Long-term neurotoxicity among childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia survivors enrolled between 1971 and 1998 in EORTC Children Leukemia Group studies

Survival after childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has increased over the last 40 years with an overall survival above 90%. Survivors may experience neurological late effects secondary to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This observational retrospective study evaluated the cumulative incidence of neurological late effects among 890 childhood ALL survivors treated in EORTC CLG trials (58741, 58831/2 and 58881) between 1971 and 1998. Median follow-up was 19 years and interquartile range of the follow-up was 15-22 years. At 20 years from the end of treatment, approximately 66% of patients from the 58741 trial (accrual time: 1971-1978) and approximately 15% from the more recent trials had cognitive disturbance grade 1 or higher. Cumulative incidences at 20 years from treatment end of seizures, stroke and leukoencephalopathy were respectively 45%, 16% and 62% in study 58741, 13%, 2% and 5% in study 58831/2, and 8%, 2% and 3% in study 58881. Patients who were 10-17 years of age at diagnosis had a higher incidence of stroke and leukoencephalopathy as compared to those less than 6 years of age. Noteworthy, all neurological late effects continued to occur beyond 5 years after end of treatment. This retrospective study highlights the frequency of neurological late effects in survivors of childhood ALL. With the increase of the overall survival of ALL patients, the role and potential benefit of longitudinal neurological screening should be evaluated in further studies as these neurological late effects become an important public health challenge. This study is part of the larger EORTC CLG 58 Late Adverse Effects (LAE) study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01298388, date of registration February 16, 2011).

Inter-center reproducibility of standard and advanced echocardiographic parameters in the EACVI-AFib echo registry

AIM

we sought to test the inter-center reproducibility of 16 echo laboratories involved in the EACVI-Afib Echo Europe.

METHODS

This was done on a dedicated setting of 10 patients with sinus rhythm (SR) and 10 with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), collected by the Principal Investigator. Images and loops of echo-exams were stored and made available for labs. The tested measurements included main echo-Doppler parameters, global longitudinal strain (GLS) and peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS).

RESULTS

Single measures interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of left ventricular mass and ejection fraction were suboptimal in both patients with SR and AF. Among diastolic parameters, ICCs of deceleration time were poor, in particular in AF (=.50). ICCs of left atrial size and function, besides optimal in AF, showed an acceptable despite moderate concordance in SR. ICC of GLS was .81 and .78 in SR and AF respectively. ICCs of PALS were suitable but lower in 4-chamber than in 2-chamber view. By depicting the boxplot of the 16 laboratories, GLS distribution was completely homogeneous in SR, whereas GLS of AF and PALS of both SR and AF presented a limited number of outliers. GLS mean ± SE of the 16 labs was 19.7 ± .36 (95% CI: 18.8-20.4) in SR and 16.5 ± .29 (95% CI: 15.9-17.1) in AF, whereas PALS mean ± SE was 43.8 ± .70 (95% CI: 42.3-45.3) and 10.2 ± .32 (95% CI: 9.5-10.9) respectively.

CONCLUSION

While the utilization of some standard-echo variables should be discouraged in registries, the application of GLS and PALS could be largely promoted because their superior reproducibility, even in AF.

Comprehensive profiling of stem-like features in pediatric glioma cell cultures and their relation to the subventricular zone

Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are brain tumors occurring in children and adolescents associated with a dismal prognosis despite existing treatments. Therapeutic failure in both adult and pHGG has been partially imputed to glioma stem cells (GSC), a subset of cancer cells endowed with stem-like cell potential and malignant, invasive, adaptative, and treatment-resistant capabilities. Whereas GSC have largely been portrayed in adult tumors, less information has been provided in pHGG. The aim of our study was to comprehensively document the stem-like capacities of seven in-use pediatric glioma cell cultures (Res259, UW479, SF188, KNS42, SF8628, HJSD-DIPG-007 and HJSD-DIPG-012) using parallel in vitro assays assessing stem cell-related protein expression, multipotency, self-renewal and proliferation/quiescence, and in vivo investigation of their tumorigenicity and invasiveness. Data obtained from in vitro experiments revealed glioma subtype-dependent expression of stem cell-related markers and varying abilities for differentiation, self-renewal, and proliferation/quiescence. Among tested cultures, DMG H3-K27 altered cultures displayed a particular pattern of stem-like markers expression and a higher fraction of cells with self-renewal potential. Four cultures displaying distinctive stem-like profiles were further tested for their ability to initiate tumors and invade the brain tissue in mouse orthotopic xenografts. The selected cell cultures all showed a great tumor formation capacity, but only DMG H3-K27 altered cells demonstrated a highly infiltrative phenotype. Interestingly, we detected DMG H3-K27 altered cells relocated in the subventricular zone (SVZ), which has been previously described as a neurogenic area, but also a potential niche for brain tumor cells. Finally, we observed an SVZ-induced phenotypic modulation of the glioma cells, as evidenced by their increased proliferation rate. In conclusion, this study recapitulated a systematic stem-like profiling of various pediatric glioma cell cultures and call to a deeper characterization of DMG H3-K27 altered cells nested in the SVZ.

[Cardiac erethism]

Cardiac erethism is a state of hyperexcitability of the heart. It results in hyperpulsatility, which is characterized by an ample pulse, an accentuation of heart sounds on auscultation, and an exaggeration of heart movements on echocardiography. While it can be very troublesome, cardiac erethism has no pathological significance. However, care must be taken to exclude any underlying cardiac or extracardiac pathology before confirming the diagnosis. No treatment is usually considered except to reassure the patient and avoid contributing factors. Beta-blockers are effective and should be prescribed on a case-by-case basis.

Quality of life of long-term childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors: Comparison with healthy controls

OBJECTIVE

Improved treatment landscape has led to better outcomes for paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors. As the number of survivors increase, we need to elucidate the long-term quality of life (QoL) and domains of complaints in these patients. Furthermore, the main priorities of these patients need to be clarified. We assessed long-term QoL outcomes of survivors of childhood ALL compared to matched population controls.

METHODS

QoL data were collected from survivors recruited in France and Belgium between 2012 and 2017, including the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and the Quality of Life Systemic Inventory (QLSI). The Wilcoxon test was used to compare SF-12 scale scores between survivors and matched population controls. For the QLSI, comparisons were mainly descriptive.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-six survivors (mean age: 27.6 years; range: 18.1-52.8) at follow-up completed QoL measures, amongst whom 180 were matched to controls. Overall, survivors had higher QoL on all SF12 scale scores, indicating that they had better functioning compared to controls. Statistically significant differences on the SF12 were observed for Vitality, Social Functioning, Role Limitations due to Emotional Problems and Mental Health scales. QLSI outcomes suggested that survivors were happier than controls with Couple and Social Relations. Controls were unhappiest compared to survivors with Money, Love life, Self-esteem, Nutrition and Paid Work.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that survivors of childhood ALL have better QoL outcomes on some domains compared to the general population, specifically around social and emotional functioning, and that they tend to prioritize their relationships more. Interventions for improving QoL outcomes, might build on existing positive experiences with family, friends and partners.

Socio-economic outcomes among long-term childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia survivors enrolled between 1971 and 1998 in EORTC CLG studies: Results of the 58LAE study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the socio-economic outcomes of survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

METHODS

Childhood ALL adult survivors, enrolled in EORTC trials between 1971 and 1998 in France and Belgium, were invited to fill out a questionnaire with information about their socio-economic situation (living with a partner, having a university degree, having a job, working part time and history of having a paid job). The outcomes were compared with two matched control populations.

RESULTS

Among 1418 eligible patients, 507 (35.8%) participated, including 39 (8%) and 61 (12%) patients who received a haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and a cranial radiotherapy (CRT), respectively. The median time to follow-up was 20 years, and median age was 25 years. Survivors showed a socio-economic level at least as good as controls. HCST and CRT were associated with a higher probability of not obtaining a bachelor degree (respectively OR = 3.49, 95% CI: 1.46-8.35 and OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.04-5.15), HSCT was associated with unemployment (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.09-7.65) and having a relapse was associated with a higher probability of not having a partner (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.01-3.51) adjusting for confounders.

CONCLUSION

Childhood ALL survivors showed a high level of socio-economic participation. HCST and CRT were associated with poorer functioning.

Glioma Stem Cells in Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas: From Current Knowledge to Future Perspectives

Simple Summary

Pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) has a dismal prognosis in which the younger the patient, the more restricted the treatments are, in regard to the incurred risks. Current therapies destroy many tumor cells but fail to target the highly malignant glioma stem cells (GSCs) that adapt quickly to give rise to recurring, treatment-resistant cancers. Despite a lack of consensus around an efficient detection, GSCs are well described in adult brain tumors but remain poorly investigated in pediatric cases, mostly due to their rarity. An improved knowledge about GSC roles in pediatric tumors would provide a key leverage towards the elimination of this sub-population, based on targeted treatments. The aim of this review is to sum up the state of art about GSCs in pHGG.

Abstract

In children, high-grade gliomas (HGG) and diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) account for a high proportion of death due to cancer. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are tumor cells in a specific state defined by a tumor-initiating capacity following serial transplantation, self-renewal, and an ability to recapitulate tumor heterogeneity. Their presence was demonstrated several decades ago in adult glioblastoma (GBM), and more recently in pediatric HGG and DMG. In adults, we and others have previously suggested that GSCs nest into the subventricular zone (SVZ), a neurogenic niche, where, among others, they find shelter from therapy. Both bench and bedside evidence strongly indicate a role for the GSCs and the SVZ in GBM progression, fostering the development of innovative targeting treatments. Such new therapeutic approaches are of particular interest in infants, in whom standard therapies are often limited due to the risk of late effects. The aim of this review is to describe current knowledge about GSCs in pediatric HGG and DMG, i.e., their characterization, the models that apply to their development and maintenance, the specific signaling pathways that may underlie their activity, and their specific interactions with neurogenic niches. Finally, we will discuss the clinical relevance of these observations and the therapeutic advantages of targeting the SVZ and/or the GSCs in infants.

[Medulloblastoma : management of a usually pediatric tumour in a young adult]

Medulloblastoma is a cerebellar grade IV tumour according to the WHO classification, mainly seen in children under the age of 15. This cancer can nevertheless occur in adults. We report the case of a 22-year-old patient with a medulloblastoma disseminated in the spine. The patient had a type 1 Arnold-Chiari malformation causing hydrocephalus treated by ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The current condition began with perineal and lower limb hypoesthesia, ataxic gait, erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. Subsequently, a predominant paraparesis of the right lower limb appeared. The patient was treated according to the PNET HR+5 protocol combining two courses of conventional chemotherapy followed by two courses of high-dose chemotherapy with autograft recovery. Given the excellent response, a proton therapy was then delivered to the whole cerebrospinal axis with boosts to the primary tumour sites. The case of this young adult patient shows on the one hand an atypical presentation, and on the other hand underlines, in the absence of a specific therapeutic strategy established for adults, the importance of collaboration between the adult and pediatric oncology departments, with management integrating innovations such as proton therapy and molecular typing.

Fertility status among long-term childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia survivors enrolled between 1971 and 1998 in EORTC CLG studies: results of the 58 Late Adverse Effects study

STUDY QUESTION

What are the fertility outcomes of male and female childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) long-term survivors?

SUMMARY ANSWER

We observed similar fertility outcomes in both male and female childhood ALL survivors compared with the general population, with the exception of a higher proportion of miscarriages among partners of male survivors.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Survival after childhood ALL is currently >90% and fertility impairments are among the main concerns of the long-term survivors. Few studies have focused on the fertility issues within this selected population and the existing data are difficult to interpret due to the different treatment regimens received by the patients, the small sample sizes and the unavailability of control data in many studies.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Childhood ALL patients enrolled in European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) studies between 1971 and 1998 in France and Belgium, <18 years old at diagnosis and alive and ≥18 years at follow-up were eligible. Among 1418 eligible survivors, 507 (35.8%) participated (277 females, 230 males). Controls from the general population matched one to one by age, province, level of urbanization and sex could be identified for 503 survivors.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Survivors and controls were invited to fill out a questionnaire including information about their menstrual cycles (for females), intention to have children, having children, use of medical help to become pregnant and occurrence of negative pregnancy outcomes (birth defect, miscarriage, medical abortion or stillbirth). The results were analysed separately for females and males. The association between age at diagnosis and fertility outcomes, adjusted by age at follow-up, study and country were investigated using logistic regression.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The median time since diagnosis was 20.1 years and the median age at follow-up was 25 years. There were 144 survivors (97 females, 47 males) who wanted to have children. Among these, craniospinal radiotheraphy (CRT) and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) were administered to 18% and 4%, respectively. Of these who tried to have children, 75% of females and 69% of males succeeded, compared with 72% and 61% of the controls, respectively. These differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.73 for females and P = 0.50 for males). Overall, fertility outcomes were comparable between survivors and controls, except that a higher proportion of miscarriages occurred in partners of male survivors (28.1% versus 5.9%, P = 0.021). Among female survivors, an older age at diagnosis (10-17 years) was associated with a greater risk of pregnancy problems (adjusted OR 5.61, P = 0.046).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The interpretation of the incidence of miscarriage among the partners of male survivors is limited by the lack of data regarding the males' partners and by a possibly higher tendency to recall and disclose fertility issues among male survivors compared with male controls.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Fertility outcomes were similar in childhood ALL survivors and controls, and the low proportion of patients treated with CRT or HSCT might explain this. Further studies should confirm the higher proportion of miscarriages in partners of male survivors.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This publication was supported by donations from the Fonds Cancer (FOCA) from Belgium and the KU Leuven from Belgium. G.R. has been awarded a fellowship by the EORTC Cancer Research Fund (ECRF). C.P. has been awarded a fellowship by Fonds Cancer (FOCA) from Belgium and the Kinderkankerfonds from Belgium (a non-profit childhood cancer foundation under Belgian law). No competing interests were declared.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01298388 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Severe toxicity free survival: physician-derived definitions of unacceptable long-term toxicities following acute lymphocytic leukaemia

5-year overall survival rates have surpassed 90% for childhood acute lymphocytic leukaemia, but survivors are at risk for permanent health sequelae. Although event-free survival appropriately represents the outcome for cancers with poor overall survival, this metric is inadequate when cure rates are high but challenged by serious, persistent complications. Accordingly, a group of experts in paediatric haematology-oncology, representative of 17 international acute lymphocytic leukaemia study groups, launched an initiative to construct a measure, designated severe toxicity-free survival (STFS), to quantify the occurrence of physician-prioritised toxicities to be integrated with standard cancer outcome reporting. Five generic inclusion criteria (not present before cancer diagnosis, symptomatic, objectifiable, of unacceptable severity, permanent, or requiring unacceptable treatments) were used to assess 855 health conditions, which resulted in inclusion of 21 severe toxicities. Consensus definitions were reached through a modified Delphi process supplemented by two additional plenary meetings. The 21 severe toxicities include severe adverse health conditions that substantially affect activities of daily living and are refractory to therapy (eg, refractory seizures), are without therapeutic options (eg, blindness), or require substantially invasive treatment (eg, cardiac transplantation). Incorporation of STFS assessment into clinical trials has the potential to improve and diversify treatment strategies, focusing not only on traditional outcome events and overall survival but also the frequencies of the most severe toxicities. The two major aims of this Review were to: prioritise and define unacceptable long-term toxicity for patients with childhood acute lymphocytic leukaemia, and define how these toxicities should be combined into a composite quantity to be integrated with other reported outcomes. Although STFS quantifies the clinically unacceptable health tradeoff for cure using childhood acute lymphocytic leukaemia as a model disease, the prioritised severe toxicities are based on generic considerations of relevance to any other cancer diagnosis and age group.

Retrospective study of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma in the Belgian population: a 25 year experience

INTRODUCTION

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma is a rare disease with a high mortality. Our primary aim was to determine the incidence of this disease in Belgium. Secondly, we wanted to compare the treatment approach of Belgian pediatric oncology centres, to investigate possibilities for improvement.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected and analysed data on DIPG-patients diagnosed between 1994 and 2018 and recorded in the Belgian Cancer Registry. We included patients ≤ 18 years who were followed in one of the eight Belgian pediatric oncology centres.

RESULTS

We included 100 patients. Files were complete in 87 patients. We observed an increase in diagnoses with an incidence of 3.1 per 1,000,000 persons (aged 0-≤ 18) per year over the last 5 years compared to an overall incidence of 1.8. Biopsy was performed at diagnosis in 51.7% of patients. In one fifth this was study-related. Mutation analysis was known in eight patients, of which six showed the H3 K27M-mutation. 58.8% of patients received chemotherapy, without a significant survival benefit. 12.6% of patients were included in a clinical trial. Biopsy rate and the use of chemotherapy differed widely between centres. Mean OS and PFS were 10.49 and 4.87 months respectively. We observed an improved survival over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the past 25 years, we observed an increase of new DIPG-diagnoses. Outcome in our cohort is comparable with literature findings. We demonstrate an important heterogeneity in treatment approach between different centres and limited inclusion in clinical trials. Therefore, collaboration between centres and inclusion of patients in clinical trials is much needed.

[The rise of targeted therapies in pediatric oncology]

Cancers are rare pathologies in children. Improvement in survival rates has been obtained thanks to new therapeutic strategies based on the identification of risk factors. Targeted therapies in paediatric oncology are new treatments providing hope that cure is achievable without long-term sequelae.

[What follow-up after pediatric cancer ? The SALTO consultation experience]

During the past 50 years, the mortality due to childhood cancers decreased dramatically thanks to improvements in supportive care and the use of multimodal approaches. In this context, the long-term follow up after childhood cancer has become a main concern for pediatric oncologists. The SALTO programme was developed in 2012 at the CHR Citadelle in Liège in order to organize a multidisciplinary long-term follow-up for the patients previously treated in our department for a childhood cancer. The aim of the present study was to review, for the most frequent childhood cancers, the long-term sequellae and the second cancers developed by the patients participating to the SALTO programme in order to define the follow-up needed. Our data confirm the importance of a multidisciplinary long-term follow-up, based on the treatments received and following international guidelines.

The Subventricular Zone, a Hideout for Adult and Pediatric High-Grade Glioma Stem Cells

Both in adult and children, high-grade gliomas (WHO grades III and IV) account for a high proportion of death due to cancer. This poor prognosis is a direct consequence of tumor recurrences occurring within few months despite a multimodal therapy consisting of a surgical resection followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There is increasing evidence that glioma stem cells (GSCs) contribute to tumor recurrences. In fact, GSCs can migrate out of the tumor mass and reach the subventricular zone (SVZ), a neurogenic niche persisting after birth. Once nested in the SVZ, GSCs can escape a surgical intervention and resist to treatments. The present review will define GSCs and describe their similarities with neural stem cells, residents of the SVZ. The architectural organization of the SVZ will be described both for humans and rodents. The migratory routes taken by GSCs to reach the SVZ and the signaling pathways involved in their migration will also be described hereafter. In addition, we will debate the advantages of the microenvironment provided by the SVZ for GSCs and how this could contribute to tumor recurrences. Finally, we will discuss the clinical relevance of the SVZ in adult GBM and pediatric HGG and the therapeutic advantages of targeting that neurogenic region in both clinical situations.

Layer-specific strain and the degree of left ventricular thickness in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background

Left ventricular (LV) wall thickness is an important parameter for the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and is also associated with long-term clinical outcome in HCM patients. However, conventional tools have failed to analyze the mechanisms of structural and functional abnormalities that occur at the cellular level in hypertrophied myocardial tissue. Recently, technological progression of 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) has enabled the estimation of layer-specific strain (LSS), such as epicardial, mid-myocardial, and endocardial longitudinal strain, respectively. LSS may have the potential to elucidate the detailed mechanisms of myocardial dysfunction.

Purpose

The aim of this study was (i) to clarify the detailed mechanisms of structural and functional abnormalities of myocardial tissue in HCM using LSS (ii) to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of LSS for HCM.

Methods

Forty-one patients with HCM and preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (66% male, 52±18 years, LVEF 62.9±3.7%) and 41 controls matched for age and sex (66% male, 52±20 years, LVEF 63.5±8.2%) underwent 2D-STE (GE-Healthcare, Vivid-E9). Quantitative strain values of epicardial, mid-myocardial, and endocardial layers were measured.

Results

LV wall thickness including interventricular septum thickness (HCM vs. Controls; 18.9±5.0 vs. 9.1±1.8, p&lt;0.001), posterior wall thickness (11.5±2.5 vs. 8.8±1.9, p&lt;0.001), and maximum wall thickness (20.1±4.3 vs. 9.4±0.4, p&lt;0.001) were significantly lower in HCM than in Controls. Absolute values of LSS for all layers were lower in HCM than in Controls (HCM vs. Controls; epicardial; −13.1±3.3 vs. −19.5±1.6, p&lt;0.001; mid-myocardial; −15.8±3.3 vs. −21.4±1.7, p&lt;0.001; endocardial; −18.9±3.9 vs. −23.6±1.9, p&lt;0.001). End/Epi ratio was higher in HCM than in Controls (HCM vs. Controls; 1.5±0.2 vs. 1.2±0.0, p&lt;0.001). Next, we investigated the echocardiographic parameters that correlated with LV maximal wall thickness (MWT). End/Epi ratio was an independent predictor of LV MWT (β=0.96, p&lt;0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that a higher End/Epi ratio (≥1.3) was the strongest predictor of diagnostic criteria for HCM (LV wall thickness ≥15 mm) (area under the curve 0.99, p&lt;0.001, sensitivity 98%, specificity 97%).

Conclusions

In HCM patients with preserved LVEF, (i) LSS was lower and End/Epi ratio was higher than in controls. (ii) End/Epi ratio (≥1.3) was the strongest predictor of abnormal wall thickness of HCM. The mechanism of higher End/Epi ratio in HCM might be attributable to the more common myofibrillar disarray in mid- and epicardial layers. Variations of LSS represented by End/Epi ratio might have the potential to accurately detect HCM and to elucidate the pathophysiology of impaired LV wall motion at cellular level in HCM.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

[Catatonia, complicated withdrawal from benzodiazepines]

The article describes a clinical case of catatonic syndrome. We describe the manifestations of the syndrome, its diagnostic criteria and associated scales. The modalities of the challenge test, constituting a diagnostic test, and first line treatment are detailed. Clinical and paraclinical investigations are proposed to determine the etiology. The benzodiazepine withdrawal as an etiology of catatonic syndrome is detailed.

Echocardiographic reference ranges for normal left ventricular layer-specific strain: results from the EACVI NORRE study

AIMS

To obtain the normal range for 2D echocardiographic (2DE) measurements of left ventricular (LV) layer-specific strain from a large group of healthy volunteers of both genders over a wide range of ages.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 287 (109 men, mean age: 46 ± 14 years) healthy subjects were enrolled at 22 collaborating institutions of the EACVI Normal Reference Ranges for Echocardiography (NORRE) study. Layer-specific strain was analysed from the apical two-, three-, and four-chamber views using 2DE software. The lowest values of layer-specific strain calculated as ±1.96 standard deviations from the mean were -15.0% in men and -15.6% in women for epicardial strain, -16.8% and -17.7% for mid-myocardial strain, and -18.7% and -19.9% for endocardial strain, respectively. Basal-epicardial and mid-myocardial strain decreased with age in women (epicardial; P = 0.008, mid-myocardial; P = 0.003) and correlated with age (epicardial; r = -0.20, P = 0.007, mid-myocardial; r = -0.21, P = 0.006, endocardial; r = -0.23, P = 0.002), whereas apical-epicardial, mid-myocardial strain increased with the age in women (epicardial; P = 0.006, mid-myocardial; P = 0.03) and correlated with age (epicardial; r = 0.16, P = 0.04). End/Epi ratio at the apex was higher than at the middle and basal levels of LV in men (apex; 1.6 ± 0.2, middle; 1.2 ± 0.1, base 1.1 ± 0.1) and women (apex; 1.6 ± 0.1, middle; 1.1 ± 0.1, base 1.2 ± 0.1).

CONCLUSION

The NORRE study provides useful 2DE reference ranges for novel indices of layer-specific strain.

[Benefits and risks associated to lithium use in psychiatry]

The goal of the article was to provide some clinical recommendations for a secure use of lithium. We described the mechanism of action of lithium, that acts as a mood stabilizer but also has anti-suicidal and neuroprotective effects. We also described the toxics effects of lithium and the toxicological tools that help to prevent and to treat those effects. We concluded that lithium remains a first choice for the treatment of bipolar disorders.

Prospective, real-time monitoring of pegylated Escherichia coli and Erwinia asparaginase therapy in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Belgium

Asparaginase (ASNase) is an important anti-leukaemic drug in the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). A substantial proportion of patients develop hypersensitivity reactions with anti-ASNase neutralising antibodies, resulting in allergic reactions or silent inactivation (SI), and characterised by inactivation and rapid clearance of ASNase. We report results of a prospective, real-time therapeutic drug monitoring of pegylated Escherichia coli (PEG-)ASNase and Erwinia ASNase in children treated for ALL and NHL in Belgium. Erwinia ASNase was given as second-line after hypersensitivity to PEG-ASNase. In total, 286 children were enrolled in the PEG-ASNase cohort. Allergy was seen in 11·2% and SI in 5·2% of patients. Of the 42 patients treated with Erwinia ASNase, 7·1% experienced allergy and 2·4% SI. The median trough PEG-ASNase activity was high in all patients without hypersensitivity. After Erwinia administration significantly more day 3 samples had activities <100 IU/l (62·5% vs. 10% at day 2 (D2)). The median D2 activity was significantly higher for intramuscular (IM; 347 IU/l) than for intravenous Erwinia administrations (159 IU/l). This prospective, multicentre study shows that monitoring of ASNase activity during treatment of children with ALL and NHL is feasible and informative. Treatment with Erwinia ASNase warrants close monitoring and optimally adherence to a 2-day interval of IM administrations.

Long-term outcome evaluation of medium/high risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia children treated with or without cranial radiotherapy in the EORTC 58832 randomized study

We investigated the long-term outcome, the incidence of second neoplasms (SN) and the rate of late adverse effects (LAE) in children with central nervous system (CNS) negative medium/high-risk de novo acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), in first complete remission (CR1) at end of late intensification, randomized to receive no cranial radiotherapy (No CRT, n = 92) versus CRT (standard arm, n = 84) in the non-inferiority EORTC 58832 study (1983-1989). Median follow-up was 20 years (range 4-32 years). The 25-year disease-free survival rate (±SE) was 67·4 ± 4·9% without CRT and 70·2 ± 5·0% with CRT. The 25-year incidence of isolated (6·5 ± 2·6% vs. 4·8 ± 2·3%) and any CNS relapse {8·7 ± 2·9% vs. 11·9 ± 3·5%; hazard ratio (HR) 0·71 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·28-1·79]; test of non-inferiority: P = 0·01} was not increased without CRT. The 25-year SN incidence in CR1 was 7·9 ± 4·6% vs. 11·0 ± 4·2%. The 25-year event-free and overall survival rates were quite similar in both arms [59·5 ± 6·3% vs. 60·5 ± 5·9%, HR 0·94 (95% CI 0·57-1·52), and 78·1 ± 4·3% vs. 78·5 ± 4·5%, HR 1·00 (95% CI 0·53-1·88)]. Omission of CRT was associated with dramatic decrease in CNS and endocrine LAE rates. In conclusion, our data suggest that, with proper systemic and intrathecal CNS prophylaxis, CRT could totally be omitted in CR1 without jeopardizing survival, while decreasing LAE in childhood ALL.

[Congenital heart disease : fistula from circumflex artery to coronary sinus]

Congenital coronary artery fistulas are infrequent but sometimes hemodynamically important anomalies depending on their magnitude and the cardiac chamber or vascular site involved. Fistula from left circumflex artery to coronary sinus are potentially curable causes of ischemic heart disease.

A simple modification of dialysate potassium: its impact on plasma potassium concentrations and the electrocardiogram

Background

Sudden death is frequent in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Both hyperkalaemia and change of plasma potassium (K) concentrations induced by HD could explain this. The impact of increasing dialysate K by 1 mEq/L on plasma K concentrations and electrocardiogram (ECG) results before and after HD sessions was studied.

Methods

Patients with pre-dialysis K >5.5 mEq/L were excluded. ECG and K measurements were obtained before and after the first session of the week for 2 weeks. Then, K in the dialysate was increased (from 1 or 3 to 2 or 4 mEq/L, respectively). Blood and ECG measurements were repeated after 2 weeks of this change.

Results

Twenty-seven prevalent HD patients were included. As expected, a significant decrease in K concentrations was observed after the dialysis session, but this decrease was significantly lower after the switch to an increased dialysate K. The pre-dialysis K concentrations were not different after changing, but post-dialysis K concentrations were higher after switching (P < 0.0001), with a lower incidence of post-dialysis hypokalaemia. Regarding ECG, before switching, the QT interval (QT) dispersion increased during the session, whereas no difference was observed after switching. One week after switching, post-dialysis QT dispersion [38 (34-42) ms] was lower than post-dialysis QT dispersion 2 weeks and 1 week before switching [42 (38-57) ms, P = 0.0004; and 40 (35-50) ms, P = 0.0002].

Conclusions

A simple increase of 1 mEq/L of K in the dialysate is associated with a lower risk of hypokalaemia and a lower QT dispersion after the dialysis session. Further study is needed to determine if such a strategy is associated with a lower risk of sudden death.

Impact of aortic stenosis on layer-specific longitudinal strain: relationship with symptoms and outcome

Aims

The present study sought to assess the impact of aortic stenosis (AS) on myocardial function as assessed by layer-specific longitudinal strain (LS) and its relationship with symptoms and outcome.

Methods and results

We compared 211 patients (56% males, mean age 73 ± 12 years) with severe AS and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% (114 symptomatic, 97 asymptomatic) with 50 controls matched for age and sex. LS was assessed from endocardium, mid-myocardium, and epicardium by 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography. Despite similar LVEF, multilayer strain values were significantly lower in symptomatic patients, compared to asymptomatic and controls [global LS: 17.9 ± 3.4 vs. 19.1 ± 3.1 vs. 20.7 ± 2.1%; endocardial LS: 20.1 ± 4.9 vs. 21.7 ± 4.2 vs. 23.4 ± 2.5%; epicardial LS: 15.8 ± 3.1 vs. 16.8 ± 2.8 vs. 18.3 ± 1.8%; P < 0.001 for all]. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, endocardial LS was independently associated to symptoms (P = 0.012), together with indexed left atrial volume (P = 0.006) and LV concentric remodelling (P = 0.044). During a mean follow-up of 22 months, 33 patients died of a cardiovascular event. On multivariable Cox-regression analysis, age (P = 0.029), brain natriuretic peptide values (P = 0.003), LV mass index (P = 0.0065), LV end-systolic volume (P = 0.012), and endocardial LS (P = 0.0057) emerged as independently associated with cardiovascular death. The best endocardial LS values associated with outcome was 20.6% (sensitivity 70%, specificity 52%, area under the curve = 0.626, P = 0.022). Endocardial LS (19.1 ± 3.3 vs. 20.7 ± 3.3, P = 0.02) but not epicardial LS (15.2 ± 2.8 vs. 15.9 ± 2.5, P = 0.104) also predicted the outcome in patients who were initially asymptomatic.

Conclusion

In patients with severe AS, LS impairment involves all myocardial layers and is more prominent in the advanced phases of the disease, when the symptoms occur. In this setting, the endocardial LS is independently associated with symptoms and patient outcome.

[Epidemiology of childhood cancer, a single-center study (1985-2016)]

Cancer is the second leading cause of death among children aged 5 to 14, after accidents. We conducted a study on the epidemiology of childhood cancer in the university pediatric oncology department of the CHU-CHR in Liège, Belgium. We studied a cohort of 662 patients between the ages of 0 and 17 whose malignancy diagnosis was made between 1985 and 2016. The analyzes were performed retrospectively using medical files. The number of new cases, the proportion of different cancers, sex ratio, age at diagnosis and survival at 5 and 10 years were the epidemiological factors studied.We have been able to show an increase in the number of new diagnoses per year. More than 40 % of childhood cancers occur before the age of five. The most common neoplasias are leukemias, tumors of the central nervous system and lymphomas. This distribution is influenced by age. All malignant tumours combined, we observed a slightly larger proportion of affected boys than girls. Overall survival at 5 years reaches 80.2 %. However, it varies according to the type of tumour from 59.3 % for malignant soft tissue tumors up to 100 % for hepatoblastomas.

Review: Somatic mutations in neurodegeneration

Somatic mutations are postzygotic mutations which may lead to mosaicism, the presence of cells with genetic differences in an organism. Their role in cancer is well established, but detailed investigation in health and other diseases has only been recently possible. This has been empowered by the improvements of sequencing techniques, including single-cell sequencing, which can still be error-prone but is rapidly improving. Mosaicism appears relatively common in the human body, including the normal brain, probably arising in early development, but also potentially during ageing. In this review, we first discuss theoretical considerations and current evidence relevant to somatic mutations in the brain. We present a framework to explain how they may be integrated with current views on neurodegeneration, focusing mainly on sporadic late-onset neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). We review the relevant studies so far, with the first evidence emerging in Alzheimer's in particular. We also discuss the role of mosaicism in inherited neurodegenerative disorders, particularly somatic instability of tandem repeats. We summarize existing views and data to present a model whereby the time of origin and spatial distribution of relevant somatic mutations, combined with any additional risk factors, may partly determine the development and onset age of sporadic neurodegenerative diseases.

Consensus definitions of 14 severe acute toxic effects for childhood lymphoblastic leukaemia treatment: a Delphi consensus

Although there are high survival rates for children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, their outcome is often counterbalanced by the burden of toxic effects. This is because reported frequencies vary widely across studies, partly because of diverse definitions of toxic effects. Using the Delphi method, 15 international childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia study groups assessed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia protocols to address toxic effects that were to be considered by the Ponte di Legno working group. 14 acute toxic effects (hypersensitivity to asparaginase, hyperlipidaemia, osteonecrosis, asparaginase-associated pancreatitis, arterial hypertension, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, seizures, depressed level of consciousness, methotrexate-related stroke-like syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, high-dose methotrexate-related nephrotoxicity, sinusoidal obstructive syndrome, thromboembolism, and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia) that are serious but too rare to be addressed comprehensively within any single group, or are deemed to need consensus definitions for reliable incidence comparisons, were selected for assessment. Our results showed that none of the protocols addressed all 14 toxic effects, that no two protocols shared identical definitions of all toxic effects, and that no toxic effect definition was shared by all protocols. Using the Delphi method over three face-to-face plenary meetings, consensus definitions were obtained for all 14 toxic effects. In the overall assessment of outcome of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treatment, these expert opinion-based definitions will allow reliable comparisons of frequencies and severities of acute toxic effects across treatment protocols, and facilitate international research on cause, guidelines for treatment adaptation, preventive strategies, and development of consensus algorithms for reporting on acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treatment.

[Conversion disorder : functional neuroimaging and neurobiological mechanisms]

Conversion disorder is a psychiatric disorder often encountered in neurology services. This condition without organic lesions was and still is sometimes referred as an imaginary illness or feigning. However, the absence of organic lesions does not exclude the possibility of cerebral dysfunction. The etiologic mechanisms underlying this disorder remain uncertain even today.The advent of cognitive and functional imaging opens up a field of exploration for psychiatry in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying mental disorders and especially the conversion disorder. This article reports several neuroimaging studies of conversion disorder and attempts to generate hypotheses about neurobiological mechanisms.

[Experimental study on the intolerance of uncertainty and cognitive biases in parents of child cancer survivor]

Studies in pediatric oncology describe a relative good quality of life in child cancer survivor. However, few studies were interested in the parents of a child cancer survivor. 61 parents are recruited in the Belgian hospitals. Three groups of parents are constituted : the parents whose child is in 4 years of survivorship (group 1), in 5 years of survivorship (group 2) and in 6 years of survivorship (group 3). Clinical scales and a Stroop emotion task are administered. Parents (of the 3 groups) present a low tolerance of uncertainty, have excessive worries about the evolution of the health of their child, and suffer from anxious symptoms. The Stroop emotion tasks reveals a cognitive bias of the attention in favour of threatening stimuli. The study highlights the importance to detect parents who are intolerant of uncertainty at the cancer diagnosis stage and their continuous psychological follow-up once the treatments are ended.

[Starving to death : the paradox of anorexia nervosa]

Anorexia nervosa is a complex pathology that regularly leads clinicians to a therapeutic impasse. The origin of this disorder is multifactorial. It occurs most often in adolescence and affects mainly women. Paradoxically, hunger is present but dissociated from adequate food function. Somatic and psychological impact can be particularly heavy. The treatment is difficult and requires a multidisciplinary care. An eclectic and integrative approach, moving away from rigid therapeutic methods and integrating the plurality of techniques, seems to be particularly recommended to increase the chances of therapeutic success. This article summarizes the various theoretical models of anorexia nervosa and its modalities of treatment.

[Rectal prolapse revealing a tumor: The role of abdominal ultrasound]

Rectal prolapse is rare in children and usually benign. However, there are various diseases that can be associated with it, such as cystic fibrosis or other causes of increased abdominal pressure. Here, we review the various underlying conditions that pediatricians or pediatric gastroenterologists should consider in the case of rectal prolapse. We report on three cases of children with a rectal prolapse and intra-abdominal tumors. Current recommendations and practice do not include a systematic check via abdominal imaging in cases of rectal prolapse. However, in some situations, imaging is indicated to detect a possible expansive process. Thus, in the presence of recurrent prolapse or of associated urinary or neurological signs, imaging is justified so as to allow for an early diagnosis and treatment of these neoplasms. Given its lack of radiation exposure and good sensitivity in children, ultrasound imaging is the first choice.

[Depression and type 2 diabetes: etiopathogenic analysis of a frequent comorbidity]

Recent advances in the neurobiology of depression have underlined the importance of markers of inflammation, neurotrophins, and hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction in the development of this pathology. These disorders could have some impact on other systems such as the glucose metabolism regulation with an increased risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is also frequently associated with a pro-inflammatory state that could favour the development of a depressive episode. Inflammatory phenomena and HPA axis dysfunction could be biological links between depression and type 2 diabetes and account not only for the frequent association between those two disorders, but also for the treatment-resistance to classical antidepressants.

Osteopetrosis mimicking juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia

A 5-month-old boy developed splenomegaly, anemia, thrombocytopenia with elevated white cells, monocytosis and immature granulocytes in the peripheral blood. Bone marrow showed dysplasia without blastosis. Increased colony-forming unit-granulocyte-macrophage was found in the peripheral blood, mimicking granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor hypersensitivity. These findings fulfilled the diagnosis criteria for juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), but no mutations in the CBL, NRAS, KRAS, or PTPN11 genes were detected. In addition to these findings severe hypogammaglobulinemia and elevated alkaline phosphatase were present. Bone X-ray showed dense and radiopaque bones with a bone-in-bone appearance characteristic of infantile malignant osteopetrosis (IMO). Genetic mutation in T-cell, immune regulator 1 (TCIRG1) was identified, confirming the diagnosis of IMO. Careful differential diagnosis including osteopetrosis, is therefore recommended in patients with clinical features and hematologic findings consistent with JMML.

[Clinical case of the month. Carrington's disease: idiopathic chronic eosinophilic pneumonia]

Idiopathic Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia (ICEP) or Carrington's disease is a rare disease, exclusively pulmonary, and of an unknown origin. Connective tissues of the lungs are infiltrated by eosinophilic cell elements. This illness is progressive, consisting of dyspnea, cough and thoracic pain. In addition, the general condition is impaired. The average delay between onset of symptoms and discovery of chest radiographic opacities is often longer than 3-4 months. Symptoms and chest X-ray quickly improve under corticosteroid treatment. In the future, new research could lead to alternative treatments. We report the case of a woman with ICEP. We shall discuss the diagnostic approach, envisage the potential complications and describe the treatment of the disease.

Second malignant neoplasms after treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

PURPOSE

Second malignant neoplasms (SMNs) after diagnosis of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are rare events.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed data on risk factors and outcomes of 642 children with SMNs occurring after treatment for ALL from 18 collaborative study groups between 1980 and 2007.

RESULTS

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML; n = 186), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS; n = 69), and nonmeningioma brain tumor (n = 116) were the most common types of SMNs and had the poorest outcome (5-year survival rate, 18.1% ± 2.9%, 31.1% ± 6.2%, and 18.3% ± 3.8%, respectively). Five-year survival estimates for AML were 11.2% ± 2.9% for 125 patients diagnosed before 2000 and 34.1% ± 6.3% for 61 patients diagnosed after 2000 (P < .001); 5-year survival estimates for MDS were 17.1% ± 6.4% (n = 36) and 48.2% ± 10.6% (n = 33; P = .005). Allogeneic stem-cell transplantation failed to improve outcome of secondary myeloid malignancies after adjusting for waiting time to transplantation. Five-year survival rates were above 90% for patients with meningioma, Hodgkin lymphoma, thyroid carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and parotid gland tumor, and 68.5% ± 6.4% for those with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Eighty-nine percent of patients with brain tumors had received cranial irradiation. Solid tumors were associated with cyclophosphamide exposure, and myeloid malignancy was associated with topoisomerase II inhibitors and starting doses of methotrexate of at least 25 mg/m(2) per week and mercaptopurine of at least 75 mg/m(2) per day. Myeloid malignancies with monosomy 7/5q- were associated with high hyperdiploid ALL karyotypes, whereas 11q23/MLL-rearranged AML or MDS was associated with ALL harboring translocations of t(9;22), t(4;11), t(1;19), and t(12;21) (P = .03).

CONCLUSION

SMNs, except for brain tumors, AML, and MDS, have outcomes similar to their primary counterparts.

Comparison between a guaiac and three immunochemical faecal occult blood tests in screening for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the guaiac-based faecal occult blood test (G-FOBT), with that of three immunochemical faecal occult blood tests (I-FOBT) which allow automatic interpretation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Under the French organised screening programme, 85,149 average-risk individuals aged 50-74 participating in the third screening round, performed both the G-FOBT (Hemoccult-II test) and one of the I-FOBTs: FOB-Gold, Magstream and OC-Sensor.

RESULTS

Given the chosen threshold, the positivity ratio between the different I-FOBTs and the G-FOBT was 2.4 for FOB-Gold, 2.0 for Magstream and 2.2 for OC-Sensor (P=0.17). The three I-FOBTs were superior to the G-FOBT for colorectal cancer (CRC) detection. The ratios for detection rates were 1.6 (FOB-Gold), 1.7 (Magstream) and 2.1 (OC-Sensor) (P=0.74). For non-invasive CRC they were, respectively, 2.5, 3.0 and 4.0 (P=0.83) and for advanced adenomas 3.6, 3.1 and 4.0 (P=0.39).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides further evidence that I-FOBT is superior to G-FOBT. None of the three I-FOBTs studied appeared to be significantly better than the others.

The dexamethasone-induced inhibition of proliferation, migration, and invasion in glioma cell lines is antagonized by macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and can be enhanced by specific MIF inhibitors

Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most frequent and malignant brain tumors in adults. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are routinely used in the treatment of GBMs for their capacity to reduce the tumor-associated edema. Few in vitro studies have suggested that GCs inhibit the migration and invasion of GBM cells through the induction of MAPK phosphatase 1 (MKP-1). Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), an endogenous GC antagonist is up-regulated in GBMs. Recently, MIF has been involved in tumor growth and migration/invasion and specific MIF inhibitors have been developed on their capacity to block its enzymatic tautomerase activity site. In this study, we characterized several glioma cell lines for their MIF production. U373 MG cells were selected for their very low endogenous levels of MIF. We showed that dexamethasone inhibits the migration and invasion of U373 MG cells, through a glucocorticoid receptor (GR)- dependent inhibition of the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway. Oppositely, we found that exogenous MIF increases U373 MG migration and invasion through the stimulation of the ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathway and that this activation is CD74 independent. Finally, we used the Hs 683 glioma cells that are resistant to GCs and produce high levels of endogenous MIF, and showed that the specific MIF inhibitor ISO-1 could restore dexamethasone sensitivity in these cells. Collectively, our results indicate an intricate pathway between MIF expression and GC resistance. They suggest that MIF inhibitors could increase the response of GBMs to corticotherapy.

[Cytological study of 191 women with invasive cancer of the uterine cervix in Brittany, France]

INTRODUCTION

The cancer of the cervix annually occurs in 150 women in Brittany in the absence of organized screening.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study concerning 191 patients treated for an invasive cancer of the uterine cervix between 2000 and 2005 analyzing their cytological past. The average age of the patients was 52 years (22-87 years). The socioeconomic level of the patients was recorded. The distribution of under histological types was: squamous, 73% (54 years average age) and adenocarcinoma, 22% (average age 47 years). All the stages were represented: stage I 46%, II 32%, III 9% and stage IV 13%.

RESULTS

Cancer was symptomatic in 89% of the cases and 72% of the patients had not profited from cytological screening according to French recommendations (50% no follow-up, 22% follow-up between three and 10 years), while 28% of the patients had a smear in the three years. The socioeconomic level of the patients strongly influenced the participation in screening. The proportion of patients having an invasive adenocarcinom was 31% in the patients with a smear going back to less than three years (versus 22% in our total population) and this histological subtype was mainly represented in patients less than 35 years old (35%). Lastly, 2,6% of the patients were lost after realization of a pathological smear.

CONCLUSION

The extension of screening and its organization remain a priority in our area. The average sensitivity of the smear is illustrated by the on-representation of the adenocarcinoma, in particular among young women.

Management of diffuse glioma in children: a retrospective study of 27 cases and review of literature

Gliomas are the most common CNS tumours in children and present either as circumscribed tumours or diffusely infiltrative neoplasms. Diffuse gliomas develop both in the cerebral hemispheres and the brainstem and have a poor prognosis. Guidelines for the therapy of these tumours are still debated. In this study, we reviewed the clinical features of 27 consecutive patients with diffuse gliomas admitted to the Department of Paediatrics of CHR Citadelle, University of Liège, between 1985 and 2005. We review their clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcome with reference to the published literature.

Colonoscopy results of a French regional FOBT-based colorectal cancer screening program with high compliance

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Mass screening for colorectal cancer in France was initiated in pilot regions on the basis of the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) followed by colonoscopy in positive cases. We report the colonoscopy results in one of the first areas to be screened (Ille et Vilaine).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of the total regional population of 908,449, 187,342 of the 213,635 potential screening candidates who were aged 50 - 74 years were invited for FOBT. Of the 51.3% compliant individuals, 2.6% were positive, and of these 90.7% agreed to undergo colonoscopy (n = 2246). The colonoscopy procedure details, findings, and complications were recorded. Subjects were classified according to the most advanced lesion. Positive predictive values of FOBT were calculated according to sex and age.

RESULTS

Colonoscopy was complete in 96.3% of cases. Only 23 adverse events were encountered (1.02%). Colorectal cancer was diagnosed in 237 cases (10.6%, 78.4% of which were clinical stages I - II). The rates of overall adenomas and advanced adenomas were 33.1 % and 21.6 %, respectively. The risk of cancer and advanced adenoma increased significantly in men and in older people.

CONCLUSION

The results of mass screening with FOBT followed by colonoscopy in this population-based study are very encouraging in terms of compliance, early findings, and complications. Extension of this program to the whole of France is justified.