Interferon alpha 2b treatment in an eleven-year-old boy with disseminated lymphangiomatosis

Repurposing of antiangiogenic agents for treatment of vascular anomalies

Vascular anomalies (VA) are developmental anomalies of veins, arteries, lymphatics or capillaries thought to be caused by mutations in genes that drive angiogenesis. Treatments targeting these genes are limited. We review the literature for conventional medications and products from traditional medicine cultures that have been found to have antiangiogenic activity. Fewer than 50 drugs with credible human activity in VA were identified and include β blockers, monoclonal antibodies, microtubule inhibitors, multi-kinase inhibitors, PIK3CA- and RAS-MAPK pathway inhibitors, and thalidomides. Other drug categories of potential interest are ACE-inhibitors, antifungals, antimalarials, MMP9-inhibitors, and over-the-counter compounds used in Eastern traditional medicine. Low toxicity for some offers the possibility of combined use with known effective agents. In addition to already familiar drugs, others with antiangiogenic capabilities already in use in children or adults may deserve further attention for repurposing for VA.

Generalized lymphatic anomalies and review of the current management landscape: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Generalized lymphatic anomaly previously known as diffuse systemic lymphangiomatosis is a rare multisystem congenital disease arising from the lymphatic system, and it is characterized by abnormal proliferation of the lymphatic channels in osseous and extraosseous tissues. It typically affects children or young adults. Although it is benign, it can be misdiagnosed as malignancy because of its diffuse and debilitating nature depending on the site of involvement. Due to its rarity, diagnosis is often delayed, leading to potential significant morbidity or mortality if vital organs are involved. Furthermore, its potential for multiorgan involvement with no curative treatment makes its management challenging.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe a case of a 35-year-old Caucasian female, who presented with epigastric pain and was subsequently extensively investigated at multiple tertiary centers by numerous specialists for query malignancy and metabolic bone disorder following incidental computed tomography imaging findings of multiple osteolytic lesions in the axial skeleton, and low-attenuating lesions in the axilla, spleen, and mediastinum. The diagnosis was confirmed with an axillary excisional biopsy. She was clinically stable with no end organ damage. She was monitored conservatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The case illustrates the importance of increased awareness among clinicians for this rare congenital disease to enable earlier diagnosis and to avoid unnecessary invasive investigations. Furthermore, this case highlights the potential need for multiple biopsies of affected sites to confirm diagnosis. We also discuss the emergence of interferon therapy, chemotherapy, immunosuppression, and immunotherapy as medical management for this condition.

Recent Progress in Lymphangioma

Lymphangioma is a common type of congenital vascular disease in children with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. The current classification of lymphangioma by International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies is largely based on the clinical manifestations and complications and is not sufficient for selection of therapeutic strategies and prognosis prediction. The clinical management and outcome of lymphangioma largely depend on the clinical classification and the location of the disease, ranging from spontaneous regression with no treatment to severe sequelae even with comprehensive treatment. Recently, rapid progression has been made toward elucidating the molecular pathology of lymphangioma and the development of treatments. Several signaling pathways have been revealed to be involved in the progression and development of lymphangioma, and specific inhibitors targeting these pathways have been investigated for clinical applications and clinical trials. Some drugs already currently in clinical use for other diseases were found to be effective for lymphangioma, although the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor effects remain unclear. Molecular classification based on molecular pathology and investigation of the molecular mechanisms of current clinical drugs is the next step toward developing more effective individualized treatment of children with lymphangioma with reduced side effects.

Japanese clinical practice guidelines for vascular anomalies 2017

The objective was to prepare guidelines to perform the current optimum treatment by organizing effective and efficient treatments of hemangiomas and vascular malformations, confirming the safety, and systematizing treatment, employing evidence-based medicine (EBM) techniques and aimed at improvement of the outcomes. Clinical questions (CQs) were decided based on the important clinical issues. For document retrieval, key words for literature searches were set for each CQ and literature published from 1980 to the end of September 2014 was searched in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Japana Centra Revuo Medicina (JCRM). The strengths of evidence and recommendations acquired by systematic reviews were determined following the Medical Information Network Distribution System (MINDS) technique. A total of 33 CQs were used to compile recommendations and the subjects included efficacy of resection, sclerotherapy/embolization, drug therapy, laser therapy, radiotherapy, and other conservative treatment, differences in appropriate treatment due to the location of lesions and among symptoms, appropriate timing of treatment and tests, and pathological diagnosis deciding the diagnosis. Thus, the Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Vascular Anomalies 2017 have been prepared as the evidence-based guidelines for the management of vascular anomalies.

Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Vascular Anomalies 2017

The objective was to prepare guidelines to perform the current optimum treatment by organizing effective and efficient treatments of hemangiomas and vascular malformations, confirming the safety and systematizing treatment, employing evidence‐based medicine techniques and aimed at improvement of the outcomes. Clinical questions (CQ) were decided based on the important clinical issues. For document retrieval, key words for published work searches were set for each CQ, and work published from 1980 to the end of September 2014 was searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library and Japana Centra Revuo Medicina databases. The strengths of evidence and recommendations acquired by systematic reviews were determined following the Medical Information Network Distribution System technique. A total of 33 CQ were used to compile recommendations and the subjects included efficacy of resection, sclerotherapy/embolization, drug therapy, laser therapy, radiotherapy and other conservative treatment, differences in appropriate treatment due to the location of lesions and among symptoms, appropriate timing of treatment and tests, and pathological diagnosis deciding the diagnosis. Thus, the Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Vascular Anomalies 2017 have been prepared as the evidence‐based guidelines for the management of vascular anomalies.

Japanese clinical practice guidelines for vascular anomalies 2017

The objective was to prepare guidelines to perform the current optimum treatment by organizing effective and efficient treatments of hemangiomas and vascular malformations, confirming the safety, and systematizing treatment, employing evidence-based medicine (EBM) techniques and aimed at improvement of the outcomes. Clinical questions (CQs) were decided based on the important clinical issues. For document retrieval, key words for literature searches were set for each CQ and literature published from 1980 to the end of September 2014 was searched in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Japana Centra Revuo Medicina (JCRM). The strengths of evidence and recommendations acquired by systematic reviews were determined following the Medical Information Network Distribution System (MINDS) technique. A total of 33 CQs were used to compile recommendations and the subjects included efficacy of resection, sclerotherapy/embolization, drug therapy, laser therapy, radiotherapy, and other conservative treatment, differences in appropriate treatment due to the location of lesions and among symptoms, appropriate timing of treatment and tests, and pathological diagnosis deciding the diagnosis. Thus, the Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Vascular Anomalies 2017 have been prepared as the evidence-based guidelines for the management of vascular anomalies.

Somatic activating mutations in PIK3CA cause generalized lymphatic anomaly

Generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA) is a vascular disorder characterized by diffuse or multifocal lymphatic malformations (LMs). Here, Rodriguez-Laguna et al. report that somatic activating PIK3CA mutations can cause GLA, and we provide preclinical and clinical evidence to support the use of rapamycin for the treatment of GLA.

Generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA) is a vascular disorder characterized by diffuse or multifocal lymphatic malformations (LMs). The etiology of GLA is poorly understood. We identified four distinct somatic PIK3CA variants (Glu542Lys, Gln546Lys, His1047Arg, and His1047Leu) in tissue samples from five out of nine patients with GLA. These same PIK3CA variants occur in PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum and cause hyperactivation of the PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathway. We found that the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, prevented lymphatic hyperplasia and dysfunction in mice that expressed an active form of PIK3CA (His1047Arg) in their lymphatics. We also found that rapamycin reduced pain in patients with GLA. In conclusion, we report that somatic activating PIK3CA mutations can cause GLA, and we provide preclinical and clinical evidence to support the use of rapamycin for the treatment of this disabling and deadly disease.

Sirolimus for the treatment of children with various complicated vascular anomalies

Vascular anomalies include a heterogeneous group of disorders that are categorized as vascular tumors or vascular malformations. Treatment options include resection, embolization, laser therapy, and sclerotherapy or medical treatment such as propranolol, steroids, interferon, and cytostatic chemotherapy. Mammalian target of rapamycin seems to play a key role in the signal pathway of angiogenesis and subsequently in the development of vascular anomalies. Recently, the successful use of sirolimus has been reported in children with lymphatic malformations and kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas. We report on six patients with different vascular anomalies (kaposiform hemangioendothelioma n = 2, combined lymphatico-venous malformation n = 2, pulmonary lymphangiectasia n = 1, and orbital lymphatic malformation n = 1) who were treated with peroral sirolimus. Three of the children initially presented with a Kasabach-Merrit phenomenon. Median duration of treatment was 10 months; two children are still on treatment. Three children each achieved complete and partial remission. Kasabach-Merrit phenomenon resolved within 1 month in all patients. Treatment with sirolimus was tolerated well; only mild reversible leukopenia was observed.

CONCLUSION

Sirolimus proved to be effective in children with complicated lymphatic or lymphatico-venous malformations and kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas. Treatment was tolerated well with acceptable side effects. The optimum length of treatment and possible long-term side effects have to be evaluated.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Vascular anomalies including vascular tumors and vascular malformations may lead to life-threatening conditions.• Some patients are refractory to established treatment and/or are not available for local invasive procedures.

WHAT IS NEW

• We reviewed the literature focusing treatment of vascular anomalies inc hildren and adolescents.• Our data support recent studies that sirolimus is an effective treatment option in patients with complicated vascular tumors andmalformations

Novel molecular pathways in Gorham disease: implications for treatment

Rapid advances in evidence-based treatment schedules are a hallmark of modern oncology. In rare neoplastic diseases, however, clinical expertise is hard to build and evidence based on randomized trials almost impossible to collect. Gorham disease is a rare form of lymphatic proliferation accompanied by osteolysis, which usually occurs in young adults. Despite the fact that the clinical course of Gorham disease is often devastating and occasionally fatal, insights into its biological background are sparse and standardized treatment unavailable. Interestingly, recent knowledge on the mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis may help elucidate the pathophysiology of Gorham disease and lead to novel treatment targets. Here, we discuss our current understanding of Gorham disease, discuss established and emerging therapeutic strategies, and attempt to frame a treatment rationale.

Intra-Abdominal Lymphangiomatosis with Bone Marrow Involvement in a 7-Year Old Girl: A Case Report

Lymphangiomas are rare tumors. When they occur at different locations, they are referred to as lymphangiomatosis. Here we describe a case of lymphangiomatosis presenting with chronic diarrhea and failure to thrive. Etiology, clinical presentations and treatment options will be discussed.

The successful management of diffuse lymphangiomatosis using sirolimus: a case report

Lymphangiomatosis is a rare and fatal congenital lymphatic malformation. Because the natural course of the disease affects multiple body systems, the management can be challenging. This article presents a novel approach to the treatment of diffuse lymphangiomatosis using sirolimus. The reported case involves a 4-month-old male with a known lymphatic malformation who presented to the emergency department with respiratory difficulties. Sirolimus was successful at significantly reducing our patient's mass at a relatively low target level of 5 to 10 μg/L. The use of sirolimus for the treatment of lymphangiomatosis should be studied further in the setting of a formal trial.

Tension chylothorax complicating acute malignant airway obstruction

Acute upper airway obstruction represents one of the most challenging emergencies in pediatric practice. In particular, a tension chylothorax complicating a malignant airway obstruction is a rare and life-threatening complication. We report a rapidly progressing tension chylothorax associated with a cervical mass in a 10-month-old male infant. To our knowledge, the extension of a cervical mass to the supraclavear region resulting in a compressive chylothorax represents an exceptional event in pediatrics. Early recognition and prompt treatment resulted to be essential to relieve the compression and to avoid end-stage hemodynamic and respiratory function derangement.

Serious complications of pulmonary biopsy in a boy with chylopericardium and suspected pulmonary lymphangiomatosis

Lymphangiomatosis is a rare disorder. It is commonly localised in the skeletal system and called Gorham's disease, and in thoracic or abdominal organs. Involvement of the pericardium is rare and has been described in less than 20 patients worldwide. The case of a 14-year-old boy presenting with asymptomatic chylopericardium and interstitial lung disease is presented. After lung biopsy, performed to confirm the diagnosis of pulmonary lymphangiomatosis, he developed chylothorax and massive loss of chyle via chest drains. Thoracic duct ligation did not result in clinical improvement. Treatment with interferon α2b was given and because of clinical deterioration radiotherapy was added to the treatment. This resulted in a rapid decrease of chyle production in the patient.

Plasma VEGF determination in disseminated lymphangiomatosis-Gorham-Stout syndrome: a marker of activity? A case report with a 5-year follow-up

Disseminated lymphangiomatosis and Gorham-Stout disease are being considered as two forms of a single rare disease, characterized by a proliferation of lymphatic vessels, triggered by lymphangiogenic factors. There is no biological marker of the disease. Plasma VEGF might be a useful tool since the recent demonstration of its pivotal role in the mechanism of this disease. A 45-year-old woman with a history of disseminated lymphangiomatosis involving mediastinum, retroperitoneum, spleen and systemic bones for 29 years was treated with Interferon alpha 2b at a dosage of 7.5 to 15 million IU 3 times a week for 5 years. Plasma VEGF quantification was performed twice a year and showed a marked increase before therapy, which normalize after 18 months of treatment with Interferon. The normalization of plasma VEGF is correlated with the clinical improvement objectively appraised by a marked reduction of spleen lesions and significant improvement of the other damages in soft tissues and bones. Thus, we conclude that plasma VEGF determination should be considered for diagnosis and follow-up of the course and the treatment of disseminated lymphangiomatosis-Gorham-Stout disease.

Assessment of the lymphatic system in patients with diffuse lymphangiomatosis by magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVE

To assess the lymphatic system in patients with diffuse lymphangiomatosis by magnetic resonance imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

15 patients with diffuse lymphangiomatosis were examined by magnetic resonance imaging. Three locations were examined: first, the lower leg and foot region; second, the upper leg and the knee region; and third, the pelvic with retroperitoneal and abdominal region. For magnetic resonance lymphangiography a T1-weighted 3D spoiled gradient-echo and a T2-weighted 3D-TSE sequence was used.

RESULTS

The size of the genital lymphangiomas, which were revealed in all patients, varied between 5 and 83 mm. In 47% of the patients lymphangiomas were detected at the level of the lower legs, and in 87% of the patients at the level of the upper leg and retroperitoneum. Furthermore, lymphangiomas were seen in the inguinal and pelvic region in 100% and intraabdominally in 40% of the patients. The lymphangiomas extended into the abdominal wall in 93% of the examined patients. A chylous pleural effusion was revealed in 20% and a chylous ascites in 13% of patients. 93% of patients suffered due to the diffuse lymphangiomatous pathologies from a lymphedema of the lower extremities, while a generalized lymphedema of the trunk was found in 87% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Magnetic resonance imaging is a safe and accurate minimal-invasive imaging modality for the evaluation of the lymphatic system in patients with diffuse lymphangiomatosis. Since the localization and extension of the lymphangiomas are important prognostic factors, it is crucial to perform a safe radiologic evaluation with a high resolution for the patient's therapeutic planning.

Clinical improvement of diffuse lymphangiomatosis with pegylated interferon alfa-2b therapy: case report and review of the literature

Diffuse lymphangiomatosis is a very rare congenital disease, characterized by diffuse or multifocal lymphangioma in the skeletal tissue, spleen, liver, mediastinum, and/or lung. The prognosis is usually poor, especially for children with thoracic lesion, and treatments for the disease are controversial. The authors report a 9-year-old boy with diffuse lymphangiomatosis involving the thorax with pleural effusions, the spleen, and systemic bone. The patient was treated with pegylated interferon alfa-2b, and achieved good clinical and radiological improvement.