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Mankuzhy NP, Tringale KR, Dunkel IJ, Farouk Sait S, Souweidane MM, Khakoo Y, Karajannis MA, Wolden S. Hypofractionated re-irradiation for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e30929. [PMID: 38430472 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Re-irradiation (reRT) increases survival in locally recurrent diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). There is no standard dose and fractionation for reRT, but conventional fractionation (CF) is typically used. We report our institutional experience of reRT for DIPG, which includes hypofractionation (HF). METHODS We reviewed pediatric patients treated with brainstem reRT for DIPG at our institution from 2012 to 2022. Patients were grouped by HF or CF. Outcomes included steroid use, and overall survival (OS) was measured from both diagnosis and start of reRT. RESULTS Of 22 patients who received reRT for DIPG, two did not complete their course due to clinical decline. Of the 20 who completed reRT, the dose was 20-30 Gy in 2-Gy fractions (n = 6) and 30-36 Gy in 3-Gy fractions (n = 14). Median age was 5 years (range: 3-14), median interval since initial RT was 8 months (range: 3-20), and 12 received concurrent bevacizumab. Median OS from diagnosis was 18 months [95% confidence interval: 17-24]. Median OS from start of reRT for HF versus CF was 8.2 and 7.5 months, respectively (p = .20). Thirteen (93%) in the HF group and three (75%) in the CF group tapered pre-treatment steroid dose down or off within 2 months after reRT due to clinical improvement. There was no significant difference in steroid taper between HF and CF (p = .4). No patients developed radionecrosis. CONCLUSION reRT with HF achieved survival duration comparable to published outcomes and effectively palliated symptoms. Future investigation of this regimen in the context of new systemic therapies and upfront HF is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil P Mankuzhy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kathryn R Tringale
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ira J Dunkel
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sameer Farouk Sait
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mark M Souweidane
- Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yasmin Khakoo
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Matthias A Karajannis
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Suzanne Wolden
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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2
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Cacciotti C, Wright KD. Advances in Treatment of Diffuse Midline Gliomas. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2023; 23:849-856. [PMID: 37921944 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01317-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) generally carry a poor prognosis, occur during childhood, and involve midline structures of the central nervous system, including the thalamus, pons, and spinal cord. RECENT FINDINGS To date, irradiation has been shown to be the only beneficial treatment for DMG. Various genetic modifications have been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. Current treatment strategies span targeting epigenetic dysregulation, cell cycle, specific genetic alterations, and the immune microenvironment. Herein, we review the complex features of this disease as it relates to current and past therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantel Cacciotti
- Children's Hospital London Health Sciences/Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Karen D Wright
- Dana Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorder Center, Boston, MA, USA
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3
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Immunogenic Cell Death Enhances Immunotherapy of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma: From Preclinical to Clinical Studies. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091762. [PMID: 36145510 PMCID: PMC9502387 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is the most lethal tumor involving the pediatric central nervous system. The median survival of children that are diagnosed with DIPG is only 9 to 11 months. More than 200 clinical trials have failed to increase the survival outcomes using conventional cytotoxic or myeloablative chemotherapy. Immunotherapy presents exciting therapeutic opportunities against DIPG that is characterized by unique and heterogeneous features. However, the non-inflammatory DIPG microenvironment greatly limits the role of immunotherapy in DIPG. Encouragingly, the induction of immunogenic cell death, accompanied by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) shows satisfactory efficacy of immune stimulation and antitumor strategies. This review dwells on the dilemma and advances in immunotherapy for DIPG, and the potential efficacy of immunogenic cell death (ICD) in the immunotherapy of DIPG.
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4
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Argersinger DP, Rivas SR, Shah AH, Jackson S, Heiss JD. New Developments in the Pathogenesis, Therapeutic Targeting, and Treatment of H3K27M-Mutant Diffuse Midline Glioma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215280. [PMID: 34771443 PMCID: PMC8582453 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are rare childhood central nervous system tumors that carry a dismal prognosis. Thus, innovative treatment approaches are greatly needed to improve clinical outcomes for these patients. Here, we discuss current trends in research of H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma. This review highlights new developments of molecular pathophysiology for these tumors, as they relate to epigenetics and therapeutic targeting. We focus our discussion on combinatorial therapies addressing the inherent complexity of treating H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline gliomas and incorporating recent advances in immunotherapy, molecular biology, genetics, radiation, and stereotaxic surgical diagnostics.
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Patel JP, Spiller SE, Barker ED. Drug penetration in pediatric brain tumors: Challenges and opportunities. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e28983. [PMID: 33719183 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Larger clinical trial enrollments and a greater understanding of biological heterogeneity have led to improved survival rates for children diagnosed with brain tumors in the last 50 years. However, reducing long-term morbidities and improving survival rates of high-risk tumors remain major challenges. Chemotherapy can reduce tumor burden, but effective drug penetration at the tumor site is limited by barriers in the route of drug administration and within the tumor microenvironment. Bioavailability of drugs is impeded by the blood-brain barrier, plasma protein binding, and structural components by the tumor including the matrix and vasculature contributing to increased interstitial fluid pressure, hypoxia, and acidity. Designing drug delivery systems to circumvent these barriers could lead to improved drug penetration at the tumor site and reduce adverse systemic side effects. In this review, we expand on how systemic and local barriers limit drug penetration and present potential methods to enhance drug penetration in pediatric brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny P Patel
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Susan E Spiller
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, East Tennessee Children's Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Elizabeth D Barker
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee
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6
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Metselaar DS, du Chatinier A, Stuiver I, Kaspers GJL, Hulleman E. Radiosensitization in Pediatric High-Grade Glioma: Targets, Resistance and Developments. Front Oncol 2021; 11:662209. [PMID: 33869066 PMCID: PMC8047603 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.662209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. These epigenetically dysregulated tumors often harbor mutations in genes encoding histone 3, which contributes to a stem cell-like, therapy-resistant phenotype. Furthermore, pHGG are characterized by a diffuse growth pattern, which, together with their delicate location, makes complete surgical resection often impossible. Radiation therapy (RT) is part of the standard therapy against pHGG and generally the only modality, apart from surgery, to provide symptom relief and a delay in tumor progression. However, as a single treatment modality, RT still offers no chance for a cure. As with most therapeutic approaches, irradiated cancer cells often acquire resistance mechanisms that permit survival or stimulate regrowth after treatment, thereby limiting the efficacy of RT. Various preclinical studies have investigated radiosensitizers in pHGG models, without leading to an improved clinical outcome for these patients. However, our recently improved molecular understanding of pHGG generates new opportunities to (re-)evaluate radiosensitizers in these malignancies. Furthermore, the use of radio-enhancing agents has several benefits in pHGG compared to other cancers, which will be discussed here. This review provides an overview and a critical evaluation of the radiosensitization strategies that have been studied to date in pHGG, thereby providing a framework for improving radiosensitivity of these rapidly fatal brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis S Metselaar
- Department of Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Aimée du Chatinier
- Department of Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Iris Stuiver
- Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gertjan J L Kaspers
- Department of Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Esther Hulleman
- Department of Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
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7
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Vitanza NA, Khalatbari H, Ermoian R, Sarthy J, Lockwood CM, Cole BL, Leary SES. Molecularly Targeted Treatments for NF1-Mutant Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. J Appl Lab Med 2020; 6:550-553. [PMID: 32862234 DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfaa086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Vitanza
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA.,Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Hedieh Khalatbari
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Ralph Ermoian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Jay Sarthy
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA.,Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Christina M Lockwood
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA
| | - Bonnie L Cole
- Department of Laboratories, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA.,Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Sarah E S Leary
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA.,Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
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8
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Diffuse midline glioma: review of epigenetics. J Neurooncol 2020; 150:27-34. [DOI: 10.1007/s11060-020-03553-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Aziz-Bose R, Monje M. Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: molecular landscape and emerging therapeutic targets. Curr Opin Oncol 2020; 31:522-530. [PMID: 31464759 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a fatal childhood brainstem malignancy. Despite advances in understanding of the molecular underpinnings of the tumor in the past decade, the dismal prognosis of DIPG has thus far remained unchanged. This review seeks to highlight promising therapeutic targets within three arenas: DIPG cell-intrinsic vulnerabilities, immunotherapeutic approaches to tumor clearance, and microenvironmental dependencies that promote tumor growth. RECENT FINDINGS Promising therapeutic strategies from recent studies include epigenetic modifying agents such as histone deacetylase inhibitors, bromodomain and extra-terminal motif (BET) protein inhibitors, and CDK7 inhibitors. Tumor-specific immunotherapies are emerging. Key interactions between DIPG and normal brain cells are coming to light, and targeting critical microenvironmental mechanisms driving DIPG growth in the developing childhood brain represents a new direction for therapy. SUMMARY Several DIPG treatment strategies are being evaluated in early clinical trials. Ultimately, we suspect that a multifaceted therapeutic approach utilizing cell-intrinsic, microenvironmental, and immunotherapeutic targets will be necessary for eradicating DIPG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences.,Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine.,Stanford Cancer Institute.,Department of Pediatrics.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.,Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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10
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Himes BT, Zhang L, Daniels DJ. Treatment Strategies in Diffuse Midline Gliomas With the H3K27M Mutation: The Role of Convection-Enhanced Delivery in Overcoming Anatomic Challenges. Front Oncol 2019; 9:31. [PMID: 30800634 PMCID: PMC6375835 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse midline gliomas harboring the H3 K27M mutation—including the previously named diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG)—are lethal high-grade pediatric brain tumors that are inoperable and without cure. Despite numerous clinical trials, the prognosis remains poor, with a median survival of ~1 year from diagnosis. Systemic administration of chemotherapeutic agents is often hindered by the blood brain barrier (BBB), and even drugs that successfully cross the barrier may suffer from unpredictable distributions. The challenge in treating this deadly disease relies on effective delivery of a therapeutic agent to the bulk tumor as well as infiltrating cells. Therefore, methods that can enhance drug delivery to the brain are of great interest. Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) is a strategy that bypasses the BBB entirely and enhances drug distribution by applying hydraulic pressure to deliver agents directly and evenly into a target region. This technique reliably distributes infusate homogenously through the interstitial space of the target region and achieves high local drug concentrations in the brain. Moreover, recent studies have also shown that continuous delivery of drug over an extended period of time is safe, feasible, and more efficacious than standard single session CED. Therefore, CED represents a promising technique for treating midline tumors with the H3K27M mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin T Himes
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - David J Daniels
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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11
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Long W, Yi Y, Chen S, Cao Q, Zhao W, Liu Q. Potential New Therapies for Pediatric Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:495. [PMID: 28790919 PMCID: PMC5525007 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an extensively invasive malignancy with infiltration into other regions of the brainstem. Although large numbers of specific targeted therapies have been tested, no significant progress has been made in treating these high-grade gliomas. Therefore, the identification of new therapeutic approaches is of great importance for the development of more effective treatments. This article reviews the conventional therapies and new potential therapeutic approaches for DIPG, including epigenetic therapy, immunotherapy, and the combination of stem cells with nanoparticle delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyong Long
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha, China
| | - Yang Yi
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Shen Chen
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Qi Cao
- Center for Inflammation and Epigenetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, HoustonTX, United States
| | - Wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha, China
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