High-dose busulfan and melphalan as conditioning regimen for autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation in high-risk ewing sarcoma patients: a long-term follow-up single-center study

High-dose chemotherapy for Ewing sarcoma and Rhabdomyosarcoma: A systematic review by the Australia and New Zealand sarcoma association clinical practice guidelines working party

INTRODUCTION

Patients with high-risk or metastatic Ewing sarcoma (ES) and rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) have a guarded prognosis. High-dose chemotherapy (HDT) with autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) has been evaluated as a treatment option to improve outcomes. However, survival benefits remain unclear, and treatment is associated with severe toxicities.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted, using the population, intervention, comparison outcome (PICO) model, to evaluate whether utilization of HDT/ASCT impacts the outcome of patients with ES and RMS compared to standard chemotherapy alone, as part of first line treatment or in the relapse setting. Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central were queried for publications from 1990 to October 2022 that evaluated event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicities. Each study was screened by two independent reviewers for suitability. A qualitative synthesis of the results was performed.

RESULTS

Of 1,172 unique studies screened, 41 studies were eligible for inclusion with 29 studies considering ES, 10 studies considering RMS and 2 studies considering both. In ES patients with high-risk localised disease who received HDT/ASCT after VIDE chemotherapy, consolidation with melphalan-based HDT/ASCT as first line therapy conveyed an EFS and OS benefit over standard chemotherapy consolidation. Efficacy of HDT/ASCT using a VDC/IE backbone, which is now standard care, has not been established. Survival benefits are not confirmed for ES patients with metastatic disease at initial diagnosis. For relapsed/refractory ES, four retrospective studies report improvement in outcomes with HDT/ASCT with the greatest evidence in patients who demonstrate a treatment response before HDT, and in patients under the age of 14. In RMS, there is no proven survival benefit of HDT/ASCT in primary localised, metastatic or relapsed disease.

CONCLUSION

Prospective randomised trials are required to determine the utility of HDT/ASCT in ES and RMS. Selected patients with relapsed ES could be considered for HDT/ASCT.

Prospects and Advances in Adoptive Natural Killer Cell Therapy for Unmet Therapeutic Needs in Pediatric Bone Sarcomas

Malignant bone tumors are aggressive tumors, with a high tendency to metastasize, that are observed most frequently in adolescents during rapid growth spurts. Pediatric patients with malignant bone sarcomas, Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma, who present with progressive disease have dire survival rates despite aggressive therapy. These therapies can have long-term effects on bone growth, such as decreased bone mineral density and reduced longitudinal growth. New therapeutic approaches are therefore urgently needed for targeting pediatric malignant bone tumors. Harnessing the power of the immune system against cancer has improved the survival rates dramatically in certain cancer types. Natural killer (NK) cells are a heterogeneous group of innate effector cells that possess numerous antitumor effects, such as cytolysis and cytokine production. Pediatric sarcoma cells have been shown to be especially susceptible to NK-cell-mediated killing. NK-cell adoptive therapy confers numerous advantages over T-cell adoptive therapy, including a good safety profile and a lack of major histocompatibility complex restriction. NK-cell immunotherapy has the potential to be a new therapy for pediatric malignant bone tumors. In this manuscript, we review the general characteristics of osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, discuss the long-term effects of sarcoma treatment on bones, and the barriers to effective immunotherapy in bone sarcomas. We then present the laboratory and clinical studies on NK-cell immunotherapy for pediatric malignant bone tumors. We discuss the various donor sources and NK-cell types, the engineering of NK cells and combinatorial treatment approaches that are being studied to overcome the current challenges in adoptive NK-cell therapy, while suggesting approaches for future studies on NK-cell immunotherapy in pediatric bone tumors.

Bad to the Bone: Emerging Approaches to Aggressive Bone Sarcomas

Bone sarcomas are rare heterogeneous tumors that affect patients of all ages including children, adolescent young adults, and older adults. They include many aggressive subtypes and patient groups with poor outcomes, poor access to clinical trials, and lack of defined standard therapeutic strategies. Conventional chondrosarcoma remains a surgical disease, with no defined role for cytotoxic therapy and no approved targeted systemic therapies. Here, we discuss promising novel targets and strategies undergoing evaluation in clinical trials. Multiagent chemotherapy has greatly improved outcomes for patients with Ewing sarcoma (ES) and osteosarcoma, but management of those with high-risk or recurrent disease remains challenging and controversial. We describe the impact of international collaborative trials, such as the rEECur study, that aim to define optimal treatment strategies for those with recurrent, refractory ES, and evidence for high-dose chemotherapy with stem-cell support. We also discuss current and emerging strategies for other small round cell sarcomas, such as CIC-rearranged, BCOR-rearranged tumors, and the evaluation of emerging novel therapeutics and trial designs that may offer a new paradigm to improve survival in these aggressive tumors with notoriously bad (to the bone) outcomes.

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation for adult patients With first relapse of Ewing's sarcoma: A single institution experience

The prognosis of patients with Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) relapse is poor; the 5-year overall survival (OS) is 13%. We evaluated the effectivity of high-dose therapy (HDT) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in adult patients with ESFT relapse. Between January 2010 and January 2021, we retrospectively analyzed 20 patients with ESFT who received HDT upon relapse. A combination of busulfan with melphalan was used as a conditioning regimen before ASCT. The median follow-up from diagnosis and from first relapse was 46.08 months (range; 10.71-186.87) and 14.41 months (range; 4.34-104.11), respectively. The median of age patients was 21.2 years (range, 17.6-25.3), and 10 (50%) patients were female. The tumor originated from the bone in 13 patients and soft tissue in 7 patients. Twelve patients had early (<2 years) relapse, and 8 patients had late (>2 years) relapse. Before HDT, 13 (65%) and 7 (35%) patients had pulmonary and extrapulmonary metastasis, respectively. After induction chemotherapy, 14 patients achieved complete response. The median OS1 and OS2 were 51.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], range: 16.2-87) and 15.7 months (95% CI, range: 10.2-21.2), respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year OS rates were 50%, 30%, and 15%, respectively. One patient died (sepsis) 1 month after ASCT. In univariate analyses, a disease-free interval (DFI) of < 2 years (P = .008) and incomplete response (P = .021) before ASCT were poor prognostic factors for OS2.HDT with ASCT can result in long-term survival of patients with ESFT relapse. HDT should be considered an important treatment opt ion in patients with a DFI > 2 years and complete response before transplantation.

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation for children, adolescents, and young adults with first recurrence of Ewing sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Ewing sarcoma is a solid tumour, which is the second most common primary bone malignancy in children, often occurring in the long bones and pelvis. An incidence rate of 4.5 per million a year is reported, with a peak incidence of 11 per million at the age of 12 years. Despite more intensive chemotherapy, 30% to 40% of young people with Ewing sarcoma will have recurrence of the disease. Less than 30% of young people with a recurrence of Ewing sarcoma are alive at 24 months, and less than 10% are alive at 48 months. High-dose chemotherapy (HDC), followed by autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT), is used in a variety of paediatric groups with diverse solid tumours. The hypothesis is that HDC regimens may overcome resistance to standard polychemotherapy, and this way may eradicate minimal residual disease, leading to improved survival after a first recurrence of disease.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy of HDC with AHCT versus conventional chemotherapy in improving event-free survival, overall survival, quality-adjusted survival, and progression-free survival in children, adolescents, and young adults with first recurrence of Ewing sarcoma, and to determine the toxicity of the treatment.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, conference proceedings from the SIOP, ASPHO, CTOS, ASBMT, EBMT, and EMSOS, and two trial registries in January 2020. We also searched reference lists of relevant articles and review articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We planned to include randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or (historical) controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing the effectiveness of HDC plus AHCT with conventional chemotherapy for children, adolescents, and young adults (up to 30 years old at the date of diagnostic biopsy) with a first recurrence of Ewing sarcoma.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We did not identify any eligible studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Since we did not identify any eligible studies, we are unable to draw any conclusions about the efficacy and toxicity of HDC with AHCT versus conventional chemotherapy in children, adolescents, and young adults with a first recurrence of Ewing sarcoma. Further high-quality research is urgently needed.

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation for children, adolescents, and young adults with primary metastatic Ewing sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Ewing sarcomas are solid tumours of the bone and soft tissue, that usually affect children, adolescents, and young adults. The incidence is about three cases per million a year, with a peak incidence at 12 years of age. Metastatic disease is detected in about 20 % to 30% of people, and is typically found in the lungs, bone, bone marrow, or a combination of these. Presence of metastatic disease at diagnosis (primary metastatic disease) is the most important adverse prognostic factor, and is associated with a five-year survival lower than 30%. High-dose chemotherapy (HDC) followed by autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) is used in various solid tumours with unfavourable prognoses in children, adolescents, and young adults. It has also been used as rescue after multifocal radiation of metastases. The hypothesis is that HDC regimens may overcome the resistance to standard multidrug chemotherapy and improve survival rates.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation compared with conventional chemotherapy in improving event-free survival, overall survival, quality-adjusted survival, and progression-free survival in children, adolescents, and young adults with primary metastatic Ewing sarcoma, and to determine the toxicity of the treatment.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, conference proceedings from major international cancer-related conferences, and ongoing trial registers until January 2020. We also searched reference lists of included articles and review articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or (historical) controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing the effectiveness of HDC and AHCT with conventional chemotherapy for children, adolescents, and young adults (younger than 30 years at the date of diagnostic biopsy) with primary metastatic Ewing sarcoma.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified one RCT, which investigated the effects of HDC with AHCT versus conventional chemotherapy with whole lung irradiation (WLI) in people with Ewing sarcoma metastasised to the lungs only at diagnosis. Only a selection of the participants were eligible for our review (N = 267: HDC with AHCT group N = 134; control group N = 133). There may be no difference in event-free survival between the two treatment groups (hazard ratio (HR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59 to 1.17; low-certainty evidence). We downgraded one level each because of study limitations and imprecision. Overall survival and toxicity were not reported separately for the participants eligible for this review, while quality-adjusted survival and progression-free survival were not reported at all. We did not identify any studies that addressed children, adolescents, and young adults with Ewing sarcoma with metastases to other locations.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In people with Ewing sarcoma with primary metastases to locations other than the lungs, there is currently no evidence from RCTs or CCTs to determine the efficacy of HDC with AHCT compared to conventional chemotherapy. Based on low-certainty evidence from one study (267 participants), there may be no difference in event-free survival between children, adolescents, and young adults with primary pulmonary metastatic Ewing sarcoma who receive HDC with AHCT and those who receive conventional chemotherapy with WLI. Further high-quality research is needed. Results are anticipated for the EuroEwing 2008R3 study, in which the effects of HDC with treosulfan and melphalan followed by AHCT on survival, in people with Ewing sarcoma with metastatic disease to bone, other sites, or both were explored. Achieving high-quality studies in a selection of people with rare sarcoma requires long-term, multi-centre, international participant inclusion.

Bone marrow involvement identifies a subgroup of advanced Ewing sarcoma patients with fatal outcome irrespective of therapy in contrast to curable patients with multiple bone metastases but unaffected marrow

Purpose

Advanced Ewing sarcomas have poor prognosis. They are defined by early relapse (<24 months after diagnosis) and/or by metastasis to multiple bones or bone marrow (BM). We analyzed risk factors, toxicity and survival in advanced Ewing sarcoma patients treated with the MetaEICESS vs. EICESS92 protocols.

Design

Of 44 patients, 18 patients were enrolled into two subsequent MetaEICESS protocols between 1992 and 2014, and compared to outcomes of 26 advanced Ewing sarcoma patients treated with EICESS 1992 between 1992 and 1996. MetaEICESS 1992 consisted of induction chemotherapy, whole body imaging directed radiotherapy to the primary tumor and metastases, tandem high-dose chemotherapy and autologous rescue. In MetaEICESS 2007 this treatment was complemented by allogeneic stem cell transplantation. EICESS 1992 comprised induction chemotherapy, local therapy to the primary tumor only followed by consolidation chemotherapy.

Results

In MetaEICESS 8/18 patients survived in complete remission vs. 2/26 in EICESS 1992 (p<0.05). Survival did not differ between MetaEICESS 2007 and MetaEICESS 1992. Three MetaEICESS patients died of complications, all in MetaEICESS 1992. After exclusion of patients succumbing to treatment related complications (n=3), 7/10 patients survived without BM involvement, in contrast to 0/5 patients with BM involvement. This was confirmed in a multivariate analysis. There was no correlation between BM involvement and the number of metastases at diagnosis.

Conclusion

The MetaEICESS protocols yield long-term disease-free survival in patients with advanced Ewing sarcoma. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation was not associated with increased death of complications. Bone marrow involvement is a risk factor distinct from multiple bone metastases.

Bronchiectasis following treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma: A case series

High-risk (HR) neuroblastoma remains a very challenging disease to treat and long-term cure is only possible with intensive, multimodal treatment including chemotherapy, high-dose therapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. As a result, treatment-related morbidity and late effects are common in survivors. This report outlines a case series of six patients who developed a chronic productive cough following treatment for HR neuroblastoma. High-resolution computed tomography scanning confirmed the diagnosis of bronchiectasis. Two of the patients who have undergone immunological testing demonstrate hypogammaglobulinaemia and impaired vaccine response. Persistent cough in patients treated for neuroblastoma warrants investigation and consideration of immunological referral.

Stability of Melphalan in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Solutions Prepared in Polyvinyl Chloride Bags for Intravenous Injection

Melphalan is an alkylating agent frequently used in an intravenous formulation to treat hematologic malignancies and solid tumors in both adults and children. According to the manufacturer, melphalan is stable in sterile 0.9 % sodium chloride for 90 min at room temperature (RT). Several authors have studied the stability of different concentrations of melphalan; however, most were not adapted to the current manufacturing process applied in pharmaceutical centralized units. This study was conducted to determine the stability of melphalan in 0.9 % sodium chloride solutions at concentrations used for intravenous injection in practice. Melphalan is commonly prepared in diluted solutions ranging from 2 to 4 mg/ml for the treatment of adult patients and at lower concentrations (down to 0.5 mg/ml) for pediatric use. Accordingly, these were the three concentrations chosen for this study. Melphalan concentrations were measured with high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). At RT, admixtures prepared at 4 mg/ml were stable for up to 8 h without protection from light; however, at lower concentrations, such as 0.5 and 2 mg/ml, stability did not exceed 2 h. When refrigerated, melphalan was stable for 24 h at 2 mg/ml; however, at 0.5 and 4 mg/ml, the drug was not stable. Melphalan solutions present with limited stability at 0.5, 2, and 4 mg/ml and are not adapted for delayed administration in pharmaceutical centralized units. However, at 4 mg/ml and at RT, a stability of 8 h is very interesting in practice and allows sufficient time for preparation, pharmaceutical control, transport, and administration.

Ewing Sarcoma: Current Management and Future Approaches Through Collaboration

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive sarcoma of bone and soft tissue occurring at any age with a peak incidence in adolescents and young adults. The treatment of ES relies on a multidisciplinary approach, coupling risk-adapted intensive neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapies with surgery and/or radiotherapy for control of the primary site and possible metastatic disease. The optimization of ES multimodality therapeutic strategies has resulted from the efforts of several national and international groups in Europe and North America and from cooperation between pediatric and medical oncologists. Successive first-line trials addressed the efficacy of various cyclic combinations of drugs incorporating doxorubicin, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, etoposide, and dactinomycin and identified prognostic factors now used to tailor therapies. The role of high-dose chemotherapy is still debated. Current 5-year overall survival for patients with localized disease is 65% to 75%. Patients with metastases have a 5-year overall survival < 30%, except for those with isolated pulmonary metastasis (approximately 50%). Patients with recurrence have a dismal prognosis. The many insights into the biology of the EWS-FLI1 protein in the initiation and progression of ES remain to be translated into novel therapeutic strategies. Current options and future approaches will be discussed.

Primary metastatic Ewing's family tumors: results of the Italian Sarcoma Group and Scandinavian Sarcoma Group ISG/SSG IV Study including myeloablative chemotherapy and total-lung irradiation

BACKGROUND

The Italian Sarcoma Group and the Scandinavian Sarcoma Group designed a joint study to improve the prognosis for patients with Ewing's family tumors and synchronous metastatic disease limited to the lungs, or the pleura, or a single bone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was opened in 1999 and closed to the enrollment in 2008. The program consisted of intensive five-drug combination chemotherapy, surgery and/or radiotherapy as local treatment, and consolidation treatment with high-dose busulfan/melphalan plus autologous stem cell rescue and total-lung irradiation.

RESULTS

During the study period, 102 consecutive patients were enrolled. The median follow-up was 62 months (range 24-124). The 5-year event-free survival probability was 0.43 [standard deviation (SD) = 0.05] and the 5-year overall survival probability was 0.52 (SD = 0.052). Unfavorable prognostic factors emerging on multivariate analysis were a poor histological/radiological response at the site of the primary tumor [relative risk (RR) = 3.4], and incomplete radiological remission of lung metastases after primary chemotherapy (RR = 2.6). One toxic death and one secondary leukemia were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

This intensive approach is feasible and long-term survival is achievable in ∼50% of patients. New treatment approaches are warranted for patients responding poorly to primary chemotherapy.

Once-daily intravenous busulfan for 47 pediatric patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a single center study

We report our results using once-daily intravenous (IV) busulfan (Bu)-based conditioning adjusted by weight without drug monitoring as myeloablative conditioning in 47 pediatric patients undergoing first autologous hematopoietic transplantation from 2006 to 2010. Median age was 4 years (range, 1 to 22 y). There were 35 boys and 12 girls. Conditioning was Bu-based in all patients. In medulloblastoma patients (n=12), IV thiotepa at 5 mg/kg/d×2 days was associated with Bu. In solid tumors other than medulloblastoma, IV melphalan was used at 140 mg/m/d×1 day. In lymphoma patients (n=9), IV cyclophosphamide was used at 60 mg/kg/d×2 days. Median number of CD34 cells infused was 4.65×10/kg (range, 1.7 to 58.7×10/kg). Median times to neutrophil and platelet recovery (>20×10/L) were 11 days (range, 8 to 16 d) and 12 days (range, 7 to 135 d), respectively. Median hospitalization time was 14 days (range, 9 to 92 d). Sixteen patients developed grades III and IV mucositis. Only 1 patient developed mild sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. No patient developed seizures or severe neurological complications. With a median follow-up of 18 months, probability of transplantation-related mortality and disease-free survival were 0% and 70%±8%, respectively. In conclusion, in our experience, once-daily IV Bu-based conditioning without drug monitoring for autologous hematopoietic transplantation in pediatric patients is a safe and effective regimen with no mortality.