Treatment results of 165 pediatric patients with non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a Rare Cancer Network study

Long-Term Functional Outcomes in Pediatric Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

The multimodal treatments for pediatric head and neck (H&N) malignancies can have significant long-term functional consequences for growing patients. This systematic review aims to analyze the current knowledge of functional outcomes for pediatric H&N cancer survivors.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science.

REVIEW METHODS

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were followed, and 1356 papers were reviewed by 3 team members with conflict resolution by a senior member.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were included. Nine of 14 (64%) papers reported issues with swallowing, characterized as either dysphagia, odynophagia, oropharyngeal fibrosis, esophageal stenosis, xerostomia, trismus, or general issues with the throat and mouth. Six of 14 papers noted nutritional and feeding deficiencies, and 5 of 14 additionally noted issues with speech and voice changes. Four of 14 (29%) reported hearing impairments and/or loss. A majority of papers (9/14) reported long-term functional characteristics as a secondary outcome. Three of 14 (21%) reported a quality of life (QoL) measure. Heterogeneity in methodology and reporting precluded analysis of any relationship between treatment type and functional outcomes. Recommendations include integration of objective measures of feeding support and swallowing, as well as regular measurements of function and QoL parameters during treatment to better understand the evolution of QoL and function throughout care.

CONCLUSION

Relatively few studies focus on functional outcomes following the treatment of pediatric H&N cancer. Swallowing difficulty is the most frequently reported deficit, but objective data is rarely reported. Standardization of functional outcome assessment could improve the quality of evidence for pediatric patients treated for H&N cancer.

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Children, Current Treatment Approach

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare and locally aggressive form of childhood cancer. Treatment of pediatric NPC includes chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Most studies on the treatment of pediatric NPC are single-arm studies. With current treatment protocols survival rates for patients with nonmetastatic disease exceed 80%, although most children will have long-term treatment-related late effects. Efforts to reduce early and late toxicities include reduced radiotherapy doses in children with good responses to induction chemotherapy. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of immunotherapy in both the primary setting and in children with progressive or relapsed disease. This review summarizes current clinical approaches to the treatment of pediatric NPC.

Children's Oncology Group's 2023 blueprint for research: Rare tumors

The Children's Oncology Group (COG) Rare Tumor Committee includes the Infrequent Tumor and Retinoblastoma subcommittees, encompassing a wide range of extracranial solid tumors that do not fall within another COG disease committee. Current therapeutic trial development focuses on nasopharyngeal carcinoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, pleuropulmonary blastoma, colorectal carcinoma, melanoma, and thyroid carcinoma. Given the rarity of these tumors, novel strategies and international collaborative efforts are necessary to advance research and improve outcomes.

A multicenter retrospective analysis of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated in IMRT era from a nonendemic population: Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology Head and Neck Cancer Group Study (TROD 01-001)

BACKGROUND

We aimed to evaluate patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in a nonendemic population.

METHODS

In a national, retrospective, multicenteric study, 563 patients treated with intensity modulated radiotherapy at 22 centers between 2015 and 2020 were analyzed.

RESULTS

Median age was 48 (9-83), age distribution was bimodal, 74.1% were male, and 78.7% were stage III-IVA. Keratinizing and undifferentiated carcinoma rates were 3.9% and 81.2%. Patients were treated with concomitant chemoradiotherapy (48.9%), or radiotherapy combined with induction chemotherapy (25%) or adjuvant chemotherapy (19.5%). After 34 (6-78) months follow-up, 8.2% locoregional and 8% distant relapse were observed. Three-year overall survival was 89.5% and was lower in patients with age ≥50, male sex, keratinizing histology, T4, N3 and advanced stage (III-IVA).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with NPC in Turkey have mixed clinical features of both east and west. Survival outcomes are comparable to other reported series; however, the rate of distant metastases seems to be lower.

The feasibility of reduced-dose radiotherapy in childhood nasopharyngeal carcinoma with favorable response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

To assess the feasibility of adjusting radiation dose (RD) in childhood NPC with favorable tumor response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using an NPC-specific database, children and adolescents (≤18 years) with locoregionally advanced NPC (CA-LANPC) were retrospectively analyzed. Enrolled patients were those who received favorable tumor response after 2-4 cycles of NAC followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Survival outcomes and treatment-related toxicities were compared for the standard RD on primary tumors (PT-RD_standard, 66-72 Gy) and the reduced RD on primary tumors (PT-RD_reduced, 60-65.9 Gy).

RESULTS

A total of 132 patients were included, and the median follow-up time was 75.2 months (IQR, 53.2-98.7 months) for the entire cohort. The PT-RD_reduced group had a significantly decreased incidence of severe mucositis (51.3 % vs 32.1 %; P = 0.034) when compared to the PT-RD_standard group. The total incidence of severe sequela in the PT-RD_standard group were significantly higher than those in the PT-RD_reduced group (31.8 % vs 13.7 %; P = 0.029). In the propensity-matched analysis, the PT-RD_reduced group resulted in parallel 5-year survival with the PT-RD_standard group from the matched cohort (disease-free survival, 82.7 % vs 80.3 %, P = 0.841; overall survival, 91.7 % vs 91.3 %, P = 0.582; distant metastasis-free survival, 87.5 % vs 82.8 %, P = 0.573; and locoregional relapse-free survival, 95.6 % vs 97.3 %, P = 0.836). In multivariate analysis, the impact of PT-RD_reduced on all survival end points remained insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemoradiotherapy with RD at levels of 60-65.9 Gy may be a reasonable strategy for CA-LANPC with favorable tumor response after NAC.

Supplemental folic acid and/or multivitamins in pregnancy is associated with a decreased risk of childhood and adolescent nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between prenatal and neonatal period exposures and the risk of childhood and adolescent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). From January 2009 to January 2016, a total of 46 patients with childhood and adolescent NPC (i.e., less than 18 years of age) who were treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were screened as cases, and a total of 45 cancer-free patients who were treated at Sun Yat-sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center were selected as controls. The association between maternal exposures during pregnancy and obstetric variables and the risk of childhood and adolescent NPC was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Univariate analysis revealed that compared to children and adolescents without a family history of cancer, those with a family history of cancer had a significantly higher risk of childhood and adolescent NPC [odds ratios (OR) = 3.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02-9.75, P = 0.046], and the maternal use of folic acid and/or multivitamins during pregnancy was associated with a reduced risk of childhood and adolescent NPC in the offspring (OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.02-0.25, P < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, only the maternal use of folic acid and/or multivitamins during pregnancy remained statistically significant. These findings suggest that maternal consumption of folic acid and/or multivitamins during pregnancy is associated with a decreased risk of childhood and adolescent NPC in the offspring.

Optimal cumulative cisplatin dose during concurrent chemoradiotherapy among children and adolescents with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A real-world data study

PURPOSE

To identify an optimal cumulative cisplatin dose along with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CC-CCD) for children and adolescents with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (CALANPC) using real-world data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using an NPC-specific database at our center, 157 patients younger than 19 years old with non-disseminated CALANPC and receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) plus cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) were enrolled. Confounding factors were controlled by conducting propensity score matching analysis. Primary endpoints include disease-free survival (DFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS).

RESULTS

The optimal threshold for CC-CCD with respect to DFS was 160 mg/m² based on recursive partitioning analyses (RPA). Therefore, a uniform threshold of 160 mg/m² (≥160 vs. <160 mg/m²) was selected to classify patients between high and low CC-CCD groups for survival analysis. Patients receiving low CC-CCD showed a significant decrease in 5-year DFS (76.6% vs 91.3%; P = 0.006) and DMFS (81.3% vs 93.5%; P = 0.009) compared to those receiving high CC-CCD. Multivariate analyses indicated that high CC-CCD as an favorable prognostic influence for DFS (P = 0.007) and DMFS (P = 0.008). Further matched analysis identified 65 pairs in both high and low CC-CCD groups. In the matched cohort, high CC-CCD was still identified as a favorable factor for prognosis in DFS (HR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.08-0.70; P = 0.010) and DMFS (HR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.06-0.82; P = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

CC-CCD exerts significant treatment effects and 160 mg/m² CC-CCD may be adequate to provide antitumor effects for CALANPC receiving NAC plus CCRT.

Rare tumors: Retinoblastoma, nasopharyngeal cancer, and adrenocorticoid tumors

The role of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy for retinoblastoma has evolved considerably over the years with the efficacy of intraarterial chemotherapy and the high incidence of secondary malignant neoplasms following radiation therapy. The use of spot scanning intensity-modulated proton therapy may reduce the risk of secondary malignancies. For pediatric nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the current standard of care is induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation therapy. For adrenocortical carcinoma, the mainstay of treatment is surgery and chemotherapy. The role of radiation therapy remains to be defined.

Exploring the Optimal Chemotherapy Strategy for Locoregionally Advanced Children and Adolescent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Based on Pretreatment Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Level in the Era of Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy

Background

The present study aimed to explore the optimal chemotherapy strategy for locoregionally advanced children and adolescent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LcaNPC), based on the level of pretreatment plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA (pEBV-DNA) in the era of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

Methods

This real-world, retrospective study consecutively reviewed locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients younger than 22 years old from 2006 to 2016 in the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. The Kaplan–Meier method with the log-rank test and the Cox regression model were used to investigate the survival outcomes of different chemotherapy intensities and pEBV-DNA. Treatment-related toxicity was also evaluated using the chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test.

Results

A total of 179 patients were enrolled, including 86 patients in the high-risk group (pEBV-DNA ≥7,500 copies/ml) and 93 patients in the low-risk group (pEBV-DNA <7,500 copies/ml). Among all patients, those receiving low intensity induction chemotherapy (IC courses = 2) had a better 5-year overall survival (OS) than those receiving no IC (P = 0.025) and high intensity IC (IC courses >2) (P = 0.044). In the high-risk group, receipt of low intensity IC showed significant 5-year OS (P = 0.032), progression-free survival (PFS) (P = 0.027), and 5-year distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) (P = 0.008) benefits compared with not receiving IC. Multivariate analyses identified that not receiving IC was a risk factor compared with low intensity IC for OS (hazard ratio (HR) = 10.933, P = 0.038) among all patients. Moreover, in the high-risk group, not receiving IC was a risk factor for 5-year OS (HR = 10.878, P = 0.038), 5-year PFS (HR = 5.705, P = 0.041), and 5-year DMFS (HR = 10.290, P = 0.040) compared to low intensity IC. There were no differences in survival for patients treated with or without concurrent chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Two courses of platinum-based IC might be the optimal induction chemotherapy intensity to reduce risk of death, progression, and distant metastasis in patients with high pEBV-DNA levels.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children and young adults-Beyond 5-year survival

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare and locally aggressive form of childhood cancer. Treatment of NPC includes chemotherapy and radiotherapy. With current treatment protocols, survival rates for patients with nonmetastatic disease is over 80%. Data regarding very late events including long-term treatment-related morbidities and second malignancies are scarce. We present our data on 42 patients with NPC treated in Israel between 1989 and 2014, and followed until 2019. During follow up, five patients had disease recurrence, and four children developed secondary malignancy. Median time to diagnosis of secondary malignancy was 105 months. Eighty-eight percent of patients have long-term treatment-related morbidities.

Pediatric Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Rare Tumor in a Developing Country-What Do We Learn?

BACKGROUND/AIM

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is rare in children, accounting for 1% of pediatric malignancies. The 5-fluorouracil Cisplatin regimen could be considered as a standard of care induction chemotherapy followed by concomitant chemoradiotherapy. This study aimed at detecting the survival outcome in correlation with different prognostic factors together with the toxicity of different treatment modalities.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study carried out from 2007 to 2016 that included all NPC patients below 18 years treated at the National Cancer Institute, Egypt.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients were included with a median follow-up period of 33.9 months. The median age was 14.8 years (range: 9 to 18). All patients were treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5- fluorouracil, followed by concurrent radiotherapy (median dose: 61.2 Gy) and cisplatin as a radiosensitizer. After induction chemotherapy, the response rate was 53%. After completion of treatment, 67% had a complete response; partial response was seen in 14%; and progressive disease was seen in 19%. By the end of the study, 7 (33.3%) patients had progression/relapse; 4 of them died from disease. The 3-year overall survival and event-free survival were 85.7% and 66.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy was an effective strategy in the treatment of pediatric NPC with good overall survival and event-free survival. High systemic failure (33.3%) remains another challenge to solve. More efforts should be made to improve survival by developing more efficient systemic treatment modalities, especially for progressive/relapsed disease. Multicenter studies on a larger number of patients are needed to identify different prognostic factors and standardize treatment strategies.

Clinical Implications of Plasma Epstein-Barr Virus DNA in Children and Adolescent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients Receiving Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy

Background: Plasma Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA has been determined as a prognostic factor in adult nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. This study was designed to evaluate the prognostic value of plasma pretreatment EBV DNA in children and adolescent NPC patients receiving intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

Methods: Pretreatment EBV DNA was retrospectively assessed in 147 children with newly diagnosed, non-metastatic NPC. All patients were treated using IMRT. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the optimal EBV DNA cutoff point. Prognostic value was examined using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.

Results: The median follow-up for the entire cohort was 58 months (range, 10–119 months), and the 5-year survival rates for all patients were as follows: overall survival (OS), 88.7%; locoregional relapse-free survival, 95.2%; distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), 84.8%; and disease-free survival (DFS), 81.5%. For ROC curve analysis, the optimal cutoff value of pretreatment EBV DNA load for DFS was 40,000 copies/mL. High plasma EBV DNA was significantly associated with poorer 5-year DMFS (70.6 vs. 89.1%, P = 0.003) and DFS (63.9 vs. 86.9%, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, high plasma EBV DNA was an independent predictor for DMFS and DFS.

Conclusions: Pretreatment EBV DNA level was a powerful prognostic discriminator for DMFS and DFS in children and adolescent NPC patients treated with IMRT.

Update in pediatric nasopharyngeal undifferentiated carcinoma

Many of the principles established in adults with undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) apply to children, adolescents and young adults. However, NPC in young patients should be distinguished from the adult form by several points. This review focuses mainly on differences between adult and pediatric NPC. The role of biology and genetics in pediatric NPC is discussed. Systemic treatment modalities including type of chemotherapy induction, timing of treatment, role of immunotherapy as adjuvant treatment, or in relapsing/ metastatic diseases are reported. Radiation modalities (doses, techniques…) in children are also reviewed. Long-term effects including secondary cancers are finally be discussed in this young NPC population.

Adapted strategy to tumor response in childhood nasopharyngeal carcinoma: the French experience

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to retrospectively study survival and long-term morbidities of children with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated by induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiation (CRT). The total dose of radiation was adapted to the response following neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS

Children with non-metastatic NPC treated in France between 1999 and 2015 were retrospectively included in the study. The strategy combined neoadjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy, followed by adapted CRT to tumor response.

RESULTS

In total, 95 patients (median age 15 years [range, 7-23 years], male-to-female ratio 1.8) with undifferentiated NPC were included; 59% of patients had TNM stage IV. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) was delivered to 57 patients (60%), while the other patients were treated with conformal RT (3D-RT). After a median follow-up of 4.5 years [range, 3.6-5.5 years], 13 relapses and seven deaths had occurred. The 3‑year overall and relapse-free survival (RFS) were 94% [95% CI, 85-97%] and 86% [77-92%], respectively. The locoregional failure rate was 6% [95% CI, 2-14]. Long-term treatment-related sequelae of grade 2+ were reported by 37 (50%) patients; odynophagia was significantly reduced treated by IMRT vs. conventional 3D-RT (7% vs. 55%, p = 0.015). Using a reduction dose of 59.4 Gy, 54 Gy, and 45 Gy, respectively, to the primary, involved, and uninvolved neck nodes, after a favorable tumor response, was not associated with an increased locoregional failure rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The survival rates for NPC have been considerably improved by means of multimodal therapy, but long-term locoregional morbidity remains common. Use of IMRT may induce less residual odynophagia. Radiation dose reduction adapted to chemotherapy response does not have a negative impact on outcome. These findings support the use of an RT protocol adapted to the tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for a long-lasting improvement in the patient's quality of life.

Salvage regimens for pediatric patients with relapsed nasopharyngeal carcinoma

There is no established salvage regimen for pediatric patients with relapsed nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and outcomes are dismal. We performed a multicenter retrospective review to determine outcomes after first salvage therapy for pediatric patients with relapsed NPC. Fourteen patients were treated with varied regimens. Two of the 14 patients received oxaliplatin-containing regimens and achieved a long-term complete response. Although definitive recommendations cannot be made based on outcomes for 14 patients who received varied regimens, we discuss justification for an oxaliplatin-containing regimen in combination with gemcitabine as a reasonable choice for first-line salvage therapy for pediatric patients with relapsed NPC.

Treatment outcome of childhood nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A single institution experience

OBJECTIVES

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a rare malignancy in children. The aim of this study was to provide analysis of children with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated in a single institution.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between 1999 and 2016, fourteen pediatric patients with a diagnosis of undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma were treated in our institution, and the patients' clinical characteristics, treatment modality, outcome, and toxicity were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis was 15,5 years. The gender ratio was 1:1. The majority of patients had regionally and/or locally advanced tumors and one had bone metastases at the time of diagnosis. All patients received chemotherapy before radiotherapy, with partial response in thirteen patients and complete response in one. Radiation dose to the primary tumor and involved cervical lymph nodes was 55-60 Gy, uninvolved cervical and supraclavicular regions received prophylactic radiation with dose of 45-50 Gy. Ten patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. Three-year progression-free rate and three-year overall survival (OS) rates were 75% and 73% respectively. Five-year progression-free rate was 65% and OS 63% respectively, and after ten years progression-free rate and OS remained the same. At the end of follow-up period, ten patients were alive, and four died. All of the patients that had distant metastases died. Most common late complications were skin fibrosis and xerostomia.

CONCLUSIONS

Multimodal therapy of children with nasopharyngeal carcinoma is associated with long-term survival. It is expected that further advances in the management of these patients, with improved radiotherapy and chemotherapy, will reduce acute and late toxicity and improve quality of life of treated children.

Induction Chemotherapy Plus Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy Versus Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy Alone in Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Children and Adolescents: A Matched Cohort Analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome and toxicity of induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) compared with CCRT alone for the treatment of children and adolescent locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LACANPC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 194 locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients youngerthan 21 years who received CCRT with or without IC before were included in the study population. Overall survival (OS) rate, progression-free survival (PFS) rate, locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS) rate, and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rate were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method and a log-rank test. Treatment toxicities were clarified and compared between two groups.

RESULTS

One hundred and thiry of 194 patients received IC+CCRT. Patients who were younger and with more advanced TNM stage were more likely to receive IC+CCRT and intensive modulated radiotherapy. The addition of IC before CCRT failed to improve survival significantly. The matched analysis identified 43 well-balanced patients in both two groups. With a median follow-up of 51.5 months, no differences were found between the IC+CCRT group and the CCRT group in 5-year OS (83.7% vs. 74.6%, p=0.153), PFS (79.2% vs. 73.4%, p=0.355), LRFS (97.7% vs. 88.2%, p=0.083), and DMFS (81.6% vs. 81.6%, p=0.860). N3 was an independent prognostic factor predicting poorer OS, PFS, and DMFS. The addition of IC was associated with increased rates of grade 3 to 4 neutropenia.

CONCLUSION

This study failed to demonstrate that adding IC before CCRT could provide a significant additional survival benefit for LACANPC patients. Further investigations are warranted.

Factors associated with early diagnosis in pediatric vs adult nasopharyngeal carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To improve understanding of the initial symptom between pediatric and adult nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to improve the early diagnosis of NPC.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included all 353 patients with a primary diagnosis of NPC in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2010 to December 2016. Of these, 34 patients were 21 years or younger (pediatric); 319 patients, older than 21 years (adult). Data were analyzed after data collection.

RESULTS

We found no difference between pediatric and adult patients in terms of their sex distribution (p > .05).Type III, undifferentiated carcinoma is the most common subtype in Pediatric patients, while adult patients had more squamous cell tumors (p < .01). Pediatric patients were more likely to present with stage IV disease (p <  .05). Of the 353 patients, 120 (34.0%) had only one presenting symptom initially; however, most patients presented two or more episodes. Neck mass was the most common presenting symptom initially in children and adolescents, while multiple ear symptoms in adult patients (p = .003). The median time from onset of the presenting symptom to diagnosis is three months, adult patient presented longer history (64.7% vs 44.55, p < .05). Of the 319 adult patients, there were 142 which the time from onset of the presenting symptom to diagnosis is less than 3 months and there were 177 more than 3 months, the difference was significant between the two groups (p < .05). There were no differences in the misdiagnosis rate between pediatric and adult (35.1 vs 31.0, p > .05). Among pediatric patients, 31 (91.2%) had positive EBV DNA in peripheral plasma. EBV DNA was significantly associated with stage (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although uncommon, pediatric NPC appears to affect a different patient demographic relative to adult NPC. NPC in children is associated with undifferentiated carcinoma and more advanced disease presentation.

Late Temporal Lobe Extensive Osteoradionecrosis Post Radiation for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Case Series

Osteoradionecrosis is one of the most serious complications of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We report three cases of osteoradionecrosis in temporal lobe who presented differently few years after completion of radiotherapy. Cranial magnetic resonance image showed lesions in temporal lobe either unilateral or bilateral with mass effect. One of the cases even showed disease progression few years after the initial diagnosis of osteoradionecrosis. Diagnosis of osteoradionecrosis for all three patients was confirmed by biopsy.

The Effect of Adding Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy to Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Patients with Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and Undetectable Pretreatment Epstein-Barr Virus DNA

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of adding neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and undetectable pretreatment Epstein-Barr virus (pEBV) DNA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 639 NPC patients with stage II to IVB and undetectable pEBV DNA to receive CCRT with or without NACT. Radiotherapy was 2.0 to 2.27 Gy per fraction with five daily fractions per week for 6 to 7 weeks to the primary tumor and 62 to 70 Gy to the involved neck area. NACT was cisplatin (80-100 mg/m² day 1) and 5-fluorouracil (800-1000 mg/m², 120-hour continuous intravenous infusion) every 3 weeks for two or three cycles. CCRT was cisplatin (80-100 mg/m² day 1) every 3 weeks for three cycles. RESULTS: For all patients, the 5-year overall survival (OS), locoregional relapse-free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 91.9%, 92.2%, 95.0%, and 86.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference in OS (5-year OS 90.8% [NACT + CCRT group] vs 92.7% [CCRT alone]; hazard ratio [HR] 1.24; P = .486), LRFS (HR 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59-2.14, P = .715), DMFS (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.34-1.78, P = .554), or PFS (HR 1.21, 95% CI 0.75-1.95, P = .472). CONCLUSION: CCRT with or without NACT produced a good treatment outcome in patients with locoregionally advanced NPC and undetectable pEBV DNA, but NACT before CCRT did not significantly improve survival rates.

A retrospective study comparing the outcomes and toxicities of intensity-modulated radiotherapy versus two-dimensional conventional radiotherapy for the treatment of children and adolescent nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Purpose

To compare the clinical outcomes and toxicities of two-dimensional conventional radiotherapy (2D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for the treatment of children and adolescent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

A total of 176 children with non-metastatic NPC treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between October 2003 and September 2013 were included in this study. Of the 176 patients, 74 received 2D-CRT and 102 were treated with IMRT. The clinical outcomes and acute and late toxicities were determined and compared.

Results

The IMRT group achieved significantly higher overall survival (OS) (90.4% vs. 76.1% at 5 year, P = 0.007) and disease-free survival (DFS) (85.7% vs. 71.2%, P = 0.029) mainly due to an improvement in locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) (97.9 vs. 88.3%, P = 0.049). After stratification by disease stage, IMRT provided significant benefits for patients with stage III–IV disease in terms of OS, LRRFS and DFS. Multivariate analyses indicated that the treatment group (2D-CRT vs. IMRT) was a prognostic factor for OS, LRRFS and DFS. A significant reduction in Grade 2–4 xerostomia (52.7 vs. 34.3%, P = 0.015) and hearing loss (40.5 vs. 22.5%, P = 0.010) was observed in patients treated by IMRT.

Conclusion

IMRT provides better locoregional relapse-free survival and overall survival, especially in late-stage children and adolescent NPC patients, and is associated with a lower incidence of Grade 2–4 xerostomia as well as hearing loss compared with 2D-CRT. Distant metastasis remains a challenge in the treatment of children and adolescent NPC.

Clinical outcome and morbidity in pediatric patients with nasopharyngeal cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome and treatment-related morbidity in pediatric patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS

We did a retrospective review of 41 pediatric patients diagnosed with NPC between 2000 and 2013. The majority of the patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation with the dose of 70 Gy in 35 fractions. Eight patients were treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy, while the remaining with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy or two-dimensional simulation technique.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 14 years (range 6-20 years). Most of the patients had locoregionally advanced disease (stage III/IVA/IVB). The histology of all the cases was undifferentiated carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry for the Epstein-Barr virus-Latent membrane protein 1 was positive in nine of the 13 tested cases. The median follow-up for all and the surviving patients was 26.6 months (range 2-140.8) and 51.2 months, respectively. The 3-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) rates were estimated at 83.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 64.8-93%) and 55.8% (95%CI: 38.7-69.8%), respectively. Distant metastases were the predominant pattern of failure. Treatment response showed an independent association with OS. T classification (T1/T2 vs. T3/T4) was significantly associated with EFS. Xerostomia, hypothyroidism, dental caries, neck fibrosis, trismus, and dysphagia were the common late effects in survivors. Radiation myelitis was observed in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation provides good survival outcomes in pediatric NPC. The quality of life of the survivors is a pertinent area that necessitates consideration.

Long-Term Outcomes of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in 148 Children and Adolescents

The aim of this study was to investigate the survival and long-term morbidities of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in children and adolescents.We retrospectively reviewed children and adolescents with NPC treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from February 1991 to October 2010, where the prognostic factors and long-term effects of therapy were analyzed.A total of 148 patients were identified. The median age was 15 years old (range, 5-18 years) and the male to female ratio was 3.6:1. Most of the tumor histopathology was undifferentiated nonkeratinizing carcinoma (97.3%). The number of patients staged with IVa, IVb, IVc, III, and II were 45 (30.4%), 12 (8.1%), 5 (3.4%), 70 (47.3%), and 16 (10.8%), respectively. For the whole series with a median follow-up of 81 months (range, 6-282 months), the 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) ratios were 79.3% and 69.7%, respectively. We observed significant differences in the 5-year OS (81.1% vs 25.0%, P = 0.002) and the DFS rates (72.2% vs 0.0%, P = 0.000) between patients with stage II to IVb disease and stage IVc disease. For patients with stage II, III, IVa, and IVb disease, we found a high radiation dose (dose > 66 Gy to the primary lesion) would not significantly improve the survival compared to the sub-high radiation dose group (dose = 60-66 Gy to the primary lesion), even considering the type of radiation therapy technologies. However, the incidences of sequelae (grades I-IV) in patients with high radiation dose were apparently higher than those in patients with low radiation dose.Considering the late sequelae, a dose of 60 to 66 Gy to the primary lesions seems to be enough for children and adolescents with NPC.

International randomized phase 2 study on the addition of docetaxel to the combination of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil in the induction treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children and adolescents

PURPOSE

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare but aggressive malignancy in children and adolescents. An international, randomized phase 2 trial was conducted to compare induction chemotherapy with docetaxel plus cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (PF) in NPC patients under the age of 21.

METHODS

Patients with stage IIB-IV NPC were randomly assigned, in a 2:1 ratio, to receive TPF or PF 3-weekly for three cycles, followed by chemoradiotherapy. The primary endpoint was the complete response rate achieved with TPF or PF. Docetaxel pharmacokinetics was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients (median 16 years old) were randomized, with 50 assigned to the TPF group and 25 to the PF group. Overall response was assessed after induction treatment: one patient in the TPF group and none in the PF group had a complete response. Partial response was achieved in 76.0 and 80.0 % in the TPF and PF groups, respectively. The overall safety profile was consistent with findings in adults. The estimated 3-year overall survival rate was 78.0 % for the PF group and 85.7 % for the TPF group (median follow-up 3.3 years). Mean docetaxel area under the curve was 3.41 µg h/mL, compared with 3.51 µg h/mL seen in adult patients.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the feasibility of prospective randomized protocols, even for such rare tumors as pediatric NPC. Overall, there were no differences between the two treatment arms in terms of efficacy and toxicity. The pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in pediatric patients at 75 mg/m(2) was similar to those observed in adults.

Locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma in childhood and adolescence: Analysis of 95 patients treated with combined chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes and toxicities of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for children and adolescents with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

METHODS

Ninety-five patients of <25 years old in locoregionally advanced NPC (stage III-IVB) were analyzed. All were given neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by IMRT with or without concurrent chemotherapy/adjuvant chemotherapy.

RESULTS

The 4-year overall survival (OS), locoregional relapse-free survival, progression-free survival (PFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were 90.8%, 94.9%, 79.1%, and 84.0%, respectively. N classification was the only significant predicting factor for OS, PFS, and DMFS, with the p value of .017, .015, and 0.054, respectively. The main long-term complications were xerostomia, hearing impairment, and neck fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by IMRT with or without concurrent/adjuvant chemotherapy produced a superb treatment outcome in children and adolescents with stage III to IVB disease. Distant metastasis was the main failure. More effective treatment strategies are urgently needed to further improve the long-term survival. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E665-E672, 2016.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children and adolescents - a single institution experience of 158 patients

Background

To evaluate the clinical features, treatment results, prognostic factors and late toxicities of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children and adolescents.

Methods

Between January 1990 and January 2011, 158 NPC patients younger than 20 years old were treated in our institution, and the patient’s clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, outcomes and prognostic factors were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

There were 9 (5.7%) patients in stage II, 60 (38.0%) in stage III and 89 (56.3%) in stage IV according to the UICC2002 staging system. Neck mass (32.3%), headache (21.5%) and nasal obstruction (15.2%) were the most common chief complaints. With a median follow-up time of 62.5 months (range 2.0-225.0 months), the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate, local-regional control (LRC) rate and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rate were 82.6%, 94.9% and 76.4%, respectively. There were 43 (27.2%) patients failed during the follow up, with seven local-regional recurrences and 38 distant metastases. In univariate analysis, the 5-year OS of T4 and T1-3 were 75% and 87.9%, p = 0.01, stage IV and stage II-III were 77.1% and 90%, p = 0.04, respectively. In multivariate analysis, T4 (p = 0.02) and stage IV (p = 0.04) were the independent adverse prognostic factors for OS. Significant reduction in trismus (27.3% v 3.6%, p = 0.03) and G2 xerostomia (37.9% v 10.3%, p = 0.02) was observed in patients treated by IMRT.

Conclusions

Most childhood and adolescence nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients were locally advanced diseases at first diagnosed. The treatment results of radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy, are excellent in our institution. Reducing distant metastasis with new strategies and late toxicities with intensity-modulated radiotherapy are the future directions for the treatment of adolescent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

History of the rare cancer network and past research

Approximately, twenty years ago, the Rare Cancer Network (RCN) was formed in Lausanne, Switzerland, to support the study of rare malignancies. The RCN has grown over the years and now includes 130 investigators from twenty-four nations on six continents. The network held its first international symposium in Nice, France, on March 21-22, 2014. The proceedings of that meeting are presented in two companion papers. This manuscript reviews the history of the growth of the RCN and contains the abstracts of fourteen oral presentations made at the meeting of prior RCN studies. From 1993 to 2014, 74 RCN studies have been initiated, of which 54 were completed, 10 are in progress or under analysis, and 9 were stopped due to poor accrual. Forty-four peer reviewed publications have been written on behalf of the RCN.

Current status of cancer care for young patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Jakarta, Indonesia

BACKGROUND

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic in Indonesia and 20% of the patients are diagnosed before the age of 31. This study evaluates presentation and treatment outcome of young patients in Jakarta, in a tertiary referral centre.

METHODS

Forty-nine patients under the age of 31, diagnosed with NPC between July 2004 and January 2007, were evaluated. Baseline data included histological type, stage of disease and presenting symptoms. We intended to follow all patients after diagnosis to reveal treatment outcome and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

All but two patients had advanced stage disease (94%), 7 (14%) had distant metastasis. The median interval between start of complaints and diagnosis was 9 months. Forty-two patients were planned for curative intent treatment. Eleven patients (26%) never started treatment, 2 patients did not complete treatment and 3 patients did not return after finishing treatment. Four patients died before radiation could start. Three patients died within 4 months after treatment. Nine patients (21%) had a complete response. Due to the high number of patients who were lost to follow-up (LFU), OS was analyzed as follows: a best-case (patients censored at last contact) and a worst-case scenario (assuming that patients who did not finish treatment or had disease at last contact would have died). The 2-year OS for patients without distant metastases was 39-71%.

CONCLUSION

Treatment outcome for young patients with NPC in this institute was poor. Improvement can be achieved when NPC is diagnosed at an earlier stage and when there is better treatment compliance.

[Is there any difference in therapeutic results of nasopharyngeal carcinoma between adults and children?]

PURPOSE

To compare therapeutic results of nasopharyngeal carcinoma between adults and children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three hundred and seventy seven patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma received a radiotherapy between 1993 and 2007. Sixty-nine of them were 20years old or less. Two hundred and sixty eight patients received a chemotherapy (neoadjuvant or concomitant).

RESULTS

Overall survival and disease-free survival at 5 years were 67 % and 59.4 % in all patients, respectively. Overall survival rates at 5 years in children and adults were 66 % and 64 %, respectively (P=0.17), disease-free survival rates at 5 years were 66 % and 57 %, respectively (P=0.17). Local failures occurred more frequently in adults than in children (1.4 % versus 14 %). However, metastatic events were frequently seen in children. Late toxicities were important in children, xerostomia was the most common one.

CONCLUSION

Despite locally advanced disease in children, therapeutic results were better than in adults but not statistically significant. The use of treatment combination (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) in juvenile nasopharyngeal carcinoma may explain our findings.

Long-term outcome and late toxicities of simultaneous integrated boost-intensity modulated radiotherapy in pediatric and adolescent nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The application of simultaneous integrated boost-intensity modulated radiotherapy (SIB-IMRT) in pediatric and adolescent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is underevaluated. This study aimed to evaluate long-term outcome and late toxicities in pediatric and adolescent NPC after SIB-IMRT combined with chemotherapy. Thirty-four patients (aged 8–20 years) with histologically proven, non-disseminated NPC treated with SIB-IMRT were enrolled in this retrospective study. The disease stage distribution was as follows: stage I, 1 (2.9%); stage III, 14 (41.2%); and stage IV, 19 (55.9%). All patients underwent SIB-IMRT and 30 patients also underwent cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The prescribed dose of IMRT was 64–68 Gy in 29–31 fractions to the nasopharyngeal gross target volume. Within the median follow-up of 52 months (range, 9–111 months), 1 patient (2.9%) experienced local recurrence and 4 (11.8%) developed distant metastasis (to the lung in 3 cases and to multiple organs in 1 case). Four patients (11.8%) died due to recurrence or metastasis. The 5-year locoregional relapse–free survival, distant metastasis–free survival, disease-free survival, and overall survival rates were 97.1%, 88.2%, 85.3%, and 88.2%, respectively. The most common acute toxicities were grades 3–4 hematologic toxicities and stomatitis. Of the 24 patients who survived for more than 2 years, 16 (66.7%) and 15 (62.5%) developed grades 1–2 xerostomia and ototoxicity, respectively. Two patients (8.3%) developed grade 3 ototoxicity; no grade 4 toxicities were observed. SIB-IMRT combined with chemotherapy achieves excellent long-term locoregional control in pediatric and adolescent NPC, with mild incidence of late toxicities. Distant metastasis is the predominant mode of failure.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children and adolescents in an endemic area: a report of 185 cases

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to demonstrate the clinical and therapeutic features of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in children and adolescents in Southern China, an endemic area.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 185 newly diagnosed NPC patients younger than 21 years old in the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from 1993 to 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Overall survival (OS) rate estimates and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were calculated. Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) were used to identify independent prognostic factors for survival. Chi-square test was used to compare the incidence of sequelae and the stage distribution between different subgroups.

RESULTS

Most patients were male (71.4%). The main presenting symptoms were neck mass (44.9%), tinnitus/hearing loss (36.2%), bloody nasal discharge (22.7%), headache (22.2%), and nasal obstruction (20.0%). Stage I, II, III, and IV patients accounted for 1.1%, 8.1%, 43.8%, and 47.0%, respectively, of the total number of patients included in the study. All patients were treated by radiotherapy: 39 Gy-84 Gy to primary tumors (median, 68 Gy) and 36 Gy-74 Gy to cervical lymph nodes (median, 60 Gy); 84.3% of the patients were treated by chemotherapy either. The complete response rate was 94.1%. The 5-, 10-, and 15-year survival rates were 78% ± 4%, 70% ± 5%, and 66% ± 6%, respectively. Tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage was the statistically significant predictor of distal metastasis and OS. Distal metastasis was the major pattern of treatment failure. The main long-term complications of therapy were xerostomia (47.0%), hearing loss (28.1%), neck fibrosis (24.3%), trismus (12.4%), glossolalia (7.0%), and radiation encephalopathy (5.4%). The incidences of these morbidities were significantly higher in the high radiation dose (more than the median) group than in the low radiation dose group (less than or equal to the median), while no differences in survival were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In spite of the majority of patients diagnosed at the advanced stage, children and adolescents with NPC had excellent survival except metastatic disease. The TNM stage was the most relevant prognostic factor. A higher radiation dose (>68 Gy) could not improve survival but could increase long-term morbidities.

Prognostic factors and long-term outcomes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignancy in children and adolescents, and the optimal treatment modality in youths has not been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term treatment outcomes and complications associated with childhood and adolescent NPC.

PROCEDURE

From January 1985 to December 2004, the records of 95 patients with NPC and younger than 20 years of age were reviewed. All of the records were confirmed based on pathology via biopsy. The radiation doses to the primary tumors ranged from 64 to 80 Gy. The radiation doses to the metastatic cervical lymph nodes ranged from 60 to 74 Gy. The fractionated doses ranged from 1.8 to 2.0 Gy at 5 fractions/week. A total of 36 patients received chemotherapy before radiotherapy.

RESULTS

The 1-, 3-, 5-, 10-, and 15-year overall survival (OS) rates were 92.6%, 63.2%, 54.7%, 46.8%, and 42.6%, respectively. The 1-, 3-, 5-, 10-, and 15-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 73.7%, 51.3%, 49.1%, 44.6%, and 42.6%, respectively. The clinical stage had a significant impact on OS (P = 0.007) and DFS (P = 0.012). Complete responders to therapy had superior OS (P < 0.001) and DFS (P < 0.001). Patients >12 years of age had better OS (P = 0.026) and DFS (P = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

Children and adolescents with advanced NPC had a relatively good rate of long-term survival. However, 28% of the survivors had serious long-term treatment-related morbidities. In addition to clinical stage and complete response or partial response, age was an independent prognostic factor in pediatric and adolescent NPC.

Paediatric nasopharyngeal carcinoma: an 8-year study from a tertiary care cancer centre in South India

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) accounts for less than 1 % of all paediatric cancers. Advances in imaging, radiation delivery, chemotherapy and improvement in multidisciplinary care have resulted in drastic changes in the outcome of this disease. Since NPC is extremely rare in paediatric population and there is paucity of data in Indian patients, we conducted the present study to analyze the outcome of paediatric NPC. Eighteen patients aged 18 years or less, who had pathologically proven diagnosis of NPC and had received treatment at our institute from 2003 to 2010 was included for analysis. These patients were treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Event free survival, local and systemic relapse and progression were analysed. These outcomes were correlated with age, radiation dose and the stage of disease. Majority of patients presented with advanced stage and poor histological grade (94.4 % had WHO Type III disease). The median follow up was 38 months (range 3-91 months). The estimated event free survival at a follow up of 5 years was 64.28 %. Distant metastasis at presentation and lower radiation dose were predictive of poor outcome. Paediatric NPC usually presents in an advanced stage. Our results are comparable to studies which have used only chemoradiotherapy, are far inferior to studies which have used chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant immunotherapy. Larger prospective studies are required to define the role of adjuvant immunotherapy, the optimum dose and schedule of chemoradiotherapy and role of new agents like cetuximab in Indian paediatric patients.

The Rare Cancer Network: achievements from 1993 to 2012

The Rare Cancer Network (RCN), founded in 1993, performs research involving rare tumors that are not common enough to be the focus of prospective study. Over 55 studies have either been completed or are in progress.

The aim of the paper is to present an overview of the 30 studies done through the RCN to date, organized by disease site. Five studies focus on breast pathology, including sarcoma, lymphoma, phyllodes tumor, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and ductal carcinoma in situ in young women. Three studies on prostate cancer address prostatic small cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of young and elderly patients. Six studies on head and neck cancers include orbital and intraocular lymphoma, mucosal melanoma, pediatric nasopharyngeal carcinoma, olfactory neuroblastoma, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the salivary glands. There were 4 central nervous system studies on patients with cerebellar glioblastoma multiforme, atypical and malignant meningioma, spinal epidural lymphoma and myxopapillary ependymoma. Outside of these disease sites, there is a wide variety of other studies on tumors ranging from uterine leiomyosarcoma to giant cell tumors of the bone. The studies done by the RCN represent a wide range of rare pathologies that were previously only studied in small series or case reports. With further growth of the RCN and collaboration between members our ability to analyze rare tumors will increase and result in better understanding of their behavior and ultimately help direct research that may improve patient outcomes.

A prospective protocol for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children and adolescents: the Italian Rare Tumors in Pediatric Age (TREP) project

BACKGROUND

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is very rare in childhood. It differs from its adult counterpart in the prevalence of the nonkeratinizing, undifferentiated subtype and by an advanced clinical stage at onset and better chances of survival. The risk of long-term treatment-related toxicity also may be a more important issue in younger individuals.

METHODS

A prospective chemoradiotherapy protocol for pediatric NPC was started in Italy in 2000 within the framework of the Rare Tumors in Pediatric Age (TREP) project. Three courses of cisplatin/5-fluorouracil induction chemotherapy were followed by radiotherapy (doses up to 65 grays) with concomitant cisplatin.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients (ages 9-17 years) were considered eligible for the study over a 10-year period. The ratio of observed to expected cases based on epidemiological data was approximately 1 for both children and adolescents. All but 1 patient had lymph node involvement, and 5 patients had distant metastases. The rate of response to primary chemotherapy was 90%. The 5-year overall and progression-free survival rates were 80.9% and 79.3%, respectively (median follow-up, 62 months). The only statistically significant prognostic variable was the presence or absence of distant metastases. A 65% incidence of late sequelae was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of a prospective protocol even for such rare tumors as pediatric NPC. The use of lower radiotherapy doses than those used in adults did not affect locoregional failure rates. Long-term follow-up will be needed to obtain more information on both survival and treatment sequelae. The next objective will be to establish broader, international prospective cooperation schemes.

T cell therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Among the novel biologic therapeutics that will increase our ability to cure human cancer in the years to come, T cell therapy is one of the most promising approaches. However, with the possible exception of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes therapy for melanoma, clinical trials of adoptive T-cell therapy for solid tumors have so far provided only clear proofs-of-principle to build on with further development. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated malignancies offer a unique model to develop T cell-based immune therapies, targeting viral antigens expressed on tumor cells. In the last two decades, EBV-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) have been successfully employed for the prophylaxis and treatment of EBV-related lymphoproliferative disorders in immunocompromised hosts. More recently, this therapeutic approach has been applied to the setting of EBV-related solid tumors, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The results are encouraging, although further improvements to the clinical protocols are clearly necessary to increase anti-tumor activity. Promising implementations are underway, including harnessing the therapeutic potential of CTLs specific for subdominant EBV latent cycle epitopes, and delineating strategies aimed at targeting immune evasion mechanisms exerted by tumor cells.

Differential features of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children and adults: a SEER study

BACKGROUND

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignancy in the United States, which is considered a low-risk country.

METHODS

We searched the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database for patients with NPC who were diagnosed from 1988 to 2006. We compared the clinical features and outcomes of children and adolescents (<20 years old) and adults.

RESULTS

The incidence for children and adolescents was 0.5 per million person-years versus 8.4 in adults. NPC was less rare in black children and adolescents (incidence, 1.5 per million person-years). Our search criteria retrieved 129 children and adolescents and 5,885 adults. Black children and adolescents represented 34.9% of patients below the age of 20 years. Younger patients had distinct features with advanced stages more frequently observed (31% and 46% of children and adolescents had stages III and IV, respectively) and 87% had WHO type III histology. Outcome was better in children and adolescents with 5-year NPC-specific survival of 83% +/- 3.9% compared to 62% +/- 0.8% in adults (P < 0.001). In a multivariate model, the following factors affected the outcome: age, race, stage, and histologic type. Young adults (20-45 years old) had almost double the risk of NPC-specific mortality when compared to children and adolescents [hazards ratio (HR), 1.93; P = 0.0077]. Children and adolescents with NPC were at higher risk of getting second cancer than adults (observed-to-expected ratio of 4.36 in children and adolescents; vs. 1.41 in adults; both were significantly higher than general population).

CONCLUSION

Despite the use of similar treatment approaches, NPC in children and adolescents may have different biologic features. Young patients are at higher risk of developing therapy related complications, including second cancer.

[Juvenile nasopharyngeal carcinoma: anatomoclinic, biologic, therapeutic and evolutive aspects]

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) represents one of the most frequent epithelial tumours of the child in intermediate risk regions. In the Maghreb, it represents the first cancer of teenagers of 15-20 years old. The Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is the most important etiologic factor. Its role in the pathogeneses of NPC has been confirmed by several studies. Young NPCs are characterized by a low rate of EBV antibodies and a high level of LMP1 cell expression than in adult's NPC. The undifferentiated carcinoma nasopharyngeal type (UCNT) represents the most frequent histological type. Immunohistochemical analyses of North Africa early onset NPC is characterized by a weak expression of bcl-2 and p53 and a strong expression of LMP1 and c-kit what makes them different from the adult's NPC. Clinically, cervical node involvement is constantly present. Juvenile NPC is characterized by a very important locoregional extension as well as a high rate of distant metastases. More than 15% of patients had metastases at diagnosis. Radiotherapy is still the standard therapy of NPC. Only some retrospectives studies have been published to determine the benefit, the type and the timing of the chemotherapy in the treatment of juvenile NPC. Metastatic relapses constitute the main cause of death at these young patients. An improvement of the prognosis can be waited with concomitant chemotherapy and intensity modulated radiotherapy. However, randomized multi institutional studies are necessary to standardize the treatment of the NPC in childhood.