Factors influencing parents' choice of palliative treatment goals for children with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma: A multi-site longitudinal survey study.

BACKGROUND: Many parents of children with advanced cancer report curative goals and continue intensive therapies that can compound symptoms and suffering. Factors that influence parents to choose palliation as the primary treatment goal are not well understood. The objective of this study was to examine experiences impacting parents' report of palliative goals adjusted for time. The authors hypothesized that awareness of poor prognosis, recall of oncologists' prognostic disclosure, intensive treatments, and burdensome symptoms and suffering would influence palliative goal-setting. METHODS: The authors collected prospective, longitudinal surveys from parents of children with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma at nine pediatric cancer centers across the United States, beginning at relapse and continuing every 3 months for 18 months or until death. Hypothesized covariates were examined for possible associations with parental report of palliative goals. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate factors associated with parents' report of palliative goals at different time points. RESULTS: A total of 96 parents completed surveys. Parents were more likely to report a primary goal of palliation when they recalled communication about prognosis by their child's oncologist (odds ratio [OR], 52.48; p = .010). Treatment intensity and previous ineffective therapeutic regimens were not associated with parents' report of palliative goals adjusted for time. A parent who reported new suffering for their child was less likely to report palliative goals (OR, 0.13; p = .008). CONCLUSIONS: Parents of children with poor prognosis cancer may not report palliative goals spontaneously in the setting of treatment-related suffering. Prognostic communication, however, does influence palliative goal-setting. Evidence-based interventions are needed to encourage timely, person-centered prognostic disclosure in the setting of advanced pediatric cancer. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Many parents of children with poor-prognosis cancer continue to pursue curative treatments that may worsen symptoms and suffering. Little is known about which factors influence parents to choose palliative care as their child's main treatment goal. To explore this question, we asked parents of children with advanced neuroblastoma across the United States to complete multiple surveys over time. We found that the intensity of treatment, number of treatments, and suffering from treatment did not influence parents to choose palliative goals. However, when parents remembered their child's oncologist talking about prognosis, they were more likely to choose palliative goals of care.

Phase 1 study of high-dose DFMO, celecoxib, cyclophosphamide and topotecan for patients with relapsed neuroblastoma: a New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy trial.

BACKGROUND: MYC genes regulate ornithine decarboxylase (Odc) to increase intratumoral polyamines. We conducted a Phase I trial [NCT02030964] to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of DFMO, an Odc inhibitor, with celecoxib, cyclophosphamide and topotecan. METHODS: Patients 2-30 years of age with relapsed/refractory high-risk neuroblastoma received oral DFMO at doses up to 9000 mg/m2/day, with celecoxib (500 mg/m2 daily), cyclophosphamide (250 mg/m2/day) and topotecan (0.75 mg/m2/day) IV for 5 days, for up to one year with G-CSF support. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (median age, 6.8 years) received 136 courses. Slow platelet recovery with 21-day courses (dose-levels 1 and 2) led to subsequent dose-levels using 28-day courses (dose-levels 2a-4a). There were three course-1 dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs; hematologic; anorexia; transaminases), and 23 serious adverse events (78% fever-related). Five patients (21%) completed 1-year of therapy. Nine stopped for PD, 2 for DLT, 8 by choice. Best overall response included two PR and four MR. Median time-to-progression was 19.8 months, and 3 patients remained progression-free at >4 years without receiving additional therapy. The MTD of DFMO with this regimen was 6750 mg/m2/day. CONCLUSION: High-dose DFMO is tolerable when added to chemotherapy in heavily pre-treated patients. A randomized Phase 2 trial of DFMO added to chemoimmunotherapy is ongoing [NCT03794349].

Norepinephrine transporter and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 tumor expression as a predictor of response to 131 I-MIBG in patients with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies suggest that norepinephrine transporter (NET) and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) mediate meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) uptake and retention in neuroblastoma tumors. We evaluated the relationship between NET and VMAT2 tumor expression and clinical response to 131 I-MIBG therapy in patients with neuroblastoma. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate NET and VMAT2 protein expression levels on archival tumor samples (obtained at diagnosis or relapse) from patients with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma treated with 131 I-MIBG. A composite protein expression H-score was determined by multiplying a semi-quantitative intensity value (0-3+) by the percentage of tumor cells expressing the protein. RESULTS: Tumor samples and clinical data were available for 106 patients, of whom 28.3% had partial response (PR) or higher. NET H-score was not significantly associated with response (≥PR), though the percentage of tumor cells expressing NET was lower among responders (median 80% for ≥PR vs. 90% for

Pain mitigation and management strategies for anti-GD2 infusions: An expert consensus.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting disialoganglioside 2 (GD2) are an important treatment advance for high-risk neuroblastoma, including in patients with refractory or relapsed disease. Dinutuximab and dinutuximab beta are administered for ≥8 hours (and up to 10 days for dinutuximab beta), whereas naxitamab is administered over 0.5 to 2 hours as tolerated. As acute pain is a class effect of anti-GD2 mAbs, effective pain management is crucial to successful treatment. Here, we provide an overview of current pain-management strategies for anti-GD2 mAb infusions, with a focus on strategies suitable for naxitamab infusions, which cause a more rapid onset of often severe pain. We discuss opioid analgesics, ketamine, gabapentin, and other similar agents and nonpharmacologic approaches. Potential future pain-management options are also discussed, in addition to the use of sedatives to reduce the anxiety that may be associated with infusion-related pain. In this expert consensus paper, specific guidance for pain management during naxitamab infusions is provided, as these infusions are administered over 0.5 to 2 hours and may not need overnight hospitalization based on the physician's assessment, and require rapid-onset analgesia options suitable for potential outpatient administration.

Expression of neuroblastoma-related genes in bone marrow at end of high-risk neuroblastoma therapy.

BACKGROUND: Minimal disease quantification may predict event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). METHODS: We evaluated mRNA expression of five neuroblastoma-associated genes (NB5 assay) in bone marrows (BM) of patients with newly diagnosed high-risk neuroblastoma who received consistent immunotherapy. mRNA expression of CHGA, DCX, DDC, PHOX2B, and TH genes in BM of 479 patients enrolled on the immunotherapy arm of Children's Oncology Group trials ANBL0032 and ANBL0931 was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based TaqMan low-density array. Results from end-consolidation and end-therapy were analyzed for association with five-year EFS/OS and patient and tumor characteristics. Tests of statistical significance were two-sided. RESULTS: NB5 assay detected neuroblastoma-related mRNA in 222 of 286 (77.6%) of BMs obtained at end-consolidation and 188 of 304 (61.8%) at end-therapy. Any mRNA level detected in end-therapy BM correlated with significantly worse EFS (57% [49.6%-63.7%] vs 73.0% [63.5%-80.4%]; P = 0.005), but not OS. Analysis limited to patients in complete response at end-therapy still found a significant difference in EFS with detectable versus not detectable NB5 assay results (58.9% [49.5%-67.1%] vs 76.6% [66.1%-84.2%]; P = 0.01). End-consolidation results did not correlate with EFS or OS. Multivariable analysis determined end-therapy NB5 assay BM results (P = 0.02), age at diagnosis (P = 0.002), and preconsolidation response (P = 0.02) were significantly associated with EFS independent of other clinical and biological parameters evaluated, including end-therapy response. CONCLUSIONS: If further validated in additional patient cohorts, the NB5 assay's ability to independently predict EFS from end-therapy could improve patient stratification for novel maintenance therapy trials after current end-therapy to improve outcome.

Unrealistic parental expectations for cure in poor-prognosis childhood cancer.

BACKGROUND: Many parents of children with advanced cancer pursue curative goals when cure is no longer possible. To the authors' knowledge, no pediatric studies to date have prospectively evaluated prognosis communication or influences on decision making in poor-prognosis childhood cancer. METHODS: The authors conducted a prospective cohort study at 9 pediatric cancer centers that enrolled 95 parents of children with recurrent or refractory, high-risk neuroblastoma (63% of those who were approached), a condition for which cure rarely is achieved. Parents were surveyed regarding the child's likelihood of cure; their primary goal of care; the child's symptoms, suffering, and quality of life; and regret concerning the last treatment decision. Medical records identified care and treatment decisions. RESULTS: Only 26% of parents recognized that the chance of cure was <25%. When asked to choose a single most important goal of care, approximately 72% chose cure, 10% chose longer life, and 18% chose quality of life. Parents were more likely to prioritize quality of life when they recognized the child's poor prognosis (P = .002). Approximately 41% of parents expressed regret about the most recent treatment decision. Parents were more likely to experience regret if the child had received higher intensity medical care (odds ratio [OR], 3.14; 95% CI, 1.31-7.51), experienced suffering with limited benefit from the most recent treatment (OR, 4.78; 95% CI, 1.16-19.72), or experienced suffering from symptoms (OR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.18-7.16). CONCLUSIONS: Parents of children with poor-prognosis cancer frequently make decisions based on unrealistic expectations. New strategies for effective prognosis communication are needed.

The Clinical Management and Outcomes of Pelvic Neuroblastic Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic neuroblastomas are rare and often present in children as massive tumors whose surgical resection can be associated with significant morbidity, given sacral nerve root involvement and close proximity to pelvic vascular structures. We sought to examine the characteristics of patients with pelvic neuroblastoma and the effect of extent of surgical resection on survival and surgical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After institutional review board approval, a retrospective chart review was performed at Children's Hospital Los Angeles from 2000 to 2018. Collected data included tumor location, size, image-defined risk factors histology, stage and risk classification, amplification of the oncogene MYCN or N-myc, use of preoperative chemotherapy, and extent of surgical resection. Outcome variables included postoperative complications and survival. RESULTS: Ten patients with primary pelvic neuroblastoma tumors were identified. The median age at diagnosis was 4.2 y (3 mo to 11 y). Four patients presented with a localized pelvic tumor (stage I or stage II) and underwent upfront tumor resection. Six patients presented with advanced disease (stage III or stage IV) and underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by partial resection (30%-90% debulked). One patient experienced a complication: lower extremity hypotonia after tumor resection. One patient died from extensive metastatic disease for which no resection was attempted. The mean postoperative follow-up was 3.9 y with 90% overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that patients who undergo gross total resection for localized pelvic neuroblastoma or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by partial resection for advanced disease have excellent survival. We recommend that small localized pelvic neuroblastoma undergo gross total resection and large unresectable tumors undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by partial debulking resection to avoid neurovascular morbidity.

Premature epiphyseal growth plate arrest after isotretinoin therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma: A case series and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A-derived retinoids have been reported to cause skeletal abnormalities ranging from hypercalcemia to premature epiphyseal closure. Isotretinoin is a retinoid used as standard therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma and has been reported to cause premature epiphyseal growth plate arrest. PROCEDURE: We identified patients from the Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) database with high-risk neuroblastoma diagnosed from 1991 to 2018 who experienced premature epiphyseal growth plate arrest and compared their characteristics to other patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. We then performed a literature review of this complication. Data collection included diagnosis age of neuroblastoma, presentation age, agent of exposure, dose, exposure range, and skeletal deformity. RESULTS: Among 216 patients, high-risk neuroblastoma was diagnosed before age of five years (n = 165), between ages of 5 and 10 years (n = 41), and after 10 years of age (n = 13). Three out of 216 patients developed premature epiphyseal growth arrest after isotretinoin exposure (overall incidence = 1.38%). The incidence of bony abnormalities was significantly higher in patients diagnosed in 5- to 10-year age group than in other two groups (P = 0.014). Literature review identified eight additional patients with neuroblastoma who presented with retinoid associated skeletal abnormalities. The median range of isotretinoin exposure for these 11 patients was between 6.5 and 7.625 years (range, 2-14) with no cases of isotretinoin therapy completion before age 5 years. CONCLUSION: Bone toxicity associated with isotretinoin exposure is a concern. Growth plate arrest is a serious adverse effect that is attributable to isotretinoin therapy. Our findings suggest the prepubescent growth plate may be most at risk, and we recommend special attention to this population.

Predictors of response, progression-free survival, and overall survival using NANT Response Criteria (v1.0) in relapsed and refractory high-risk neuroblastoma.

PURPOSE: The New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy Response Criteria (NANTRC) were developed to optimize response assessment in patients with recurrent/refractory neuroblastoma. Response predictors and associations of the NANTRC version 1.0 (NANTRCv1.0) and prognostic factors with outcome were analyzed. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of patients with recurrent/refractory neuroblastoma enrolled from 2000 to 2009 on 13 NANT Phase 1/2 trials. NANTRC overall response integrated CT/MRI (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST]), metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG; Curie scoring), and percent bone marrow (BM) tumor (morphology). RESULTS: Fourteen (6.9%) complete response (CR) and 14 (6.9%) partial response (PR) occurred among 203 patients evaluable for response. Five-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 16 ± 3%; overall survival (OS) was 27 ± 3%. Disease sites at enrollment included MIBG-avid lesions (100% MIBG trials; 84% non-MIBG trials), measurable CT/MRI lesions (48%), and BM (49%). By multivariable analysis, Curie score of 0 (P < 0.001), lower Curie score (P = 0.003), no measurable CT/MRI lesions (P = 0.044), and treatment on peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) supported trials (P = 0.005) were associated with achieving CR/PR. Overall response of stable disease (SD) or better was associated with better OS (P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, MYCN amplification (P = 0.037) was associated with worse PFS; measurable CT/MRI lesions (P = 0.041) were associated with worse OS; prior progressive disease (PD; P < 0.001/P < 0.001), Curie score ≥ 1 (P < 0.001; P = 0.001), higher Curie score (P = 0.048/0.037), and treatment on non-PBSC trials (P = < 0.001/0.003) were associated with worse PFS and OS. CONCLUSIONS: NANTRCv1.0 response of at least SD is associated with better OS in patients with recurrent/refractory neuroblastoma. Patient and tumor characteristics may predict response and outcome. Identifying these variables can optimize Phase 1/2 trial design to select novel agents for further testing.

Phase I study of vorinostat in combination with isotretinoin in patients with refractory/recurrent neuroblastoma: A new approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT) trial.

BACKGROUND: Vorinostat combined with retinoids produces additive antitumor effects in preclinical studies of neuroblastoma. Higher systemic exposures of vorinostat than achieved in pediatric phase I trials with continuous daily dosing are necessary for in vivo increased histone acetylation and cytotoxic activity. We conducted a phase I trial in children with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of vorinostat on an interrupted schedule, escalating beyond the previously identified pediatric MTD. METHODS: Isotretinoin (cis-13-retinoic acid) 80 mg/m2 /dose was administered by mouth twice daily on days 1-14 in combination with escalating doses of daily vorinostat up to 430 mg/m2 /dose (days 1-4; 8-11) in each 28-day cycle using the standard 3 + 3 design. Vorinostat pharmacokinetic testing and histone acetylation assays were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients with refractory or relapsed neuroblastoma were enrolled and 28 were evaluable for dose escalation decisions. Median number of cycles completed was two (range 1-15); 11 patients received four or more cycles. Three patients experienced cycle 1 dose-limiting toxicities. A total of 18 patients experienced grade 3/4 toxicities related to study therapy. The maximum intended dose of vorinostat (430 mg/m2 /day, days 1-4; 8-11) was tolerable and led to increased histone acetylation in surrogate tissues when compared to lower doses of vorinostat (P = 0.009). No objective responses were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Increased dose vorinostat (430 mg/m2 /day) on an interrupted schedule is tolerable in combination with isotretinoin. This dose led to increased vorinostat exposures and demonstrated increased histone acetylation. Prolonged stable disease in patients with minimal residual disease warrants further investigation.

The clinical management and outcomes of cervical neuroblastic tumors.

BACKGROUND: Although patients with peripheral neuroblastoma (NB; pelvic and thoracic) typically have better outcomes and less aggressive disease compared with patients with abdominal disease, little has been published with regard to the management and outcomes of patients with cervical NB. Herein, we sought to determine the characteristics of cervical neuroblastic tumors and the effect of extent of resection on survival and outcomes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 325 children with neuroblastic tumors at Children's Hospital Los Angeles over a 15-y period (January 1990-February 2015). Data collected from the medical record included location of tumor, age at diagnosis, age at resection, extent of resection, chemotherapy course, International Neuroblastoma Staging System stage, histologic International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification, and MYCN amplification, a poor prognostic marker. Outcome variables included postoperative complications and overall survival. RESULTS: Twelve patients (3.6%) were found to have cervical neuroblastic tumors (nine NBs, one ganglioneuroblastoma, and two ganglioneuromas). All had favorable histology, and none (0/12) had MYCN amplification. Of the NB patients, four of nine patients underwent resection, whereas the other five underwent biopsy followed by chemotherapy or observation alone. Of the 12 total patients, six underwent gross total resection, four (67%) of which developed complications. At a median follow-up of 4.4 y, there were no recurrences or deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical neuroblastic tumors represent favorable lesions with good outcomes similar to other peripheral neuroblastic tumors. In our study, survival was excellent regardless of extent of tumor resection. Based on our data, we recommend a minimally aggressive surgical approach in managing children with cervical neuroblastic tumors.

Impact of Whole-Body Radiation Dose on Response and Toxicity in Patients With Neuroblastoma After Therapy With 131 I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG).

BACKGROUND: (131) I-metaiodobenzylguanidine ((131) I-MIBG) is a targeted radiopharmaceutical for patients with neuroblastoma. Despite its tumor-specific uptake, the treatment with (131) I-MIBG results in whole-body radiation exposure. Our aim was to correlate whole-body radiation dose (WBD) from (131) I-MIBG with tumor response, toxicities, and other clinical factors. METHODS: This retrospective cohort analysis included 213 patients with high-risk neuroblastoma treated with (131) I-MIBG at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital between 1996 and 2015. WBD was determined from radiation exposure rate measurements. The relationship between WBD ordered tertiles and variables were analyzed using Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test of trend, Kruskal-Wallis test, and one-way analysis of variance. Correlation between WBD and continuous variables was analyzed using Pearson correlation and Spearman rank correlation. RESULTS: WBD correlated with (131) I-MIBG administered activity, particularly with (131) I-MIBG per kilogram (P < 0.001). Overall response rate did not differ significantly among the three tertiles of WBD. Correlation between response by relative Curie score and WBD was of borderline significance, with patients receiving a lower WBD showing greater reduction in osteomedullary metastases by Curie score (rs = 0.16, P = 0.049). There were no significant ordered trends among tertiles in any toxicity measures (grade 4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia < 20,000/µl, and grade > 1 hypothyroidism). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that (131) I-MIBG activity per kilogram correlates with WBD and suggests that activity per kilogram will predict WBD in most patients. Within the range of activities prescribed, there was no correlation between WBD and either response or toxicity. Future studies should evaluate tumor dosimetry, rather than just WBD, as a tool for predicting response following therapy with (131) I-MIBG.

A Phase I New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy Study of Buthionine Sulfoximine and Melphalan With Autologous Stem Cells for Recurrent/Refractory High-Risk Neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Myeloablative therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma commonly includes melphalan. Increased cellular glutathione (GSH) can mediate melphalan resistance. Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), a GSH synthesis inhibitor, enhances melphalan activity against neuroblastoma cell lines, providing the rationale for a Phase 1 trial of BSO-melphalan. PROCEDURES: Patients with recurrent/resistant high-risk neuroblastoma received BSO (3 gram/m(2) bolus, then 24 grams/m(2) /day infusion days -4 to -2), with escalating doses of intravenous melphalan (20-125 mg/m(2) ) days -3 and -2, and autologous stem cells day 0 using 3 + 3 dose escalation. RESULTS: Among 28 patients evaluable for dose escalation, one dose-limiting toxicity occurred at 20 mg/m(2) melphalan (grade 3 aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase) and one at 80 mg/m(2) (streptococcal bacteremia, grade 4 hypotension/pulmonary/hypocalcemia) without sequelae. Among 25 patients evaluable for response, there was one partial response (PR) and two mixed responses (MRs) among eight patients with prior melphalan exposure; one PR and three MRs among 16 patients without prior melphalan; one stable disease with unknown melphalan history. Melphalan pharmacokinetics with BSO were similar to reports for melphalan alone. Melphalan Cmax for most patients was below the 10 µM concentration that showed neuroblastoma preclinical activity with BSO. CONCLUSIONS: BSO (75 gram/m(2) ) with melphalan (125 mg/m(2) ) is tolerable with stem cell support and active in recurrent/refractory neuroblastoma. Further dose escalation is feasible and may increase responses.

131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine with intensive chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation for high-risk neuroblastoma. A new approaches to neuroblastoma therapy (NANT) phase II study.

(131)I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine ((131)I-MIBG) has been used as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma. The activity and toxicity of (131)I-MIBG when combined with carboplatin, etoposide, and melphalan (CEM) and autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) are now investigated in a phase II multicenter study. Fifty patients with MIBG-avid disease were enrolled into 2 cohorts, stratified by response to induction therapy. The primary study endpoint was response of patients with refractory (n = 27) or progressive disease (n = 15). A second cohort of patients (n = 8) with a partial response (PR) to induction therapy was included to obtain preliminary response data. (131)I-MIBG was administered on day -21 to all patients, with CEM given days -7 to -4, and SCT given on day 0. (131)I-MIBG dosing was determined by pre-therapy glomerular filtration rate (GFR), with 8 mCi/kg given if GFR was 60 to 99 mL/minute/1.73 m(2) (n = 13) and 12 mCi/kg if GFR ≥ 100 mL/minute/1.73 m(2) (n = 37). External beam radiotherapy was delivered to the primary and metastatic sites, beginning approximately 6 weeks after SCT. Responses (complete response + PR) were seen in 4 of 41 (10%) evaluable patients with primary refractory or progressive disease. At 3 years after SCT, the event-free survival (EFS) was 20% ± 7%, with overall survival (OS) 62% ± 8% for this cohort of patients. Responses were noted in 3 of 8 (38%) of patients with a PR to induction, with 3-year EFS 38% ± 17% and OS 75% ± 15%. No statistically significant difference was found comparing EFS or OS based upon pre-therapy GFR or disease cohort. Six of 50 patients had nonhematologic dose-limiting toxicity (DLT); 1 of 13 in the low GFR and 5 of 37 in the normal GFR cohorts. Hepatic sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS) was seen in 6 patients (12%), with 5 events defined as dose-limiting SOS. The median times to neutrophil and platelet engraftment were 10 and 15 days, respectively. Patients received a median 163 cGy (61 to 846 cGy) with (131)I-MIBG administration, with 2 of 3 patients receiving >500 cGy experiencing DLT. The addition of (131)I-MIBG to a myeloablative CEM regimen is tolerable and active therapy for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma.

Oxaliplatin and Doxorubicin for relapsed or refractory high-risk neuroblastoma.

Patients with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma have poor long-term survival. New therapeutic regimens are needed. Doxorubicin and cisplatin are commonly used in the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma. Oxaliplatin, a platinum compound with a 1,2-diaminocyclohexan carrier ligand, is more potent than cisplatin with less nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. We treated seven relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma patients using oxaliplatin (105-130 mg/m(2)) and doxorubicin (60-75 mg/m(2)) together with dexrazoxane (10 mg/mg of doxorubicin) administered intravenously every three weeks. Prolonged thrombocytopenia causing treatment delay was observed when oxaliplatin was administered at 130 mg/m(2). A reduced dose of oxaliplatin 105 mg/m(2) on day 1 with doxorubicin at 20 mg/m(2)/dose on days 1-3 was well tolerated. Sensory neuropathies were mild and transient. No cardiotoxicity was noted despite all patients having a history of prior anthracycline exposure. Best responses included 1 complete response, 1 partial response, 1 mixed response, 3 stable diseases. In our cohort of heavily pretreated relapsed and refractory neuroblastoma patients, the combination of oxaliplatin and doxorubicin demonstrated anti-tumor activity and merits further investigation.

Infectious complications in the first year following autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell rescue for children with brain tumors.

BACKGROUND: High-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell rescue (AuHPCR) for pediatric patients with brain tumors has become an important therapeutic modality to avoid or delay the long-term effects of cranial irradiation. Data on post-AuHPCR infectious complications in this population are lacking. This single institution retrospective review reports the prophylactic practices and infections in the first year following AuHPCR in pediatric patients with brain tumors. PROCEDURE: The medical record of patients who underwent AuHPCR for the treatment of a malignant brain tumor at Children's Hospital Los Angeles between 1988 and 2010 were reviewed. Patients without prior irradiation who were free of disease at 1 year without additional chemotherapy were evaluated for all infectious disease complications occurring from time of neutrophil engraftment to 1 year post-AuHPCR. RESULTS: Forty-three of the 115 eligible patients were included. The median time to neutrophil engraftment was 11 days (range: 8-43 days), and 20 Grade III/IV (no Grade V) infectious episodes developed in 15 patients (35%). Fourteen episodes of bacteremia (70%) were catheter-related, predominantly gram-negative (71%), and polymicrobial (50%). There were no fungal or pneumocystis infections and only 1 of 25 (4%) at-risk patients developed VZV reactivation. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest patients with brain tumors undergoing AuHPCR have few late-occurring non-catheter-related post-transplant infections indicating that prophylaxis practices were sufficient. Central lines should be removed soon after engraftment, but those with central line infections should receive adequate treatment including gram-negative coverage. In addition, only at-risk patients who receive further irradiation may benefit from VZV reaction prophylaxis.

Phase I trial of fenretinide delivered orally in a novel organized lipid complex in patients with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma: a report from the New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT) consortium.

BACKGROUND: A phase I study was conducted to determine the maximum-tolerated dose, dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), and pharmacokinetics of fenretinide (4-HPR) delivered in an oral powderized lipid complex (LXS) in patients with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma. PROCEDURE: 4-HPR/LXS powder (352-2,210 mg/m(2) /day) was administered on Days 0-6, in 21-day courses, by standard 3 + 3 design. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (median age = 8 years, range 3-27 years) enrolled with 30 evaluable for dose escalation. Prior therapies included stem cell transplantation/support (n = 26), 13-cis-retinoic acid (n = 22), (125/131) I-MIBG (n = 13), and anti-GD2 antibody (n = 6). 170+ courses were delivered. Course 1 DLTs were a Grade 3 (n = 1) alkaline phosphatase at 352 mg/m(2) /day. Other major toxicities were Grade 4 (n = 1) alkaline phosphatases on Courses 5 and 6 at 774 mg/m(2) /day, and Grade 3 (n = 1) ALT/AST elevation on Course 2 at 1,700 mg/m(2) /day. Of 29 response-evaluable patients, six had stable disease (SD) (4-26 courses); four with marrow- or bone disease-only had complete responses (CR) (10-46 courses). 4-HPR plasma levels were several folds higher (P < 0.05) than previously reported using capsular fenretinide. The Day 6 mean peak 4-HPR plasma level at 1,700 mg/m(2) /day was 21 µM. An MTD was not reached. CONCLUSIONS: 4-HPR/LXS oral powder obtained higher plasma levels, with minimal toxicity and evidence of anti-tumor activity, than a previous capsule formulation. A recommended phase II schedule of 4-HPR/LXS powder is 1,500 mg/m(2) /day, TID, on Days 0-6, of a 21-day course.

Forearm skeletal muscle neuroblastoma in a child: a rare primary location.

Neuroblastoma is the most common neoplasm in the first year of life and almost always arises from the adrenal glands or the sympathetic nervous system chain. We present an original case of an isolated forearm neuroblastoma in a 17-month-old child. The case was not treated with adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical resection because we interpreted it as a peripheral, INSS-stage 1, favorable histology neuroblastoma. Up to date the child remains in complete remission 4 years after diagnosis. Management of peripheral skeletal muscle neuroblastoma is discussed together with a review of the literature.

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome without hypoventilation: is it congenital central hypoventilation syndrome?

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare condition caused by pathogenic variants of the PHOX2B gene. There have been case reports describing variable phenotypes and mutations of the PHOX2B gene, not commonly tested for, that may challenge the classic definition of CCHS. We report on 3 family members with a rare heterozygous deletion encompassing the entire PHOX2B gene with variable phenotypes, including sleep-disordered breathing and autonomic nervous system involvement, but an unexpected lack of alveolar hypoventilation, which is usually a defining feature of CCHS. Our cases highlight the dilemmas in making a diagnosis of CCHS and emphasize the need for expanded genetic testing, including for PHOX2B gene deletion. More patients with variable phenotypes of CCHS may be identified through comprehensive genetic testing and warrant surveillance as they are still at risk for high-risk complications of CCHS. CITATION: Wo LL, Itani R, Keens TG, Marachelian A, Ji J, Perez IA. Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome without hypoventilation: is it congenital central hypoventilation syndrome? J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(6):1161-1164.

Anti-CCL2 antibody combined with etoposide prolongs survival in a minimal residual disease mouse model of neuroblastoma.

C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) is a monocyte chemoattractant that promotes metastatic disease and portends a poor prognosis in many cancers. To determine the potential of anti-CCL2 inhibition as a therapy for recurrent metastatic disease in neuroblastoma, a mouse model of minimal residual disease was utilized in which residual disease was treated with anti-CCL2 monoclonal antibody with etoposide. The effect of anti-CCL2 antibody on neuroblastoma cells was determined in vitro with cell proliferation, transwell migration, and 2-dimensional chemotaxis migration assays. The in vivo efficacy of anti-CCL2 antibody and etoposide against neuroblastoma was assessed following resection of primary tumors formed by two cell lines or a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) in immunodeficient NOD-scid gamma mice. In vitro, anti-CCL2 antibody did not affect cell proliferation but significantly inhibited neuroblastoma cell and monocyte migration towards an increasing CCL2 concentration gradient. Treatment of mice with anti-CCL2 antibody combined with etoposide significantly increased survival of mice after resection of primary tumors, compared to untreated mice.