1
|
Wanaguru AL, Cohn RJ, Johnston KA, Gabriel MA, Maguire AM, Neville KA. Growth and Nutritional Outcomes in Children Post-Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant without Exposure to Total Body Irradiation. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2022; 34:e345-e352. [PMID: 35410818 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Poor growth in childhood cancer survivors who undergo haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) without exposure to radiation is reported anecdotally, although literature to support this is limited. The aims of this study were to assess the change in height standard deviation score (SDS) and the final adult height (FAH) in children who underwent chemotherapy-only conditioned HSCT and to identify predictors of poor growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective hospital medical record review (1984-2010) of children (1-10 years) who underwent chemotherapy-only conditioned HSCT, noting anthropology measurements at cancer diagnosis, HSCT, 10 years old and FAH. RESULTS The median age at HSCT of the 53 patients was 4.5 years, 75% had a haematological malignancy and 25% a solid tumour. Half of the cohort underwent allogenic HSCT and most (89%) conditioned with busulphan. The mean change in height SDS from primary cancer diagnosis to FAH was -1.21 (±1.18 SD), equivalent to 7-8.5 cm loss, with a mean FAH of -0.91 SDS (±1.10 SD). The greatest height loss occurred between diagnosis and HSCT (-0.77 SDS, 95% confidence interval -1.42, -0.12, P = 0.01), with no catch-up growth seen by FAH. Patients with solid tumours had the greatest height loss. Overall body mass index SDS did not change significantly over time, or by cancer type. CONCLUSIONS Chemotherapy-only conditioned HSCT during childhood can impact FAH, with the greatest height loss occurring prior to HSCT and no catch-up growth after treatment finishes. Children transplanted for a solid tumour malignancy seem to be more at risk, possibly due to intensive treatment regimens, both pre-transplant and during conditioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A L Wanaguru
- Endocrinology Department, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia; School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
| | - R J Cohn
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia; Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - K A Johnston
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - M A Gabriel
- Oncology Department, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - A M Maguire
- Oncology Department, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia; University of Sydney Medical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - K A Neville
- Endocrinology Department, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia; School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shen Q, Wang X, Bai H, Tan X, Liu X. Effects of high-dose all-trans retinoic acid on longitudinal bone growth of young rats. Growth Horm IGF Res 2022; 62:101446. [PMID: 35149382 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2022.101446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The signaling axis consisting of GH-IGF1-IGFBP3 is the primary signal taht acts prepubertally to influence height development. Growth plate thinning and even premature closure have been reported in children with tumors treated with retinoid chemotherapy, resulting in long bone dysplasia. Growth failure may occur despite received GH treatment, but the reason is unknown. This study investigate the effect of high-dose all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the development of long bones in growing SD rats. METHODS A total of 20 three-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group (n = 10). Rats were treated by gavage with or without high-dose ATRA for 10 days. The body weights of the rats were recorded daily. At the end of the experiment, we measured the length of nose-tail and tibia, stained the tibia and liver for pathological tissue and RT-PCR reaction, and measured the levels of serum GH, IGF1 and IGFBP3, and so on. RESULTS Compared with controls, experimental rats exhibited reduced body weight and shortened nasal-tail and radial tibial length. Cyp26b1 enzyme activity in the liver was elevated, and histopathological staining revealed that the cartilaginous epiphyseal plate was narrowed, the medullary cavity of trabecular bone was sparse, the number of trabecular bones was decreased, trabecular separation was increased, bone marrow mineralization was enhanced, osteoclastic activity was increased, and circulating GH-IGF1-IGFBP3 levels were decreased. However, RT-PCR reaction results of localized proximal tibiae showed upregulation of IGF1 and downregulation of IGFBP3. CONCLUSIONS High-dose ATRA intake over a short period of time can reduce GH-IGF1-IGFBP3 levels, affect cartilage and bone homeostasis, and inhibit bone growth in developing animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Shen
- Department of Orthopedic of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Orthopedic of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Haodi Bai
- Department of Orthopedic of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Xin Tan
- Department of Orthopedic of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Orthopedic of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China; Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Boguszewski MCS, Cardoso-Demartini AA, Boguszewski CL, Chemaitilly W, Higham CE, Johannsson G, Yuen KCJ. Safety of growth hormone (GH) treatment in GH deficient children and adults treated for cancer and non-malignant intracranial tumors-a review of research and clinical practice. Pituitary 2021; 24:810-827. [PMID: 34304361 PMCID: PMC8416866 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-021-01173-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Individuals surviving cancer and brain tumors may experience growth hormone (GH) deficiency as a result of tumor growth, surgical resection and/or radiotherapy involving the hypothalamic-pituitary region. Given the pro-mitogenic and anti-apoptotic properties of GH and insulin-like growth factor-I, the safety of GH replacement in this population has raised hypothetical safety concerns that have been debated for decades. Data from multicenter studies with extended follow-up have generally not found significant associations between GH replacement and cancer recurrence or mortality from cancer among childhood cancer survivors. Potential associations with secondary neoplasms, especially solid tumors, have been reported, although this risk appears to decline with longer follow-up. Data from survivors of pediatric or adult cancers who are treated with GH during adulthood are scarce, and the risk versus benefit profile of GH replacement of this population remains unclear. Studies pertaining to the safety of GH replacement in individuals treated for nonmalignant brain tumors, including craniopharyngioma and non-functioning pituitary adenoma, have generally been reassuring with regards to the risk of tumor recurrence. The present review offers a summary of the most current medical literature regarding GH treatment of patients who have survived cancer and brain tumors, with the emphasis on areas where active research is required and where consensus on clinical practice is lacking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret C S Boguszewski
- Departamento de Pediatria, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Avenida Agostinho Leão Junior, 285 - Alto da Glória, Curitiba, PR, 80030-110, Brazil.
| | | | - Cesar Luiz Boguszewski
- SEMPR, Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Wassim Chemaitilly
- Departments of Pediatric Medicine-Endocrinology and Epidemiology-Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, USA
| | - Claire E Higham
- Department of Endocrinology, Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Gudmundur Johannsson
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kevin C J Yuen
- Barrow Pituitary Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Departments of Neuroendocrinology and Neurosurgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine and Creighton School of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
van Santen HM, Chemaitilly W, Meacham LR, Tonorezos ES, Mostoufi-Moab S. Endocrine Health in Childhood Cancer Survivors. Pediatr Clin North Am 2020; 67:1171-1186. [PMID: 33131540 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine late effects, including reproductive disorders and secondary thyroid cancer, have been reported in up to 50 %childhood cancer survivors (CCS) more than 5 years after treatment. Most endocrine disorders are amenable to treatment; awareness of symptoms is therefore of great importance. Recognition of these symptoms may be delayed however because many are nonspecific. Timely treatment of endocrine disorders improves quality of life in CCS and prevents possible consequences, such as short stature, bone and cardiovascular disorders, and depression. At-risk CCS must therefore be regularly and systematically monitored. This article provides a summary of the most commonly reported endocrine late effects in CCS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanneke M van Santen
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, UMCU, PO Box 85090, Utrecht 3505 AB, the Netherlands; Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Wassim Chemaitilly
- Division of Endocrinology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Lillian R Meacham
- Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emily S Tonorezos
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering and Weill Cornell Medical College, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 485 Lexington Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Sogol Mostoufi-Moab
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Roberts Pediatric Clinical Research Building, 2716 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA; Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Roberts Pediatric Clinical Research Building, 2716 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mostoufi-Moab S, Ward LM. Skeletal Morbidity in Children and Adolescents during and following Cancer Therapy. Horm Res Paediatr 2019; 91:137-151. [PMID: 30481777 PMCID: PMC6536370 DOI: 10.1159/000494809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal abnormalities are common in children and adolescents diagnosed and treated for a malignancy. The spectrum ranges from mild pain to debilitating osteonecrosis and fractures. In this review, we summarize the impact of cancer therapy on the developing skeleton, provide an update on therapeutic strategies for prevention and treatment, and discuss the most recent advances in musculoskeletal research. Early recognition of skeletal abnormalities and strategies to optimize bone health are essential to prevent long-term skeletal sequelae and diminished quality of life in childhood cancer survivors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sogol Mostoufi-Moab
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, The University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,
| | - Leanne M. Ward
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1H 8L1
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chemaitilly W, Cohen LE, Mostoufi-Moab S, Patterson BC, Simmons JH, Meacham LR, van Santen HM, Sklar CA. Endocrine Late Effects in Childhood Cancer Survivors. J Clin Oncol 2018; 36:2153-2159. [PMID: 29874130 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2017.76.3268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine complications are highly prevalent in childhood cancer survivors. Approximately 50% of survivors will experience at least one hormonal disorder over the course of their lives. Endocrine complications often are observed in survivors previously treated with radiation to the head, neck, or pelvis. We provide an overview the most common endocrine late effects seen in survivors, including hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, primary thyroid dysfunction, obesity, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and decreased bone mineral density. Primary gonadal injury is discussed elsewhere in this series. Given a variable latency interval, a systematic approach where individuals are periodically screened on the basis of their risk factors can help to improve health outcomes by prompt diagnosis and treatment of evolving endocrinopathies. These recommendations must be revised in the future given changes and improvements in cancer treatment over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wassim Chemaitilly
- Wassim Chemaitilly, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis; Jill H. Simmons, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Laurie E. Cohen, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Sogol Mostoufi-Moab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Briana C. Patterson and Lillian R. Meacham, Emory University School of Medicine and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA; Hanneke M. van Santen, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and Charles A. Sklar, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Laurie E Cohen
- Wassim Chemaitilly, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis; Jill H. Simmons, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Laurie E. Cohen, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Sogol Mostoufi-Moab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Briana C. Patterson and Lillian R. Meacham, Emory University School of Medicine and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA; Hanneke M. van Santen, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and Charles A. Sklar, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Sogol Mostoufi-Moab
- Wassim Chemaitilly, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis; Jill H. Simmons, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Laurie E. Cohen, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Sogol Mostoufi-Moab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Briana C. Patterson and Lillian R. Meacham, Emory University School of Medicine and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA; Hanneke M. van Santen, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and Charles A. Sklar, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Briana C Patterson
- Wassim Chemaitilly, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis; Jill H. Simmons, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Laurie E. Cohen, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Sogol Mostoufi-Moab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Briana C. Patterson and Lillian R. Meacham, Emory University School of Medicine and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA; Hanneke M. van Santen, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and Charles A. Sklar, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Jill H Simmons
- Wassim Chemaitilly, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis; Jill H. Simmons, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Laurie E. Cohen, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Sogol Mostoufi-Moab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Briana C. Patterson and Lillian R. Meacham, Emory University School of Medicine and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA; Hanneke M. van Santen, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and Charles A. Sklar, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Lillian R Meacham
- Wassim Chemaitilly, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis; Jill H. Simmons, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Laurie E. Cohen, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Sogol Mostoufi-Moab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Briana C. Patterson and Lillian R. Meacham, Emory University School of Medicine and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA; Hanneke M. van Santen, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and Charles A. Sklar, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Hanneke M van Santen
- Wassim Chemaitilly, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis; Jill H. Simmons, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Laurie E. Cohen, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Sogol Mostoufi-Moab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Briana C. Patterson and Lillian R. Meacham, Emory University School of Medicine and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA; Hanneke M. van Santen, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and Charles A. Sklar, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Charles A Sklar
- Wassim Chemaitilly, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis; Jill H. Simmons, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN; Laurie E. Cohen, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Sogol Mostoufi-Moab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Briana C. Patterson and Lillian R. Meacham, Emory University School of Medicine and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA; Hanneke M. van Santen, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; and Charles A. Sklar, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Peinemann F, van Dalen EC, Enk H, Berthold F. Retinoic acid postconsolidation therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma patients treated with autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 8:CD010685. [PMID: 28840597 PMCID: PMC6483698 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010685.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma is a rare malignant disease and mainly affects infants and very young children. The tumours mainly develop in the adrenal medullary tissue, with an abdominal mass as the most common presentation. About 50% of patients have metastatic disease at diagnosis. The high-risk group is characterised by metastasis and other features that increase the risk of an adverse outcome. High-risk patients have a five-year event-free survival of less than 50%. Retinoic acid has been shown to inhibit growth of human neuroblastoma cells and has been considered as a potential candidate for improving the outcome of patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. This review is an update of a previously published Cochrane Review. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy and safety of additional retinoic acid as part of a postconsolidation therapy after high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), compared to placebo retinoic acid or to no additional retinoic acid in people with high-risk neuroblastoma (as defined by the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group (INRG) classification system). SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library (2016, Issue 11), MEDLINE in PubMed (1946 to 24 November 2016), and Embase in Ovid (1947 to 24 November 2016). Further searches included trial registries (on 22 December 2016), conference proceedings (on 23 March 2017) and reference lists of recent reviews and relevant studies. We did not apply limits by publication year or languages. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating additional retinoic acid after HDCT followed by HSCT for people with high-risk neuroblastoma compared to placebo retinoic acid or to no additional retinoic acid. Primary outcomes were overall survival and treatment-related mortality. Secondary outcomes were progression-free survival, event-free survival, early toxicity, late toxicity, and health-related quality of life. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS The update search did not identify any additional studies. We identified one RCT that included people with high-risk neuroblastoma who received HDCT followed by autologous HSCT (N = 98) after a first random allocation and who received retinoic acid (13-cis-retinoic acid; N = 50) or no further therapy (N = 48) after a second random allocation. These 98 participants had no progressive disease after HDCT followed by autologous HSCT. There was no clear evidence of difference between the treatment groups either in overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46 to 1.63; one trial; P = 0.66) or in event-free survival (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.49; one trial; P = 0.59). We calculated the HR values using the complete follow-up period of the trial. The study also reported overall survival estimates at a fixed point in time. At the time point of five years, the survival estimate was reported to be 59% for the retinoic acid group and 41% for the no-further-therapy group (P value not reported). We did not identify results for treatment-related mortality, progression-free survival, early or late toxicity, or health-related quality of life. We could not rule out the possible presence of selection bias, performance bias, attrition bias, and other bias. We judged the evidence to be of low quality for overall survival and event-free survival, downgraded because of study limitations and imprecision. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We identified one RCT that evaluated additional retinoic acid as part of a postconsolidation therapy after HDCT followed by autologous HSCT versus no further therapy in people with high-risk neuroblastoma. There was no clear evidence of a difference in overall survival and event-free survival between the treatment alternatives. This could be the result of low power. Information on other outcomes was not available. This trial was performed in the 1990s, since when many changes in treatment and risk classification have occurred. Based on the currently available evidence, we are therefore uncertain about the effects of retinoic acid in people with high-risk neuroblastoma. More research is needed for a definitive conclusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Peinemann
- Children's Hospital, University of ColognePediatric Oncology and HematologyKerpener Str. 62CologneGermany50937
| | - Elvira C van Dalen
- Emma Children's Hospital/Academic Medical CenterDepartment of Paediatric OncologyPO Box 22660 (room H4‐139)AmsterdamNetherlands1100 DD
| | - Heike Enk
- c/o Cochrane Childhood CancerAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Frank Berthold
- Children's Hospital, University of ColognePediatric Oncology and HematologyKerpener Str. 62CologneGermany50937
| | | |
Collapse
|