Ewing sarcoma of the rib: results of an intergroup study with analysis of outcome by timing of resection

OBJECTIVE

We sought to establish the outcome and optimal therapeutic sequence for patients with nonmetastatic Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the chest wall.

METHODS

Patients 30 years of age or younger with nonmetastatic Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the bone were randomly assigned to receive vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and dactinomycin or those drugs alternating with ifosfamide and etoposide. Local control was obtained with an operation, radiotherapy, or both.

RESULTS

Fifty-three (13.4%) of 393 patients had primary tumors of the chest wall (all rib). Event-free survival at 5 years was 57% for the chest wall compared with 61% for other sites (P >.2). Ifosfamide and etoposide improved outcome in the overall group (5-year event-free survival, 68% vs 54%; P =.002), and a similar trend occurred in chest wall lesions (5-year event-free survival, 64% vs 51%). Patients with chest wall lesions had more attempts at initial surgical resection (30%) than those with other primary tumor sites (8%, P <.01). The attempt at initial resection for chest wall lesions did not correlate with size. Initial resections at other sites were restricted to smaller tumors. Initial resection resulted in negative pathologic margins in 6 of 16 patients, whereas the delayed resection resulted in negative margins in 17 of 24 patients (P =.05). Although there was no difference in survival by timing of the operation in rib lesions, a higher percentage of patients with initial surgical resection received radiation than those with resection after initial chemotherapy (P =. 13).

CONCLUSIONS

Although rib primary tumors are significantly larger than tumors found in other sites, their outcome is similar. We favor delayed resection whenever possible to minimize the number of patients requiring radiation therapy.

Children's cancer group trials of interleukin-2 therapy to prevent relapse of acute myelogenous leukemia

PURPOSE

Up to 80% of children with acute myelogenous leukemia treated with intensive chemotherapy achieve remission; however, a large proportion of patients develops recurrent disease. Because interleukin (IL)-2 can induce remission in patients with overt evidence of acute myelogenous leukemia, we hypothesized that it might prevent relapse when administered to patients in first remission after intensive consolidation chemotherapy. A pilot Children's Cancer Group (CCG) trial (CCG-0941) demonstrated the feasibility of this approach, and we initiated a prospective randomized trial (CCG-2961) to further evaluate the safety and potential efficacy of IL-2 therapy in preventing relapse of acute myelogenous leukemia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In trial CCG-0941, 21 pediatric patients in complete remission following induction and consolidation chemotherapy on protocol CCG-2941 received IL-2 therapy. In CCG-2961, 79 patients in complete remission were randomized as of February 1999 to receive either IL-2 (n = 39) or no further therapy. In both trials, recombinant IL-2 was given at a dose of 9 million IU/m2/d by continuous intravenous infusion for 4 days. After 4 days of rest, IL-2 was resumed at a dose of 1.6 million IU/m2/d for 10 days by continuous infusion. We monitored patients for toxicity and relapse.

RESULTS

The majority of patients treated with IL-2 in these two trials experienced some degree of fever. Seven of 60 patients (12%) had clinically significant rashes, and grade 3 vascular leak syndrome and hypotension have each been observed in five patients (8%). Hypotension resolved promptly after treatment with intravenous fluids. No patients have experienced renal toxicity or required cardiac vasopressors or transfer to an intensive care unit; there have been no treatment-related deaths. Overall, the incidence and severity of adverse events remain similar in the two trials. Total projected accrual to the IL-2 randomization is anticipated to be 326 patients, and relapse and survival data remain blinded.

CONCLUSION

The dose and schedule of IL-2 used in these two trials continue to be reasonably well tolerated by children with acute myelogenous leukemia in first remission. Any conclusions with regard to efficacy must await completion of the randomized trial.

Phase I study of topotecan administered as a 21-day continous infusion in children with recurrent solid tumors: a report from the Children's Cancer Group

The purpose of this study was to determine the toxicity, maximum tolerated dose, and pharmacokinetics of a 21-day continuous infusion of topotecan in children with relapsed solid tumors. Fifteen patients received 40 courses of continuous ambulatory infusions of topotecan every 28 days or when there was resolution of hematological toxicity and any grade 2 or greater nonhematological toxicity. The starting dose was 0.4 mg/m2/day. Total topotecan levels were measured on days 1, 7, 14, and 21. Three of four patients who received a starting dose of 0.4 mg/m2/day experienced dose-limiting myelosuppression. At the reduced dose of 0.3 mg/ m2/day, only two of the seven patients experienced dose-limiting myelosuppression. Subsequently, four patients with more limited prior therapy were treated with 0.4 mg/m2/ day; three had dose-limiting myelosuppression. Two patients with a dose-limiting toxicity at 0.4 mg/m2/day tolerated additional courses at 0.3 mg/m2/day. An equal number of patients had grade 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia. Other adverse events were rare. Two patients with ependymoma, one with rhabdomyosarcoma, and one with retinoblastoma metastatic to the brain had objective responses. The steady state plasma concentration and clearance of topotecan (Css) was achieved by day 1. Css in six patients with complete data were 1.44 +/- 0.50 and 2.13 +/- 0.83 ng/ml at 0.3 and 0.4 mg/m2/day, respectively. Thus, a 21-day topotecan infusion was well-tolerated at 0.3 mg/m2/day. Myelo-suppression was the dose-limiting toxicity at 0.4 mg/m2/day. The steady state and clearance of topotecan in this study are similar to those reported in adult patients.

A Phase I study of granulocyte-macrophage-colony stimulating factor/interleukin-3 fusion protein (PIXY321) following ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide therapy for children with recurrent or refractory solid tumors: a report of the Children's Cancer Group

BACKGROUND

This Phase I trial was developed to determine the safety, biologic activity, and effects on hematopoietic recovery of PIXY321 following ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide chemotherapy for children with recurrent or refractory solid tumors.

METHODS

Children (age < 22 years at diagnosis) received ifosfamide 1800 mg/m2/day x 5 days, carboplatin 400 mg/m2/day x 2 days, and etoposide 100 mg/m2/day x 5 days, followed by daily subcutaneous administration of PIXY321. Dose-limiting toxicity was defined as Grade IV toxicity related to PIXY321. Pharmacokinetic and endogenous cytokine production studies were conducted during Course 1, and peripheral blood (PB) progenitor cell and receptor expression studies were conducted during Course 1 when the white blood cell count recovered to > or=1000/mm3.

RESULTS

Twenty-four children received ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide chemotherapy plus PIXY321, the latter at doses of 500 /g/m2/day (n=3), 750 microg/m2/day (n=6), 1000 microg/m2/day (n=9), or 500 microg/m2/twice a day (n=6). PIXY321 was well tolerated, with only 1 dose-limiting toxicity (chills, occurring at a dose of 750 microg/m2/day). The maximum tolerated dose was not reached in this study. The median days to absolute neutrophil count recovery (> or =1000/mm3) and platelet recovery (>100,000/mm3) during Course 1 following PIXY321 (1000 microg/ m2/day) were 22 days (range, 5-33 days) and 20 days (range, 5-31 days), respectively. There was a 2500, 5000, 3000, and 390% increase in PB granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units, erythrocyte blast-forming units, granulocyte erythrocyte macrophage and megakaryocyte colony-forming units, and CD34+ cells, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, this pediatric Phase I trial demonstrated that PIXY321 was well tolerated by children and resulted in platelet recovery a median of 20 days after ICE chemotherapy and an increase in the number of PB progenitor cells above baseline. However, based on recent negative results with PIXY321 in randomized Phase II/III trials involving adult subjects, PIXY321 is not currently available for future trials involving children.

A Phase II clinical trial of idarubicin administered to children with relapsed brain tumors

BACKGROUND

Idarubicin (IDR), an anthracycline that is a derivative of daunorubicin, was synthesized in an attempt to find new analogs of daunorubicin with an improved spectrum of activity and diminished acute or chronic toxicity. Because of the favorable pharmacokinetic profile of IDR (with the persistence of its active metabolite [idarubicinol], the penetration of idarubicinol into the cerebrospinal fluid, and the lipophilicity of IDR/idarubicinol compared with other anthracyclines), its more favorable therapeutic index regarding cardiotoxicity in animals, and its potential for oral administration, a Phase II trial of IDR in children with relapsed brain tumors was undertaken.

METHODS

Patients received IDR at a dose of 5 mg/m2/day x 3 days by intravenous bolus, followed by granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) at a dose of 5 microg/kg/day, starting on Day 7 of each cycle and continuing for at least 7 days, until the absolute neutrophil count was > or =10,000/mm3.

RESULTS

Three of 19 patients with high grade astrocytoma achieved a partial response, 1 of 20 patients with medulloblastoma had a complete response, and 0 of 13 patients with ependymoma and 0 of 13 patients with brainstem tumors had responses. In nine other brain tumor patients there were no responses. The most significant toxicity was myelosuppression.

CONCLUSIONS

IDR, given at a dose of 5 mg/m2/day x 3 days, is not sufficiently active against relapsed medulloblastoma, ependymoma, or brain stem tumors to warrant further study of this agent in a Phase III setting. The response rate for patients with relapsed high grade astrocytoma was 15% (95% confidence interval, 3.3-40%).

MOPP or radiation in addition to ABVD in the treatment of pathologically staged advanced Hodgkin's disease in children: results of the Children's Cancer Group Phase III Trial

PURPOSE

A randomized trial designed to compare mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (MOPP)/doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and daccarbazine (ABVD) (regimen A) with ABVD plus low-dose regional (extended-field) radiation therapy (EF RT) (regimen B) for the treatment of children and adolescents with stages III and IV Hodgkin's disease was conducted by the Children's Cancer Group (CCG-521) from 1986 until 1990.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred eleven eligible patients were randomized, 57 to regimen A and 54 to regimen B. All patients had pathologically verified stage III or stage IV Hodgkin's disease.

RESULTS

Overall survival (S) is 87% at 4 years and event-free survival (EFS) is 82%. Patients randomized to ABVD plus EF RT have a 4-year EFS of 87% compared with 77% for patients randomized to MOPP/ABVD (P = .09, two-sided). Patients randomized to ABVD plus EF RT have a 4-year S of 90% compared with 84% for patients randomized to MOPP/ABVD (P = .45, two-sided). Significant prognostic factors in multivariate analysis for EFS are stage of disease, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at diagnosis, liver size at diagnosis, and, among stage III patients, the size of the mediastinal mass at diagnosis. The acute toxicities of treatment are largely hematopoietic in nature, whereas acute pulmonary and cardiac toxicities are modest and not limiting.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study show that, in advanced-stage Hodgkin's disease in children, equivalent results can be obtained by the addition of either MOPP or low-dose EF RT to the ABVD regimen; whether the addition of either contributes to outcome was not addressed in this study and will require additional testing. It is clear, however, that MOPP chemotherapy can safely be eliminated from front-line combination chemotherapy regimens for advanced Hodgkin's disease in pediatric patients.

Feasibility, toxicity, and biologic response of interleukin-2 after consolidation chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia: a report from the Children's Cancer Group

PURPOSE

Although remission can be achieved in 80% of children with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), many patients experience relapse. Because interleukin-2 (IL-2) can induce remission in patients with overt evidence of AML, we hypothesized that IL-2 given to patients in first remission after intensive consolidation chemotherapy might prevent relapse. This study sought to determine whether such an approach was feasible.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-one patients in complete remission received IL-2 after completion of treatment on Children's Cancer Group (CCG) protocol 2941. Recombinant IL-2 9 x 10(6) IU/m2 daily by continuous intravenous infusion (c.i.v.) was given for 4 days. After 4 days rest, IL-2 1.6 x 10(6) IU/m2 daily c.i.v. was resumed for 10 days. We monitored patients for toxicity and measured absolute lymphocyte count, the absolute count of cells that express CD56 and CD3 antigen, and soluble IL-2 receptor alpha-chain (sIL-2R alpha) levels before the start of IL-2 and after completion of each of the two courses of IL-2.

RESULTS

Observed toxicities included fever (57%), vascular leak (48%), hypotension (38%), tachycardia (14%), rash (29%), septicemia (5%), thrombocytopenia (29%), elevated transaminase (14%), electrolyte disturbance (29%), and hyperglycemia (10%). No patient required cardiac pressors or transfer to an intensive care unit. All patients studied developed an increase in lymphocyte count, CD56 count, CD3 count, and sIL-2R alpha levels after treatment with IL-2.

CONCLUSION

This schedule of IL-2 was reasonably well tolerated by children with AML in first remission. After treatment, increased levels of sIL-2R alpha were observed. CCG is conducting a randomized prospective trial to assess the efficacy of IL-2 to prevent the relapse of AML (CCG-2961).

Phase II trial of topotecan administered as 72-hour continuous infusion in children with refractory solid tumors: a collaborative Pediatric Branch, National Cancer Institute, and Children's Cancer Group Study

The antitumor activity of topotecan administered as a 72-h continuous i.v. infusion was evaluated in children with refractory neuroblastoma and sarcomas of soft tissue and bone. We also attempted to increase the dose intensity of topotecan by including an intrapatient dose escalation in the trial design. Ninety-three children (85 eligible and evaluable for response) with recurrent or refractory neuroblastoma, osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma/peripheral neuroectodermal tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, or other soft-tissue sarcomas received topotecan administered as a 72-h i.v. infusion every 21 days. The initial dose was 1.0 mg/m2/day, with subsequent intrapatient dose escalation to 1.3 mg/m2/day for those patients who did not experience dose-limiting toxicity after their first cycle of topotecan. There was one complete response in a patient with neuroblastoma (n = 26) and one partial response in a patient with Ewing's sarcoma/peripheral neuroectodermal tumor (n = 25). No complete or partial responses were observed in 17 patients with osteosarcoma, 15 patients with rhabdomyosarcoma, or 2 patients with other soft-tissue sarcomas; however, 8 patients had prolonged (15-48 weeks) stable disease while receiving topotecan. Topotecan was well tolerated. The most commonly observed toxicities were myelosuppression (dose-limiting) and nausea and vomiting. Intrapatient dose escalations were performed in 68% of the patients who received more than one cycle of topotecan, and 1.3 mg/m2/day was tolerated by 79% of the patients who received the higher dose and were evaluable for hematological toxicity. In conclusion, topotecan administered as a 72-h continuous infusion every 21 days is inactive (objective response rate, < 20%) in children with refractory or recurrent neuroblastoma and sarcomas of soft tissue or bone.

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of fludarabine and cytosine arabinoside administered as loading boluses followed by continuous infusions after a phase I/II study in pediatric patients with relapsed leukemias. The Children's Cancer Group

The sequential administration of fludarabine followed by cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) has demonstrated significant synergistic effects against the CEM human leukemic cell line. This in vitro synergism was investigated in a Phase I trial in pediatric patients with relapsed acute leukemia. The optimum concentrations of 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl 2-fluoroadenine and ara-C necessary to achieve significant drug synergism from in vitro studies were between 10 and 20 microM. Fludarabine was infused at a dose to attain a target plasma concentration of 10 microM for 48 h, followed by a continuous infusion of escalated ara-C doses to maintain plasma ara-C concentrations of 10, 12.5, 15, or 17.5 microM for 72 h. Thirteen patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia and 18 with acute myelocytic leukemia were entered into the study, 30 of whom were clinically evaluable for toxicity. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies were performed on specimens from 20 patients. The optimal 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl 2-fluoroadenine and ara-C concentrations in plasma were easily achieved after continuous infusion regimens of both drugs. Cellular ara-CTP is augmented 5-8-fold in leukemic cells from patients receiving fludarabine phosphate treatment followed by ara-C. The maximum tolerated plasma concentrations for this combination regimen was 10 microM fludarabine for 48 h followed by 72 h of 15 microM ara-C, which were achieved at dose level 3. A significant number of responses were also seen. Nine of 18 evaluable patients (50%) with acute myelocytic leukemia achieved complete or partial responses, and 3 of 9 evaluable patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia achieved complete or partial responses. Fludarabine and ara-C successfully eradicated bone marrow disease in 16 of 27 patients (59%), 23 patients of which had been treated previously with high-dose ara-C. These results verified the synergistic effect fludarabine exhibited in augmenting ara-CTP concentrations in patients' leukemic blasts, thus improving the clinical response in relapsed pediatric leukemias.

Phase I/II study of idarubicin given with continuous infusion fludarabine followed by continuous infusion cytarabine in children with acute leukemia: a report from the Children's Cancer Group

PURPOSE

The Children's Cancer Group (CCG) undertook a phase I study (CCG-0922) to determine a tolerable dose of idarubicin given with fludarabine and cytarabine in children with relapsed or refractory leukemia. The phase I study was extended to a limited phase II study to assess the activity of this combination in children with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a multiinstitutional study within the CCG. Eleven patients were entered onto the phase I study: seven with AML, three with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and one with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). The maximal-tolerated dose (MTD) of fludarabine and cytarabine determined in a previous study was a fludarabine loading dose (LD) of 10.5 mg/m2 followed by a continuous infusion (CI) of 30.5 mg/m2/24 hours for 48 hours, followed by cytarabine LD 390 mg/m2, then CI 101 mg/m2/h for 72 hours. Idarubicin was given at three dose levels: 6, 9, and 12 mg/m2 intravenously (I.V.) on days 0, 1, and 2. The phase II portion of the trial included 10 additional patients with relapsed or refractory AML.

RESULTS

A dose of idarubicin 12 mg/m2/d for 3 days given in combination with fludarabine and cytarabine was tolerated. The major toxicity encountered was hematologic. Nonhematologic toxicities included transaminase elevations, hyperbilirubinemia, and infections. Eight of 10 patients with AML in the phase II portion (12 mg/m2 idarubicin) achieved a complete remission (CR).

CONCLUSION

This combination is active in patients with relapsed or refractory AML. The major toxicity encountered is hematologic. This regimen may be useful therapy for AML and should be compared with standard induction therapy in children with newly diagnosed AML.

A phase I/IB trial of murine monoclonal anti-GD2 antibody 14.G2a plus interleukin-2 in children with refractory neuroblastoma: a report of the Children's Cancer Group

BACKGROUND

The murine monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 14.G2a recognizes GD2, a disialoganglioside expressed in tumors of neuroectodermal origin, and facilitates antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro. When given in vivo, interleukin-2 (IL-2) can increase ADCC by enhancing the activity and number of circulating lymphocytes.

METHODS

Thirty-three pediatric patients with GD2 positive malignancies, ranging in age from 2 to 17 years (median, 9.9 years), received IL-2 and 14.G2a in this Phase I/IB study of the Children's Cancer Group (CCG) and were monitored for toxicities and response to therapy. Seven of these patients also received granulocyte-macrophage-colony stimulating factor.

RESULTS

The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of 14.G2a with IL-2 was 15 mg/m2/day. The most prevalent Grade 3-4 toxicities were generalized pain (n = 14 [42%]) and fever without documented infection (n = 17 [52%]). IL-2 was thought to be the causative agent in most cases of fever. Toxicities attributed to 14.G2a included pain, allergic or anaphylactic reactions, and rash. Human antimouse antibodies were demonstrated in 9 of 21 evaluated patients. One patient with neuroblastoma had a partial response, and one patient with osteosarcoma had a complete response. Immunocytology demonstrated that the number of neuroblastoma cells in bone marrow decreased in three patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The murine MoAb 14.G2a was well tolerated at the MTD and appeared to have some antitumor activity. Further development of this approach will involve additional engineered forms of the antibody as well as testing in the adjuvant and minimal residual disease setting.

A phase II study of carboplatin as a treatment for children with acute leukemia recurring in bone marrow: a report of the Children's Cancer Group

BACKGROUND

Carboplatin is an analogue of cisplatin with less nonhematologic toxicity and a similar spectrum of antineoplastic activity. Although cisplatin has not been found to be an active agent against leukemia, carboplatin-induced complete remissions have been observed in adults with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), and antileukemic activity has been observed in a Phase I trial involving children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and AML. Therefore, a pediatric Phase II study was undertaken to determine the degree of activity of carboplatin in childhood ALL and AML.

METHODS

Between October 1991 and November 1994, the Children's Cancer Group conducted a Phase II study of carboplatin given by 5-day continuous intravenous infusion to children with acute leukemia recurring in bone marrow.

RESULTS

Minimal antileukemic activity was demonstrated in patients with ALL and AML. One of 21 eligible patients with ALL achieved a partial response. Of 23 eligible patients with AML, including 1 patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia in blast crisis, 1 had hypocellular M1 bone marrow with a platelet count of 15,000/mm3, and 2 achieved partial responses. Nonhematologic toxicities, which were infrequent, included mild hepatic and renal dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

In this pediatric Phase II trial of carboplatin as a treatment for acute leukemia, minimal activity was demonstrated in patients with ALL and AML recurring in bone marrow. Further evaluation of carboplatin as a treatment for childhood leukemia, using the dose schedule of 216 mg/m2/day given by 5-day continuous intravenous infusion, does not appear warranted.

Phase I trial of docetaxel administered as a 1-hour infusion in children with refractory solid tumors: a collaborative pediatric branch, National Cancer Institute and Children's Cancer Group trial

PURPOSE

A phase I trial of docetaxel was performed to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), the dose-limiting toxicities, and the incidence and severity of other toxicities in children with refractory solid tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-four children received 103 courses of docetaxel administered as a 1-hour intravenous infusion every 21 days. Doses ranged from 55 to 150 mg/m2, MTD was defined in heavily pretreated and less heavily pretreated (< or = 2 prior chemotherapy regimens, no prior bone marrow transplantation [BMT], and no radiation to the spine, skull, ribs, or pelvic bones) patients.

RESULTS

Dose-related neutropenia was the primary dose-limiting toxicity. The MTD in the heavily pretreated patient group was 65 mg/m2, but the less heavily pretreated patients tolerated a significantly higher dose of docetaxel (maximum-tolerated dose, 125 mg/m2). Neutropenia and constitutional symptoms consisting of malaise, myalgias, and anorexia were the dose-limiting toxicities at 150 mg/m2 in the less heavily pretreated patients. Thrombocytopenia was not prominent, even in patients who experienced dose-limiting neutropenia. Common nonhematologic toxicities of docetaxel included skin rashes, mucositis, and mild elevations of serum transaminases. Neuropathy was uncommon. Peripheral edema and weight gain were observed in two of five patients who received more than three cycles of docetaxel. A complete response (CR) was observed in one patient with rhabdomyosarcoma, a partial response (PR) in one patient with peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PPNET), and a minimal response (MR) in two patients with PPNET. Three of the four responding patients were treated at doses > or = 100 mg/m2.

CONCLUSION

The recommended phase II dose of docetaxel administered as a 1-hour intravenous infusion in children with solid tumors in 125 mg/m2. Because neutropenia was the dose-limiting toxicity and thrombocytopenia was mild, further escalation of the dose should be attempted with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) support.

Timing and magnitude of decline in alpha-fetoprotein levels in treated children with unresectable or metastatic hepatoblastoma are predictors of outcome: a report from the Children's Cancer Group

PURPOSE

We analyzed data on 31 children with primary unresectable or metastatic hepatoblastoma (HB) to investigate possible prognostic correlations between the serum level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), its changes during treatment, and outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were treated according to the Children's Cancer Group (CCG) protocol 823F, which included an initial surgery before eight courses of chemotherapy that consisted of cisplatin immediately followed by a continuous infusion of doxorubicin. Four courses were given before and four after the second surgery. AFP levels were measured before treatment, before and after second surgery, and at the end of treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-four of 31 patients showed a decline of > or = 1 log in AFP levels before second surgery (early responders). By the end of treatment, there were 16 patients, all early responders, without clinical or radiographic evidence of tumor and with normal AFP levels. Fifteen of those 16 had a decline of > or = 2 logs in AFP before second surgery (large early response). Of the 15 patients who failed to respond to treatment, 10 died, among whom only one patient had a large early response. A large early response was the strongest independent predictor of outcome in a univariate and multivariate Cox regression model, and patients with such a response had the best survival (P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

For children with unresectable or metastatic HB, early changes in AFP levels are a reliable predictor of outcome and can be used for identification of poor responders to treatment, ie, patients whose AFP level fails to decrease 2 logs before second surgery should be considered for alternative treatment.

Treatment of nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity with preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy: a report from the Children's Cancer Group

PURPOSE

The specific aims of this study were to improve event-free survival (EFS) in patients with newly diagnosed nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of an extremity using the histologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy to determine postoperative chemotherapy; to evaluate a uniform histologic grading system that measures tumor response; and to identify patient characteristics that might influence EFS and survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two hundred sixty-eight patients with nonmetastatic osteosarcoma of the extremity were entered between August 1983 and October 1986. Preoperative chemotherapy consisted of four courses of high-dose methotrexate (MTX) and one course of bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, and dactinomycin (BCD). Histologic response to preoperative chemotherapy was determined by morphometric analysis. Good histologic responders (< 5% residual viable tumor) were treated postoperatively with MTX, BCD, and doxorubicin (DOX); poor histologic responders were treated with BCD, DOX, and cisplatin (CDDP).

RESULTS

The 8-year EFS and survival rates were 53% and 60%, respectively. Two hundred six patients had their tumors assessed for histologic response: 28% displayed a good histologic response to preoperative chemotherapy. Good histologic responders had an 8-year postoperative EFS rate of 81% and survival rate of 87%; those with a poor histologic response had an 8-year postoperative EFS rate of 46% and survival rate of 52%. A primary tumor site in the proximal humerus or proximal femur and an elevated serum alkaline phosphatase level were associated with an increased risk of an adverse event, whereas the type of surgical procedure was not.

CONCLUSION

EFS and survival appear to be directly related to histologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Comparison of treatment regimens for pediatric lymphoblastic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: a Childrens Cancer Group study

PURPOSE

Patients with lymphoblastic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (LB NHL) were randomized to treatment with either modified LSA2L2 or ADCOMP, which added daunorubicin (DAUN) and asparaginase (L-ASP) to the methotrexate (MTX), cyclophosphamide (CYT), vincristine (VCR), and prednisone (PRED) (COMP) regimen, in a clinical trial to determine the relative effectiveness and toxicity of the two regimens.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with LB NHL were eligible for this randomized study if they were less than 22 years of age at diagnosis and had < or = 25% blasts in the bone marrow. Of 307 patients registered, 281 were fully eligible and assessable. Patients were stratified by extent of disease at diagnosis.

RESULTS

The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rate for patients with localized disease was 84%, and for patients with disseminated disease, 67%. There were four relapses in 28 patients with localized disease. Two hundred six patients had mediastinal primary tumors and despite local radiation, 34 of 63 failures in these patients involved the primary tumor site with or without other involvement. After adjusting for extent of disease at diagnosis, the regimens did not differ significantly with respect to risk for adverse events. The acute toxicity was primarily neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, with greater initial toxicity in patients on the LSA2L2 regimen. Three patients developed acute myelogenous leukemia.

CONCLUSION

Long-term EFS in children with LB NHL can be achieved in the majority of patients. Disease progression, which includes recurrence at the primary tumor site, is a major cause of treatment failure in patients with mediastinal presentations. Addition of DAUN and L-ASP to the COMP regimen does not produce a more effective treatment than LSA2L2.

An exploratory analysis of risk factors for childhood malignant germ-cell tumors: report from the Childrens Cancer Group (Canada, United States)

A study of 105 patients with childhood malignant germ-cell tumors (MGCT) and 639 community controls was conducted utilizing a large epidemiologic database collected by the Childrens Cancer Group from 25 member institutions in the United States and Canada. This study was designed to explore the risk factors of this malignancy whose etiology remains poorly understood. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect exposure information, and data were analyzed using an unconditional logistic regression model with adjustment for relevant confounders. Consistent with the findings from studies of adult MGCT, gestational age was associated inversely with risk of MGCT, with a 70 to 75 percent reduction in risk for children born at term compared with those born pre-term. Parental, particularly maternal, self-reported exposure to chemicals or solvents (odds ratio [OR] = 4.6, 95 percent confidence interval [CI] = 1.9-11.3) and OR = 2.2, CI = 1.1-4.7 for maternal and paternal exposure, respectively) and plastic or resin fumes (OR = 12.0, CI = 1.9-75.0 [maternal] and OR = 2.5, CI = 1.0-6.5 [paternal]) were associated with elevated risk of MGCT. New findings, not reported previously, include a positive relationship of MGCT risk with birthweight and prolonged breastfeeding, an inverse association between MGCT risk and number of cigarettes smoked by the mother during pregnancy, and a 3.1-fold increased risk (CI = 1.5-6.6) associated with maternal urinary infections during index pregnancy. Although these findings need confirmation from future studies, they suggest a potential influence of in utero exposure to maternal endogenous hormones, parental environmental exposures, and maternal diseases during pregnancy in the development of childhood MGCT.

A phase II study of thioTEPA in children with recurrent solid tumor malignancies: a Children's Cancer Group study

A Phase II study of thioTEPA was performed by the Children's Cancer Group. ThioTEPA was administered intravenously every three weeks, at a dose of 65 mg/m2. Pediatric patients with recurrent sarcomas were targeted, but patients with other tumor diagnoses were also eligible. Toxicity was primarily hematopoietic, with thrombocytopenia being predominant. ThioTEPA did not demonstrate significant activity in the target tumor groups evaluated.

A phase II study of carboplatin in children with recurrent or progressive solid tumors. A report from the Childrens Cancer Group

BACKGROUND

Carboplatin is an analogue of cisplatin with less nonhematologic toxicity than the parent compound. It has been demonstrated previously to have activity against a spectrum of pediatric brain tumors. This Phase II study was undertaken to assess the activity of carboplatin in children with various solid tumors.

METHODS

Between October 1985 and March 1988, the Childrens Cancer Group entered 117 patients with drug-resistant, recurrent lymphomas and solid tumors, excluding primary central nervous system tumors, into a Phase II trial of carboplatin given intravenously at a dosage of 560 mg/m2 over 1 hour every 4 weeks.

RESULTS

A complete response was seen in 1 of 15 evaluable patients with Ewing's sarcoma. Partial responses were seen in 2 of 17 evaluable patients with neuroblastoma, 1 of 16 with soft tissue sarcoma, 2 of 5 with Wilms' tumor, and 1 with an endodermal sinus tumor of the testis. Objective responses were not seen in patients with malignant lymphoma, osteosarcoma, or hepatoma. Four of 7 patients who responded to carboplatin had previously received cisplatin. Sixty-two percent of patients had a platelet count nadir of less than 50,000/mm3, and 41% had an absolute neutrophil count nadir of less than 1,000/mm3. Ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hypomagnesemia, hypertransaminasemia, and nausea and vomiting each were seen in fewer than 10% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Carboplatin has some activity against Wilms' tumor, Ewing's sarcoma, neuroblastoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and endodermal sinus tumor of the testis. Activity was not demonstrated against osteosarcoma, malignant lymphoma, hepatoma, and miscellaneous other tumors. Myelosuppression was seen commonly, and nonhematologic toxicity was infrequent.

A phase I study of carboplatin in children with acute leukemia in bone marrow relapse. A report from the Childrens Cancer Group

BACKGROUND

Carboplatin is an analogue of cisplatin with less nonhematologic toxicity and a similar spectrum of antineoplastic activity as the parent compound. Although cisplatin has not been found to be an active agent in leukemia, carboplatin induced complete remissions in adults with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Therefore, a pediatric Phase I study in acute leukemia was performed.

METHODS

Between January 1988 and April 1990, the Childrens Cancer Group performed a Phase I study of carboplatin administered by a 5-day continuous intravenous infusion to children with acute leukemia in bone marrow relapse.

RESULTS

Mild to moderate glomerular and tubular nephrotoxicity was seen in most patients treated at the initial dose level of 336 mg/m2/day. Therefore, patients at the second dose level were treated at 270 mg/m2/day. At this level, one patient died of acute hepatic necrosis and hepatic encephalopathy, and a second patient had presumed hemorrhagic cystitis develop. The third dose level tested, 216 mg/m2/day, was not associated with unacceptable toxic effects and was considered the maximum tolerated dose (dose-limiting toxicity was not observed). Within the confines of this Phase I study, antileukemic activity was shown in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and AML.

CONCLUSIONS

In this pediatric Phase I trial of carboplatin in acute leukemia, glomerular and tubular nephrotoxicity was considered dose-limiting. In addition, hepatotoxicity and hemorrhagic cystitis were observed. Antileukemic activity was shown in patients with ALL and AML. The recommended Phase II dose is 216 mg/m2/day by 5-day continuous intravenous infusion.

Trends in patterns of treatment of childhood cancer in Los Angeles County

To assess the proportion of children with cancer who have been managed by mainstream pediatric cancer programs, population-based cancer incidence data for Los Angeles County (LAC) children (under 20 years of age) for the years 1972 through 1987 were linked with patient records of children registered with the two national cooperative pediatric oncology groups, Children's Cancer Study Group and Pediatric Oncology Group. The proportion of children with cancer who were registered by cooperative groups increased markedly over time: 9% of LAC children younger than 15 years of age who were diagnosed with cancer in 1972 were registered with cooperative groups, compared to 52% of those diagnosed in 1980 and 62% of those diagnosed in 1987. Registration rates decreased with increasing age at cancer diagnosis. In the most recent time period, 1984-1987, 66% of LAC children diagnosed with cancer under age 5 years were registered with cooperative groups compared to 62% of those who were 5 to 9 years old and 49% of those who were 10 to 14 years old; although they were frequently diagnosed with tumors considered to be childhood cancers, only 19% of older adolescents (aged 15-19 years) were registered. In LAC, there was no apparent bias in registration rates with regard to gender or racial-ethnic background. Among patients diagnosed in the period 1984-1987, children in the highest of five socioeconomic status categories were underrepresented among registrants. Registration rates were highest (70% or greater) for patients with acute lymphocytic and acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, medulloblastoma, hepatoblastoma, Wilms tumor, and rhabdomyosarcoma. Fewer than 50% of patients with other brain and central nervous system tumors, retinoblastoma, other soft tissue sarcomas, and bone tumors were registered with the cooperative groups.

Patterns of enrollment on cooperative group studies. An analysis of trends from the Los Angeles County Cancer Surveillance Program

To assess the proportion of children diagnosed with cancer who are enrolled on studies conducted by the two national pediatric cooperative groups, population-based cancer incidence data for Los Angeles county children younger than age 20 for the years 1980 through 1987 were linked with patient records of children registered with the Childrens Cancer Group (CCG) or the Pediatric Oncology Group (POG). For patients not enrolled on a protocol, demographic and disease characteristics were compared with summary eligibility requirements for CCG protocols that were open for enrollment during 1980-1987. The proportion of patients enrolled on studies conducted by the cooperative groups varied with tumor type and age at diagnosis. When patients younger than the age of 10 were diagnosed at an institution affiliated with one of the groups, the majority of those evaluated by our review as eligible for a study were enrolled on a protocol. The proportion of young patients entered on study among those whose diagnosis was not made at a cooperative group institution was generally smaller. Seventy-three percent of all potentially eligible patients with acute leukemia diagnosed between 1980-1987 were entered on a pediatric group protocol. Approximately 50% of all potentially eligible patients with brain tumors were entered on protocol. In contrast to this, less than 50% of patients older than the age of 14 and likely to be eligible for a study were entered on a pediatric group protocol, regardless of the tumor type. Indeed, bone tumors constituted the category of patients most likely to be enrolled, with 39% of all potentially eligible patients entered on a study in the period examined. If the patient's diagnosis was made at a cooperative group institution, the individual was more likely to be entered on a protocol than if the diagnosis was made at a center outside the cooperative group network. It was not possible to determine the precise reason for this trend from the data available. Some explanations include policies at cooperative group institutions regarding admission of patients older than age 14 and the availability of protocols from cooperative groups primarily focused on the treatment of cancers of adults.

Treatment of pulmonary metastases of initial stage I hepatoblastoma in childhood. Report from the Childrens Cancer Group

BACKGROUND

Hepatoblastoma is a difficult tumor to treat if not completely resected. Historically, the outlook has been dismal in children in whom recurrent disease has developed. To determine better treatments for recurrent hepatoblastoma, the experience of a recent Childrens Cancer Group study was reviewed.

METHODS

Data were reviewed for all children with localized (Stage I) hepatoblastoma enrolled in the Childrens Cancer Group protocol CCG-881. Particular attention was paid to children with recurrent disease that included the lungs. Initial pathology slides, retreatments offered these patients, and patient survival were reviewed.

RESULTS

In an initial group of 33 children with Stage I hepatoblastoma, there were 10 in whom recurrent disease developed. Six of these had pulmonary metastasis develop with or without other sites of recurrence. One of these six children had a very good partial response to retreatment with combination chemotherapy, but, overall, the most effective treatment modality was surgical resection of the pulmonary disease. Three children (of a total of 10 patients who had a recurrence at any site and 6 who had a recurrence that included the lung) are long-term disease-free survivors 64-104+ months after their most recent recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Extended disease-free survival is possible for children with recurrent hepatoblastoma if the recurrence is isolated to the lung and an aggressive surgical approach with intent to cure is used.

Lack of significant activity of 2'-deoxycoformycin alone or in combination with adenine arabinoside in relapsed childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A randomized phase II trial from the Childrens Cancer Study Group

Forty-nine children with recurrent acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were entered into a randomized Phase II trial evaluating 2'-deoxycoformycin (dCF) alone or in combination with adenine arabinoside (ara-A). 2'-Deoxycoformycin is an inhibitor of adenosine deaminase (ADA), an enzyme found in relatively high amounts in malignant lymphoid cells. Ara-A inhibits DNA polymerase and DNA synthesis. Because its efficacy in vivo as an anticancer agent is limited by its rapid inactivation by ADA, ara-A was combined with dCF to produce cytoreductive levels of ara-A. Twenty-four patients were assigned to receive dCF alone and 25 to receive the combination. No patient responded to dCF alone, and one patient developed a complete remission after treatment with the combination. The toxicity of dCF alone was minimal, except for one patient who became obtunded on day 5 following the first cycle of therapy. In contrast, five patients developed severe toxicity with the combination, including renal failure (three patients), hepatic failure (three patients), and neurologic toxicity (two patients). These results indicate that, at the doses and schedule used in this study, the combination of dCF and ara-A has significant toxicity and minimal activity against recurrent ALL in children.

Phase II trial of indicine N-oxide in relapsed acute leukemia of childhood. A report from the Childrens Cancer Study Group

We treated 31 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 14 children with acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) in relapse, and 1 child with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in blast crisis (CALLA negative) with indicine N-oxide in a Phase II study. The efficacy and toxicity of the drug were assessed at two dose levels: 2,000 mg/m2/day for 5 consecutive days (14 patients) and 2,500 mg/m2/day for 5 consecutive days (17 patients). One patient with ALL at each dose level achieved a complete response (CR) lasting 6 months and 1 month, respectively. The patient with CML achieved a partial response lasting 4 months. None of the patients with ANLL achieved a CR. Hepatotoxicity was mild (grade 1 or 2) in 63% and moderate (grade 3) in 9% of mild (grade 1 or 2) in 63% and moderate (grade 3) in 9% of patients; 3 patients (9%) experienced severe hepatotoxicity. Although indicine N-oxide has some antileukemic activity in ALL and is safe at the doses used in this study, the antileukemic activity is significantly less at these two doses than at greater than or equal to 3,000 mg/m2/days for 5 consecutive days. Unfortunately, when the higher doses are administered to children, they are associated with an unacceptably high incidence of severe, irreversible hepatotoxicity.