Chronic conditions, late mortality, and health status after childhood AML: a Childhood Cancer Survivor Study report

Five-year survival following childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has increased following improvements in treatment and supportive care. Long-term health outcomes are unknown. To address this, cumulative incidence of late mortality and grades 3 to 5 chronic health condition (CHC) were estimated among 5-year AML survivors diagnosed between 1970 and 1999. Survivors were compared by treatment group (hematopoietic cell transplantation [HCT], chemotherapy with cranial radiation [chemo + CRT], chemotherapy only [chemo-only]), and diagnosis decade. Self-reported health status was compared across treatments, diagnosis decade, and with siblings. Among 856 survivors (median diagnosis age, 7.1 years; median age at last follow-up, 29.4 years), 20-year late mortality cumulative incidence was highest after HCT (13.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.0%-17.8%; chemo + CRT, 7.6%; 95% CI, 2.2%-13.1%; chemo-only, 5.1%; 95% CI, 2.8%-7.4%). Cumulative incidence of mortality for HCT survivors diagnosed in the 1990s (8.5%; 95% CI, 4.1%-12.8%) was lower vs those diagnosed in the 1970s (38.9%; 95% CI, 16.4%-61.4%). Most survivors did not experience any grade 3 to 5 CHC after 20 years (HCT, 45.8%; chemo + CRT, 23.7%; chemo-only, 27.0%). Furthermore, a temporal reduction in CHC cumulative incidence was seen after HCT (1970s, 76.1%; 1990s, 38.3%; P = .02), mirroring reduced use of total body irradiation. Self-reported health status was good to excellent for 88.2% of survivors; however, this was lower than that for siblings (94.8%; P < .0001). Although HCT is associated with greater long-term morbidity and mortality than chemotherapy-based treatment, gaps have narrowed, and all treatment groups report favorable health status.

Outcomes of intensification of induction chemotherapy for children with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia: A report from the Children's Oncology Group

BACKGROUND

High-risk pediatric acute myeloid leukemia confers a poor prognosis, and alternative strategies are needed to improve outcomes. We hypothesized that intensifying induction on the AAML1031 clinical trial would improve outcomes compared to the predecessor trial AAML0531.

METHODS

Patients on AAML0531 received cytarabine (1600 mg/m² )/daunorubicin (150 mg/m² )/etoposide (ADE) for induction II and patients on AAML1031 received mitoxantrone (48 mg/m² )/cytarabine (8000 mg/m² ) (MA). Stem cell transplant (SCT) conditioning included busulfan/cyclophosphamide on AAML0531, whereas AAML1031 used busulfan/fludarabine and liberalized donor eligibility. Patients were included in this analysis if they met high-risk criteria common to the two trials by cytogenics or poor disease response after induction I ADE.

RESULTS

MA provided no benefit over ADE at: induction II response (complete response [CR]: 64% vs. 62%, p = .87; measurable residual disease [MRD]+: 57% vs. 46%, p = .34); or intensification I response (CR: 79% vs. 94%, p = .27; MRD+: 27% vs. 20%, p = 1.0). When considered with altered SCT approach, MA did not improve 5-year disease-free survival (24% ± 9% vs. 18% ± 15%, p = .63) or 5-year overall survival (35% ± 10% vs. 38% ± 18%, p = .66). MA was associated with slower neutrophil recovery (median 34 vs. 27 days, p = .007) and platelet recovery (median 29 vs. 24.5 days, p = .04) and longer hospital stay (32 vs. 28 days, p = .01) during induction II.

CONCLUSION

Intensification of induction II did not improve treatment response or survival, but did increase toxicity and resource utilization. Alternative strategies are urgently needed to improve outcomes for pediatric patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (trials registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT01371981, NCT00372593).

CEBPA-bZip mutations are associated with favorable prognosis in de novo AML: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

Biallelic CEBPA mutations are associated with favorable outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We evaluated the clinical and biologic implications of CEBPA-basic leucine zipper (CEBPA-bZip) mutations in children and young adults with newly diagnosed AML. CEBPA-bZip mutation status was determined in 2958 patients with AML enrolled on Children's Oncology Group trials (NCT00003790, NCT0007174, NCT00372593, NCT01379181). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed in 1863 patients (107 with CEBPA mutations) to characterize the co-occurring mutations. CEBPA mutational status was correlated with disease characteristics and clinical outcomes. CEBPA-bZip mutations were identified in 160 (5.4%) of 2958 patients, with 132 (82.5%) harboring a second CEBPA mutation (CEBPA-double-mutated [CEBPA-dm]) and 28 (17.5%) had a single CEBPA-bZip only mutation. The clinical and laboratory features of the 2 CEBPA cohorts were very similar. Patients with CEBPA-dm and CEBPA-bZip experienced identical event-free survival (EFS) of 64% and similar overall survival (OS) of 81% and 89%, respectively (P = .259); this compared favorably to EFS of 46% and OS of 61% in patients with CEBPA-wild-type (CEBPA-WT) (both P < .001). Transcriptome analysis demonstrated similar expression profiles for patients with CEBPA-bZip and CEBPA-dm. Comprehensive NGS of patients with CEBPA mutations identified co-occurring CSF3R mutations in 13.1% of patients and GATA2 mutations in 21.5% of patients. Patients with dual CEBPA and CSF3R mutations had an EFS of 17% vs 63% for patients with CEBPA-mutant or CSF3R-WT (P < .001) with a corresponding relapse rate (RR) of 83% vs 22%, respectively (P < .001); GATA2 co-occurrence did not have an impact on outcome. CEBPA-bZip domain mutations are associated with favorable clinical outcomes, regardless of monoallelic or biallelic status. Co-occurring CSF3R and CEBPA mutations are associated with a high RR that nullifies the favorable prognostic impact of CEBPA mutations.

Impact of fluid overload and infection on respiratory adverse event development during induction therapy for childhood acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND

Treatment-related morbidity and mortality occur frequently in childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) induction. Yet the contributions of respiratory adverse events (AEs) within this population are poorly understood. Furthermore, the roles of fluid overload (FO) and infection in AML pulmonary complications have been inadequately examined.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the incidence, categories, and grades of respiratory AEs and to assess the associations of FO and infection on respiratory AE development in childhood AML induction.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined the induction courses of a cohort of de novo pediatric AML patients for any NCI CTCAE grade 2 to 5 respiratory AE, FO, and systemic/pulmonary infection occurrence. Demographic, disease, and treatment-related data were abstracted. Descriptive, univariate, survival, and multivariable analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Among 105 eligible subjects from 2009 to 2016, 49.5% (n = 52) experienced 63 discrete respiratory AEs. FO occurred in 28.6% of subjects (n = 30), with half occurring within 24 hours of hospitalization. Positive FO status < 10 days (aHR 5.5, 95% CI 2.3-12.8), ≥ 10 days (aHR 13, 95% CI 4.1-41.8), and positive infection status ≥ 10 days into treatment (aHR 14.9, 5.4-41.6) were each independently associated with AE development.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe a higher incidence of respiratory AEs during childhood AML induction than previously illustrated. FO occurs frequently and early in this course. Late infections and FO at any time frame were strongly associated with AE development. Interventions focused on the prevention and management of FO and infectious respiratory complications could be instrumental in reducing preventable treatment-related morbidity and mortality.

Mixed-phenotype acute leukemia: A cohort and consensus research strategy from the Children's Oncology Group Acute Leukemia of Ambiguous Lineage Task Force

BACKGROUND

Optimal chemotherapy for treating mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) and the role of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remain uncertain. Major limitations in interpreting available data are MPAL's rarity and the use of definitions other than the currently widely accepted criteria: the World Health Organization 2016 (WHO2016) classification.

METHODS

To assess the relative efficacy of chemotherapy types for treating pediatric MPAL, the Children's Oncology Group (COG) Acute Leukemia of Ambiguous Lineage Task Force assembled a retrospective cohort of centrally reviewed WHO2016 MPAL cases selected from banking studies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Patients were not treated in COG trials; treatment and outcome data were captured separately. The findings were then integrated with the available, mixed literature to develop a prospective trial in pediatric MPAL.

RESULTS

The central review confirmed that 54 of 70 cases fulfilled WHO2016 criteria for MPAL. ALL induction regimens achieved remission in 72% of the cases (28 of 39), whereas AML regimens achieved remission in 69% (9 of 13). The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates for the entire cohort were 72% ± 8% and 77% ± 7%, respectively. EFS and OS were 75% ± 13% and 84% ± 11%, respectively, for those receiving ALL chemotherapy alone without HSCT (n = 21).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the COG MPAL cohort and a literature review suggest that ALL chemotherapy without HSCT may be the preferred initial therapy. A prospective trial within the COG is proposed to investigate this approach; AML chemotherapy and/or HSCT will be reserved for those with treatment failure as assessed by minimal residual disease. Embedded biology studies will provide further insight into MPAL genomics.

Effect of intensification of induction II chemotherapy and liberalization of stem cell donor source on outcome for children with high risk acute myeloid leukemia: A report from the Children’s Oncology Group

10002

Background: Patients with residual acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after induction fare poorly. The recently completed AAML1031 Phase III clinical trial intensified Induction II chemotherapy, altered the stem cell transplant (SCT) conditioning regimen, and liberalized SCT donor source criteria. We sought to test whether these practice changes improved clinical outcomes. Methods: Patients on AAML0531 and AAML1031, sequential Phase III trials for AML with shared high risk features of both > 15% residual blasts by morphology and ≥ 0.1% minimal residual disease (MRD) by flow cytometry with uninformative cytogenetics or high risk cytogenetic features (-7 or -5/5q-) were included. Gemtuzmab exposed and patients with high allelic ratio FLT3 ITD were excluded. Patients were observed from the start of Induction II through last available follow up. Induction II chemotherapy (ADE or AraC/Mito) was the exposure of interest. Disease free and overall survival (DFS, OS) were the primary outcomes. Standard descriptive statistics were used to compare patient characteristics and secondary outcomes; Kaplan Meier analyses were used to evaluate DFS/OS. Results: A total of 47 patients from AAML0531 (ADE) and 95 patients from AAML1031 (AraC/Mito) were included and did not differ in baseline characteristics. Five year DFS ±2SE was 17.5 ± 11.4 for ADE and 23.9 ± 8.8 for AraC/Mito, p = 0.528. Five year OS was 38.1 ± 14.2 for ADE and 33.3 ± 10.7 for AraC/Mito, p = 0.364. End of Induction II disease response and MRD did not differ between ADE and AraC/Mito. Patients receiving ADE had a higher probability of neutrophil recovery (74% vs 53%, p = 0.019) and recovered neutrophils a median of 7 days more quickly (27 vs 34 days), p = < 0.001. ADE patients also had fewer inpatient hospital days (28 days versus 32 days, p = 0.002). The percentage of patients receiving SCT did not differ, 34% vs 44%, p = 0.253 and post-SCT outcomes did not differ. Conclusions: The intensification of Induction II chemotherapy, change in SCT conditioning regimen, and liberalization of SCT donor source was not associated with improved clinical outcomes. Intensification of Induction II was associated with increased hematologic toxicity and length of stay. These data do not support the intensification of Induction II chemotherapy with AraC/Mitoxantrone. Clinical trial information: NCT01371981.

Occurrence of Treatment-Related Cardiotoxicity and Its Impact on Outcomes Among Children Treated in the AAML0531 Clinical Trial: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group

PURPOSE

Late cardiotoxicity after pediatric acute myeloid leukemia therapy causes substantial morbidity and mortality. The impact of early-onset cardiotoxicity on treatment outcomes is less well understood. Thus, we evaluated the risk factors for incident early cardiotoxicity and the impacts of cardiotoxicity on event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS).

METHODS

Cardiotoxicity was ascertained through adverse event monitoring over the course of follow-up among 1,022 pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia treated in the Children's Oncology Group trial AAML0531. It was defined as grade 2 or higher left ventricular systolic dysfunction on the basis of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 3) definitions.

RESULTS

Approximately 12% of patients experienced cardiotoxicity over a 5-year follow-up, with more than 70% of incident events occurring during on-protocol therapy. Documented cardiotoxicity during on-protocol therapy was significantly associated with subsequent off-protocol toxicity. Overall, the incidence was higher among noninfants and black patients, and in the setting of a bloodstream infection. Both EFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.1; P = .004) and OS (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.2, P = .005) were significantly worse in patients with documented cardiotoxicity. Impacts on EFS were equivalent whether the incident cardiotoxicity event occurred in the absence (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.2; P = .017) or presence of infection (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0 to 2.7; P = .069) compared with patients without documented cardiotoxicity. However, the reduction in OS was more pronounced for cardiotoxicity not associated with infection (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.5; P = .004) than for infection-associated cardiotoxicity (HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.7 to 2.4; P = .387).

CONCLUSION

Early treatment-related cardiotoxicity may be associated with decreased EFS and OS. Cardioprotective strategies are urgently needed to improve relapse risk and both short- and long-term mortality outcomes.

Central nervous system disease in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia: A report from the Children's Oncology Group

BACKGROUND

The prognostic impact of central nervous system (CNS) involvement in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has varied in past trials, and controversy exists over the degree of involvement requiring intensified CNS therapy. Two recent Children's Oncology Group protocols, AAML03P1 and AAML0531, directed additional intrathecal (IT) therapy to patients with CNS2 (≤5 white blood cell [WBC] with blasts) or CNS3 (>5 WBC with blasts or CNS symptoms) disease at diagnosis.

METHODS

We examined disease characteristics and outcomes of the 1,344 patients on these protocols, 949 with CNS1 (no blasts), 217 with CNS2, and 178 with CNS3, with the latter two receiving additional IT therapy.

RESULTS

Young age (P = 0.003), hyperleukocytosis (P < 0.001), and the presence of inversion 16 (P < 0.001) were the only factors more prevalent in patients with CNS2 or CNS3 disease. Complete remission at the end of induction (EOI) 2 was achieved less often in patients with CNS involvement (P < 0.001). From diagnosis, event-free survival (EFS) for patients with CNS involvement was significantly worse (P < 0.001), whereas overall survival (OS) was not (P = 0.16). From the EOI1, there was a higher relapse rate (RR) and worse disease-free survival (DFS), but less impact on OS (CNS1:DFS 58.9%, RR 34.1%, OS 69.3%; CNS2:DFS 53.2%, RR 40.9%, OS 74.7%; CNS3:DFS 45.2%, RR 48.8%, OS 60.8%; P = 0.006, P < 0.001, P = 0.045, respectively). Multivariable analysis showed that independently CNS2 and CNS3 status adversely affected RR and DFS. Traumatic diagnostic lumbar puncture was not associated with worse outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

CNS leukemia confers greater relapse risk despite more aggressive locally directed therapy. Novel approaches need to be investigated in this group of patients.

Intensified induction therapy with reduced total anthracycline exposure in pediatric low-risk acute myeloid leukemia

10533

Background: Despite advances in risk stratification and therapy, the post-induction disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) for children with low-risk acute myeloid leukemia (LR-AML) remain low with DFS and OS of 50% and 68%, respectively, on the standard arm of the recent Children’s Oncology Group (COG) trial, AAML1031. Additionally, current therapy for pediatric LR-AML contains anthracycline doses exceeding thresholds known to increase the risk of adverse cardiac effects. In an effort to decrease exposure to cardiotoxic therapy, the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center adopted an institutional practice to treat LR-AML patients with a regimen of intensified induction therapy with decreased anthracycline exposure (Aflac-AML consisting of ADE10, Mitox/HiDAC, HiDAC/VP, Capizzi II). The aim of this study is to describe the associated toxicities and outcomes of this regimen in pediatric LR-AML. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients diagnosed with de novo LR-AML and treated per the Aflac-AML regimen from 2011-2014. Charts were reviewed for cardiac outcomes, ICU admissions, and the rate of infectious toxicities. DFS and OS were determined using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: We identified 11 LR-AML patients treated with Aflac-AML therapy. Patients received a planned 317 mg/m2 cumulative anthracycline dose vs 442 mg/m2for those treated on AAML1031. There was no decrease in LVEF with a mean change of +2.17% for Aflac-AML patients from the time of diagnosis to therapy completion (p = 0.23). The primary infectious toxicities observed were febrile neutropenia and bacterial infections with a median of 36.4±6% documented bacterial infections per cycle. Fungal and viral infections were rare as were ICU admissions – median 4.5±4% per cycle – and there were no toxic mortalities. The 3-year DFS and OS from end of induction I for Aflac-AML patients were 72.7% and 90.9%, respectively. Conclusions: The Aflac-AML regimen resulted in short-term toxicities and outcomes comparable to current chemotherapy regimens for pediatric LR-AML but with reduced anthracycline exposure. These data support use of this regimen for pediatric LR-AML patients.

Health-related Quality of Life (HR-QOL) and Chronic Health Conditions in Survivors of Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) with Down Syndrome (DS): A Report From the Children's Oncology Group

Survival rates for children with Down syndrome (DS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are high; however, little is known regarding the health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) of these survivors. Individuals who survived ≥5 years following diagnosis of childhood AML were invited to complete parent or patient-report surveys measuring HR-QOL and chronic health conditions. In total, 26 individuals with DS had a median age at diagnosis of 1.8 years (range, 0.77 to 10.9 y) and median age at interview of 15 years (range, 8.3 to 27.6 y). Participants with DS and AML were compared with AML survivors without DS whose caregiver completed a HR-QOL survey (CHQ-PF50). In total, 77% of survivors with DS reported ≥1 chronic health condition compared with 50% of AML survivors without DS (P=0.07). Mean physical and psychosocial QOL scores for children with DS and AML were statistically lower than the population mean, though not discrepant from AML survivors without DS. Although the overall prevalence of chronic health conditions in survivors with DS is higher than in survivors without DS, prior studies of children with DS have reported similarly high rates of chronic health conditions, suggesting that AML therapy may not substantially increase this risk.

Health conditions and quality of life in survivors of childhood acute myeloid leukemia comparing post remission chemotherapy to BMT: a report from the children's oncology group

BACKGROUND

Therapy for childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has historically included chemotherapy with or without autologous bone marrow transplant (autoBMT) or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloBMT). We sought to compare health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) outcomes between these treatment groups.

PROCEDURE

Five-year survivors of AML diagnosed before age 21 and enrolled and treated from 1979 to 1995 on one of 4 national protocols were interviewed. These survivors or proxy caregivers completed a health questionnaire and an HRQOL measure.

RESULTS

Of 180 survivors, 100 were treated with chemotherapy only, 26 with chemotherapy followed by autoBMT, and 54 with chemotherapy followed by alloBMT. Median age at interview was 20 years (range 8-39). Twenty-one percent reported a severe or life-threatening chronic health condition (chemotherapy-only 16% vs. autoBMT 21% vs. alloBMT 33%; P = 0.02 for chemotherapy-only vs. alloBMT). Nearly all (95%) reported excellent, very good or good health. Reports of cancer-related pain and anxiety did not vary between groups. HRQOL scores among 136 participants ≥14 years of age were similar among groups and to the normative population, though alloBMT survivors had a lower physical mean summary score (49.1 alloBMT vs. 52.2 chemotherapy-only; P = 0.03). Multivariate analyses showed the presence of severe chronic health conditions to be a strong predictor of physical but not mental mean summary scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall HRQOL scores were similar among treatment groups, although survivors reporting more health conditions or cancer-related pain had diminished HRQOL. Attention to chronic health conditions and management of cancer-related pain may improve QOL.

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with t(6;9)(p23;q34) is associated with poor outcome in childhood AML regardless of FLT3-ITD status: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with t(6;9)(p23;q34) is a rare subtype associated with FLT3-internal tandem duplication (ITD) and poor outcomes. The clinical outcomes of paediatric patients with t(6;9) with and without FLT3-ITD treated on six consecutive cooperative trails were evaluated. In contrast to patients without t(6;9), those with t(6;9) had a significantly lower complete remission rate, higher relapse rate (RR), and poor overall survival (OS). Within t(6;9) patients, those with and without FLT3-ITD had an OS of 40% and 27% respectively (P > 0·9), demonstrating that t(6;9) is a high-risk cytogenetic feature in paediatric AML and its clinical impact is independent of the presence of FLT3-ITD.

Comparable survival for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia with poor-risk cytogenetics following chemotherapy, matched related donor, or unrelated donor transplantation

BACKGROUND

We sought to better define the role of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in first remission (CR1) for high-risk pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

PROCEDURES

Outcomes were compared among patients aged less than 21 years with cytogenetically defined poor-risk AML treated with chemotherapy, matched related (MRD), or unrelated donor (URD) transplantation in CR1. Poor-risk cytogenetics was defined as monosomy 7/del7q, monosomy 5/del 5q, abnormalities of 3q, t(6;9)(p23;q34), or complex karyotype. Included are patients treated on Children's Oncology Group trials or reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research from 1989 to 2006.

RESULTS

Of the 233 patients, 123 received chemotherapy, 55 received MRD HCT, and 55 received URD HCT. The 5-year overall survival from the time of consolidation chemotherapy or transplant conditioning was similar: chemotherapy (43% ± 9%), MRD (46% ± 14%), or URD (50% ± 14%), P = 0.99. Similarly, multivariate analysis demonstrated no significant differences in survival [(reference group = chemotherapy); MRD HR 1.08, P = 0.76; URD HR 1.13, P = 0.67] despite lower relapse risk with URD HCT (HR = 0.43, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings do not provide support for the preferential use of HCT over chemotherapy alone for children with cytogenetically defined poor-risk AML in CR1.

Outcome of pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and -5/5q- abnormalities from five pediatric AML treatment protocols: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

BACKGROUND

Abnormalities of chromosome 5q (-5/5q-) are associated with poor prognosis in adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, there are no large studies on outcomes of children with -5/5q- AML. To determine the disease correlates of this group, we retrospectively analyzed cytogenetic data from five studies of childhood AML.

PROCEDURE

Data from patients whose cytogenetic clones included -5/5q-, with the exception of those with acute promyelocytic leukemia or Down syndrome, were included.

RESULTS

Of the 2,240 patients with cytogenetic data available, 26 (1.2%) had -5 or 5q-. A significant number of these patients were age 11-21 (61.5%, P = 0.031) and had M0 morphology compared with patients without -5/5q- (24.0% vs. 2.8%, P < 0.001). Twenty-two of the 26 patients had a complete remission (CR) response to induction chemotherapy. The 5-year overall survival (OS) from the time of diagnosis for the -5/5q- patients was significantly lower than for patients without -5/5q- (27 ± 17% vs. 50 ± 2%, P = 0.027). Similarly, from induction CR, patients with -5/5q- had significantly worse disease free survival, OS and relapse risk than those without this abnormality (27 ± 19% vs. 46 ± 2%, P = 0.035, 32 ± 20% vs. 57 ± 2%, P = 0.025, 68 ± 21% vs. 45 ± 2%, P = 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric patients with AML and -5/5q- had a very poor outcome. These findings support the need for new or novel therapies for these patients.

Differences in outcomes of newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia for adolescent/young adult and younger patients: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

BACKGROUND

Studies comparing survival of adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients to that of younger patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have yielded conflicting results. In order to more accurately characterize relative survival and other outcomes of AYA patients, a cross-study analysis was conducted using data from recent trials conducted by the Children's Cancer Group (CCG) and Children's Oncology Group (COG).

METHODS

Data were combined from the CCG-2891, CCG-2941, CCG-2961, and AAML03P1 trials. The data set included 1840 patients, comprising 238 AYA and 1602 younger patients.

RESULTS

Overall survival was not significantly different in the 2 groups (AYA, 49% ± 7% versus younger, 54% ± 3% (± 2 standard errors), P = .058). Relapse was lower in AYA patients (30% ± 7% versus 41% ± 3%, P = .002), but treatment-related mortality (TRM) was higher (25% ± 6% versus 12% ± 2%, P < .001). After adjustment for other factors, older age remained strongly associated with TRM (hazard ratio = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.59-3.33, P < .001). Infection accounted for the excess TRM in AYA patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival in AYA and younger patients with newly diagnosed AML is similar; however, older patients are at higher risk for TRM. More effective strategies for preventing mortality from infection in AYA patients are needed.

Outcome of adolescents and young adults with acute myeloid leukemia treated on COG trials compared to CALGB and SWOG trials

BACKGROUND

A retrospective meta-analysis of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was performed to determine if differences in outcome exist following treatment on pediatric versus adult oncology treatment regimens.

METHODS

Outcomes were compared of 517 AYAs with AML aged 16 to 21 years who were treated on Children's Oncology Group (COG), Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB), and Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) frontline AML trials from 1986 to 2008.

RESULTS

There was a significant age difference between AYA cohorts in the COG, CALGB, and SWOG trials (median, 17.2 versus 20.1 versus 19.8 years, P < .001). The 10-year event-free survival of the COG cohort was superior to the combined adult cohorts (38% ± 6% versus 23% ± 6%, log-rank P = .006) as was overall survival (45% ± 6% versus 34% ± 7%), with a 10-year estimate comparison of P = .026. However, the younger age of the COG cohort is confounding, with all patients aged 16 to 18 years doing better than those aged 19 to 21 years. Although the 10-year relapse rate was lower for the COG patients (29% ± 6% versus 57% ± 8%, Gray's P < .001), this was offset by a higher postremission treatment-related mortality of 26% ± 6% versus 12% ± 6% (Gray's P < .001). Significant improvements in 10-year event-free survival and overall survival were observed for the entire cohort in later studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients treated on pediatric trials had better outcomes than those treated on adult trials, but age is a major confounding variable, making it difficult to compare outcomes by cooperative group.

Identification of regulators of polyploidization presents therapeutic targets for treatment of AMKL

The mechanism by which cells decide to skip mitosis to become polyploid is largely undefined. Here we used a high-content image-based screen to identify small-molecule probes that induce polyploidization of megakaryocytic leukemia cells and serve as perturbagens to help understand this process. Our study implicates five networks of kinases that regulate the switch to polyploidy. Moreover, we find that dimethylfasudil (diMF, H-1152P) selectively increased polyploidization, mature cell-surface marker expression, and apoptosis of malignant megakaryocytes. An integrated target identification approach employing proteomic and shRNA screening revealed that a major target of diMF is Aurora kinase A (AURKA). We further find that MLN8237 (Alisertib), a selective inhibitor of AURKA, induced polyploidization and expression of mature megakaryocyte markers in acute megakaryocytic leukemia (AMKL) blasts and displayed potent anti-AMKL activity in vivo. Our findings provide a rationale to support clinical trials of MLN8237 and other inducers of polyploidization and differentiation in AMKL.

FLT3 mutation status is a predictor of early death in pediatric acute promyelocytic leukemia: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

BACKGROUND

FLT3 mutations (FLT3/Mut) are prevalent in de novo AML and are associated with early relapse. The prevalence and prognostic significance of FLT3/Mut have not been well defined in childhood acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).

PROCEDURE

Diagnostic specimens from 104 pediatric APL patients were screened for FLT3/Mut (FLT3/ITD or FLT3/ALM). FLT3/Mut status was correlated with disease characteristics and clinical outcome for patients treated on CALGB C9710 (n = 50).

RESULTS

Forty-two of the 104 patients (40%) had either FLT3/ITD (n = 28, 27%) or FLT3/ALM (n = 15, 14%). Median diagnostic WBC count was 23,400 cells/µl vs. 3,600 cells/µl for those with and without FLT3/Mut (P < 0.001), and similar results for the cohort of 50 patients treated on C9710 (P < 0.001). In patients treated on C9710, presence of a FLT3 mutation was highly correlated with diagnostic WBC count >10,000 (P = 0.004), microgranular variant histology (P = 0.035), and a lower remission rate (P = 0.009). In patients who received ATRA (C9710 or CCG-2911, n = 8), those with FLT3/Mut had an induction death rate of 30% (7/23) compared to 3% (1/35) in FLT3/WT patients (P = 0.005). In patients with high WBC counts (>10,000), those with FLT3/Mut had a significantly higher risk of induction death versus FLT3/WT patients (47% vs. 0%, P = 0.05). FLT3/Mut was not associated with adverse outcome in those who survived induction therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

FLT3/Mut are prevalent in pediatric APL and are associated with high WBC count and increased induction death. This study provides further evidence for testing APL patients for FLT3/Mut and the potential role for FLT3 inhibitors in this disease.

Superior outcome of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia patients with orbital and CNS myeloid sarcoma: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

BACKGROUND

Extramedullary leukemia (EML) is common in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and occurs as leukemia cells within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or as a solid tumor (myeloid sarcoma-MS). The effect of MS on survival is unknown.

METHODS

Patients on CCG protocols 2861, 2891, 2941, and 2961 being treated for AML with intensive-timing chemotherapy were classified for the presence of EML (CSF leukemia, CNS-MS, orbital-MS, or non-CNS MS). CSF leukemia was classified as CNS3 (>5 WBC in the CSF with blasts) and non-CSF leukemia as CNS1/2 (<5 WBC in the CSF with or without blasts). Characteristics and outcomes of these patients were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 1,459 total patients, 1,206 (82%) had no EML, 154 (11%) had CSF leukemia, 19 (1%) had CNS-MS, 23 (2%) had orbital-MS, and 57 (4%) had non-CNS MS. The CR rate was significantly higher in patients with orbital-MS and CNS-MS than in those with non-MS and non-CNS MS (96% and 95% vs. 78% and 78%, P = 0.034). Patients with orbital-MS and CNS-MS had significantly higher overall survival than patients with non-CNS MS (92% and 73% vs. 38%, P < 0.001), CNS3 patients (92% and 73% vs. 51, P < 0.001), and CNS1/2 patients (92% and 73% vs. 50%, P < 0.001). Patients with orbital-MS had a significantly lower relapse rate.

CONCLUSION

Patients with MS involving orbital and CNS sites had a significantly better survival than patients with non-CNS MS, with CSF leukemia, or with no EML.

Favorable survival maintained in children who have myeloid leukemia associated with Down syndrome using reduced-dose chemotherapy on Children's Oncology Group trial A2971: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

BACKGROUND

Children who are treated for myeloid leukemia associated with Down syndrome (DS) experience superior survival compared with children who have myeloid leukemia without DS. To maintain excellent outcomes while avoiding toxicity, the Children's Oncology Group (COG) conducted the phase 3 trial COG A2971, the first trial solely designed to provide uniform treatment of myeloid leukemia in North American children with DS. A2971 eliminated 2 induction drugs and 3 months of maintenance therapy from the standard-timing regimen of dexamethasone, cytarabine, 6-thioguanine, etoposide, and rubidomycin/daunomycin (DCTER) used in the previous study (Children's Cancer Group [CCG] 2891).

METHODS

COG A2971 was a multi-institutional, nonrandomized, clinical trial that enrolled 132 patients who had DS with either acute myeloid leukemia (n = 91) or myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 41).

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 4.8 years (range, 0.8-8.6 years), the median age at diagnosis was 1.7 years (range, 0.3-13.6 years), and the median white blood cell count was 6200/μL (range, 900-164,900/μL). The remission rate (92.7% ± 6%) was similar to that reported in the CCG 2891 study (91.3% ± 5%; P = .679). The 5-year event free survival (EFS) rate was 79% ± 7% (vs 77% ± 7% in CCG 2891; P = .589), the disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 89% ± 6% (vs 85% ± 6% in CCG 2891; P = .337), and the overall survival rate was 84% ± 6% (vs 79% ± 7% in CCG 2891; P = .302). Induction day-14 bone marrow response trended toward a more favorable outcome (EFS: P = .12). Age >4 years was an adverse risk factor (5-year EFS rate: 33% ± 38% for children aged >4 years [median, 8.5 years; n = 6] vs 81% ± 7% for children ages 0-4 years [median, 1.7 years; n = 126]; P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The COG A2971 trial reduced the chemotherapy dose and maintained survival to that achieved by the CCG 2891 trial in children who had myeloid leukemia associated with DS.

Lessons from the past: opportunities to improve childhood cancer survivor care through outcomes investigations of historical therapeutic approaches for pediatric hematological malignancies

Investigations of long-term outcomes have been instrumental in designing safer and more effective contemporary therapies for pediatric hematological malignancies. Despite the significant therapeutic changes that have occurred over the last five decades, therapy modifications largely represent refinements of treatment protocols using agents and modalities that have been available for more than 30 years. This review summarizes major trends in the evolution of treatment of pediatric hematological malignancies since 1960 to support the relevance of the study of late effects of historical therapeutic approaches to the design and evaluation of contemporary treatment protocols and the follow-up of present-day survivors.

Analysis of the role of hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in infants with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in first remission and MLL gene rearrangements: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

PURPOSE

Although the majority of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are cured with current therapy, the event-free survival (EFS) of infants with ALL, particularly those with mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene rearrangements, is only 30% to 40%. Relapse has been the major source of treatment failure for these patients. The parallel Children's Cancer Group (CCG) 1953 and Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) 9407 studies were designed to test the hypothesis that more intensive therapy, including dose intensification of chemotherapy, and hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) would improve the outcome for this group of patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred eighty-nine infants (CCG 1953, n = 115; POG 9407, n = 74) were enrolled between October 1996 and August 2000. For infants with the MLL gene rearrangement and an appropriate donor, HSCT was the preferred treatment on CCG 1953 and investigator option on POG 9407 after completion of the second phase of therapy. Fifty-three infants underwent HSCT.

RESULTS

The 5-year EFS rate was 48.8% (95% CI, 33.9% to 63.7%) in patients who received HSCT and 48.7% (95% CI, 33.8% to 63.6%) in patients treated with chemotherapy alone (P = .60). Transplantation outcomes were not affected by the preparatory regimen or donor source.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that routine use of HSCT for infants with MLL-rearranged ALL is not indicated. However, limited by small numbers, this study should not be considered the definitive answer to this question.

Unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation for myelodysplastic syndrome in children

We describe long-term disease-free survival (DFS) after unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in 118 patients aged ≤18 years. Forty-six patients had refractory cytopenia (RC), 55 refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB), and 17 refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation (RAEB-t). Transplant-related mortality was higher after mismatched BMT (relative risk [RR] 3.29, P = .002). Disease recurrence was more likely with advanced stages of MDS at the time of BMT: RAEB (RR 6.50, P = .01) or RAEB-t (RR 11.00, P = .004). Treatment failure (recurrent disease or death from any cause; inverse of DFS) occurred in 68 patients. Treatment failure was higher after mismatched BMT (RR 2.79, P = .001) and in those with RAEB-t (RR 2.38, P = .02). Secondary MDS or chemotherapy prior to BMT was not associated with recurrence or treatment failure. Similarly, cytogenetic abnormalities were not associated with transplant outcomes. Eight-year DFS for patients with RC after matched and mismatched unrelated donor BMT was 65% and 40%, respectively. Corresponding DFS for patients with RAEB and RAEB-t was 48% and 28%, respectively. When a matched adult unrelated donor is available, BMT should be offered as first-line therapy, and children with RC can be expected to have the best outcome.

Intracavitary cisplatin therapy for pediatric malignancies

BACKGROUND

Local control is essential for the successful treatment of pediatric solid tumors. Complete excision is often not possible and local control therapies are limited. Intracavitary cisplatin (IC-CDDP) may be utilized to supplement local control. The aim of the study was to determine the toxicity and efficacy of locally instilled intracavitary cisplatin in patients with recurrent tumors in closed body cavities.

PROCEDURE

From 2001 to 2009, 12 patients (1-20 years) with recurrent or unresectable malignant tumors were treated with IC-CDDP. Nine had pulmonary lesions. Three patients had abdominal tumors. CDDP (200 mg/m(2)) was instilled by chest tube or Tenckhoff catheter. Patients were shifted every 15-30 min to allow distribution. After 4 hr, residual was drained by gravity. In 10/13 courses, sodium thiosulfate (STS) was administered to prevent nephrotoxicity. Three other patients received amifostine.

RESULTS

Malignant pleural effusions resolved in 5/7 patients. This response was temporary in three patients. No patients had ascites prior to treatment. Three patients are alive and disease-free, 18 months, 4 years, and 6 years from treatment. They also had surgery and chemotherapy. Transient renal toxicity was noted in most patients. One patient, treated with amifostine, had persistent renal dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

IC-CDDP was effective in treating malignant pleural effusions and may be a palliative option for refractory disease. Long-term survival was achieved in two patients, treated at first diagnosis. The benefit of IC-CDDP in these patients is difficult to assess. Renal dysfunction is usually mild, and typically resolves, but warrants preventive measures with IC-CDDP therapy.

The presence of central nervous system disease at diagnosis in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia does not affect survival: a Children's Oncology Group study

BACKGROUND

The presence of central nervous system (CNS) disease in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is often thought to confer a worse prognosis. This study examined the outcome of children with AML who had CNS disease at diagnosis.

METHODS

Patients enrolled on Children's Cancer Group protocols 2861, 2891, 2941, and 2961 being treated for de novo AML were classified for the presence of CNS disease at diagnosis as CNS1 (<5 WBC in the CSF without blasts), CNS2 (<5 WBC in the CSF with blasts), or CNS3 (> or =5 WBC in the CSF with blasts). CNS disease at diagnosis was then analyzed regarding patient characteristics and outcome.

RESULTS

There was an incidence of CNS disease (i.e., CNS3 status) of 11% in the 1,459 patients analyzed in this study. The risk factors found are young age, high white cell count, hepatomegaly or splenomegaly at diagnosis, M4 subtype, chromosome 16 abnormalities, and hyperdiploid cytogenetics. There were no significant differences in overall survival, event free survival, or remission rates between the groups; however, a significant difference was seen between the CNS1 and CNS3 groups in disease free survival and isolated CNS relapse risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CNS disease at diagnosis have similar survival to those without CNS disease, although they have an increased incidence of isolated CNS relapse. Patients with CNS disease at diagnosis may warrant more aggressive CNS directed therapy.

Prevalence and prognostic significance of KIT mutations in pediatric patients with core binding factor AML enrolled on serial pediatric cooperative trials for de novo AML

KIT receptor tyrosine kinase mutations are implicated as a prognostic factor in adults with core binding factor (CBF) acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, their prevalence and prognostic significance in pediatric CBF AML is not well established. We performed KIT mutational analysis (exon 8 and exon 17) on diagnostic specimens from 203 pediatric patients with CBF AML enrolled on 4 pediatric AML protocols. KIT mutations were detected in 38 (19%) of 203 (95% CI, 14%-25%) patient samples of which 20 (52.5%) of 38 (95% CI, 36%-69%) involved exon 8, 17 (45%) of 38 (95% CI, 29%-62%) involved exon 17, and 1 (2.5%; 95% CI, 0%-14%) involved both locations. Patients with KIT mutations had a 5-year event-free survival of 55% (+/- 17%) compared with 59% (+/- 9%) for patients with wild-type KIT (P = .86). Rates of complete remission, overall survival, disease-free survival, or relapse were not significantly different for patients with or without KIT mutations. Location of the KIT mutation and analysis by cytogenetic subtype [t(8;21) vs inv(16)] also lacked prognostic significance. Our study shows that KIT mutations lack prognostic significance in a large series of pediatric patients with CBF AML. This finding, which differs from adult series and a previously published pediatric study, may reflect variations in therapeutic approaches and/or biologic heterogeneity within CBF AML. Two of 4 studies included in this analysis are registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00002798 (CCG-2961) and NCT00070174 (COG AAML03P1).

Infections and association with different intensity of chemotherapy in children with acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND

The objectives were to compare infections during different intensities of therapy in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODS

Subjects were children enrolled in Children's Cancer Group 2891 with AML. In phase 1 (induction), patients were randomized to intensive or standard timing. In phase 2 (consolidation), those with a family donor were allocated allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT); the remainder were randomized to autologous SCT or chemotherapy. This report compares infections between different treatments on an intent-to-treat basis.

RESULTS

During phase 1, intensive timing was associated with more bacterial (57.7% vs 39.4%; P < .001), fungal (27.4% vs 9.9%; P < .001), and viral (14.0% vs 3.9%; P < .001) infections compared with standard timing. During phase 2, chemotherapy was associated with more bacterial (56.5% vs 40.1%; P = .005), but similar fungal (9.5% vs 6.1%; P = 1.000) and viral (4.2% vs 12.9%; P = .728) infections compared with allogeneic SCT. No differences between chemotherapy and autologous SCT infections were seen. Fatal infections were more common during intensive compared with standard timing induction (5.5% vs 0.9%; P = .004). Infectious deaths were similar between chemotherapy, autologous SCT, and allogeneic SCT.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of infection varies depending on the intensity and type of treatment. This information sheds insight into the mechanisms behind susceptibility and outcome of infections in pediatric AML.

Sickle cell disease summit: from clinical and research disparity to action

The American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Sickle Cell Summit brought together a broad range of constituencies to identify a unified approach to healthcare and research disparities for sickle cell disease. Recommendations included the following: (1) speak with a unified voice representing all constituencies; (2) optimize access to care from knowledgeable health care providers and create a medical home for all individuals with the disease; (3) utilize population-based surveillance to measure outcomes; (4) develop overall approaches to basic, translational, clinical, and health services research; (5) enhance the community role in advocacy, education, service, and fundraising. Taskforces were identified to effect implementation.

Respiratory syncytial virus infections in children with acute myeloid leukemia: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

BACKGROUND

Morbidity and mortality related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is not known.

PROCEDURE

We combined data from three Children's Oncology Group AML studies and determined the prevalence of RSV infection and RSV-related mortality in children treated for de novo AML.

RESULTS

We found that the prevalence of RSV infection ranged from 0% to 1% in induction and between 0.3 and 2.2% in consolidation. Four children died from RSV resulting in RSV-specific mortality of 0.2% among all children. However, the risk of RSV-related mortality among RSV infection episodes was high (4/40, 10%).

CONCLUSIONS

RSV infections and deaths are rare in pediatric AML.

Impact of disease risk on efficacy of matched related bone marrow transplantation for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia: the Children's Oncology Group

PURPOSE

There is considerable variation in the use of HLA-matched related bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for the treatment of pediatric patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Some oncologists have argued that BMT should be offered to most patients in first complete remission (CR). Others have maintained that transplantation in first remission should be reserved for patients with high-risk disease. We performed this study to determine how disease risk influences the efficacy of BMT.

METHODS

We combined data from four cooperative group clinical trials: Pediatric Oncology Group 8821, Children's Cancer Group (CCG) 2891, CCG 2961, and Medical Research Council 10. Using cytogenetics and the percentage of marrow blasts after the first course of chemotherapy, patients were stratified into favorable, intermediate, and poor-risk disease groups. Patients who could not be risk classified were analyzed separately. Outcomes for patients assigned to BMT and for patients assigned to chemotherapy alone were compared.

RESULTS

The data set included 1,373 pediatric patients with AML in first CR. In the intermediate-risk group, the estimated disease-free survival at 8 years for patients who did not undergo transplantation was 39% +/- 5% (2 SE), whereas it was 58% +/- 7% for BMT patients. The estimated overall survival for patients who did not undergo transplantation was 51% +/- 5%, whereas it was 62% +/- 7% for BMT patients. Both differences were significant (P < .01). There were no significant differences for survival in the other two risk groups or in the non-risk-stratified patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that HLA-matched related BMT is an effective treatment for pediatric patients with intermediate-risk AML in first CR.

Outcomes in childhood AML in the absence of transplantation in first remission--Children's Cancer Group (CCG) studies 2891 and CCG 213

BACKGROUND

The majority of childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients lack a matched-related bone marrow transplant (BMT) donor in first remission.

PROCEDURE

Disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and post-relapse outcome were evaluated for children with de novo AML on CCG 213 and the standard timing (ST) and intensive timing (IT) induction arms of CCG 2891 who were randomized to (intent-to-treat, ITT) or who received (as-treated, AT) only chemotherapy intensification.

RESULTS

Outcomes at 8 years post-induction in ITT analysis of chemotherapy intensification were as follows: 31% DFS, 43% OS on CCG 213; 34% DFS, 51% OS on CCG 2891 ST; 48% DFS, 56% OS on CCG 2891 IT. All toxic deaths during and following Capizzi II chemotherapy intensification on both protocols were in patients >3 years of age (P </= 0.001). Black race was a significant poor prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.008, hazard ratio: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.15-2.61). Overall 48% of patients on both trials relapsed and 19.1% of patients who relapsed on these trials survived. CR1 >12 months portends a much better OS for patients who relapse. Post-relapse treatment included BMT in 47% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

OS on CCG 2891 was superior to CCG 213 but equivalent between ST and IT arms due to better salvage rates post-relapse in ST patients. Overall survival for childhood AML in the absence of BMT in CR1 is influenced by duration of CR1 and by race.

Incidence of Neuroblastoma After a Screening Program

Purpose

A significant increase in the incidence of neuroblastoma occurred among a 5-year birth cohort (May 1989 to April 1994) during an active urinary screening program for its early detection. We examined the postscreening incidence of neuroblastoma in the subsequent 5-year birth cohort (May 1994 to April 1999), with follow-up to 2002, to determine whether the incidence remained increased.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed institutional records of patients diagnosed with neuroblastoma during the period from 1994 to 2002 who were born in 1994 to 1999 in the province of Quebec, as well as in the state of Minnesota and the province of Ontario, regions that had served as controls during the screening interval. We calculated and compared incidence rates during the 1994 to 2002 time period.

Results

For the 5-year birth cohort as a whole, the rate of newly diagnosed neuroblastoma was higher in Quebec than in the control populations of Minnesota and Ontario (standardized incidence ratio, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.70). However, in years 4 and 5 of the interval, population-based incidence declined to the same levels as those seen in the control areas.

Conclusion

The institution of a urinary screening program for neuroblastoma led to increased awareness of the diagnosis and an elevated rate of diagnosis even after the completion of the screening evaluation. However, this halo effect was transient, with diagnostic rates subsequently decreasing within the range seen in control populations.

Access to Pediatric Cancer Care by Age, Race, and Diagnosis, and Outcomes of Cancer Treatment in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients in the State of Georgia

Purpose

There have been concerns among pediatric oncologists that adolescent and minority patients are not getting adequate access to care. This study examines access to cancer care and survival outcomes based on age, race, and type of cancer in patients in Georgia.

Patients and Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 1,751 cancer patients aged 0 to 19 years, diagnosed between 1998 and 2002, in the Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry, which identified patients who were treated at one of five Georgia pediatric cancer centers (Children's Oncology Group [COG] members) at any point in their treatment. Data were further analyzed for age at diagnosis, race, county of residence, and 5-year survival.

Results

Eighty-seven percent of patients aged 0 to 14 years and 36% of those aged 15 to 19 years were treated at a COG institution. Twenty-five percent of all patients were of African descent, with 75.4% of black versus 70.3% of white patients (age 0 to 19 years) treated at a COG institution (P < .01); 97.1% of other minorities were treated at a COG institution (P < .05). The 5-year actuarial survival rates for more pediatric-specific cancers were significantly lower in all leukemias (75.1% v 46.4%; P = .0015), and acute lymphoblastic leukemia specifically (86.3% v 53.3%; P < .05) for patients not treated at a COG institution. Actuarial survival rates were much lower for blacks than whites in all cancers as a whole (70% v 82%; P < .001) and for many specific subtypes.

Conclusion

Adolescent-aged patients are less likely to be referred to a COG institution, potentially exposing them to worse outcomes in some cancer subtypes. Reassuringly, minority populations are receiving adequate access to pediatric cancer care; unfortunately their survival rates are lower.

Comparison of childhood myelodysplastic syndrome, AML FAB M6 or M7, CCG 2891: report from the Children's Oncology Group

BACKGROUND

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), acute erythroleukemia (FAB M6), and acute megakaryocytic leukemia (FAB M7) have overlapping features.

PROCEDURE

Children without Down syndrome or acute promyelocytic leukemia who were newly diagnosed with primary myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) M6 or M7 were compared to children with de novo AML M0-M5. All children were entered on the Children's Cancer Group therapeutic research study CCG 2891.

RESULTS

The presentation and outcomes of the 132 children diagnosed with MDS (60 children), AML FAB M6 (19 children), or AML FAB M7 (53 children) were similar. Children with AML FAB M7 were diagnosed at a significantly younger age (P = 0.001). Children with MDS, M6, or M7 had significantly lower white blood cell (WBC) counts (P = 0.001), lower peripheral blast counts (P < 0.001), and an increased frequency of -7/7q- (P = 0.003) at presentation. All three groups had significantly inferior overall survival (OS) (P < 0.001) and event free survival (P < 0.001) compared with the 748 children diagnosed with AML FAB M0-M5 when assessed from entry on study. This poor survival was largely attributable to induction death and failure. However, when assessed from successful completion of induction therapy, the 5-year OS (P = 0.090)(49.1 vs. 56.9%) and disease-free survival (DFS) (P = 0.113)(38.0 vs. 46.3%) therapy were not significantly different from other children with AML.

CONCLUSIONS

Childhood AML FAB M6 and AML M7 resemble MDS in presentation, poor induction success rates, and outcomes.

Autologous bone marrow transplantation for children with AML in first remission

In Children's cancer group (CCG) 2891, newly diagnosed patients with AML were randomized between standard and intensive timing induction therapies. Patients in first remission who lacked an HLA matched family donor were randomized between an autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) where marrow was purged with 4 hydroperoxycyclophosphamide and consolidation chemotherapy. One hundred and thirty seven patients received an ABMT. Myeloid and platelet engraftment occurred at a median of 44 and 42 days, respectively. Disease-free survival (DFS), relapse-free survival and overall survival at 8 years post induction were 47% (95% confidence interval (CI): 38-55), 50% (CI: 42-59) and 55% (CI: 46-63), respectively. Multivariate analysis of DFS showed WBC <50 000/microl and having received intensively timed induction therapy were associated with improved DFS. Recipients who received intensive timed induction therapy and whose WBC was less than 50 000/microl had a DFS at 8 years of 62% (CI: 49-73). Conversely, recipients who received intensive timed induction therapy patients whose WBC was > or =50 000/microl had a DFS of 33% (CI: 17-50), P=0.003. The results confirm previous studies that ABMT is effective post remission therapy for pediatric patients with AML in first remission.

Monosomy 7 and deletion 7q in children and adolescents with acute myeloid leukemia: an international retrospective study

Monosomy 7 (-7) and deletion 7q \del(7q)] are rare in childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We retrospectively collected data on 258 children with AML or refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation (RAEB-T) and -7 or del(7q) with or without other cytogenetic aberrations \+/- other]. Karyotypes included -7 (n = 90), -7 other (n = 82), del(7q) (n = 21), and del(7q) other (n = 65). Complete remission (CR) was achieved in fewer patients with -7 +/- other compared with del(7q) +/- other (61% versus 89%, P < .001). Overall, the 5-year survival rate was 39% (SE, 3%). Survival was superior in del(7q) +/- other compared with -7 +/- other (51% versus 30%, P < .01). Cytogenetic aberrations considered favorable in AML \t(8;21)(q22;q22), inv(16)(p13q22), t(15;17)(q22;q21), t(9;11)(p22;q23)] (n = 24) were strongly associated with del(7q) and a higher 5-year survival rate compared with del(7q) without favorable cytogenetics (75% versus 46%, P = .03). Patients with -7 and inv(3),-5/del(5q), or + 21 had a 5-year survival rate of 5%. Stem cell transplantation analyzed as a time-dependent variable had no impact on overall survival. However, patients not achieving CR had a 31% survival rate after stem cell transplantation. Childhood AML with chromosome 7 aberrations represents a heterogeneous group of disorders with additional cytogenetic aberrations having a major prognostic impact which should be reflected in future risk-group stratification.

Minimally differentiated acute myeloid leukemia (FAB AML-M0) is associated with an adverse outcome in children: a report from the Children's Oncology Group, studies CCG-2891 and CCG-2961

To assess the impact of minimally differentiated acute myeloid leukemia (AML-M0) morphology in children, we analyzed 2 sequential Children's Cancer Group AML clinical trials. We compared presenting characteristics and outcomes of 82 CCG-2891 and CCG-2961 patients with de novo, non-Down syndrome (DS) AML-M0 with those of 1620 patients with non-M0 AML, and of 10 CCG-2891 patients with DS-associated AML-M0 with those of 179 with DS-associated non-M0 AML. Morphology and cytogenetics were centrally reviewed. The non-DS AML-M0 children had a lower white blood cell (WBC) count (P = .001) than their non-M0 counterparts and a higher incidence of chromosome 5 deletions (P = .002), nonconstitutional trisomy 21 (P = .027), and hypodiploidy (P = .002). Outcome analyses considering all children with non-DS AML demonstrated no significant differences between M0 and non-M0 patients. Analyses restricted to intensive-timing CCG-2891 and CCG-2961 demonstrated comparable complete response (CR) rates (79% and 78%) between non-DS M0 and non-M0 patients. Overall survival (OS) from diagnosis (38% +/- 14% versus 51% +/- 3%; P = .160) was not significantly different between the 2 groups. OS from end of induction (45% +/- 17% versus 63% +/- 3%; P = .038), event-free survival (EFS; 23% +/- 11% versus 41% +/- 3%; P = .018), and disease-free survival (DFS; 31% +/- 14% versus 52% +/- 3%; P = .009) were inferior in the M0 group. There was no significant outcome difference between DS-associated AML-M0 and non-M0 children. This study suggests that intensively treated non-DS-associated AML-M0 children have an inferior outcome compared with children with non-M0 AML.

FLT3 internal tandem duplication in CD34+/CD33- precursors predicts poor outcome in acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clonal disease characterized by heterogeneous involvement of hematopoietic stem cell/progenitor cell populations. Using FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3/ITD) as a molecular marker, we tested the hypothesis that clinical outcome in AML correlates with disease involvement of CD34(+)/CD33(-) precursors. Diagnostic specimens from 24 children with FLT3/ITD-positive AML were sorted by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and resultant CD34(+)/CD33(-) and CD34(+)/CD33(+) progenitors were analyzed directly and after colony-forming cell (CFC) assay for the presence of FLT3/ITD. FLT3/ITD was present in all CD34(+)/CD33(+) patient samples. In contrast, FLT3/ITD was detected in CD34(+)/CD33(-) progenitors in only 19 of 24 samples. A bipotent progenitor was affected in a subset of patients, as evidenced by the presence of FLT3/ITD in both granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming unit (CFU-GM) and erythroid burst-forming unit (BFU-E) colonies. Those patients in whom CD34(+)/CD33(-) precursors harbored the FLT3/ITD had worse clinical outcome; actuarial event-free survival (EFS) at 4 years from study entry for those patients with and without FLT3/ITD detection in CD34(+)/CD33(-) progenitors was 11% +/- 14% versus 100% +/- 0%, respectively (P = .002). This study suggests that FLT3/ITD involvement in CD34(+)/CD33(-) precursors is heterogeneous and that detection of the mutation in the less-mature progenitor population may be associated with disease resistance.

Curing childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at the half-way point: promises to keep and miles to go before we sleep

Childhood and adolescent acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is traditionally one of the hardest childhood cancers to successfully treat and had an overall survival well under 10% in the 1960s. Initial progress was made by three major events: (1) active chemotherapeutic agents were identified which led to remissions for the first time in this disease; (2) cooperative groups were instituted leading to important clinical trials; and (3) several single institutions began experimenting with the role of allogeneic matched sibling donor (MSD) BMT as effective intensification. Over the last 25 years, the cure rate has improved from <20% to 50% or higher. Most of the clinical research during this time of great advancement focused on two major themes: (1) the role of aggressive induction therapy in not only improving CR rates but in post-remission outcomes; and (2) the role of aggressive post-remission therapy in further improving survival, with an emphasis on high-dose Ara C-based chemotherapy, BMT, and supportive care. But we have "miles to go before we sleep." Some of the challenges that will lead to ongoing reduction of population-based mortality for AML through young adulthood include: (1) improving access of adolescents to pediatric AML therapy; (2) stratification by prognostic factors; (3) individualized therapy based on individual genetics and leukemia cell biology; (4) and the use of novel therapies including targeted immuno-conjugates and "small molecules" which disrupt abnormal signal transduction pathways. This brief review looks at both the advances over the last three decades as well as discusses the challenges moving forward for ultimately curing all children with this disease.

Treatment Complications in Children Diagnosed With Neuroblastoma During a Screening Program

Purpose

The Québec Neuroblastoma Screening Program was put in place to investigate the possibility of decreasing mortality from high-risk neuroblastoma through early screening. We assess treatment complications in the patients diagnosed during this screening program.

Patients and Methods

A total of 476,603 patients born during the screening period were eligible. Parents of 425,838 children (89%) agreed to participate in the 3-week screening, and 73% agreed to participate in the 6-month screening. Forty-five patients had neuroblastoma. We reviewed the medical and research charts for all patients diagnosed by screening. Follow-up was available from 8 to 13 years after screening.

Results

Forty-five patients were diagnosed by screening. All patients were treated according to the Pediatric Oncology Group recommendations of the time. All patients had surgery, and 29 patients received chemotherapy. No patient died from neuroblastoma. Eleven patients suffered complications from treatment. Two patients had life-threatening complications.

Conclusion

In view of the lack of impact of screening programs on neuroblastoma mortality, evidence that many of the tumors detected through screening can be observed without treatment and the serious complications that may arise from therapy, we do not support neuroblastoma screening programs for children.

Analysis of prognostic factors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in infants: report on CCG 1953 from the Children's Oncology Group

Infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has a poor therapeutic outcome despite attempts to treat it based on prognostic factor-guided therapy. This is the first cooperative group trial characterizing all infants at the molecular level for MLL/11q23 rearrangement. All infants enrolled on Children's Cancer Group (CCG) 1953 were tested for MLL rearrangement by Southern blot and the 11q23 translocation partner was identified (4;11, 9;11, 11;19, or "other") by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR). One hundred fifteen infants were enrolled; overall event-free survival (EFS) was 41.7% (SD = 9.2%) and overall survival (OS) was 44.8% at 5 years. Five-year EFS for MLL-rearranged cases was 33.6% and for MLL-nonrearranged cases was 60.3%. The difference in EFS between the 3 major MLL rearrangements did not reach statistical significance. Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed a rank order of significance for negative impact on prognosis of CD10 negativity, age younger than 6 months, and MLL rearrangement, in that order. Toxicity was the most frequent cause of death. Relapse as a first event in CCG 1953 was later (median, 295 days) compared with CCG 1883 historic control (median, 207 days). MLL/11q23 rearrangement, CD10 expression, and age are important prognostic factors in infant ALL, but molecular 11q23 translocation partners do not predict outcome.

Ethnicity and survival in childhood acute myeloid leukemia: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

We evaluated differences in outcome by ethnicity among children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We analyzed 791 children in the CCG 2891 trial and confirmed positive findings in 850 children in the CCG 2961 trial. Hispanic and black children treated with chemotherapy in CCG 2891 had significantly inferior overall survival (OS) from study entry compared with white children (37%+/- 9% vs 48%+/- 4% [P = .016] and 34% +/- 10% vs 48% +/- 4%, [P = .007], respectively). Significantly fewer black children had related donors. Analyses of CCG 2961 confirmed that black children had significantly decreased OS rates compared with white children (45% +/- 12% vs 60% +/- 4%; P = .007) The difference in OS rates between Hispanic and white children approached statistical significance (51% +/- 8% vs 60% +/- 4%; P = .065) Only 7.5% of black children on CCG 2961 had an available family donor. In conclusion, Hispanic and black children with AML have worse survival than white children. Access to chemotherapy, differences in supportive care or leukemia phenotype, and reduced compliance are unlikely explanations for this difference because therapy was given intravenously according to CCG protocols. Fewer black children than expected had an available family marrow donor.

Long-term results of children with acute myeloid leukemia: a report of three consecutive Phase III trials by the Children's Cancer Group: CCG 251, CCG 213 and CCG 2891

The Children's Cancer Group (CCG) conducted three Phase III prospective clinical trials for children with de novo acute myeloid leukemia between the years 1979 and 1995. A total of 1903 eligible children ages birth to 21 years of age were enrolled on CCG 251 (n=485), CCG 213 (n=532) and CCG 2891 (n=886). Follow-up is ongoing, with medians of 7.9, 10.9 and 8.6 years, respectively. These three clinical trials developed dose- and time-intensive induction regimens based upon high-dose cytarabine and daunomycin and randomly assigned patients to allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in first remission if an HLA-matched related donor was identified. Despite dose- and time-intensive induction regimens, remission induction rates remained relatively stable at 77-78%. However, overall survival, event-free survival and disease-free survival (DFS) increased for patients receiving intensive-timing induction therapy in comparison to patients who received standard-timing induction, regardless of the type of postremission therapy. Outcomes were best for patients receiving intensive-timing induction followed by matched related donor allogeneic transplantation with DFS of 65+/-9% at 6 years. These three clinical trials have established a strong foundation for the development of future studies focusing on further risk group stratification and the development of novel, molecularly-targeted therapies.