Treating rare tumors with the assistance of the expert virtual consultation system: two cases of juvenile granulosa cell tumors

BACKGROUND

The lack of internationally recognized guidelines for very rare tumors, such as juvenile granulosa cell tumors (JGCTs), which are nonepithelial, unusual ovarian tumors, is a challenge for pediatric oncologists, especially in developing countries with limited resources and experience in treating rare tumors.

METHODS

We report clinical data of 2 girls with JGCTs treated at the Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Armenia with the assistance of the EXPeRT (European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors) international cooperation panel.

CASE PRESENTATION

Two girls (16 and 15 years old) with JGCTs of the ovaries, stage Ic, underwent surgery and, with consultation through an online advisory board (http://vrt.cineca.it/), received 4 cycles of chemotherapy according to the PEI regimen (cisplatin, etoposide, ifosfamide).

CONCLUSION

Very rare tumors, especially in advanced stages, have limited data and a low survival rate. International collaboration with the EXPeRT group is beneficial for physicians with limited experience and facilitates research in pediatric oncology.

Salivary gland carcinoma in children and adolescents: The EXPeRT/PARTNER diagnosis and treatment recommendations

Salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs) are rare during childhood and adolescence. Consequently, no standardized recommendations for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of pediatric SGC are available, and pediatric oncologists and surgeons generally follow adult guidelines. Complete surgical resection with adequate margins constitutes the cornerstone of treatment. However, the indications and modalities of adjuvant therapy remain controversial and may be challenging in view of the potential long-term toxicities in the pediatric population. This paper presents the consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with SGCs, established by the European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors (EXPeRT) within the EU-funded PARTNER project (Paediatric Rare Tumours Network - European Registry).