Cisplatin, vincristine, and fluorouracil therapy for hepatoblastoma: a Pediatric Oncology Group study

Successful Treatment of Refractory or Relapsed Hepatoblastoma With Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Children

BACKGROUND

The standard-risk hepatoblastoma has a good prognosis in children; however, refractory or relapsed (R/R) hepatoblastoma has a poor prognosis and high mortality rate. This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) rescue in pediatric patients with R/R hepatoblastoma.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 6 pediatric patients with R/R hepatoblastoma who underwent autologous HSCT. The MEC conditioning regimen was used for all patients, comprising melphalan 140 mg/m 2 /day intravenously (IV) on day 7 and 70 mg/m 2 on day 6, etoposide 200 mg/m 2 IV on days 5 to 8, and carboplatin 400 mg/m 2 IV on days 5 to 8. One patient received a TopoThioCarbo regimen, comprising topotecan 2 mg/m 2 /day IV on days 4 to 8, thiotepa 300 mg/m 2 /day IV on days 6 to 8, and carboplatin 500 mg/m 2 /day IV on days 3 to 5, as the conditioning regimen for the first transplantation. This was followed by salvage chemotherapy for relapse, and the second transplantation was performed using MEC as the conditioning regimen.

RESULTS

We report the retrospective results of 6 patients with a median age of 1.8 (range 0.4 to 10.2) years who had R/R hepatoblastoma and underwent autologous HSCT. The median follow-up period was 58 (range 28 to 113) months after diagnosis. The median stage at diagnosis was 2.0 (range 2 to 4). Two patients had lung metastases during diagnosis. The median initial alpha-fetoprotein level was 292,888 (range 28,831 to 2,406,942) ng/mL, and the median number of chemotherapy lines before autologous HSCT was 3.5 (range 2 to 7). The disease status before HSCT was complete remission (CR) for all patients. The engraftment rate was 100%. No treatment-related mortality was reported. The 3-year event-free survival and overall survival rates were 83.3% and 100%, respectively. One patient relapsed after the second HSCT and achieved CR after salvage chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests autologous HSCT as an effective treatment in pediatric patients with R/R hepatoblastoma. Nevertheless, future large-scale prospective studies are warranted.

FOXM1 and CHD4 expression is associated with chemoresistance in hepatoblastoma

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common malignant liver tumor in childhood. Although pre-operative cisplatin (CDDP)-based chemotherapy is often used in cases of HB, about 20％ of HB patients exhibit resistance to CDDP. Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) and chromo-domain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 4 (CHD4) have been associated with CDDP resistance in various tumors. We here analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of FOXM1 and CHD4 in HB specimens of 33 patients (mean age: 20 months) post-chemotherapy. The differentiation of specimens was assessed using the digital pathology software QuPath®, and then the relation between the FOXM1 or CHD4 expression and the differentiation and various other clinicopathological parameters was investigated. The histological type was epithelial in 19 cases (57.6%) and mixed epithelial and mesenchymal in 14 cases (42.4%). Nine cases had only a fetal component, 1 case had only an embryonal component, 22 cases had both fetal and embryonal components, and 1 case had no viable tumor. Both the FOXM1 and CHD4 immunoexpressions were found significantly more frequently in the embryonal than fetal components (p<0.0001 and p<0.0001, respectively). Regarding chemotherapy efficacy, the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level after chemotherapy was correlated with both the imaging shrinkage rate (R=-0.52) and histological residual rate (the percentage of the viable tumors of HB after chemotherapy)(R=0.62). High FOXM1 score was correlated with a high-postoperative AFP value (p<0.01) and a low AFP attenuation rate (p<0.05), but the FOXM1 score was not correlated with the imaging shrinkage rate (p=0.4418) or histological residual rate (p=0.4418). High CHD4 score showed a nonsignificant trend toward correlation with high postoperative AFP value (p=0.0849) and was not significantly correlated with the other parameters. Collectively, our results showed that FOXM1 expression may be useful in evaluating the response to CDDP-based chemotherapeutic regimens. Accurate measurement of FOXM1 expression by our scoring system using QuPath® is important in cases with mixed HB components of various differentiation levels.

An update on diagnosis and treatment of hepatoblastoma

Hepatoblastoma (HB) remains the most common paediatric liver tumour and survival in children with hepatoblastoma has improved considerably since the advent of sequential surgical regimens of chemotherapy based on platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents in the 1980s. With the advent of modern diagnostic imaging and pathology techniques, new preoperative chemotherapy regimens and the maturation of surgical techniques, new diagnostic and treatment options for patients with hepatoblastoma have emerged and international collaborations are investigating the latest diagnostic approaches, chemotherapy drug combinations and surgical strategies. Diagnosis of hepatoblastoma relies on imaging studies (such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, and histological confirmation through biopsy. The standard treatment approach involves a multimodal strategy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical resection. In cases where complete resection is not feasible or tumors exhibit invasive characteristics, liver transplantation is considered. The management of metastatic and recurrent hepatoblastoma poses significant challenges, and ongoing research focuses on developing targeted therapies and exploring the potential of immunotherapy. Further studies are necessary to gain a better understanding of the etiology of hepatoblastoma, develop prevention strategies, and personalize treatment approaches. We aim to review the current status of diagnosis and treatment of hepatoblastoma.

Modelling the impact of liver regeneration on hepatoblastoma patient-derived-xenograft tumor growth

BACKGROUND

Twenty percent of children with hepatoblastoma (HB) have lung metastasis at diagnosis. Treatment protocols recommend surgical removal of chemotherapy-refractory lung nodules, however no chronological order is established. As hepatectomy is followed by release of growth factors, it has been proposed that partial hepatectomy (PH) could boost local or distant residual tumor growth.

METHODS

To evaluate the impact of PH on distant tumor growth, PH was performed in mice subcutaneously implanted with a HB patient-derived xenograft (PDX). The influence of PH on tumor growth at primary site was assessed by performing PH concomitantly to HB PDXs orthotopic implantation.

RESULTS

Subcutaneously implanted HB PDX failed to show any influence of hepatectomy on tumor growth. Instead, intrahepatic tumor growth of one of the 4 HB PDXs implanted orthotopically was clearly enhanced. Cells derived from the hepatectomy-sensitive HB PDX exposed to hepatic growth factor (HGF) showed increased proliferation rate compared to cells derived from a hepatectomy-insensitive model, suggesting that the HGF/MET pathway could be one of the effectors of the crosstalk between liver regeneration and HB growth.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that hepatectomy can contribute to HB growth in some patients, further studies will be necessary to identify biomarkers predictive of patient risk of PH-induced HB recurrence.

IMPACT

Key message: Cytokines and growth factors secreted following partial hepatectomy can contribute to intrahepatic tumor growth in some hepatoblastoma models. What does it add to the existing literature: It is the first article about the impact of liver regeneration induced by partial hepatectomy on hepatoblastoma local or distant tumoral growth in nude mice. What is the impact: It is important to identify the secreted factors that enhance tumor growth and to define biomarkers predictive of patient risk of partial hepatectomy-induced hepatoblastoma recurrence.

Drug-associated kidney injury in children: a disproportionality analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System

Drug-associated kidney injury is related to longer hospitalization and increased risk of chronic kidney disease and mortality. However, there is currently a lack of large population studies on drug-associated kidney injury in children. This study aimed to study perform data mining to generate hypotheses on drugs, which may deserve to be assessed as per their potential risk of increasing kidney injury in children. We extracted and analyzed reports on drugs associated with kidney injury in children in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). We conducted a disproportionality analysis using proportional reporting ratio (PRR) to evaluate the association between drugs and kidney injury in children. Meanwhile, comparisons were performed with drug labels to identify drugs that, despite not having kidney injury currently mentioned in their labels, may potentially be associated with risks of kidney injury in children. A total of 6347 children had drug-associated kidney injury in the FAERS database. The top five drugs with the highest PRR were gentamicin (PRR = 12.28, N = 157 cases, Chi-Squared = 1602.77), piperacillin-tazobactam (PRR = 9.77, N = 129 cases, Chi-Squared = 1003.24), amlodipine (PRR = 8.98, N = 271 cases, Chi-Squared = 1861.46), vancomycin (PRR = 8.91, N = 295 cases, Chi-Squared = 1998.64), and ceftriaxone (PRR = 8.00, N = 251 cases, Chi-Squared = 1494.02). According to drug labels, 9 drugs (9/30) were classified as potential nephrotoxins.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately one-third of drugs associated with kidney injury in children do not list kidney injury as a side effect in their drug labels. Future studies are therefore warranted to evaluate whether these drugs are associated with such a risk.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Nephrotoxic drugs are an increasingly common cause of acute kidney injury in hospitalized children. • Currently, no study has systematically combed drugs associated with kidney injury in children.

WHAT IS NEW

• Approximately a third of drugs showing signals for potential kidney injury in children in data mining do not mention this side effect in their drug labels. • This study provides data on drugs needing further study to determine whether they might increase the risk of kidney injury in children.

Retreatment with Cisplatin May Provide a Survival Advantage for Children with Relapsed/Refractory Hepatoblastoma: An Institutional Experience

BACKGROUND

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common liver malignancy in children. There is no standard of care for management of relapsed/refractory HB (rrHB) and reports in the literature are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To describe presenting features, biology, treatment strategies, and outcomes for pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory hepatoblastoma.

METHODS

An IRB-approved retrospective institutional review of patients with rrHB who presented for consultation and/or care from 2000-2019. Clinical, radiographic, and histologic data were collected from all patients.

RESULTS

Thirty subjects were identified with a median age of 19.5 months (range 3-169 months) at initial diagnosis and 32.5 months (range 12-194 months) at time of first relapse. 63% of subjects were male, 70% Caucasian, and 13% were born premature. Three subjects had a known cancer predisposition syndrome. Eight patients had refractory disease while 22 patients had relapsed disease. Average time from initial diagnosis to relapse or progression was 12.5 months. Average alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) at initial diagnosis was 601,203 ng/mL (range 121-2,287,251 ng/mL). Average AFP at relapse was 12,261 ng/mL (range 2.8-201,000 ng/mL). For patients with tumor sequencing (n = 17), the most common mutations were in CTNNB1 (13) and NRF2 (4). First relapse sites were lungs (n = 12), liver (n = 11) and both (n = 6). More than one relapse/progression occurred in 47% of subjects; 6 had ≥3 relapses. Pathology in patients with multiply relapsed disease was less differentiated including descriptions of small cell undifferentiated (n = 3), pleomorphic (n = 1), transitional liver cell tumor (n = 2) and HB with carcinoma features (n = 1). All subjects underwent surgical resection of site of relapsed disease with 7 subjects requiring liver transplantation. Overall survival was 50%. Survival was associated with use of cisplatin at relapse (78.6% with vs. 25% without, p = 0.012). The most common late effect was ototoxicity with at least mild sensorineural hearing loss found in 80% of subjects; 54% required hearing aids.

CONCLUSIONS

Retreatment with cisplatin at the time of relapse may provide an advantage for some patients with hepatoblastoma. Multiply relapsed disease was not uncommon and not associated with a worse prognosis. Careful attention should be paid to cumulative therapy-induced toxicity while concurrently aiming to improve cure.

Surgical resection of pediatric PRETEXT III and IV hepatoblastoma: A retrospective study investigating the need for preoperative chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed the feasibility of upfront surgical resection for pediatric PRETEXT III and IV hepatoblastoma (HB).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is recommended for patients with PRETEXT III and IV HB to obtain a chance of curative surgery. However, chemotherapy can cause toxic side effects and adverse outcomes, and the PRETEXT staging system may overstage the patients. Therefore, whether preoperative chemotherapy is necessary for HB patients remains unclear.

METHODS

The clinical data of 37 children who underwent surgical resection for PRETEXT III and IV HB at our hospital were obtained retrospectively. Patients were divided into the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group (NCG; n = 19) and the routine surgery group (RSG; n = 18). Clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment regimens, and outcomes were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The RSG had a lower incidence of portal vein involvement than the NCG (p < 0.002). The estimated 3-year event-free survival rates were similar (RSG: 89 ± 0.7% and NCG: 79 ± 0.9%, p = 0.3923). The RSG underwent fewer courses of chemotherapy than the NCG (five vs. six; p < 0.001). Furthermore, the RSG had lower incidences of febrile neutropenia, myelosuppression, and gastrointestinal reactions (all p < 0.05). The severity of surgery-related complications did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSION

Upfront surgical resection in children with PRETEXT III and IV HB is safe and feasible, and reduces the total number of courses and side effects of chemotherapy. The degree of vascular involvement is the most important consideration when evaluating resectability during diagnosis.

DNA methylation as a key epigenetic player for hepatoblastoma characterization

BACKGROUND

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a rare embryonal liver tumor of children. Although intrinsic biological differences between tumors can affect prognosis, few groups have studied these differences. Given the recent increased attention to epigenetic mechanisms in the genesis and progression of these tumors, we aimed to classify HB samples according to the stages of liver development and DNA methylation machinery.

BASIC PROCEDURES

We evaluated the expression of 24 genes associated with DNA methylation and stages of hepatocyte differentiation and global DNA methylation. Using bioinformatics tools and expression data, we propose a stratification model for HB.

MAIN FINDINGS

Tumors clustered into three groups that presented specific gene expression profiles of the panel of DNA methylation enzymes and hepatocyte differentiation markers. In addition to reinforcing these embryonal tumors' molecular heterogeneity, we propose that a panel of 13 genes can stratify HBs (TET1, TET2, TET3, DNMT1, DNMT3A, UHRF1, ALB, CYP3A4, TDO2, UGT1A1, AFP, HNF4A, and FOXA2). DNA methylation machinery participates in the characterization of HBs, directly reflected in diverse DNA methylation content. The data suggested that a subset of HBs were similar to differentiated livers, with upregulation of mature hepatocyte markers, decreased expression of DNA methylation enzymes, and higher global methylation levels; these findings might predict worse outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

HBs are heterogeneous tumors. Despite using a small cohort of 21 HB samples, our findings reinforce that DNA methylation is a robust biomarker for this tumor type.

Sudden and unexpected death in childhood due to an undiagnosed hepatoblastoma: Case report and review of literature

The sudden and unexpected death of an infant or child due to cancer is a particularly rare event. Most of the cases concern primary growths located in vital organs such as the heart or the brain. Only in an extremely small number of cases does it occur in infants or children affected by liver cancer. Herein we report the sudden and unexpected death of a 3-and-a-half-year-old infant, who due to an undiagnosed tumor of the liver, namely hepatoblastoma, suffered a major intra-abdominal (hemoperitoneum) bleed, leading to a fatal hemorrhagic trauma. In cases like these, it is of utmost importance to carry out both an autopsy as well as complete histological tests in order to determine if the hepatic tumor is the real cause of death or if it was a mere chance finding. In the case of sudden and unexplained deaths in infancy and childhood, the forensic pathologist should always consider that other complications, for example, those correlated with hepatoblastoma could, in fact, cause sudden death given that this particular tumor is often scarcely symptomatic and can remain undiscovered for a long period of time.

Insights Into the Somatic Mutation Burden of Hepatoblastomas From Brazilian Patients

Hepatoblastoma is a very rare embryonal liver cancer supposed to arise from the impairment of hepatocyte differentiation during embryogenesis. In this study, we investigated by exome sequencing the burden of somatic mutations in a cohort of 10 hepatoblastomas, including a congenital case. Our data disclosed a low mutational background and pointed out to a novel set of candidate genes for hepatoblastoma biology, which were shown to impact gene expression levels. Only three recurrently mutated genes were detected: CTNNB1 and two novel candidates, CX3CL1 and CEP164. A relevant finding was the identification of a recurrent mutation (A235G) in two hepatoblastomas at the CX3CL1 gene; evaluation of RNA and protein expression revealed upregulation of CX3CL1 in tumors. The analysis was replicated in two independents cohorts, substantiating that an activation of the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 pathway occurs in hepatoblastomas. In inflammatory regions of hepatoblastomas, CX3CL1/CX3CR1 were not detected in the infiltrated lymphocytes, in which they should be expressed in normal conditions, whereas necrotic regions exhibited negative labeling in tumor cells, but strongly positive infiltrated lymphocytes. Altogether, these data suggested that CX3CL1/CX3CR1 upregulation may be a common feature of hepatoblastomas, potentially related to chemotherapy response and progression. In addition, three mutational signatures were identified in hepatoblastomas, two of them with predominance of either the COSMIC signatures 1 and 6, found in all cancer types, or the COSMIC signature 29, mostly related to tobacco chewing habit; a third novel mutational signature presented an unspecific pattern with an increase of C>A mutations. Overall, we present here novel candidate genes for hepatoblastoma, with evidence that CX3CL1/CX3CR1 chemokine signaling pathway is likely involved with progression, besides reporting specific mutational signatures.

The impact of cooperative group studies on childhood cancer: Improving outcomes and quality and international collaboration

The advances in pediatric cancer far exceed those achieved in adults. The success in improving survival and minimizing late effects has been due to several reasons but work of the pediatric cancer cooperative groups is a primary. These cooperative groups are multidisciplinary with medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, scientists and most importantly the patients and families. Studies have expanded from regional to national and now international studies which continue to target problems pertinent to improving the outcome for children with cancer. In this article we review the history of the cooperative groups, a selection of seminal studies pertaining to solid tumors, future challenges and collaborations.

Minimal adjuvant chemotherapy for children with hepatoblastoma resected at diagnosis (AHEP0731): a Children's Oncology Group, multicentre, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Hepatoblastoma treatment with curative intent requires surgical resection, but only about a third of newly diagnosed patients with hepatoblastoma have resectable disease at diagnosis. Patients who have upfront resection typically receive a total of 4-6 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy post-surgery, with the combination of cisplatin, fluorouracil, and vincristine. We aimed to investigate whether event-free survival in children with hepatoblastoma who had complete resection at diagnosis could be maintained with two cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS

In this Children's Oncology Group, multicentre, phase 3 trial, patients were enrolled in four risk groups on the basis of Evans surgical stage, tumour histology, and levels of α-fetoprotein at diagnosis to receive risk-adapted therapy. Here, we report on the low-risk stratum of the trial. Eligible patients were younger than 21 years and had histologically confirmed, stage I or II hepatoblastoma without 100% pure fetal stage I or small-cell undifferentiated histology; elevated serum α-fetoprotein level (>100 ng/mL); a complete resection at diagnosis; at least 50% Karnofsky (patients >16 years) or Lansky (patients ≤16 years) performance status; and had received no previous chemotherapy or other hepatoblastoma-directed therapy. Patients received two 21-day cycles of cisplatin, fluorouracil, and vincristine within 42 days of resection, consisting of cisplatin (100 mg/m² per dose or 3·3 mg/kg per dose for children <10 kg) intravenously over 6 h on day 1; fluorouracil (600 mg/m² per dose or 20 mg/kg per dose for children <10 kg) intravenous push on day 2; and vincristine (1·5 mg/m² per day to a maximum dose of 2 mg, or 0·05 mg/kg per day for children <10 kg) intravenous push on days 2, 9, and 16. The primary outcome was investigator-assessed event-free survival. As prespecified by protocol, we analysed the primary endpoint 6 years after enrolment (cutoff date June 30, 2017). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00980460, and is now permanently closed to accrual.

FINDINGS

Between May 18, 2010, and May 28, 2014, 51 patients in 32 centres in two countries were enrolled into the low-risk stratum of this trial, of whom 49 received c hemotherapy treatment after surgery and were evaluable for activity and safety. Median follow-up time for all evaluable patients was 42 months (IQR 36-62). 4-year event-free survival was 92% (95% CI 79-97) and 5-year event-free survival was 88% (72-95). Two (4%) of 49 patients had surgical complications (bile leaks). The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were febrile neutropenia in seven (14%) patients, decreased neutrophil count in three (6%) patients, infections in four (8%) patients, and diarrhoea in four (8%) patients. Ototoxicity occurred in one (2%) patient. One (2%) patient of the three who relapsed in this cohort died from disease. Two (4%) patients died in clinical remission after therapy discontinuation. One patient died of pneumonia and bacterial sepsis 1 year after therapy discontinuation and another patient died of unrelated causes 57 months after therapy completion. There were no treatment-related deaths.

INTERPRETATION

Minimal postoperative chemotherapy with two cycles of cisplatin, fluorouracil, and vincristine can ensure disease control in patients with hepatoblastoma resected at diagnosis. Our results show that dose reduction of ototoxic agents is a safe, effective treatment for these children.

FUNDING

National Institutes of Health.

Utility of PAS and β-catenin staining in histological categorisation and prediction of prognosis of hepatoblastomas

AIMS

The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of PAS, β-catenin and Ki-67 in categorising hepatoblastomas (HBs) and their significance in predicting prognosis. In addition, we have also documented the various chemotherapy induced histologic changes in HBs.

METHOD

In this retrospective observational study of 29 cases of hepatoblastomas, 27 cases were considered for statistical analysis, excluding two cases of diagnostic core biopsies. All clinicopathological parameters and follow up data were collected. All HB cases including the mixed epithelial and mesenchymal HBs were classified into two groups: fetal predominant and embryonal predominant type according to the predominant epithelial component. PAS, β-catenin and Ki-67 staining were done and their correlation with histologic subtypes was assessed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed in relation to histology, PAS, β-catenin and Ki-67 staining characteristics.

RESULT

Diffuse nuclear staining of β-catenin was significantly more common in embryonal predominant type (p = 0.036), whereas strong PAS positivity was significantly associated with fetal predominant type (p = 0.002). But no significant correlation was seen between histologic type and Ki-67 staining (p = 0.42). Survival analysis showed cases with diffuse PAS positivity, focal nuclear β-catenin staining and low Ki-67 LI had better survival.

CONCLUSION

PAS is a simple stain and can be utilised in histological categorisation of HB and also predicting its outcome. Nuclear β-catenin staining which is significantly common in embryonal elements in HB predicts shorter survival.

Multidisciplinary management of hepatoblastoma in children: Experience from a developing country

BACKGROUND

Advances in chemotherapy, liver resection techniques, and pediatric liver transplantation have vastly improved survival in children with hepatoblastoma (HB). These are best managed by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) in a setting where all treatment options are available. Until recently, this was difficult to achieve in India.

METHODS

All children (<16 years) with HB treated in a pediatric liver surgery and transplantation unit between January 2011 and July 2016 were reviewed. Data regarding the clinical presentation, preoperative management, surgical treatment, postoperative course, and outcomes were extracted from a prospectively managed database.

RESULTS

Thirty children were treated for HB during the study period. Nine children were PRETEXT 4, 7 were PRETEXT 3, 13 were PRETEXT 2, and 1 was PRETEXT 1 (where PRETEXT is pretreatment extension). All children received a neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery followed by an adjuvant chemotherapy. Nineteen children had complete resection, while six underwent primary living donor liver transplantation. There were six mortalities including five children who poorly responded to chemotherapy with progressive tumor extension. At a median follow-up of 30 months, two children who underwent resection and one child who underwent liver transplant had disease recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Improved outcomes can be achieved in children with HB even in countries with limited resources when they are managed by MDTs with expertise in pediatric oncology, liver resection, and liver transplantation.

Hepatoblastoma

Hepatoblastoma is the most common primary malignant hepatic tumor of infancy and childhood, occurring predominantly in the first two years of life. The management of hepatoblastoma has changed markedly over the last 3 decades; neoadjuvant chemotherapy is now standard, particularly in unresectable tumors resulting in considerable preoperative tumor shrinkage and sometimes near total ablation of the tumor. A 20 month old infant was incidentally found to have a 7.6cm right sided retroperitoneal tumor on routine screening ultrasonography for left ureteral stenosis. Serum alpha fetoprotein was elevated. Biopsy revealed hepatoblastoma, mixed epithelial and embryonal type without mesenchymal elements. He underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Although the tumor had decreased considerably in size, close proximity to major vascular structures precluded safe resection. Liver transplantation was performed; the explanted liver showed complete tumor necrosis with no residual malignancy. The postoperative course was uncomplicated and he is continuing on sixth cycle of chemotherapy.

The diagnostic and prognostic value of SALL4 in hepatoblastoma

AIMS

To investigate the expression of spalt-like transcription factor 4 (SALL4), a regulator of embryonal development, in three epithelial components of hepatoblastoma (HB) and the relationship between SALL4 expression levels and patients' clinicopathological features.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 115 specimens from 79 patients with HB were selected for immunostaining of SALL4. Nuclear staining was semi-quantified using the immunoreactive score (IS; range: 0-12). SALL4 expression was seen in all embryonal components (mean IS = 8.58) and in 41% of fetal components (mean IS = 0.78). No SALL4 expression was seen in either small cell undifferentiated or mesenchymal components of HB. Neither chemotherapy nor metastasis altered SALL4 expression significantly. High SALL4 expression levels were associated significantly with decreased overall survival (OS) (P = 0.004), event-free survival (EFS) (P = 0.003) and the presence of metastasis (P = 0.049) on univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis identified SALL4 as an independent prognostic predictor for OS (P = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

SALL4 is useful for subtyping HB, and high SALL4 expression is associated with decreased survival in HB.

Rare Tumors in Children: Progress Through Collaboration

Rare pediatric tumors account for approximately 10% of all childhood cancers, which in themselves are a rare entity. The diverse histologies and clinical behaviors of rare pediatric tumors pose challenges to the investigation of their biologic and clinical features. National and international cooperative groups such as the Rare Tumor Committee of the Children's Oncology Group, Rare Tumors in Pediatric Age Project, and European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors have developed several initiatives to advance knowledge about rare pediatric cancers. However, these programs have been only partially effective, necessitating the development of alternative mechanisms to study these challenging diseases. In this article, we review the current national and international collaborative strategies to study rare pediatric cancers and alternative methods under exploration to enhance those efforts, such as independent registries and disease-specific, National Cancer Institute-sponsored clinics.

Drug-induced acute kidney injury in children

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious problem occurring in anywhere between 8 and 30% of children in the intensive care unit. Up to 25% of these cases are believed to be the result of pharmacotherapy. In this review we have focused on several relevant drugs and/or drug classes, which are known to cause AKI in children, including cancer chemotherapeutics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antimicrobials. AKI demonstrates a steady association with increased long term risk of poor outcomes including chronic kidney disease and death as determined by the extent of injury. For this reason it is important to understand the causality and implications of these drugs and drug classes. Children occupy a unique patient population, advocating the importance of understanding how they are affected dissimilarly compared with adults. While the kidney itself is likely more susceptible to injury than other organs, the inherent toxicity of these drugs also plays a major role in the resulting AKI. Mechanisms involved in the toxicity of these drugs include oxidative damage, hypersensitivity reactions, altered haemodynamics and tubule obstruction and may affect the glomerulus and/or the tubules. Understanding these mechanisms is critical in determining the most effective strategies for treatment and/or prevention, whether these strategies are less toxic versions of the same drugs or add-on agents to mitigate the toxic effect of the existing therapy.

New concepts and outcomes for children with hepatoblastoma based on the experience of a tertiary center over the last 21 years

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to summarize the experience of a tertiary center in treating hepatoblastoma for the last 21 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-eight cases were included. The tumor extent and prognosis were assessed using the PRETEXT system. The following data were analyzed: age at diagnosis, comorbidities, prematurity, treatment modalities, histopathological findings, surgical details and complications, treatment outcomes, chemotherapy schedules, side effects and complications. Treatment outcomes included the occurrence of local or distant recurrence, the duration of survival and the cause of death. The investigation methods were ultrasonography, CT scan, serum alpha-fetoprotein level measurement and needle biopsy. Chemotherapy was then planned, and the resectability of the tumor was reevaluated via another CT scan.

RESULTS

The mean numbers of neoadjuvant cycles and postoperative cycles of chemotherapy were 6±2 and 1.5±1.7, respectively. All children except one were submitted for surgical resection, including 50 partial liver resections and 7 liver transplantations. Statistical comparisons demonstrated that long-term survival was associated with the absence of metastasis (p=0.04) and the type of surgery (resection resulted in a better outcome than transplantation) (p=0.009). No associations were found between vascular invasion, incomplete resection, histological subtype, multicentricity and survival. The overall 5-year survival rate of the operated cases was 87.7%.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the experience of a Brazilian tertiary center in the management of hepatoblastoma in children demonstrates that long survival is associated with the absence of metastasis and the type of surgery. A multidisciplinary treatment involving chemotherapy, surgical resection and liver transplantation (including transplantations using tissue from living donors) led to good outcomes and survival indexes.

The treatment of hepatoblastoma: Its evolution and the current status as per the SIOPEL trials

Aim of the Review:

To describe the significant improvement in the diagnosis, treatment and outcome of children diagnosed with hepatoblastoma (HB) that has occurred in the past four decades. Recent findings are mainly focused on lessons learned from the experiences of the Childhood Liver Tumors Strategy Group (SIOPEL). Important milestones were the risk stratification of HB that allowed to tailor down therapy for standard-risk HB and intensify treatment for high-risk HB. The multi-institutional international cooperative SIOPEL trials are reviewed and current treatment guidelines are given. Intensified cooperation between the SIOPEL and the Children's Oncology Group (COG) and the national study groups from Germany (GPOH) and Japan (JPLT) led to the acceptance and use of one staging system (PRETEXT) and the formation of a single robust database containing data of 1605 HB patients. This will allow analysis with enough statistical power of treatment directing factors that will form one of the bases of the next-generation clinical trial that is currently designed by all four collaborating study groups.

Summary:

Successive SIOPEL trials and increasing international collaboration have improved survival rates of patients with HB through risk stratification, advances in chemotherapy and increased complete resection rates including liver transplantation as a surgical option.

Towards an international pediatric liver tumor consensus classification: proceedings of the Los Angeles COG liver tumors symposium

Liver tumors are rare in children, and their diagnoses may be challenging particularly because of the lack of a current consensus classification system. Systematic central histopathological review of these tumors performed as part of the pediatric collaborative therapeutic protocols has allowed the identification of histologic subtypes with distinct clinical associations. As a result, histopathology has been incorporated within the Children's Oncology Group (COG) protocols, and only in the United States, as a risk-stratification parameter and for patient management. Therefore, the COG Liver Tumor Committee sponsored an International Pathology Symposium in March 2011 to discuss the histopathology and classification of pediatric liver tumors, and hepatoblastoma in particular, and work towards an International Pediatric Liver Tumors Consensus Classification that would be required for international collaborative projects. Twenty-two pathologists and experts in pediatric liver tumors, including those serving as central reviewers for the COG, European Société Internationale d'Oncologie Pédiatrique, Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Onkologie und Hämatologie, and Japanese Study Group for Pediatric Liver Tumors protocols, as well as pediatric oncologists and surgeons specialized in this field, reviewed more than 50 pediatric liver tumor cases and discussed classic and newly reported entities, as well as criteria for their classification. This symposium represented the first collaborative step to develop a classification that may lead to a common treatment-stratification system incorporating tumor histopathology. A standardized, clinically meaningful classification will also be necessary to allow the integration of new biological parameters and to move towards clinical algorithms based on patient characteristics and tumor genetics, which should improve future patient management and outcome.

Outcomes for patients with congenital hepatoblastoma

BACKGROUND

Congenital hepatoblastoma, diagnosed in the first month of life, has been reported to have a poor prognosis; however, a comprehensive evaluation of this entity is lacking.

PROCEDURE

We retrospectively reviewed two patients from the senior authors' personal series and 25 cases identified in the databases of several multicenter group studies (INT-0098, P9645, 881, P9346, HB 89, HB94, and HB 99). We compared this series with cases of congenital hepatoblastoma previously published in the literature.

RESULTS

The 3-year survival in our case series was 86% (18/21) with a follow-up of 44-230 months (median 85.5 months). Presentation and treatment were not substantially different from hepatoblastoma cohorts unselected for age. Survival was comparable to the reported disease free survival for a similar cohort of hepatoblastoma patients unselected for age between 1986 and 2002 (82.5%) [von Schweinitz et al., Eur J Cancer 1997; 33:1243-1249]. The 2-year survival of cases reported in the literature was 0% (0/9) and 42% (10/24) for patients reported before and after 1990, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Congenital hepatoblastoma does not appear to confer a worse prognosis. The improved survival of our current series of patients, collected from the past 20 years of German and American multicenter trials and personal series, suggests that the outcome of hepatoblastoma at this young age is much better than has been historically reported. More rigorous analysis should be conducted in future multicenter trials. It is possible that congenital hepatoblastoma should be treated like all other patients with hepatoblastoma provided that the child is stable enough to proceed with surgery and chemotherapy.

Current issues and controversies in the classification of pediatric hepatocellular tumors

Systematic histopathologic examination of hepatoblastoma specimens from patients enrolled in therapeutic protocols has allowed the identification of clinically relevant histologic subtypes that are being incorporated into risk stratification systems. Genetic and molecular studies have documented recurrent chromosomal abnormalities and aberrant activation of developmental, and oncogenic signaling pathways in hepatoblastoma. Molecular profiling has also identified molecular subclasses and gene signatures that could be used to stratify hepatoblastoma patients. Future international collaboration is needed to develop consensus pathology classifications, and to progressively incorporate genetic and molecular biomarkers into therapeutic pediatric liver tumors protocols.

Relationship of β-catenin and postchemotherapy histopathologic changes with overall survival in patients with hepatoblastoma

AIMS

Histopathologic spectrum and expression of β-catenin were analyzed in patients with hepatoblastoma, diagnosed over a period of 14 years. These were correlated with the survival outcome. The morphologic features subsequent to chemotherapy were also analyzed.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Histomorphologic features were studied on paraffin-embedded sections. There were 24 cases with 15 fetal, 4 embryonal, 4 macrotrabecular, and 1 of small cell subtype. Follow-up was available in 20 cases (mean = 16.8 mo). β-catenin immunostaining performed by indirect immunoperoxidase method revealed 14 cases with nuclear and 10 cases with cytoplasmic positivity. Statistical analysis revealed no significant correlation between morphologic subtype and survival. Significant difference in survival was noted with respect to tumor stage, mitotic index, and β-catenin staining pattern. Cases with nuclear expression had a mean survival of 71.54 ± 8.1 months in comparison with 14.71 ± 6.5 months in cases with cytoplasmic expression. Besides osteoid and cartilage formation, interesting postchemotherapy findings were the presence of tumoral maturation, hepatocellular carcinoma-like areas, peliotic-like foci, and "glomeruloid clusters."

CONCLUSIONS

Nuclear β-catenin expression is not a poor prognostic factor and this might be indicative of different genetic alterations in hepatoblastoma in the Indian subcontinent. There was no significant correlation between histologic subtype and osteoid differentiation with survival. The histopathologic changes observed were peliotic-like areas, tumoral maturation, hepatocellular carcinoma-like changes, and glomeruloid clusters besides the well-established features of osteoid differentiation after chemotherapy.

Chemotherapeutic approaches for newly diagnosed hepatoblastoma: past, present, and future strategies

Surgical resection is the foundation of therapy in hepatoblastoma (HB), yet most patients have unresectable tumors at diagnosis. Patients with resectable tumors have event-free survival (EFS) of 80-90% and can be cured with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and vincristine. Patients whose tumors are unresectable but without overt metastases at diagnosis have EFS of 60-70%, and many can be rendered resectable without doxorubicin. Children with metastatic disease have fared poorly with 20-50% EFS, and new approaches for these patients remain desperately needed. Dose intensification of cisplatin and doxorubicin appears beneficial in high-risk patients. Future treatment strategies, which may be useful, include increasing intensity and/or duration of therapy, developing a maintenance regimen (oral irinotecan), using liver transplantation more often for patients to undergo complete resection, and identifying and incorporating novel agents. A better understanding of the biologic and pathologic factors is critical for predicting tumor behavior and developing more logical risk-based treatments.

Primary malignant liver tumors in children

Liver tumors constitute only 1-4% of all solid tumors in children. Two-thirds of these are malignant. The primary malignant tumors are hepatoblastoma (HB), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), angiosarcoma, rhabdoid tumor, undifferentiated sarcoma and other rarer tumors. Of these HB is the commonest. The diagnosis of HB is based on the radiology, elevated levels of α-fetoprotein (αFP) and the histology/cytology. Staging is essential for risk categorization, risk adapted treatment and prognostication. The commonest staging and risk categorization system used today is PRETEXT system that is being used by nearly all multicentre trials (American, European, German, Japanese) in some way. Treatment of HB is multimodal with surgery and chemotherapy being the main modalities. Survival is not possible without complete surgical resection. Majority of tumors are unresectable at presentation but can be made resectable with chemotherapy, giving a resection rate of more than 85%. Cisplatin is the main stay of chemotherapy and is a part of all multidrug protocols. The 3-y overall survival (OS) today stands at 62%-70% but only 25% patients with metastasis get cured. Panhepatic tumors and those with local factors causing unresectability are now dealt with liver transplantation which has also given a survival rate of nearly 85%. The overall management of HB and HCC has evolved over the past 3 decades giving good long term survival rates for HB, though patients with HCC still do poorly. Successive therapeutic trials have focused attention on increasing the efficiency and reducing the toxicity and long term side effects of the treatment. Among the other uncommon tumors the rhabdoid tumor and angiosarcoma are chemoresistant and have a poor outcome while the undifferentiated sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma are now showing better response to the currently used chemotherapy combinations.

Hepatoblastoma: 15-year experience and role of surgical treatment

Purpose

Hepatoblastoma is the most common malignant liver tumor in children. The aim of this study was to review our results of hepatoblastoma treatment and to determine the role of surgical treatment in hepatoblastoma.

Methods

This is a retrospective clinical study. The medical records of patients with hepatoblastoma, treated between October 1994 and October 2009, were reviewed. The patients were classified according to the pretreatment extent of disease (PRETEXT) grouping system. The main outcome variable was survival. Secondary outcome variables were complete, partial and no response to chemotherapy and surgery, when indicated.

Results

Twenty-seven patients were treated during the observation period. Eighteen were males. Five were PRETEXT group I, 8 group II, 13 group III and 1 group IV. Complete excision was achieved in all patients except in one case that underwent liver transplantation (group IV). Median follow-up and survival rate were 2.3 years and 100%, 6.6 years and 75%, 5.8 years and 92%, 7.7 years and 100%, for groups I to IV, respectively. Twenty patients are currently considered to be in complete response status and three patients are receiving postoperative chemotherapy. Four patients died; the causes of death were cytomegalovirus hepatitis, bone marrow suppression during adjuvant chemotherapy, primarynonfunction after the transplantation for recurrent tumor and metachronous rectal cancer, respectively.

Conclusion

Favorable long-term outcome could be expected for hepatoblastoma with complete tumor excision and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Complete surgical resection is curative for children with hepatoblastoma with pure fetal histology: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

PURPOSE

Children with pure fetal histology (PFH) hepatoblastoma treated with complete surgical resection and minimal adjuvant therapy have been shown to have excellent outcomes when compared with other patients with hepatoblastoma. We prospectively studied the safety and efficacy of reducing therapy in all children with stage I PFH enrolled onto two consecutive studies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From August 1989 to December 1992, 9 children with stage I PFH were treated on the Intergroup Hepatoblastoma study INT-0098 and were nonrandomly assigned to receive chemotherapy after surgical resection with single-agent bolus doxorubicin for 3 consecutive days. From March 1999 to November 2006, 16 children with stage I PFH enrolled onto Children's Oncology Group Study P9645 were treated with observation after resection. Central confirmation of the histologic diagnosis by a study group pathologist was mandated. The extent of liver disease was assigned retrospectively according to the pretreatment extent of disease (PRETEXT) system and is designated "retro-PRETEXT" to clarify the retrospective group assignment.

RESULTS

Five-year event-free and overall survival for the 9 patients treated on INT-0098 were 100%. All 16 patients enrolled onto the P9645 study were alive and free of disease at the time of last contact, with a median follow-up of 4.9 years. Retro-PRETEXT for the 21 patients with available data revealed seven patients with stage I disease, 10 patients with stage II disease, and four patients with stage III disease.

CONCLUSION

Children with completely resected PFH hepatoblastoma can achieve long-term survival without additional chemotherapy. When feasible, surgical resection of hepatoblastoma at diagnosis, without chemotherapy, can identify children for whom no additional therapy is necessary.

Hepatoblastoma: Analysis of treatment outcome from a tertiary care center

Aim:

This study was designed to retrospectively review our experience with the multimodality management of hepatoblastomas (HB).

Materials and Methods:

Thirteen patients were treated for HB between 2000 and 2007. The clinical presentations, chemotherapy tolerance and response, surgical procedure undertaken, and complications were analysed.

Results:

Median age of the population was 12 months (3-60 months), with a male-to-female ratio of 3.3:1. Nine patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy incorporating cisplatin and adriamycin. Primary surgery was done in four patients. Extent of hepatic resection in the operated patients varied. Mixed type was the predominant histopathological diagnosis. Adjuvant chemotherapy was well tolerated with no morbidity or mortality. Five-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) of all the 13 patients is 76.9%. All the nine patients who could complete multimodality treatment are alive with no evidence of disease or complications with median follow-up of 63 months (46-122 months).

Conclusions:

Treatment of HB with multidisciplinary approach was well tolerated. OS and EFS of patients were comparable with published studies.

Critical review of controversial issues in the management of advanced pediatric liver tumors

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatoblastoma (HB) are the most common primary tumors of liver in children. The management of patients with locally advanced, unresectable disease or those with extra-hepatic distant metastases provides substantial challenges to pediatric oncologists, hepatologists, and surgeons. Herein, we critically debate the two sides of three specific controversies: (1) the role of chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced pediatric HCC; (2) the indications for liver transplantation in children with HCC, specifically, the appropriateness of using adult Milan criteria; and (3) the role of liver trasplantation in children with unresectable HB that present with metastatic disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:1013-1018. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Progress in the surgical treatment of malignant liver tumors in children

During the last decade, important progress has been made in the surgical treatment of malignant liver tumors in children. For hepatoblastoma, there is a general consensus for combining surgical resection with neoadjuvant (and adjuvant) chemotherapy. Long-term disease-free survival of around 85-90% can be achieved for resectable HB involving no more than three sections of the liver (PRETEXT I-III). For unresectable HB without extrahepatic invasion (PRETEXT IV with involvement of all four sections and some cases of PRETEXT III with invasion of, or close contact with major venous structures), similar results can be obtained with total hepatectomy and liver transplantation. For hepatocellular carcinoma, most often without underlying liver disease in children of the western world, results of resection with partial hepatectomy remain dismal, due to a high rate of recurrence. In contrast, remarkable survival rates have been obtained during the last decade with liver transplantation. There is no argument, either biological or based on evidence, that the selection of pediatric candidates for transplantation should be based on the same criteria as in adult patients (the Milan criteria). Optimization of results require to concentrate children with a malignant liver tumors in specialized, multidisciplinary pediatric centers with expertise in chemotherapy and in both major liver resections and transplantation. Enrolling these children in prospective trials should be encouraged, as well as prospective registration of transplanted patients in PLUTO (Pediatric Liver Unresectable Tumor Observatory-http://Pluto.cineca.org) in order to clarify issues unresolved by retrospective studies.

Amifostine does not prevent platinum-induced hearing loss associated with the treatment of children with hepatoblastoma: a report of the Intergroup Hepatoblastoma Study P9645 as a part of the Children's Oncology Group

BACKGROUND

The current study was conducted to determine whether amifostine is effective in reducing the toxicities associated with the administration of platinum-containing regimens in children with hepatoblastoma (HB).

METHODS

Patients were enrolled on P9645 beginning in March of 1999. Patients who had stage I/II disease received treatment with 4 cycles of combined cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and vincristine (C5V) with or without amifostine. Patients who had stage III/IV disease were randomized to receive treatment with 6 cycles of either C5V with or without amifostine or carboplatin alternating with cisplatin (CC) with or without amifostine. Patients who were randomized to receive amifostine were given a dose of 740 mg/m2 intravenously over 15 minutes before each administration of a platinum agent.

RESULTS

Eighty-two patients were considered in a special interim analysis of the incidence of toxicity. The disease outcome for patients who received amifostine was similar to the outcome for patients who did not receive amifostine (P=.22). The incidence of significant hearing loss (>40 dB) was similar for patients who did or did not receive amifostine (38% [14 of 37 patients] vs 38% [17 of 45 patients], respectively; P=.68). There were no differences in the incidence of renal or bone marrow toxicities evaluated. Patients who received amifostine had a higher incidence of hypocalcemia (5% vs 0.5%; P=.00006).

CONCLUSIONS

Amifostine in the doses and schedule used in this study failed to significantly reduce the incidence of platinum-induced toxicities in patients with HB.

Cisplatin versus cisplatin plus doxorubicin for standard-risk hepatoblastoma

BACKGROUND

Preoperative cisplatin alone may be as effective as cisplatin plus doxorubicin in standard-risk hepatoblastoma (a tumor involving three or fewer sectors of the liver that is associated with an alpha-fetoprotein level of >100 ng per milliliter).

METHODS

Children with standard-risk hepatoblastoma who were younger than 16 years of age were eligible for inclusion in the study. After they received one cycle of cisplatin (80 mg per square meter of body-surface area per 24 hours), we randomly assigned patients to receive cisplatin (every 14 days) or cisplatin plus doxorubicin administered in three preoperative cycles and two postoperative cycles. The primary outcome was the rate of complete resection, and the trial was powered to test the noninferiority of cisplatin alone (<10% difference in the rate of complete resection).

RESULTS

Between June 1998 and December 2006, 126 patients were randomly assigned to receive cisplatin and 129 were randomly assigned to receive cisplatin plus doxorubicin. The rate of complete resection was 95% in the cisplatin-alone group and 93% in the cisplatin-doxorubicin group in the intention-to-treat analysis (difference, 1.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -4.1 to 7.0); these rates were 99% and 95%, respectively, in the per-protocol analysis. Three-year event-free survival and overall survival were, respectively, 83% (95% CI, 77 to 90) and 95% (95% CI, 91 to 99) in the cisplatin group, and 85% (95% CI, 79 to 92) and 93% (95% CI, 88 to 98) in the cisplatin-doxorubicin group (median follow-up, 46 months). Acute grade 3 or 4 adverse events were more frequent with combination therapy (74.4% vs. 20.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

As compared with cisplatin plus doxorubicin, cisplatin monotherapy achieved similar rates of complete resection and survival among children with standard-risk hepatoblastoma. Doxorubicin can be safely omitted from the treatment of standard-risk hepatoblastoma. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00003912.)

Loss of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 expression predicts metachronous pulmonary metastasis and poor survival in patients with hepatoblastoma

PURPOSE

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is a member of the carcinoembryonic antigen family of immunoglobulin-like adhesion molecules. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that loss of CEACAM1 expression in hepatoblastoma cells may promote hematogeneous metastasis and function as an adverse prognostic factor.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical expression of CEACAM1 in surgically resected specimens from 19 patients with hepatoblastoma was examined retrospectively. The CEACAM1 expression in the epithelial area of the tumor was classified into 2 categories as follows: diffuse expression, characterized by positive staining throughout the tumor specimen, or loss of expression, in which there were distinct areas of negative staining within the tumor specimen.

RESULTS

Of the 19 patients, 12 were classified as having tumors with diffuse expression, and 7 had loss-of-expression tumors. Survival after treatment was significantly worse in patients with tumors with loss of CEACAM1 expression (cumulative 5-year survival rate, 29%) than in patients with diffuse CEACAM1 expression (cumulative 5-year survival rate, 92%; P = .0062). Loss of CEACAM1 expression was a significant risk factor for metachronous pulmonary metastases (P = .0105).

CONCLUSIONS

Loss of CEACAM1 expression may reflect a high metastatic potential and thus indicate a poor prognosis for patients with hepatoblastoma.

Progress in childhood cancer: 50 years of research collaboration, a report from the Children's Oncology Group

The Children's Oncology Group (COG) recently celebrated the milestone of 50 years of pediatric clinical trials and collaborative research in oncology. Our group had its origins in the four legacy pediatric clinical trials groups: the Children's Cancer Group (CCG), the Pediatric Oncology Group (POG), the National Wilms' Tumor Study Group (NWTS), and the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group (IRSG), which merged in 2000 to form the COG. Over the last 50 years, the survival rates for childhood cancer have risen from 10% to almost 80%. Outcome in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has gone from a 6-month median survival to an 80% overall cure rate. We have modified therapies in most major diseases to induce remission with the fewest long-term sequelae. Here we look back on our advances but also look forward to the next 50 years, which will produce even more successful treatments that will be tailored to the specific patient, translating the tools of molecular genetics. Experience has clearly proven that everything we know about the diagnosis and management of childhood cancer is a result of research and the dramatic historical decrease in mortality from childhood cancer is directly related to cooperative group clinical research.

Liver tumors in children

Malignant liver tumors account for slightly >1% of all pediatric malignancies, with roughly 150 new cases of liver tumors diagnosed in the U.S. annually. The embryonal tumor, hepatoblastoma, accounts for two thirds of malignant liver tumors in children. Other liver malignancies in children include hepatocellular carcinoma, sarcomas, germ cell tumors, and rhabdoid tumors. Benign tumors of the liver in children include vascular tumors, hamartomas, and adenomas. There is an apparent increase in the incidence of hepatoblastoma with perinatal exposures and decreased premature infant mortality as postulated causes for this increased risk. The known causes and associations of liver tumors in children as well as the approaches to diagnosis and treatment of children are discussed in this review article.

Treatment outcomes for hepatoblastoma: an institution's experience over two decades

Our objective is to review a leading Australian tertiary referral centre's experience in treating hepatoblastoma over two decades. This is a retrospective study of clinical, radiological and pathological data in hepatoblastoma patients treated at our institution between 1984 and 2004. Thirty children (17 male, 13 female) ranging in age from 5 months to 6.5 years (median 19 months) at diagnosis were reviewed. This is the largest case series reported in Australia to date. The median length of follow-up was 6.3 years (range 7 months to 20.9 years). On average, the number of new cases increased by 0.12 each year (P=0.01). A total of 29 patients underwent definitive surgery for primary tumour control. Of these, two (7%) had initial primary surgery, while 27 (93%) had delayed surgery following neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Chemotherapy regimens included the SIOPEL study protocols. Patients not enrolled in SIOPEL tended to be given more courses of chemotherapy. Ten patients (34%) received an extended right hemi-hepatectomy, six (21%) had right hemi-hepatectomy, seven (24%) had left hemi-hepatectomy, three (10%) had left lateral segmentectomy, and two (7%) had a non-anatomical resection. In addition, two patients required IVC reconstruction at the time of their primary liver resection. Overall survival at 5 years was 89.1% (95% CI 69.8-96.4%). Event-free survival at 5 years was 75.7% (95% CI 53.2-88.5%). There was a clear increase in the risk of recurrence (RR=4.8) and death (RR=4.5) where margins were not microscopically clear. However, neither reached statistical significance in this small cohort. Surgery was still worthwhile even when margins were involved. There was no correlation between mean AFP level at diagnosis, and outcome. Our experience suggests that the achievement of microscopically clear margins at the time of primary tumour resection is an important factor in achieving a positive long-term outcome. In addition, extended courses of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with pulmonary metastases achieves good long-term outcomes, provided adequate surgical resection of the primary tumour with clear microscopic margins can be achieved.

Intensified platinum therapy is an ineffective strategy for improving outcome in pediatric patients with advanced hepatoblastoma

PURPOSE

The INT-0098 Intergroup Liver Tumor Study demonstrated no statistically significant differences in event-free and overall survival between patients randomized to treatment with either cisplatin + fluorouracil + vincristine (C5V) or cisplatin + doxorubicin. Results from this and other therapeutic trials suggested that cisplatin was the most active agent against hepatoblastoma. To increase the platinum dose-intensity, a novel regimen was developed alternating carboplatin and cisplatin (CC) every 2 weeks. The P9645 study was designed to compare the risk of treatment failure for patients with stage III/IV hepatoblastoma randomized to either C5V or CC.

METHODS

C5V was given according to INT-0098 and CC consisted of carboplatin at 700 mg/m2 on day 0 (560 mg/m2 after two cycles) followed by cisplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 14. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was used after each CC cycle. All patients received four to six cycles of chemotherapy.

RESULTS

From the time the study was opened until the time that random assignment was halted, 56 patients received CC and 53 patients received C5V. The 1-year event-free survival was 37% for patients receiving CC and 57% for those receiving C5V (P = .017). Patients randomly assigned to CC required more blood product support. As a result of a semiannual review by the Children's Oncology Group Data and Safety Monitoring Committee, random assignment was discontinued after 3 years of enrollment because the projected improvement in long-term outcome associated with CC was statistically excluded as a possible outcome of this trial.

CONCLUSION

Intensification of therapy by alternating platinum analogs increased the risk of adverse outcome in children with unresectable or metastatic hepatoblastoma.

Allogeneic graft-versus-hepatoblastoma effect

Although the survival rate for pediatric patients with hepatoblastoma has improved, prognosis is still poor when the disease is unresectable and refractory to chemotherapy. Therefore, novel approaches are warranted. Herein, we describe a patient with recurrent metastatic hepatoblastoma who received a non-myeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from an HLA-matched unrelated donor. After withdrawal of immunosuppressant and establishment of full donor T-cell engraftment, the tumor regressed and serum alpha-fetoprotein level decreased in concurrence with the onset of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Her disease recurred when GVHD resolved. This patient's clinical course provides evidence for the probable existence of allogeneic graft-versus-hepatoblastoma effect.

Hepatoblastoma: an oncological review

The treatment of hepatoblastoma is an example of the great advances made in paediatric oncology over the past few decades. Formerly a disease with a dreadful prognosis, children now have a 5-year survival rate of over 70%. This has been achieved by advances in surgical techniques and the use of chemotherapy. In future, we hope to be able to improve survival for children with high-risk tumours, and decrease the morbidity associated with treatment in the others.