1
|
van Laar M, Kinsey SE, Feltbower RG. Survival of childhood acute lymphoid leukaemia in Yorkshire by clinical trial era, 1990-2011. Br J Haematol 2015; 171:116-9. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.13524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marlous van Laar
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics; School of Medicine; University of Leeds; Leeds UK
| | - Sally E. Kinsey
- Regional Department of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology; Leeds UK
| | - Richard G. Feltbower
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics; School of Medicine; University of Leeds; Leeds UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
van Dalen EC, Raphaël MF, Caron HN, Kremer LCM. Treatment including anthracyclines versus treatment not including anthracyclines for childhood cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014:CD006647. [PMID: 25188452 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006647.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most important adverse effects of anthracyclines is cardiotoxicity. A well-informed decision on the use of anthracyclines in the treatment of childhood cancers should be based on evidence regarding both antitumour efficacy and cardiotoxicity. This review is the second update of a previously published Cochrane review. OBJECTIVES To compare antitumour efficacy (survival and tumour response) and cardiotoxicity of treatment including or not including anthracyclines in children with childhood cancer. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 6), MEDLINE (1966 to July 2013) and EMBASE (1980 to July 2013). In addition, we searched reference lists of relevant articles and conference proceedings, the International Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) (from 2002 to 2012) and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (from 2002 to 2013). We have searched for ongoing trials in the ISRCTN register and the National Institute of Health register (both screened August 2013) (http://www.controlled-trials.com). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing treatment of any type of childhood cancer with and without anthracyclines and reporting outcomes concerning antitumour efficacy or cardiotoxicity. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently performed the study selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction. Analyses were performed according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. MAIN RESULTS We identified RCTs for seven types of tumour, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) (three trials; 912 children), Wilms' tumour (one trial; 316 children), rhabdomyosarcoma and undifferentiated sarcoma (one trial; 413 children), Ewing's sarcoma (one trial; 94 children), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (one trial; 284 children), hepatoblastoma (one trial; 255 children) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) (one trial; 394 children). All studies had methodological limitations. For ALL no evidence of a significant difference in antitumour efficacy was identified in the meta-analyses, but in most individual studies there was a suggestion of better antitumour efficacy in patients treated with anthracyclines. For both Wilms' tumour and Ewing's sarcoma a significant difference in event-free and overall survival in favour of treatment with anthracyclines was identified, although for Wilms' tumour the significant difference in overall survival disappeared with long-term follow-up. For rhabdomyosarcoma and undifferentiated sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and hepatoblastoma no difference in antitumour efficacy between the treatment groups was identified. The same was true for AML, with the exception of overall survival in a post hoc analysis in a subgroup of patients with relapsed core binding factor (CBF)-AML in which patients treated with anthracyclines did better. Clinical cardiotoxicity was evaluated in four RCTs; no significant difference between the treatment groups was identified, but in all individual studies there was a suggestion of a lower rate of clinical cardiotoxicity in patients who did not receive anthracyclines. None of the studies evaluated asymptomatic cardiac dysfunction. No RCTs were identified for other childhood cancers. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS At the moment no evidence from RCTs is available which underscores the use of anthracyclines in ALL. However, 'no evidence of effect', as identified in this review, is not the same as 'evidence of no effect'. For Wilms' tumour, rhabdomyosarcoma and undifferentiated sarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, hepatoblastoma and AML only one RCT was available for each type and, therefore, no definitive conclusions can be made about the antitumour efficacy of treatment with or without anthracyclines in these tumours. For other childhood cancers no RCTs were identified and therefore no conclusions can be made about the antitumour efficacy of treatment with or without anthracyclines in these tumours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elvira C van Dalen
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital/Academic Medical Center, PO Box 22660 (room TKsO-247), Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1100 DD
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Stiller CA, Kroll ME, Pritchard-Jones K. Population survival from childhood cancer in Britain during 1978-2005 by eras of entry to clinical trials. Ann Oncol 2012; 23:2464-2469. [PMID: 22811513 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mds183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inclusion in clinical trials is generally viewed as best practice for most newly diagnosed childhood cancers, but the impact on population-based survival has rarely been examined. PATIENTS AND METHODS The population-based data were analysed for 25 853 children (66% of all registered childhood cancers) diagnosed in Britain during 1978-2005 with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, medulloblastoma, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour, hepatoblastoma, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and germ-cell tumours. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves were compared by log-rank tests. Time trends were analysed by Cox regression. Separate analyses were done for children with ALL, medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma according to clinically relevant age thresholds. RESULTS Survival increased significantly during 1978-2005 for every diagnostic category; the annual reduction in risk of death ranged from 2.7% (rhabdomyosarcoma) to 12.0% (gonadal germ-cell tumours). Survival increased steadily between trial eras for ALL (age 1-14 years) and neuroblastoma (age 1-14 years), but changed little since the mid-1980s for medulloblastoma (age 0-2 years), osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma. CONCLUSIONS Changes in survival between trial eras parallel those reported by the relevant clinical trials. The increasing level of participation in trials, facilitated by the organisation of specialist care, has underpinned the substantial improvements in survival seen at the population level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C A Stiller
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Department of Paediatrics.
| | - M E Kroll
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Department of Paediatrics; Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford
| | - K Pritchard-Jones
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Institute of Child Health, University College London, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Derwich K, Wachowiak J, Zając-Spychała O, Balcerska A, Balwierz W, Chybicka A, Kowalczyk JR, Matysiak M, Jackowska T, Sońta-Jakimczyk D, Szczepański T, Wysocki M. Long-term results in children with standard risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated with 5.0 g/m2 versus 3.0 g/m2 methotrexate i.v. according to the modified ALL-BFM 90 protocol. The report of Polish paediatric Leukemia/lymphoma study group. MEMO-MAGAZINE OF EUROPEAN MEDICAL ONCOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s12254-011-0279-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
5
|
van Dalen EC, Raphaël MF, Caron HN, Kremer LC. Treatment including anthracyclines versus treatment not including anthracyclines for childhood cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011:CD006647. [PMID: 21249679 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006647.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most important adverse effects of anthracyclines is cardiotoxicity. A well-informed decision on the use of anthracyclines in the treatment of childhood cancers should be based on evidence regarding both antitumour efficacy and cardiotoxicity. OBJECTIVES To compare antitumour efficacy of treatment including or not including anthracyclines in children with childhood cancer. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1966 to March 2010) and EMBASE (1980 to March 2010). In addition, we searched reference lists of relevant articles, conference proceedings and ongoing trials databases. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing treatment of any type of childhood cancer with and without anthracyclines and reporting outcomes concerning antitumour efficacy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently performed the study selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction. MAIN RESULTS We identified RCTs for six types of tumour: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) (three trials; 912 children), Wilms' tumour (one trial; 316 children), rhabdomyosarcoma/undifferentiated sarcoma (one trial; 413 children), Ewing's sarcoma (one trial; 94 children), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (one trial; 284 children) and hepatoblastoma (one trial; 255 children). All studies had methodological limitations. For ALL no evidence of a significant difference in antitumour efficacy was identified in the meta-analyses, but in most individual studies there was a suggestion of better antitumour efficacy in patients treated with anthracyclines. For both Wilms' tumour and Ewing's sarcoma a significant difference in event-free and overall survival in favour of treatment with anthracyclines was identified, although for Wilms' tumour the significant difference in overall survival disappears with long-term follow-up. For rhabdomyosarcoma/undifferentiated sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and hepatoblastoma no difference in antitumour efficacy between the treatment groups was identified. Clinical cardiotoxicity was evaluated in three RCTs: no significant difference between both treatment groups was identified, but in all individual studies there was a suggestion of a lower rate of clinical cardiotoxicity in patients who did not receive anthracyclines. None of the studies evaluated asymptomatic cardiac dysfunction. For other childhood cancers no RCTs were identified. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS At the moment no evidence from RCTs is available which underscores the use of anthracyclines in ALL. However, "no evidence of effect", as identified in this review, is not the same as "evidence of no effect". For Wilms' tumour, rhabdomyosarcoma/undifferentiated sarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and hepatoblastoma only one RCT was available and, therefore, no definitive conclusions can be made about the antitumour efficacy of treatment with or without anthracyclines in these tumours. For other childhood cancers no RCTs were identified and therefore, no conclusions can be made about the antitumour efficacy of treatment with or without anthracyclines in these tumours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elvira C van Dalen
- Paediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital / Academic Medical Center, PO Box 22660 (room A3-273), Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1100 DD
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kulkarni KP, Marwaha RK. Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia with hyperleukocytosis at presentation: perspective and lessons from a tertiary care institution in India. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2011; 7:185-7. [PMID: 21585700 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-7563.2010.01372.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
7
|
Marwaha RK, Kulkarni KP, Bansal D, Trehan A. Central nervous system involvement at presentation in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: management experience and lessons. Leuk Lymphoma 2009; 51:261-8. [DOI: 10.3109/10428190903470323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
8
|
Mitchell C, Richards S, Harrison CJ, Eden T. Long-term follow-up of the United Kingdom medical research council protocols for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, 1980-2001. Leukemia 2009; 24:406-18. [PMID: 20010621 PMCID: PMC2820452 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2009.256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Between 1980 and 2001, the United Kingdom Medical Research Council Childhood Leukemia Working Party has conducted 4 clinical trial in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which have recruited a total of 6516 patients. UKALL VIII examined the role of daunorubicin in induction chemotherapy, and UKALL X examined the role of post-induction intensification. Both resulted in major improvement in the outcomes. UKALL XI examined the efficacy of different methods of CNS-directed therapy and the effects of an additional intensification. ALL97, which was initially based on the UKALL X D template (two intensification phases), examined the role of different steroids in induction and different thiopurines through continuing chemotherapy. A reappraisal of results from UKALL XI compared to other cooperative group results led to a redesign in 1999, which subsequently resulted in a major improvement in outcomes. Additionally, ALL97 and 97/99 demonstrated a significant advantage for the use of dexamethasone rather than prednisolone; although the use of 6-thioguanine resulted in fewer relapses, this advantage was offset by an increased incidence of deaths in remission. Over the era encompassed by these four trials there has been a major improvement in both event-free and overall survival for children in the UK with ALL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Mitchell
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Maciel JCC, de Castro CG, Brunetto AL, Di Leone LP, da Silveira HED. Oral health and dental anomalies in patients treated for leukemia in childhood and adolescence. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009; 53:361-5. [PMID: 19484760 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.22108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to evaluate oral health and dental anomalies in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and to compare results with those of a group of healthy children matched for sex and age. PROCEDURE Fifty-six children treated for ALL and 56 healthy controls were examined for dental anomalies, and data on decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score, visible plaque (VPI), and gingival bleeding (GBI) indices, and saliva flow were collected. Mean age of all children treated for ALL was 5.3 +/- 2.6 years at diagnosis and 11.8 +/- 4.2 at evaluation. Thirty-two were males. RESULTS Forty-five treated children (80.4%) had at least one dental anomaly, and patients treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and bone marrow transplantation had the greatest mean number of dental anomalies (15.37 +/- 15.03). Patients younger than 5 years at beginning of treatment were also more affected (P = 0.031). Children treated for ALL had a DMFT score of 1.9 +/- 4.0, GBI of 26.5%, VPI of 72.0%, and mean saliva flow of 0.19 ml/min; healthy children had a DMFT score of 1.52 +/- 3.5, GBI of 11.1%, VPI of 53.8%, and mean saliva flow of 0.27 ml/min. CONCLUSION The treatment of ALL causes a significant increase in the number of dental anomalies. Their GBI and VPI were also elevated. Changes in salivary glands during treatment did not affect saliva flow permanently. Follow-up of these patients by an oral health team is recommended.
Collapse
|
10
|
Mitchell C, Payne J, Wade R, Vora A, Kinsey S, Richards S, Eden T. The impact of risk stratification by early bone-marrow response in childhood lymphoblastic leukaemia: results from the United Kingdom Medical Research Council trial ALL97 and ALL97/99. Br J Haematol 2009; 146:424-36. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2009.07769.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
11
|
van Dalen EC, Raphaël MF, Caron HN, Kremer LC. Treatment including anthracyclines versus treatment not including anthracyclines for childhood cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2009:CD006647. [PMID: 19160293 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006647.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most important adverse effects of anthracyclines is cardiotoxicity. A well-informed decision on the use of anthracyclines in the treatment of different types of childhood cancer should be based on the available evidence on both antitumour efficacy and cardiotoxicity. OBJECTIVES To compare antitumour efficacy of treatment including or not including anthracyclines in children with childhood cancer. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2006, issue 4), MEDLINE (1966 to January 2007) and EMBASE (1980 to January 2007). In addition, we searched reference lists of relevant articles, conference proceedings and ongoing trials databases. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing treatment of any type of childhood cancer with and without anthracyclines and reporting outcomes concerning antitumour efficacy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently performed the study selection, quality assessment and data-extraction. MAIN RESULTS We identified RCTs for 5 types of tumour: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) (n=3; 912 children), Wilms' tumour (n=1; 316 children), rhabdomyosarcoma/undifferentiated sarcoma (n=1; 413 children), Ewing's sarcoma (n=1; 94 children), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n=1; 284 children). All studies had methodological limitations. For ALL no evidence of a significant difference in antitumour efficacy was identified in the meta-analyses, but in most individual studies there was a suggestion of better antitumour efficacy in patients treated with anthracyclines. For both Wilms' tumour and Ewing's sarcoma a significant difference in survival in favour of treatment with anthracyclines was identified. The hazard ratios for overall and event-free survival in Wilms' tumour were 1.85 (95% CI 1.09 to 3.15) and 2.21 (95% CI 1.44 to 3.40), respectively. For patients with Ewing's sarcoma only descriptive results were available (P = 0.02 for overall survival and P = 0.01 for event-free survival). For both rhabdomyosarcoma/undifferentiated sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma no difference in antitumour efficacy between the treatment groups was identified. Clinical cardiotoxicity was evaluated in 3 RCTs. No significant difference between both treatment groups was identified, but in all individual studies there was a suggestion of a lower rate of clinical cardiotoxicity in patients who did not receive anthracyclines. None of the studies evaluated asymptomatic cardiac dysfunction. For other childhood cancers no RCTs were identified. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS At the moment no evidence from RCTs is available which underscores the use of anthracyclines in ALL. However, it should be noted that "no evidence of effect", as identified in this review, is not the same as "evidence of no effect". For Wilms' tumour, rhabdomyosarcoma/undifferentiated sarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma only 1 RCT was available and therefore, no definitive conclusions can be made about the antitumour efficacy of treatment with or without anthracyclines in these tumours. For other childhood cancers no RCTs were identified and therefore, no conclusions can be made about the antitumour efficacy of treatment with or without anthracyclines in these tumours. More high quality research is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elvira C van Dalen
- Paediatric Oncology, Emma Children's Hospital / Academic Medical Center, PO Box 22660 (room F8-257), Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1100 DD.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mitchell C. Clinical trials in paediatric haematology-oncology: are future successes threatened by the EU directive on the conduct of clinical trials? Arch Dis Child 2007; 92:1024-7. [PMID: 17954482 PMCID: PMC2083592 DOI: 10.1136/adc.2006.103713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Mitchell
- Chris Mitchell, Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vora A, Mitchell CD, Lennard L, Eden TOB, Kinsey SE, Lilleyman J, Richards SM. Toxicity and efficacy of 6-thioguanine versus 6-mercaptopurine in childhood lymphoblastic leukaemia: a randomised trial. Lancet 2006; 368:1339-48. [PMID: 17046466 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(06)69558-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 6-mercaptopurine has been a standard component of long-term continuing treatment for childhood lymphoblastic leukaemia, whereas 6-thioguanine has been mainly used for intensification courses. Since preliminary data have shown that 6-thioguanine is more effective than 6-mercaptopurine, we compared the efficacy and toxicity of the two drugs for childhood lymphoblastic leukaemia. METHODS Consecutive children with lymphoblastic leukaemia diagnosed in the UK and Ireland between April, 1997, and June, 2002, were randomly assigned either 6-thioguanine (750 patients) or 6-mercaptopurine (748 patients) during interim maintenance and continuing therapy. All patients received 6-thioguanine during intensification courses. We analysed event-free and overall survival on an intention-to-treat basis. We obtained toxicity data using an adverse-event reporting system, with follow-up questionnaires to seek detailed information for specific toxicities. This trial is registered with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Number 26727615 with the name ALL97. FINDINGS After a median follow up of 6 years, there was no difference in event-free or overall survival between the two treatment groups. Although 6-thioguanine conferred a significantly lower risk of isolated CNS relapse than did 6-mercaptopurine (odds ratio [OR] 0.53, 95% CI 0.30-0.92, p=0.02), the benefit was offset by an increased risk of death in remission (2.22, 1.20-4.14, p=0.01), mainly due to infections during continuing therapy. Additionally, 95 patients developed veno-occlusive disease of the liver. Of these, 82 were randomly assigned 6-thioguanine, representing 11% of all 6-thioguanine recipients. On long-term follow-up, about 5% of 6-thioguanine recipients have evidence of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension due to periportal liver fibrosis or nodular regenerative hyperplasia. INTERPRETATION Compared with 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine causes excess toxicity without an overall benefit. 6-mercaptopurine should remain the thiopurine of choice for continuing therapy of childhood lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Vora
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield S10 2TH, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tzortzatou-Stathopoulou F, Moschovi MA, Papadopoulou AL, Barbounaki IG, Lambrou GI, Balafouta M, Syriopoulou V. Could intensified treatment in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia improve outcome independently of risk factors? Eur J Haematol 2005; 75:361-9. [PMID: 16191084 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0609.2005.00527.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many risk-directed therapeutic protocols have been proposed in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, the relapse rates remain high. The effectiveness of each protocol depends on how quickly the clearance of blast cells is achieved. In an attempt to improve survival, by minimizing treatment toxicity and relapse rate, different therapeutic protocols were used every 3 yr in our Unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS During 1991-2000, 132 children with ALL were diagnosed in our Unit. Modified and intensified NY II and BFM protocols, in three consecutive periods [(Hematology/Oncology Pediatric Department of the University of Athens) HOPDA-91, HOPDA-94, HOPDA-97] were used. RESULTS At a median follow-up time of 96 months, the 8-year overall survival (OS) was 88% +/- 3%, whereas the event-free survival (EFS) was 85% +/- 3%. There was a significant increase of the 5-year EFS of the high-risk (HR) group through time (65% in HOPDA-91 vs. 80% in HOPDA-97), whereas EFS of the low risk (LR) group in HOPDA-97 was 96%. Five cases relapsed (3.8%), four of which underwent successful bone marrow transplantation. Fifteen children died (13 diagnosed by 1996, two in the last 4 yr). CONCLUSION Modification of the protocols significantly improved survival in both HR and LR groups. The intensified regimen in the LR group did not increase the adverse toxic events, but on the contrary was extremely effective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fotini Tzortzatou-Stathopoulou
- Hematology/Oncology Unit, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rech A, de Carvalho GP, Meneses CF, Hankins J, Howard S, Brunetto AL. The influence of traumatic lumbar puncture and timing of intrathecal therapy on outcome of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2005; 22:483-8. [PMID: 16169814 DOI: 10.1080/08880010591002242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The CNS is a frequent site of relapse of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Traumatic lumbar puncture (TLP) is thought to increase the risk of CNS relapse. The authors examined whether TLP at the time of diagnosis affected outcome and whether this effect was influenced by the timing of intrathecal therapy (IT) in 77 patients with newly diagnosed ALL. IT was instilled at the time of either the diagnostic LP (early) or a second LP 24--48 h later (delayed). Of the 19 patients who had a TLP at diagnosis and received late IT therapy, 6 had isolated CNS relapse and 2 had combined CNS and bone marrow (BM) relapse. Of the 9 patients who had TLP and received early IT therapy, 1 had a CNS relapse (p=.20). In an analysis stratified according to risk of relapse, the odds ratio (OR) for relapse was 0.8 among patients at low and standard risk who had delayed IT therapy after TLP (p=.99) vs. 0.17 for those who had early IT (p=.47). Importantly, among patients with high-risk ALL, the OR for relapse was 21.0 for delayed IT therapy (p=.09) and only 1.5 for early IT therapy after TLP (p=.99). The results indicate that TLP at diagnosis appears to increase the risk of CNS relapse markedly in patients with high-risk ALL, and the use of early IT therapy appears to reduce this risk. These findings need to be confirmed by prospective, randomized studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Rech
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jansen NC, Kingma A, Tellegen P, van Dommelen RI, Bouma A, Veerman A, Kamps WA. Feasibility of neuropsychological assessment in leukaemia patients shortly after diagnosis: directions for future prospective research. Arch Dis Child 2005; 90:301-4. [PMID: 15723923 PMCID: PMC1720319 DOI: 10.1136/adc.2004.051839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To study neuropsychological functioning of newly diagnosed children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) within two weeks after diagnosis in order to determine the feasibility of a sibling controlled prospective study design. METHODS Fifty consecutive patients (median age at testing 6.6 years, range 4-12) were included in a prospective, longitudinal, nationwide study. Treatment would include intrathecal and systemic chemotherapy according to the DCLSG ALL-9 protocol. Children were evaluated with an extensive neuropsychological battery including measures of intelligence, memory, attention, language, visual-constructive function, and fine-motor abilities within two weeks after start of the chemotherapy. The control group consisted of 29 healthy siblings (median age at testing 8.2 years, range 4-12), who were tested <4 weeks after the patients' assessment. RESULTS Mean scores on Wechsler Intelligence Scales did not differ significantly between patients and siblings; mean IQ scores for both the patients and the controls were high average. To examine specific neuropsychological functions, norm scores based on the exact age were acquired by fitting procedures, but no significant differences were found. CONCLUSIONS Neuropsychological assessment of patients during early hospitalisation is feasible. The results indicate no adverse effect of illness and psychological factors on IQ and neuropsychological functioning of patients with recently diagnosed ALL. The prospective design of this study of cognitive late effects of chemotherapy will allow discrimination between adverse sequelae of disease and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N C Jansen
- Department of Paediatric Haematology Oncology, Groningen University Hospital, Groningen, Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rech A, Loss JF, Machado A, Brunetto AL. Infective endocarditis (IE) in children receiving treatment for cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2004; 43:159-63. [PMID: 15236284 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.20093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Infective endocarditis (IE) is rare in children but is associated with substantial morbidity/mortality. Medical records of 161 new patients admitted to the Pediatric Oncology Unit in a 2 years period were reviewed to identify patients with a diagnosis of IE following the Duke criteria. Nine patients developed IE; their ages ranged from 2.4 to 11.3 years. The patients received treatment according to the results of blood cultures. TIPs are associated with a high rate of IE. The diagnosis of IE should be considered in children with cancer who have major/minor criteria as defined by the Duke criteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Rech
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hill FGH, Richards S, Gibson B, Hann I, Lilleyman J, Kinsey S, Mitchell C, Harrison CJ, Eden OB. Successful treatment without cranial radiotherapy of children receiving intensified chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: results of the risk-stratified randomized central nervous system treatment trial MRC UKALL XI (ISRC TN 16757172). Br J Haematol 2004; 124:33-46. [PMID: 14675406 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2003.04738.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Concern about late adverse effects of cranial radiotherapy (XRT) has led to alternative approaches to eliminate leukaemia from the central nervous system (CNS) in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The Medical Research Council UKALL XI trial recruited 2090 children with ALL between 1990 and 1997. Median follow-up is 7 years 9 months; event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival were 63.1% and 84.6%, respectively, at 5 years and 59.8% and 79.4% at 10 years. The isolated CNS relapse rate was 7.0% at 10 years. Patients were randomized for CNS-directed therapy within white blood cell (WBC) groups. For WBC <50 x 10(9)/l, high-dose intravenous methotrexate (HDMTX) (6-8 g/m2) with intrathecal methotrexate (ITMTX) was compared with ITMTX alone, and was significantly better at preventing isolated and combined CNS relapse, but non-CNS relapses were similar. There was no significant difference in EFS at 10 years, 64.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 60.4-67.8] with HDMTX plus ITMTX, and 63.0% (95% CI 59.5-66.5) with ITMTX alone. For WBC >/=50 x 10(9)/l, HDMTX with ITMTX was compared with XRT and a short course of ITMTX. CNS relapses were significantly fewer with XRT, but there was a non-significant increase in non-CNS relapses. EFS was not significantly different, being 55.2% (95% CI 47.8-62.6) at 10 years with XRT and 52.1% (95% CI 44.8-59.4) with HDMTX plus ITMTX.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank G H Hill
- Department of Clinical & Laboratory Haematology, The Children's Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
|