Treatment of peripheral neuroepithelioma in children and young adults

A rare entity of Primary Ewing sarcoma in kidney

Background

Ewing sarcoma (ES) or primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) represents a spectrum of poorly differentiated and aggressive malignancies. It rarely arises from the kidney and accounts for less than 1% of renal mass. Given the uncharacteristic clinical symptoms and imaging features, renal Ewing sarcoma (RES) is often diagnosed by postoperative pathology.

Case presentation

Herein, we depicted a case of RES, which was administrated in our institution by chief complaints of intermittent left plank pain and palpable abdominal mass. We demonstrated the aggressive behavior of this renal malignancy and summarized its therapeutic modalities and outcomes.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of RES relies on integrated analysis including histomorphology, immunohistochemical staining and confirmation of molecular-genetic testing. Despite the surgery and adjuvant therapy, optimized and potent therapeutic regimes are still urgently needed to improve the poor prognosis of RES.

Do Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors of the Kidney Have a Predilection for Inferior Vena Cava Involvement? A Case Series and Review of the Literature

The primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of the kidney is an extremely rare neoplasm, the diagnosis of which mainly depends upon histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and cytogenetics. A handful of cases reported in the literature mention about aggressive features of this neoplasm. The purpose of our study was to review our experience in not only the diagnosis and management of the patients with renal PNET but also to highlight its propensity to involve inferior vena cava (IVC) and also present a rare occurrence of Ewing's sarcoma (ES)/PNET of the renal pelvis. The clinical, operative, and histopathology records of four patients of renal PNET treated between January 2017 and December 2019 were reviewed and data analyzed concerning the available literature. Out of the four patients treated, two had level III and IV IVC thrombus, and one had dense desmoplastic adhesions with the IVC wall. One of the cases had a rare presentation of ES/PNET of the renal pelvis. All patients were managed surgically, while only one patient received adjuvant chemotherapy and following up with remission for the last 2 years and 4 months. On IHC, cluster of differentiation-99 (CD-99) was positive in all patients, and three were positive for Friend leukemia integration-1. PNET of the kidney is primarily an immunohistopathological diagnosis. This neoplasm has an increased propensity for the local invasion of surrounding structures. A multimodality approach with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy could offer better outcomes, although the prognosis of these tumors remains poor.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumour of the kidney presenting as diplopia secondary to skull metastasis

A 20-year-old man presented to the department of neurology with diplopia, occipital headache and right flank pain for 1-week duration. CT of the brain revealed skull metastasis with heterogeneously enhancing dural-based mass lesion at the occipital region. Positron emission tomography revealed tracer avid soft tissue mass involving the upper pole of the right kidney with loss of fat planes with the inferior surface of the liver. Multidisciplinary team approach was discussed. He underwent palliative nephrectomy with lymph nodal mass excision. Biopsy from the renal mass was suggestive of primitive neuroectodermal tumour. He developed progressive liver metastases in spite of adjuvant chemotherapy denoting very aggressive disease.

Peripheral Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (Ppnet) of Pelvic Origin: Report of a Case Arising from an Unusual Location

A peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor arising from the abdominopelvic cavity is reported in a 24-year-old young male without any previous remarkable pathology. He was admitted to our hospital with complaints of urinary symptoms (acute urinary retention) and mild intestinal occlusion that had been present for three months. Physical examination and CT scan revealed a pelvic mass occupying the entire pelvic cavity. The diagnostic workup included a CT-guided biopsy which defined the tumor as a sarcomatous type. Radical surgery was performed including tumor resection, pelvic exenteration (bladder and prostate gland) and urinary and fecal diversion. Adjuvant chemotherapy (VAIA) was delivered once the histology was confirmed. We reviewed the available literature focusing on the varied nomenclature of this tumor (peripheral neuroepithelioma, Askin's tumor, Ewing's extraosseous tumor, peripheral adult neuroblastoma, peripheral primitive extracranial neuroectodermal tumor (PPNET), the clinical features, the role of diagnostic imaging techniques, pathologic assessment and controversial therapeutic management. In addition, the prognosis and survival of this rare condition were analyzed.

Primary Ewing sarcoma of the kidney: a case report and treatment review

Ewing sarcomas/primitive neuroectodermal tumors (ES/PNET) of the kidney are rarely found high-grade malignant tumors, offering poor prognosis. Although established treatment guidelines for ES of kidney are scarce, a multi-modality treatment approached is typically implemented. Herein, we report a 14-year-old female patient with ES of right kidney. Post-nephrectomy disease recurrence was treated with chemotherapy (i.e., vincristine, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide); marked reduction in tumor size (i.e., from 18.5 × 11.3 cm² to 3.7 × 2.2 cm²; ~96% reduction in size) as per computed tomography images was observed. We present our treatment experience and review from the available literature.

Single-Centre Experience of Systemic Treatment with Vincristine, Ifosfamide, and Doxorubicin Alternating with Etoposide, Ifosfamide, and Cisplatin in Adult Patients with Ewing Sarcoma

The treatment of Ewing sarcoma (ES) in adult patients requires a multidisciplinary approach. Systemic therapy remains an important component of clinical management of this disease. ES is extremely rare in adult patients. Due to the rarity of the disease, no standard of care in terms of chemotherapy for the adult population exists, and the level of evidence for individual agents or some multidrug combinations is limited. Most regimens that are used in both adults and children include anthracyclines, etoposide, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and ifosfamide. In this report, we describe our experience with the alternating use of triple combination therapies based on vincristine, ifosfamide, and doxorubicin (VIA) and an etoposide, ifosfamide, and cisplatin combination (VIP). We retrospectively evaluated the response rates, outcome, and tolerance of adult patients (n = 64) treated with VIA/VIP between 1990 and 2014. The patients included were treated with perioperative chemotherapy (53.1% neoadjuvant therapy and 17.2% adjuvant therapy) or had synchronous metastases at diagnosis (29.7%). Five-year overall survival rate was 52.2% for all patients, 72.2% for patients with localized disease, and 5.3% in patients with synchronous metastases. Overall response rate (ORR) was 37% after 2 cycles of VIA and 2 cycles of VIP. There were no patients with progressive disease (PD).

Primary Renal Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor/Ewing's Sarcoma Imaging and Pathologic Findings of a Patient with a Nine Year, Eight Month Disease Free Period: Case Report and Review of Literature

Introduction

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET)/Ewing’s sarcoma (EWS) belongs to a family of neoplasms that are presumed to originate from the neuroectodermal crest. PNET/EWSs are highly aggressive malignancies that usually present in the form of bone or soft tissue masses and usually affect adolescents and young adults. Primary PNET/EWS of the kidney is very rare.

Case Presentation

We present the case of a 32-year-old female patient with primary renal PNET/EWS diagnosed nine years and eight months earlier. The patient presented with acute flank pain in the left lumbar region, hematuria, and episodes of high body temperature of 40°C. Abdominal ultrasound (US) and subsequently performed computed tomography (CT) revealed a large renal mass of heterogenous structure. The kidney tumor had central necrotic hypodense areas and strongly peripherally enhanced solid parts on postcontrast CT images. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for CD99 and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). Tumor cells were negative for CD3, CD 20, chromogranin, synaptophysin, vimentin, and neurofilament. Reverse transcription polymerase change reaction (RT-PCR) revealed EWS/FL1 translocation type 2. The patient underwent nephrectomy and polychemotherapy. The follow-up nine years and eight months after the diagnosis showed no evidence of tumor.

Conclusions

PNET/EWS should be included in the differential diagnosis of renal tumors in symptomatic young adults. Patients with localised PNET/EWS treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy have an excellent chance of long-term survival, as in the case we have presented.

Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor in masseter muscle

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor is a member of malignant small round cell tumors. These tumors especially originate from the central and autonomous nervous system. However, these tumors may be originated from peripheral tissues and are called peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor. A 14-year-old girl attended to the Ear Nose Throat Clinic with the complaint of progressive painless swelling mass for 2 months on the right side of the face. Neck magnetic resonance imaging showed 3.5 × 2.5 × 2-cm isointense mass on T1 and hyperintense on T2 sequences. There was no pathological lymphadenopathy on computed tomographic scan. As a result of mandibular cortical invasion seen on computed tomographic scan, radical surgical excision was decided as surgical treatment. Total parotidectomy with preserving facial nerve and partial mandibulectomy with a 2-cm margin of safety were done, and reconstruction plaque applied to the mandible. Two lymph nodes were seen at the submandibular region. For this reason, prophylactic supraomohyoid neck dissection had also been performed. Pathological assessment proved the diagnosis of PNET, and chemoradiotherapy was planned for the patient.To our knowledge, this is the second reported case in literature. In this present case, peripheral neuroectodermal tumor in the masseter muscle and its diagnosis and treatment process were reported with literature review.

Treatment of an Askin tumor: A case report and review of the literature

Askin tumors are rare malignant neoplasms that are localized in the thoracopulmonary region and mainly occur in children and adolescents. Further investigation with regard to the effective treatment of this disease is required, since the disease has a low incidence and limited knowledge is available on the biological activity and prognostic factors of this type of tumor. The present study describes the case of a 30-year-old male patient with a histologically and morphologically proven Askin tumor who was treated in Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute (Jinan, China). A chest computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a large mass filling the entire left lung, associated with mediastinum and right lung compression and accompanied by destruction of the 2nd rib. The patient accepted chemotherapy and radiotherapy instead of a radical mass resection since the mass was irresectable. A good clinical response was achieved to the chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The diagnosis and treatment of Askin tumors remains a challenge for clinicians and surgeons due to the absence of standard therapeutic guidelines for the treatment of this disease. According to the experience obtained from the cases encountered to date, treatment strategies should aim to reduce local recurrence and distant metastasis. Moreover, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy or a combination of these methods appears to constitute an effective treatment strategy for Askin tumors.

Renal Ewing tumors

BACKGROUND

Renal Ewing's sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (ES/PNET) is extremely rare. Clinical symptoms are nonspecific presenting abdominal pain, palpable mass, and hematuria. Owing to advanced technology demonstrating the ES-specific EWS/ETS translocation, this differential diagnosis has become feasible.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The German database of GPOH Ewing's sarcoma trials from 1980 to 2009 was searched for kidney as primary site. Twenty-four patients were identified and analyzed. The median time of observation was 3.71 years (range 0.27-8.75 years). Additionally, we carried out a Medline search for renal ES/PNET.

RESULTS

The median age was 24.9 years (range 11-60 years). In 37.5%, patients presented with primary metastases. Tumor thrombi in the adjacent renal vessels occurred in 56.2%. In 90.9%, rearrangements of t(11;22) were found. All patients received a combined chemotherapy according to the EURO-E.W.I.N.G.99 protocol. In accordance, local control consisted predominantly of combined modality surgery and radiation (47%). At 3 years, overall survival (OS) was 0.80 (SE = 0.09), and event-free survival (EFS) 0.66 (SE = 0.11).

CONCLUSIONS

ES/PNET should be considered in the differential diagnosis of renal tumors. Patients with renal ES/PNET respond to and benefit from conventional ES treatment according to ES study protocols. Therefore, an accurate diagnostic approach and a guideline-adapted therapy should be facilitated.

Renal primitive neuroectodermal tumor: does age at diagnosis impact outcomes?

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of the kidney is a rare and highly malignant neoplasm. The median age for renal PNET is 27 years but it can be seen also in a wide age range between 3 and 78 years. We performed a Medline search for the term renal PNET and identified 79 cases up till December of 2010. We report here a new case of renal PNET and a literature review for published data for evaluation of clinicopathological prognostic factors, with an emphasis on prognosis in two groups of adults and children-adolescents: 18 years of age or under and over 18 years.

Pediatric and adult primary sarcomas of the kidney: a cross-sectional imaging review

There is a wide pathological spectrum of kidney sarcomas that show characteristic histology, ontogeny, and clinical-biological behavior. While leiomyosarcomas commonly arise from the capsule, solitary fibrous tumors and clear cell sarcomas typically show renal sinus and medullary epicenter, respectively. Although distribution and imaging findings of some sarcomas may be characteristic, definitive diagnosis warrants histopathological examination following surgery. Renal sarcomas manifest advanced disease at presentation and portend poor prognosis.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the liver: a case report

Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor is a rare tumor of soft tissues of thoraco-pulmonary regions, pelvis and lower extremities. Involvement of visceral organs by primitive neuroectodermal tumor is even rarer, with the kidney being the most commonly involved organ. Involvement of the liver has been reported in the form of metastasis from other primary sources presenting as liver abscess. We report a 20-year-old lady presenting with massive hepatomegaly, with computed tomography scan evidence of diffuse hepatomegaly and a normal porta and intrahepatic biliary radicles. She subsequently underwent ultrasonography-guided true-cut needle biopsy of the liver. Histopathology of the liver revealed nests of small round blue tumor cells in the background of hepatocytes infiltrating the liver, which expressed Mic-2 and Fli-1, and were negative for cytokeratin, desmin, hepatocyte-specific antigen (OCHIE5), synaptophysin, chromogranin A and CD-20. Immunohistochemistry revealed CD-99-positive. Extensive search regarding any possible different site of involvement by the tumor was negative. The patient responded to a combination therapy of vincristine, adriamycin and cyclophosphamide alternating with ifosfamide and etoposide 3 weekly over 43 weeks and has been doing well even after 1 year of diagnosis. The clinical presentation, the macroscopic aspect, together with the histological pattern, the cytological characteristic and the cellular immunophenotype lead to the diagnosis of primary primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the liver which responded well to combination chemotherapy.

Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor of head-neck region: our experience

To present four rare cases of peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors of different sites of head and neck region. Four cases of different age (range 8-40 years) and sex (three female, one male) with rare primitive neuroectodermal tumor of sinonasal region and neck are presented. Treatment options, biological behavior and prognostic outcome are discussed herewith. Two patients succumbed to the disease within four to six months of treatment; other two patients are still under follow-up depicting the aggressive nature of the tumor. Primitive neuroectodermal tumor belongs to the class of malignant round cell tumor. Immunohistochemistry plays a pivotal role in differentiating this tumor entity. Chemoradiation was tried, but local and systemic spread occurs early and holds poor prognosis. This case series is an attempt to describe the aggressive behavior of this rare tumor with high mortality.

High-dose therapy with hematopoietic stem cell rescue in patients with poor prognosis Ewing family tumors

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of two cycles of high-dose chemotherapy (HDT) followed by autologous hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) in patients with poor prognosis Ewing family of tumors (EFT). Twenty patients with primary metastatic bulky disease or recurrent EFT were enrolled to a treatment protocol with two cycles of HDT and HSCT. Patients tolerated well the first (n=20) and second (n=13) cycles, with limited and predictable toxicities. Only one (5%) TRM occurred during the second cycle. Myeloid engraftment occurred at the median of 11 days after both cycles. At 3 years, the overall and EFS were 45% (confidence interval; CI 0.22, 0.69) and 47% (CI 0.25, 0.70), respectively, for the entire group and 58% (CI 0.30, 0.86) for patients who completed two cycles. Dose intensification with two cycles of HDT and HSCT is feasible and safe, with low and acceptable treatment-related morbidity and mortality. Adding a second course of therapy does not impair engraftment. However, only 65% of the patients were able to proceed to the second cycle. Further studies are required to define the optimal mode of delivery of HDT and HSCT in treatment of advanced EFT.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the kidney: a single institute series of 16 patients

OBJECTIVES

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of the kidney is a rare entity, the diagnosis usually being made at histopathology. Few cases reported in literature revealed a variable presentation and an aggressive behavior. The purpose of our study was to review our experience in diagnosis and the management of patients with renal PNET.

METHODS

The records of 16 patients of renal PNET treated between 1995 and 2003 were reviewed retrospectively and our data compared with the literature.

RESULTS

There were 10 male and 6 female patients with median age of 27 years. At presentation, 10 patients (63%) had localized disease, 5 (31%) had metastatic disease and 1 (6%) had locally advanced disease. The presence of Homer-Wright type rosettes on hematoxylin and eosin staining and CD99 (cluster differentiation) products positivity on immunohistochemistry supported the diagnosis. Radical nephrectomy was performed in operable cases and all patients received chemotherapy. Nine patients received adjuvant radiotherapy to the renal bed. Median follow-up was 31 months (range 4 to 92). Overall median survival was 40 months with 3- and 5-year survival of 60% and 42%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of renal PNET must be considered in young patients presenting with renal mass. Standard therapy consists of combination of surgical resection, postoperative irradiation and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy regimen used is either RCT II (round cell tumor) protocol or EFT 2001 (Ewing's family of tumors) protocol. However, further studies are required to validate the appropriate chemotherapy protocol.

A case of congenital peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor presenting with multiple metastases

The report describes a case of a newborn with a huge congenital abdominal peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor, with peritoneal dissemination and cutaneous involvement, and discusses literature data. Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor is an exceedingly uncommon tumor in this age group and is characterized by very aggressive behavior and poor prognosis.

Prediction of response and prognostic factors for Ewing family of tumors in a low incidence population

PURPOSE

There is some unknown reason Ewing family of tumors (EFTs) is much less common on Asia and Africa than in the Western Caucasian population. This study analyzed the prediction of response and prognostic factors for Ewing family of tumors (EFTs) in an Asian population with a low incidence.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 94 patients with EFTs between 1978 and 2006. Fifteen patients received local therapy only. Statistical analyses were performed for 79 patients, including those who received systemic chemotherapy, to identify factors related to chemotherapy responsiveness, event-free survival, and overall survival.

RESULTS

Of the 79 patients whose records were analyzed, the 5-year event-free rate and overall survival (OS) rate were 41 and 54%, respectively. The response rate to first-line chemotherapy was 61% in 70 patients with assessable lesions. A significant predictor of response was existence of a non-pelvic primary tumor (P = 0.04). Significant prognostic factors for OS were age, performance status, and metastases at the time of diagnosis (P < 0.01, respectively). Fifty-four patients had disease progression or recurrence after first-line treatment. The time to progression was 3.4 months after salvage treatment. Progression during first-line treatment was significantly associated with time to progression after salvage treatment (P = 0.01). All patients treated without chemotherapy in first-line treatment were recurred with poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION

A non-pelvic primary tumor was a favorable predictor of responsiveness to chemotherapy. Chemo-resistant patients might less benefit from second line chemotherapy. Chemotherapy in first-line treatment should not be omitted, even if primary tumor was extirpated completely.

High histologic and overall response to dose intensification of ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine in patients with high-risk Ewing sarcoma family tumors: the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital experience

BACKGROUND

Ewing sarcoma (ES) and extraosseous ES/primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) share histopathologic features of the ES family of tumors (ESFT). The authors report on their results from a regimen of ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (ICE) with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine (CAV) dose intensification in patients with high-risk ESFT.

METHODS

Since 1990, patients with ESFT and with 1 or more of the following risk factors were reviewed: tumor volume > 200 mL, tumor site with a poor prognosis, and pulmonary and/or bone marrow metastases.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients with ESFT who were involved in the study were divided into 2 arms of 18 patients each. One group received treatment with various regimens, and the other group received treatment with ICE plus CAV. The disease was brought under control more rapidly in the latter patients, for whom surgery was more easily feasible, and up to 90% of patients achieved a major response, with an estimated 3-year overall survival rate of 67% +/- 12%.

CONCLUSIONS

The current results showed that ICE plus CAV was tolerated well and was effective in the studied subset of tumors, indicating that dose intensification correlates with better disease control, a high percentage of necrosis, and conservative surgery in patients with high-risk ESFT.

Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor associated with the anterior mandible: a case report and review of the literature

Neuroectodermal tumors may arise in many places throughout the body including the diverse tissues of the head and neck. The primitive neuroectodermal tumor is a predominately neural, nonepithelial neoplasm similar to Ewing sarcoma. This article describes an 18-year-old female patient with a highly malignant peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor located in the soft tissue anterior to the mandibular symphysis. The clinical and radiographic presentation as well as the histopathology and immunohistochemistry of this rare entity is discussed. A review of the literature with respect to this tumor, as well as the current management of this tumor, is presented.

Low levels of Her2/neu expressed by Ewing's family tumor cell lines can redirect cytokine-induced killer cells

PURPOSE

To identify novel treatments for pediatric solid tumors and/or for malignancies with low-level Her2/neu expression.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and immunohistochemistry, Her2/neu expression was determined on cell lines derived vfrom Ewing's family tumors (EFT) and neuroblastoma. Sensitivity to trastuzumab treatment was investigated using an in vitro proliferation assay. Cytotoxicity against EFT cell lines was done with either freshly isolated or ex vivo activated and expanded T cells (cytokine-induced killer cells, CIK cells), with or without addition of a CD3xHer2/neu bispecific antibody. The effects of either trastuzumab, CIK cells alone, or CD3xHer2/neu bispecific antibody redirected CIK cells was determined using a SCID/hu model of EFTs and serial, noninvasive bioluminescent imaging.

RESULTS

EFT cell lines express 5- to 10-fold lower levels of her2/neu than either breast (BT-474) or ovarian (SK-OV-3) cell lines. Treatment of EFT cell lines with trastuzumab did not induce growth inhibition either in vitro or in vivo. In contrast, Her2/neu could be used to redirect CIK cell to mediate cytotoxicity against EFTs both in vitro and in vivo (using two different treatment schemas).

CONCLUSIONS

CD3xHer2/neu bispecific antibody and CIK cells may be a suitable approach to treat malignancies with low-level Her2/neu expression not responsive to trastuzumab.

Congenital peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor refractory to treatment

The authors report an unusual case of an infant presenting with a congenital peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PPNET) of the left hand refractory to treatment. A newborn girl was born with a large bluish-red mass of 4.5 cm diameter protruding into the palm and the dorsum of the left hand. Tumor biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PPNET. The initial metastatic workup for the detection of metastases was negative. Four cycles of chemotherapy according to CCSG 7881/POG 8850 regimen B were given. Despite this aggressive chemotherapy the tumor grew to involve the entire left hand. The left hand was amputated, and then two cycles of topotecan/cyclophosphamide were given. Five months later extensive metastases developed, involving the brain, lungs, liver, and skeleton, and the child died at the age of 2.5 years. PPNET presenting at birth is uncommon; presentation in the hand is unusual, and the fact that it did not respond to treatment is still more uncommon.

Long-term event-free survival after intensive chemotherapy for Ewing's family of tumors in children and young adults

PURPOSE

To improve the long-term event-free survival of patients with Ewing's family of tumors (EFTs) using high-dose, short-term chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

P6 was a prospective study of previously untreated patients with newly diagnosed EFTs. Patients received seven cycles of chemotherapy. Cycles 1, 2, 3, and 6 consisted of cyclophosphamide 2,100 mg/m2/d on days 1 and 2, and a 72-hour continuous infusion of doxorubicin 75 mg/m2 and vincristine 2 mg/m2 starting day 1. Cycles 4, 5, and 7 consisted of 5 consecutive days of ifosfamide 1,800 mg/m2/d and etoposide 100 mg/m2/d.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients were enrolled from 1991 to 2001 (median age, 18.7 years; range, 3.7 to 39.9 years). At diagnosis, 44 patients had local-regional disease, and 24 had distant metastases. The 4-year event-free survival (EFS) rate for patients with local-regional disease is 82%; overall survival (OS) is 89%. The 4-year EFS rate for patients with distant metastases is 12%; the OS rate is 17.8%. All events occurred within 51 months of diagnosis. Four patients with distant metastases had progressive disease during therapy, and no patient with local-regional disease experienced disease progression during therapy.

CONCLUSION

Sustained EFS and OS can be achieved with intensive chemotherapy in children and young adults with local-regional EFTs. This therapy is relatively ineffective in the treatment of metastatic EFTs.

Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor of the Mandible: Report of a Rare Case

We describe what we believe is only the second reported case of primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the mandible. Our patient was successfully treated initially with surgery and adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy, but 18 months later she developed a fatal pulmonary metastasis. Although this tumor is aggressive and prone to recurrence and metastasis, early intervention might improve the prognosis in affectedpatients. In patients with unresectable disease, radiation and chemotherapy might have palliative value.

Peripheral blood stem cell support reduces the toxicity of intensive chemotherapy for children and adolescents with metastatic sarcomas

BACKGROUND

To increase the dose intensity (DI) of chemotherapy for pediatric patients with metastatic sarcomas, including the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) and rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the authors tested the feasibility of an intensive regimen supported by granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC).

METHODS

Twenty-three children and adolescents with metastatic sarcomas received vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, sodium mercaptoethanesulfonate (mensa), and etoposide (VACIME) chemotherapy, consisting of 8 courses of vincristine 2 mg/m(2) on Day 0, doxorubicin 37.5 mg/m(2) per day on Days 0-1, cyclophosphamide 360 mg/m(2) per day on Days 0-4, ifosfamide 1800 mg/m(2) per day on Days 0-4, mesna 2400 mg/m(2) per day, and etoposide 100 mg/m(2) per day on Days 0-4. Doxorubicin was omitted in Courses 7 and 8. G-CSF was given after each course of therapy. Courses of therapy were repeated every 21 days or as soon as hematopoietic recovery permitted. PBSC were collected twice: first, after Course 2 (infused after Courses 3 and 4) and, second, after Course 4 (infused after Courses 5 and 6). Surgical resection followed Course 6, and radiotherapy followed Course 8.

RESULTS

PBSC collections were adequate in 91% of all harvests. The mean DI was 82% (standard deviation, 14%) of the intended DI, which was greater than historic data without PBSC support. Seventeen patients (74%) achieved a complete response (CR), 12 patients with chemotherapy alone and 5 more patients after undergoing surgical resection. Fifteen patients developed progressive disease, with a 2-year event free survival (EFS) rate of 39% (95% confidence interval, 19-59%). Hematopoietic toxicity was severe and cumulative, although it was less than that seen previously without PBSC support.

CONCLUSIONS

PBSC-supported multicycle chemotherapy is a feasible method to increase chemotherapy DI for pediatric patients with metastatic sarcomas. Although the CR rate compared favorably with previously reported response rates, the 2-year EFS rate was similar to that achieved with other intensive regimens.

Intensive chemotherapy for children and young adults with metastatic primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the soft tissue

The MMT4 study was designed to explore an intensive chemotherapy regimen (MMT4-89) and the role of high-dose melphalan (MMT4-91) in children with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma, including extraosseous peripheral neuroectodermal tumor (PNET). Thirty-one patients with PNET were treated between 1989 and 1995 (11 according to MMT4-89 and 20 according to MMT4-91). Chemotherapy consisted of four CEVAIE cycles, each including three 3-week courses: CEV (carboplatin 500 mg/m(2), epirubicin 150 mg/m(2), vincristine 1.5 mg/m(2)), IVA ifosfamide 9 g/m(2), actinomycin 1.5 mg/m(2), vincristine 1.5 mg/m(2)), IVE (ifosfamide 9 g/m(2), etoposide 600 mg/m(2), vincristine 1.5 mg/m(2)). In MMT4-91 the fourth CEVAIE was replaced with melphalan 200 mg/m(2) with stem cell rescue. The CEV combination was evaluated as a window study. Surgery followed the second cycle. Radiotherapy was administered to post-surgical residual disease. The response rate was 55% after CEV, rising to 80% after the first CEVAIE. Twenty-five patients achieved complete remission (CR). Overall, the 5-year EFS was 22.6%: 36.4% and 15% for patients treated according to MMT4-89 and MMT4-91, respectively (P = 0.3). Local control was achieved in 77% of irradiated patients vs 45% of non-irradiated. Age >10 years was associated with significantly poorer outcome (P = 0.04). In conclusion, despite the high CR rate, intensive chemotherapy with or without high-dose melphalan appeared to have little impact on the survival of patients with metastatic extraosseus PNET.

High-dose chemotherapy in poor-prognosis adult small round-cell tumors: clinical and molecular results from a prospective study

PURPOSE

The prognosis of metastatic/high-risk localized small round-cell tumors (SRCTs) treated conventionally is dismal. In this phase II study, we explored a high-dose chemotherapy (HD-CT) approach and analyzed the clinical significance of fusion transcripts detection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From June 1997 to November 1999, 28 SRCT patients (median age, 26 years; 14 peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors [pPNETs], seven rhabdomyosarcomas [RMSs], and seven desmoplastic small round-cell tumors [DSRCTs]) received induction chemotherapy with ifosfamide, epirubicin, and vincristine followed by HD-CT. Local treatment (radiotherapy and/or surgery) was performed when possible. Molecular analysis was performed on peripheral-blood and leukapheresis products by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Overall response (OR) was 65% (18 of 28), with 40% complete response and 25% partial response. According to histology, the OR rate was 86% in pPNET and 43% in both RMS DSRCT. With a median follow-up of 35 months, median overall survival was 16 months and median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10 months. PFS was statistically better in pPNET than other histologic types (P =.0045). No correlation was found between the fusion transcript and clinical outcome during follow-up. Furthermore, transcript detection in leukapheretic products was not of prognostic significance.

CONCLUSION

Intensive HD-CT seems to enhance the response rate and survival when compared with conventional treatment in poor-prognosis pPNET. The poor results of this treatment in RMS and DSRCT do not support the inclusion of such an approach in these patient subsets. No definitive conclusions can currently be drawn concerning the clinical implications of the detection of fusion transcripts during treatment or follow-up.

Ewing's sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the chest wall

Ewing's sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor is the most common tumor of the chest wall in children and adolescents. It is extremely malignant with a high frequency of both metastatic spread and of local recurrence. Cure requires intensive therapy to control both distant and local disease. Surgery and high-dose radiotherapy can achieve equivalent local control; however, radiation is associated with the additional morbidities of second malignancy and a significant adverse impact on both cardiac and pulmonary function. The optimal therapeutic sequence is initial biopsy followed by induction chemotherapy with subsequent resection of the primary tumor. This approach will achieve the lowest incidence of tumor present at the margins of resection and, hence, need for postoperative radiotherapy. The chest wall is a rare site for tumors in children and adolescents. In a series reported from St Jude's Children's Research Hospital, chest wall tumors constituted only 1.8% of the solid childhood tumors. They are primarily mesenchymal in origin and the Ewing's sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) predominate. This report concentrates on the later tumors. They are recognized to be extremely malignant, and cure in those who present with metastatic disease is very difficult to achieve. Recent advances in our understanding of their cytogenetic basis and optimal treatment are presented.

Treatment strategies for metastatic Ewing's sarcoma

Therapy in metastatic Ewing's sarcoma is reviewed using the methodology recommended by the guidelines project of the Federation of French Cancer Centres (FNCLCC) Standards, Options and Recommendation (SOR) Group. Twelve articles relating to conventional dose therapy and seven articles related to high-dose therapy were judged suitable for detailed appraisal. Rates of complete response (CR) at metastatic sites and local control were high using combinations of vincristine, actinomycin, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin with radiation or surgery. With more recent regimens, including increased doses of alkylating agents and anthracyclines the relapse-free survival has increased from <15 to 20-30%. 'Megatherapy' regimens with haematopoietic stem cell rescue are tolerable in this patient group, but to date there is little evidence of any benefit. It appears that patients with isolated lung metastases do significantly better (approximately 40% EFS) than those presenting with combined sites such as bone, bone marrow and lung. The use of lung irradiation in children with lung metastases is associated with a reduced incidence of subsequent lung recurrence and a consistently better overall relapse-free survival (RFS).

How effective is dose-intensive/myeloablative therapy against Ewing's sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor metastatic to bone or bone marrow? The Memorial Sloan-Kettering experience and a literature review

PURPOSE

Attempts to improve outcomes of patients with Ewing's sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (ES/PNET) metastatic to bone/bone marrow (BM) have focused on chemotherapy dose intensification strategies. We now present results achieved with that approach, as carried out at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and as reported in the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-one unselected MSKCC patients with newly diagnosed ES/PNET metastatic to bone/BM received the "P6" protocol which includes cycles of cyclophosphamide (4.2 g/m(2))/doxorubicin (75 mg/m(2))/vincristine and cycles of ifosfamide (9 g/m(2))/etoposide (500 mg/m(2)). Patients in complete/very good partial remission (CR/VGPR) after P6 received myeloablative therapy with either total-body irradiation (TBI) (hyperfractionated 15 Gy)/melphalan (180 mg/m(2)) or thiotepa (900 mg/m(2))/carboplatin (1,500 mg/m(2)). We reviewed the literature.

RESULTS

Only one MSKCC patient became a long-term event-free survivor; all but one relapse was in a distant site. Initial responses to P6 were CR/VGPR in 19 patients, but eight of them plus two others developed PD while receiving or shortly after completing P6. Eight patients were treated with TBI/melphalan: four relapsed 2 to 7 months after transplantation; two died early of toxicity; one died of pulmonary failure 17 months after transplantation (no evidence of ES/PNET); and one remains in CR at more than 7 years. The three patients treated with thiotepa/carboplatin relapsed 3 to 4 months after transplantation. All reports on large series of unselected patients with ES/PNET metastatic to bone/BM showed similarly unsatisfactory results. Poor outcome was seen with use of active agents for ES/PNET-cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, doxorubicin, dactinomycin, vincristine, etoposide - at standard dosages for prolonged periods of time and at higher dosages in intensive regimens for short or prolonged periods of time. No improvements in event-free survival rates occurred with successive cooperative group or large single-institutional studies that used increasingly aggressive chemotherapeutic approaches. Inclusion of ifosfamide with or without etoposide made no difference nor did consolidation of remission with myeloablative chemoradiotherapy. Secondary leukemia emerged as a major risk with dose-intensive regimens.

CONCLUSION

The MSKCC experience and findings reported in the literature suggest that dose-intensive use of the chemotherapy agents with established activity against ES/PNET is reaching its efficacy and toxicity limits. A major impact on prognosis awaits the development of entirely novel therapies.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for peripheral malignant neuroectodermal tumor of bone: recent experience at the istituto rizzoli

PURPOSE

The results achieved in 44 patients with nonmetastatic peripheral neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of bone treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy are reported.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A six-drug regimen of chemotherapy (vincristine, doxorubicin, dactinomycin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and etoposide) was administered to all patients. Local treatment consisted of surgery in 20 patients, surgery followed by radiotherapy in 13, and radiotherapy only in 11.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 4.5 years (range, 2 to 7 years), 23 patients (52%) remain event-free, 20 have relapsed (45%), and one has died of chemotherapy-related toxicity. The 5-year event-free survival and overall survival were 54.2% and 62.7%, respectively. To assess the prognostic significance of neural differentiation in the family of Ewing's sarcoma, these results have been compared with the outcomes of 138 concomitant patients with typical Ewing's sarcoma (TES) who were treated according to the same protocol. Of these, 103 (75%) remained continuously event-free, 34 (24%) relapsed, and one died of chemotherapy-related toxicity. It follows that PNET patients treated with this chemotherapy regimen have a significantly worse prognosis than typical ES patients (5-year event-free survival, 54.2% v 70.6%, P <.012; 5-year overall survival, 62.7% v 78.3%, P <.002).

CONCLUSION

The authors conclude that studies into new adjuvant therapy for Ewing's sarcoma modulated according to risk of relapse should also consider neural differentiation as a risk factor.

Temporary remission of an alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosed and treated as acute leukemia

A 29-year-old man with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma was considered to be suffering from acute leukemia. A bone marrow aspirate had revealed extensive infiltration by atypical blast-like cells which were interpreted as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Although there was no confirmation of this diagnosis by immunophenotyping chemotherapy with a protocol suited for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia was started prior to histological analysis and resulted in a complete temporary remission after the first cycle. Histological analysis of a bone marrow biopsy revealed an alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, as further confirmed by molecular genetic analysis. Two months after the end of chemotherapy, there was an extensive recurrence and the patient died one year after initial diagnosis with chemotherapy refractory disease. In conclusion, rhabdomyosarcoma should always be included in the differential diagnosis of systemic diseases with extensive bone marrow infiltration by tumor cells which could otherwise be misinterpreted as a haematological malignancy.

Very intensive, short-term chemotherapy for children and adolescents with metastatic sarcomas

BACKGROUND

To improve the prognosis for pediatric patients with metastatic sarcomas, including the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT), rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), and undifferentiated sarcoma (UDS), we tested the feasibility of a brief, intensive regimen of chemotherapy that maximizes dose intensity.

PROCEDURE

Twenty-four children and adolescents with metastatic sarcomas received VACIME chemotherapy, consisting of eight courses of vincristine 2 mg/m(2) on day 0; doxorubicin 20 mg/m(2)/day on days 0-3; cyclophosphamide 360 mg/m(2)/day on days 0-4; ifosfamide 1,800 mg/m(2)/day on days 0-4; mesna 2,400 mg/m(2)/day; and etoposide 100 mg/m(2)/day on days 0-4. Doxorubicin was omitted in courses 7 and 8. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was used routinely following each course of therapy. Courses of therapy were repeated every 21 days or as soon as hematopoietic recovery and resolution of nonhematopoietic toxicities permitted. Surgical resection followed course 6, and radiotherapy followed the completion of all therapy.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients achieved a complete response (CR) with chemotherapy alone, and seven more achieved a CR following surgical resection after course 6 (overall CR rate 83%). There was one toxic death. Thirteen patients developed progressive disease, with 2- and 4-year event-free survivals (95% confidence interval) of 50% (30-70%) and 45% (25-65%), respectively. Myelosuppression was severe and cumulative, leading to dose reductions and chemotherapy interval delays. Mucositis was the most common nonhematopoietic toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

VACIME chemotherapy was a feasible dose-intensive regimen for pediatric patients with metastatic sarcomas. Cumulative hematopoietic toxicity and severe mucositis limited the delivery of chemotherapy as prescribed. The CR and 2-year event-free survival rates were superior to those of most previously reported regimens.

Neuroectodermal differentiation in Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors does not predict tumor behavior

The observation that neuroectodermal differentiation imparts a worse prognosis to the Ewing family of tumors has been suggested by some studies and refuted by others. To assess whether the diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma versus peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) affects prognosis, we analyzed tumors from 63 analogously treated pediatric and young adult patients from the National Cancer Institute and St Jude Children's Research Hospital and retrospectively compared the results with clinical outcomes. The tumors were assessed using standard light microscopy and immunohistochemical stains for neuron-specific enolase, CD57, S100 protein, neurofilament protein, and synaptophysin with or without antigen retrieval. Ultrastructural evaluation was also performed in 39 tumors. Classification was performed using Kiel criteria as well as a modified classification. Kaplan-Meier analyses, with Mantel-Haenzel evaluation of the significance of the differences, were performed separately for localized or metastatic tumors. Using the Kiel classification on a subset of 60 cases, 39 tumors qualified as PNET and 21 as Ewing's sarcoma. Using the modified classification on a subset of 61 cases, 14 were classified as PNET, 21 as atypical Ewing's sarcoma, and 26 as Ewing's sarcoma. The addition of electron microscopy to the diagnostic armamentarium significantly increased the likelihood of identifying PNET. No significant differences in event-free or overall survival were seen using either the modified or Kiel classification, regardless of the ancillary diagnostic techniques employed. In this exploratory analysis, neuroectodermal differentiation did not play a role in clinical outcome. Confirmation of this finding will require a larger, separate study of similarly treated patients, and it may not apply to older patients.

Adults with Ewing's sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor: adverse effect of older age and primary extraosseous disease on outcome

OBJECTIVE

To assess outcome and prognostic factors for survival of adults with Ewing's sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET).

BACKGROUND

Ewing's sarcoma/PNET is a disease of childhood rarely seen in adults. Accordingly, there is a relative paucity of published literature pertaining to outcome for adults with this disease.

METHODS

Between 1979 and 1996, 37 patients with newly diagnosed Ewing's sarcoma/PNET were evaluated and treated at the Adult Sarcoma Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham & Women's Hospital. Twenty-six patients had localized disease at presentation and 11 had metastatic disease. All but two patients received multiagent chemotherapy. Local treatment consisted of surgery (7 patients), surgery and radiation therapy (19), radiation therapy (6), or no local treatment (5). Median follow-up for living patients was 100 months (range 8 to 199).

RESULTS

The 5-year survival rate for the group overall was 37%+/-9%. The 5-year local control rate was 85%+/-7%. Significant favorable predictors for survival on univariate analysis included localized disease at presentation, primary origin in bone, primary size <8 cm, and a favorable objective response to chemotherapy. Patients with localized disease had a 5-year survival rate of 49%+/-11% compared with 0% for those with metastatic disease at presentation. Multivariate analysis showed three significant independent predictors for death: metastatic disease at presentation, primary origin in extraosseous tissue versus bone, and age 26 years or older.

CONCLUSION

Adult patients with Ewing's sarcoma/PNET at highest risk for death are those who are older than 26 years and have metastatic disease or an extraosseous primary tumor. The development of novel therapies should target these high-risk groups.

Peripheral neuroepithelioma with ganglion cells: report of two cases and review of the literature

Peripheral neuroepitheliomas, also known as peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors, are by definition primitive embryonal lesions generally composed of poorly differentiated neuroectodermal elements. We have examined two cases that paradoxically contain extensive foci of ganglionic differentiation similar to that of ganglioneuroblastoma, in addition to primitive elements. One tumor arose from the chest wall of an 8-year-old male and the other from the abdominal wall of a 15-year-old male. Differentiation into a mature ganglionic phenotype was confirmed by immunohistochemistry in one case. Rare peripheral neuroepitheliomas have a capacity for maturation that is not generally appreciated. These lesions should not be confused with ganglioneuroblastomas, which are genotypically unrelated neoplasms.

Treatment of children with peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor or extraosseous Ewing's tumor with Ewing's-directed therapy

PURPOSE

We report the treatment and outcome of patients with peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) and extraosseous Ewing's tumor (EOE) using Ewing's-directed therapy, including an ifosfamide and etoposide window.

METHODS

Seventeen pediatric patients with peripheral PNET (n = 14) or EOE (n = 3) were enrolled between 1988 and 1992 on our institutional Ewing's protocol. Induction therapy comprised a 9-week "window" of ifosfamide and etoposide, followed by 9 weeks of therapy with cyclophosphamide and Adriamycin (Adria Laboratories, Columbus, OH). Response assessment after 17 weeks was followed by surgery and/or radiotherapy (doses based on tumor size and response to induction), repeat evaluation, and maintenance chemotherapy with alternating courses of vincristine/dactinomycin, ifosfamide/etoposide, and cyclophosphamide/Adriamycin for a total of 45 weeks.

RESULTS

At diagnosis, 8 patients had large lesions (>8 cm) and 3 had pulmonary metastases (1 with large tumor). Surgical resection was performed at diagnosis for 9 patients and after induction therapy for 5. During window therapy, all of the 9 evaluable patients responded (8 partial, I objective), and no patient without measurable disease developed disease progression. Responses were maintained or improved during subsequent induction in six of the patients with residual disease. Fourteen patients received local radiotherapy. At 49 to 94 months after diagnosis, 12 patients are disease-free (1 in second remission), 4 have died, and 1 is alive with disease. The five-year overall and progression-free survival rates are 77 +/- 13% and 62 +/- 16%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The use of consistent Ewing's-directed combined-modality therapy for patients with soft tissue peripheral PNET/EOE results in survival similar to that of patients with osseous Ewing's tumor. The combination of ifosfamide and etoposide appears active and should be incorporated in future treatment protocols.

Long-term survival in an adult metastatic renal peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PPNET) with multimodality treatment including high-dose chemotherapy

We describe a 42-year-old male patient with a primitive peripheral neuroectodermal tumor (PPNET) arising from the kidney. The patient was treated sequentially with surgery, radiotherapy, experimental cytokine treatment (rhIL-6), combination chemotherapy and consolidated in complete remission with high-dose chemotherapy, supported by autologous stem cells (AST) and hematopoietic growth factors. The patient remains in complete remission at 34+ months after AST and is surviving disease-free for five years after initial presentation. The case presented here is unusual because of the renal origin and the long remission duration and survival when compared with the usual outcome of adult metastatic PPNET. High-dose chemotherapy may have favorably influenced the outcome in this patient. The case is discussed in the context of the general treatment of metastatic PPNET.

Late effects of therapy in survivors of Ewing's sarcoma family tumors

PURPOSE

This late effects study was designed to determine if survivors of Ewing's sarcoma family tumors (ESFT) had adverse outcomes in employment, marital status, fertility, and functional status when compared to sibling controls.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Eighty-nine survivors (case subjects) of ESFT treated at the National Cancer Institute between 1965 and 1992 and 97 sibling controls completed a questionnaire probing aspects of quality of life. The answers from case subjects were compared to pooled and matched sibling controls for all key variables. Odds ratios (OR) and p values from pooled analyses are presented.

RESULTS

Although case subjects and controls did not differ in educational achievement, case subjects were less likely to be employed full-time (OR 0.4, p < 0.01), to be married (OR 0.2, p < 0.01), and to have children (OR 0.3, p < 0.01). Their most common treatment-related difficulties included permanent hair and skin changes (43%), lung problems (18%), neurologic problems (14%), visual difficulties (10%), second malignancy (7%), and amputation (5%). Functional status, measured by Karnofsky performance scale, was also adversely affected in case subjects. Case subjects did not differ from sibling controls in health care insurance status or in utilization of health services.

CONCLUSIONS

Important aspects of life such as employment, marital status, fertility, and functional status are affected in survivors of ESFT. More studies are needed to better define the health status of adult survivors of pediatric cancer and the impact of cancer in adolescence on psychosocial development.

Ifosfamide and etoposide plus vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide for newly diagnosed Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to determine the feasibility of, and improve outcome by, incorporating ifosfamide and etoposide (IE) into the therapy of newly diagnosed patients with Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors of bone and soft tissue.

METHODS

Fifty-four newly diagnosed patients received 7 cycles of vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (VAdriaC) and 11 cycles of IE. Radiation therapy after the fifth chemotherapy cycle was the primary approach to local control.

RESULTS

Actuarial 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival rates were 42% and 45%, respectively, with a median duration of potential follow-up of 6.8 years. EFS was significantly better for patients with localized tumors than for those with metastatic lesions (64% v. 13%, P < 0.0001). Actuarial local progression-free survival at 5 years was 74%, and did not correlate with primary tumor size or site, histologic subtype, or the presence of metastases. Febrile neutropenia developed after 49% of cycles, and clinical or sub-clinical cardiac dysfunction was common (7% and 40% respectively). There were four toxic deaths and one case of secondary myelodysplastic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite substantial toxicity, the integration of IE into the front-line, VAdriaC-based therapy of patients with Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors is feasible and appeared to significantly improve the outcome for patients with high risk localized tumors, but had no impact on the poor prognosis of patients with metastatic tumors. Local control can be achieved in the vast majority of patients using radiotherapy exclusively, even among patients with bulky, central axis tumors. Longer follow-up is needed to evaluate the late effects of this intensive therapy.

Comparison of soft tissue Ewing's sarcoma and peripheral neuroectodermal tumor

Thirty-four cases with either extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma (21 patients) or malignant peripheral neuroectodermal tumor of the soft tissues (13 patients) were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were treated between 1964 and 1991. Followup periods averaged 7.2 years for patients with peripheral neuroectodermal tumors and 10.4 years for patients with Ewing's sarcoma (minimal followup of 2 years). There were no significant differences in patient's age, gender, tumor location, and stages on presentation between patients with Ewing's sarcoma and those with malignant peripheral neuroectodermal tumor of the soft tissue. All but 2 patients underwent surgery for tumor resection. Adjunctive therapy (radiation or chemotherapy or both) was administered in 95% of the patients with Ewing's sarcoma and in 85% of the patients with peripheral neuroectodermal tumors. The 5-year overall survival was 50% for Ewing's sarcoma and 44% for peripheral neuroectodermal tumor. The 5-year disease free survival was 33% for both types of tumors. Survival rates were higher for Stage III compared with Stage IV disease for both types of tumors. There was a tendency for better outcome after complete surgical tumor resection. Survivors tended to be of a younger age at the time of tumor diagnosis. The results suggest that from a clinical perspective, these 2 tumors are quite similar.