Position statement of the Brazilian society of Rheumatology on mesna use as a preventive therapy for bladder disease in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and systemic vasculitis under cyclophosphamide treatment

OBJECTIVE

To review current literature to support the use of mesna as a preventive therapy for hemorrhagic cystitis and bladder cancer in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and systemic vasculitis treated with cyclophosphamide.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The search for articles was conducted systematically through MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. Only articles in English were selected. For available records, titles and abstracts were selected independently by two investigators.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies were selected for analysis. The known adverse effects of cyclophosphamide were hematological toxicity, infections, gonadal toxicity, teratogenicity, increased risk for malignancy and hemorrhagic cystitis. Long-term toxicity was highly dependent on cyclophosphamide cumulative dose. The risk of bladder cancer is especially higher in long-term exposure and with cumulative doses above 36 g. The risk remains high for years after drug discontinuation. Hemorrhagic cystitis is highly correlated with cumulative dose and its incidence ranges between 12 and 41%, but it seems to be lower with new regimens with reduced cyclophosphamide dose. No randomized controlled trials were found to analyze the use of mesna in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases and systemic vasculitis. Retrospective studies yielded conflicting results. Uncontrolled prospective studies with positive results were considered at high risk of bias. No evidence was found to support the use of mesna during the treatment with cyclophosphamide for autoimmune diseases or systemic vasculitis to prevent hemorrhagic cystitis and bladder cancer. In the scenarios of high cumulative cyclophosphamide dose (i.e., > 30 g), patients with restricted fluid intake, neurogenic bladder, therapy with oral anticoagulants, and chronic kidney disease, mesna could be considered.

CONCLUSION

The current evidence was found to be insufficient to support the routine use of mesna for the prophylaxis of hemorrhagic cystitis and bladder cancer in patients being treated for systemic autoimmune diseases and systemic vasculitis with cyclophosphamide. The use may be considered for selected cases.

Use of Mesna in the treatment of ossicular chain fixation related to tympanosclerosis; prospective, clinical study

OBJECTIVE

Mesna is a thiol compound effective in the connective tissue, which is used for its chemical dissector, mucolytic, mucosal damage preventive and antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to investigate Mesna's effects in easy dissection in type 4 tympanosclerosis cases and in the prevention of formation of new sclerotic plaques.

METHODS

11 patients were included in the study. All patients were in the Wielinga Kerr type 4 class of tympanosclerosis. All patients were administered a 100% concentration of Mesna in the middle ear during tympanosclerosis surgery. All patients underwent audiological evaluation before and 20 months after the operation. Air-conduction thresholds, bone-conduction thresholds and air-bone difference were statistically compared.

RESULTS

The patients were followed-up for a mean 20.48 ± 2.37 months. The mean preoperative air-conduction threshold of the patients was 58.09 ± 9.73 dB and the mean postoperative air-conduction threshold was 34.63 ± 15.46 dB and there was a significant difference. The mean preoperative bone-conduction threshold of the patients was 16.27 ± 5.47 dB and the mean postoperative bone-conduction threshold was 14.72 ± 6.11 dB and there was a significant difference. The mean preoperative air-bone gap of the patients was 41.81 ± 10.51, and the mean postoperative air-bone gap was 19.90 ± 12.48, and the difference was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Mesna prevented hearing loss related to type 4 tympanosclerosis and prevented the formation of new sclerotic structures in our follow-up period. We believe that this effect is due to the chemical dissector and antioxidant effects of Mesna.

MAID chemotherapy regimen as a treatment strategy for metastatic malignant ameloblastoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Ameloblastoma is generally characterized as a benign tumor originating in odontogenic epithelium. However, few cases of metastatic malignant ameloblastoma have also been reported. Due to the low incidence of malignant ameloblastoma, there is no established treatment regimen. To explore effective treatment for malignant ameloblastoma, we reported this case study.

PATIENTS CONCERNS

This report described a case of a 28-year-old malignant ameloblastoma female patient with multiple metastasis (brain and lung).

DIAGNOSES

The patient presented ameloblastoma of the left mandible in 2012. Three years later, local recurrence and brain metastasis was observed during a follow-up examination. Five years later, malignant ameloblastoma was detected by imaging and immunohistochemistry in the bilateral multiple pulmonary nodules and mediastinal lymph nodes.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was initially treated with tumor resection. Three years later after local recurrence and brain metastasis, she was accepted the extensive mandibulectomy supplemented with brain stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). When diagnosed with pulmonary metastasis, the patient received combined chemotherapy regimen of MAID (mesna, adriamycin, ifosfamide and dacarbazine) for 6 cycles.

OUTCOMES

The efficacy evaluation was partial remission (PR) after the 6 cycles of MAID. The last patient follow-up was July 24th 2018, and no evidence of progression was observed. The progression-free survival (PFS) of the patient was more than 9 months.

LESSONS

Surgical resection is the optimal treatment for locally recurrent ameloblastoma. SBRT may be an effective treatment for unresectable oligometastasis of malignant ameloblastoma. Finally, combined chemotherapy of MAID showed encouraging effects in the management of metastatic malignant ameloblastoma.

Phase II Study of Ifosfamide Combined with Mesna Uroprotection in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma and Other Solid Tumors

Thirty six patients with advanced solid tumors (24 lung: 3 oat-cell, 14 squamous, 7 adenocarcinomas, 3 soft tissue sarcomas, 6 breast carcinomas; 1 seminoma; 2 ovarian adenocarcinomas) entered a phase II study of high-dose ifosfamide (IF) administered in combination with the uroprotective agent sodium 2-mercapto-ethane-sulfonate (Mesna). Fourteen patients had prior treatment; most patients with lung cancer (22/24) were previously untreated; all had measurable disease. The patients median age was 59 (range 31–74). IF was given at 1.8 g/m2 days 1–5 q 4 weeks. Mesna was given after each IF injection at 0, 4 and 8 h randomly, either i.v. (0.36 g/m2) or orally (0.72 g/m2). Twenty-four patients had ≥ 3 courses of therapy, 9 had 2 courses, and 3 had only 1 course; 129 courses were evaluated for toxicity. Mesna was given orally (17 patients, 57 courses) or i.v. (19 patients, 72 courses). The following side-effect were observed: no gross hematuria, microhematuria (14 courses), transitory mild proteinuria (34 courses), leukopenia grade I-II ECOG (26 courses), anemia grade I ECOG (31 courses), 1 case of pancytopenia, alopecia (31 patients), nausea (moderate, 33 courses; severe, 6 courses), vomiting (moderate, 17 courses; severe, 1 course). Five patients showed a partial response (1 oat-cell carcinoma, 2 with squamous lung cancer, 1 with ovarian carcinoma, 1 with breast carcinoma), 14 showed a minor response (2 patients with oat-cell carcinoma, 2 with lung adenocarcinoma, 5 with squamous lung cancer, 1 with seminoma, 1 with sarcoma, 1 with ovarian carcinoma), and 14 showed progression of disease (7 patients with squamous cell lung cancer, 4 with lung adenocarcinoma, 1 with sarcoma, 2 with breast carcinoma). Considering partial plus minor responses, ifosfamide produced some degree of tumor reduction (PR+MR) in 12/23 (52.1 %) lung cancer patients. The data reported support the conclusions that Mesna can prevent high-dose IF bladder toxicity, that IF is active in advanced solid tumors, including lung cancer, and that the IF + Mesna combination is a generally safe treatment procedure.

Failed back surgery syndrome: a new strategy by the epidural injection of MESNA

PURPOSE

Evaluate the efficacy and safety of MESNA (sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate) injection into the epidural space in the FBSS.

METHODS

We designed a prospective phase II longitudinal study. Six consecutive patients were enrolled. Patients underwent one peridural injection per week for 3 weeks. NRS and ODI were investigated before and 48 h after injections, and at 1 week, 1 month and 2 months after the last procedures. Opioids intake is investigated before procedures and 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after the last procedures. Lumbosacral MRI is performed before the first procedure, at the end and 3 months after the last procedures.

RESULTS

From baseline, at 3 months, NRS in standing, sitting and lying position improved, respectively, of 34.29, 30.56 and 26.47%; ODI improved of 20.3%; the average decrease in morphine intake was 20.54%. No difference in MR images was found. Conclusions Our preliminary results suggest that MESNA might be an efficacy alternative to common practice.

Long-term Effects of Intravenous Cyclophosphamide in Combination with Mesna Provided Intravenously and via Bladder Perfusion in a Patient with Severe Multifocal Motor Neuropathy

A 25-year-old woman presenting with progressive muscle weakness in the distal extremities in the absence of sensory involvement for 2 years was diagnosed with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). Her disease was difficult to manage with various immunosuppressants, and the muscle weakness eventually progressed to involve the respiratory muscles, necessitating mechanical ventilation. Intravenous cyclophosphamide (CY) dramatically improved her symptoms, and she has since maintained her ambulatory status for 18 years with intermittent CY therapy. Because the patient presented with hemorrhagic cystitis due to CY, we also implemented mesna administration by bladder perfusion. The administration of CY should therefore be considered in patients with severe MMN that is unresponsive to standard therapy.

Chemotherapy-related toxicity in patients with non-metastatic Ewing sarcoma: influence of sex and age

Influence of age and sex on chemotherapy-related toxicity was evaluated in children (3-9 years), adolescents (10-17 years), and adults (up to 40 years) with localized Ewing sarcoma (ES) enrolled in the ISG/SSG III protocol. Treatment was based on vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, dactinomycin, and etoposide. High-dose chemotherapy with busulfan and melphalan was given in poor responder patients. The analysis was based on 2191 courses of standard chemotherapy and 230 patients. A lower risk of G4 leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, hospitalization, febrile neutropenia, and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions was observed in males. Use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was more frequent in adults, while children more often received RBC transfusions. A significant correlation between sex and chemotherapy-related toxicity was observed in the study, whereas no significant differences in terms of bone marrow toxicity can be expected according to patient age. Further studies should analyse the role of pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomics, and clinical characteristics.

[Long-term remission of Langerhans cell sarcoma by AIM regimen combined with involved-field irradiation]

A 67-year-old woman presented with a right inguinal mass in May 2006. CT scan showed lymph node involvement from the right inguinal to the common iliac and (18)F-FDG-PET revealed uptake in those areas. Biopsy results indicated Langerhans cell sarcoma (LCS). Interestingly, tumor cells expressed a high MIB1 index of 30%. We administered doxorubicin, ifosfamide, and mesna (AIM) chemotherapy, which were reported to effectively treat soft tissue sarcoma. After 5 courses of AIM therapy and involved-field radiation for residual diseases and a relapsed lesion on her right cervical node, she has remained in complete remission for more than 4 years. LCS is an intractable malignant disease and the optimal therapeutic strategy remains unclear. The AIM regimen combined with radiation therapy may be an effective treatment option for this disease.

High-dose chemotherapy consolidation for chemosensitive advanced soft tissue sarcoma patients: an open-label, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS) prognosis remains poor and few cytotoxic agents offer proven efficacy. This randomized open phase III study examines whether high-dose (HD) chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) could improve overall survival (OS) of chemosensitive patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Advanced STS patients aged 18-65 years received four courses of standard mesna, adryamycin, ifosfamide and dacarbazine (MAID) treatment. Chemotherapy-responding patients and patients with at least stable disease amenable to complete surgical resection were randomized to receive standard dose (SD) with two successive MAID cycles or HD treatments of one MAID then MICE intensification: mesna (3.6 g/m(2), day 1-5), ifosfamide (2.5 g/m(2), day 1-4), carboplatin [area under the curve (AUC) 5/day 2-4] and etoposide (300 mg/m(2), day 1-4) with PBSC reinjection at day 7.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2008, 207 patients received four cycles of MAID and 87 assessable patients were randomly assigned to receive the following: 46 SD, 41 HD, with 45 and 38 maintained for analyses after secondary centralized histological review. Futility analyses led to study closure in November 2008. Three-year OS was 49.4% for the SD group versus 32.7% for HD arm, hazard ratio= 1.26, 95% confidence interval 0.70-2.29; progression-free survival was 32.4% and 14.0%, respectively. HD treatment led to higher grades 3-4 toxicity.

CONCLUSION

This study failed to show an OS advantage for advanced STS patients treated with dose-intensified chemotherapy with PBSC.

2-Mercaptoethane sulfonate prevents doxorubicin-induced plasma protein oxidation and TNF-α release: implications for the reactive oxygen species-mediated mechanisms of chemobrain

Doxorubicin (DOX), an anthracycline used to treat a variety of cancers, is known to generate intracellular reactive oxygen species. Moreover, many patients who have undergone chemotherapy complain of cognitive dysfunction often lasting years after cessation of the chemotherapy. Previously, we reported that intraperitoneal administration of DOX led to elevated TNF-α and oxidative stress in the plasma and brain of mice. However, the mechanisms involved in nontargeted tissue damage remain unknown. In this study, we measured plasma oxidative stress and cytokine levels in patients treated with DOX. We observed increased plasma protein carbonylation and elevation of TNF-α 6 h after DOX administration in the context of multiagent chemotherapy regimens. Importantly, patients not treated coincidentally with 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate (MESNA) showed statistically significantly increased plasma protein-bound 4-hydroxynonenal, whereas those who had been coincidentally treated with MESNA as part of their multiagent chemotherapy regimen did not, suggesting that concomitant administration of the antioxidant MESNA with DOX prevents intravascular oxidative stress. We demonstrate in a murine model that MESNA suppressed DOX-induced increased plasma oxidative stress indexed by protein carbonyls and protein-bound HNE, and also suppressed DOX-induced increased peripheral TNF-α levels. A direct interaction between DOX and MESNA was demonstrated by MESNA suppression of DOX-induced DCF fluorescence. Using redox proteomics, we identified apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) in both patients and mice after DOX administration as having increased specific carbonyl levels. Macrophage stimulation studies showed that oxidized APOA1 increased TNF-α levels and augmented TNF-α release by lipopolysaccharide, effects that were prevented by MESNA. This study is the first to demonstrate that DOX oxidizes plasma APOA1, that oxidized APOA1 enhances macrophage TNF-α release and thus could contribute to potential subsequent TNF-α-mediated toxicity, and that MESNA interacts with DOX to block this mechanism and suggests that MESNA could reduce systemic side effects of DOX.

Neuroblastoma in an adult: case report

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid malignancy in children but rarely described in adults, being 10% of all cases diagnosed after the first decade of life. We report a 23 year-old black woman with a mass at paravertebral region of T3-T5, multiple lesions in vertebral bodies and expanding skull-brain lesion at the right parietal region. Immunohistochemical analysis (negative for CD99, CD20, CD3 and desmin; and positive chromogranin, synaptophysin and NB84) confi rmed the diagnosis of neuroblastoma. The patient was submitted to 12 cycles of chemotherapy receiving VAC (vincristine/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide) interspersed with ICE (ifosfamide/mesna/etoposide) and doxorubicin was replaced by actinomycin in the 7th cycle. She had good tolerance to this therapy, and has been clinically stable.

Bilateral Wilms' tumors: single-center experience with 22 cases and literature review

OBJECTIVES

Bilateral Wilms' tumors represent a therapeutic challenge. The primary aim of management is eradication of the neoplasm and preservation of renal function. We present our experience in the management of such cases in a single-center experience.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 22 patients with histologically proven bilateral nephroblastoma who were treated from 1993 to 2008 at our center. Of the 22 patients, 12 were girls and 10 were boys, with a median age of 3 years (range 1-9); 19 had a synchronous presentation and 3 a metachronous presentation. Of the 22 patients, 6 underwent initial surgical resection followed by chemotherapy and 16 underwent initial biopsy and preoperative chemotherapy. The final oncologic and renal outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 3 years (range 1-11). Of the 22 patients, 8 died, for an overall survival rate of 63.5%. The survival for the initial chemotherapy and initial surgery groups was essentially similar. Of all the variables studied, unfavorable histologic findings had a significant negative effect on survival. Of the 5 patients with unfavorable histologic findings, 4 died during the follow-up period. The median volume of preserved renal parenchyma was 40%. All patients had good renal function during follow-up, except for 1 patient who had undergone bilateral nephrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral Wilms' tumors impose 2 conflicting issues: elimination of the pathology and preservation of the renal function. Currently, treatment regimens involving initial chemotherapy followed by conservative surgery can achieve these goals in an important proportion of patients.

Inhibition of HSV-1 attachment, entry, and cell-to-cell spread by functionalized multivalent gold nanoparticles

The use of modified nanoparticles in interactions with biological targets is attracting rapidly increasing attention. In this Full Paper, the application of gold nanoparticles capped with mercaptoethanesulfonate (Au-MES NPs) as effective inhibitors of Herpes simplex virus type 1 infection based on their ability to mimic cell-surface-receptor heparan sulfate is described. Mechanistic studies reveal that Au-MES NPs interfere with viral attachment, entry, and cell-to-cell spread, thereby preventing subsequent viral infection in a multimodal manner. The ligand multiplicity achieved with carrier nanoparticles is crucial in generating polyvalent interactions with the virus at high specificity, strength, and efficiency. Such multivalent-nanoparticle-mediated inhibition is a promising approach for alternative antiviral therapy.

Preservation of uroplakins by 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate in cyclophosphamide-induced rat cystitis

Cyclophosphamide (CP) causes extensive cystitis, which is ameliorated with concomitant treatment with mesna. We investigated the protective mechanisms of mesna in the expression of uroplakin (UP), a strong mucosal barrier against toxic materials, in CP-induced rat cystitis. A total of 54 SD female rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg of CP/kg. Six CP-treated, 6 CP + mesna (120 mg/kg)-treated rats, and 6 negative controls were sequentially sacrificed at 12, 24, and 72 h post-CP injection. The bladders were harvested. The levels of UPIa, Ib, II, and III mRNA on real-time PCR, the UPII and III expressions on immunoblotting, and the UPII expression on immunolocalization study in the harvested bladder were maximally suppressed within 12-24 h, whereas partially or completely recovered at 24-72 h post-CP injection. In addition, the responses in UPs after a CP insult were heterogeneous (i.e., markedly suppressed in UPII and lesser destructive in UPIII). Even though the mesna-treated rats also showed transient and small reductions in the mRNA levels of all UPs, mesna clearly preserved the UP expressions of mRNA and protein in CP-induced urinary bladder mucosa. In conclusion, this study suggests that CP transiently reduces the expression of UPs and mesna protects the urinary bladder mucosa through the preservation of UPs protein.

Immediate type hypersensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents in pediatric patients

Nine patients (3 boys and 6 girls) with a median age of 9.5 years, with immediate type hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapeutic agents were reviewed. The presenting symptoms were urticaria (4/9) and anaphylaxis (5/9). The causative agents were vincristine (2/9), L-asparaginase (2/9), mesna (1/9), cyclosporine (1/9), carboplatin (2/9) and cyclophosphamide (1/9). Three of the five patients with anaphylaxis were changed to alternative chemotherapeutic agents. In two cases alternative drugs were not available and the patients underwent safe and successful desensitization. Three of the 4 patients with urticaria were successfully exposed to graded challenges with cyclosporine, carboplatin and cyclophosphamide, respectively. In the other case with generalized urticaria, mesna was withdrawn due to a positive intradermal test. In patients with immediate type hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapeutic drugs, if effective alternative chemotherapeutic agents are not available and/or the skin test is negative, a careful drug challenge and/or desensitization should be performed.

Modified Magrath Regimens for Adults with Burkitt and Burkitt-Like Lymphomas: Preserved Efficacy with Decreased Toxicity

Burkitt and Burkitt-like lymphomas are rapidly growing tumors which require specialized therapy. Although intensive, multi-agent regimens have been effective in children, results are more variable in adults. Magrath et al. previously described a regimen that was highly effective in children and young adults. This phase II study of a modified Magrath regimen was designed to assess its efficacy in older adults and reduce treatment-related toxicity. Fourteen patients with Burkitt/Burkitt-like lymphoma and median age of 47 years were stratified into two categories: low-risk (normal LDH and a single focus of disease measuring less than 10 cm, 3 patients) and high risk (all other, 11 patients). Low-risk patients received three cycles of modified CODOX-M (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, adriamycin, vincristine with intrathecal methotrexate and cytarabine followed by high-dose systemic methotrexate, regimen A). High-risk patients received four alternating cycles of regimens A and B (A-B-A-B). Regimen B consisted of ifosfamide, cytarabine, etoposide and intrathecal methotrexate (IVAC). The modified treatment regimen was associated with no grade 3/4 neuropathy and only one episode of grade 3/4 mucositis. All patients completed protocol therapy and there were no treatment-related deaths. Twelve patients (86%, 90% CI: 61 97%) achieved a complete response; 1 patient achieved a PR and 1 patient died of progressive disease. Nine patients (64%) are alive and disease free at a median follow-up of 29 months. This modified Magrath regimen is effective and well-tolerated in a representative group of older adult patients.

Tandem high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous transplantation in patients with locally advanced or metastatic sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Patients with locally advanced or metastatic/recurrent soft tissue and Ewing's sarcoma (EWS) have few treatment options. The purpose of our phase II study was to assess the feasibility, safety and efficacy of tandem high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in such patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirteen patients were enrolled onto this study. The first cycle of HDCT consisted of doxorubicin (150 mg/m(2)) and ifosfamide (14 g/m(2)) mixed with mesna (14 g/m(2)), while the second cycle consisted of melphalan (150 mg/m(2)) and cisplatin (200 mg/m(2)).

RESULTS

Eleven out of 13 patients were able to complete both cycles of HDCT. No treatment-related mortality occurred and grade 3 or 4 toxicity was clinically tolerable. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for all patients was 23% (confidence interval, CI: 0-46%) and 31% (CI: 14-70%), respectively. Out of the four patients still alive, two had EWS and measurable disease at the time of ASCT and achieved a complete remission, remaining progression free 126 and 155 months after ASCT.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of tandem HDCT in patients with high-risk or metastatic/recurrent sarcoma, with some patients achieving long-term PFS and OS.

Ifosfamide/Mesna as Salvage Therapy in Platinum Pretreated Ovarian Cancer Patients—Long-Term Results of a Phase II Study

PURPOSE

Salvage chemotherapy in advanced ovarian cancer is not yet standardized.

PATIENTS

Twenty-one consecutive patients progressing on or relapsing after previous platinum-containing treatment were eligible for treatment with ifosfamide 5 g/m(2) infused over a 24-hour period every 3 weeks in a Phase II trial. After an initial bolus of 1 g/m(2) of mesna, mesna was applied at a dosage of 5 g/m(2) concomitantly with ifosfamide followed by additional dosages of 200 mg 3 times at 4-hour intervals after termination of the ifosfamide infusion.

RESULTS

The rate of objective responses was 19 percent, with a 95%CI [5.45-41.91 percent]. One patient achieved a pathologic complete remission (pCR) and 3 patients a clinical partial remission (PR). Median time-to-progression was 3 months. One patient was a long-term survivor. Main toxicities according to NCI-CTC included Grade 4 neurotoxicity in one patient, Grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicity in 5 patients, Grade 3 infection in one patient, and Grade 3 and 4 leucopenia in 6 and 2 patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Monotherapy with ifosfamide represents an active regimen for salvage chemotherapy in advanced ovarian cancer patients progressing on or relapsing after previous platinum-pretreatment, even yielding a long-term surivor.

Brainstem primitive neuroectodermal tumors (bstPNET): results of treatment with intensive induction chemotherapy followed by consolidative chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic cell rescue

We have evaluated the response rate and survival utilizing intensified chemotherapy followed by myeloablative chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic cell rescue (AuHCR) and adjuvant radiation therapy in six young children with newly diagnosed brainstem primitive neuroectodermal tumors (bstPNET). Following maximum surgical resection of the tumor, patients received high dose induction chemotherapy including vincristine, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide. Eligible patients received a single cycle of myeloablative chemotherapy followed by AuHCR. Two patients survive at least 32 months with stable disease. This approach provides an alternative for young patients with bstPNET who in prior reports have had a uniformly fatal prognosis.

Successful treatment of a child with late-onset T-cell post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder/lymphoma

We report a novel regimen for refractory post-transplant T-cell lymphoma (PTL). Our patient presented with non-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) related, T-cell post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) 3.5 years after liver transplantation. Initially diagnosed as polyclonal PTLD, the disease progressed to a monoclonal, T-cell PTL that was refractory to several chemotherapy regimens but responded to a regimen consisting of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, and alemtuzumab. Consolidation therapy included high-dose chemotherapy, autologous hematopoietic stem cell rescue, and radiation therapy. She remains in remission 2.5 years later. T-cell PTL is a rare disease with a poor prognosis; this regimen provides a novel, potentially curative approach for its treatment.

Full-dose ifosfamide can be safely administered to outpatients

This report compares a traditional full-dose ifosfamide administration modality (24-hr hyperhydration and mesna infusion) with a simplified 9-hr hyperhydration and mesna infusion for use in outpatients. Acute ifosfamide toxicity was the same, suggesting that ifosfamide could be safely administered to outpatients, reducing the currently-recommended prolonged hyperhydration and mesna uroprotection, thus resulting in shorter hospital stays and consequently lower costs.

Prophylaxis with mesna prevents oxidative stress induced by ischemia reperfusion in the intestine via inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB activation

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Mesna (2-mercaptoethane-sulfonate) has been shown to attenuate oxidative injury induced by ischemia reperfusion (I/R) in the kidneys, the liver, and the intestine; however, its mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated. We sought to determine a prophylactic administration schedule of mesna that would confer optimal antioxidant protection on the intestinal mucosa following I/R and to investigate whether mesna's action is mediated via inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activity.

METHODS

Wistar rats were subjected to one of the following: (a) induction of 30 min ischemia followed by 60 min reperfusion (I30/R60) of the intestine, (b) pretreatment with intraperitoneal or oral mesna at various time- and dose- administration schedules plus I30/R60, (c) sham operation, (d) no operation (controls), or (e) oral mesna alone. At the end of the reperfusion period or at various time points after mesna alone administration, the oxidative state of the intestinal mucosa was assessed in terms of glutathione to glutathione disulfide ratio, malondialdehyde concentration, and superoxide dismutase activity. In addition, NF-kappaB activity in the intestinal mucosa was assessed immunohistochemically in the oral mesna plus I/R and in the oral mesna alone groups.

RESULTS

Sham operation caused mild stress, while I/R caused substantial oxidative stress in the intestinal mucosa. Mesna pretreatment had an antioxidant effect which varied from attenuation to prevention of oxidative stress. Over the two routes of administration, the oral proved to be more effective and had a time- and dose- dependent effect. The antioxidant action of mesna was not related to enhancement of the intestinal mucosa oxidative state. Furthermore, I/R induced NF-kappaB activation in the intestinal mucosa which was inhibited by mesna pretreatment. In the absence of oxidative damage, mesna led to downregulation of activated NF-kappaB.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylaxis with mesna prevents oxidative stress induced by I/R in the intestine via inhibition of NF-kappaB activation.

Intensive chemotherapy followed by consolidative myeloablative chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic cell rescue (AuHCR) in young children with newly diagnosed supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors (sPNETs): report of the Head Start I and II experience

BACKGROUND

Children with newly diagnosed supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors (sPNET) have poor outcomes compared to medulloblastoma patients, despite similar treatments. In an effort to improve overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) and to decrease radiation exposure, the Head Start (HS) protocols treated children with newly diagnosed sPNET utilizing intensified induction chemotherapy (ICHT) followed by consolidation with myeloablative chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic cell rescue (AuHCR).

PROCEDURES

Between 1991 and 2002, 43 children with sPNET were prospectively treated on two serial studies (HS I and II). After maximal safe surgical resection, patients on HS I and patients with localized disease on HS II were treated with five cycles of ICHT (vincristine, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide). Patients on HS II with disseminated disease received high-dose methotrexate during ICHT. If the disease remained stable or in response, patients received a single cycle of high-dose myeloablative chemotherapy followed by AuHCR.

RESULTS

Five-year EFS and OS were 39% (95%CI: 24%, 53%) and 49 (95%CI: 33%, 62%), respectively. Non-pineal sPNET patients faired significantly better than those patients with pineal sPNETs. Metastasis at diagnosis, age, and extent of resection were not significant prognostic factors. Sixty percent of survivors (12 of 20) are alive without exposure to radiation therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

ICHT followed by AuHCR in young patients with newly diagnosed sPNET appears to not only provide an improved EFS and OS for patients who typically have a poor prognosis, but also it successfully permitted deferral and elimination of radiation therapy in a significant proportion of patients.

Stage IV primitive-appearing sinus and orbital rhabdomyosarcoma presenting in a 68-year-old female previously treated for breast cancer

A 68-year-old female who had undergone treatment several years previously for breast cancer presented with diplopia and unilateral proptosis and exposure keratopathy related to biopsy-proven rhabdomyosarcoma of the sinus and orbit. Further evaluation revealed multiple metastatic lesions felt to have originated from the primary sinus and orbital tumor. Histopathologic examination showed primitive-appearing rhabdomyosarcoma with some features suggestive of the alveolar subtype. Orbital or sinus rhabdomyosarcoma is seen almost exclusively in the pediatric population, but may very rarely occur in adults. There are several genetic mutations that appear to play a role in both rhabdomyosarcoma and certain breast tumors. There is also increasing evidence that even low doses of radiation may contribute to the future development of cancer, particularly in susceptible individuals. In our patient with atypical demographics for rhabdomyosarcoma, the previous neoplasm and treatment thereof may have predisposed to the development of this rare tumor.

Adverse hypersensitivity reactions to mesna as adjunctive therapy for cyclophosphamide

Mesna is widely used for the prevention of cyclophosphamide-related hemorrhagic cystitis. It has been associated with hypersensitivity-like cutaneous and systemic reactions in adult patients. We report a series of children with malignant disease, who developed such reactions following mesna administration and discuss possible mechanisms and management issues.

Tandem high-dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral hematopoietic progenitor cell rescue as consolidation therapy for patients with high-risk Ewing family tumors

The role of tandem high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) with autologous peripheral hematopoietic progenitor cell rescue (APHPCR) in patients with Ewing Family Tumors (EFT) is controversial. We initiated treatment for eight consecutive patients with high-risk EFT with HDC and APHPCR from 1992 to 2003. There were no treatment related deaths. Four patients remain in complete remission, including three who did not undergo local therapy to bone at either the primary or metastatic sites. Our experience has shown that treatment of EFT patients with tandem HDC with APHPCR may benefit a subgroup of high-risk patients in whom optimal local therapy is not possible.

A pilot study of cisplatin, ifosfamide and mesna in the treatment of malignant mixed mesodermal tumors of the ovary

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of cisplatin and ifosfamide in the treatment of patients with malignant mixed mesodermal tumor (MMMT) of the ovary.

METHODS

Ten patients with histologically confirmed primary MMMT of the ovary diagnosed between 1993 and 2001 were enrolled in the study. Treatment consisted of cisplatin 75 mg/m2 on day 1, followed by ifosfamide 2.0 g/m2 over 24 h on days 1, 2 and 3. Mesna, 400 mg/m2, was given IV immediately prior to and 4 and 8 h after the start of each ifosfamide infusion. Chemotherapy was repeated on a 28-day cycle if blood counts permitted. Standard response criteria were used. Nine patients were evaluable for response.

RESULTS

Eight of the nine patients responded to therapy, with 7 complete responses (78%) and 1 partial response. Seven of the eight responders (87.5%) eventually recurred. The median progression-free survival was 10 months (range 0-94.4 months). The median overall survival was 17.1 months (range 8-125.5 months). One patient remained free of disease 94.4 months after diagnosis, and one patient remained alive with recurrence 125.5 months following diagnosis. There were 13 grade 3 toxicities and 4 grade 4 toxicities. Four patients had grade 4 and three had grade 3 neutropenia, all of which required dose reductions.

CONCLUSION

The combination of cisplatin and ifosfamide/mesna demonstrated activity against MMMT of the ovary. Response durations were short, however, and the regimen was associated with significant toxicity. Novel agents with activity against MMMT of the ovary and acceptable toxicity are needed.

Synovial cell sarcoma of the vulva: Multimodality treatment incorporating preoperative external-beam radiation, hemivulvectomy, flap reconstruction, interstitial brachytherapy, and chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Vulvar synovial cell sarcomas are rare, with only four previously published cases in the literature. Traditionally, the primary management for these tumors has been surgery alone.

CASE

We report a case of a large vulvar synovial cell sarcoma in a 50-year-old woman treated with comprehensive combined multimodality management, including preoperative intensity-modulated radiation therapy, radical hemivulvectomy, flap reconstruction, interstitial low-dose-rate brachytherapy boost, and adjuvant chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Based on this case and the limited data in the literature, multimodality treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcoma of the vulva may optimize local control and minimize toxicity while preserving sexual function.

[Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the retroperitoneum--review of clinical course and histopathology]

The definition of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) was modified and simplified in the new WHO-Soft Tissue and Bone Tumor Classification published in 2002. We reviewed the clinical courses of 7 patients with MFH of the retroperitoneum treated in our hospital from 1985 to 2005 and reexamined their pathological diagnoses according to the new classification. All pathological specimens were reviewed again by an expert pathologist (TH) and were confirmed as MFH. Median follow-up was 5 months (0.5 to 44 months). Five patients were diagnosed as having the pleomorphic type, and 2, the inflammatory type. The tumor was located in the retroperitoneal space in 6 patients and around the left spermatic cord in 1. Radical surgery was the primary treatment for 6 patients. The disease recurred locally in 5 patients and distant metastasis developed in 3. The lung and liver were the principal locations of distant metastases. The 2-year disease-specific survival rate was 30% and 2 patients have been alive for more than 3 years. Our experience and those of others reported in the literature suggested that the factors for long-term survival in MFH are pleomorphic-type histology, superficial location, small tumor size and intensive wide excision, although most patients with MFH might have a poor prognosis. Because the tumor size of MFH tended to be large, especially that in the retroperitoneal cavity, wide excision with sufficient tumor-free margin is hard to guarantee.

Mesna Protects Intestinal Mucosa from Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

BACKGROUND

Mesna is a thiol used for the prevention of oxazaphosphorine-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. However, its antioxidant properties on renal and hepatorenal oxidative damage, as well as its mucoprotective effect on the intestinal epithelium have also been shown. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential beneficial effect of mesna on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced oxidant damage of the intestinal mucosa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Wistar rats were subjected to intestinal I/R for 30 min, induced by occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery, followed by 60 min reperfusion. Mesna was administered at 3 time points relative to ischemia; 60 min before ischemia, at the onset of ischemia or at the onset of reperfusion. At the end of the study period, jejunal segments were excised and assessed for histopathologic score, apoptotic index using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay and glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG) ratio, as a marker of oxidative stress.

RESULTS

I/R caused deterioration of histological characteristics and induction of apoptosis and oxidative stress in the intestinal mucosa. Changes regarding histology and apoptosis were prevented when mesna was administered 60 min before ischemia, but were attenuated when mesna was administered at the onset of ischemia or reperfusion. In all mesna groups, oxidative stress was reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

Mesna can ameliorate or even prevent intestinal I/R injury by reducing oxidative stress.

Practical Use of MESNA in Atelectatic Ears and Adhesive Otitis Media

OBJECTIVE

MESNA is a synthetic sulfur compound that produces mucolysis by disrupting disulfide bonds. This study aimed to address indications and technique of MESNA application in otologic surgery, especially in retraction pockets and adhesive otitis media.

METHODS

MESNA application was performed in 42 ears of 39 patients. The diagnoses were retraction pockets fixed to incudostapedial joint, stapes or promontorium, and adhesive otitis media in 24 and 17 ears, respectively. Calculations were performed according to 24 ears of 23 patients with follow-up data.

RESULTS

One or more of the following surgical interventions were performed: MESNA application alone and ventilation tube insertion, reinforcement or mastoidectomy in addition to MESNA application. Sensorineural hearing loss was not encountered after MESNA application. The operation was successful in 79.2%. Overall revision surgery was needed in 20.8% of the ears. In 71.4% of the ears treated with MESNA alone, revision surgery was needed.

CONCLUSION

In the light of our experience, we advocate the use of MESNA in atelectatic ears, because it makes the operation easy and safe by allowing elevation of the tympanic membrane by its mechanical and chemical actions.

Spinal epidural extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma in an adolescent boy: a case report

Extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma (EES) represents a rare soft tissue malignant neoplasm histologically similar to skeletal Ewing sarcoma. It occurs mainly in adolescents and young adults and commonly affects the paravertebral regions. The differential diagnosis includes other small, blue round cells tumors. The authors report a case of an EES involving the spinal epidural and paravertebral spaces in an adolescent boy. EES diagnosis was confirmed by features of histologic analysis and immunohistochemistry and by the presence of the t(11;22)(q24;q12) chromosomal translocation by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

Successful treatment via chemotherapy and surgical resection of a femoral hemangiopericytoma with pulmonary metastasis

Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) is a soft-tissue neoplasm composed of proliferating capillary pericytes. It has variable and unpredictable malignancy and most commonly occurs in the fifth or sixth decade of life. Diagnosis is based on the histological aspect. HPC is exceedingly rare in childhood. In both adults and children, curative surgery is the most important predictor of survival. The place of chemotherapy in the treatment of HPC is not well established. We describe a case of adult-type metastatic HPC of the thigh in a 13-year-old boy. The response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was excellent, and local control of this initially unresectable tumor was achieved without radiation therapy or mutilating surgery. The child is alive and well and has had 8 years of follow-up after treatment.

[A case of secondary malignant lymphoma of the urinary bladder]

A 56-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for salvage chemotherapy of recurrent diffuse large B cell malignant lymphoma at clinical stage IIIb and which had been treated with 6 cycles of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (CHOP). Computed tomography showed multiple tumors in the bladder after a cycle of ifosfamide, etoposide and mitoxantrone (MINE), but cystoscopy after the second cycle revealed a single non-papillary tumor about 1cm in diameter. After 3 cycles of MINE therapy, transurethral resection of bladder tumor was performed. At the time of the operation, the protruded lesion disappeared and there remained only a scar. Biopsy of the scar revealed malignant lymphoma infiltrated into the submucosal layer. Although the rate of the bladder involvement of malignant lymphoma reaches 3-20% in autopsy cases, it is very rare for a secondary malignant lymphoma of the urinary bladder to be diagnosed clinically. The prognosis of the secondary bladder lymphoma is much poorer than that of the primary one, because of the widespread dissemination of the disease at the time of diagnosis.

Myxoid liposarcoma metastatic to the thyroid gland: a case report and literature review

We present the second reported case of a myxoid liposarcoma metastatic to the thyroid gland in a 51-year-old gentleman with previous liposarcoma of the right thigh. Myxoid liposarcoma has a relatively good prognosis but tends to recur locally. Metastases affecting the thyroid gland are a rare entity and most commonly arise from the kidney, lung or breast. Clinical presentation, patterns of recurrence and prognosis of myxoid liposarcoma and metastases to the thyroid gland are discussed.

Phase II Study of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy in the Management of High-Risk, High-Grade, Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Extremities and Body Wall: Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Trial 9514

Purpose

On the basis of a positive reported single-institution pilot study, the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group initiated phase II trial 9514 to evaluate its neoadjuvant regimen in a multi-institutional Intergroup setting.

Patients and Methods

Eligibility included a high-grade soft tissue sarcoma ≥ 8 cm in diameter of the extremities and body wall. Patients received three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT; modified mesna, doxorubicin, ifosfamide, and dacarbazine [MAID]), interdigitated preoperative radiation therapy (RT; 44 Gy administered in split courses), and three cycles of postoperative CT (modified MAID).

Results

Sixty-six patients were enrolled, of whom 64 were analyzed. Seventy-nine percent of patients completed their preoperative CT and 59% completed all planned CT. Three patients (5%) experienced fatal grade 5 toxicities (myelodysplasias, two patients; infection, one patient). Another 53 patients (83%) experienced grade 4 toxicities; 78% experienced grade 4 hematologic toxicity and 19% experienced grade 4 nonhematologic toxicity. Sixty-one patients underwent surgery. Fifty-eight of these were R0 resections, of which five were amputations. There were three R1 resections. The estimated 3-year rate for local-regional failure is 17.6% if amputation is considered a failure and 10.1% if not. Estimated 3-year rates for disease-free, distant–disease-free, and overall survival are 56.6%, 64.5%, and 75.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

This combined-modality treatment can be delivered successfully in a multi-institutional setting. Efficacy results are consistent with previous single-institution results.

Retroperitoneal synovial sarcoma

Retroperitoneal synovial sarcomas are very rare. The authors describe a 39-year-old male with a primary retroperitoneal synovial sarcoma showing a monophasic pattern. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, epithelial membrane antigen, vimentin, S-100 protein, CD99 and calretinin. The differential diagnosis, clinical evolution and principles of treatment are shortly discussed.

Acetaminophen-induced anion gap metabolic acidosis and 5-oxoprolinuria (pyroglutamic aciduria) acquired in hospital

A rare cause of high anion gap acidosis is 5-oxoproline (pyroglutamic acid), an organic acid intermediate of the gamma-glutamyl cycle. Acetaminophen and several other drugs have been implicated in the development of transient 5-oxoprolinemia in adults. We report the case of a patient with lymphoma who was admitted for salvage chemotherapy. The patient subsequently developed fever and neutropenia and was administered 20.8 g of acetaminophen during 10 days. During this time, anion gap increased from 14 to 30 mEq/L (14 to 30 mmol/L) and altered mental status developed. After usual causes of high anion gap acidosis were ruled out, a screen for urine organic acids showed 5-oxoproline levels elevated at 58-fold greater than normal values. Predisposing factors in this case included renal dysfunction and sepsis. Clinicians need to be aware of this unusual cause of anion gap acidosis because it may be more common than expected, early discontinuation of the offending agent is therapeutic, and administration of N -acetylcysteine could be beneficial.

Uterine liposarcoma in a young woman: a case report

Liposarcoma of uterus is a very rare neoplasm encountered generally in the sixth or seventh decade of life. We reported the eighth case of uterine liposarcoma with extension to broad ligament in a 23-year-old woman who presented with pelvic pain, dysuria, and rapidly enlarging pelvic mass. During laparotomy, the mass was detected to be originated from the uterine cervix. In frozen section, no definitive diagnosis was established, and for preservation of fertility, extirpation of the mass was performed. The histopathologic examination of the specimen revealed liposarcoma. The tumor cells were diffusely and intensively immune reactive for vimentin and S-100, and negative for smooth muscle actin, desmin, h-caldesmon, pan cytokeratin, and CD10. Staining with periodic acid and Schiff, alcian blue, mucicarmine, and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) were negative. No recurrence was detected in the postoperative seventh month. Present case is the youngest patient with uterine liposarcoma and also the first case detected in reproductive period.

In vivo generation of angiostatin isoforms by administration of a plasminogen activator and a free sulfhydryl donor: a phase I study of an angiostatic cocktail of tissue plasminogen activator and mesna

PURPOSE

Angiostatin4.5 (AS4.5), the endogenous human angiostatin, is derived from plasminogen in a two-step process. A plasminogen activator converts plasminogen to plasmin, then plasmin undergoes autoproteolysis to AS4.5. A free sulfhydryl donor can mediate plasmin autoproteolysis. To translate this process to human cancer therapy, we conducted a phase I trial of administration of a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) with a free sulfhydryl donor (mesna).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifteen patients with advanced solid tumors were treated. The dose of tPA was escalated (cohorts; 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7.5 mg/h for 6 hours). Mesna was administered as a 240 mg/m2 bolus followed by an infusion of 50 mg/h, concurrent with tPA. Both tPA and mesna were administered 3 consecutive days every 14 days.

RESULTS

No dose-limiting toxicity was observed. Two AS4.5 isoforms were generated, Lys-AS4.5 and Glu-AS4.5. Mean baseline Lys-AS4.5 level was 20.4 nmol/L (SE, 2.9). In the 5 mg/h tPA cohort, Lys-AS4.5 levels increased by an average of 143% or 24 nmol/L (SE, 4.9) above baseline. Glu-AS4.5 (M(r) approximately 62,000) was also generated (additional 77 amino acids at amino terminus compared with Lys-AS4.5). Glu-AS4.5 level at baseline was undetectable in four of five patients in the 5 mg/h tPA cohort, but at end of infusion, was approximately 67 nmol/L (SE, 20). Two patients in the 5 mg/h tPA cohort experienced decreases in tumor markers with treatment, although no clinical objective responses were observed.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that in vivo generation of AS4.5 is safe in humans and may provide a practical approach to achieve antiangiogenic therapy.

Primary angiosarcoma of the ovary: A case report of Stage I disease

BACKGROUND

There are 20 documented cases of primary ovarian angiosarcoma. Most patients present with metastatic disease and respond poorly to chemotherapy. There is little information available to counsel early-staged patients on the need for or efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy.

CASE

We present a case of Stage Ic primary ovarian angiosarcoma treated with 3 cycles of adjuvant MAID chemotherapy. The patient is without evidence of disease 10 months post-operatively.

CONCLUSION

A review of the literature indicates a potential role for MAID chemotherapy in the treatment of ovarian angiosarcomas. Detection of Stage I disease appears to confer a better prognosis regardless of the utilization of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Alveolar soft part sarcoma: a rare and enigmatic entity

Alveolar soft part sarcoma is a rare malignant tumor with unusual clinical behavior. Treatment of alveolar soft part sarcoma has been difficult to evaluate because of the small numbers of cases seen, but it seemed that although treatment of the primary tumor in alveolar soft part sarcoma often is successful, treatment of metastatic tumors is unsuccessful. A review of outcome after treatment of primary and metastatic disease in the 15 patients in our database with alveolar soft part sarcoma was done in order to evaluate this issue. Nine of 15 patients presented with metastatic disease and one further patient developed metastases. Treatment of primary tumors involved surgical excision in all but one patient and radiation in all patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to one patient with localized disease and to six patients with metastatic disease. There were no local recurrences. Treatment of metastatic tumors involved chemotherapy in seven patients, metastectomy in three patients, and radiation in two patients. All instances of the metastatic disease either recurred or progressed. Overall survival was 75% at 5 years and 40% at 10 years with a mean survival of 6.5 years, despite the high number of patients with metastatic disease. Current treatment results in good local control of primary tumors, but poor control of metastatic tumors. New approaches to treatment of metastatic alveolar soft part sarcoma must be investigated and applied.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, Level IV-1 (case series). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the cervix uteri: A case report

BACKGROUND

Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of the cervix uteri is extremely rare. Between 1987 and 2002, there have been eight cases described in the English literature. The treatment policies in these eight cases differed considerably, partly due to the rarity of the disease and to differing time periods of diagnosis and treatment.

CASE

At the end of 2002, a 21-year-old woman presented with a PNET of the cervix uteri at our institute, the Erasmus Medical Center. For the appropriate treatment in this case, we reviewed the literature and decided that the treatment should be different from the local surgical treatment followed by additional treatments as most of the earlier reports describe.

CONCLUSION

In view of the current knowledge of PNET belonging to the family of Ewing's sarcoma, and the improvement of treatment outcome in these tumors due to dose-intensive neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, patients with PNET of the cervix should be treated in accordance to the protocol for bony Ewing's sarcoma with multimodality therapy by means of induction chemotherapy, surgery, and consolidation chemotherapy.

The role of preoperative radiotherapy in nonmetastatic high-grade osteosarcoma of the extremities for limb-sparing surgery

PURPOSE

To assess the role of preoperative radiotherapy in patients with nonmetastatic high-grade osteosarcoma of the extremities for limb-sparing surgery and to compare the response of neoadjuvant therapies, local control, and survival with the literature results.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Forty-six patients with osteosarcoma of the limbs who were treated within a limb salvage protocol including preoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy between 1987 and 2002, were retrospectively analyzed. Median age was 17 years (range, 14-66 years). Treatment was started with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Cisplatin, epidoxorubicin, ifosfamide, and methotrexate were used in different combinations. Preoperative radiotherapy was applied, usually between the second and third cycle of chemotherapy. Radiotherapy was given (35 Gy in 10 fractions) to 44 patients. Two patients were treated with 46 Gy at 2 Gy/day. Definitive surgery was administered after the third course of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was complete 6 courses postsurgery.

RESULTS

Median follow-up time was 44 months (range, 2-154 months). Forty-four patients had limb-sparing surgery, whereas 2 had amputation. Tumor necrosis rate was >/=90% in 87% of the patients (Huvos Grade 3-4). Two patients had local failures, and 26 patients (56.5%) had distant metastases. The 5-year local control and overall survival rates were 97.5% and 48.4%, respectively. On univariate analysis, age </=18 years, Huvos Grade 4, lower-extremity localization, and surgery within 1 month significantly survived better than the others. On multivariate analysis, Huvos grade (p = 0.01), age (p = 0.01), interval between neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery (p = 0.02), and extremity localization (p = 0.02) were significant prognostic factors for actuarial survival. Severe complication developed in 20% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative radiotherapy helps to increase the chance of extremity-sparing surgery with good local control and necrosis rate when combined with chemotherapy.

Phase II Trial of Neoadjuvant Vincristine, Ifosfamide, and Doxorubicin With Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Support in Children and Adolescents With Advanced-Stage Nonrhabdomyosarcomatous Soft Tissue Sarcomas: A Pediatric Oncology Group Study

Purpose

To describe the response rate and survival of children and adolescents with unresected or metastatic nonrhabdomyosarcomatous soft tissue sarcomas (NRSTS) treated with vincristine, ifosfamide, and doxorubicin.

Patients and Methods

Between September 1996 and June 2000, 39 eligible patients received vincristine (1.5 mg/m2 weekly for 13 doses), ifosfamide (3 g/m2 daily for 3 days every 3 weeks for seven cycles), doxorubicin (30 mg/m2 daily for 2 days for six cycles), and mesna (750 mg/m2 for four doses after ifosfamide). Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was administered daily (5 μg/kg) after each cycle of chemotherapy. Radiotherapy was administered from weeks 7 through 12.

Results

The median patient age at diagnosis was 11.7 years; the most common primary tumor site was lower extremity (36%); and synovial sarcoma was the predominant histology. More than three fourths of all tumors were 5 cm or greater at their largest diameters. The overall objective combined partial and complete response rate was 41% (95% CI, 25.7% to 56.7%). The estimated 3-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates (± standard deviation) for eligible patients were 59% ± 8.2% and 43.6% ± 7%, respectively. Patients with clinical group III disease had significantly better 3-year and progression-free survival rates compared with patients who presented with metastatic disease.

Conclusion

The vincristine, ifosfamide, and doxorubicin regimen was moderately active against pediatric NRSTS. Patients with synovial sarcoma had higher response rates than other patients, and patients with unresected disease had improved outcomes. Patients with metastatic disease continue to fare poorly, and newer approaches are indicated for these patients.

Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of the novel chemoprotector BNP7787 in combination with cisplatin and attempt to eliminate the hydration schedule

BNP7787 (disodium 2,2′-dithio-bis-ethane sulphonate; Tavocept™) is a novel agent developed to protect against cisplatin (cis-diammine-dichloroplatinum(II))-associated chronic toxicities. In this study, we determined the recommended dose of BNP7787 when preceding a fixed dose of cisplatin, the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and the possible reduction of saline hydration. Patients with advanced solid tumours received BNP7787 in escalating doses of 4.1–41 g m⁻² as a 15-min intravenous (i.v.) infusion followed by cisplatin 75 mg m⁻² as a 60-min i.v. infusion together with pre- and postcisplatin saline hydration in a volume of 2200 ml; cycles were repeated every 3 weeks. PK was carried out using BNP7787, cisplatin and the combination. Twenty-five patients were enrolled in stage I of the study to determine the recommended dose of BNP7787. No dose-limiting toxicity was reached. The highest dose level of 41 g m⁻² resulted in a low incidence of grade 2 toxicities, being nausea and vomiting, dry mouth or bad taste and i.v. injection site discomfort. Doses of BNP7787 ⩾18.4 g m⁻² did not show a drug interaction between BNP7787 and cisplatin. In stage II of the study, patients received a fixed dose of BNP7787 of 18.4 g m⁻² preceding cisplatin and were entered in prespecified reduced saline hydration steps. A total of 21 patients in cohorts of six to nine patients received reduced saline hydration of 1600 ml (step A), 1000 ml (step B) and 500 ml (step C). In step C, two out of six evaluable patients experienced grade 1 nephrotoxicity. Cisplatin acute toxicities in all 46 patients were as expected. Only five patients complained of paresthesias grade 1 and six developed slight audiometric changes. Partial tumour response was observed in four patients and stable disease in 15 patients. In conclusion, BNP7787 was tolerated well up to doses of 41 g m⁻². The recommended dose of 18.4 g m⁻² enabled safe reduction of the saline hydration schedule for cisplatin to 1000 ml. Further studies will assess whether BNP7787 offers protection against platinum-related late side effects.

A Phase I Study of Prolonged Ambulatory Infusion of Ifosfamide with Oral Mesna

BACKGROUND

Oral mesna allows investigation of ifosfamide as a prolonged ambulatory infusion for dose-intense out-patient use.

METHODS

Cohorts of 3 patients received escalating doses of ifosfamide from 200 to 1,000 mg/m2/day as continuous ambulatory infusion with oral mesna at 30% of the ifosfamide dose every 6 h commencing 2 h prior to ifosfamide infusion as uroprotection on a 14-day schedule with cycles repeated every 28 days.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients received a median of three cycles. Dose-limiting toxicities with cycle 1 were lethargy and hepatotoxicity at 1,000 mg/m2/14 days. Transient transaminase elevation was seen at all dose levels. The other grade 3 toxicities were single episodes of anaemia, granulocytopenia, nausea and hypotension. The best response was stable disease in a patient with thyroid cancer.

CONCLUSION

Ambulatory infusion of 600 mg/m2 ifosfamide with 180 mg/m2 oral mesna was considered suitable for phase II trials and delivers dose-intense out-patient therapy without urotoxicity.

Extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma of the diaphragm presenting with hemothorax

Ewing sarcoma is a relatively uncommon malignant bone neoplasm that usually occurs in children and young adults and involves the major long bones, pelvis, and ribs. Primary diaphragmatic Ewing sarcoma is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, only three cases of primary Ewing sarcoma of the diaphragm have been reported. A 12-year-old girl presented spontaneous occurrences of the right hemothorax. After drainage, a roentgenogram film, computed tomography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance image showed a giant mass on the right diaphragm. Primary diaphragmatic tumor was resected totally by right posterolateral thoracotomy, and histologically, an extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma was identified. The patient received adjuvant radio-chemotherapy, and there was no evidence of disease 10 months after the operation. Although extremely rare, extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of diaphragmatic soft tissue tumors.