzikalil E, Roka K, Diamantopoulos PT, Rigatou E, Avgerinou G, Kattamis A, Solomou EE. Venetoclax Combination Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Adolescents and Young Adult Patients. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2046. [PMID: 38610812 PMCID: PMC11012941 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13072046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the prognosis in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has significantly improved. The standard intensive cytotoxic treatment approach for AYAs with AML, consisting of induction chemotherapy with anthracycline/cytarabine combination followed by consolidation chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation, has lately been shifting toward novel targeted therapies, mostly in the fields of clinical trials. One of the most recent advances in treating AML is the combination of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) inhibitor venetoclax with hypomethylating agents, which has been studied in elderly populations and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients over 75 years of age or patients excluded from intensive chemotherapy induction schemas due to comorbidities. Regarding the AYA population, venetoclax combination therapy could be a therapeutic option for patients with refractory/relapsed (R/R) AML, although data from real-world studies are currently limited. Venetoclax is frequently used by AYAs diagnosed with advanced hematologic malignancies, mainly acute lymphoblastic leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, as a salvage therapeutic option with considerable efficacy and safety. Herein, we aim to summarize the evidence obtained from clinical trials and observational studies on venetoclax use in AYAs with AML. Based on the available evidence, venetoclax is a safe and effective therapeutic option for R/R AML AYA patients. However, further research in larger cohorts is needed to confirm these data, establishing the benefits of a venetoclax-based regimen for this special population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Chatzikalil
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.C.); (K.R.); (E.R.); (G.A.); (A.K.)
- “Aghia Sofia” Children’s Hospital ERN-PeadCan Center, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Kleoniki Roka
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.C.); (K.R.); (E.R.); (G.A.); (A.K.)
- “Aghia Sofia” Children’s Hospital ERN-PeadCan Center, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis T. Diamantopoulos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Efthymia Rigatou
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.C.); (K.R.); (E.R.); (G.A.); (A.K.)
- “Aghia Sofia” Children’s Hospital ERN-PeadCan Center, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Avgerinou
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.C.); (K.R.); (E.R.); (G.A.); (A.K.)
- “Aghia Sofia” Children’s Hospital ERN-PeadCan Center, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis Kattamis
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.C.); (K.R.); (E.R.); (G.A.); (A.K.)
- “Aghia Sofia” Children’s Hospital ERN-PeadCan Center, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Elena E. Solomou
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras Medical School, 26500 Rion, Greece
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Karol SE, Gueguen G. Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia - novel approaches. Curr Opin Hematol 2024; 31:47-52. [PMID: 37982279 DOI: 10.1097/moh.0000000000000795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite higher remission and survival rates than observed in adults, children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) still suffer unacceptably high rates of treatment failure and late toxicities. Ongoing work aims to improve these long-term outcomes through improvements in the utilization of current therapies, the incorporation of novel chemotherapy agents, and improved use of current or novel cellular and immunotherapeutic approaches. In this review, we highlight recent advances and contextualize them within this evolving landscape. RECENT FINDINGS Novel agents such as the B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitor venetoclax and the menin inhibitors have shown promising results with implications for large portions of the pediatric AML population. Older agents are being used in novel combinations (e.g. gemtuzumab ozogamicin) or are expanding into pediatrics after longer use in adults (e.g. Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 inhibitors). Finally, immunotherapeutic approaches offer new options for patients with high-risk or relapsed disease. SUMMARY Recent findings have altered the landscape of pediatric AML therapy with exciting immediate and long-term implications. Ongoing studies may soon define this as standard as well. After many years in which few new therapies have become available for children with AML, recent and upcoming advances may soon dramatically alter the therapeutic landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth E Karol
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Gwenaelle Gueguen
- Center of Clinical Investigations, INSERM CIC1426, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
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Fonseca JA, King AC, Chahroudi A. More than the Infinite Monkey Theorem: NHP Models in the Development of a Pediatric HIV Cure. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2024; 21:11-29. [PMID: 38227162 PMCID: PMC10859349 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-023-00686-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW An HIV cure that eliminates the viral reservoir or provides viral control without antiretroviral therapy (ART) is an urgent need in children as they face unique challenges, including lifelong ART adherence and the deleterious effects of chronic immune activation. This review highlights the importance of nonhuman primate (NHP) models in developing an HIV cure for children as these models recapitulate the viral pathogenesis and persistence. RECENT FINDINGS Several cure approaches have been explored in infant NHPs, although knowledge gaps remain. Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) show promise for controlling viremia and delaying viral rebound after ART interruption but face administration challenges. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors hold the potential for sustained bNAb expression. Therapeutic vaccination induces immune responses against simian retroviruses but has yet to impact the viral reservoir. Combining immunotherapies with latency reversal agents (LRAs) that enhance viral antigen expression should be explored. Current and future cure approaches will require adaptation for the pediatric immune system and unique features of virus persistence, for which NHP models are fundamental to assess their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jairo A Fonseca
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alexis C King
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ann Chahroudi
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Emory+Children's Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Murphy LA, Winters AC. Emerging and Future Targeted Therapies for Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Targeting the Leukemia Stem Cells. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3248. [PMID: 38137469 PMCID: PMC10741170 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rare subtype of acute leukemia in the pediatric and adolescent population but causes disproportionate morbidity and mortality in this age group. Standard chemotherapeutic regimens for AML have changed very little in the past 3-4 decades, but the addition of targeted agents in recent years has led to improved survival in select subsets of patients as well as a better biological understanding of the disease. Currently, one key paradigm of bench-to-bedside practice in the context of adult AML is the focus on leukemia stem cell (LSC)-targeted therapies. Here, we review current and emerging immunotherapies and other targeted agents that are in clinical use for pediatric AML through the lens of what is known (and not known) about their LSC-targeting capability. Based on a growing understanding of pediatric LSC biology, we also briefly discuss potential future agents on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A. Murphy
- Department of Pediatrics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Amanda C. Winters
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Leśniak M, Lipniarska J, Majka P, Lejman M, Zawitkowska J. Recent Updates in Venetoclax Combination Therapies in Pediatric Hematological Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16708. [PMID: 38069030 PMCID: PMC10706781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax is a strongly effective B-cell lymphoma-2 inhibitor (BCL-2) with an ability to selectively restore the apoptotic potential of cancerous cells. It has been proven that in combination with immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and lower-intensity therapies such as hypomethylating agents (HMAs) or low-dose cytarabine (LDAC), the drug can improve overall outcomes for adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and multiple myeloma (MM), amongst other hematological malignancies, but its benefit in pediatric hematology remains unclear. With a number of preclinical and clinical trials emerging, the newest findings suggest that in many cases of younger patients, venetoclax combination treatment can be well-tolerated, with a safety profile similar to that in adults, despite often leading to severe infections. Studies aim to determine the activity of BCL-2 inhibitor in the treatment of both primary and refractory acute leukemias in combination with standard and high-dose chemotherapy. Although more research is required to identify the optimal venetoclax-based regimen for the pediatric population and its long-term effects on patients' outcomes, it can become a potential therapeutic agent for pediatric oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Leśniak
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.L.); (J.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Justyna Lipniarska
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.L.); (J.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Patrycja Majka
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.L.); (J.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Joanna Zawitkowska
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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Milnerowicz S, Maszewska J, Skowera P, Stelmach M, Lejman M. AML under the Scope: Current Strategies and Treatment Involving FLT3 Inhibitors and Venetoclax-Based Regimens. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15849. [PMID: 37958832 PMCID: PMC10647248 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disease that mainly affects elderly patients who are more often unfit for intensive chemotherapy (median age of diagnosis is 68). The regimens, including venetoclax, a highly specific BCL-2 (B-cell lymphoma-2) inhibitor, are a common alternative because of their safer profile and fewer side effects. However, the resistance phenomenon of leukemic cells necessitates the search for drugs that would help to overcome the resistance and improve treatment outcomes. One of the resistance mechanisms takes place through the upregulation of MCL-1 and BCL-XL, preventing BAX/BAK-driven MOMP (mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization), thus stopping the apoptosis process. Possible partners for BCL-2 inhibitors may include inhibitors from the FLT3i (FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 inhibitor) group. They resensitize cancer cells through the downregulation of MCL-1 expression in the FLT3 mutated cells, resulting in the stronger efficacy of BCL-2 inhibitors. Also, they provide an additional pathway for targeting the clonal cell. Both preclinical and clinical data suggest that the combination might show a synergistic effect and improve patients' outcomes. The aim of this review is to determine whether the combination of venetoclax and FLT3 inhibitors can impact the therapeutic approaches and what other agents they can be combined with.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szymon Milnerowicz
- Student Scientific Society, Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (S.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Julia Maszewska
- Student Scientific Society, Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (S.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Paulina Skowera
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Magdalena Stelmach
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.S.); (M.S.)
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Munir F, He J, Connors J, Garcia M, Gibson A, McCall D, Nunez C, Dinh CN, Robusto L, Roth M, Khazal S, Tewari P, Cuglievan B. Translational advances in the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: narrative review of current and emerging molecular and immunotherapies. Transl Pediatr 2023; 12:487-502. [PMID: 37035397 PMCID: PMC10080491 DOI: 10.21037/tp-22-656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common hematologic malignancy of lymphoid origin in children. The prognosis for newly diagnosed ALL in the pediatric population is generally favorable, with a 5-year overall survival rate of more than 90%. Though conventional therapy has led to meaningful improvements in cure rates for new-onset pediatric ALL, one-third of patients still experience a relapse or refractory disease, contributing to a significant cause of pediatric cancer-related mortality. Methods An extensive literature review was undertaken via various databases of medical literature, focusing on both results of larger clinical trials, but also with evaluation of recent abstract publications at large hematologic conferences. Key Content and Findings Remission is achievable in most of these patients by re-induction with currently available therapies, but the long-term overall survival rate is deemed suboptimal and remains a therapeutic challenge. As part of never-ceasing efforts to improve pediatric ALL outcomes, newer modalities, including targeted molecular therapies as well as immunotherapy, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, are currently being employed to increase treatment effectiveness as well as lessen the side effects from conventional chemotherapy. These approaches explore the use of early genome-based disease characterization and medications developed against actionable molecular targets. Conclusions Additional clinical research is nonetheless required to learn more about the potentially harmful effects of targeted therapies and investigate the possibility of these agents replacing or decreasing the use of conventional chemotherapy in treating pediatric ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faryal Munir
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jiasen He
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeremy Connors
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Miriam Garcia
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amber Gibson
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David McCall
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cesar Nunez
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christine Nguyen Dinh
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lindsay Robusto
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Roth
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sajad Khazal
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Priti Tewari
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Branko Cuglievan
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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