Risk adapted chemotherapy for localised Ewing's sarcoma of bone: the French EW93 study

A reduction in tumor volume exceeding 65% predicts a good histological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with Ewing sarcoma

OBJECTIVE

No consensus exists for tumor volume response criteria in patients with Ewing sarcoma. This study aimed to identify an optimal cutoff for predicting a good histological response by analyzing tumor volume changes and tumor necrosis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 184 Ewing sarcoma patients, analyzing tumor volume changes before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients were divided into two groups based on histological response: good (tumor necrosis ≥ 95%) and poor (tumor necrosis < 95%) responders. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) method was used to determine the optimal thresholds for predicting the histological response. Additionally, the prognostic value of this cutoff for relapse-free survival was assessed.

RESULTS

Out of 184 patients, 83 (45%) had tumor necrosis ≥ 95%, while 101 (55%) had tumor necrosis < 95%. ROC analysis identified the optimal cutoff for a good histological response as over 65% tumor volume reduction (AUC = 0.69; p < 0.001). Patients with volume reduction of ≥ 65% had a higher likelihood of a good histological response than those with lesser reductions (p = 0.004; odds ratio = 2.61). Multivariable analysis indicated a correlation between poor histological response and reduced relapse-free survival (hazard ratio = 2.17; p = 0.01), while tumor volume reduction itself did not impact survival.

CONCLUSION

We reported that a tumor volume reduction of ≥ 65% was able to predict a good histological response in Ewing sarcoma patients. We recommend preoperative tumor volume assessment to identify patients at greater risk for poor histological response who could benefit from more intensive chemotherapy protocols or additional radiotherapy.

High-dose chemotherapy for Ewing sarcoma and Rhabdomyosarcoma: A systematic review by the Australia and New Zealand sarcoma association clinical practice guidelines working party

INTRODUCTION

Patients with high-risk or metastatic Ewing sarcoma (ES) and rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) have a guarded prognosis. High-dose chemotherapy (HDT) with autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) has been evaluated as a treatment option to improve outcomes. However, survival benefits remain unclear, and treatment is associated with severe toxicities.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted, using the population, intervention, comparison outcome (PICO) model, to evaluate whether utilization of HDT/ASCT impacts the outcome of patients with ES and RMS compared to standard chemotherapy alone, as part of first line treatment or in the relapse setting. Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central were queried for publications from 1990 to October 2022 that evaluated event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicities. Each study was screened by two independent reviewers for suitability. A qualitative synthesis of the results was performed.

RESULTS

Of 1,172 unique studies screened, 41 studies were eligible for inclusion with 29 studies considering ES, 10 studies considering RMS and 2 studies considering both. In ES patients with high-risk localised disease who received HDT/ASCT after VIDE chemotherapy, consolidation with melphalan-based HDT/ASCT as first line therapy conveyed an EFS and OS benefit over standard chemotherapy consolidation. Efficacy of HDT/ASCT using a VDC/IE backbone, which is now standard care, has not been established. Survival benefits are not confirmed for ES patients with metastatic disease at initial diagnosis. For relapsed/refractory ES, four retrospective studies report improvement in outcomes with HDT/ASCT with the greatest evidence in patients who demonstrate a treatment response before HDT, and in patients under the age of 14. In RMS, there is no proven survival benefit of HDT/ASCT in primary localised, metastatic or relapsed disease.

CONCLUSION

Prospective randomised trials are required to determine the utility of HDT/ASCT in ES and RMS. Selected patients with relapsed ES could be considered for HDT/ASCT.

Improving quality and quantity of life for childhood cancer survivors globally in the twenty-first century

The contributions of cooperative groups to performing large-cohort clinical trials and long-term survivorship studies have facilitated advances in treatment, supportive care and, ultimately, survival for patients with paediatric cancers. As a result, the number of childhood cancer survivors in the USA alone is expected to reach almost 580,000 by 2040. Despite these substantial improvements, childhood cancer survivors continue to have an elevated burden of chronic disease and an excess risk of early death compared with the general population and therefore constitute a large, medically vulnerable population for which delivery of high-quality, personalized care is much needed. Data from large survivorship cohorts have enabled the identification of compelling associations between paediatric cancers, cancer therapy and long-term health conditions. Effectively translating these findings into clinical care that improves the quality and quantity of life for survivors remains an important focus of ongoing research. Continued development of well-designed clinical studies incorporating dissemination and implementation strategies with input from patient advocates and other key stakeholders is crucial to overcoming these gaps. This Review highlights the global progress made and future efforts that will be needed to further increase the quality and quantity of life-years gained for childhood cancer survivors.

Ewing Sarcoma Drug Therapy: Current Standard of Care and Emerging Agents

Ewing sarcoma is a translocation-associated sarcoma mainly impacting adolescents and young adults. The classic translocation (EWSR1::FLI1) leads to a fusion oncoprotein that functions as an aberrant transcription factor. As such, the oncogenic driver of this disease has been difficult to target pharmacologically and, therefore, the systemic therapies used to treat patients with Ewing sarcoma have typically been non-selective cytotoxic chemotherapy agents. The current review highlights recent clinical trials from the last decade that provide the evidence base for contemporary drug therapy for patients with Ewing sarcoma, while also highlighting novel therapies under active clinical investigation in this disease. We review recent trials that have led to the establishment of interval-compressed chemotherapy as an international standard for patients with newly diagnosed localized disease. We further highlight recent trials that have shown a lack of demonstrable benefit from high-dose chemotherapy or IGF-1R inhibition for patients with newly diagnosed metastatic disease. Finally, we provide an overview of chemotherapy regimens and targeted therapies used in the management of patients with recurrent Ewing sarcoma.

Analysis of Local Control Outcomes and Clinical Prognostic Factors in Localized Pelvic Ewing Sarcoma Patients Treated With Radiation Therapy: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group

PURPOSE

To identify potential clinical prognostic factors associated with a higher risk of local recurrence in patients with localized pelvic Ewing sarcoma treated with radiation therapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Data for 101 patients treated with definitive radiation therapy (RT) or both surgery and radiation (S + RT) to primary pelvic tumors on INT-0091, INT-0154, and AEWS0031 were analyzed. Imaging data for patients who did not receive radiation were not available for central review; therefore, patients with surgery alone were not included. Cumulative incidence rates for local failure at 5 years from time of local control were calculated accounting for competing risks.

RESULTS

The most common pelvic subsite was sacrum (44.6%). RT was used in 68% of patients and S + RT in 32%. The local failure rate was 25.0% for RT and 6.3% for S + RT (P = .046). There was no statistically significant difference in local control modality by tumor characteristics. Tumors originating in the ischiopubic-acetabulum region were associated with the highest local failure incidence, 37.5% (P = .02, vs sacrum and iliac/buttock tumors), particularly those treated with RT (50.0%, P = .06). A higher incidence of local failure was seen with each additional 100 mL of tumor at diagnosis (P = .04). Multivariable analysis demonstrated RT alone (hazard ratio [HR], 5.1; P = .04), tumor subsite (particularly ischiopubic-acetabulum tumors; HR 4.6; P = .02), and increasing volume per 100 mL (HR, 1.2; P = .01) were associated with a higher incidence of local recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination surgery and RT is associated with improved local control in patients with pelvic Ewing sarcoma compared with definitive RT. Tumors involving the ischiopubic-acetabulum region and increasing tumor volume at diagnosis are associated with inferior local control. Tumor characteristics did not correlate with choice of local therapy modality suggesting an opportunity to develop best local therapy practices guidelines for future studies based on tumor features.

Primary extraskeletal Ewing’s sarcoma of the lumbar nerve root: A case report

BACKGROUND

Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) is a highly aggressive bone malignancy. Extraskeletal ES (EES) originating in the spinal canal is extremely rare. Herein, we report on a rare case of EES with a primary lumbar spinal nerve root including the complete diagnosis and treatment.

CASE SUMMARY

A young female patient presented with a complaint of right lower limb pain for 1 mo. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an 11 mm × 14 mm × 31 mm mass in the lumbar epidural region extending at the fifth lumbar spine (L5) level toward the right L5 neural foramen. Our initial diagnosis was an epidural schwannoma. The patient underwent total laminectomy, tumor resection and pedicle screw internal fixation and the L5 root tumor was found to have been completely removed intraoperatively. Histopathological examination of the lesion showed a typical ES with a large number of small, round cells. Immunohistochemistry analysis indicated positive CD99 and S100. After surgery, the patient received chemotherapy and radiotherapy with a 1 year of follow-up and no recurrent tumors or new lesions were found upon spine MRI and positron emission tomography/computed tomography reexamination.

CONCLUSION

Clinically, ES outside the bone should be considered when nerve root tumors are encountered inside and outside the spinal canal and the diagnosis should be determined by pathological biopsy. After surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be performed. After treatment, active follow-up and regular review should be completed.

Development and Validation of a Novel Clinical Prediction Model to Predict the Risk of Lung Metastasis from Ewing Sarcoma for Medical Human-Computer Interface

Background. This study aimed at establishing and validating a quantitative and visual prognosis model of Ewing Sarcoma (E.S.) via a nomogram. This model was developed to predict the risk of lung metastasis (L.M.) in patients with E.S. to provide a practical tool and help in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods. Data of all patients diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma between 2010 and 2016 were retrospectively retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. A training dataset from the enrolled cohorts was built (n = 929). Predictive factors for L.M. were identified based on the results of multivariable logistic regression analyses. A nomogram model and a web calculator were constructed based on those key predictors. A multicenter dataset from four medical institutions was established for model validation (n = 51). The predictive ability of the nomogram model was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration plot. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was applied to explain the accuracy of the nomogram model in clinical practice. Results. Five independent factors, including survival time, surgery, tumor (T) stage, node (N) stage, and bone metastasis, were identified to develop a nomogram model. Internal and external validation indicated significant predictive discrimination: the area under the ROC curve (AUC) value was 0.769 (95% CI: 0.740 to 0.795) in the training cohort and 0.841 (95% CI: 0.712 to 0.929) in the validation cohort, respectively. Calibration plots and DCA presented excellent performance of the nomogram model with great clinical utility. Conclusions. In this study, a nomogram model was constructed and validated to predict L.M. in patients with E.S. for medical human-computer interface—a web calculator (https://drliwenle.shinyapps.io/LMESapp/). This practical tool could help clinicians make better decisions to provide precision prognosis and treatment for patients with E.S.

What Do We Know about Survival in Skeletally Premature Children Aged 0 to 10 Years with Ewing Sarcoma? A Multicenter 10-Year Follow-Up Study in 60 Patients

(1) Background: Younger age has been associated with better overall survival (OS) in Ewing sarcoma (ES), especially under the age of 10. The favorable survival in younger patients underlines the need for minimizing treatment burden and late sequelae. Our study aimed at describing clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of a cohort of ES patients aged 0−10. (2) Methods: In this retrospective multicenter study, all consecutive ES patients aged 0−10, treated in four sarcoma centers in the Netherlands (n = 33) and one in Spain (n = 27) between 1982 and 2008, with a minimum follow-up of 10 years, were included. OS, local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were calculated. Potential factors of influence on OS (risk and protective factors) were analyzed. (3) Results: 60 patients with median follow-up 13.03 years were included. All patients were treated with chemotherapy in combination with local treatment, being surgery alone in 30 (50%) patients, radiotherapy (RT) alone in 12 (20%) patients or surgery plus RT in 18 (30%) patients (12 pre- and 6 postoperative). Limb salvage was achieved in 93% of patients. The 10-OS, -LRFS and -DMFS are 81% (95% CI: 71−91%), 89% (95% CI: 85−93%) and 81% (95% CI: 71−91%), respectively. Six patients developed LR, of which two developed subsequent DM; all had axial ES (pelvis, spine or chest wall), and these patients all died. Ten patients developed DM; eight died due to progressive disease, and two are currently in remission, both with pulmonary metastasis only. Negative or wide resection margin was significantly associated with better OS. Age < 6 years, tumor volume < 200 mL, absence of metastatic disease and treatment after 2000 showed trends towards better OS. Two patients developed secondary malignancy; both had chemotherapy combined with definitive RT for local treatment. (4) Conclusions: Overall survival of these youngest patients with ES was very good. Limb salvage surgery was achieved in >90% of patients. Wide resection margin was the only factor significantly associated with better survival.

Ewing family tumors of the appendicular skeleton: a retrospective analysis of prognostic factors

PURPOSE

Authors retrospectively analyzed possible prognostic factors in a series of patients affected by Ewing sarcoma of extremities (eEWS) and treated over a 20-year period at a single institution.

METHODS

Between 1997 and 2017, 88 bone eEWS were treated at our institution. Staging, age, gender, tumoral volume, local treatment, surgical margins, post-ChT necrosis were investigated for prognostic correlation with overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS). Median follow-up was 74 months (1-236).

RESULTS

Staging of disease correlated with OS (81% vs 59%, p = 0.01) and not with EFS (68% vs 57%, p = 0.28) in localized vs metastatic eEWS at presentation. Age ≥ 14 years (p = 0.002) and volume ≥ 100 cm3 (p = 0.04) were significant negative prognostic factors. No difference was found in local treatment: OS was 76% vs 63% (p = 0.33), while EFS was 68% vs 49% (p = 0.06) after surgery alone or surgery + radiotherapy, respectively. Regarding surgical margins, OS was 76% vs 38% (p = 0.14), and EFS was 65% vs 33% (p = 0.14) in adequate vs not adequate, respectively. OS was 86% and 68% in good and poor responders, respectively (p = 0.13).

CONCLUSION

In eEWS, metastatic disease at presentation, age > 14 years and tumoral volume > 100 cm³ are negative prognostic factors. Intensified adjuvant ChT can improve prognosis in poor responders and metastatic patients.

Ewing sarcoma

Ewing sarcoma is a rare tumor that requires complex multidisciplinary management. This report describes the general management and standard radiotherapy guidelines in both North America (Children's Oncology Group) and Europe (International Society of Pediatric Oncology). Standard treatment involves multiagent induction chemotherapy followed by local treatment with surgery, definitive radiation, or a combination of surgery and radiation followed by additional chemotherapy and consolidation local treatment to metastatic sites. The data supporting the role of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation and specific radiation therapy guidelines are presented.

Ewing Sarcoma-Diagnosis, Treatment, Clinical Challenges and Future Perspectives

Ewing sarcoma, a highly aggressive bone and soft-tissue cancer, is considered a prime example of the paradigms of a translocation-positive sarcoma: a genetically rather simple disease with a specific and neomorphic-potential therapeutic target, whose oncogenic role was irrefutably defined decades ago. This is a disease that by definition has micrometastatic disease at diagnosis and a dismal prognosis for patients with macrometastatic or recurrent disease. International collaborations have defined the current standard of care in prospective studies, delivering multiple cycles of systemic therapy combined with local treatment; both are associated with significant morbidity that may result in strong psychological and physical burden for survivors. Nevertheless, the combination of non-directed chemotherapeutics and ever-evolving local modalities nowadays achieve a realistic chance of cure for the majority of patients with Ewing sarcoma. In this review, we focus on the current standard of diagnosis and treatment while attempting to answer some of the most pressing questions in clinical practice. In addition, this review provides scientific answers to clinical phenomena and occasionally defines the resulting translational studies needed to overcome the hurdle of treatment-associated morbidities and, most importantly, non-survival.

Risk factors for metastasis and poor prognosis of Ewing sarcoma: a population based study

Background

This study is to determine the risk factors for metastasis of Ewing sarcoma (ES) patients in SEER database. Then explore clinicopathological factors associated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, develop the nomogram to predict the probability of overall survival and cancer-specific survival

Methods

Thus, we collected clinicopathological data of ES patients in SEER database, and then used chi-square test and logistic regression to determine risk factors associated to metastasis. We also did survival analysis including Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox proportional hazard model to explore the risk factors associated to overall survival and cancer-specific survival, and then developed the nomogram to visualize and quantify the probability of survival.

Results

After statistics, we find that patients with older ages (11–20 years old: OR = 1.517, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.033–2.228, p = 0.034; 21–30 years old: OR = 1.659. 95%CI 1.054–2.610, p = 0.029), larger tumor size (> 8 cm: OR = 1.914, 95%CI 1.251–2.928, p = 0.003), and pelvic lesions (OR = 2.492, 95%CI 1.829–3.395, p < 0.001) had a higher risk of metastasis. ROC curves showed higher AUC (0.65) of combined model which incorporate these three factors to predict the presence of metastasis at diagnosis. In survival analysis, patients with older ages (11–20 years: HR = 1.549, 95%CI 1.144–2.099, p = 0.005; 21–30 years: HR = 1.808, 95%CI 1.278–2.556, p = 0.001; 31–49 years: HR = 3.481, 95%CI 2.379–5.094, p < 0.001; ≥ 50 years: HR = 4.307, 95%CI 2.648–7.006, p < 0.001) , larger tumor size (5–8 cm: HR = 1.386, 95%CI 1.005–1.991, p = 0.046; > 8 cm: HR = 1.877, 95%CI 1.376–2.561, p < 0.001), black race (HR = 2.104, 95%CI 1.296–3.416, p = 0.003), and wider extension (regional: HR = 1.373, 95%CI 1.033–1.823, p = 0.029; metastatic: HR = 3.259, 95%CI 2.425–4.379, p < 0.001) were associated with worse prognosis. Chemotherapy was associated with better prognosis (HR = 0.466, 95%CI 0.290–0.685, p < 0.001). The nomogram which developed by training set and aimed to predict OS and CSS showed good consistency with actual observed outcomes internally and externally.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tumor size and primary site were associated with distant metastasis at diagnosis. Age, tumor size, primary site, tumor extent, and chemotherapy were associated with overall survival and cancer-specific survival. Nomogram could predict the probability of OS and CSS and showed good consistency with actual observed outcomes internally and externally.

Individual risk evaluation for local recurrence and distant metastasis in Ewing sarcoma: A multistate model: A multistate model for Ewing sarcoma

BACKGROUND

We investigated the effects of surgical margins, histological response, and radiotherapy on local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis (DM), and survival in Ewing sarcoma.

PROCEDURE

Disease evolution was retrospectively studied in 982 patients with Ewing sarcoma undergoing surgery after chemotherapy using a multistate model with initial state surgery, intermediate states LR, pulmonary metastasis (DMpulm), other DM ± LR (DMother), and final state death. Effect of risk factors was estimated using Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 7.6 years (95% CI, 7.2-8.0). Risk factors for LR are pelvic location, HR 2.04 (1.10-3.80), marginal/intralesional resection, HR 2.28 (1.25-4.16), and radiotherapy, HR 0.52 (0.28-0.95); for DMpulm the risk factors are <90% necrosis, HR 2.13 (1.13-4.00), and previous pulmonary metastasis, HR 4.90 (2.28-8.52); for DMother are 90% to 99% necrosis, HR 1.56 (1.09-2.23), <90% necrosis, HR 2.66 (1.87-3.79), previous bone/other metastasis, HR 3.08 (2.03-4.70); and risk factors for death without LR/DM are pulmonary metastasis, HR 8.08 (4.01-16.29), bone/other metastasis, HR 10.23 (4.90-21.36), and <90% necrosis, HR 6.35 (3.18-12.69). Early LR (0-24 months) negatively influences survival, HR 3.79 (1.34-10.76). Once DMpulm/DMother arise only previous bone/other metastasis remain prognostic for death, HR 1.74 (1.10-2.75).

CONCLUSION

Disease extent and histological response are risk factors for progression to DM or death. Tumor site and surgical margins are risk factors for LR. If disease progression occurs, previous risk factors lose their relevance. In case of isolated LR, time to recurrence is important for decision-making. Radiotherapy seems protective for LR especially in pelvic/axial. Low percentages of LR in extremity tumors and associated toxicity question the need for radiotherapy in extremity Ewing sarcoma.

Easy-to-use clinical tool for survival estimation in Ewing sarcoma at diagnosis and after surgery

Accurate survival estimations in Ewing sarcoma are necessary to develop risk- and response adaptive treatment strategies allowing for early decision-making. We aim to develop an easy-to-use survival estimation tool from diagnosis and surgery. A retrospective study of 1314 Ewing sarcoma patients was performed. Associations between prognostic variables at diagnosis/surgery and overall survival (OS), were investigated using Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox models. Predictive accuracy was evaluated by cross-validation and Harrell C-statistics. Median follow-up was 7.9 years (95%CI 7.6–8.3). Independent prognostic factors at diagnosis were age, volume, primary tumor localization and disease extent. 5 risk categories (A-E) were identified with 5-year OS of 88% (86–94), 69% (64–74), 57% (50–64), 51% (42–60) and 28% (22–34) respectively. Harrell C-statistic was 0.70. Independent prognostic factors from surgery were age, volume, disease extent and histological response. In categories A-B, 5y OS increased to 92% (87–97) and 79% (71–87) respectively for 100% necrosis and decreased to 76% (67–85) and 62% (55–69) respectively for <100% necrosis. In categories C-E, 5y OS increased to 65% (55–75), 65% (52–78) and 52% (38–66) respectively for ≥90% necrosis and decreased to 38% (22–54), 11% (0–26) and 7% (0–19) respectively for <90% necrosis. We present an easy-to-use survival estimation tool from diagnosis in Ewing sarcoma based on age, volume, primary tumor localization and disease extent. Histological response is a strong additional prognostic factor for OS.

Local recurrence of Ewing sarcoma: Is wide excision an acceptable treatment?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Local recurrence in Ewing sarcoma (ES) is associated with poor prognosis. The purpose of the study is to determine what factors affect overall survival after local recurrence and whether wide excision constitutes appropriate treatment.

METHODS

From 1992 to 2017, 26 patients were treated for local recurrence of ES. Sixteen patients presented with local recurrence only while 10 had metastasis. The median follow-up was 23 months (range, 3-255 months). Overall survival was assessed with Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

At the last follow-up, seven of 26 (27%) patients were alive. Overall survival after local recurrence was 28% at 5 years. Later onset of local recurrence (P = .041), surgical treatment (P < .001), and complete eradication of all recurrent disease (P < .001) predicted better survival. Metastasis was associated with worse survival (P = .014). All three patients who survived more than 10 years were treated with wide local excision. A second local recurrence developed in seven patients (28%) but did not predict worse overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall survival after local recurrence is better for patients with nonmetastatic disease treated surgically. Wide excision can be compatible with long survival. We do not advocate amputation on a routine basis for local recurrence. Complete eradication of all diseases is associated with better survival.

Predicting Ewing Sarcoma Treatment Outcome Using Infrared Spectroscopy and Machine Learning

Background: Improved outcome prediction is vital for the delivery of risk-adjusted, appropriate and effective care to paediatric patients with Ewing sarcoma—the second most common paediatric malignant bone tumour. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of tissues allows the bulk biochemical content of a biological sample to be probed and makes possible the study and diagnosis of disease. Methods: In this retrospective study, FTIR spectra of sections of biopsy-obtained bone tissue were recorded. Twenty-seven patients (between 5 and 20 years of age) with newly diagnosed Ewing sarcoma of bone were included in this study. The prognostic value of FTIR spectra obtained from Ewing sarcoma (ES) tumours before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were analysed in combination with various data-reduction and machine learning approaches. Results: Random forest and linear discriminant analysis supervised learning models were able to correctly predict patient mortality in 92% of cases using leave-one-out cross-validation. The best performing model for predicting patient relapse was a linear Support Vector Machine trained on the observed spectral changes as a result of chemotherapy treatment, which achieved 92% accuracy. Conclusion: FTIR spectra of tumour biopsy samples may predict treatment outcome in paediatric Ewing sarcoma patients with greater than 92% accuracy.

High-Dose Chemotherapy and Blood Autologous Stem-Cell Rescue Compared With Standard Chemotherapy in Localized High-Risk Ewing Sarcoma: Results of Euro-E.W.I.N.G.99 and Ewing-2008

Purpose For over 30 years, the place of consolidation high-dose chemotherapy in Ewing sarcoma (ES) has been controversial. A randomized study was conducted to determine whether consolidation high-dose chemotherapy improved survival in patients with localized ES at high risk for relapse. Methods Randomization between busulfan and melphalan (BuMel) or standard chemotherapy (vincristine, dactinomycin, and ifosfamide [VAI], seven courses) was offered to patients if they were younger than 50 years of age with poor histologic response (≥ 10% viable cells) after receiving vincristine, ifosfamide, doxorubicin, and etoposide (six courses); or had a tumor volume at diagnosis ≥ 200 mL if unresected, or initially resected, or resected after radiotherapy. A 15% improvement in 3-year event-free survival (EFS) was sought (hazard ratio [HR], 0.60). Results Between 2000 and 2015, 240 patients classified as high risk (median age, 17.1 years) were randomly assigned to VAI (n = 118) or BuMel (n = 122). Seventy-eight percent entered the trial because of poor histologic response after chemotherapy alone. Median follow-up was 7.8 years. In an intent-to-treat analysis, the risk of event was significantly decreased by BuMel compared with VAI: HR, 0.64 (95% CI, 0.43 to 0.95; P = .026); 3- and 8-year EFS were, respectively, 69.0% (95% CI, 60.2% to 76.6%) versus 56.7% (95% CI, 47.6% to 65.4%) and 60.7% (95% CI, 51.1% to 69.6%) versus 47.1% (95% CI, 37.7% to 56.8%). Overall survival (OS) also favored BuMel: HR, 0.63 (95% CI, 0.41 to 0.95; P = .028); 3- and 8-year OS were, respectively, 78.0% (95% CI, 69.6% to 84.5%) versus 72.2% (95% CI, 63.3% to 79.6%) and 64.5% (95% CI, 54.4% to 73.5%) versus 55.6% (95% CI, 45.8% to 65.1%). Results were consistent in the sensitivity analysis. Two patients died as a result of BuMel-related toxicity, one after standard chemotherapy. Significantly more BuMel patients experienced severe acute toxicities from this course of chemotherapy compared with multiple VAI courses. Conclusion BuMel improved EFS and OS when given after vincristine, ifosfamide, doxorubicin, and etoposide induction in localized ES with predefined high-risk factors. For this group of patients, BuMel may be an important addition to the standard of care.

Identification of Patients With Localized Ewing Sarcoma at Higher Risk for Local Failure: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group

PURPOSE

To identify clinical and treatment variables associated with a higher risk of local failure in Ewing sarcoma patients treated on recent Children's Oncology Group protocols.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Data for 956 patients treated with ifosfamide and etoposide-based chemotherapy on INT-0091, INT-0154, and AEWS0031 were analyzed. Local treatment modalities were defined as surgery, definitive radiation therapy (RT), or surgery plus radiation (S+RT). Five-year cumulative incidence of local failure was determined.

RESULTS

The local failure rate for the entire cohort was 7.3%, with a 3.9% rate for surgery, 15.3% for RT (P<.01), and 6.6% for S+RT (P=.12). The local failure incidence was 5.4% for extremity tumors, 13.2% for pelvis tumors (P<.01), 5.3% for axial non-spine tumors (P=.90), 9.1% for extraskeletal tumors (P=.08), and 3.6% for spine tumors (P=.49). The incidence of local failure was 14.8% for extremity tumors and 22.4% for pelvis tumors treated with RT, compared with 3.7% for extremity tumors and 3.9% for pelvis tumors treated with surgery (P≤.01). There was no difference in local failure incidence by local treatment modality for axial non-spine, spine, and extraskeletal tumors. The local failure incidence was 11.9% in patients aged ≥18 years versus 6.7% in patients aged <18 years (P=.02). Age ≥18 years (hazard ratio 1.9, P=.04) and treatment with RT (hazard ratio 2.40, P<.01) remained independent prognostic factors for higher local failure incidence on multivariate analysis. Tumor size (</≥ 8 cm) was available in 40% of patients and did not correlate with local failure incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Local tumor control is excellent and similar between surgery and RT for axial non-spine, spine, and extraskeletal tumors. Age ≥18 years and use of RT, primarily for pelvis and extremity tumors, are associated with the highest risk of local failure. Further efforts should focus on improving outcomes for these patients.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation following high-dose chemotherapy for nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas

BACKGROUND

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a highly heterogeneous group of rare malignant solid tumors. Nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas (NRSTS) comprise all STS except rhabdomyosarcoma. In people with advanced local or metastatic disease, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) applied after high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) is a planned rescue therapy for HDCT-related severe hematologic toxicity. The rationale for this update is to determine whether any randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted and to clarify whether HDCT followed by autologous HSCT has a survival advantage.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for all stages of nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas (NRSTS) in children and adults.

SEARCH METHODS

For this update, we revised the search strategy to improve the precision and reduce the number of irrelevant hits. We searched the following electronic databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2016, Issue 8), PubMed from 2012 to 6 September 2016, and Embase from 2012 to 26 September 2016. We searched online trial registries and congress proceedings from 2012 to 26 September 2016.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Terms representing STS and autologous HSCT were required in the title or abstract. We restricted the study design to RCTs. We included studies if at least 80% of participants had a diagnosis listed in any version of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification and classified as malignant. The search included children and adults with no age limits.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodologic procedures expected by Cochrane. The primary outcomes were overall survival and treatment-related mortality.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 1549 records; 85 items from electronic databases, 45 from study registries, and 1419 from congress proceedings. The revised search strategy did not identify any additional RCTs. In the previous version of the review, we identified one RCT comparing HDCT followed by autologous HSCT versus standard-dose chemotherapy (SDCT). The trial randomized 87 participants who were considerably heterogeneous with respect to 19 different tumor entities. The data from 83 participants were available for analysis.In the single included trial, overall survival at three years was 32.7% in the HDCT arm versus 49.4% in the SDCT arm and there was no difference between the treatment groups (hazard ratio (HR) 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70 to 2.29, P = 0.44; 1 study, 83 participants; high quality evidence). In a subgroup of participants who had a complete response before HDCT, overall survival was higher in both treatment groups and overall survival at three years was 42.8% in the HDCT arm versus 83.9% in the SDCT arm and favored the SDCT group (HR 2.92, 95% CI 1.1 to 7.6, P = 0.028; 1 study, 39 participants).In the single included trial, the authors reported one treatment-related leukemia death two years after HDCT. They also evaluated severe adverse events WHO grade 3 to 4 in 22 participants in the HDCT arm and in 51 participants in the SDCT arm. The authors reported 11 events concerning digestive-, infection-, pain-, or asthenia-related toxicity in the HDCT arm and one event in the SDCT arm (moderate quality evidence). The development of secondary neoplasia was not addressed. We judged the study to have an overall unclear risk of bias as three of seven items had unclear and four items had low risk of bias. For GRADE, we judged three items as high quality and three items were not reported.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The limited data of a single RCT with an unclear risk of bias and moderate to high quality evidence showed no survival advantage for HDCT. If this treatment is offered it should only be given after careful consideration on an individual person basis and possibly only as part of a well-designed RCT.

Ewing sarcoma family of tumors in children younger than 10 years of age

AIM

Few data exist regarding the clinical characteristics and outcome of young children with Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT).

METHODS

We reviewed the records of ESFT patients at our institution younger than 10 years of age at diagnosis.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients were identified. Median age was 6.4 years (range 0.6-9.5 years). Most patients had T2 (>5 cm) tumors (n = 31; 74%). Most common primary site was the extremity (n = 17; 41%). Seven patients (17%) had metastasis at diagnosis. For local tumor control, 20 patients had surgery only, 13 had radiation therapy only, and 6 had surgery plus radiation. Surgical margin status was negative in 19 patients (73%). Median follow-up was 4.7 years (range 0.7-29.7 years), and 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) estimates were 67% (95% CI: 53-84%) and 82% (95% CI: 71-95%), respectively. Metastasis at presentation was the only significant predictor for decreased RFS (P = 0.008) and OS (P = 0.01). A trend was seen for T2 tumors with worse OS (P = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

Patients younger than 10 years of age with ESFT may have a better OS than older patients, but further study of a homogeneously treated larger cohort is needed.

Management of Ewing sarcoma family of tumors: Current scenario and unmet need

Ewing sarcoma family tumors (ESFT) are heterogeneous, aggressive group of disease with peak incidence in adolescent and young adults. The outcome has been improved dramatically from 10% with surgery and radiotherapy alone to 65%-70% now, in localized disease, with the introduction of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy regimen evolved from single agent to multiagent with effort of many cooperative clinical trials over decades. The usual treatment protocol include introduction of multi-agent chemotherapy in neoadjuvant setting to eradicate systemic disease with timely incorporation of surgery and/or radiotherapy as local treatment modality and further adjuvant chemotherapy to prevent recurrence. Risk adapted chemotherapy in neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting along with radiotherapy has been used in many international collaborative trials and has resulted in improved outcome, more so in patients with localized disease. The role of high dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue is still debatable. The outcome of patients with metastatic disease is dismal with long term outcome ranges from 20%-40% depending on the sites of metastasis and intensity of treatment. There is a huge unmet need to improve outcome further, more so in metastatic setting. Novel therapy targeting the molecular pathways and pathogenesis of ESFT is very much required. Here we have discussed the current standard of management in patients with ESFT, investigational targeted or novel therapies along with future promises.

Ewing Sarcoma: A 15-Year Experience of a Single Center With the MSKCC P6 Treatment Protocol

INTRODUCTION

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is the second most common bone tumor in children. Current chemotherapeutic regimens include high-dose anthracyclines and alkylating agents with significant variation in treatment length. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center P6 regimen (MSKCC P6) treatment protocol is a highly aggressive regimen given over 21 weeks only. We present the outcome of ES patients treated in our center with this protocol over the last 15 years.

PROCEDURE

We retrospectively analyzed data on the presentation, patient characteristics, treatment, and outcome of all ES patients treated according to the MSKCC P6 regimen from 1999 to 2014.

RESULTS

Of 48 patients, 37 (77%) presented with a nonmetastatic disease and 26 (54%) with tumor located in the extremities. The 5-year overall survival (OS) of the entire cohort was 55.9% ± 8%. Nonmetastatic disease conferred a better prognosis with a 5-year OS of 68.4% ± 8.5%. Patients with a nonmetastatic extremity tumor had the most favorable outcome with 5-year OS of 72.2% ± 9.8%.

CONCLUSION

The outcome of ES patients after a short aggressive course of chemotherapy (the MSKCC P6 protocol), is comparable to that following other first-line treatment regimens in use, with potentially fewer long-term adverse events.

Cyclophosphamide versus ifosfamide for paediatric and young adult bone and soft tissue sarcoma patients

BACKGROUND

Alkylating agents, such as cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, play a major role in the improved survival of children and young adults with bone and soft tissue sarcoma. However, there is still controversy as to their comparative anti-tumour efficacy and possible adverse effects. This is the second update of the first systematic review evaluating the state of evidence on the effectiveness of cyclophosphamide as compared to ifosfamide for paediatric and young adult patients with sarcoma.

OBJECTIVES

The primary obective was to compare the effectiveness, that is response rate, event-free survival and overall survival, of cyclophosphamide with that of ifosfamide for paediatric and young adult patients with sarcoma. Secondary objectives were to determine effects of these agents on toxicities (including late effects) and quality of life.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2015, issue 2), MEDLINE/PubMed (from 1966 to March 2015) and EMBASE/Ovid (from 1980 to March 2015) with prespecified terms. In addition, we searched reference lists of relevant articles, conference proceedings and ongoing trial databases (www.controlled-trials.com; searched June 2015).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide for the treatment of different types of sarcoma in paediatric and young adult patients (aged less than 30 years at diagnosis). Chemotherapy other than either cyclophosphamide or ifosfamide should have been the same in both treatment groups.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently performed the study selection.

MAIN RESULTS

No studies meeting the inclusion criteria of the review were identified.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

No RCTs or CCTs comparing the effectiveness of cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide in the treatment of bone and soft tissue sarcoma in children and young adults were identified. Therefore no definitive conclusions can be made about the effects of cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide in these patients. Based on the currently available evidence, we are not able to give recommendations for clinical practice. More high-quality research is needed.

Primary cutaneous and subcutaneous Ewing sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Primary cutaneous/subcutaneous Ewing sarcoma (scEWS) is extremely rare. We describe clinical features, treatment, and outcome of this Ewing localization.

PROCEDURE

Retrospective study (1996-2012) on 56 patients.

RESULTS

Most primary scEWS occurred in late adolescent/young adult females (F/M = 1.9; median age 21.5 years), with primary tumor in the extremity/trunk (48.5%/39%). Only 35/56 samples had Real-Time-Polymerase-Chain-Reaction/Fluorescent-In-Situ-Hybridization analysis, 32/35 had EWS-translocation. Most of them exhibited known favorable prognostic factors: localized disease (54/56), initial tumor volume < 200 ml (51/53). Thirty and 25 patients received chemotherapy according to Euro-Ewing99 or a shorter/less intense chemotherapy regimen associated with milder toxicity. One patient had not received chemotherapy. Surgery was performed at diagnosis in 37 patients (18/37 marginal/intra-lesional resections) followed by secondary surgery in 8/37 (three remained marginal). Nineteen other patients had an initial biopsy followed by chemotherapy, 15/19 underwent late surgery (4/15 marginal/intra-lesional resections). Overall, 27/56 patients received radiotherapy. Median follow-up was six years (1-15). Two patients with metastatic disease progressed at metastatic sites. Four patients with localized disease experienced progression/relapse (local n = 3, metastatic n = 1). Survival was excellent: 5y-OS and 5y-EFS were 93.8% (95%CI = 83-98%) and 88.5% (95%CI-= 77-95), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Unplanned primary surgery should be avoided to try to minimize potential long term sequels due to secondary surgery or radiotherapy. Biopsy with molecular analysis and staging should be performed at diagnosis to inform treatment recommendations. Patients with metastases should be treated aggressively as for other metastatic EWS. Further studies are necessary to clarify whether a less intensive chemotherapy regimen could be safely used in localized disease to minimize acute/late toxicities.

Ewing Sarcoma: Current Management and Future Approaches Through Collaboration

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive sarcoma of bone and soft tissue occurring at any age with a peak incidence in adolescents and young adults. The treatment of ES relies on a multidisciplinary approach, coupling risk-adapted intensive neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapies with surgery and/or radiotherapy for control of the primary site and possible metastatic disease. The optimization of ES multimodality therapeutic strategies has resulted from the efforts of several national and international groups in Europe and North America and from cooperation between pediatric and medical oncologists. Successive first-line trials addressed the efficacy of various cyclic combinations of drugs incorporating doxorubicin, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, etoposide, and dactinomycin and identified prognostic factors now used to tailor therapies. The role of high-dose chemotherapy is still debated. Current 5-year overall survival for patients with localized disease is 65% to 75%. Patients with metastases have a 5-year overall survival < 30%, except for those with isolated pulmonary metastasis (approximately 50%). Patients with recurrence have a dismal prognosis. The many insights into the biology of the EWS-FLI1 protein in the initiation and progression of ES remain to be translated into novel therapeutic strategies. Current options and future approaches will be discussed.

Post-relapse survival in patients with Ewing sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Post-relapse survival (PRS) was evaluated in patients with Ewing sarcoma (EWS) enrolled in chemotherapy protocols based on the use of high-dose chemotherapy with busulfan and melfalan (HDT) as a first-line consolidation treatment in high-risk patients.

PROCEDURE

EWS patients enrolled in ISG/SSG III and IV trials who relapsed after complete remission were included in the analysis. At recurrence, chemotherapy based on high-dose ifosfamide was foreseen, and patients who responded but had not received HDT underwent consolidation therapy with HDT.

RESULTS

Data from 107 EWS patients were included in the analysis. Median time to recurrence (RFI) was 18 months, and 45 (42%) patients had multiple sites of recurrence. Patients who had previously been treated with HDT had a significantly (P = 0.02) shorter RFI and were less likely to achieve a second complete remission (CR2). CR2 status was achieved by 42 (39%) patients. Fifty patients received high-dose IFO (20 went to consolidation HDT). The 5-year PRS was 19% (95% CI 11 to 27%). With CR2, the 5-year PRS was 48% (95% CI 31 to 64%). Without CR2, median time to death was six months (range 1-45 months). According to the multivariate analysis, patients younger than 15 years, recurrence to the lung only, and RFI longer than 24 months significantly influenced the probability of PRS.

CONCLUSIONS

Age, pattern of recurrence, RFI, and response to second-line chemotherapy influence post-relapse survival in patients with recurrent Ewing sarcoma. No survival advantage was observed from chemotherapy consolidation with HDT.

Prognostic factors for survival in patients with Ewing's sarcoma using the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) program database

BACKGROUND

The current study aims to determine cause-specific survival in patients with Ewing's sarcoma while reporting clinical risk factors for survival.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program database was used to identify patients with osseous Ewing's sarcoma from 1991 to 2010. Patient, tumor, and socioeconomic variables were analyzed to determine prognostic factors for survival.

RESULTS

There were 1163 patients with Ewing's sarcoma identified in the SEER Program database. The 10-year cause-specific survival for patients with non-metastatic disease at diagnosis was 66.8% and 28.1% for patients with metastatic disease. Black patients demonstrated reduced survival at 10 years with an increased frequency of metastatic disease at diagnosis as compared to patients of other race, while Hispanic patients more frequently presented with tumor size>10cm. Univariate analysis revealed that metastatic disease at presentation, tumor size>10cm, axial tumor location, patient age≥20 years, black race, and male sex were associated with decreased cause-specific survival at 10 years. Metastatic disease at presentation, axial tumor location, tumor size>10cm, and age≥20 years remained significant in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with Ewing's sarcoma have decreased cause-specific survival at 10 years when metastatic at presentation, axial tumor location, tumor size>10cm, and patient age≥20 years.

Ewing-like sarcomas with BCOR-CCNB3 fusion transcript: a clinical, radiological and pathological retrospective study from the Société Française des Cancers de L'Enfant

BACKGROUND

This retrospective multicenter study assessed the clinical, radiological and pathological presentation, treatment and outcome of 26 patients with Ewing-like sarcoma harboring BCOR-CCNB3 gene fusion transcript. Tumor samples had been collected between 1994 and April 2012.

PROCEDURE

Eligibility criteria included assessment of a BCOR-CCNB3 transcript-positive tumor after molecular analysis and availability of minimal clinical and pathological data. Radiological data were also retrieved when possible. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and methods for survival analysis.

RESULTS

Median age at diagnosis was 13.1 years (5.9 to 25.6 years). Most patients (24/26) had localized tumors. All tumors but five were localized to bone. CCNB3 immunochemistry showed strong nuclear staining on all samples. No specific radiological features were found. Most patients received chemotherapy (15 according to protocols designed for Ewing tumors), before and/or after local treatment (surgery and/or radiotherapy, with 46.2% receiving both). Local and metastatic relapses were of poor prognosis. Induction chemotherapy and treatment according to an Ewing protocol might influence survival for patients with localized tumors. Sixteen patients are alive in complete remission with a median follow-up of 86 months. Five year overall survival and disease-free survival were respectively 76.5% (95% CI, 58%-95%) and 67.9% (95% CI, 48%-88%).

CONCLUSIONS

BCOR-CCNB3 transcript-positive Ewing-like sarcoma diagnosis should be discussed for a transcript-negative small round cell sarcoma in a child, adolescent or young adult patient. Diagnosis needs to be stated through CCNB3 immunochemistry or transcript identification. The exquisite chemosensitivity of these tumors should encourage the use of polychemotherapy for appropriate care, associated with best local tumor control.

Time to diagnosis of Ewing tumors in children and adolescents is not associated with metastasis or survival: a prospective multicenter study of 436 patients

PURPOSE

The time to diagnosis (TtD) of Ewing tumors is one of the longest among pediatric tumors. Its precise consequences, however, have not been studied well. We analyzed the distribution of TtD for Ewing tumors in children and adolescents and its association with clinical features, tumor characteristics, surgical outcome, and long-term survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed prospectively collected data from two multicenter clinical trials of patients younger than 21 years old who had Ewing bone tumors treated in France between 1988 and 2000. Clinical and tumoral features, TtD, and outcome associations were studied by univariable and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

The median TtD for the 436 patients was 70 days (interquartile range, 27 to 146 days), with no significant decrease during the study period (P > .2). The factors associated with long TtD were older age and some tumor sites (pelvis, extremities of limbs). Increased tumor volume and decreased histologic response to chemotherapy were associated with long TtD on univariable analysis (P < .05) but not after adjustment. Presence of a nerve or spinal-cord compression at diagnosis, presence or site of metastasis, surgical treatment, mutilating surgery, complete resection, or survival were not associated with TtD.

CONCLUSION

TtD of Ewing tumors was long, especially for adolescents and for certain tumor sites, and did not improve over time. But TtD was not associated with metastasis, surgical outcome, or survival. These findings could be used to comfort parents at diagnosis and in expert testimony produced for malpractice claims.

Advances in paediatric cancer treatment

Four out of five children diagnosed with cancer can be cured with contemporary cancer therapy. This represents a dramatic improvement since 50 years ago when the cure rate of childhood cancer was <25% in the pre-chemotherapy era. Over the past ten years, while improvement in overall survival (OS) has been marginal, progress in pediatric oncology lies with adopting risk-adapted therapeutic approach. This has been made possible through identifying clinical and biologic prognostic factors with rigorous research and stratifying patients using these risk factors, and subsequently modifying therapy according to risk group assignment. This review provides a perspective for eight distinct pediatric malignancies, in which significant advances in treatment were made in the last decade and are leading to changes in standard of care. This includes four hematologic malignancies [acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)] and four solid tumors [medulloblastoma (MB), low grade glioma (LGG), neuroblastoma (NB) and Ewing sarcoma (ES)]. Together, they comprise 60% of childhood cancer. Improved patient outcome is not limited to better survival, but encompasses reducing both short and long-term treatment-related complications which is as important as cure, given the majority of childhood cancer patients will become long-term survivors. Risk-adapted approach allows treatment intensification in the high-risk cohort while therapy can be de-escalated in the low-risk to minimize toxicity and late sequelae without compromising survival. Advances in medical research technology have also led to a rapid increase in the understanding of the genetics of childhood cancer in the last decade, facilitating identification of molecular targets that can potentially be exploited for therapeutic benefits. As we move into the era of targeted therapeutics, searching for novel agents that target specific genetic lesions becomes a major research focus. We provide an overview of seven novel agents (bevacizumab, bortezomib, vorinostat, sorafenib, tipifarnib, erlotinib and mTOR inhibitors), which have been most frequently pursued in childhood cancers in the last decade, as well as reporting the progress of clinical trials involving these agents.

Membrane expression of MRP-1, but not MRP-1 splicing or Pgp expression, predicts survival in patients with ESFT

Background:

Primary Ewing's sarcoma family of tumours (ESFTs) may respond to chemotherapy, although many patients experience subsequent disease recurrence and relapse. The survival of ESFT cells following chemotherapy has been attributed to the development of resistant disease, possibly through the expression of ABC transporter proteins.

Methods:

MRP-1 and Pgp mRNA and protein expression in primary ESFTs was determined by quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry, respectively, and alternative splicing of MRP-1 by RT-PCR.

Results:

We observed MRP-1 protein expression in 92% (43 out of 47) of primary ESFTs, and cell membrane MRP-1 was highly predictive of both overall survival (P<0.0001) and event-free survival (P<0.0001). Alternative splicing of MRP-1 was detected in primary ESFTs, although the pattern of splicing variants was not predictive of patient outcome, with the exception of loss of exon 9 in six patients, which predicted relapse (P=0.041). Pgp protein was detected in 6% (38 out of 44) of primary ESFTs and was not associated with patient survival.

Conclusion:

For the first time we have established that cell membrane expression of MRP-1 or loss of exon 9 is predictive of outcome but not the number of splicing events or expression of Pgp, and both may be valuable factors for the stratification of patients for more intensive therapy.

Local control and sequelae in localised Ewing tumours of the spine: a French retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate both local outcome and sequelae of non-metastatic spinal Ewing tumours (EWT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A French cohort of patients ≤ 50years with localised spinal EWT treated between 1988 and 2009, was analysed in regard to tumour characteristics (e.g. volume, vertebral compartment, spinal cord compression, paraspinal soft tissue invasion), local treatment modalities (surgery (S) and margin quality, radiotherapy (RT) dose), response to treatment (e.g. histological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT)), tumour local control (LC) and sequelae.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients treated in successive trials were evaluated for LC: SFOP-EW88 (n=14), SFOP-EW93 (n=17) and EuroEwing99 (n=44). Fifty-seven patients (79%) presented initial neurological compression and 69% had inaugural decompressive S. Local treatment modality was S+RT (n=50), RT alone (n=19) and S alone (n=6). Surgery was mainly intralesional (66%). Local recurrences had occurred in 19 patients (14 local, 5 loco-regional) with a median interval of 25 months (1-50). After a 7 year median follow-up (1-22 years), the 5-year LC, relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) reached 78.0% (95%CI: 62.6-84.6), 57.0% (95%CI: 45.2-68.9) and 70.0% (95%CI: 59.1-81.0), respectively. Vertebral compartment involved was the only prognostic factor (5-year LC rate 100% versus 71% for favourable and unfavourable compartment, p<0.03). Among 41 five-year survivors, we observed spinal curvature deformation (35%), growth retardation (28%), spinal reduction mobility (40%), spinal pain (25%) and neurological sequelae (32%) without any significant association with a particular local procedure.

CONCLUSION

RT is the backbone of a successful local treatment of spinal EWT. The place of S remains a pending question. Its actual benefit will likely evolve with new available RT techniques.

Bone sarcomas: from biology to targeted therapies

Primary malignant bone tumours, osteosarcomas, and Ewing sarcomas are rare diseases which occur mainly in adolescents and young adults. With the current therapies, some patients remain very difficult to treat, such as tumour with poor histological response to preoperative CT (or large initial tumour volume for Ewing sarcomas not operated), patients with multiple metastases at or those who relapsed. In order to develop new therapies against these rare tumours, we need to unveil the key driving factors and molecular abnormalities behind the malignant characteristics and to broaden our understanding of the phenomena sustaining the metastatic phenotype and treatment resistance in these tumours. In this paper, starting with the biology of these tumours, we will discuss potential therapeutic targets aimed at increasing local tumour control, limiting metastatic spread, and finally improving patient survival.