Event-free survival in relapsed and refractory rhabdomyosarcoma treated on cooperative group phase II trials: A report from the Children's Oncology Group

BACKGROUND

Novel therapies are needed for relapsed and refractory rhabdomyosarcoma (RRMS). Phase II clinical trials in RRMS have typically utilized radiologic response as the primary activity endpoint, an approach that poses several limitations in RRMS. In this analysis, we aimed to estimate an event-free survival (EFS) endpoint for RRMS that could be used as a benchmark for future studies.

PROCEDURE

We performed a retrospective study of patients with RRMS enrolling on 13 single-agent phase II Children's Oncology Group and legacy group trials from 1997 to 2016. All included trials used radiographic response as their primary activity endpoint. Six-month EFS was estimated from time of trial enrollment with 95% confidence intervals. Clinical characteristics, including trial of enrollment, sex, age, race, histology, number of prior chemotherapies, and radiographic response were evaluated for their impact on 6-month EFS.

RESULTS

We identified 175 patients across 13 trials. The 6-month EFS was 16.8% (11.6%-22.8%). No differences were seen in 6-month EFS based on age, sex, race, or histology. There were nonsignificant trends toward improved 6-month EFS for patients with less than or equal to two prior lines of therapy versus higher than two, for patients enrolled on trials that achieved their primary radiographic response endpoint versus trials that did not, and for patients who achieved complete or partial response compared to those achieving stable disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis of RRMS enrolled on single-agent phase II trials is poor. This pooled 6-month EFS of RRMS on single-agent trials may be used as a RRMS-specific benchmark for future single-agent phase II trials.

Embryonal sarcoma of the liver in pediatric and young adult patients: A report from Children's Oncology Group study ARST0332

BACKGROUND

Embryonal sarcoma of the liver (ESL) is a rare mesenchymal tumor most common in childhood; the optimal treatment approach is uncertain. The clinical features and outcomes of patients with ESL enrolled in a Children's Oncology Group (COG) clinical trial that evaluated a risk-based strategy for treating soft tissue sarcomas in patients aged <30 years were evaluated.

METHODS

This subset analysis included patients with ESL enrolled in COG study ARST0332. Central review of records, pathology, and imaging confirmed the diagnosis, presenting features, and surgery extent and complications. All patients received dose-intensive ifosfamide/doxorubicin chemotherapy, with cycle timing dependent on surgery and radiotherapy. Tumor resection occurred before study entry or after four cycles of chemotherapy; radiotherapy for residual tumor was optional.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine eligible/evaluable patients with ESL were analyzed. All tumors were >10 cm in diameter; four were metastatic. Tumor resection was performed upfront in 23 and delayed in 16. Positive surgical margins (n = 6) and intraoperative tumor rupture (n = 6) occurred only in upfront resections. Eight patients received radiotherapy. Estimated 5-year event-free and overall survival were 79% (95% confidence interval [CI], 65%-93%) and 95% (95% CI, 87%-100%), respectively. Positive margins increased the local recurrence risk. One of 13 patients with documented hemorrhagic ascites and/or tumor rupture developed extrahepatic intra-abdominal tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment strategy used in ARST0332 achieved favorable outcomes for patients with ESL despite a substantial proportion having high-risk disease features. Deferring tumor resection until after neoadjuvant chemotherapy may decrease the risk of intraoperative tumor rupture and improve the likelihood of adequate surgical margins.

Adolescents and young adults with rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee of the Children's Oncology Group

INTRODUCTION

The impact of established prognostic factors on survival outcomes for childhood rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) have not been well described in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) RMS patient population.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of patients with newly diagnosed RMS enrolled between 1997 and 2016 on seven previously reported Children's Oncology Group (COG) clinical trials. Demographics, clinical features, treatment details, and outcome data were collected. Five-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated for patients diagnosed at age 15-39 years and those diagnosed under age 15 years using the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank test was used to compare prognostic factors for EFS and OS. Factors significant in the univariable analysis were included in a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Nonsignificant covariates were removed from the multiple regression model.

RESULTS

Total 2151 patients including 402 AYAs were analyzed. AYAs were more likely to present with primary tumors ≥5 cm in size, metastatic disease, alveolar histology, and have FOXO1 fusions compared to children. Five-year EFS for the AYA cohort was 44.2% versus 67% for children (p < .001), and 5-year OS was 52% for the AYA cohort versus 78% for children (p < .001). Multivariable analysis revealed tumor site, size and invasiveness, clinical group, and histology were prognostic in AYAs.

CONCLUSION

AYAs with RMS have a poorer prognosis compared to younger children due to multiple factors. Further research focused on AYAs to better understand RMS biology and improve treatments is critical to improve survival.

Outcome of patients with relapsed or refractory nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas enrolled in phase 2 cooperative group clinical trials: A report from the Children's Oncology Group

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to estimate the event-free survival (EFS) of children and young adults with relapsed or refractory nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS) treated in nonrandomized phase 2 studies conducted by the Children's Oncology Group (COG) and predecessor groups to establish a benchmark EFS for future phase 2 NRSTS trials evaluating the activity of novel agents.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients with recurrent or refractory NRSTS prospectively enrolled in nonrandomized phase 2 COG and predecessor group trials between 1994 and 2015 was conducted. EFS was defined as disease progression/relapse or death and calculated via the Kaplan-Meier method. The log-rank test and relative risk regression were used to compare EFS distribution by age at enrollment, sex, race, NRSTS histology, prior lines of therapy, calendar year of trial, and type of radiographic response.

RESULTS

In total, 137 patients were enrolled in 13 phase 2 trials. All trials used radiographic response rate as a primary outcome, and none of the agents used were considered active on the basis of trial-specified thresholds. The estimated median EFS and 6-month EFS of the entire study cohort was 1.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-1.8 months) and 19.4% (95% CI, 12.7%-26%), respectively. No difference in EFS was observed by age at enrollment, sex, race, NRSTS histology subtype, prior lines of therapies, and trial initiation year. EFS significantly differed by radiographic response.

CONCLUSIONS

The EFS for children and young adults with relapsed or refractory NRSTS remains suboptimal. Established EFS can be referenced as a benchmark for future single-agent phase 2 trials incorporating potentially active novel agents in this population.

Soft Tissue Sarcomas in Adolescents and Young Adults

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) represent a heterogeneous group of extraskeletal mesenchymal tumors that affect individuals throughout the entire age continuum. Despite this pervasive influence, key differences exist in the presentation of these sarcomas across varying age groups that have prevented a more uniform approach to management. Notably, rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is more common in children, while most nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS) subtypes are more prevalent in adults. Older patients with NRSTS appear to have more molecularly complex biology and often present with more advanced disease compared with children. Poorer outcome disparities are observed in older patients with RMS despite receiving similar treatment as younger patients. In this review, we highlight differences in epidemiology, biology, and management paradigms for pediatric and adult patients with STS and explore opportunities for a unified approach to enhance the care and outcomes within the AYA population.

Outcomes After Preoperative Chemoradiation With or Without Pazopanib in Non-Rhabdomyosarcoma Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Report From Children's Oncology Group and NRG Oncology

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.ARST1321 was a phase II study designed to compare the near complete pathologic response rate after preoperative chemoradiation with/without pazopanib in children and adults with intermediate-/high-risk chemotherapy-sensitive body wall/extremity non-Rhabdomyosarcoma Soft Tissue Sarcoma (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02180867). Enrollment was stopped early following a predetermined interim analysis that found the rate of near complete pathologic response to be significantly greater with the addition of pazopanib. As a planned secondary aim of the study, the outcome data for this cohort were analyzed. Eight-five eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive (regimen A) or not receive (regimen B) pazopanib in combination with ifosfamide and doxorubicin + preoperative radiotherapy followed by primary resection at week 13 and then further chemotherapy at week 25. As of December 31, 2021, at a median survivor follow-up of 3.3 years (range, 0.1-5.8 years), the 3-year event-free survival for all patients in the intent-to-treat analysis was 52.5% (95% CI, 34.8 to 70.2) for regimen A and 50.6% (95% CI, 32 to 69.2) for regimen B (P = .8677, log-rank test); the 3-year overall survival was 75.7% (95% CI, 59.7 to 91.7) for regimen A and 65.4% (95% CI, 48.1 to 82.7) for regimen B (P = .1919, log-rank test). Although the rate of near complete pathologic response was significantly greater with the addition of pazopanib, outcomes were not statistically significantly different between the two regimens.

Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Localized Ewing Sarcoma Treated With Interval-Compressed Chemotherapy on Children's Oncology Group Study AEWS0031

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned coprimary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical trial updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.Long-term outcomes from Children's Oncology Group study AEWS0031 were assessed to determine whether the survival advantage of interval-compressed chemotherapy (ICC) was maintained over 10 years in patients with localized Ewing sarcoma (ES). AEWS0031 enrolled 568 eligible patients. Patients were randomly assigned to receive vincristine-doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide-etoposide alternating once every 3 weeks (standard timing chemotherapy [STC]) versus once every 2 weeks (ICC). For this updated report, one patient was excluded because of uncertainty of original diagnosis. The 10-year event-free survival (EFS) was 70% with ICC compared with 61% with STC (P = .03), and 10-year overall survival (OS) was 76% with ICC compared with 69% with STC (P = .04). There was no difference in the 10-year cumulative incidence of second malignant neoplasms (SMNs; PC [see Data Supplement, online only] = .5). A test for interaction demonstrated that ICC provided greater risk reduction for patients with tumor volume ≥200 mL than for patients with tumors <200 mL, but no evidence for a significant interaction in other subgroups defined by age, primary site, and histologic response. With longer-term follow-up, ICC for localized ES is associated with superior EFS and OS without an increased risk for SMN compared with STC. ICC is associated with improved outcomes even in adverse-risk patient groups.

Children's Oncology Group 2023 blueprint for research: Adolescent and young adult oncology

Over the past few decades, 5-year cancer survival has steadily improved for all adolescents and young adults (AYA, 15-39 years at diagnosis) combined. While encouraging, this progress simultaneously highlights a compelling need for improving survival in higher risk AYA subsets and for addressing health outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among long-term survivors. The Children's Oncology Group (COG), in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the adult network groups within the NCI National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN), has developed a large and growing portfolio of therapeutic AYA cancer clinical trials to identify optimal treatment approaches for common AYA cancers. Additional initiatives, led by the COG AYA Oncology Discipline Committee for increasing collaboration between the COG and the adult network groups, optimizing AYA clinical trial enrollment, and standardizing the assessment of HRQoL, have been highly successful to date. Further, NCTN-wide collaborations are currently underway focused on improving survival for AYA malignancies with poor prognosis and, through development of supportive care and care delivery trials, reducing the short- and long-term toxicity caused by cancer treatment. Leveraging the research infrastructure within the NCTN and the NCI Community Oncology Research Program, the COG will continue to champion meaningful advancements in health and survival for AYAs with cancer.

INternational Soft Tissue saRcoma ConsorTium (INSTRuCT) consensus statement: Imaging recommendations for the management of rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft-tissue neoplasm in the pediatric population. The survival of children with rhabdomyosarcoma has only marginally improved over the past 25 years and remains poor for those with metastatic disease. A significant challenge to advances in treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma is the relative rarity of this disease, necessitating years to complete clinical trials. Progress can be accelerated by international cooperation and sharing national experiences. This necessitates agreement on a common language to describe patient cohorts and consensus standards to guide diagnosis, treatment, and response assessment. These goals formed the premise for creating the INternational Soft Tissue saRcoma ConsorTium (INSTRuCT) in 2017. Multidisciplinary members of this consortium have since developed international consensus statements on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of pediatric soft-tissue sarcomas. Herein, members of the INSTRuCT Diagnostic Imaging Working Group present international consensus recommendations for imaging of patients with rhabdomyosarcoma at diagnosis, at staging, and during and after completion of therapy. The intent is to promote a standardized imaging approach to pediatric patients with this malignancy to create more-reliable comparisons of results of clinical trials internationally, thereby accelerating progress in managing rhabdomyosarcoma and improving survival.

Children's Oncology Group's 2023 blueprint for research: Soft tissue sarcomas

In the United States, approximately 850-900 children and adolescents each year are diagnosed with soft tissue sarcomas (STS). STS are divided into rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and non-rhabdomyosarcoma STS (NRSTS). RMS and NRSTS are risk stratified into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk categories, with 5-year survival rates of approximately 90%, 50%-70%, and 20%, respectively. Recent key achievements from the Children's Oncology Group (COG) STS Committee include the identification of new molecular prognostic factors for RMS, development and validation of a novel risk stratification system for NRSTS, successful completion of a collaborative NRSTS clinical trial with adult oncology consortia, and collaborative development of the INternational Soft Tissue SaRcoma ConsorTium (INSTRuCT). Current COG trials for RMS are prospectively evaluating a new risk stratification system that incorporates molecular findings, de-intensification of therapy for a very low-risk subgroup, and augmented therapy approaches for intermediate- and high-risk RMS. Trials for NRSTS exploring novel targets and local control modalities are in development.

A pilot study evaluating the use of sirolimus in children and young adults with desmoid-type fibromatosis

Deregulation of the mTOR pathway may play an important role in tumor biology when the APC/β-catenin pathway is disrupted in desmoid-type fibromatosis (DT). A pilot study was conducted to determine whether sirolimus can block the mTOR pathway (primary aim) as well as determine whether it can safely be given in the preoperative setting, decrease tumor size/recurrence, and decrease tumor-associated pain in children and young adults (secondary aims) with DT. Nine subjects ages 5-28 years were enrolled from 2014 to 2017 across four centers. Sirolimus was feasible and was associated with a nonstatistically significant decrease in pS706K activation.

Neoadjuvant pazopanib in nonrhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas (ARST1321): A report of major wound complications from the Children's Oncology Group and NRG Oncology

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The impact upon wound healing of targeted molecular therapies, when incorporated into neoadjuvant therapy of soft tissue sarcoma, is largely unknown. Here, we describe wound complications following addition of pazopanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), to neoadjuvant radiotherapy (RT) +/- chemotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma.

METHODS

Wound complications were evaluated on dose-finding and randomized arms of ARST1321, a phase II/III study incorporating neoadjuvant RT, +/- pazopanib, +/- ifosfamide/doxorubicin (ID) for sarcoma therapy.

RESULTS

Of 85 evaluable patients, 35 (41%) experienced postoperative wound complications. Most (57%) were grade III. Randomization to pazopanib + RT + ID carried a 50% wound complication rate (17/34, with 47% grade III), compared to 22% (5/23) with ID + RT alone. In nonchemotherapy study arms, pazopanib + RT resulted in a 59% wound complication rate versus 25% for those receiving RT alone. Grade III wound complications occurred among 26% (15/58) of all patients receiving pazopanib. Wound complications occurred a median of 35 days postoperatively. Some occurred following diagnostic biopsies and at remote surgical sites.

CONCLUSION

The addition of pazopanib to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and RT resulted in a higher wound complication rate following therapy of soft tissue sarcoma. The rate of grade III complications remained comparable to that reported in contemporary literature.

Trimodality Treatment of Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Where Do We Go Now?

OPINION STATEMENT

Extremity soft tissue sarcoma (ESTS) constitutes the majority of patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Patients with localized high-grade ESTS > 5 cm in size carry a substantial risk of developing distant metastasis on follow-up. A neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy approach can enhance local control by facilitating resection of the large and deep locally advanced tumors while trying to address distant spread by treating the micrometastasis for these high-risk ESTS. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy are often used for children with intermediate- or high-risk non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue tumors in North America and Europe. In adults, the cumulative evidence supporting preoperative chemoradiotherapy or adjuvant chemotherapy remains controversial. However, some studies support a possible benefit of 10% in overall survival (OS) for high-risk localized ESTS, especially for those with a probability of 10-year OS < 60% using validated nomograms. Opponents of neoadjuvant chemotherapy argue that it delays curative surgery, compromises local control, and increases the rate of wound complications and treatment-related mortality; however, the published trials do not support these arguments. Most treatment-related side effects can be managed with adequate supportive care. A coordinated multidisciplinary approach involving sarcoma expertise in surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy is required to achieve better outcomes for ESTS. The next generation of clinical trials will shed light on how comprehensive molecular characterization, targeted agents and/or immunotherapy can be integrated into the upfront trimodality treatment to improve outcomes. To that end, every effort should be made to enroll these patients on clinical trials, when available.

The significance of margins in pediatric Non-Rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas: Consensus on surgical margin definition harmonization from the INternational Soft Tissue SaRcoma ConsorTium (INSTRuCT)

BACKGROUND

Margin status following surgery in children, adolescents, and young adults with soft tissue sarcomas is controversial and has been defined differently by various specialties, with definitions changing over time and by cooperative group. The International Soft Tissue Sarcoma Consortium (INSTRuCT) is a collaboration of the Children's Oncology Group (COG) Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee, European pediatric Soft Tissue sarcoma Study Group (EpSSG), and the European Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) devoted to improving patient outcomes by pooling and mining cooperative group clinical trial data.

METHODS

The INSTRuCT non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS) working group aimed to develop international harmonized recommendations regarding surgical margin assessment and definitions in children and adolescents with soft tissue tumors.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

This review addresses accepted principles and areas of controversy, including the perspectives of surgeons, pathologists, radiation oncologists, and pediatric oncologists, to develop a framework for building common guidelines for future research.

Lymph node metastases in paediatric and young adult patients with non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS): Findings from Children's Oncology Group (COG) study ARST0332

PURPOSE

The aim of this paper is to better define the clinical features and outcomes of young patients with non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS) with regional and distant lymph node (LN) metastases treated in a standardised fashion, we analysed LN involvement in COG study ARST0332, which evaluated a risk-based treatment strategy for young patients with all stages of NRSTS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients <30 years old with newly diagnosed NRSTS and LN metastases enrolled on ARST0332 were studied. Regional LN sampling was required for those with epithelioid sarcoma, clear cell sarcoma or clinically/radiographically enlarged LNs. Tumour features and extent of pre-enrolment resection determined treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and delayed surgery. Recommendations for LN metastases included LN dissection at the time of primary tumour resection and dose-adapted radiotherapy based on extent of LN resection.

RESULTS

Twenty of 529 eligible and evaluable ARST0332 patients with NRSTS had LN metastases; epithelioid sarcoma had the highest incidence (18%, 5 of 28). Pre-treatment imaging identified LN enlargement in 19 of 20 patients; 1 had no pre-treatment LN imaging. At 6.9 years median follow-up for surviving patients, 5-year overall survival was 85.7% (95% CI: 33.4%, 97.9%) for seven patients with isolated LN metastases and 15.4% (95% CI: 2.5%, 38.8%) for 13 patients with additional extranodal metastases. LN recurrence occurred in only one patient without LNs sampled at initial diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

LN metastases occur in about 4% of paediatric/young adult NRSTS, are limited to a few histologic subtypes, and are rare in patients who did not have clinical or imaging evidence of lymphadenopathy, suggesting that biopsies of non-enlarged LNs are not necessary to identify occult involvement. Patients with isolated LN metastases have high 5-year overall survival (∼85%) and should be treated with curative intent.

CLINICALTRIALS

GOV REGISTRY NO

NCT00346164.

Clinical group and modified TNM stage for rhabdomyosarcoma: A review from the Children's Oncology Group

The Children's Oncology Group (COG) uses Clinical Group (CG) and modified Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage to classify rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). CG is based on surgicopathologic findings and is determined after the completion of initial surgical procedure(s) but prior to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The modified TNM stage is based on clinical and radiographic findings and is assigned prior to any treatment. These systems have evolved over several decades. We review the history, evolution, and rationale behind the current CG and modified TNM classification systems used by COG for RMS. Data from the seven most recently completed and reported frontline COG trials (D9602, D9802, D9803, ARST0331, ARST0431, ARST0531, ARST08P1) were analyzed, and confirm that CG and modified TNM stage remain relevant and useful for predicting prognosis in RMS. We propose updates based on recent data and discuss factors warranting future study to further optimize these classification systems.

Outcomes following preoperative chemoradiation +/- pazopanib in non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS): A report from Children's Oncology Group (COG) and NRG Oncology

11504

Background: Pazopanib is a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with activity in advanced soft tissue sarcoma. ARST1321 was a phase II study designed to compare the near complete pathologic response rate (≥ 90% necrosis) following preoperative chemoradiation +/- pazopanib in children and adults with intermediate/high risk chemotherapy-sensitive body wall/extremity NRSTS. Enrollment was stopped early following a predetermined interim analysis that found the rate of near complete pathologic response to be significantly greater with the addition of pazopanib. As a planned secondary analysis of the study, we now report the outcome data for this cohort. Methods: ARST1321 was a jointly designed COG and NRG Oncology study open to enrollment July 2014-October 2018. Eligible adult (≥18 years) and pediatric (< 18 years) patients with newly-diagnosed unresected body wall/extremity NRSTS were enrolled into the Chemotherapy Cohort (> 5 cm, FNCLCC grade 2/3, protocol-designated chemotherapy-sensitive histology). Following a dose-finding phase, patients were randomized to receive (Regimen A) or not receive (Regimen B) pazopanib (< 18 years: 350 mg/m2/day; ≥ 18 years: 600 mg/day) in combination with ifosfamide (7.5 gm/m2/cycle) and doxorubicin (75 mg/m2/cycle) + 45 Gy preoperative RT followed by primary resection at week 13, then further chemotherapy to week 25. Results: Eighty-five eligible patients were enrolled in the Chemotherapy Cohort and randomized to receive or not receive pazopanib. Median age 22.1 years (range: 5.7-64.2 years); 30 patients < 18 years. Most common histologies were synovial sarcoma (n = 42) and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (n = 19). As of December 31, 2021, at a median survivor follow-up of 3.3 years (range: 0.1 – 5.8 years), the 3-year event-free survival (EFS) for all patients in the intent-to-treat analysis was 52.5% (95% CI: 34.8%-70.2%) for Regimen A and 50.6% (32%-69.2%) for Regimen B (p = 0.8677); 3-year overall survival (OS) was 75.7% (59.7%-91.7%) for Regimen A and 65.4% (48.1%-82.7%) for Regimen B (p = 0.1919). Conclusions: Although the rate of near complete pathologic response was significantly greater with the addition of pazopanib to preoperative chemoradiation in children and adults with intermediate/high risk body wall/extremity NRSTS, outcomes were not statistically significantly different between the two regimens. Pathologic response could be a TKI-related phenomenon and may not be a good surrogate marker of outcome in future studies. Clinical trial information: NCT02180867.

Long-term outcomes in patients with localized Ewing sarcoma treated with interval-compressed chemotherapy: A long-term follow-up report from Children’s Oncology Group study AEWS0031

11505

Background: Children’s Oncology Group study AEWS0031 demonstrated superior 5-year event-free survival (EFS) in patients with localized Ewing sarcoma (ES) receiving interval-compressed (IC) chemotherapy (every 2 weeks) compared to standard timing (ST) chemotherapy (every 3 weeks). We assessed the long-term outcome of patients treated on AEWS0031 to determine whether the survival advantage of IC chemotherapy was maintained at 10 years. Methods: AEWS0031 enrolled 568 eligible patients with localized ES. Patients were stratified into four groups by age (<18 years and ≥ 18 years) and primary site (pelvic and non-pelvic), and randomized to receive 14 cycles of alternating vincristine-doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide-etoposide given every 3 weeks (ST; Regimen A) vs. every 2 weeks (IC; Regimen B). For this updated report, one patient was excluded due to uncertainty of original diagnosis giving a total of 567 patients in this analysis. Data for tumor measurements and histologic response were collected retrospectively from institutional reports. EFS and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test and Gray’s test for cumulative incidence (CI). Results: The 10-year EFS for patients treated with IC chemo was 70% compared to 61% for ST chemo (p = 0.03), and the OS was 76% with IC chemo compared to 69% for ST chemo (p = 0.03). The 10-year CI of second malignant neoplasms (SMNs) for ST chemo was 4.2% [95% confidence interval: 2.4-7.5] compared to 3.2% (95% confidence interval: 1.6-6.3) for IC chemo (p = 0.5). There was a trend towards improved 10-year EFS in those receiving IC chemo both with non-pelvic (N = 477; 71% vs. 64%) and pelvic (N = 90; 67% vs. 43%) primary tumors. Similarly, the 10-year EFS was superior for patients treated with IC chemo in both the < 18 years (N = 500; 73% vs. 64%) and ≥ 18 years (N = 67; 53% vs. 37%) age groups. Among the 184 patients with available histologic response data, the 10-year EFS from the time of local control was 76% for those with < 10% viable tumor and 56% for those with ≥ 10% viable tumor (p = 0.01). Additional analysis comparing patients with any viable tumor vs. no viable tumor (NVT) by treatment regimen demonstrated that patients with NVT who received IC chemo had 10-year EFS and OS from local control of 91% and 97%, respectively. In the 210 patients for whom tumor volume calculations were possible, there was no difference in the 10-year EFS for patients with tumors < 200 mL vs. ≥ 200 mL. Conclusions: With longer term follow-up, IC chemotherapy for localized ES is associated with superior EFS and OS without an increase in SMNs. This study suggests patients ≥ 18 years with poor necrosis or pelvic primary tumors remain at high risk for relapse despite IC chemo, emphasizing the need for alternative treatment strategies to improve their outcomes. Clinical trial information: NCT00006734.

The effects of pazopanib on doxorubicin pharmacokinetics in children and adults with non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma: a report from Children's Oncology Group and NRG Oncology study ARST1321

PURPOSE

The use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment for soft tissue sarcomas is increasing given promising signals of activity in a variety of tumor types. The recently completed study in non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas, ARST1321, demonstrated that the addition of pazopanib to neoadjuvant ifosfamide, doxorubicin, and radiation improved the pathological near complete response rate compared with chemoradiotherapy alone. Pharmacokinetic (PK) evaluation of doxorubicin with pazopanib has not been previously reported. As an exploratory aim, doxorubicin PK data were collected during the dose-finding phase of the study in patients receiving chemotherapy and pazopanib to assess the effect of pazopanib on doxorubicin PK parameters.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected during cycle 2 (week 4) of chemotherapy at the following time points from doxorubicin administration: predose, 5, 30, and 60 min, and 2, 4, 8, 24 ± 3, and 48 ± 3 h after dosing. The population pharmacokinetic and individual post hoc estimates of doxorubicin and doxorubicinol were determined by nonlinear mixed-effects modeling.

RESULTS

There were 52 doxorubicin and doxorubicinol samples from 7 individuals in this study (median age: 17 years; range 14-23). The doxorubicin clearance was 26.9 (16.1, 36.4, and 33.9) L/h/m2 (post hoc median and range) and 25.8 (23.3%) L/h/m2 [population estimate and IIV (CV%)]. The doxorubicinol apparent clearance was 67.5 (18.2, 1701) L/h/m2 (post hoc median and range) and 58.7 (63.7%) L/h/m2 [population estimate and IIV (CV%)].

CONCLUSION

The PK data of seven patients treated on ARST1321 is consistent with previously reported population and post hoc doxorubicin clearance and doxorubicinol apparent clearance estimates, showing that the addition of pazopanib does not significantly alter doxorubicin pharmacokinetics. These data support the safety of administration of pazopanib with doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy.

Identified Enrollment Challenges of Adolescent and Young Adult Patients on the Nonchemotherapy Arm of Children's Oncology Group Study ARST1321

ARST1321, a trial of patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma, was the first National Clinical Trials Network study codeveloped by pediatric and adult consortia with two treatment cohorts. We report on the findings of a survey to identify barriers to enrolling adolescent and young adult patients (15-39 years) onto the nonchemotherapy arm. The survey response rate was 31% with a 70% completion rate. Common identified reasons for low accrual in order of decreasing frequency included insufficient funding, lack of study awareness or interest, competing trials, toxicity concerns, philosophical differences in the therapy backbone, and regulatory and infrastructure barriers. Clinical Trials.gov ID: NCT02180867.

Pathological response in children and adults with large unresected intermediate-grade or high-grade soft tissue sarcoma receiving preoperative chemoradiotherapy with or without pazopanib (ARST1321): a multicentre, randomised, open-label, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

Outcomes for children and adults with advanced soft tissue sarcoma are poor with traditional therapy. We investigated whether the addition of pazopanib to preoperative chemoradiotherapy would improve pathological near complete response rate compared with chemoradiotherapy alone.

METHODS

In this joint Children's Oncology Group and NRG Oncology multicentre, randomised, open-label, phase 2 trial, we enrolled eligible adults (aged ≥18 years) and children (aged between 2 and <18 years) from 57 hospitals in the USA and Canada with unresected, newly diagnosed trunk or extremity chemotherapy-sensitive soft tissue sarcoma, which were larger than 5 cm in diameter and of intermediate or high grade. Eligible patients had Lansky (if aged ≤16 years) or Karnofsky (if aged >16 years) performance status score of at least 70. Patients received ifosfamide (2·5 g/m² per dose intravenously on days 1-3 with mesna) and doxorubicin (37·5 mg/m² per dose intravenously on days 1-2) with 45 Gy preoperative radiotherapy, followed by surgical resection at week 13. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) using a web-based system, in an unmasked manner, to receive oral pazopanib (if patients <18 years 350 mg/m² once daily; if patients ≥18 years 600 mg once daily) or not (control group), with pazopanib not given immediately before or after surgery at week 13. The study projected 100 randomly assigned patients were needed to show an improvement in the number of participants with a 90% or higher pathological response at week 13 from 40% to 60%. Analysis was done per protocol. This study has completed accrual and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02180867.

FINDINGS

Between July 7, 2014, and Oct 1, 2018, 81 eligible patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the pazopanib group (n=42) or the control group (n=39). At the planned second interim analysis with 42 evaluable patients and a median follow-up of 0·8 years (IQR 0·3-1·6) in the pazopanib group and 1 year (0·3-1·6) in the control group, the number of patients with a 90% pathological response or higher was 14 (58%) of 24 patients in the pazopanib group and four (22%) of 18 patients in the control group, with a between-group difference in the number of 90% or higher pathological response of 36·1% (83·8% CI 16·5-55·8). On the basis of an interim analysis significance level of 0·081 (overall one-sided significance level of 0·20, power of 0·80, and O'Brien-Fleming-type cumulative error spending function), the 83·8% CI for response difference was between 16·5% and 55·8% and thus excluded 0. The improvement in pathological response rate with the addition of pazopanib crossed the predetermined boundary and enrolment was stopped. The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were leukopenia (16 [43%] of 37 patients), neutropenia (15 [41%]), and febrile neutropenia (15 [41%]) in the pazopanib group, and neutropenia (three [9%] of 35 patients) and febrile neutropenia (three [9%]) in the control group. 22 (59%) of 37 patients in the pazopanib group had a pazopanib-related serious adverse event. Paediatric and adult patients had a similar number of grade 3 and 4 toxicity. There were seven deaths (three in the pazopanib group and four in the control group), none of which were treatment related.

INTERPRETATION

In this presumed first prospective trial of soft tissue sarcoma spanning nearly the entire age spectrum, adding pazopanib to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy improved the rate of pathological near complete response, suggesting that this is a highly active and feasible combination in children and adults with advanced soft tissue sarcoma. The comparison of survival outcomes requires longer follow-up.

FUNDING

National Institutes of Health, St Baldrick's Foundation, Seattle Children's Foundation.

Enrollment barriers of adolescents and young adults (AYA) on the non-chemotherapy arm of ARST1321

e19214

Background: ARST1321(PAZNTIS): A Phase II/III Randomized Trial of Preoperative Chemoradiation or Preoperative Radiation Plus or Minus Pazopanib (NCT02180867) was the first National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) study co-developed by pediatric (COG) and adult (NRG Oncology) consortia anticipating enrollment of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients. ARST1321 had two treatment cohorts, enrolling patients ≥ 2 years of age to either chemotherapy (C) (chemoradiation ± pazopanib) or non-chemotherapy (NC) (radiation ± pazopanib) arms. It was anticipated adults would contribute the majority of enrollments on the NC arm based on prior enrollment patterns. While the C arm accrued as anticipated (with high enrollment of adults and children), the NC arm had low enrollment leading to premature closure. We report on AYA accrual (defined as 15-39 years) to the NC arm and a survey aiming to identify barriers to enrolling AYA patients onto ARST1321. Methods: Our survey was emailed to 161 adult, surgical, and radiation oncologists at large sarcoma centers. A link was sent to an online questionnaire via SurveyMonkey Inc. and responses were reviewed on their platform. Results: 33 patients enrolled on the ARST1321 NC arm, of which 24% were AYA. 25% of AYA enrollments were from non-COG adult cooperative groups. This trial arm was closed in October 2017 after 3.25 years of accrual below anticipated rates. The survey response rate was 31% with a 70% completion rate. Almost half of respondents were medical oncologists with most seeing 50-200 new sarcoma cases/year at an academic institution and 30% in a pediatric environment (divided equally between radiation and surgical oncologists). 70% of respondents have a joint collaboration with their pediatric oncology team with 23% having a joint clinic. 70% of respondents’ sites opened ARST1321 and anticipated 1-5 patients would be eligible for the NC cohort. However, 42% of respondents’ sites had zero patients enrolled on that arm. The most common reasons for not opening the study and/or not enrolling patients on the NC arm included: lack of interest, disagreement with the therapy, lack of a site investigator, premature study closure, patient/family decision, competing trials, insufficient reimbursement, and regulatory delays. Conclusions: Our survey highlights multiple barriers to enrollment of AYA onto cross-NCTN consortia clinical trials spanning the age spectrum. The information obtained will help inform investigators aiming to effectively design, enroll, and conduct similar trial efforts for AYA in the future.

ARST1321: Pazopanib neoadjuvant trial in non-rhabdomysarcoma soft tissue sarcomas: A report of major wound complications

11059

Background: The care of soft tissue sarcomas is complex and multidisciplinary in nature. Even without radiation or chemotherapy wound complications are common after surgical resection with a reported incidence of 6-42%. Wound complication rates with the use of neoadjuvant chemoradiation for high-grade soft tissue sarcomas has been reported and supported in the literature to be approximately 30%. Relevant to this study, a trial evaluating the use of a VEGF receptor inhibitor (bevacizumab) in combination with radiation pre-operatively in soft tissue sarcomas reported a wound complication rate of 25%. ARST 1321 is a phase II/III study evaluating the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Pazopanib +/- chemotherapy and radiation in select high-grade soft tissue sarcomas. The dose-finding phase has been completed and the objective of this report is to detail the major wound complications observed with this protocol. Methods: Patient enrolled on all arms of the study (Pre-operative radiation, +/- pazopanib, +/- doxorubicin and ifosphamide) were evaluated for wound complications (Grade I/II and Grade III). Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and complication details were compiled and analyzed. Results: There were a total of 130 evaluable patients (100 patients on chemotherapy arm, 30 on non-chemotherapy arm). There were 38 overall wound complications reported (38/130, 29%). 23/38 (60%) occurred on the chemotherapy arm; therefore that cohort had 23/100 (23%) wound complication rate, while the non-chemotherapy cohort had an overall rate of 50% (15/30). Grade III wound complications represented 23/38 (66%) of all the complications. 30/38 (79%) of the complications were in the lower extremity. 23/38 (60%) patients were aged > 18 years. Conclusions: The overall rate of wound complications observed was 29% (38/130) which remains within the accepted historical rate based upon literature review without the use of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The overall major wound complication (grade III) rate was 19% (25/130). Also consistent with the literature is the finding that a majority of the complications occurred in the lower extremity. In conclusion, the addition of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (pazopanib) has a wound complication toxicity profile comparable to current and historical literature. Clinical trial information: NCT02180867.

Preoperative chemoradiation +/- pazopanib in non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS): A report from Children's Oncology Group (COG) and NRG Oncology

11002

Background: Pazopanib is a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor with activity in advanced soft tissue sarcoma. ARST1321 is a phase II study designed to compare the near complete pathologic response rate (≥ 90% necrosis) of preoperative chemoradiation +/- pazopanib in children and adults with intermediate/high risk chemotherapy-sensitive NRSTS. Methods: ARST1321 is a jointly designed COG and NRG Oncology study opened to enrollment in July 2014. Eligible adult (≥18 years) and pediatric ( < 18 years) patients with unresected, newly diagnosed truncal/extremity NRSTS were enrolled into the Chemotherapy Cohort ( > 5 cm, grade 2/3, protocol-designated chemotherapy-sensitive histology). Following a dose-finding phase, patients were randomized to receive (Regimen A) or not receive (Regimen B) pazopanib ( < 18 years: 350 mg/m2/day; ≥ 18 years: 600 mg/day) in combination with ifosfamide (7.5 gm/m2/cycle) and doxorubicin (75 mg/m2/cycle) + 45 Gy preoperative RT followed by primary resection at week 13, then adjuvant chemotherapy. Results: As of June 30, 2018, 81 eligible patients were enrolled and randomized. Week 13 response is available for 42 patients (60% of expected information). The rate of ≥ 90% pathologic necrosis was 58.3% for Regimen A and 22.2% for Regimen B. Based on the significance level of 0.081 (for the second efficacy analysis with overall one-sided significance level of 0.20, power of 0.80, and O’Brien-Fleming-type cumulative error spending function), the 83.8% confidence interval for the difference was between 16.5% and 55.8%. At this predetermined interim analysis, the efficacy bound was crossed indicating that Regimen A is more efficacious than Regimen B. Given these findings, enrollment was stopped. Grade 3/4 toxicities were 73.8% for Regimen A and 29% for Regimen B with neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and febrile neutropenia being the most common toxicities. Conclusions: The rate of near complete pathologic response was significantly greater with the addition of pazopanib to preoperative chemoradiation in children and adults with intermediate/high risk NRSTS. The comparison of survival outcomes requires longer follow-up. Clinical trial information: NCT02180867.

Results of the dose-finding phase of ARST 1321 from the Children's Oncology Group and NRG Oncology: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation or radiation therapy +/- pazopanib in non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas

11070

Background: Pazopanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved globally for advanced soft tissue sarcomas. The dose finding phase of this cooperative group trial assessed the dose limiting toxicities (DLT) and the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) of adding pazopanib to neoadjuvant chemoradiation or radiation therapy in children and adults with unresected intermediate/high-risk trunk and extremity non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas (NRSTS). Methods: ARST1321, a jointly designed intergroup study lead by Children's Oncology Group and NRG Oncology opened for enrollment in July 2014. Eligible adult and pediatric patients with newly diagnosed, unresected trunk/extremity NRSTS with plans for primary tumor resection were enrolled into either the Chemotherapy Cohort (those with chemosensitive NRSTS > 5 cm, grade 3, including all synovial sarcoma) or the Non-Chemotherapy Cohort (those with chemotherapy insensitive NRSTS of any size, grade 2/3, or any chemosensitive NRSTS for whom no chemotherapy was planned per discretion of patients and treatment teams). In the Chemotherapy Cohort, pazopanib was given with ifosfamide (7.5 grams/m2) and doxorubicin (75 mg/m2) plus 45 Gy preoperative RT starting after cycle 2. Primary tumor was resected at week 13, followed by chemotherapy and pazopanib to week 25. In the Non-Chemotherapy Cohort, pazopanib was given with 50 Gy preoperative RT, primary tumor was resected at week 10, and pazopanib continued to week 25. Feasibility was assessed through week 6 of therapy to determine pazopanib dose escalation/de-escalation based on DLT, total doses of pazopanib, and overall adverse event profile. Results: In the Chemotherapy Cohort, MTD was reached at Dose Level 1 (350 mg/m2 peds; 600 mg adults) with two DLTs (1 grade 3 ALT rise, 1 intolerability to therapy) in 10 patients. In the Non-Chemotherapy Cohort, 11 patients enrolled at Dose Level 1 (350 mg/m2 peds; 600 mg adults) without any observed DLTs and all received ≥75% of prescribed total pazopanib dose; MTD was reached at Dose Level 2 (450 mg/m2 peds; 800 mg adults) with 2 DLTs in ten patients enrolled (1 grade 3 dermatitis and 1 intolerability to therapy) and 9/10 receiving ≥75% of full dose. Conclusions: Pazopanib in combination with chemoradiation or radiation therapy alone was found to be safe in children and adults with NRSTS. Following this finding, ARST1321 opened in both arms using the newly determined pazopanib MTDs. Clinical trial information: NCT02180867.

Clinical features and outcomes of young patients with epithelioid sarcoma: an analysis from the Children's Oncology Group and the European paediatric soft tissue Sarcoma Study Group prospective clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Data on the clinical features, optimal treatment and outcomes of paediatric patients with epithelioid sarcoma (ES) are limited and mostly retrospective.

METHODS

A subset analysis of ES patients < 30 years of age enrolled on two international prospective clinical trials conducted between 7/2005 and 11/2015 was performed. Risk-adapted therapy was based on tumour diameter, histologic grade, extent of surgery and presence/absence of metastases and included surgery ± radiotherapy for all patients with the addition of ifosfamide/doxorubicin chemotherapy for intermediate-/high-risk patients. Response to therapy, event-free and overall survival and pattern and predictors of treatment failure were evaluated.

RESULTS

Sixty-three ES patients (median age 13.1 years, 52% male) were eligible. Clinical features included the following: 68% extremity, median tumour diameter 3.5 cm, 56% high histologic grade, 14% nodal metastases, 14% distant metastases. Thirty-four low-risk patients underwent surgery (n = 30) or surgery/radiotherapy (n = 4); 16 intermediate-risk and 13 high-risk patients received chemotherapy ± surgery ± radiotherapy. Partial response was observed in 11/22 (50%) patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy. Events were local recurrence (n = 10) and distant recurrence (n = 15); estimated 5-year survival was 86.4%, 63.5% and 0%, respectively, for low-, intermediate- and high-risk patients. Locoregional nodal involvement, invasive tumour, high grade and lesser extent of resection predicted event-free survival in patients without metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

Most low-risk ES patients who have undergone an adequate resection fare well without adjuvant therapy. Large tumour size, high histologic grade, tumour invasiveness, inadequate tumour resection and metastatic disease predict poorer outcomes in higher risk ES patients, for whom more effective therapies are needed.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

COG ARST0332: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00346164, EpSSG NRSTS 2005: European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials No. 2005-001139-31.

Clinical trial enrollment of adolescents and young adults with sarcoma

More than half of all sarcomas occur in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 15 to 39 years. After the publication of the AYA series in the April 1, 2016 issue of Cancer, several leaders in the field of sarcoma across disciplines gathered to discuss the status of sarcoma clinical research in AYAs. They determined that a focused effort to include the underrepresented and understudied AYA population in current and future sarcoma clinical trials is overdue. Trial enrichment for AYA-aged sarcoma patients will produce more meaningful results that better represent the disease's biology, epidemiology, and treatment environment. To address the current deficit, this commentary outlines changes believed to be necessary to expediently achieve an increase in the enrollment of AYAs in sarcoma clinical trials. Cancer 2017;123:3434-40. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Cognition in aged rhesus monkeys: effect of DHEA and correlation with steroidogenic gene expression

Estradiol supplementation has been shown to enhance cognitive performance in old ovariectomized rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). To determine if similar benefits could be achieved in perimenopausal animals using alternative hormonal supplements, we administered dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to old ovary-intact female rhesus macaques for ∼2.5 months. Using computerized touch screen memory tasks, including delayed response (DR) and delayed matching-to-sample (DMS), we observed improved performance with time in all of the animals but failed to detect a significant effect of DHEA. On the other hand, gene expression profiling disclosed a significant correlation between cognitive performance and the expression of several steroidogenic and steroid-responsive genes. The DR performance was positively correlated with hippocampal expression of AKR1C3 and STAR and negatively correlated with the expression of SDRD5A1. A positive correlation was also found between DMS performance and prefrontal cortical expression of AKR1C3 and a negative correlation with STAR, as well as a negative correlation with the hippocampal expression of HSD11B1 and NR3C1. Taken together, the results suggest that steroidogenic gene regulation within the brain may help to maintain cognitive function during the perimenopausal transition period, despite a decline in sex-steroid levels in the circulation.

Enhancing Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Research Within the National Clinical Trials Network: Rationale, Progress, and Emerging Strategies

Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology (AYAO, including patients 15-39 years of age) is an emerging discipline in the field of cancer treatment and research. Poorer survival outcomes for this population and characteristic age-related challenges in care have called attention to the need for increased AYAO research. This chapter outlines pressing questions and reviews recent progress in AYAO research within the current organizational structure of the federal clinical trials enterprise, emphasizing how the United States National Cancer Institute's National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) has created novel opportunities for collaborative AYAO research among the pediatric and adult NCTN groups. Potential strategies for expanding AYAO research, both within the NCTN and with other partners in the federal and advocacy domains are identified.

Inclusion of Adolescents and Young Adults in Cancer Clinical Trials

OBJECTIVES

To discuss recent and current initiatives to increase enrollment of adolescents and young adult (AYA) cancer patients onto National Cancer Institute-funded clinical trials to improve outcomes.

DATA SOURCES

Peer-reviewed publications, websites of professional organizations.

CONCLUSION

Despite many challenges facing AYAs, recent studies illustrate that AYA-focused cancer clinical trials can be successfully developed and conducted. Development of the National Cancer Institute National Clinical Trials Network and related AYA-focused initiatives create new opportunities to expand clinical trials that serve AYAs.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nurses can influence AYA outcomes by leveraging their roles as educators and collaborators to increase participation in cancer clinical trials.

Next generation sequencing reveals skewing of the T and B cell receptor repertoires in patients with wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

The Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is due to mutations of the WAS gene encoding for the cytoskeletal WAS protein, leading to abnormal downstream signaling from the T cell and B cell antigen receptors (TCR and BCR). We hypothesized that the impaired signaling through the TCR and BCR in WAS would subsequently lead to aberrations in the immune repertoire of WAS patients. Using next generation sequencing (NGS), the T cell receptor β and B cell immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) repertoires of eight patients with WAS and six controls were sequenced. Clonal expansions were identified within memory CD4⁺ cells as well as in total, naïve and memory CD8⁺ cells from WAS patients. In the B cell compartment, WAS patient IGH repertoires were also clonally expanded and showed skewed usage of IGHV and IGHJ genes, and increased usage of IGHG constant genes, compared with controls. To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates significant abnormalities of the immune repertoire in WAS patients using NGS.

Histologic and clinical characteristics can guide staging evaluations for children and adolescents with rhabdomyosarcoma: a report from the Children's Oncology Group Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee

PURPOSE

To simplify the recommended staging evaluation by correlating tumor and clinical features with patterns of distant metastasis in newly diagnosed patients with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) or alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patient data from the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group and the Children's Oncology Group over two periods were analyzed: 1991 to 1997 and 1999 to 2004. We used recursive partitioning analyses to identify factors (including histology, age, regional nodal and distant metastatic status, tumor size, local invasiveness, and primary site) that divided patients into subsets with the most different rates of metastatic disease.

RESULTS

Of the 1,687 patients analyzed, 5.7% had lung metastases, 4.8% had bone involvement, and 6% had bone marrow (BM) involvement. Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) without local invasion (T1) had a low rate of metastasis for all distant sites, especially ERMS (0% bone, 0% BM). ARMS with local invasion (T2) had a higher rate of metastasis for all distant sites (13% lung, 18% bone, 23% BM). ERMS, T2 also had a higher rate of metastatic lung involvement (9%). The likelihood of bone or BM involvement increased in the presence of lung metastases (41% with, 6% without). Regional nodal metastases (N1) predicted a high rate of metastasis in all distant sites (14% lung, 14% bone, 18% BM). A staging algorithm was developed.

CONCLUSION

Staging studies in childhood RMS can be tailored to patients' presenting characteristics. Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy and bone scan are unnecessary in at least one third of patients with RMS.

An unusual presentation of May-Thurner syndrome in a pediatric patient with a pelvic kidney

We report a case of an adolescent who presented with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and clinical findings consistent with May-Thurner Syndrome. Specific imaging demonstrated direct compression of the left common iliac vein by an overlying pelvic kidney. The patient's history and clinical presentation is detailed. The discussion focuses on the potential implications for care and management of a patient with an ectopic left pelvic kidney.

Use of Recombinant Factor VIIa in a Pediatric Patient With Initial Presentation of Refractory Acute Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Severe Bleeding

Severe bleeding in acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is rare but can cause significant complications to the patient. Here we report the case of a pediatric patient with acute ITP and hematuria refractory to anti-D immune globulin, high dose intravenous immunoglobulin G, and high dose steroids. Her hematuria was successfully treated with recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa). While further investigation on the use of rFVIIa in ITP is warranted, this case report contributes to the pediatric literature for its use during the course of an initial presentation of ITP with hemorrhagic complications.

Randomized controlled trial of interval-compressed chemotherapy for the treatment of localized Ewing sarcoma: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

PURPOSE

Chemotherapy with alternating vincristine-doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide-etoposide cycles and primary tumor treatment with surgery and/or radiation therapy constitute the usual approach to localized Ewing sarcoma in North America. We tested whether chemotherapy intensification through interval compression could improve outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial for patients younger than 50 years old with newly diagnosed localized extradural Ewing sarcoma. Patients assigned to standard and intensified treatment were to begin chemotherapy cycles every 21 and 14 days, respectively, provided an absolute neutrophil count greater than 750×10(6)/L and a platelet count greater than 75×10(9)/L. Patients received vincristine (2 mg/m2), doxorubicin (75 mg/m2), and cyclophosphamide (1.2 g/m2) alternating with ifosfamide (9 g/m2) and etoposide (500 mg/m2) for 14 cycles, with filgrastim (5 mg/kg per day; maximum, 300 mg) between cycles. Primary tumor treatment (surgery, radiation, or both) was to begin at week 13 (after four cycles in the standard arm and six cycles in the intensified arm). The primary end point was event-free survival (EFS). The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT00006734).

RESULTS

Five hundred eighty-seven patients were enrolled and randomly assigned, and 568 patients were eligible, with 284 patients in each regimen. For all cycles, the median cycle interval for standard treatment was 21 days (mean, 22.45 days); for intensified treatment, the median interval was 15 days (mean, 17.29 days). EFS at a median of 5 years was 65% in the standard arm and 73% in the intensified arm (P=.048). The toxicity of the regimens was similar.

CONCLUSION

For localized Ewing sarcoma, chemotherapy administered every 2 weeks is more effective than chemotherapy administered every 3 weeks, with no increase in toxicity.

Decision-making in the delivery room: a survey of neonatologists

OBJECTIVE

To examine influences on neonatologists' decision-making regarding resuscitation of extremely premature infants.

STUDY DESIGN

A mailed survey of Illinois neonatologists evaluated influences on resuscitation. Personal and parentally opposed (that is, acting against parental wishes) gray zones of resuscitation were defined, with the lower limit (LL) the gestational age at or below which resuscitation would be consistently withheld and the upper limit (UL) above which resuscitation was mandatory.

RESULT

Among the 85 respondents, LL and UL of the personal and parentally opposed gray zones were median 22 and 25 weeks, respectively. Neonatologists with an UL personal gray zone <25 completed weeks were significantly more fearful of litigation, more likely to have received didactic/continuing medical education teaching, and less likely to always consider parents' opinions in resuscitation decisions. Neonatologists with an UL parentally opposed gray zone <25 completed weeks were more fearful of litigation.

CONCLUSION

Neonatologists perceive a 'gray zone' of resuscitative practices and should understand that external influences may affect their delivery room resuscitation practices.

Polyuria associated with high-dose methotrexate in two patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Although methotrexate has an established safety profile in clinical practice, severe morbidity can still occur on rare occasions. We report two patients with leukemia treated with high dose methotrexate. Both patients developed profound polyuria that required aggressive fluid resuscitations during the treatments. Renal toxicity is a known complication of methotrexate, but polyuria associated with its use has not been reported before. Polyuria started shortly after the initiation of the medicine in both patients. The polyuria resolved as the drug level in blood became undetectable. The episodes of polyuria were transient and recurred every time when the patients received methotrexate. The clinical pictures were not compatible with classical drug induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. It is possible that the drug interferes with adenosine metabolism, which in turn alters the tubular ability of solute and fluid reabsorption.

Expression of endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthases and nitric oxide production in ovine placental and uterine tissues during late pregnancy

We evaluated the expression of endothelial (eNOS) and inducible (iNOS) nitric oxide (NO) synthases, NO production, and the role of angiotensin II (ANG II) in regulating NO production during late ovine pregnancy (day 110-142). Samples of the following tissues were obtained: fetal [cotyledonary (COT)] and maternal [caruncular (CAR)] portions of the placentoma, intercotyledonary fetal chorioallantoic membrane (ICOT) and intercaruncular maternal endometrium (ICAR). Using immunohistochemistry, eNOS positive staining was detected in all four tissues, primarily in the endothelium, chorioallantoic membrane, and luminal and glandular epithelium. For iNOS, the positive staining was observed primarily in stromal cells in ICOT and ICAR. Expression of eNOS and iNOS proteins was confirmed in COT using Western immunoblot. eNOS protein levels increased (P< 0.05) approximately 3.5-fold from day 110 to 130 and then declined at term, whereas no change in iNOS protein levels was observed throughout the days studied. The tissue explants of COT, CAR, ICOT and ICAR were cultured in media in the absence or presence of ANG II (10(-9)or 10(-7) m) for 24 h. Total NO (nitrate and nitrite) levels in the explant-conditioned media were determined by chemiluminesence. In fetal COT, total NO levels increased (P< 0.05) 3.5-fold from day 110 to 130 and then declined (P< 0.05) at term. In ICOT, total NO levels exhibited a gradually increasing trend (r(2)=0.96, P< 0.01) from day 110 to days 130 and 142. In maternal CAR, total NO levels were higher (P< 0.05) on day 130 than those on days 120 and 142, whereas no change in total NO levels was observed in ICAR. ANG II at 10(-7) m treatment decreased (P< 0.05) total NO levels in COT on day 130. Thus, during late ovine pregnancy: (1) eNOS is expressed in COT, CAR, ICOT and ICAR while iNOS is primarily seen in stromal cells of ICOT and ICAR; (2) NO production by COT exhibits a biphasic pattern and parallels the changes in eNOS, but not iNOS protein levels, suggesting that eNOS is a predominant NOS isoform for the NO production; and (3) ANG II may contribute partially to decreases in NO production by COT at term.

Triple-contrast computed tomography in the evaluation of penetrating posterior abdominal injuries

Routine exploration of stable patients who have penetrating injuries of the posterior abdomen results in a high rate of unnecessary operation. Prolonged observation, while safe, is expensive and potentially morbid in the event that a retroperitoneal injury has occurred and treatment is delayed. To evaluate these injuries, we have developed and employed a protocol for computed tomographic (CT) scanning of the abdomen employing oral, intravenous, and rectal administration of contrast material to visualize the retroperitoneal contents. Between Jan 1, 1985, and Dec 1, 1986, 40 patients were studied in this manner. In each case, the path of penetration could be determined exactly by tracing the course of air and hematoma through the tissues. All retroperitoneal organs could be evaluated well enough to exclude injuries requiring intervention. The majority of patients showed subcutaneous penetrations only. All six significant intra-abdominal injuries were diagnosed correctly and confirmed at laparotomy. All 34 patients deemed by CT not to have significant injury were observed for 72 hours, and all were discharged uneventfully. Triple-contrast CT appears to be of great value in the triage of penetrating posterior abdominal trauma into operative and nonoperative groups.