Prognostic factors associated with the response to sunitinib in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the prognostic clinicopathologic factors associated with overall survival (os) and progression-free survival (pfs) in the once-daily continuous administration of first-line sunitinib in a consecutive cohort of Turkish patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (rcc).

METHODS

The study enrolled 77 Turkish patients with metastatic rcc who received sunitinib in a continuous once-daily dosing regimen between April 2006 and April 2011. Univariate analyses were performed using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 18.5 months. In univariate analyses, poor pfs and os were associated with 4 of the 5 factors in the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (mskcc) score: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or higher, low hemoglobin, high corrected serum calcium, and high lactate dehydrogenase. In addition to those factors, hypoalbuminemia, more than 2 metastatic sites, liver metastasis, non-clear cell histology, and the presence of sarcomatoid features on pathology were also associated with poor pfs; and male sex, hypoalbuminemia, prior radiotherapy, more than 2 metastatic sites, lung metastasis, nuclear grade of 3 or 4 for the primary tumour, and the presence of sarcomatoid features were also associated with poorer os. The application of the mskcc model distinctly separated the pfs and os curves (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified prognostic factors for pfs and os with the use sunitinib as first-line metastatic rcc therapy and confirmed that the mskcc model still appears to be valid for predicting survival in metastatic rcc in the era of molecular targeted therapy.

Childhood osteosarcoma: Evaluation of 94 cases. A single institution study

10040

Background: Osteosarcoma is the most frequent bone tumor in children and adolescents. The aim of this study is to evaluate the demographic characteristics, therapy, and long term outcome of children with osteosarcoma in a single institution. Methods: Between January 1990 and December 2006, 94 children (53 male, 41 female) with a median age of 13 (5–16) years and a histopathologic diagnosis of osteosarcoma were treated with an institutional chemotherapy regimen comprising of 6 courses (3 pre-, 3 postoperatively) of epirubicin (90 mg/m2), cisplatin(100 mg/m2), and ifosfamide(2 g/m2 × 3 days) every 3 weeks. Results: The median follow-up time was 36 (2–219) months. 68 patients were alive at the time of analysis. 26 patients died; 20 of disease, 5 of toxicity, and 1 of second malignancy (acute myeloid leukemia). 90% of the patients had a limb salvage. 5 and 10 year OS for all patients were 64.7 % ( [95 % CI] 74.8–52.94 %) and 62.2 % (95 % CI 74.6–49.9 %), respectively. 5 and 10 year EFS for all patients was 51.8 % (95% CI 40.2–63.4 %). 5 and 10 year OS for nonmetastatic patients were 78.3 % (95% CI 66.9–89.7 %) and 75.1 %(95% CI 62.6–87.6), vs. 13.5 % 5 year OS for metastatic patients(95% CI 0–30.8 %) (p< 0.001). 5 and 10 year EFS for nonmetastatic patients was superior to those with metastatic disease [62.4 % (95% CI 49.9–79.9 %) vs. 6.9 % (95% CI 0–19.9 %)) (p<0.001). A total of 33 patients experienced relapse and/or progression at a median of 9 months (range 0–40 months). 10 year OS for 18 patients (11 metastatic at diagnosis) who progressed during preoperative chemotherapy was 13 % vs. 75 % for those who didnot have progressive disease (p< 0.001). The rate of histologically good response to preoperative chemotherapy was 64.5 %. Histologic response (<90 percent necrosis vs ≥90 percent) significantly correlated with 5 year EFS (31 % vs 67.6 %, p=0.023) but not with OS (57.7 % vs 76.5 %, p=0.13). Conclusions: The presence of metastases at diagnosis was the most significant characteristic influencing outcome. Our results demonstrate that the combination of epirubicin, cisplatin, and ifosfamide is an active and reasonably well-tolerated regimen for childhood osteosarcoma.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Multimodality treatment on long-term outcome of intracranial germ cell tumors in children: A single institution study

10063

Background: Intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCT) constitute 1% of all malignant neoplasms in children. The aim of this study is to evaluate the demographic characteristics, therapy, and long term outcome of children with iGCT in a single institution. Methods: 16 children (9 female, 7 male) with a median age of 11 years (10 months-18 yrs) treated for iGCT between 1990 and 2008 were evaluated retrospectively. They were treated according to our institutional protocol. Patients > 13 years old with germinomas recieved radiotherapy alone (2520 cGy craniospinal/1980 cGy local boost), patients <13 yrs old recieved 2 courses of etoposide, cisplatinum followed with cranial radiotherapy. Nongerminoma patients recieved 3 courses of bleomycine, etoposide, cisplatinum followed by 3600 cGy craniospinal / 1980 cGy local boost RT. Results: Presenting clinical features were diabetes insipidus (7), raised intracranial pressure (12), visual changes-oculomotor palsies (6), hypopituitarism (4). 8 had germinomas and 8 nongeminomatous GCT. Ten were suprasellar and 6 pineal. AFP and BHCG were evaluated at diagnosis and during therapy both in serum and CSF. Three had seeding in the spinal axis in MRI. One had widespead systemic metastasis. Three had a total resection, 12 had a biopsy, 1 was clinically/radiologically diagnosed, 5 had a shunt. Two nongerminamatous iGCT patients died: 1 of widespread disease in the intensive care unit at diagnosis, the other with progressive disease 18 months after diagnosis. Fourteen patients are alive at a median follow-up of 12 years (1–17 years) from diagnosis. One that had motor and mental retardation before diagnosis needs special care. All others have a moderate/good quality of life. One is married and has a child. Six are at school (2 in university). Five are employed. The patients are also followed up in the endocrinology clinic. One is recieving growth hormone. Conclusions: Cisplatin based chemotherapy and radiotherapy is successful and well tolerated in children with iGCT. The possibility of an early clinical diagnosis based on MRI and tumor markers and the use of modern neurosurgical techniques increases the chance of cure, gives a chance to reduce acute morbidity and further decrease late effects.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The role of surgery and radiotherapy in treatment of soft tissue sarcomas of the head and neck region: Review of 30 cases

20507

Background: To evaluate the role of surgery and radiotherapy in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas of the head and neck region Methods: Thirty adult patients with head and neck soft tissue sarcoma were retrospectively analyzed. The most frequent histopathologic subtypes were chondrosarcomas (27%) and malignant fibrous histiocytoma (20%). The surgical resection was performed in 25 of the 30 patients (83%). Negative surgical margins could be achieved only in 9 of 25 patients (36%). Ten patients had marginal resection (40%) and 6 patients (24%) had gross residual disease after the surgery. All patients in the surgical resection arm received postoperative radiotherapy except two patients. Results: Five-year local control rates for patients with negative surgical margins (n=9), microscopically positives (n=10), gross residual disease (n=6) and inoperable (n=5) cases were 64%, 70%, 20% and 0% respectively. The median disease free survivals were 26.6 months, 17.7 months, 8.4 and 5.5 months. However, there was no significant difference in local control between patients with negative or microscopically positive disease who receive postoperative radiotherapy (71% vs 70%). The higher dose of radiotherapy (= 60Gy) was found to be associated with a longer local control (p=0.048). The local control rates were lower in patients with grade 2–3 tumors as compared with grade 1 tumors (44% vs. 83%). The median overall survival of whole group was 31 months. Median survivals of patients receiving both surgery and radiotherapy with negative and microscopically positive margins were significantly better than patients who were not treated with surgery (34.8 and 36 months vs. 13.3 months). In univariate analysis grade 1–2 vs. 3, had statistically significant 5-year survival difference (64% vs. 14%, p=0.003). The presence of local relapse had clear negative effect on survival (absent vs. present 66% vs. 7%, p=0.0003). Conclusions: Our results and the findings in the literature confirm that the optimal treatment of head and neck soft tissue sarcomas is complete surgical excision. Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy clearly improves local control however the high locoregional failure rates still indicate the need for improved treatment strategies.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Optic pathway gliomas in children: A single institution study

20024

Background: Optic pathway gliomas (OPG) constitute 1–5% of childhood brain tumors, they can occur in patients with NF1. The aim of this study is to evaluate our patients with OPG through a 16 year period. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 22 patiens treated between Dec. 1990- Dec. 2006. Results: 12 girls and 10 boys (6 mo-19 yrs, median 5yrs) were diagnosed with OPG. 13 patients had NF1.Two had diencephalic syndrome. In 10 the tumor extended to the hypothalamus.Two had leptomeningeal disease, both died despite therapy.Median follow up was 56 months (6–147 mo). 3 patients had stable disease and were followed without treatment, 6 underwent surgery (4 total tumor resection, 2 ventriculoperitoneal shunt; 5 had no additional therapy). 2 patients (14 and 19 years old ) were treated with radiotherapy and 12 (6 mo-9 yrs) received chemotherapy. 3 patients, with stable disease, remained stable. 4 patients, who had total tumor resection, an one with VPS were followed more than 26 months. In two patients , treated with radiotherapy because of progressive disease, clinical response was attained and remained stable. 12 patients recieved chemotherapy, 11 had vincristine 1.5 mg/m2 and carboplatinum 560 mg/m2 in one day every 28 days. Of these 11 patients, 10 patients had clinical response/stable disease after chemotherapy, 1 died of progressive disease. Two patients had hypersensitivity to carboplatinum after 8 courses. There were no other major side effects of treatment. In a patient who had vincristine, CCNU,CTX and PCZ, 7 months after achievement of stable disease with chemotherapy, progressive disease occured, and died. Conclusion: OPG are rare childhood central nervous system tumors. The rarity ot these tumors and their variable course make assesment and standardization of treatment methods difficult. Conservative management can be suggested for asymptomatic or stable cases. Based on the primary location of the tumor and age of the patient; surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be used as a single treatment modality or in combination. Treatment should be planned on an individual basis. In young children with progressive disease chemotherapy with vincristine, carboplatinum once a month seems to be effective and provides a good quality of life during treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Human immunodeficiency virus-negative tonsil Kaposi's sarcoma and Hodgkin's disease: case report and review of the literature

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a multicentric malignant neoplastic vascular disorder characterized by multiple violet-colored nodules of the skin. The coexistence of KS with other primary malignancies, especially of the lymphoreticular system, has been frequently noted. However, the association of Hodgkin's disease with KS is a rare occurrence. In this article we present the case of a 33-year-old man with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative KS of the tonsil, occurring in the radiotherapy field for Hodgkin's disease treated 20 years ago.

Effect of field placement errors on dose at junction between divergence matching and half-beam block techniques in craniospinal irradiation

PURPOSE

In craniospinal irradiation, both overlapping and gapping between the cranial and upper spinal field may occur due to patient's daily position (setup). This can cause dose inhomogeneities at the craniospinal junction. In this study we tried to find out possible dose changes at the craniospinal junction due to setup mistakes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Both divergence matching technique (DMT) and half-beam block technique (HBBT) were used. At first step, a gap between cranial and spinal field borders was used, and at the second step overlapping between the fields for both techniques was applied. We irradiated films located in water equivalents solid phantoms with Co60 teletherapy machine.

RESULTS

Dose homogeneity was 4% when no gap was used. When 2, 5, 8 and 10 mm gap were used, overlap occurred. Dose inhomogeneities were 6%, 17%, 27%,34% and 16%, 24%, 29%, 43%, respectively for DMT. Dose inhomogeneity was 5% with no gap used. With gaps of 2, 5, 8, and 10 mm, overlap occurred. Dose inhomogeneities were 8%, 12%, 36%, 51% and 17%, 29%, 35%, and 47%, respectively for HBBT.

CONCLUSION

With no gap or with 2mm gap between the fields the dose homogeneity is in acceptable dose variation limits (10%) for both techniques (DMT and HBBT). Beyond this distance the setup mistakes are not tolerable.

Non-resective management of pineoblastoma

The results of a non-resective treatment approach for pineoblastoma comprising stereotactic biopsy, cerebrospinal fluid diversion, and fractionated radiotherapy in six patients over a period of six years are presented. There were three male and three female patients, with a median age at diagnosis of 20 years. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine, ventricular cerebrospinal fluid cytology, and tumour markers in cerebrospinal fluid were negative. Tumour response to initial radiotherapy was complete in three patients and partial in three patients. Recurrences were treated with interstitial irradiation with iodine-125 seeds in four instances, repeat radiotherapy when time elapsed was more than five years in one instance, with surgical resection in two instances, and chemotherapy in two instances. The diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness of this management strategy is assessed. There were no complications related to surgical procedures. The median follow-up time was 48 months (range 14-70 months). Five patients were alive at 14, 45, 51, 57, and 70 months of follow-up. One patient died of disease at 28 months following diagnosis. The overall survival rate was 80 % +/- 17.89 % at 28 months. The results of this study suggest that this non-resective treatment approach is acceptable as an initial treatment alternative to radical surgical resection of pineoblastomas.

Prognostic significance of marker half-life during chemotherapy in non-seminomatous germ cell testicular tumors

Decrease in serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels is considered as a response during chemotherapy of non-seminomatous germ cell testicular tumors, but data on the prognostic significance of marker half-life remains inconclusive. Serum marker half-life was evaluated in 34 patients with elevated markers, receiving chemotherapy (CT). Marker half-life was calculated from the natural logarithm of the sequential AFP or HCG concentrations. The correlation between event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) with unfavorable half-lives of AFP and HCG was evaluated. Median actual half-life (AHL) AFP was 3.9 days (range, 1.4-21.5) and median AHL HCG was 4.4 days (range, 1.4-21.0); 82% of the patients had a satisfactory initial decline in AFP, and 71% had a satisfactory initial decline in HCG. There was a significant difference in EFS and OS between the two groups of patients with an AFP half-life < 7 days and > 7 days. HCG half-life did not adversely affect EFS and OS. The correlation of better EFS and OS with appropriate AFP marker half-life during chemotherapy could provide a dynamic method, which could complement the standard baseline prognostic factors, for the prediction of prognosis.

A phase II trial, feasibility of combination of daily cisplatinum and accelerated radiotherapy via concomitant boost in stage III non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

A prospective phase II trial was conducted by the Institute of Oncology, Istanbul University in December 1994 on patients with locally-advanced non-small cell lung cancer to assess acute toxicity and the feasibility of a combination of radiosensitizer and accelerated radiotherapy with concomitant boost.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were irradiated using 'large' fields (primary tumour and locoregional lymph nodes) with 1.8 Gy per fraction, five fractions a week. Reduced 'boost' fields (primary and involved nodes only) were also irradiated twice-weekly 1.8 Gy per fraction in ten fractions concomitantly 6 h after the administration of large field. Total radiation dose was 63 Gy in 5 weeks (45 Gy 'large' fields and 18 Gy 'boost'). The maximum allowed dose to the spinal cord was 3750 cGy. Cisplatinum, 6 mg/m2 was given daily just before 'large' field irradiation.

RESULTS

As of January 1997, 15 patients were evaluated (median follow-up of 12.5 months with a range of 5.5-23 months). The overall acute toxicity rate was 38% and Grade 3 acute toxicity was 8%. Grade 4 or greater acute toxicities were not observed. The overall rate of cisplatinum-induced nausea and vomiting was 80% (severe in 60%), but all were easily treated with antiemetics. Complete response rate (clinical and radiological) was 40% and an overall response rate was 73%. Median survival was 16 months and progression-free survival was 5.5 months (range of 2.5-21 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Toxicity was well tolerated and no treatment-related death occurred with this combined treatment regimen. Although it appears that better local control rates can be achieved, additional phase II/III studies are needed.

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy and intrathoracic Hodgkin disease of childhood

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA), well known in adults, is rarely encountered in children. The clinical features include clubbing of the fingers and toes, arthritis, and painful periosteal new bone formation of the tubular bones. The association of malignant disorders with HOA is more common in adults than in children.

CASE

In this paper, a 12-year-old boy with intrathoracic Hodgkin disease and HOA is presented and four other children with HOA and Hodgkin disease in the literature reviewed.

DISCUSSION

The presence of HOA has been thought to be a bad prognostic sign, but complete remission of Hodgkin disease and regression of clinical signs and symptoms of HOA were attained in our patient after chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and continue during 9 months post-therapy follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

HOA accompanying a malignant tumor in children is very rare. Only 5 cases have been associated with Hodgkin disease, including the present boy. It is important that patients with symptoms of HOA and an intrathoracic mass be examined carefully to rule out a malignancy.

Microscopic local leptomeningeal invasion at diagnosis of medulloblastoma

PURPOSE

To document the incidence and outcome of patients with microscopic local leptomeningeal invasion at presentation, children with medulloblastoma were reviewed.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Nineteen patients (1-12 years of age), who had surgical resection (14 total, 5 subtotal) and were diagnosed as medulloblastoma, were evaluated for disease extent by pre- and postoperative computerized tomography/magnetic resonance imaging, histopathologic evaluation of leptomeninges adjacent to the resected tumor tissue, myelography/magnetic resonance of the entire spine, and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid cytology. Patients were also reviewed for disease outcome.

RESULTS

Staging revealed one T2, nine T3a, eight T3b, and one T4 disease. There were 10 M0, 2 M1, 2 M2, 2 M3, and 3 Mx patients according to Chang's classification. Ten out of 19 patients (52.6%) demonstrated microscopic local leptomeningeal invasion. When only the 10 patients with M0 disease were considered, three out of five patients with microscopic local leptomeningeal invasion was found to have one or more relapses. The five other M0 patients without microscopic local invasion were in complete remission at the time of analysis.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of microscopic local leptomeningeal invasion in patients with medulloblastoma is high. Whereas the impact on survival remains to be determined in larger series, data suggests prognostic role for isolated microscopic local leptomeningeal invasion, thus validity for inclusion in the future staging system.

Plastic surgery in irradiated areas: analysis of 200 consecutive cases

Reconstructive surgery in previously irradiated areas is more difficult than in non-irradiated cases. A retrospective analysis of the outcome of 200 previously irradiated patients who had skin graft or flap reconstruction performed by the same surgeon is presented, and the most suitable surgical technique in irradiated areas is discussed. One hundred and fifty-six patients had skin and oral cavity cancer, and were operated on after local recurrence. Twenty patients had breast cancer; 15 were operated on for local recurrence and five for breast reconstruction. Twenty-four patients had soft tissue sarcomas. Eighty-five patients had a skin graft (group 1), 35 had a skin flap (group 2), 10 had a fascia/muscle flap plus skin graft and 70 had a myocutaneous flap (group 3). Analysis of complications revealed statistically significant differences in terms of incomplete graft/flap necrosis between group 1 and 2 (P < 0.001) and groups 1 and 3 (P < 0.001), and in terms of infection between groups 1 and 3 (P < 0.01). We conclude that the method of reconstruction is determined by the characteristics of the defect such as size and localization; the quality, fractionation, total dose, and energy of radiation used; skin and subcutaneous tissue changes due to radiation; and operation time. However, it is reasonable to choose fascia/muscle or myocutaneous flaps for reconstruction in previously irradiated areas. These methods are more resistant to bacterial inoculation, more prone to clean residual infection, and provide better vascularized tissue and volume replacement for contour defects.

Primary spinal column sarcomas

Five cases of primary spinal column sarcomas are presented. Sarcomas primarily originating from paravertebral soft tissues were excluded. Patients' age ranged from 1 to 14 years (mean 8.4 years). The male:female ration was 2:3. Two patients had Ewing's sarcoma (ES) originating from L5-S1 and L4-5 pedicles, respectively; two patients had mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MCS) originating from L1-2 pedicles and L5 body, respectively; and one patient had osteogenic sarcoma (OS) of C4 body. All patients clinically presented with pain and progressive weakness of the extremities. The time that elapsed between the onset of symptoms and diagnoses ranged from one to five months. All cases were treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and subtotal tumour resection with spinal canal decompression. Two cases received posterior spinal fusion operations. Three patients were alive 10 to 98 months following diagnosis. Only the case with ES of L5-S1 pedicles was in complete remission and off therapy at the 98th postoperative month. The two MCS cases were in partial remission, and were receiving chemotherapy at the time of analysis. These tumours caused similar clinical findings and prognoses, and required combined treatment, which consisted of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy; histologically three different types of malignant tumours are presented in the same category. We preferred surgical decompression and stabilization procedures especially for neurologically symptomatic patients, even if they had extensive tumours with high grades. By spinal canal decompression and stabilisation, we did not intend to cure the disease; however, we intended to provide neurological improvement, spinal stabilisation, improved quality of life, early mobilisation of the patient, and cytoreduction by means of surgical tumour ablation, which could render the chemotherapy more effective.

Evaluation of response to postradiation eight in one chemotherapy in childhood brain tumors

Ten children, 3 to 15 years of age with high risk primary brain tumors were treated with postradiation 'eight in one' chemotherapy; vincristine, lomustine, procarbazine, hydroxyurea, cisplatin, cytosine arabinoside, cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone. The tumors comprised of three medulloblastomas, two primitive neuroectodermal tumors, one ependymoblastoma and four anaplastic ependymomas. Treatment involved surgery (two total resection, six subtotal and two biopsy only) followed by conventional radiotherapy (primary tumor: 50-54 Gy, whole brain: 30-45 Gy, and spinal axis: 25-36 Gy). Objective tumor response with radiotherapy was achieved in 7 of 9 patients (78%) (6/8 patients with residual tumor and one patient with complete resection but positive cerebrospinal fluid cytology). Complete response was attained in 4 of 9 patients (44%). 'Eight in one' chemotherapy was initiated four weeks after radiation and repeated at 4 weekly intervals for 5-8 courses. Postradiation 'eight in one' failed to show any additional effect on tumor responses. Median survival was 34 months (range 9-48 months) with five of ten patients alive: four in complete and one in partial remission. All the five survivors were among the patients who had achieved response to initial treatment. This result suggested that degree of response to initial treatment might determine subsequent outcome and thus the choice of modality for initial therapy might be important.

Immunologic status in children with brain tumors and the effect of therapy

The cellular and humoral immunological parameters (leucocyte, granulocyte, lymphocyte, total T, T4, T8 lymphocyte counts, lymphoproliferative response to PHA [LP-PHA], natural killer cell activity [NKCA], IgG, IgM and IgA levels) of 20 pediatric brain tumor patients were investigated before and after chemo-(CT) and radiotherapy (RT) administered according to the UIOI-PBT-91 protocol. The T4 and T8 cell percentages and the LP-PHA values before therapy were found to be significantly diminished in comparison to values obtained from 12 healthy children (p < 0.05). In patients receiving postoperative CT, all cellular immunity parameters except T8 cell number and NKCA; IgG and IgA levels were significantly decreased after two courses of CT (p < 0.05). In 7 patients given postoperative RT, a depression in all cellular immunity parameters was observed (p < 0.05). In 6 patients treated with 2 courses of postoperative CT followed by RT administered concomitantly with low dose CDDP, there was a decrease in all cellular and humoral immunity parameters, which was not found to be significant. In 5/18 patients infectious episodes in mild to moderate severity were observed, none causing mortality. It was concluded that the UIOI-PBT-91 protocol caused cellular immunosuppression both after CT and after RT and some humoral immunosuppression after CT, but was found to be tolerable in regard to acute immunological side effects.

Epidural metastasis in Wilms' tumor: a case report and review of the literature

Spinal canal involvement is not a common pattern of metastasis in Wilms' tumor. Although early detection and treatment can achieve improvement of neurological deficit, mortality remains high. We present a 5-year-old girl who had an epidural metastasis while she was receiving chemotherapy for stage IV Wilms' tumor. Within 2 months following laminectomy, total removal of tumor, radiotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy some of the neurological signs improved.

Primary osteosarcoma of the cervical spine: a pediatric case report and review of the literature

A 4 1/2-year-old girl with a primary osteosarcoma of the seventh cervical vertebra, treated by surgery and chemotherapy, and who is off therapy for 24 months with no evidence of disease is presented and the literature reviewed.

Non-midline endodermal sinus tumor in the head and neck region: a case report

Germ cell tumors, in particular teratomas, are some of the most commonly found tumors in childhood. Six percent of all germ cell tumors are located in the head and neck region. Endodermal sinus tumors (yolk sac tumors) of the head and neck, exclusive of the central nervous system, are rare. This study reports a 20-month-old girl with a mass of 5 x 5 cm on the left temporal area and with bone destruction on CT. The histopathological examination of the excised mass revealed an endodermal sinus tumor. The serum AFP and the LDH levels were elevated at diagnosis. The patient was treated by the BEP protocol (bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin), six cycles every three weeks. Partial response was attained after the first and complete response after the fourth cycle. The patient, who is being followed up, has been in remission for five months.