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Slack JC, Church AJ. Molecular Alterations in Pediatric Solid Tumors. Clin Lab Med 2024; 44:277-304. [PMID: 38821645 DOI: 10.1016/j.cll.2023.08.012] [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] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Pediatric tumors can be divided into hematologic malignancies, central nervous system tumors, and extracranial solid tumors of bone, soft tissue, or other organ systems. Molecular alterations that impact diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and familial cancer risk have been described in many pediatric solid tumors. In addition to providing a concise summary of clinically relevant molecular alterations in extracranial pediatric solid tumors, this review discusses conventional and next-generation sequencing-based molecular techniques, relevant tumor predisposition syndromes, and the increasing integration of molecular data into the practice of diagnostic pathology for children with solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan C Slack
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute (Robert J. Tomsich), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Alanna J Church
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Van Genechten T, De Laere M, Van den Bossche J, Stein B, De Rycke K, Deschepper C, Hazes K, Peeters R, Couttenye MM, Van De Walle K, Roelant E, Maes S, Vanden Bossche S, Dekeyzer S, Huizing M, Caluwaert K, Nijs G, Cools N, Verlooy J, Norga K, Verhulst S, Anguille S, Berneman Z, Lion E. Adjuvant Wilms' tumour 1-specific dendritic cell immunotherapy complementing conventional therapy for paediatric patients with high-grade glioma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: protocol of a monocentric phase I/II clinical trial in Belgium. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e077613. [PMID: 38503417 PMCID: PMC10952861 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and paediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) are aggressive glial tumours, for which conventional treatment modalities fall short. Dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy is being investigated as a promising and safe adjuvant therapy. The Wilms' tumour protein (WT1) is a potent target for this type of antigen-specific immunotherapy and is overexpressed in DIPG and pHGG. Based on this, we designed a non-randomised phase I/II trial, assessing the feasibility and safety of WT1 mRNA-loaded DC (WT1/DC) immunotherapy in combination with conventional treatment in pHGG and DIPG. METHODS AND ANALYSIS 10 paediatric patients with newly diagnosed or pretreated HGG or DIPG were treated according to the trial protocol. The trial protocol consists of leukapheresis of mononuclear cells, the manufacturing of autologous WT1/DC vaccines and the combination of WT1/DC-vaccine immunotherapy with conventional antiglioma treatment. In newly diagnosed patients, this comprises chemoradiation (oral temozolomide 90 mg/m2 daily+radiotherapy 54 Gy in 1.8 Gy fractions) followed by three induction WT1/DC vaccines (8-10×106 cells/vaccine) given on a weekly basis and a chemoimmunotherapy booster phase consisting of six 28-day cycles of oral temozolomide (150-200 mg/m2 on days 1-5) and a WT1/DC vaccine on day 21. In pretreated patients, the induction and booster phase are combined with best possible antiglioma treatment at hand. Primary objectives are to assess the feasibility of the production of mRNA-electroporated WT1/DC vaccines in this patient population and to assess the safety and feasibility of combining conventional antiglioma treatment with the proposed immunotherapy. Secondary objectives are to investigate in vivo immunogenicity of WT1/DC vaccination and to assess disease-specific and general quality of life. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The ethics committee of the Antwerp University Hospital and the University of Antwerp granted ethics approval. Results of the clinical trial will be shared through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentations at conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04911621.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toon Van Genechten
- Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Maxime De Laere
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Jolien Van den Bossche
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Barbara Stein
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Kim De Rycke
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | | | - Katja Hazes
- Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Renke Peeters
- Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | | | | | - Ella Roelant
- Statistics, Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Sabine Maes
- Anesthesiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | | | - Sven Dekeyzer
- Radiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Manon Huizing
- Cell and Tissue Bank, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, België, Belgium
| | - Kim Caluwaert
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Cell and Tissue Bank, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Griet Nijs
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Cools
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Joris Verlooy
- Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Koen Norga
- Pediatric Oncology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Stijn Verhulst
- Pediatrics, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Sebastien Anguille
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Zwi Berneman
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Eva Lion
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Antwerp, Belgium
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Jacobs MF, Goldman JW, Austin S, Koeppe ES, Murad AM, Koschmann CJ, Chinnaiyan AM, Mody RJ. Family Recall of and Response to Germline Pathologic Variants Found on Paired Tumor-Germline Sequencing in Pediatric Oncology. JCO Precis Oncol 2024; 8:e2300539. [PMID: 38484211 PMCID: PMC10954074 DOI: 10.1200/po.23.00539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Paired tumor-germline sequencing can identify somatic variants for targeted therapy and germline pathogenic variants (GPVs) causative of hereditary cancer/tumor predisposition syndromes. It is unknown how patients/families in pediatric oncology use information about an identified GPV. We assessed recall of germline results and actions taken on the basis of findings. METHODS We completed phone surveys with patients (and/or their parent) with GPVs identified via a single academic medical center's paired tumor-germline sequencing study. Seven hundred forty pediatric (aged 0-25 years) oncology patients were enrolled in this sequencing study between May 2012 and August 2021. Ninety-six participants (13.0%) had at least one GPV identified and were therefore eligible for this survey. The parent/guardian (for patients younger than 18 years or deceased patients) or patients themselves (if 18 years or older) were contacted. Survey topics included germline result recall, experience with genetic counseling, changes to patient's cancer treatment/screening, sharing of results with family members, and lifestyle changes. RESULTS Fifty-three surveys (response rate, 55.2%) were completed between October 2021 and June 2022. Thirty-seven (69.8%) respondents correctly recalled the identified GPV. Discussing results with a genetic counselor (P = .0001), having a GPV related to the cancer/tumor diagnosis (P = .002), and non-Hispanic White race/ethnicity (P = .02) were associated with accurate recall. Twenty-five respondents (47.2%) reported a change in the child's cancer treatment and/or screening recommendations, 17 respondents (32.1%) made a lifestyle change on the basis of the results, and 44 respondents (83.0%) shared results with at least one family member. CONCLUSION While most respondents remembered that a GPV was identified in the patient, some did not recall having a GPV found, and others recalled germline findings incorrectly. Future work may determine patient/family preferences for timing/method of result return to optimize patient recall and use of germline results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle F. Jacobs
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Sarah Austin
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Erika S. Koeppe
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | | | - Arul M. Chinnaiyan
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Rajen J. Mody
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Miser JS, Shia BC, Kao YW, Liu YL, Chen SY, Ho WL. The Health Care Utilization and Medical Costs in Long-Term Follow-Up of Children Diagnosed With Leukemia, Solid Tumor, or Brain Tumor: Population-Based Study Using the National Health Insurance Claims Data. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e42350. [PMID: 36862495 PMCID: PMC10020904 DOI: 10.2196/42350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood cancer survivors are at a high risk of medical consequences of their disease and treatment. There is growing information about the long-term health issues of childhood cancer survivors; however, there are very few studies describing the health care utilization and costs for this unique population. Understanding their utilization of health care services and costs will provide the basis for developing strategies to better serve these individuals and potentially reduce the cost. OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine the utilization of health services and costs for long-term survivors of childhood cancer in Taiwan. METHODS This is a nationwide, population-based, retrospective case-control study. We analyzed the claims data of the National Health Insurance that covers 99% of the Taiwanese population of 25.68 million. A total of 33,105 children had survived for at least 5 years after the first appearance of a diagnostic code of cancer or a benign brain tumor before the age of 18 years from 2000 to 2010 with follow-up to 2015. An age- and gender-matched control group of 64,754 individuals with no cancer was randomly selected for comparison. Utilization was compared between the cancer and no cancer groups by χ2 test. The annual medical expense was compared by the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test. RESULTS At a median follow-up of 7 years, childhood cancer survivors utilized a significantly higher proportion of medical center, regional hospital, inpatient, and emergency services in contrast to no cancer individuals: 57.92% (19,174/33,105) versus 44.51% (28,825/64,754), 90.66% (30,014/33,105) versus 85.70% (55,493/64,754), 27.19% (9000/33,105) versus 20.31% (13,152/64,754), and 65.26% (21,604/33,105) versus 59.36% (38,441/64,754), respectively (all P<.001). The annual total expense (median, interquartile range) of childhood cancer survivors was significantly higher than that of the comparison group (US $285.56, US $161.78-US $535.80 per year vs US $203.90, US $118.98-US $347.55 per year; P<.001). Survivors with female gender, diagnosis before the age of 3 years, and diagnosis of brain cancer or a benign brain tumor had significantly higher annual outpatient expenses (all P<.001). Moreover, the analysis of outpatient medication costs showed that hormonal and neurological medications comprised the 2 largest costs in brain cancer and benign brain tumor survivors. CONCLUSIONS Survivors of childhood cancer and a benign brain tumor had higher utilization of advanced health resources and higher costs of care. The design of the initial treatment plan minimizing long-term consequences, early intervention strategies, and survivorship programs have the potential to mitigate costs of late effects due to childhood cancer and its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Miser
- Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Ben-Chang Shia
- Graduate Institute of Business Administration, College of Management, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Artificial Intelligence Development Center, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wei Kao
- Artificial Intelligence Development Center, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Department of Applied Statistics and Information Science, Ming Chuan University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Lin Liu
- Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taipei Medical University Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yen Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Shuang Ho Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ling Ho
- Taipei Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Prexler C, Knape MS, Erlewein-Schweizer J, Roll W, Specht K, Woertler K, Weichert W, von Luettichau I, Rossig C, Hauer J, Richter GHS, Weber W, Burdach S. Correlation of Transcriptomics and FDG-PET SUVmax Indicates Reciprocal Expression of Stemness-Related Transcription Factor and Neuropeptide Signaling Pathways in Glucose Metabolism of Ewing Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235999. [PMID: 36497479 PMCID: PMC9735504 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Ewing sarcoma (EwS), long-term treatment effects and poor survival rates for relapsed or metastatic cases require individualization of therapy and the discovery of new treatment methods. Tumor glucose metabolic activity varies significantly between patients, and FDG-PET signals have been proposed as prognostic factors. However, the biological basis for the generally elevated but variable glucose metabolism in EwS is not well understood. METHODS We retrospectively included 19 EwS samples (17 patients). Affymetrix gene expression was correlated with maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) using machine learning, linear regression modelling, and gene set enrichment analyses for functional annotation. RESULTS Expression of five genes correlated (MYBL2, ELOVL2, NETO2) or anticorrelated (FAXDC2, PLSCR4) significantly with SUVmax (adjusted p-value ≤ 0.05). Additionally, we identified 23 genes with large SUVmax effect size, which were significantly enriched for "neuropeptide Y receptor activity (GO:0004983)" (adjusted p-value = 0.0007). The expression of the members of this signaling pathway (NPY, NPY1R, NPY5R) anticorrelated with SUVmax. In contrast, three transcription factors associated with maintaining stemness displayed enrichment of their target genes with higher SUVmax: RNF2, E2F family, and TCF3. CONCLUSION Our large-scale analysis examined comprehensively the correlations between transcriptomics and tumor glucose utilization. Based on our findings, we hypothesize that stemness may be associated with increased glucose uptake, whereas neuroectodermal differentiation may anticorrelate with glucose uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Prexler
- Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Cancer Research Center, Kinderklinik München Schwabing, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Fakultät für Medizin, Technische Universität München, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Marie Sophie Knape
- Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Cancer Research Center, Kinderklinik München Schwabing, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Fakultät für Medizin, Technische Universität München, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Wolfgang Roll
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1 A1, 48149 Munster, Germany
| | - Katja Specht
- Institute of Pathology, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus Woertler
- Musculoskeletal Radiology Section, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Wilko Weichert
- Institute of Pathology, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Irene von Luettichau
- Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Cancer Research Center, Kinderklinik München Schwabing, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Fakultät für Medizin, Technische Universität München, 80804 Munich, Germany
- ERN PaedCan, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Rossig
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003-CiM), University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Julia Hauer
- Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Cancer Research Center, Kinderklinik München Schwabing, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Fakultät für Medizin, Technische Universität München, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Guenther H. S. Richter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology, Charite–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Weber
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Burdach
- Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Cancer Research Center, Kinderklinik München Schwabing, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Fakultät für Medizin, Technische Universität München, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Academy of Translational Medicine and Department of Molecular Oncology–British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Langenberg KP, Meister MT, Bakhuizen JJ, Boer JM, van Eijkelenburg NK, Hulleman E, Ilan U, Looze EJ, Dierselhuis MP, van der Lugt J, Breunis W, Schild LG, Ober K, van Hooff SR, Scheijde-Vermeulen MA, Hiemcke-Jiwa LS, Flucke UE, Kranendonk ME, Wesseling P, Sonneveld E, Punt S, Boltjes A, van Dijk F, Verwiel ET, Volckmann R, Hehir-Kwa JY, Kester LA, Koudijs MM, Waanders E, Holstege FC, Vormoor HJ, Hoving EW, van Noesel MM, Pieters R, Kool M, Stumpf M, Blattner-Johnson M, Balasubramanian GP, Van Tilburg CM, Jones BC, Jones DT, Witt O, Pfister SM, Jongmans MC, Kuiper RP, de Krijger RR, Wijnen MH, den Boer ML, Zwaan CM, Kemmeren P, Koster J, Tops BB, Goemans BF, Molenaar JJ. Implementation of paediatric precision oncology into clinical practice: The Individualized Therapies for Children with cancer program ‘iTHER’. Eur J Cancer 2022; 175:311-325. [PMID: 36182817 PMCID: PMC9586161 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
iTHER is a Dutch prospective national precision oncology program aiming to define tumour molecular profiles in children and adolescents with primary very high-risk, relapsed, or refractory paediatric tumours. Between April 2017 and April 2021, 302 samples from 253 patients were included. Comprehensive molecular profiling including low-coverage whole genome sequencing (lcWGS), whole exome sequencing (WES), RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), Affymetrix, and/or 850k methylation profiling was successfully performed for 226 samples with at least 20% tumour content. Germline pathogenic variants were identified in 16% of patients (35/219), of which 22 variants were judged causative for a cancer predisposition syndrome. At least one somatic alteration was detected in 204 (90.3%), and 185 (81.9%) were considered druggable, with clinical priority very high (6.1%), high (21.3%), moderate (26.0%), intermediate (36.1%), and borderline (10.5%) priority. iTHER led to revision or refinement of diagnosis in 8 patients (3.5%). Temporal heterogeneity was observed in paired samples of 15 patients, indicating the value of sequential analyses. Of 137 patients with follow-up beyond twelve months, 21 molecularly matched treatments were applied in 19 patients (13.9%), with clinical benefit in few. Most relevant barriers to not applying targeted therapies included poor performance status, as well as limited access to drugs within clinical trial. iTHER demonstrates the feasibility of comprehensive molecular profiling across all ages, tumour types and stages in paediatric cancers, informing of diagnostic, prognostic, and targetable alterations as well as reportable germline variants. Therefore, WES and RNA-seq is nowadays standard clinical care at the Princess Máxima Center for all children with cancer, including patients at primary diagnosis. Improved access to innovative treatments within biology-driven combination trials is required to ultimately improve survival. Implementing comprehensive molecular profiling into standard of care is feasible. Temporal heterogeneity is observed, indicating the value of sequential analyses. Molecularly matched treatments are applied in a minority of patients despite clinical benefit. Poor performance status & limited access to drugs within trial hamper targeted treatment. The multidisciplinary tumour board is crucial in translating findings into clinical decision making.
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Barghi F, Shannon HE, Saadatzadeh MR, Bailey BJ, Riyahi N, Bijangi-Vishehsaraei K, Just M, Ferguson MJ, Pandya PH, Pollok KE. Precision Medicine Highlights Dysregulation of the CDK4/6 Cell Cycle Regulatory Pathway in Pediatric, Adolescents and Young Adult Sarcomas. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153611. [PMID: 35892870 PMCID: PMC9331212 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review provides an overview of clinical features and current therapies in children, adolescents, and young adults (AYA) with sarcoma. It highlights the basic and clinical findings on the cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) cell cycle regulatory pathway in the context of the precision medicine-based molecular profiles of the three most common types of pediatric and AYA sarcomas—osteosarcoma (OS), rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), and Ewing sarcoma (EWS). Abstract Despite improved therapeutic and clinical outcomes for patients with localized diseases, outcomes for pediatric and AYA sarcoma patients with high-grade or aggressive disease are still relatively poor. With advancements in next generation sequencing (NGS), precision medicine now provides a strategy to improve outcomes in patients with aggressive disease by identifying biomarkers of therapeutic sensitivity or resistance. The integration of NGS into clinical decision making not only increases the accuracy of diagnosis and prognosis, but also has the potential to identify effective and less toxic therapies for pediatric and AYA sarcomas. Genome and transcriptome profiling have detected dysregulation of the CDK4/6 cell cycle regulatory pathway in subpopulations of pediatric and AYA OS, RMS, and EWS. In these patients, the inhibition of CDK4/6 represents a promising precision medicine-guided therapy. There is a critical need, however, to identify novel and promising combination therapies to fight the development of resistance to CDK4/6 inhibition. In this review, we offer rationale and perspective on the promise and challenges of this therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farinaz Barghi
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (H.E.S.); (M.R.S.); (B.J.B.); (N.R.); (K.B.-V.)
| | - Harlan E. Shannon
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (H.E.S.); (M.R.S.); (B.J.B.); (N.R.); (K.B.-V.)
| | - M. Reza Saadatzadeh
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (H.E.S.); (M.R.S.); (B.J.B.); (N.R.); (K.B.-V.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.J.); (M.J.F.)
| | - Barbara J. Bailey
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (H.E.S.); (M.R.S.); (B.J.B.); (N.R.); (K.B.-V.)
| | - Niknam Riyahi
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (H.E.S.); (M.R.S.); (B.J.B.); (N.R.); (K.B.-V.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Khadijeh Bijangi-Vishehsaraei
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (H.E.S.); (M.R.S.); (B.J.B.); (N.R.); (K.B.-V.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.J.); (M.J.F.)
| | - Marissa Just
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.J.); (M.J.F.)
| | - Michael J. Ferguson
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.J.); (M.J.F.)
| | - Pankita H. Pandya
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (H.E.S.); (M.R.S.); (B.J.B.); (N.R.); (K.B.-V.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.J.); (M.J.F.)
- Correspondence: (P.H.P.); (K.E.P.)
| | - Karen E. Pollok
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (H.E.S.); (M.R.S.); (B.J.B.); (N.R.); (K.B.-V.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (M.J.); (M.J.F.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence: (P.H.P.); (K.E.P.)
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8
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Advocating for the surgical needs of children with cancer. J Pediatr Surg 2022; 57:959-966. [PMID: 35331552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Outcomes have improved significantly over the last 60 years for children with cancer. However, one consequence of improved survival is that many patients are now living with the long-term consequences of therapy. Pediatric surgeons can impact both the oncologic outcomes and morbidities of therapy. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to be considerate, informed, and introspective about what we do as surgeons.
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9
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Burdach SEG, Westhoff MA, Steinhauser MF, Debatin KM. Correction to: Precision medicine in pediatric oncology. Mol Cell Pediatr 2022; 9:8. [PMID: 35267112 PMCID: PMC8913824 DOI: 10.1186/s40348-022-00140-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan E G Burdach
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Cancer Research Center (CCRC), Technische Universität München, Koelner Platz 1, 80804, Munich, Germany. .,CCC München-Comprehensive Cancer Center and German Translational Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Mike-Andrew Westhoff
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Eythstr. 24, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Maximilian Felix Steinhauser
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Cancer Research Center (CCRC), Technische Universität München, Koelner Platz 1, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus-Michael Debatin
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Eythstr. 24, 89075, Ulm, Germany
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10
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Eiset SE, Funding M, Racher H, Heegaard S, Gallie B, Urbak SF, Gregersen PA. Metachronous, non-pineal, trilateral retinoblastoma in a patient with a seemingly reduced-expressivity RB1 germline deletion. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e05498. [PMID: 35340648 PMCID: PMC8933631 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.5498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical course of trilateral retinoblastoma can be unpredictable, and expressivity of germline RB1 variants may vary during development. We describe an unexpected fatal case of trilateral retinoblastoma with an intracranial tumor in an unusual location and discuss genetic copy number analyses as a useful diagnostic tool with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saga Elise Eiset
- Department of Clinical GeneticsAarhus University HospitalAarhusDenmark
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineAarhus University HospitalAarhusDenmark
| | - Mikkel Funding
- Department of OphthalmologyAarhus University HospitalAarhusDenmark
| | - Hilary Racher
- Impact GeneticsBramptonCanada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & PathobiologyUniversity of TorontoBramptonCanada
| | - Steffen Heegaard
- Department of Ophthalmology and Pathology, RigshospitaletUniversity of CopenhagenDenmark
| | - Brenda Gallie
- Department of OphthalmologyThe Hospital for Sick ChildrenTorontoCanada
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Vision ScienceMedical Biophysics and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Steen Fiil Urbak
- Department of OphthalmologyAarhus University HospitalAarhusDenmark
| | - Pernille A. Gregersen
- Department of Clinical GeneticsAarhus University HospitalAarhusDenmark
- Center for Rare DisordersPediatrics and Adolescent MedicineAarhus University HospitalAarhusDenmark
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11
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The Current Landscape of Targeted Clinical Trials in Non-WNT/Non-SHH Medulloblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030679. [PMID: 35158947 PMCID: PMC8833659 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Medulloblastoma is a form of malignant brain tumor that arises predominantly in infants and young children and can be divided into different groups based on molecular markers. The group of non-WNT/non-SHH medulloblastoma includes a spectrum of heterogeneous subgroups that differ in their biological characteristics, genetic underpinnings, and clinical course of disease. Non-WNT/non-SHH medulloblastoma is currently treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy; however, new drugs are needed to treat patients who are not yet curable and to reduce treatment-related toxicity and side effects. We here review which new treatment options for non-WNT/non-SHH medulloblastoma are currently clinically tested. Furthermore, we illustrate the challenges that have to be overcome to reach a new therapeutic standard for non-WNT/non-SHH medulloblastoma, for instance the current lack of good preclinical models, and the necessity to conduct trials in a comparably small patient collective. Abstract Medulloblastoma is an embryonal pediatric brain tumor and can be divided into at least four molecularly defined groups. The category non-WNT/non-SHH medulloblastoma summarizes medulloblastoma groups 3 and 4 and is characterized by considerable genetic and clinical heterogeneity. New therapeutic strategies are needed to increase survival rates and to reduce treatment-related toxicity. We performed a noncomprehensive targeted review of the current clinical trial landscape and literature to summarize innovative treatment options for non-WNT/non-SHH medulloblastoma. A multitude of new drugs is currently evaluated in trials for which non-WNT/non-SHH patients are eligible, for instance immunotherapy, kinase inhibitors, and drugs targeting the epigenome. However, the majority of these trials is not restricted to medulloblastoma and lacks molecular classification. Whereas many new molecular targets have been identified in the last decade, which are currently tested in clinical trials, several challenges remain on the way to reach a new therapeutic strategy for non-WNT/non-SHH medulloblastoma. These include the severe lack of faithful preclinical models and predictive biomarkers, the question on how to stratify patients for clinical trials, and the relative lack of studies that recruit large, homogeneous patient collectives. Innovative trial designs and international collaboration will be a key to eventually overcome these obstacles.
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12
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Lee J, Gillam L, Visvanathan K, Hansford JR, McCarthy MC. Clinical Utility of Precision Medicine in Pediatric Oncology: A Systematic Review. JCO Precis Oncol 2021; 5:1088-1102. [DOI: 10.1200/po.20.00405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Precision medicine uses advanced molecular techniques to guide the use of targeted therapeutic drugs and is an emerging paradigm in pediatric oncology. Clinical evidence related to the efficacy of many novel targeted drugs, however, is currently very limited given the rarity of pediatric cancer and the lack of published evidence for the use of these drugs in children. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the existing evidence for the feasibility and clinical efficacy of precision medicine in pediatric oncology. METHODS A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, Medline, and Embase databases. Clinical trials and observational studies, which used molecular assays such as whole-exome sequencing to identify molecular targets that guided the allocation of targeted cancer drugs and reported clinical outcomes, were included in this review. RESULTS Twenty-one clinical trials and observational studies were identified, collectively enrolling 1,408 pediatric patients across nine countries. Therapeutic targets were found in 647 patients (46.0%); however, only 175 of these patients (27.0%) received a targeted drug. Objective responses were recorded for 73 (41.7%) of these 175 patients, only 5.2% of the total sample. Inconsistent outcome reporting and limited comparison with conventional treatment hindered evaluation of the clinical utility of precision medicine. CONCLUSION Precision medicine can feasibly identify molecular targets in a clinical setting. However, the inaccessibility of targeted drugs is a significant barrier, restricting the exploration of its therapeutic potential in pediatric oncology. Future clinical trials should endeavor to link the molecular testing results with access to targeted drugs and standardize outcome reporting to advance understanding of the benefits of this novel paradigm in improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Lee
- Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Lynn Gillam
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Human Bioethics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Keshini Visvanathan
- Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jordan R. Hansford
- Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Maria C. McCarthy
- Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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13
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Shenouda S, Kulkarni K, Abuetabh Y, Sergi C. Cancer Stem Cells and their Management in Cancer Therapy. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2021; 15:212-227. [PMID: 32660407 DOI: 10.2174/1574892815666200713145931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last decade, the proposed Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) hypothesis has steadily changed the way cancer treatment is approached. CSCs may be the source of the heterogeneous non-tumorigenic cell population included in a neoplasm. Intratumor and intertumoral heterogeneity is a well-known phenomenon that massively entangles the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The literature seems to suggest that heterogeneity develops progressively within tumor-initiating stem cells. CSCs harbor genetic and/or epigenetic alterations that allow them to differentiate into multiple tumor cell types sequentially. OBJECTIVE The CSC hypothesis, cellular therapy, and the most recent patents on CSCs were reviewed. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were screened for this information. Also, an analysis of the most recent data targeting CSCs in pediatric cancer developed at two Canadian institutions is provided. The genes involved with the activation of CSCs and the drugs used to antagonize them are also highlighted. RESULTS It is underlined that (1) CSCs possess stem cell-like properties, including the ability for self-renewal; (2) CSCs can start carcinogenesis and are responsible for tumor recurrence after treatment; (3) Although some limitations have been raised, which may oppose the CSC hypothesis, cancer progression and metastasis have been recognized to be caused by CSCs. CONCLUSION The significant roles of cell therapy may include an auto-transplant with high-dose treatment, an improvement of the immune function, creation of chimeric antigen receptor T cells, and the recruitment of NK cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan Shenouda
- Department of Lab. Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ketan Kulkarni
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Yasser Abuetabh
- Department of Lab. Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Consolato Sergi
- Department of Lab. Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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14
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Langenberg KPS, Looze EJ, Molenaar JJ. The Landscape of Pediatric Precision Oncology: Program Design, Actionable Alterations, and Clinical Trial Development. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4324. [PMID: 34503139 PMCID: PMC8431194 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last years, various precision medicine programs have been developed for pediatric patients with high-risk, relapsed, or refractory malignancies, selecting patients for targeted treatment through comprehensive molecular profiling. In this review, we describe characteristics of these initiatives, demonstrating the feasibility and potential of molecular-driven precision medicine. Actionable events are identified in a significant subset of patients, although comparing results is complicated due to the lack of a standardized definition of actionable alterations and the different molecular profiling strategies used. The first biomarker-driven trials for childhood cancer have been initiated, but until now the effect of precision medicine on clinical outcome has only been reported for a small number of patients, demonstrating clinical benefit in some. Future perspectives include the incorporation of novel approaches such as liquid biopsies and immune monitoring as well as innovative collaborative trial design including combination strategies, and the development of agents specifically targeting aberrations in childhood malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin P. S. Langenberg
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (E.J.L.); (J.J.M.)
| | - Eleonora J. Looze
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (E.J.L.); (J.J.M.)
| | - Jan J. Molenaar
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands; (E.J.L.); (J.J.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80082, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands
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15
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Abstract
Pediatric tumors can be divided into hematologic malignancies, central nervous system tumors, and extracranial solid tumors of bone, soft tissue, or other organ systems. Molecular alterations that impact diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and familial cancer risk have been described in many pediatric solid tumors. In addition to providing a concise summary of clinically relevant molecular alterations in extracranial pediatric solid tumors, this review discusses conventional and next-generation sequencing-based molecular techniques, relevant tumor predisposition syndromes, and the increasing integration of molecular data into the practice of diagnostic pathology for children with solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan C Slack
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alanna J Church
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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16
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Blattner-Johnson M, Jones DTW, Pfaff E. Precision medicine in pediatric solid cancers. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 84:214-227. [PMID: 34116162 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite huge advances in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancers over the past several decades, it remains one of the leading causes of death during childhood in developed countries. The development of new targeted treatments for these diseases has been hampered by two major factors. First, the extremely heterogeneous nature of the types of tumors encountered in this age group, and their fundamental differences from common adult carcinomas, has made it hard to truly get a handle on the complexities of the underlying biology driving tumor growth. Second, a reluctance of the pharmaceutical industry to develop products or trials for this population due to the relatively small size of the 'market', and a too-easy mechanism of obtaining waivers for pediatric development of adult oncology drugs based on disease type rather than mechanism of action, led to significant difficulties in getting access to new drugs. Thankfully, the field has now started to change, both scientifically and from a regulatory perspective, in order to address some of these challenges. In this review, we will examine some of the recent insights into molecular features which make pediatric tumors so unique and how these might represent therapeutic targets; highlight ongoing international initiatives for providing comprehensive, personalized genomic profiling of childhood tumors in a clinically-relevant timeframe, and look briefly at where the field of pediatric precision oncology may be heading in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Blattner-Johnson
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Pediatric Glioma Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David T W Jones
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Pediatric Glioma Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Elke Pfaff
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Pediatric Glioma Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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17
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de Paula Gonzaga ALAC, Palmeira VA, Ribeiro TFS, Costa LB, de Sá Rodrigues KE, Simões-E-Silva AC. ACE2/Angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas Receptor Axis in Human Cancer: Potential Role for Pediatric Tumors. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 21:892-901. [PMID: 32039680 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666200210124217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric tumors remain the highest cause of death in developed countries. Research on novel therapeutic strategies with lesser side effects is of utmost importance. In this scenario, the role of Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) axes, the classical one formed by angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE), Angiotensin II and AT1 receptor and the alternative axis composed by ACE2, Angiotensin-(1-7) and Mas receptor, have been investigated in cancer. OBJECTIVE This review aimed to summarize the pathophysiological role of RAS in cancer, evidence for anti-tumor effects of ACE2/Angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis and future therapeutic perspectives for pediatric cancer. METHODS Pubmed, Scopus and Scielo were searched in regard to RAS molecules in human cancer and pediatric patients. The search terms were "RAS", "ACE", "Angiotensin-(1-7)", "ACE2", "Angiotensin II", "AT1 receptor", "Mas receptor", "Pediatric", "Cancer". RESULTS Experimental studies have shown that Angiotensin-(1-7) inhibits the growth of tumor cells and reduces local inflammation and angiogenesis in several types of cancer. Clinical trials with Angiotensin-( 1-7) or TXA127, a pharmaceutical grade formulation of the naturally occurring peptide, have reported promising findings, but not enough to recommend medical use in human cancer. In regard to pediatric cancer, only three articles that marginally investigated RAS components were found and none of them evaluated molecules of the alternative RAS axis. CONCLUSION Despite the potential applicability of Angiotensin-(1-7) in pediatric tumors, the role of this molecule was never tested. Further clinical trials are necessary, also including pediatric patients, to confirm safety and efficiency and to define therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vitória Andrade Palmeira
- Pediatric Branch, Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, UFMG, Brazil
| | | | - Larissa Braga Costa
- Pediatric Branch, Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, UFMG, Brazil
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18
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Lee J, Gillam L, Kouw S, McCarthy MC, Hansford JR. An institutional audit of the use of novel drugs in pediatric oncology. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2021; 4:e1404. [PMID: 33939320 PMCID: PMC8714541 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant challenges persist in treating children with rare, relapsed, or refractory malignancies. Novel molecularly targeted drugs promise improved outcomes for these children with reduced toxicity. However, there is often limited evidence to substantiate their clinical efficacy and guide their use. This raises issues for clinical decision-making, ethical concerns surrounding equity of access to these often-expensive agents, and the management of families' expectations for cure. This audit evaluated the off-label use of novel drugs and associated clinical outcomes in order to guide the development of future clinical and ethical guidelines. AIM To evaluate the patterns in the off-label use of novel drugs for treating childhood cancer and the associated clinical outcomes to guide prospective studies and inform ethical and clinical governance protocols for the use of these agents. METHODS A retrospective audit was performed for all patients who received novel drugs off-label as treatment for their malignancy at an Australian pediatric oncology center between 2010 and 2019. RESULTS One hundred patients with 32 unique diagnoses received 133 novel drugs across 124 regimens. Eighty-four patients received these drugs at the second line of treatment or greater. Novel drug median cost was $15 521 AUD (Range: $6.53 AUD to $258 339 AUD) and was primarily funded by the hospital (N = 60/133, 45.1%) or compassionate access from pharmaceutical companies (N = 52/133, 39.1%). Decision-making related to novel drugs was inconsistently documented. Ninety-one of 124 treatment regimens commenced between 2010 and 2019 resulted in objective responses (73.4%), but only 35 were still ongoing upon review in June 2020 (38.5%). Median response duration was 12.6 months (Range: 0-93.2 months). CONCLUSIONS While novel drugs were largely unable to definitively cure patients, most achieved objective responses. Prospective trials and more rigorous documentation are needed to fully inform the future use of these agents given the heterogeneity of their applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Lee
- Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lynn Gillam
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation - Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Human Bioethics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Kouw
- Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria C McCarthy
- Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Brain and Mind - Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jordan R Hansford
- Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Cancer - Cell Biology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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19
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Kattner P, Zeiler K, Herbener VJ, Ferla-Brühl KL, Kassubek R, Grunert M, Burster T, Brühl O, Weber AS, Strobel H, Karpel-Massler G, Ott S, Hagedorn A, Tews D, Schulz A, Prasad V, Siegelin MD, Nonnenmacher L, Fischer-Posovszky P, Halatsch ME, Debatin KM, Westhoff MA. What Animal Cancers teach us about Human Biology. Theranostics 2021; 11:6682-6702. [PMID: 34093847 PMCID: PMC8171098 DOI: 10.7150/thno.56623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers in animals present a large, underutilized reservoir of biomedical information with critical implication for human oncology and medicine in general. Discussing two distinct areas of tumour biology in non-human hosts, we highlight the importance of these findings for our current understanding of cancer, before proposing a coordinated strategy to harvest biomedical information from non-human resources and translate it into a clinical setting. First, infectious cancers that can be transmitted as allografts between individual hosts, have been identified in four distinct, unrelated groups, dogs, Tasmanian devils, Syrian hamsters and, surprisingly, marine bivalves. These malignancies might hold the key to improving our understanding of the interaction between tumour cell and immune system and, thus, allow us to devise novel treatment strategies that enhance anti-cancer immunosurveillance, as well as suggesting more effective organ and stem cell transplantation strategies. The existence of these malignancies also highlights the need for increased scrutiny when considering the existence of infectious cancers in humans. Second, it has long been understood that no linear relationship exists between the number of cells within an organism and the cancer incidence rate. To resolve what is known as Peto's Paradox, additional anticancer strategies within different species have to be postulated. These naturally occurring idiosyncrasies to avoid carcinogenesis represent novel potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Kattner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Katharina Zeiler
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Verena J. Herbener
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Michael Grunert
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, German Armed Forces Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Timo Burster
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan Republic
| | - Oliver Brühl
- Laboratorio Analisi Sicilia Catania, Lentini; SR, Italy
| | - Anna Sarah Weber
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hannah Strobel
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Georg Karpel-Massler
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sibylle Ott
- Animal Research Center, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Tews
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ansgar Schulz
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Vikas Prasad
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus D. Siegelin
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa Nonnenmacher
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Pamela Fischer-Posovszky
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Klaus-Michael Debatin
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mike-Andrew Westhoff
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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20
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Grünewald TGP, Alonso M, Avnet S, Banito A, Burdach S, Cidre‐Aranaz F, Di Pompo G, Distel M, Dorado‐Garcia H, Garcia‐Castro J, González‐González L, Grigoriadis AE, Kasan M, Koelsche C, Krumbholz M, Lecanda F, Lemma S, Longo DL, Madrigal‐Esquivel C, Morales‐Molina Á, Musa J, Ohmura S, Ory B, Pereira‐Silva M, Perut F, Rodriguez R, Seeling C, Al Shaaili N, Shaabani S, Shiavone K, Sinha S, Tomazou EM, Trautmann M, Vela M, Versleijen‐Jonkers YMH, Visgauss J, Zalacain M, Schober SJ, Lissat A, English WR, Baldini N, Heymann D. Sarcoma treatment in the era of molecular medicine. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e11131. [PMID: 33047515 PMCID: PMC7645378 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201911131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are heterogeneous and clinically challenging soft tissue and bone cancers. Although constituting only 1% of all human malignancies, sarcomas represent the second most common type of solid tumors in children and adolescents and comprise an important group of secondary malignancies. More than 100 histological subtypes have been characterized to date, and many more are being discovered due to molecular profiling. Owing to their mostly aggressive biological behavior, relative rarity, and occurrence at virtually every anatomical site, many sarcoma subtypes are in particular difficult-to-treat categories. Current multimodal treatment concepts combine surgery, polychemotherapy (with/without local hyperthermia), irradiation, immunotherapy, and/or targeted therapeutics. Recent scientific advancements have enabled a more precise molecular characterization of sarcoma subtypes and revealed novel therapeutic targets and prognostic/predictive biomarkers. This review aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in the molecular biology of sarcomas and their effects on clinical oncology; it is meant for a broad readership ranging from novices to experts in the field of sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas GP Grünewald
- Max‐Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma BiologyInstitute of PathologyFaculty of MedicineLMU MunichMunichGermany
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma ResearchGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)HeidelbergGermany
- Institute of PathologyHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - Marta Alonso
- Program in Solid Tumors and BiomarkersFoundation for the Applied Medical ResearchUniversity of Navarra PamplonaPamplonaSpain
| | - Sofia Avnet
- Orthopedic Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine UnitIRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
| | - Ana Banito
- Pediatric Soft Tissue Sarcoma Research GroupGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Stefan Burdach
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Cancer Research Center (CCRC)Technische Universität MünchenMunichGermany
| | - Florencia Cidre‐Aranaz
- Max‐Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma BiologyInstitute of PathologyFaculty of MedicineLMU MunichMunichGermany
| | - Gemma Di Pompo
- Orthopedic Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine UnitIRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Merve Kasan
- Max‐Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma BiologyInstitute of PathologyFaculty of MedicineLMU MunichMunichGermany
| | | | | | - Fernando Lecanda
- Division of OncologyAdhesion and Metastasis LaboratoryCenter for Applied Medical ResearchUniversity of NavarraPamplonaSpain
| | - Silvia Lemma
- Orthopedic Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine UnitIRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
| | - Dario L Longo
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)Italian National Research Council (CNR)TurinItaly
| | | | | | - Julian Musa
- Max‐Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma BiologyInstitute of PathologyFaculty of MedicineLMU MunichMunichGermany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation SurgeryUniversity of HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Shunya Ohmura
- Max‐Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma BiologyInstitute of PathologyFaculty of MedicineLMU MunichMunichGermany
| | | | - Miguel Pereira‐Silva
- Department of Pharmaceutical TechnologyFaculty of PharmacyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
| | - Francesca Perut
- Orthopedic Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine UnitIRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
| | - Rene Rodriguez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de AsturiasOviedoSpain
- CIBER en oncología (CIBERONC)MadridSpain
| | | | - Nada Al Shaaili
- Department of Oncology and MetabolismUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Shabnam Shaabani
- Department of Drug DesignUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Kristina Shiavone
- Department of Oncology and MetabolismUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Snehadri Sinha
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial DiseasesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | | | - Marcel Trautmann
- Division of Translational PathologyGerhard‐Domagk‐Institute of PathologyMünster University HospitalMünsterGermany
| | - Maria Vela
- Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ)MadridSpain
| | | | | | - Marta Zalacain
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)Italian National Research Council (CNR)TurinItaly
| | - Sebastian J Schober
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Cancer Research Center (CCRC)Technische Universität MünchenMunichGermany
| | - Andrej Lissat
- University Children′s Hospital Zurich – Eleonoren FoundationKanton ZürichZürichSwitzerland
| | - William R English
- Department of Oncology and MetabolismUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Nicola Baldini
- Orthopedic Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine UnitIRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliBolognaItaly
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor SciencesUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Dominique Heymann
- Department of Oncology and MetabolismUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
- Université de NantesInstitut de Cancérologie de l'OuestTumor Heterogeneity and Precision MedicineSaint‐HerblainFrance
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21
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Louveau B, Jouenne F, Kaguelidou F, Landras A, Goldwirt L, Mourah S. The key role of oncopharmacology in therapeutic management, from common to rare cancers: A literature review. Therapie 2020; 75:183-193. [DOI: 10.1016/j.therap.2020.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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22
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Kattner P, Strobel H, Khoshnevis N, Grunert M, Bartholomae S, Pruss M, Fitzel R, Halatsch ME, Schilberg K, Siegelin MD, Peraud A, Karpel-Massler G, Westhoff MA, Debatin KM. Compare and contrast: pediatric cancer versus adult malignancies. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 38:673-682. [PMID: 31832830 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-019-09836-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death in both adults and children, but in terms of absolute numbers, pediatric cancer is a relatively rare disease. The rarity of pediatric cancer is consistent with our current understanding of how adult malignancies form, emphasizing the view of cancer as a genetic disease caused by the accumulation and selection of unrepaired mutations over time. However, considering those children who develop cancer merely as stochastically "unlucky" does not fully explain the underlying aetiology, which is distinct from that observed in adults. Here, we discuss the differences in cancer genetics, distribution, and microenvironment between adult and pediatric cancers and argue that pediatric tumours need to be seen as a distinct subset with their own distinct therapeutic challenges. While in adults, the benefit of any treatment should outweigh mostly short-term complications, potential long-term effects have a much stronger impact in children. In addition, clinical trials must cope with low participant numbers when evaluating novel treatment strategies, which need to address the specific requirements of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Kattner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Eythstrasse 24, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hannah Strobel
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Eythstrasse 24, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nika Khoshnevis
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Eythstrasse 24, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Grunert
- Department of Radiology, German Armed Forces Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stephan Bartholomae
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Eythstrasse 24, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Maximilian Pruss
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Rahel Fitzel
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Eythstrasse 24, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Markus D Siegelin
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aurelia Peraud
- Pediatric Neurosurgery Section, Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Mike-Andrew Westhoff
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Eythstrasse 24, 89075, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Klaus-Michael Debatin
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Eythstrasse 24, 89075, Ulm, Germany
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23
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Claude E, Decottignies A. Telomere maintenance mechanisms in cancer: telomerase, ALT or lack thereof. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 60:1-8. [PMID: 32114293 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells acquire replicative immortality by activating a telomere maintenance mechanism (TMM), either the telomerase or the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) mechanism. ALT is frequently activated in tumors derived from mesenchymal cells, which are more frequent in childhood cancers. Recent studies showed that, occasionally, cancer cells can arise without any TMM activation. Here, we discuss the challenge in assessing which TMM is activated in tumors. We also evaluate the prevalence of ALT mechanism in pediatric cancers and review the associated survival prognosis in different tumor types. Finally, we discuss about possible anti-TMM therapies for new emerging cancer treatments.
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24
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Dreyer BP. The Road to Precision Medicine for Children: Resilience, Vulnerability, and Gene Polymorphism. J Pediatr 2020; 216:11-12. [PMID: 31542156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benard P Dreyer
- Professor of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York; Past President, American Academy of Pediatrics, New York, New York.
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25
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Stahl D, Gentles AJ, Thiele R, Gütgemann I. Prognostic profiling of the immune cell microenvironment in Ewing´s Sarcoma Family of Tumors. Oncoimmunology 2019; 8:e1674113. [PMID: 31741777 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2019.1674113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing´s Sarcoma Family of Tumors (ESFT) are clinically aggressive bone and soft tissue tumors in children and young adults. Analysis of the immune tumor microenvironment (TME) provides insight into tumor evolution and novel treatment options. So far, the scarcity of immune cells in ESFT has hindered a comprehensive analysis of rare subtypes. We determined the relative fraction of 22 immune cell types using 197 microarray gene expression datasets of primary ESFT tumor samples by using CIBERSORT, a deconvolution algorithm enumerating infiltrating leucocytes in bulk tumor tissue. The most abundant cells were macrophages (mean 43% of total tumor-infiltrating leukocytes, TILs), predominantly immunosuppressive M2 type macrophages, followed by T cells (mean 23% of TILs). Increased neutrophils, albeit at low number, were associated with a poor overall survival (OS) (p = .038) and increased M2 macrophages predicted a shorter event-free survival (EFS) (p = .033). High frequency of T cells and activated NK cells correlated with prolonged OS (p = .044 and p = .007, respectively). A small patient population (9/32) with combined low infiltrating M2 macrophages, low neutrophils, and high total T cells was identified with favorable outcome. This finding was confirmed in a validation cohort of patients with follow up (11/38). When comparing the immune TME with expression of known stemness genes, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α (HIF1α) correlated with high abundance of macrophages and neutrophils and decreased T cell levels. The immune TME in ESFTs shows a distinct composition including rare immune cell subsets that in part may be due to expression of HIF1α.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Stahl
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andrew J Gentles
- Departments of Medicine and Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ralf Thiele
- Department of Computer Science, Bonn-Rhine-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Ines Gütgemann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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26
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Is health status impaired in childhood cancer survivors? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2019; 142:94-118. [PMID: 31394434 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increase in survival rates of childhood cancer is associated with long-term health issues in survivors. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing health status-related endpoints in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) versus controls. RESULTS Eighty-six studies (n = 98,480 participants, 62% CCS) were included in the review. Of these, 73 studies (n = 96,550, 63% CCS) could be meta-analyzed. CCS showed a lower left ventricular ejection and fractional shortening (SMD=-0.59 and -0.55, respectively, both p < 0.01 [n=1,824 and 1,880]), a lower HDL-cholesterol concentration (SMD=-0.48, p<0.001, n=1,378) and a higher waist-to-hip ratio (SMD=0.61, p < 0.01, n=229) than their healthy peers. No significant differences were found for the remaining endpoints. CONCLUSIONS CCS is associated with a lower left ventricular function and HDL-cholesterol level, and a higher waist-to-hip ratio than healthy controls. These findings support the need to closely monitor the cardiometabolic health status of CCS and to implement preventive lifestyle interventions for this population.
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27
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Triarico S, Maurizi P, Mastrangelo S, Attinà G, Capozza MA, Ruggiero A. Improving the Brain Delivery of Chemotherapeutic Drugs in Childhood Brain Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11060824. [PMID: 31200562 PMCID: PMC6627959 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) may be considered as a sanctuary site, protected from systemic chemotherapy by the meninges, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Consequently, parenchymal and CSF exposure of most antineoplastic agents following intravenous (IV) administration is lower than systemic exposure. In this review, we describe the different strategies developed to improve delivery of antineoplastic agents into the brain in primary and metastatic CNS tumors. We observed that several methods, such as BBB disruption (BBBD), intra-arterial (IA) and intracavitary chemotherapy, are not routinely used because of their invasiveness and potentially serious adverse effects. Conversely, intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy has been safely and widely practiced in the treatment of pediatric primary and metastatic tumors, replacing the neurotoxic cranial irradiation for the treatment of childhood lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). IT chemotherapy may be achieved through lumbar puncture (LP) or across the Ommaya intraventricular reservoir, which are both described in this review. Additionally, we overviewed pharmacokinetics and toxic aspects of the main IT antineoplastic drugs employed for primary or metastatic childhood CNS tumors (such as methotrexate, cytosine arabinoside, hydrocortisone), with a concise focus on new and less used IT antineoplastic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Triarico
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Palma Maurizi
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Stefano Mastrangelo
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Attinà
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Michele Antonio Capozza
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonio Ruggiero
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy.
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28
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Sweet-Cordero EA, Biegel JA. The genomic landscape of pediatric cancers: Implications for diagnosis and treatment. Science 2019; 363:1170-1175. [PMID: 30872516 PMCID: PMC7757338 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaw3535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed a major increase in our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of childhood cancer. Genomic sequencing studies have highlighted key differences between pediatric and adult cancers. Whereas many adult cancers are characterized by a high number of somatic mutations, pediatric cancers typically have few somatic mutations but a higher prevalence of germline alterations in cancer predisposition genes. Also noteworthy is the remarkable heterogeneity in the types of genetic alterations that likely drive the growth of pediatric cancers, including copy number alterations, gene fusions, enhancer hijacking events, and chromoplexy. Because most studies have genetically profiled pediatric cancers only at diagnosis, the mechanisms underlying tumor progression, therapy resistance, and metastasis remain poorly understood. We discuss evidence that points to a need for more integrative approaches aimed at identifying driver events in pediatric cancers at both diagnosis and relapse. We also provide an overview of key aspects of germline predisposition for cancer in this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Alejandro Sweet-Cordero
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Jaclyn A Biegel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, and Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
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