Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas: First registry effort in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Brainstem tumors comprise 10.9% of all brain tumors, and pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) have a fatal prognosis. Some countries have developed national and international register databases to characterize their populations to aid clinical and public policy decisions. This study provides information regarding the clinical characteristics of a retrospective cohort of children with DIPG in México from 2001 to 2021, and assesses the proposed prognostic factors previously described for survival outcome. METHODS: Health institutions from Mexico were invited to contribute to a retrospective electronic registry of patients with DIPG based on the International DIPG Registry. Fisher's exact test was used to compare long- and short-term survivors. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Differences between survival curves were evaluated using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. RESULTS: Total 110 patients were included. The median age of the patients at diagnosis was 7 years. Sixty patients (54.5%) presented with symptoms in less than 6 months; the most frequent symptom was ataxia (56.4%). Ninety patients received treatment (81.8%), the overall survival at 4 years was 11.4%, and 16 patients (14.5%) were admitted for palliative end-of-life care. We found no significant survival differences for any of the prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need to develop strategies to standardize healthcare processes and enhance the quality of care to improve clinical diagnosis in Mexico. We also observed a barrier to the acceptance of palliative end-of-life care in the family and medical teams.

Predictors of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in a retro-prolective cohort of children surviving cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiotoxicity is an adverse reaction associated with the use of anthracyclines. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the factors associated with the development of anthracycline cardiotoxicity in pediatric patients surviving cancer. METHOD: Retro-prolective cohort of children diagnosed with cancer and treated with anthracyclines. Baseline echocardiographic determination of ejection fraction (LVEF0) was carried out before the start of treatment and again at 12 months (LVEF1). Demographic characteristics and treatment were obtained from the medical record. A multiple logistic regression (MLR) model was constructed; LVEF1 < 50 % was the dependent variable, which was adjusted for the main confounding variables. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were included, out of which 36.9 % were females and 56.8 % had a solid tumor. LVEF0 was 74.79 ± 7.3 % and LVEF1, 67.96 ± 6.7 % (p = 0.001); 60 % developed cardiotoxicity. In the MLR, only a cumulative dose > 430 mg was associated with cardiotoxicity (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In Mexican children, an anthracycline cumulative dose > 430 mg should be avoided in order to prevent cardiotoxicity.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La cardiotoxicidad es una reacción adversa asociada al uso de antraciclinas. OBJETIVO: Estimar los factores asociados al desarrollo de cardiotoxicidad por antraciclinas en pacientes pediátricos supervivientes de cáncer. MÉTODO: Cohorte retroprolectiva de niños con diagnóstico de cáncer tratados con antraciclinas. Se realizó determinación ecocardiográfica basal de la fracción de expulsión (FEVi0) antes del inicio del tratamiento y a los 12 meses (FEVi1). Del expediente se obtuvieron las características demográficas y el tratamiento. Se realizó un modelo de regresión logística múltiple (RLM); la FEVi1 < 50 % fue la variable dependiente, que se ajustó por las principales variables confusoras. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 65 pacientes, 36.9 % fue del sexo femenino y 56.8 % presentó un tumor sólido. La FEVi0 fue de 74.79 ± 7.3 % y la FEVi1, de 67.96 ± 6.7 % (p = 0.001); 60 % desarrolló cardiotoxicidad. En la RLM solo la dosis acumulada > 430 mg se asoció a cardiotoxicidad (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONES: En los niños mexicanos se debe evitar una dosis acumulada > 430 mg de antraciclinas para evitar la cardiotoxicidad.

Factores predictivos de cardiotoxicidad inducida por antraciclinas en una cohorte retroprolectiva de niños supervivientes de cáncer / Predictors of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in a retro-prolective cohort of children surviving cancer

Resumen Introducción: La cardiotoxicidad es una reacción adversa asociada al uso de antraciclinas. Objetivo: Estimar los factores asociados al desarrollo de cardiotoxicidad por antraciclinas en pacientes pediátricos supervivientes de cáncer. Método: Cohorte retroprolectiva de niños con diagnóstico de cáncer tratados con antraciclinas. Se realizó determinación ecocardiográfica basal de la fracción de expulsión (FEVi0) antes del inicio del tratamiento y a los 12 meses (FEVi1). Del expediente se obtuvieron las características demográficas y el tratamiento. Se realizó un modelo de regresión logística múltiple (RLM); la FEVi1 < 50 % fue la variable dependiente, que se ajustó por las principales variables confusoras. Resultados: Se incluyeron 65 pacientes, 36.9 % fue del sexo femenino y 56.8 % presentó un tumor sólido. La FEVi0 fue de 74.79 ± 7.3 % y la FEVi1, de 67.96 ± 6.7 % (p = 0.001); 60 % desarrolló cardiotoxicidad. En la RLM solo la dosis acumulada > 430 mg se asoció a cardiotoxicidad (p = 0.001). Conclusiones: En los niños mexicanos se debe evitar una dosis acumulada > 430 mg de antraciclinas para evitar la cardiotoxicidad.

Abstract Introduction Cardiotoxicity is an adverse reaction associated with the use of anthracyclines. Objective: To estimate the factors associated with the development of anthracycline cardiotoxicity in pediatric patients surviving cancer. Method: Retro-prolective cohort of children diagnosed with cancer and treated with anthracyclines. Baseline echocardiographic determination of ejection fraction (LVEF0) was carried out before the start of treatment and again at 12 months (LVEF1). Demographic characteristics and treatment were obtained from the medical record. A multiple logistic regression (MLR) model was constructed; LVEF1 < 50 % was the dependent variable, which was adjusted for the main confounding variables. Results: Sixty-five patients were included, out of which 36.9 % were females and 56.8 % had a solid tumor. LVEF0 was 74.79 ± 7.3 % and LVEF1, 67.96 ± 6.7 % (p = 0.001); 60 % developed cardiotoxicity. In the MLR, only a cumulative dose > 430 mg was associated with cardiotoxicity (p = 0.001). Conclusions: In Mexican children, an anthracycline cumulative dose > 430 mg should be avoided in order to prevent cardiotoxicity.

Early discharge of pediatric patients with cancer, fever, and neutropenia with low-risk of systemic infection / Egreso temprano en pacientes pediátricos con cáncer, fiebre y neutropenia con bajo riesgo de infección sistémica

Abstract: Background: Ambulatory therapy in low-risk patients with cancer, fever, and neutropenia seems to be a secure and effective alternative. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of the antimicrobial treatment in early discharge vs. in-hospital treatment in children with cancer and febrile neutropenia (FN) with low risk of invasive bacterial infection (IBI). Methods: Quasi-experimental design with a historical cohort control group. Children with cancer during an episode of FN and low risk of IBI were included. The control group were inpatient children that received intravenous piperacillin/tazobactam. The experimental group was early discharge patients, who received 48 h of IV treatment and were switched to oral treatment. Outcomes: fever resolution, readmissions, and mortality. Results: Eighty low-risk FN episodes were included; the median age was 6 years old (2.6-11 years), and 43 (54%) were female. Main diagnoses were solid tumors (52 patients) and leukemia or lymphoma (28 patients). Forty-three patients received in-hospital treatment, and 37 were selected for early discharge (31 patients received ciprofloxacin and six received amoxicillin/clavulanate). Two patients were readmitted, one due to a relapse of fever with tumor progression and the other due to epistaxis. Adverse effects occurred in 21.6% of the early discharge group and 12% of the inpatient treatment group (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Early discharge in pediatric patients with cancer, fever, and neutropenia is an acceptable and safe alternative for low-risk patients.

Resumen: Introducción: El tratamiento ambulatorio en pacientes con cáncer, fiebre y neutropenia de bajo riesgo parece ser una alternativa segura y efectiva. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar la efectividad y la seguridad del tratamiento antimicrobiano en la modalidad de egreso temprano vs. el tratamiento intrahospitalario en niños con cáncer y neutropenia febril (NF), con bajo riesgo de infección bacteriana invasiva (IBI). Métodos: Diseño cuasi-experimental con un grupo control histórico. Se incluyeron niños con cáncer durante un episodio de NF con bajo riesgo de IBI. El grupo control fue constituido por pacientes que recibieron tratamiento hospitalario con piperacilina-tazobactam intravenosa. Los pacientes en el grupo de egreso temprano recibieron 48 horas de tratamiento intravenoso y egresaron con antimicrobianos por vía oral. Desenlaces: resolución de la fiebre, reingreso al hospital y muerte. Resultados: Se incluyeron 80 pacientes con NF de bajo riesgo; la mediana de edad fue de 6 años; 43 pacientes (54%) eran de sexo femenino. Los diagnósticos principales fueron tumores sólidos (52) y leucemia o linfoma (28). Cuarenta y tres pacientes recibieron tratamiento hospitalario y 37 fueron seleccionados para egreso temprano. En el grupo de egreso temprano, 31 pacientes recibieron ciprofloxacino y 6 recibieron amoxicilina-clavulanato. Dos pacientes reingresaron, uno por fiebre secundaria a progresión tumoral y otro por epistaxis. Los efectos adversos se presentaron en el 21.6% de los pacientes en el grupo de egreso temprano y en el 12% del grupo de tratamiento hospitalario (p = 0.04). Conclusiones: El egreso temprano para niños con cáncer y NF de bajo riesgo es una alternativa aceptable y segura.

Early discharge of pediatric patients with cancer, fever, and neutropenia with low-risk of systemic infection.

Background: Ambulatory therapy in low-risk patients with cancer, fever, and neutropenia seems to be a secure and effective alternative. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of the antimicrobial treatment in early discharge vs. in-hospital treatment in children with cancer and febrile neutropenia (FN) with low risk of invasive bacterial infection (IBI). Methods: Quasi-experimental design with a historical cohort control group. Children with cancer during an episode of FN and low risk of IBI were included. The control group were inpatient children that received intravenous piperacillin/tazobactam. The experimental group was early discharge patients, who received 48 h of IV treatment and were switched to oral treatment. Outcomes: fever resolution, readmissions, and mortality. Results: Eighty low-risk FN episodes were included; the median age was 6 years old (2.6-11 years), and 43 (54%) were female. Main diagnoses were solid tumors (52 patients) and leukemia or lymphoma (28 patients). Forty-three patients received in-hospital treatment, and 37 were selected for early discharge (31 patients received ciprofloxacin and six received amoxicillin/clavulanate). Two patients were readmitted, one due to a relapse of fever with tumor progression and the other due to epistaxis. Adverse effects occurred in 21.6% of the early discharge group and 12% of the inpatient treatment group (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Early discharge in pediatric patients with cancer, fever, and neutropenia is an acceptable and safe alternative for low-risk patients.

Introducción: El tratamiento ambulatorio en pacientes con cáncer, fiebre y neutropenia de bajo riesgo parece ser una alternativa segura y efectiva. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar la efectividad y la seguridad del tratamiento antimicrobiano en la modalidad de egreso temprano vs. el tratamiento intrahospitalario en niños con cáncer y neutropenia febril (NF), con bajo riesgo de infección bacteriana invasiva (IBI). Métodos: Diseño cuasi-experimental con un grupo control histórico. Se incluyeron niños con cáncer durante un episodio de NF con bajo riesgo de IBI. El grupo control fue constituido por pacientes que recibieron tratamiento hospitalario con piperacilina-tazobactam intravenosa. Los pacientes en el grupo de egreso temprano recibieron 48 horas de tratamiento intravenoso y egresaron con antimicrobianos por vía oral. Desenlaces: resolución de la fiebre, reingreso al hospital y muerte. Resultados: Se incluyeron 80 pacientes con NF de bajo riesgo; la mediana de edad fue de 6 años; 43 pacientes (54%) eran de sexo femenino. Los diagnósticos principales fueron tumores sólidos (52) y leucemia o linfoma (28). Cuarenta y tres pacientes recibieron tratamiento hospitalario y 37 fueron seleccionados para egreso temprano. En el grupo de egreso temprano, 31 pacientes recibieron ciprofloxacino y 6 recibieron amoxicilina-clavulanato. Dos pacientes reingresaron, uno por fiebre secundaria a progresión tumoral y otro por epistaxis. Los efectos adversos se presentaron en el 21.6% de los pacientes en el grupo de egreso temprano y en el 12% del grupo de tratamiento hospitalario (p = 0.04). Conclusiones: El egreso temprano para niños con cáncer y NF de bajo riesgo es una alternativa aceptable y segura.

[Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: report of fatal cases]. / Cardiotoxicidad inducida por antraciclinas. Reporte de casos fatales.

BACKGROUND: Anthracyclines are effective drugs in pediatrics cancer treatment. However, anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) is a serious adverse drug reaction that affects the survival in patients treated for childhood cancer. CLINICAL CASES: Case 1: Nine-year-old girl with stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma with 12 epirubicin doses and a cumulative dose of 576 mg/m2. After last chemotherapy dose, the patient was admitted with systemic inflammatory response, asthenia and adinamia. Echocardiography: LVEF of 22%, SF 11% and moderate mitral regurgitation. Patient died 2 days after diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to anthracyclines. Case 2: Fifteen-year-old girl with stage IV Burkitt lymphoma with two epirubicin doses and a cumulative dose of 90 mg/m2. After the last cycle, the patient developed several infectious foci. Echocardiography: LVEF of 49%, SF 20% and dilated left ventricle with septal flattening. Patient died 13 days after diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy by anthracyclines. CONCLUSION: AIC is a problem in pediatric patients receiving anthracyclines, monitoring is essential to detect the onset of cardiac damage to provide an intervention to prevent heart failure progress.

Introducción: las antraciclinas son fármacos eficaces en el tratamiento de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer. Sin embargo, la cardiotoxicidad inducida por antraciclinas (CIA) es una reacción adversa grave que afecta la sobrevida de niños y jóvenes. Casos clínicos: el caso 1 estuvo constituido por una paciente de nueve años con linfoma de Hodgkin estadio IV con 12 ciclos de quimioterapia con epirrubicina y una dosis acumulada de 576 mg/m2. Después del último ciclo de quimioterapia, la paciente ingresó con respuesta inflamatoria sistémica, astenia y adinamia. El ecocardiograma reportó una FEVI de 22 %, FA de 11 % e insuficiencia mitral moderada. La paciente falleció dos días después con diagnóstico de cardiomiopatía dilatada secundaria a antraciclinas. El caso 2 fue el de una paciente de 15 años con linfoma no Hodgkin tipo Burkitt estadio IV, con dos ciclos de quimioterapia con epirrubicina y una dosis acumulada de 90 mg/m2. Después del último ciclo, la paciente presentó diversos focos infecciosos. El ecocardiograma reportó una FEVI de 49 %, una FA de 20 % y dilatación del ventrículo izquierdo con aplanamiento septal. La paciente falleció 13 días después del diagnóstico de cardiomiopatía dilatada por antraciclinas. Conclusión: la CIA es un problema en los pacientes pediátricos que reciben antraciclinas. El monitoreo durante y después de la quimioterapia es indispensable para detectar el inicio del daño cardiaco a fin de brindar una intervención oportuna que evite la evolución a una insuficiencia cardiaca.

[Pineal region tumors in children: is gross-total resection necessary? A single-center experience]. / Tumores de región pineal en niños: ¿es la resección total necesaria? Experiencia en un centro de referencia.

BACKGROUND: Survival of children with pineal region tumors has increased significantly in the last decade; these tumors have an insidious outcome associated with endocrine disorders with high morbidity and mortality, especially after gross resection. The objective was to report the survival, outcome, morbidity and mortality according to type of surgery, histology and treatment in children with pineal region tumors. METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients of 17 years or less with diagnosis of pineal region tumor, who went over a period of 10 years to a children's hospital. A histopathological review was made, and the extent of resection was determined. The survival was also estimated. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were included, out of which 36 had complete medical records and adequate pathologic material. Gross resection was performed in 24 (66.6 %), and biopsy in 12 (33.3 %); 23 (88 %) patients died; hydroelectrolytic imbalance was the cause of 14 deaths (60 %) and the other nine (39.1 %) were secondary to tumor progression. Ten-years survivals among patients treated with gross resection and biopsy were 52 and 75 %, respectively (p = 0.7). Endocrine alterations were observed in 13 patients (36.1 %); in 10 of these (76.9 %) the total resection was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Pineal region tumors in children can be treated with diagnostic biopsy, followed by adjuvant treatment consisting of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Introducción: la supervivencia de los niños con tumores de la región pineal se ha incrementado en la última década; estos tienen una evolución insidiosa asociada con los desórdenes endocrinológicos y una alta morbilidad y mortalidad, sobre todo después de la resección. El objetivo es reportar la supervivencia, la morbilidad y mortalidad según el tipo de cirugía, la histología y el tratamiento en un grupo de niños con tumores de la región pineal. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo que incluyó a todos los pacientes con diagnóstico de tumor de la región pineal menores de 17 años de edad que acudieron en un periodo de 10 años a un hospital de pediatría. Se realizó una revisión histopatológica, se determinó la extensión de la resección y se estimó la supervivencia. Resultados: se incluyeron 46 pacientes, 36 de los cuales tenían expediente completo y material de patología adecuado. La resección total se realizó en 24 (66.6 %) y biopsia en 12 (33.3 %); fallecieron 23 pacientes (88 %) y fue el desequilibrio hidroelectrolítico la causa de 14 defunciones (60 %) y la progresión tumoral la causa de las 9 defunciones restantes (39.1 %). La sobrevida a 10 años de los pacientes tratados con resección total y biopsia fue del 52 y 75 %, respectivamente, con una p = 0.7; se presentaron alteraciones endocrinológicas en 13 (36.1%) pacientes de los cuales a 10 (76.9 %) se les realizó la resección de la tumoración. Conclusión: los tumores de la región pineal en niños se pueden tratar con biopsia diagnóstica seguida de tratamiento adyuvante con quimioterapia y radioterapia.

[Chromosomal imbalances and survival in patients with astrocytomas]. / Alteraciones cromosómicas y supervivencia en pacientes con astrocitomas.

BACKGROUND: Cytogenetics has revealed that the development of brain tumors might be induced by molecular alterations. The association of chromosomal imbalances with survival will allow for the prognosis and treatment of these tumors to be assessed. The objective of this study was to determine chromosomal imbalances and overall and disease-free survival in pediatric patients with astrocytoma and the association between chromosomal imbalances and survival. METHODS: Medical charts of patients diagnosed with astrocytoma according to records from 1995 to 2005 were reviewed. Paraffin blocks were retrieved in order to extract tumor material and a comparative genomic hybridization technique was used to search for chromosomal gains and losses. RESULTS: Out of 35 patients, 31 had at least some alteration in chromosomes 1, 5, 9 or 18, the latter with gains or losses in 65.7 % of the patients. By histology, 7/9 pilocytic astrocytomas had alteration of chromosome 9, and in 5/6 anaplastic astrocytomas, of chromosome 18. Patients with alterations in these chromosomes had a worse survival. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that there is an association between the anaplastic histology and chromosome 18 alterations, as well as between diffuse astrocytoma and alterations in chromosome 5, which could be relevant in the Latin American population.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la citogenética ha revelado que el desarrollo de los tumores cerebrales pudiera estar inducido por alteraciones moleculares. La asociación de las alteraciones cromosómicas con la supervivencia permitirá valorar el pronóstico y tratamiento de estos tumores. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las alteraciones cromosómicas, la supervivencia global y libre de enfermedad en pacientes pediátricos con astrocitomas, y la asociación entre ellas. MÉTODOS: se revisaron los expedientes clínicos de los pacientes con diagnóstico de astrocitoma de acuerdo con los registros de 1995 a 2005. Se buscaron los bloques de parafina para extraer el material tumoral y se realizó técnica de hibridación genómica comparativa para buscar ganancias y pérdidas cromosómicas. RESULTADOS: de 35 pacientes, 31 presentaron al menos alguna alteración en los cromosomas 1, 5, 9 o 18, este último presentó ganancias o pérdidas en 65.7 % de los pacientes. Al analizarlas según la estirpe histológicas de los tumores, en 7/9 astrocitomas pilocíticos se observó alteración del cromosoma 9, y en 5/6 astrocitomas anaplásicos, del cromosoma 18. Los pacientes con alteraciones en estos cromosomas tuvieron una menor supervivencia. CONCLUSIONES: los resultados de este estudio sugieren que existe asociación entre la histología anaplásica y las alteraciones del cromosoma 18, así como entre el astrocitoma difuso y las alteraciones en el cromosoma 5, lo cual podría ser relevante en la población latinoamericana.

[Prognostic and survival factors among pediatric patients with ependymomas]. / Factores pronósticos y sobrevida de pacientes pediátricos con ependimomas.

BACKGROUND: Ependymomas constitute the third most common intracranial tumors in children. Risk factors include age, location, extent of surgical excision, and radiation therapy. Recently, chromosomal imbalances have been described. OBJECTIVE: Determine global survival of patients with ependymomas according to different prognostic factors. METHODS: We reviewed the medical charts of every pediatric patient with ependymoma from 1996 to 2005. Genomic imbalances were determined using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). Survival was calculated using the Kaplan and Meier method. We used the Log Rank test for each risk factor. Death risk was calculated by odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: We included 24 patients. Global survival was 58.04%. The presence of chromosomal imbalances, particularly in chromosome 21, significantly affected survival Being under 5 years of age, anaplastic histology, chemotherapy other than ICE (ifosfamida-carboplatin-etoposide) and partial resection increased the risk of death. CONCLUSIONS: Known risk factors were confirmed in our study, including chromosomal imbalances. We describe a new chromosomal imbalance in chromosome 21 among 30% of study participants.

Factores pronósticos y sobrevida de pacientes pediátricos con ependimomas / Prognostic and survival factors among pediatric patients with ependymomas

Antecedentes: El ependimoma es el tercer tumor intracraneano más frecuente en pediatría. Los factores que influyen en el pronóstico son la localización, la edad del paciente, la resección quirúrgica y el tratamiento con radioterapia. Recientemente se ha descrito la presencia de alteraciones cromosómicas en el tumor como factor de mal pronóstico. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la sobrevida de pacientes pediátricos con ependimoma de acuerdo con los diferentes factores pronósticos. Métodos: Se revisaron los expedientes de pacientes pediátricos con ependimoma de 1996 a 2005. Se determinaron las alteraciones cromosómicas mediante hibridación genómica comparativa. Se calculó la sobrevida de acuerdo con el método Kaplan-Meier y prueba de log rank de acuerdo a cada factor pronóstico. Se calculó el riesgo de morir para cada factor de acuerdo con la razón de momios. Resultados: Se incluyeron 24 pacientes. La sobrevida global fue de 58.04%. La presencia de alteraciones cromosómicas, particularmente en el cromosoma 21, afectó significativamente la sobrevida. La edad menor a cinco años, la histología anaplásica, la quimioterapia diferente a ifosfamida-carboplatino-etopósido y la resección parcial aumentaron el riesgo de morir. Conclusiones: Se confirman los factores descritos anteriormente en la literatura, incluyendo alteraciones cromosómicas. Se describe un nuevo desbalance en el cromosoma 21 en 30% de los pacientes.

BACKGROUND: Ependymomas constitute the third most common intracranial tumors in children. Risk factors include age, location, extent of surgical excision, and radiation therapy. Recently, chromosomal imbalances have been described. OBJECTIVE: Determine global survival of patients with ependymomas according to different prognostic factors. METHODS: We reviewed the medical charts of every pediatric patient with ependymoma from 1996 to 2005. Genomic imbalances were determined using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). Survival was calculated using the Kaplan and Meier method. We used the Log Rank test for each risk factor. Death risk was calculated by odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: We included 24 patients. Global survival was 58.04%. The presence of chromosomal imbalances, particularly in chromosome 21, significantly affected survival Being under 5 years of age, anaplastic histology, chemotherapy other than ICE (ifosfamida-carboplatin-etoposide) and partial resection increased the risk of death. CONCLUSIONS: Known risk factors were confirmed in our study, including chromosomal imbalances. We describe a new chromosomal imbalance in chromosome 21 among 30% of study participants.

Phase II study of metronomic chemotherapy with thalidomide, carboplatin-vincristine-fluvastatin in the treatment of brain stem tumors in children.

BACKGROUND: Brain stem tumors (BST) constitute 20% of all intracranial tumors. Survival for these patients has been very poor worldwide. Four different treatment schemes have been evaluated at our institution, with only a discrete increment in survival when treated with carboplatin-vincristine and fluvastatin (CVF). Low-dose, continuous antiangiogenic treatment has been recently introduced in the treatment of cancer. Our objective was to determine tumor response to metronomic chemotherapy combined with an antiangiogenic drug and fluvastatin and to calculate the survival of pediatric patients with brain stem tumors. METHODS: This was a phase II study. A magnetic resonance (MRI) study was made at inclusion and after the fourth course. Routine laboratory analyses were performed prior to each treatment scheme. Patients received four courses of chemotherapy every 28 days consisting of thalidomide alternating with fluvastatin every 14 days and combined with carboplatin and vincristine every 14 days followed by radiotherapy (56 cGy) and four more courses of the same chemotherapy. Toxicity was evaluated according to Miller criteria. RESULTS: Nine recently diagnosed BST patients were included. Five patients had low-grade astrocytomas, three patients had glioblastoma multiforme, and one patient presented high-grade astrocytoma. There was a significant reduction in tumor volume and a significant increase in survival at 24 months. Two patients died. Toxicity included carboplatin allergy in one patient, grades 1 and 3 neutropenia in two patients, and grade 4 thrombocytopenia in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: Metronomic treatment with carboplatin and vincristine associated with fluvastatin and thalidomide significantly increased survival of pediatric brain stem tumor patients. Tumor volume showed a significant reduction. Quality of life was also increased. Sample size must be increased in order to make final conclusions.

Palonosetron hydrochloride is an effective and safe option to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in children.

BACKGROUND: Emesis and nausea are common adverse effects of chemotherapy. Consequences include dehydration, acute renal failure, esophageal rupture, electrolyte imbalance and undernutrition, among others. First-generation 5-HT3 antagonists significantly reduce these symptoms but are expensive and require administration every 8-12h. Palonosetron, a second generation 5-HT3 antagonist has proven better results in adult populations. Other benefits include a one-dose administration with effect for up to 7 days and a lower treatment cost. No clinical studies have evaluated the safety and efficacy of palonosetron in children. METHODS: Prior to every course, patients were randomized to receive palonosetron or ondansetron. Patients or guardians recorded the number of emetic events and the intensity of nausea over a 7-day period. They also reported any possible adverse effects. Statistical analysis included chi(2) test, relative risk, and Student's t test. RESULTS: Fifty courses were analyzed for each group. There was a significant reduction in emesis on the first 3 days and in the intensity of nausea in the first four days in the palonosetron group. There was an increased risk of presenting emesis and nausea in the acute phase when treated with ondansetron. No adverse effects were reported. The cost of treatment was also reduced when using palonosetron. CONCLUSIONS: Palonosetron is a safe and effective antiemetic treatment in children, as well as being cost effective.

Clinical and molecular parameters for risk stratification in Mexican children with medulloblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Clinical, histological, and more recently, molecular factors have been described as important in survival of the patient with medulloblastoma. Best survival results include aggressive chemotherapeutic protocols. More exact risk analysis may differentiate patients who require aggressive treatments from those with low risk who may respond adequately to less aggressive protocols. METHODS: Twenty six patients were included over a 10-year period and were followed for at least 5 years. Personal variables were obtained from their clinical records. Immunochemistry studies were performed on their formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Statistical analysis included chi(2) test, odds risk, linear regression models, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: Metastatic disease and chemotherapy with VP16-carboplatin reduce the patient's probability of survival, whereas anaplastic histology increases the probability of death. Global survival and disease-free survival were 66.6 and 45.02%, respectively. Only two patients overexpressed the ERBB2 protein, and no significant difference was found in survival in terms of ERBB2 overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: Risk stratification has become very important in medulloblastoma. We found an increased hazard of death when metastatic disease was present. Gene expression in Mexican children requires a larger sample in order to be analyzed.