Treatment-related fertility impairment in long-term female childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: investigating dose-effect relationships in a European case-control study (PanCareLIFE).

STUDY QUESTION: Which chemotherapeutic agents and body site-specific radiation fields are dose-dependently associated with an increased risk of fertility impairment in long-term female childhood, adolescent and young adulthood (CAYA) cancer survivors? SUMMARY ANSWER: Busulfan, lower abdominal radiotherapy (RT) and total body irradiation (TBI) seem to be associated with fertility impairment at any dose, whereas gonadotoxicity of melphalan and procarbazine is suggested at medium/high (>140 mg/m2) or high dose (>5600 mg/m2) therapy, respectively. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Several treatment-related fertility deficits, as assessed by both self-reported outcomes and hormonal markers are known to occur following treatment of CAYA cancer. However, knowledge regarding precise dose-related estimates of these treatment-related risks are scarce. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: The current case-control study was nested within the PanCareLIFE cohort study. In total, 1332 CAYA survivors from 8 countries, 9 institutions and 11 cohorts, participated in and contributed data to the study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: All participants were female 5-year CAYA cancer survivors. In total, 450 cases (fertility impaired survivors) and 882 matched controls (not fertility impaired survivors) were included. Fertility impairment was defined using both questionnaire data (primary or secondary amenorrhea; use of artificial reproductive techniques; unfulfilled wish to conceive) and hormonal data (FSH and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the effect of (i) alkylating agent exposure, and (ii) dose categories for individual chemotherapeutic agents and for RT-exposed body sites. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: A positive dose-effect relationship between cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED) score and fertility impairment was found, with survivors with a CED score > 7121 mg/m2 being at a significantly increased risk of fertility impairment (odds ratio (95% CI) = 2.6 (1.9-3.6) P < 0.001). Moreover, cumulative dose variables of the following treatments were significantly associated with fertility impairment: busulfan, carmustine, cyclophosphamide, melphalan, procarbazine, lower abdominal RT and TBI. Busulfan, lower abdominal RT and TBI seem to be associated with fertility impairment at any dose, whereas gonadotoxicity of melphalan and procarbazine is suggested at medium/high (>140 mg/m2) or high dose (>5600 mg/m2) therapy, respectively. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Our study may have been subject to selection bias since data from about half of the original base cohorts were available for the current study. This could impact the generalizability of our study results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: We identified survivors at high risk for fertility impairment and, consequently, for a reduced or even absent reproductive life span. Both girls and young women who are about to start anti-cancer treatment, as well as adult female survivors, should be counselled about future parenthood and referred to a reproductive specialist for fertility preservation, if desired. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study has received funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no. 602030. There are no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: n/a.

No difference in survival after HLA mismatched versus HLA matched allogeneic stem cell transplantation in Ewing sarcoma patients with advanced disease.

Patients with advanced Ewing sarcoma (AES) carry a poor prognosis. Retrospectively, we analyzed 66 AES patients treated with allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) receiving HLA-mismatched (group A, n = 39) versus HLA-matched grafts (group B, n = 27). Median age at diagnosis was 13 years, and 15 years (range 3-49 years) at allo-SCT. The two groups did not differ statistically in distribution of gender, age, remission status/number of relapses at allo-SCT, or risk stratum. 9/39 (23%) group A versus 2/27 (7%) group B patients developed severe acute graft versus host disease (GvHD). Of patients alive at day 100, 7/34 (21%) group A versus 9/19 (47%) group B patients had developed chronic GvHD. In group A, 33/39 (85%) versus 20/27 (74%) group B patients died of disease and 1/39 (3%) versus 1/27 (4%) patients died of complications, respectively. Altogether 12/66 (18%) patients survived in CR. Median EFS 24 months after allo-SCT was 20% in both groups, median OS was 27% (group A) versus 17% (group B), respectively. There was no difference in EFS and OS in AES patients transplanted with HLA-mismatched versus HLA-matched graft in univariate and multivariate analyses. In this analysis, CR at allo-SCT is a condition for survival (p < 0.02).

Comprehensive assessments and related interventions to enhance the long-term outcomes of child, adolescent and young adult cancer survivors - presentation of the CARE for CAYA-Program study protocol and associated literature review.

BACKGROUND: Improved, multimodal treatment strategies have been shown to increase cure rates in cancer patients. Those who survive cancer as a child, adolescent or young adult (CAYA), are at a higher risk for therapy-, or disease-related, late or long-term effects. The CARE for CAYA-Program has been developed to comprehensively assess any potential future problems, to offer need-based preventative interventions and thus to improve long-term outcomes in this particularly vulnerable population. METHODS: The trial is designed as an adaptive trial with an annual comprehensive assessment followed by needs stratified, modular interventions, currently including physical activity, nutrition and psycho-oncology, all aimed at improving the lifestyle and/or the psychosocial situation of the patients. Patients, aged 15-39 years old, with a prior cancer diagnosis, who have completed tumour therapy and are in follow-up care, and who are tumour free, will be included. At baseline (and subsequently on an annual basis) the current medical and psychosocial situation and lifestyle of the participants will be assessed using a survey compiled of various validated questionnaires (e.g. EORTC QLQ C30, NCCN distress thermometer, PHQ-4, BSA, nutrition protocol) and objective parameters (e.g. BMI, WHR, co-morbidities like hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, diabetes), followed by basic care (psychological and lifestyle consultation). Depending on their needs, CAYAs will be allocated to preventative interventions in the above-mentioned modules over a 12-month period. After 1 year, the assessment will be repeated, and further interventions may be applied as needed. During the initial trial phase, the efficacy of this approach will be compared to standard care (waiting list with intervention in the following year) in a randomized study. During this phase, 530 CAYAs will be included and 320 eligible CAYAs who are willing to participate in the interventions will be randomly allocated to an intervention. Overall, 1500 CAYAs will be included and assessed. The programme is financed by the innovation fund of the German Federal Joint Committee and will be conducted at 14 German sites. Recruitment began in January 2018. DISCUSSION: CAYAs are at high risk for long-term sequelae. Providing structured interventions to improve lifestyle and psychological situation may counteract against these risk factors. The programme serves to establish uniform regular comprehensive assessments and need-based interventions to improve long-term outcome in CAYA survivors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (ID: DRKS00012504, registration date: 19th January 2018).

Individual risk evaluation for local recurrence and distant metastasis in Ewing sarcoma: A multistate model: A multistate model for Ewing sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of surgical margins, histological response, and radiotherapy on local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis (DM), and survival in Ewing sarcoma. PROCEDURE: Disease evolution was retrospectively studied in 982 patients with Ewing sarcoma undergoing surgery after chemotherapy using a multistate model with initial state surgery, intermediate states LR, pulmonary metastasis (DMpulm), other DM ± LR (DMother), and final state death. Effect of risk factors was estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 7.6 years (95% CI, 7.2-8.0). Risk factors for LR are pelvic location, HR 2.04 (1.10-3.80), marginal/intralesional resection, HR 2.28 (1.25-4.16), and radiotherapy, HR 0.52 (0.28-0.95); for DMpulm the risk factors are <90% necrosis, HR 2.13 (1.13-4.00), and previous pulmonary metastasis, HR 4.90 (2.28-8.52); for DMother are 90% to 99% necrosis, HR 1.56 (1.09-2.23), <90% necrosis, HR 2.66 (1.87-3.79), previous bone/other metastasis, HR 3.08 (2.03-4.70); and risk factors for death without LR/DM are pulmonary metastasis, HR 8.08 (4.01-16.29), bone/other metastasis, HR 10.23 (4.90-21.36), and <90% necrosis, HR 6.35 (3.18-12.69). Early LR (0-24 months) negatively influences survival, HR 3.79 (1.34-10.76). Once DMpulm/DMother arise only previous bone/other metastasis remain prognostic for death, HR 1.74 (1.10-2.75). CONCLUSION: Disease extent and histological response are risk factors for progression to DM or death. Tumor site and surgical margins are risk factors for LR. If disease progression occurs, previous risk factors lose their relevance. In case of isolated LR, time to recurrence is important for decision-making. Radiotherapy seems protective for LR especially in pelvic/axial. Low percentages of LR in extremity tumors and associated toxicity question the need for radiotherapy in extremity Ewing sarcoma.

Easy-to-use clinical tool for survival estimation in Ewing sarcoma at diagnosis and after surgery.

Accurate survival estimations in Ewing sarcoma are necessary to develop risk- and response adaptive treatment strategies allowing for early decision-making. We aim to develop an easy-to-use survival estimation tool from diagnosis and surgery. A retrospective study of 1314 Ewing sarcoma patients was performed. Associations between prognostic variables at diagnosis/surgery and overall survival (OS), were investigated using Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox models. Predictive accuracy was evaluated by cross-validation and Harrell C-statistics. Median follow-up was 7.9 years (95%CI 7.6-8.3). Independent prognostic factors at diagnosis were age, volume, primary tumor localization and disease extent. 5 risk categories (A-E) were identified with 5-year OS of 88% (86-94), 69% (64-74), 57% (50-64), 51% (42-60) and 28% (22-34) respectively. Harrell C-statistic was 0.70. Independent prognostic factors from surgery were age, volume, disease extent and histological response. In categories A-B, 5y OS increased to 92% (87-97) and 79% (71-87) respectively for 100% necrosis and decreased to 76% (67-85) and 62% (55-69) respectively for <100% necrosis. In categories C-E, 5y OS increased to 65% (55-75), 65% (52-78) and 52% (38-66) respectively for ≥90% necrosis and decreased to 38% (22-54), 11% (0-26) and 7% (0-19) respectively for <90% necrosis. We present an easy-to-use survival estimation tool from diagnosis in Ewing sarcoma based on age, volume, primary tumor localization and disease extent. Histological response is a strong additional prognostic factor for OS.

[Systemic therapy of sarcomas : New biomarkers and therapeutic strategies]. / Systemische Therapie von Sarkomen : Neue Biomarker und Therapiestrategien.

Diagnostics and treatment of mesenchymal tumors (i.e. soft tissue sarcomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and bone sarcomas) have changed dramatically in the past few years. Molecular and immunohistochemical biomarkers contribute significantly to improved diagnostics. They also play an increasing role in terms of clinical treatment decisions.Grading and tumor type-specific outcome data provide the basis for adjuvant chemotherapy of localized sarcomas. Recurrent gene fusions become more important as predictive biomarkers for targeted therapies in the context of systemic treatments. Immuno-oncology-based approaches are currently being studied in clinical trials, and the first responses of selected patients have been demonstrated. However, the role of predictive biomarkers in this field, such as PD-L1, still needs to be elucidated. Comprehensive genetic analyses of metastatic sarcomas will continue to identify additional therapeutic targets and the corresponding biomarkers.

Cell-to-cell heterogeneity of EWSR1-FLI1 activity determines proliferation/migration choices in Ewing sarcoma cells.

Ewing sarcoma is characterized by the expression of the chimeric EWSR1-FLI1 transcription factor. Proteomic analyses indicate that the decrease of EWSR1-FLI1 expression leads to major changes in effectors of the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton and the adhesion processes with a shift from cell-to-cell to cell-matrix adhesion. These changes are associated with a dramatic increase of in vivo cell migration and invasion potential. Importantly, EWSR1-FLI1 expression, evaluated by single-cell RT-ddPCR/immunofluorescence analyses, and activity, assessed by expression of EWSR1-FLI1 downstream targets, are heterogeneous in cell lines and in tumours and can fluctuate along time in a fully reversible process between EWSR1-FLI1high states, characterized by highly active cell proliferation, and EWSR1-FLI1low states where cells have a strong propensity to migrate, invade and metastasize. This new model of phenotypic plasticity proposes that the dynamic fluctuation of the expression level of a dominant oncogene is an intrinsic characteristic of its oncogenic potential.

Investigating the heterogeneity of alkylating agents' efficacy and toxicity between sexes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide (MAIAGE study).

BACKGROUND: A marginal interaction between sex and the type of alkylating agent was observed for event-free survival in the Euro-EWING99-R1 randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide in Ewing sarcoma. To further evaluate this interaction, we performed an individual patient data meta-analysis of RCTs assessing cyclophosphamide versus ifosfamide in any type of cancer. METHODS: A literature search produced two more eligible RCTs (EICESS92 and IRS-IV). The endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS, main endpoint) and overall survival (OS). The hazard ratios (HRs) of the treatment-by-sex interaction and their 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were assessed using stratified multivariable Cox models. Heterogeneity of the interaction across age categories and trials was explored. We also assessed this interaction for severe acute toxicity using logistic models. RESULTS: The meta-analysis comprised 1,528 pediatric and young adult sarcoma patients from three RCTs: Euro-EWING99-R1 (n = 856), EICESS92 (n = 155), and IRS-IV (n = 517). There were 224 PFS events in Euro-EWING99-R1 and 200 in the validation set (EICESS92 + IRS-IV), and 171 and 154 deaths in each dataset, respectively. The estimated treatment-by-sex interaction for PFS in Euro-EWING99-R1 (HR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.00-3.00) was not replicated in the validation set (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.55-1.72), without heterogeneity across trials (P = 0.62). In the pooled analysis, the treatment-by-sex interaction was not significant (HR = 1.31, 95% CI = 0.89-1.95, P = 0.17), without heterogeneity across age categories (P = 0.88) and trials (P = 0.36). Similar results were observed for OS. No significant treatment-by-sex interaction was observed for leucopenia/neutropenia (P = 0.45), infection (P = 0.64), or renal toxicity (P = 0.20). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis did not confirm the hypothesis of a treatment-by-sex interaction on efficacy or toxicity outcomes.

Trabectedin Followed by Irinotecan Can Stabilize Disease in Advanced Translocation-Positive Sarcomas with Acceptable Toxicity.

Background. Preclinical data indicate that trabectedin followed by irinotecan has strong synergistic effects on Ewing sarcoma. This is presumably due to hypersensitization of the tumor cells to the camptothecin as an effect of trabectedin in addition to synergistic suppression of EWS-FLI1 downstream targets. A strong effect was also reported in a human rhabdomyosarcoma xenograft. Procedure. Twelve patients with end-stage refractory translocation-positive sarcomas were treated with trabectedin followed by irinotecan within a compassionate use program. Eight patients had Ewing sarcoma and four patients had other translocation-positive sarcomas. Results. Three-month survival rate was 0.75 after the start of this therapy. One patient achieved a partial response according to RECIST criteria, five had stable disease, and the remaining six progressed through therapy. The majority of patients experienced significant hematological toxicity (grades 3 and 4). Reversible liver toxicity and diarrhea also occurred. Conclusions. Our experience with the combination of trabectedin followed with irinotecan in patients with advanced sarcomas showed promising results in controlling refractory solid tumors. While the hematological toxicity was significant, it was reversible. Quality of life during therapy was maintained. These observations encourage a larger clinical trial.

Teenagers and young adults with cancer in Europe: from national programmes to a European integrated coordinated project.

Over 14 000 patients aged 15-24 are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer in the European Union (EU) each year. Teenagers and young adults (TYA) often fall down gaps between children's and adults cancer services. The specific challenges of providing optimal care to them are described, but we present a summary of recent progress. Progress to overcome these challenges is happening at different rates across Europe. We summarise the European national projects in this field but more recently we have seen the beginnings of European coordination. Within the EU 7th Funding Programme (FP7) European Network for Cancer Research in Children and Adolescents programme (ENCCA), a specific European Network for Teenagers and Young Adults with Cancer has held a series of scientific meetings, including professionals, patients and caregivers. This group has proposed unanswered research questions and agreed key features of a high-quality service that can improve outcomes for TYA with cancer, including the primacy of collaboration between adult and paediatric services to eliminate the gap in the management of TYA with cancer.

Development of curative therapies for Ewing sarcomas by interdisciplinary cooperative groups in Europe.

Curative therapies for Ewing sarcoma have been developed within cooperative groups. Consecutive clinical trials have systematically assessed the impact and timing of local therapy and the activity of cytotoxic drugs and their combinations. They have led to an increase of long-term disease-free survival to around 70% in patients with localized disease. Translational research in ES remains an area in which interdisciplinary and international cooperation is essential for future progress. This article reviews current state-of-the art therapy, with a focus on trials performed in Europe, and summarizes novel strategies to further advance both the cure rates and quality of survival.

Dynamics of fertility impairment and recovery after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in childhood and adolescence: results from a longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: Fertility impairment and recovery after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have been reported in both sexes, but little is known about how they develop over time. Our aim was to describe the dynamics of fertility impairment and recovery after HSCT. METHODS: We retrieved treatment and fertility data for up to 12 years of 361 paediatric patients with malignant and non-malignant diseases from seven European centres. The patients had been treated with allogeneic HSCT between 2000 and 2005. RESULTS: Development of fertility impairment was observed in males (123/217, 56%) after a median time of 2.6 years (range 0.1-11.4) and in females (82/144, 57%) after 2.3 years (range 0.1-12.0) after HSCT. Different busulfan dosages had only a slight impact on the onset of fertility impairment (busulfan ≥ 16 mg/kg with a median time to fertility impairment of 2.9 vs. 3.9 years after busulfan <14 mg/kg). Recovery from fertility impairment was observed in 17 participants after a median time of 4.1 years (range 1-10.6) in females (10/144, 7%) and 2.0 years (range 1-6.3) in males (7/217, 3 %) after fertility impairment first appeared. CONCLUSIONS: In the light of the dynamics of fertility impairment and recovery in the HSCT patients reviewed, these patients should be counselled comprehensively regarding fertility preservation measures.

ENCCA WP17-WP7 consensus paper on teenagers and young adults (TYA) with bone sarcomas.

Teenagers and young adults (TYA) cancer contributes substantially to morbidity and mortality in a population with much to offer society. TYA place distinct challenges upon cancer care services, many reporting feeling marginalized and their needs not being met in adult or paediatric cancer services. Bone tumours such as osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, because of their age at presentation and the complexity of their care, are where challenges in managing (TYA) with cancer have often been most readily apparent. Bone sarcomas may be managed by paediatric or medical oncologists, and require fastidious attention to protocol. A lack of recent improvement in survival in TYA with bone tumours may be linked to a lack of specialist care, poor concordance with therapy in some situations and TYA-specific pharmacology. Participation in clinical trials, particularly of young adults, is low, hindering progress. All these requirements may be best met by a concerted effort to create collaborative care between adult and paediatric experts in bone sarcoma, working together to meet TYA patients' needs.

Pelvic reconstruction with compound osteosynthesis following hemipelvectomy: A clinical study.

To date, all surgical techniques used for reconstruction of the pelvic ring following supra-acetabular tumour resection produce high complication rates. We evaluated the clinical, oncological and functional outcomes of a cohort of 35 patients (15 men and 20 women), including 21 Ewing's sarcomas, six chondrosarcomas, three sarcomas not otherwise specified, one osteosarcoma, two osseous malignant fibrous histiocytomas, one synovial cell sarcoma and one metastasis. The mean age of the patients was 31 years (8 to 79) and the latest follow-up was carried out at a mean of 46 months (1.9 to 139.5) post-operatively. We undertook a functional reconstruction of the pelvic ring using polyaxial screws and titanium rods. In 31 patients (89%) the construct was encased in antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate. Preservation of the extremities was possible for all patients. The survival rate at three years was 93.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 77.9 to 98.4), at five years it was 82.4% (95% CI 57.6 to 93.4). For the 21 patients with Ewing's sarcoma it was 95.2% (95% CI 70.7 to 99.3) and 81.5% (95% CI 52.0 to 93.8), respectively. Wound healing problems were observed in eight patients, deep infection in five and clinically asymptomatic breakage of the screws in six. The five-year implant survival was 93.3% (95% CI 57.8 to 95.7). Patients were mobilised at a mean of 3.5 weeks (1 to 7) post-operatively. A post-operative neurological defect occurred in 12 patients. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score at last available follow-up was 21.2 (10 to 27). This reconstruction technique is characterised by simple and oncologically appropriate applicability, achieving high primary stability that allows early mobilisation, good functional results and relatively low complication rates.

Response of children with stage IV soft tissue sarcoma to topotecan and carboplatin: a phase II window trial of the cooperative soft tissue sarcoma group.

To investigate antitumor activity and toxicity associated with combined topotecan and carboplatin treatment in children and adolescents with metastasized, untreated soft tissue sarcoma (STS).Patients (n=34) less than 21 years old and untreated, stage IV STS. Patients were treated with topotecan (1 mg/m²/d for 4 days) and carboplatin (150 mg/m²/d for 4 days) (TC course) during week 1 and 4 of a chemotherapy window trial, which was followed by chemotherapy and local therapy from week 6 on. We evaluated the side effects, toxicity and tumor response (using RECIST criteria) 6 weeks after starting the 2 TC chemotherapy courses.The objective response rate (ORR) was 38% (n=13 patients with a partial response (PR)), and a stable disease (SD) was reached in 11 cases. No patient showed a complete response (CR) of all metastatic lesions, although 1 patient showed a CR of the target lesion. 2 patients died of progress of disease (PD). Toxicity was mainly hematological (grade III/IV toxicity 79%), and nonhematological toxicities mainly included infection, fever, nausea,and vomiting. Regarding adverse events, 4 probable and 8 possible events related to study medication occurred among the 66 courses of TC.In conclusion, TC was potent against high-risk STS, but results and toxicity data were not superior to former published monotherapeutic topotecan therapies.

Effective childhood cancer treatment: the impact of large scale clinical trials in Germany and Austria.

In Germany and Austria, more than 90% of pediatric cancer patients are enrolled into nationwide disease-specific first-line clinical trials or interim registries. Essential components are a pediatric cancer registry and centralized reference laboratories, imaging review, and tumor board assistance. The five-year overall survival rate in countries where such infrastructures are established has improved from <20% before 1950 to >80% since 1995. Today, treatment intensity is tailored to the individual patient's risk to provide the highest chances of survival while minimizing deleterious late effects. Multicenter clinical trials are internationalized and serve as platforms for further improvements by novel drugs and biologicals.

Renal Ewing tumors.

BACKGROUND: Renal Ewing's sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (ES/PNET) is extremely rare. Clinical symptoms are nonspecific presenting abdominal pain, palpable mass, and hematuria. Owing to advanced technology demonstrating the ES-specific EWS/ETS translocation, this differential diagnosis has become feasible. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The German database of GPOH Ewing's sarcoma trials from 1980 to 2009 was searched for kidney as primary site. Twenty-four patients were identified and analyzed. The median time of observation was 3.71 years (range 0.27-8.75 years). Additionally, we carried out a Medline search for renal ES/PNET. RESULTS: The median age was 24.9 years (range 11-60 years). In 37.5%, patients presented with primary metastases. Tumor thrombi in the adjacent renal vessels occurred in 56.2%. In 90.9%, rearrangements of t(11;22) were found. All patients received a combined chemotherapy according to the EURO-E.W.I.N.G.99 protocol. In accordance, local control consisted predominantly of combined modality surgery and radiation (47%). At 3 years, overall survival (OS) was 0.80 (SE = 0.09), and event-free survival (EFS) 0.66 (SE = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: ES/PNET should be considered in the differential diagnosis of renal tumors. Patients with renal ES/PNET respond to and benefit from conventional ES treatment according to ES study protocols. Therefore, an accurate diagnostic approach and a guideline-adapted therapy should be facilitated.

Management of bone tumours in paediatric oncology.

The management of bone tumours in paediatric oncology requires careful multidisciplinary planning due to the need for multimodal therapy approaches. The non-specific symptoms often lead to a delayed definitive diagnosis of a bone tumour. Imaging procedures are of major importance for an individualised and optimised treatment planning. They have to be carried out before any surgery, including biopsies. The introduction of multi-agent chemotherapy has led to a significant improvement in survival rates in patients suffering from Ewing's sarcomas and osteosarcomas. However, local therapy still remains indispensable in order to achieve long-term survival. For osteosarcoma, surgery remains the only adequate local therapy modality. Radiotherapy may be considered if surgery is not feasible. In these cases, high radiation doses need to be applied. The choice for local therapy modality is not as clear in patients with Ewing's sarcoma. Today, surgery is often preferred if a wide or at least marginal resection can be carried out. Additional radiotherapy is advised in patients with marginal/intralesional resection or poor histological response to induction chemotherapy. Definitive radiotherapy is recommended for inoperable lesions. In the future, new radiotherapy approaches, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy or proton therapy, may yield better results with minor risks of late effects.

Ewing sarcoma of the hand or foot.

PURPOSE: Ewing Sarcoma (ES) of the hand or foot is a rare clinical condition. Due to the critical site, it is of major importance to choose an optimal procedure for local control in terms of outcome and function. Local therapeutic options for these patients range from: surgery (OP), surgery followed by radiotherapy (OP & RT), or radiotherapy (RT) alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from 80 patients with ES of the hand or foot were analyzed. All patients received chemotherapy according to the protocols of the Cooperative Ewing Sarcoma Study Group (CESS) from 1991 to 2009 (EICESS-92 and EURO-E.W.I.N.G.99). Local therapy consisted of: OP in 39%, OP & RT in 44%, and RT in 12%. In 5% of the patients no local therapy (noL) was performed. Primary endpoint of our study was the event-free-survival (EFS). RESULTS: The 3-year overall EFS was 62% (95%CI 0.50-0.72). Patients with localized disease had a significantly better outcome with an EFS of 77% (95%CI 0.63-0.86), compared to patients with primary disseminated disease with an EFS of 30% (95%CI 0.14-0.49; p<0.001). In comparing local treatment modalities, no significant difference was observed. The 3-year EFS for OP was 61% (95% CI 0.40-0.76), for OP & RT 66% (95%CI 0.47-0.79) and for RT only 70% (95%CI 0.32-0.89) (p=0.253). Patients who did not receive local treatment had an unfavourable prognosis (3-year EFS=0.25; 95%CI 0.01-0.67; p=0.024). A multivariate analysis which included local treatment modality and known prognosticators, showed that primary dissemination was the only significant prognostic factor.Ewing sarcoma of the hand or foot is associated with a favourable outcome. CONCLUSION: Our data analysed a limited group of patients and thus did not provide a clear indication for a preferred local treatment modality.