Prognostic factors for melanoma in children and adolescents: a clinicopathologic, single-center study of 137 Patients

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous melanoma in childhood is rare; therefore, its prognostic factors and biologic behavior and the effectiveness of adjuvant diagnostic techniques in this group remain mostly unknown.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective, observational study on the prognostic significance of clinical and pathologic findings from 137 cutaneous and mucosal melanomas in patients aged <18 years that were reviewed by the pathology department of a large cancer center during the period from 1992 to 2006.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis indicated that there was a significantly greater risk of metastases for patients who had previous nonmelanocytic malignancies, nodular histologic type, fusiform or spitzoid cytology, high Breslow thickness, vertical growth phase, high dermal mitotic activity, ulceration, and vascular invasion. Adjacent nevus and radial growth phase were associated with a better prognosis. Twelve patients (10.3%) died during follow-up. Decreased overall survival was related significantly to age >10 years, previous nonmelanocytic malignancy, high Breslow thickness, high Clark level, and the presence of metastases at diagnosis. All patients who died were aged ≥ 11 years, and 8 of those patients had metastases at diagnosis. In multivariate analysis, higher Breslow thickness predicted an increased risk of metastases, whereas age >10 years and the presence of metastases at diagnosis were associated with decreased survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar to adults, the detection of metastases at diagnosis in children with melanoma was 1 of the main factors that influenced overall survival. Melanomas that were detected in children aged <11 years appeared to have a less aggressive behavior than those detected in adults.

Evaluation of late immunologic parameters among renal transplant recipients induced with Campath-1H

Organ transplantation success depends principally on avoiding rejection, a purpose almost accomplished with immunosuppressant therapy. Nevertheless, drug side effects have promoted the search for other mechanisms to restrain alloresponses. T-regulatory cells (Treg) might exert that function. Campath 1H (C1H) induces Treg proliferation in the period subsequent to T-cell depletion following C1H administration. In the present study, the status of Treg and de novo HLA antibody production was determined posttransplantation when T-cell repopulation had been completed. In 14 patients, the following parameters were analyzed: renal function, rejection, Treg, panel-reactive antibody (PRA), and HLA antibodies. Patient and graft survivals were 100%. At the moment of Treg determination (20 months following transplant) the mean tacrolimus level was 8.4 ng/mL. One patient experienced an antibody-mediated rejection at 15 months after transplantation while having 3.2% Treg, with excellent treatment responses. Mean leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were 5752 and 1183 cells/mm(3); the mean peripheral blood percentage of Treg of 7.1% +/- 5.9% was not different from that observed in subjects without induction (mean 5.5% +/- 2.5%). Three patients (21%) showed Treg greater than 8.0%. In seven patients, we compared Treg at 4 and 20 months posttransplant, observing a decline from a mean of 19.9% to 5.9% (P = .05). In seven recipients, posttransplant PRA was determined; five of them became "de novo" sensitized, three with a mean class I PRA of 16% and two with a mean class II PRA of 37%. In conclusion, patient and graft survivals were excellent, mean Treg percentage was not elevated with results lower than in the early posttransplant period. Rejection incidence was negligible. Late "de novo" sensitization occurred in 70% showing that B cell-mediated alloresponses were only partially controlled among recipients induced with C1H even when associated with sustained anticalcineurin treatment.

Chilean experience in liver transplantation for acute liver failure in children

BACKGROUND

Acute liver failure (ALF) in children is a life-threatening condition, associated with high mortality, and in almost one third of the cases, with no other therapeutic option than orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). The aim of this study was to present our experience with OLT for ALF in pediatric patients in Chile. Patients fulfilling the criteria for ALF who were transplanted in our centers were prospectively included in an excel Microsoft database. We analyzed demographics, etiology, surgical techniques, complications, and long-term results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1994 and 2009, we transplanted 52 pediatric patients with ALF. The most frequent known etiology was acute hepatitis A in 9 cases (18%), but in 26 cases (50%) it was impossible to determine the etiology. Thirty- one patients were males (63%). The overall mean age was 7.5 years and the mean weight, 28.1 kg. Thirty-five (67%) received a cadaveric graft. Among them in 18 cases (34%) the liver had to be reduced but 17 (33%) received whole livers. There were 17 (33%) recipients of living-related livers. Twenty-two patients needed reoperation, including 13 due to surgical complications (59%) and 9 (41%) as planned interventions. Ten patients were retransplanted.

RESULTS

Actuarial survival of patients at 1 year was 80% and at 5 and 10 years, 72%. Graft survival at 1 year was 79%, at 5 years 69%, and at 10 years 50%.

CONCLUSION

We have reported a series of pediatric liver transplant patients due to ALF whose results were comparable to other reported series. Living donor transplantation for ALF should be considered and offers a low morbidity rate without mortality.

Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of cetuximab and irinotecan in children with refractory solid tumors: a study of the pediatric oncology experimental therapeutic investigators' consortium

PURPOSE

To determine the dose of cetuximab that can be safely combined with irinotecan for treatment of pediatric and adolescent patients with refractory solid tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This open-label, phase I study enrolled patients ages 1 to 18 years with advanced refractory solid tumors, including tumors of the CNS. Patient cohorts by age group (children, ages 1 to 12 years; adolescents, ages 13 to 18 years) received escalating weekly doses of cetuximab (75, 150, 250 mg/m(2)) in a 3 + 3 design, plus irinotecan (16 or 20 mg/m(2)/d) for 5 days for 2 consecutive weeks every 21 days. The primary end points were establishing the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), recommended phase II dose (RPIID), and pharmacokinetics of the combination. Preliminary safety and efficacy data were also collected.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven children and 19 adolescents received a median of 7.1 and 6.0 weeks of cetuximab therapy, respectively. Cetuximab 250 mg/m(2) weekly plus irinotecan 16 mg/m(2)/d (pediatric) or 20 mg/m(2)/d (adolescent) have been established as the MTD/RPIID. Dose-limiting toxicities included diarrhea and neutropenia. Mild to moderate (grade 1 to 2) acneiform rash occurred in a majority of patients; no grade 3 to 4 rashes were observed. Cetuximab demonstrated dose-dependent clearance in both children and adolescents, similar to that in adults. There were two confirmed partial responses, both in patients with CNS tumors. Stable disease was achieved in 18 patients overall, including 10 patients with CNS tumors (38.5%).

CONCLUSION

The cetuximab/irinotecan combination can be given safely to children and adolescents with cancer. Promising activity, particularly in CNS tumors, warrants phase II evaluation of this regimen.

Alemtuzumab induction in kidney transplantation: clinical results and impact on T-regulatory cells

Alemtuzumab (ALT), a humanized monoclonal anti-CD52 antibody, was introduced in solid organ transplantation as an induction agent. ALT associated with anticalcineurins has provided a low incidence of acute rejection episodes (ARE) and potential tolerogenic properties. We analyzed the clinical outcomes and effects on peripheral Treg of renal transplant recipients treated with ALT. Six-month data on kidney alone or kidney combined with pancreas or liver patients treated with ALT and tacrolimus (TAC) in standard doses were compared with those on renal transplant recipients of similar demography who were not treated with ALT. We evaluated patient and graft survivals, ARE incidence, hematological parameters, renal function, adverse events, and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells in peripheral blood. Demographics of recipients, donors, and transplants were similar in both groups. Mean HLA mismatch was slightly greater among ALT-treated patients (3.5 vs 2.5). No combined transplantation was performed in the ALT-untreated group. Patient and graft survivals were 100% without rejection or serious infections in both groups. ALT-treated recipients showed anemia and leukopenia in 3 patients as well as severe lymphopenia in 5 recipients, who partially recovered on day 90. Final mean plasma creatinine was 1.4 mg/dL, while calculated creatinine clearance was approximately 65 mL/min in both groups. Mean Treg cell percentage was higher among ALT-treated recipients than the comparative group or healthy controls (P < .05). In conclusion, renal transplantation results obtained using ALT with rigorous immunosuppressive therapy were excellent; serious adverse events and acute rejection were absent. The effect of the increased proportion of Treg cells must be evaluated with longer observation.

[Retrospective 5-year analysis of MR-guided biopsies in a low-field MR system]

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and clinical value of MR-guided biopsies in an open 0.2 T low-field system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 322 patients with suspicious lesions of different body regions were biopsied in a low-field MRI system (0.2 T, Concerto, Siemens). The procedures were guided using T 1-weighted Flash sequences (TR/TE = 100/9; 70 degrees). The lesions were repeatedly biopsied using the coaxial technique with a 15-gauge (diameter 2 mm) puncture needle. Complications and biopsy findings were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

In all cases the biopsy procedures were successfully performed with MR guidance. In 298 patients diagnosis was able to be confirmed on the basis of the probes. The clinical follow-up showed that in 24 patients the lesions were missed by MR-guided biopsy. From this a sensitivity of 86%, a specificity of 87% and an accuracy of 93% were calculated. In two patients major complications were observed (morbidity rate 0.6 %).

CONCLUSION

MR-guided biopsy can be performed safely and precisely in a low-field MR system and are a supplement to US or CT-guided biopsies.

Incidence, detection, and management of cardiac metastasis in pediatric sarcoma patients

10060

Background: Sarcoma metastasizing to the heart is a difficult and complicated clinical problem, yet local control is feasible and effective for select patients with cardiac metastasis. Diligence is required to detect these lesions while still amenable to treatment, and echocardiogram remains the best tool for detecting cardiac disease. Methods: We reviewed all echocardiograms (1330) performed on 307 pediatric sarcoma patients treated at UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1997 and 2008. Measures of cardiac function and pathology (including size of ventricles and atria, function of ventricles and valves, presence of metastasis, and presence of pericardial effusion) were assigned numerical values. Fisher's exact test and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test compared clinical characteristics of patients with and without cardiac metastases. Results: The prevalence of cardiac metastases was 1.6% (5/307) with 95% confidence interval 0.5% to 3.8%. The presence of cardiac metastasis positively correlated with pericardial effusion (p = 0.001) and tricuspid valve insufficiency (p = 0.014). The probability of a patient with pericardial effusion having a cardiac metastasis was 28.6% (95% CI: 3.7%-71%). Of the 5 patients with documented sarcoma metastasis to the heart, 3 had widespread refractory disease, were given no cardiac-specific therapy, and rapidly died from disease. One patient who had widespread disease controlled with chemotherapy and radiation had open resection of 2 cardiac metastases which resulted in site-specific disease control for 6 months before succumbing to progressive extra-cardiac disease. Another patient had isolated cardiac metastasis, treated with open resection of 2 metastases followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, and has been without recurrent cardiac metastases for 5 years and 9 months. Conclusions: Durable local control for sarcoma metastasizing to the heart is possible and effective for select patients. Pericardial effusion merits evaluation for potential associated cardiac metastasis. Echocardiogram monitoring of sarcoma patients remains important, and should include screening for possible cardiac metastasis.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

First administration to humans of a monoclonal antibody cocktail against rabies virus: safety, tolerability, and neutralizing activity

Immediate passive immune prophylaxis as part of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) often cannot be provided due to limited availability of human or equine rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG and ERIG, respectively). We report first clinical data from two phase I studies evaluating a monoclonal antibody cocktail CL184 against rabies. The studies included healthy adult subjects in the USA and India and involved two parts. First, subjects received a single intramuscular dose of CL184 or placebo in a double blind, randomized, dose-escalation trial. Second, open-label CL184 (20IU/kg) was co-administered with rabies vaccine. Safety was the primary objective and rabies virus neutralizing activity (RVNA) was investigated as efficacy parameter. Pain at the CL184 injection site was reported by less than 40% of subjects; no fever or local induration, redness or swelling was observed. RVNA was detectable from day 1 to day 21 after a single dose of CL184 20 or 40IU/kg. All subjects had adequate (>0.5IU/mL) RVNA levels from day 14 onwards when combined with rabies vaccine. CL184 appears promising as an alternative to RIG in PEP.

MR-guided interventions of the prostate gland

In recent years MR imaging has played an increasingly important role in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. MR imaging of the prostate allows a clear delineation of the anatomic structures and prostate tumors when performing interventions such as biopsies, brachytherapy or thermal therapy of the prostate gland. MRI robotic assistance will improve the accuracy of the interventions. Due to the advantages of MR imaging MR-guided prostate interventions will play an increasing role in future.

Continuous hyperthermic peritoneal perfusion for desmoplastic small round cell tumor

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare disease of children, adolescents, and young adults that begins and spreads on the peritoneal surfaces. Desmoplastic small round cell tumor usually presents with diffuse abdominal metastatic disease similar in gross appearance to carcinomatosis. To date, very aggressive treatment programs have yielded dismal outcomes. Here we present 2 cases of DSRCT that were treated with aggressive surgical excision followed by intraoperative continuous hyperthermic peritoneal perfusion using cisplatin. These are the first pediatric case reports of DSRCT being treated with continuous hyperthermic peritoneal perfusion, a procedure usually used in treatment of adult carcinomatosis.

Conversion from a calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppressive regimen to everolimus in renal transplant recipients: effect on renal function and proteinuria

New immunosuppressive agents are being actively researched to avoid complications of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN), calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) nephrotoxicity, and posttransplantation cancer. The family of mTOR inhibitors offers a unique immunosuppressive opportunity to avoid CNI toxicity and reduce the incidence of malignancy. Nevertheless, increasing data have demonstrated that sirolimus (SRL), the first mTOR introduced in the treatment of solid organ transplant recipients, induces proteinuria, an adverse event that could produce deterioration of long-term renal function. In this short-term study of patients followed for 1 to 16 months, we examined changes in renal function and proteinuria among renal transplant recipients converted from a CNI-based regimen to an everolimus (EVL)-based one, a recently introduced mTOR inhibitor. Our data showed that renal function can be optimized after conversion to EVL by up to 42% in recipients showing CAN grade 1 or 2, or CNI nephrotoxicity. Importantly, patients who improved their creatinine clearance did not show increased proteinuria measured in a voided specimen as the ratio of urinary protein and creatinine concentration (P/C). These results, if confirmed with long-term follow-up and a larger number of patients, would allow us to consider EVL as a promising agent for maintenance immunosuppressive regimens in kidney transplantation.

Conversion from a calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppressive regimen to everolimus in renal transplant recipients: effect on renal function and proteinuria

New immunosuppressive agents are being actively researched to avoid complications of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN), calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) nephrotoxicity, and posttransplantation cancer. The family of mTOR inhibitors offers a unique immunosuppressive opportunity to avoid CNI toxicity and reduce the incidence of malignancy. Nevertheless, increasing data have demonstrated that sirolimus (SRL), the first mTOR introduced in the treatment of solid organ transplant recipients, induces proteinuria, an adverse event that could produce deterioration of long-term renal function. In this short-term study of patients followed for 1 to 16 months, we examined changes in renal function and proteinuria among renal transplant recipients converted from a CNI-based regimen to an everolimus (EVL)-based one, a recently introduced mTOR inhibitor. Our data showed that renal function can be optimized after conversion to EVL by up to 42% in recipients showing CAN grade 1 or 2, or CNI nephrotoxicity. Importantly, patients who improved their creatinine clearance did not show increased proteinuria measured in a voided specimen as the ratio of urinary protein and creatinine concentration (P/C). These results, if confirmed with long-term follow-up and a larger number of patients, would allow us to consider EVL as a promising agent for maintenance immunosuppressive regimens in kidney transplantation.

Immunogenicity and safety of a virosomal hepatitis A vaccine in HIV-positive patients

This short report presents results of an open uncontrolled single centre study which evaluated immunogenicity and safety of a virosome-formulated hepatitis A vaccine (Epaxal) in 14 HIV-positive adult patients and 64 healthy adults receiving a primary immunisation and a booster dose 12 months later. Seroconversion rates (> or =20 mIU/mL), geometric mean concentration (GMC) of anti-HAV antibodies, local and systemic adverse events (AEs) were assessed at baseline and at Months 1, 6, 12, and 13. The seroconversion rate was 63.6% at Month 1 and 91.7% at Month 13 in HIV-positive patients versus 93.8 and 100% in healthy adults. The booster dose increased GMCs from 25.5 to 659.2 mIU/mL in HIV-positive patients versus 104 and 2986 mIU/mL in healthy adults. Epaxal was well tolerated by the HIV-positive patients and was at least as immunogenic as reported for aluminium-adsorbed vaccines. In conclusion, Epaxal can be considered an immunogenic and safe hepatitis A vaccine in HIV-positive patients.

A phase Ib study of oxaliplatin in combination with fluorouracil (5FU) and leucovorin (LV) in pediatric patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors

9548

Background: Platinums have significant activity in a wide variety of pediatric tumors, and oxaliplatin exhibits synergy with 5FU and LV in adults with colorectal cancer in FOLFOX regimens. The primary objectives of this study are to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the modified FOLFOX6 regimen in pediatric tumors. Secondary objectives include safety, PK pharmacokinetic (PK) and PET scan efficacy analyses. Methods: Pts age <21 years with advanced cancers and adequate organ function are eligible. Patients are stratified by tumor type (CNS or non-CNS) to better delineate the potential neurotoxicity in patients with altered neurologic function. Pts received oxaliplatin starting at 85 mg/m2 and LV 400 mg/m2 over 2 hours on day 1 followed by a 5FU bolus of 400 mg/m2 then 2,400 mg/m2 continuous infusion over 46 hours, every 2 weeks (3 courses = 1 cycle), with integrated PK sampling in a limited dose escalation design. Standard 3+3 dose escalation, definitions of dose limiting toxicity (DLT), and dose modification for toxicity are implemented. The MTD is expanded to 15 patients to confirm and further characterize tolerability and toxicity. Results: To date, 15 very heavily pre-treated patients (7 M, 8 F) have received 25 cycles (range 1–4, median 2) of treatment at 2 dose levels. One of 8 pts at dose level 2 (oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2) developed DLT (delay in repeat treatment > 14 days due to grade 3 platelets). Treatment has been well tolerated. The most frequently reported related grade 3–4 adverse events (AEs) are reversible leukocytes (29%), neutropenia (43%), platelets (35%) and lymphopenia (21%). 31 of 90 courses (34%) have been delayed for neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Anti-tumor activity to date includes a confirmed partial response lasting 15 weeks in a patient with osteosarcoma, and prolonged stable disease in 5 other pts with brain tumors (2), hepatoblastoma (2) and sarcoma (1). Conclusions: The modified FOLFOX6 regimen has significant but reversible myelosuppression in heavily pre-treated pediatric patients, but is tolerable and has promising activity in several tumor types. Cohort expansion continues at 100 mg/m2 of oxaliplatin. PET scan and pharmacokinetic analyses will be presented.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase I study of cetuximab and irinotecan in pediatric patients (pts) with refractory solid tumors

9547

Background: Irinotecan has shown antitumor activity in a number of pediatric tumors. In adults with colorectal cancer, combining irinotecan with cetuximab enhances clinical activity as compared to treatment with irinotecan alone. We implemented this first-in- pediatrics phase I study to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended Phase II dose (RP2D) of cetuximab and irinotecan in pediatric patients. Methods: 35 heavily pre-treated pts with refractory solid tumors were enrolled: brainstem glioma/astrocytoma (16), hepatoblastoma (4), neuroblastoma (2), other (13). Weekly cetuximab was escalated in 3 sequential dose levels: 75, 150 or 250mg/m2; Irinotecan was given at 16 or 20 mg/m2/day over 1 hour [daily × 5] for two weeks, every 21 days. Correlative EGFR expression (immunohistochemistry and FISH) and/or mutations, pharmacokinetics (PK) of and immune response to cetuximab were performed. Results: Pts were treated in two age cohorts (ages 1–12 yrs = Group A, and 13–18 yrs = Group B). PK analyses show linearity, with similar t1/2, clearance, and volume of distribution between groups. Irinotecan-related DLT in 2/6 pts in Group A/dose 2 necessitated dose de-escalation. Three pts experienced Grade 3 hypersensitivity infusion reaction and were discontinued. A pt with an EGFR-negative high-grade glioma (dose level 1) achieved a >70% reduction in tumor size and remains on study for 16+ months (24 cycles). A pt with ependymoma experienced a partial response (PR) and continues on cycle 12+. 9 pts received ≥4 cycles of therapy. 16 pts had a best response of stable disease or PR (mean 17 wks, range 5–66+ wks) for a clinical benefit rate of 45%. Conclusions: The combination of cetuximab and irinotecan is well-tolerated over multiple repeat cycles without cumulative toxicity in children with refractory CNS and non-CNS solid tumors. Promising preliminary anti-cancer activity was observed in a variety of pediatric solid tumors. Detailed biologic correlative and PK data will be presented.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Role of meprin A in renal tubular epithelial cell injury

Meprins are zinc-dependent metalloproteinases that are highly expressed in the brush-border membranes of both the kidney and the intestines. Meprins are capable of proteolytically degrading extracellular matrix proteins, proteolytically processing bioactive proteins, and play a role in inflammatory processes. In this study, the function of meprin A in the acute kidney injury (AKI) model of cisplatin nephrotoxicity was examined. Normal linear localization of meprin A in the brush border membranes of proximal tubules was altered in AKI. The meprin A alpha-subunit was detected in the urine of both control and cisplatin-treated mice. A cleaved product of the meprin A beta-subunit, undetected in the urine of control mice, was found to be significantly increased in the urine during the progression of cisplatin nephrotoxicity. The excretion of this beta-fragment was found to be before the rise in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) suggesting usefulness as a biomarker for AKI. Pretreatment of mice with a meprin A inhibitor afforded protection from cisplatin nephrotoxicity as reflected by significant decreases in serum creatinine, BUN, and the excretion of kidney injury molecule-1. These decreases in serum and urine biomarkers were accompanied by significant decreases in histologic markers such as leukocyte infiltration and apoptosis. Meprin A appears to be an important therapeutic target and urinary excretion appears to be a potential biomarker of AKI.