Deliberate practice of consultation communication skills: A randomized controlled trial.

Consultation is a key competency area for school psychologists, though much is unknown about how school psychologists develop the competency to consult. Deliberate practice (DP) is a promising approach to enhance use of communication skills, thereby supporting consultation competence. DP training included multiple opportunities for video-recorded consultation practice in response to a consultee's request for assistance, self-reflection on skill application, and corrective supervisory feedback. In this randomized controlled trial, 109 school psychology graduate students across 45 training programs received either consultation training as usual delivered through their first consultation course (control group; n = 61) or a supplemental DP training intervention in addition to their first consultation course (treatment group; n = 48). Students who completed the DP training significantly increased their use of communication skills during a simulated practice opportunity, while the control group participants did not. Students in the DP condition also reported significantly greater self-efficacy than students in the control group, although students in both groups reported significantly greater self-efficacy over time. DP participants also reported high levels of training satisfaction. Implications of these findings for the design and delivery of consultation training and supervision are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Outcome and pathologic classification of children and adolescents with mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma treated with FAB/LMB96 mature B-NHL therapy.

Mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (MLBL) represents 2% of mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in patients ≤ 18 years of age. We analyzed data from childhood and adolescent patients with stage III MLBL (n = 42) and non-MLBL DLBCL (n = 69) treated with Group B therapy in the French-American-British/Lymphome Malins de Burkitt (FAB/LMB) 96 study. MLBL patients had a male/female 26/16; median age, 15.7 years (range, 12.5-19.7); and LDH < 2 versus ≥ 2 × the upper limit of normal, 23:19. Six MLBL patients (14%) had < a 20% response to initial COP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone) therapy. Central pathology revealed approximately 50% with classical features of primary MLBL. Five-year event-free survival for the stage III MLBL and non-MLBL DLBCL groups was 66% (95% confidence interval [CI], 49%-78%) and 85% (95% CI, 71%-92%), respectively (P < .001; 14%). The 5-year overall survival in the 42 MLBL patients was 73% (95% CI, 56%-84%). We conclude that MLBL in adolescent patients is associated with significantly inferior event-free survival compared with stage III non-MLBL DLBCL and can be of multiple histologies. Alternate treatment strategies should be investigated in the future taking into account both adult MLBL approaches and more recent biologic findings in adult MLBL.

A genome-wide association study identifies susceptibility loci for Wilms tumor.

Wilms tumor is the most common renal malignancy of childhood. To identify common variants that confer susceptibility to Wilms tumor, we conducted a genome-wide association study in 757 individuals with Wilms tumor (cases) and 1,879 controls. We evaluated ten SNPs in regions significantly associated at P < 5 × 10(-5) in two independent replication series from the UK (769 cases and 2,814 controls) and the United States (719 cases and 1,037 controls). We identified clear significant associations at 2p24 (rs3755132, P = 1.03 × 10(-14); rs807624, P = 1.32 × 10(-14)) and 11q14 (rs790356, P = 4.25 × 10(-15)). Both regions contain genes that are plausibly related to Wilms tumorigenesis. We also identified candidate association signals at 5q14, 22q12 and Xp22.

Stratification of Wilms tumor by genetic and epigenetic analysis.

Somatic defects at five loci, WT1, CTNNB1, WTX, TP53 and the imprinted 11p15 region, are implicated in Wilms tumor, the commonest childhood kidney cancer. In this study we analysed all five loci in 120 Wilms tumors. We identified epigenetic 11p15 abnormalities in 69% of tumors, 37% were H19 epimutations and 32% were paternal uniparental disomy (pUPD). We identified mutations of WTX in 32%, CTNNB1 in 15%, WT1 in 12% and TP53 in 5% of tumors. We identified several significant associations: between 11p15 and WTX (P=0.007), between WT1 and CTNNB1 (P less than 0.001), between WT1 and pUPD 11p15 (P=0.01), and a strong negative association between WT1 and H19 epimutation (P less than 0.001). We next used these data to stratify Wilms tumor into three molecular Groups, based on the status at 11p15 and WT1. Group 1 tumors (63%) were defined as 11p15-mutant and WT1-normal; a third also had WTX mutations. Group 2 tumors (13%) were WT1-mutant. They either had 11p15 pUPD or were 11p15-normal. Almost all had CTNNB1 mutations but none had H19 epimutation. Group 3 tumors (25%) were defined as 11p15-normal and WT1-normal and were typically normal at all five loci (P less than 0.001). We also identified a novel clinical association between H19 epimutation and bilateral disease (P less than 0.001). These data provide new insights into the pattern, order, interactions and clinical associations of molecular events in Wilms tumor.

Primary follicular lymphoma of the testis in children and adolescents.

This study reports 6 cases of primary follicular lymphoma of the testis (PFLT) in children and adolescents correlated with clinical presentation, pathologic features, treatment, and outcome. All 6 patients (age, 3 to 16 y; median, 4 y) had PFLT grade 3 with disease limited to the testis, completely resected and treated with 2 courses of chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, doxorubicin). Event-free survival was 100% (follow-up: median, 73 mo; mean, 53 mo; range, 6 to 96 mo). In conclusion, clinical outcome in children and adolescents with PFLT is excellent with treatment including complete surgical resection and 2 courses of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, doxorubicin.

Advanced stage, increased lactate dehydrogenase, and primary site, but not adolescent age (≥ 15 years), are associated with an increased risk of treatment failure in children and adolescents with mature B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: results of the FAB LMB 96 study.

PURPOSE: Adolescents (age 15 to 21 years) compared with younger children with mature B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) have been historically considered to have an inferior prognosis. We therefore analyzed the impact of age and other diagnostic factors on the risk of treatment failure in children and adolescents treated on the French-American-British Mature B-Cell Lymphoma 96 (FAB LMB 96) trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were divided by risk: group A (limited), group B (intermediate), and group C (advanced), as previously described. Prognostic factors analyzed for event-free survival (EFS) included age (< 15 v ≥ 15 years), stage (I/II v III/IV), primary site, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bone marrow/CNS (BM/CNS) involvement, and histology (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma v mediastinal B-cell lymphoma v Burkitt lymphoma or Burkitt-like lymphoma). RESULTS: The 3-year EFS for the whole cohort was 88% ± 1%. Age was not associated as a risk factor for increased treatment failure in either univariate analysis (P = .15) or multivariate analysis (P = .58). Increased LDH (≥ 2 × upper limit of normal [ULN] v < 2 × ULN), primary site, and BM-positive/CNS-positive disease were all independent risk factors associated with a significant increase in treatment failure rate (relative risk, 2.0; P < .001, P < .012, and P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: LDH level at diagnosis, mediastinal disease, and combined BM-positive/CNS-positive involvement are independent risk factors in children with mature B-cell NHL. Future studies should be developed to identify specific therapeutic strategies (immunotherapy) to overcome these risk factors and to identify the biologic basis associated with these prognostic factors in children with mature B-cell NHL.

Excellent outcome with reduced treatment in infants with nonmetastatic and unresectable neuroblastoma without MYCN amplification: results of the prospective INES 99.1.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of low-dose chemotherapy in infants with nonmetastatic and unresectable neuroblastoma (NB) without MYCN amplification. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Infants with localized NB and no MYCN amplification were eligible in the SIOPEN Infant Neuroblastoma European Study 99.1 study. Primary tumor was deemed unresectable according to imaging defined risk factors. Diagnostic procedures and staging were carried out according to International Staging System recommendations. Children without threatening symptoms received low-dose cyclophosphamide (5 mg/kg/d × 5 days) and vincristine (0.05 mg/kg at day 1; CyV), repeated once to three times every 2 weeks until surgical excision could be safely performed. Children with either one threatening symptom or insufficient response to CyV were given carboplatin and etoposide (CaE), sometimes followed by vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin. No postoperative treatment was to be administered. RESULTS: Between December 1999 and April 2004, 120 infants were included in the study. Eighty-eight had no threatening symptoms and 79 received CyV. CaE was given to 49 of them because of insufficient response. Thirty-two children had threatening symptoms, 30 of whom received CaE. Anthracyclines were given to 46 children. Surgery was attempted in 102 patients, leading to gross surgical excision in 93. Relapse occurred in 12 patients (nine local and three metastatic). Five-year overall and event-free survivals were 99% ± 1% and 90% ± 3%, respectively, with a median follow-up of 6.1 years (range, 1.6 to 9.1). CONCLUSION: Low-dose chemotherapy without anthracyclines is effective in 62% of infants with an unresectable NB and no MYCN amplification, allowing excellent survival rates without jeopardizing their long-term outcome.

Comparison of self-reported late effects with medical records among survivors of childhood cancer.

BACKGROUND: Survival rates following childhood cancer have increased, but survivors experience significant late effects. Long-term follow-up is recommended but imposes an increasing burden on health services. We report prevalence of morbidity in a cohort of survivors from South Yorkshire based on: (i) case-note analysis and (ii) self-reported late effects (parent-reported for under-16s). METHODS: Treatment information was taken from case-notes. Comparisons were made between late effects described in notes and reported by 108 survivors aged >16 years, and 45 parents of survivors (12-15 years). FINDINGS: Of 892 patients diagnosed with childhood cancer and some benign conditions registered on hospital databases from January 1990 to December 2005, 337 (37.8%) met eligibility criteria. Ninety-one survivors (16) (84.3%, confidence interval [CI]: 76.0-90.6) reported one or more late effects (mean=3.5; CI: 3.0-4.1), significantly higher than the number of late effects documented in medical notes (mean=0.7; CI: 0.5-0.9; t=-11.26, p<0.001). Thirty-five parents (77.8%, CI: 65.1-90.4) reported late effects for their children (mean=2.7; CI: 2.0-3.4), again higher than medical notes (mean=0.7; CI: 0.4-1.1; t=7.18, p<0.001). More than 30 specialties were involved in survivor care (mean=1.5; CI: 1.4-1.6; range 0-6). Those with more late effects saw more specialties (r=0.51, p<0.001). INTERPRETATION: We confirm the wide range of late effects experienced by survivors of child cancer, significantly greater than those recorded in medical notes, and requiring care from a range of specialties. Decisions about follow-up need to take account of patient-reported morbidity and concerns.

Pharmacokinetics of carboplatin and etoposide in infant neuroblastoma patients.

PURPOSE: Carboplatin and etoposide are commonly used chemotherapeutics for the treatment of many paediatric cancers. However, there are very limited published data concerning the pharmacokinetics of these agents in infants and very young children, for whom dose reductions are frequently implemented. METHODS: Etoposide (5 mg/kg; 2 h i.v. infusion) was co-administered with carboplatin (6.6 mg/kg; 1 h i.v. infusion) on each of 3 days of treatment and samples were taken between 0.5 and 4 h after the start of administration, from a total of 19 neuroblastoma patients aged <1 year at diagnosis and weighing <12 kg at treatment. Pharmacokinetic analysis was carried out using a non-linear mixed effects modelling approach. RESULTS: Two compartment structural models were selected for both carboplatin and etoposide analysis. Body weight (BW) was strongly associated with carboplatin clearance (Cl), with a slightly weaker relationship observed with etoposide Cl. Carboplatin Cl values ranged from 12.8 to 33.6 ml/min, with total AUC values of 4.2-9.3 mg/ml.min achieved over the 3 days of treatment. Cl values normalized to BW were significantly higher in patients <12 kg than in children >12 kg, with mean +/- SD values of 2.9 +/- 0.4 and 2.5 +/- 0.4 ml/min/kg, respectively (P < 0.05). Etoposide exhibited a median half-life of 4.6 h (range 4.1-6.6), a median AUC of 7.1 mg/ml.min (range 3.4-11.0) and a median Cl of 6.6 ml/min (range 3.2-13.0). CONCLUSION: Results suggest that prediction of absolute carboplatin Cl values may be difficult in infant patients <12 kg, with a small but significant difference in Cl values normalized to BW observed in this patient group. Etoposide pharmacokinetic data support previous findings that question the utility of modified dosing in infants. The current study demonstrates the feasibility of generating informative pharmacokinetic data in infants and young children.

Excellent outcome with reduced treatment for infants with disseminated neuroblastoma without MYCN gene amplification.

PURPOSE: On the assumption that most infants with disseminated neuroblastoma without MYCN amplification (MYCNA) have a favorable prognosis, two concomitant prospective trials were started in which chemotherapy was limited to patients presenting life- or organ-threatening symptoms or overt metastases to skeleton, lung, or CNS. Surgery was to be performed only in the absence of surgical risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred seventy infants with disseminated neuroblastoma without MYCNA, diagnosed between June 1999 and June 2004 in nine European countries were eligible for either of the two studies. Trial 99.2 included all stage 4S infants and those with stage 4 with a primary tumor infiltrating across the midline or positive skeletal scintigraphy who were to be observed in absence of symptoms. Trial 99.3 included infants with overt metastases to the skeleton, lung, and CNS to be treated with a minimum of four chemotherapy courses. RESULTS: The 125 infants treated on trial 99.2 had a 2-year overall survival (OS) of 97.6% with no difference between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients (97.7% v 97.3%), patients without or with unresectable primary tumors (96.8% v 100%), and patients without or with positive skeletal scintigraphy without radiologic abnormalities (97.2% v 100%). The 45 infants treated on trial 99.3 had a 2-year OS of 95.6%. No patients died of surgery- or chemotherapy-related complications. CONCLUSION: Infants with disseminated disease without MYCNA have excellent survival with minimal or no treatment. Asymptomatic infants with an unresectable primary tumor or positive skeletal scintigraphy without radiologic abnormalities may undergo observation alone.

Poor survival for infants with MYCN-amplified metastatic neuroblastoma despite intensified treatment: the International Society of Paediatric Oncology European Neuroblastoma Experience.

PURPOSE: To report the results of a prospective, nonrandomized European study on infants with neuroblastoma and MYCN gene amplification. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Infants with neuroblastoma (stage 2, 3, 4, and 4s) and MYCN gene amplification who were diagnosed between 1999 and 2004 were eligible for enrollment onto the study. After diagnosis, staging, and mandatory biologic studies, induction chemotherapy (IC) with conventional drugs was administered, followed by delayed surgery, megatherapy (busulfan-melphalan as a conditioning regimen), and local radiotherapy. RESULTS: Of the 46 infants enrolled onto the study, 35 infants were eligible; of these 35 infants, 97% had metastatic spread (24 infants had stage 4, and 10 infants had stage 4s). Two-year overall survival (OS) was 30% (SE, 0.08), with median survival time of 12 months, and 23 deaths due to disease. Two-year, event-free survival (EFS) was 29% (SE, 0.07). The treatment was well tolerated with no deaths as a result of toxicity or severe toxicity. Despite protocol adherence, 30% of the patients who were assessable for response to IC experienced disease progression or did not respond. Stage and high lactate dehydrogenase reached significance in the univariate analysis (P = .028 and .039, respectively for OS; and P = .05 and .031 respectively, for EFS). Ten of 16 patients who received megatherapy are still alive. CONCLUSION: Although treatment was well tolerated, survival was poor and our IC failed to achieve a satisfactory response in 30% of our patients. New therapeutic approaches and more intense world-wide collaboration are needed to achieve a cure in this population.

Constitutional 11p15 abnormalities, including heritable imprinting center mutations, cause nonsyndromic Wilms tumor.

Constitutional abnormalities at the imprinted 11p15 growth regulatory region cause syndromes characterized by disordered growth, some of which include a risk of Wilms tumor. We explored their possible contribution to nonsyndromic Wilms tumor and identified constitutional 11p15 abnormalities in genomic lymphocyte DNA from 13 of 437 individuals (3%) with sporadic Wilms tumor without features of growth disorders, including 12% of bilateral cases (P = 0.001) and in one familial Wilms tumor pedigree. No abnormality was detected in 220 controls (P = 0.006). Abnormalities identified included H19 DMR epimutations, uniparental disomy 11p15 and H19 DMR imprinting center mutations (one microinsertion and one microdeletion), thus identifying microinsertion as a new class of imprinting center mutation. Our data identify constitutional 11p15 defects as one of the most common known causes of Wilms tumor, provide mechanistic insights into imprinting disruption and reveal clinically important epigenotype-phenotype associations. The impact on clinical management dictates that constitutional 11p15 analysis should be considered in all individuals with Wilms tumor.

Pediatric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma demonstrates a high proliferation index, frequent c-Myc protein expression, and a high incidence of germinal center subtype: Report of the French-American-British (FAB) international study group.

BACKGROUND: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) makes up 10-20% of pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and these patients have a significantly better prognosis than adults with DLBCL. The difference in prognosis may be related to clinical, phenotypic, and/or biological differences between adult and pediatric DLBCL. In adult DLBCL, the germinal center (GC) phenotype is associated with a better prognosis than the activated B-cell (ABC) phenotype. However, a high proliferative index and expression of Bcl2 and c-Myc protein have all been associated with worse outcomes. While multiple studies have addressed the phenotype and expression patterns of adult DLBCL, relatively little is known about these biological variables in pediatric DLBCL. The goal of this study was to investigate the proliferative index, the relative frequencies of the GC and non-GC subtypes, and the expression of Bcl2 and c-Myc protein in a cohort of children with DLBCL treated in a uniform manner. PROCEDURE: We performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) for MIB1, CD10, Bcl6, MUM1, Bcl2, and c-Myc on DLBCL tissue from children treated uniformly in the FAB LMB96 trial (SFOP LMB96/CCG5961/UKCCSG/NHL 9600). RESULTS: Compared to published adult DLBCL studies, pediatric DLBCL demonstrated moderate to high proliferation rates (83%), increased c-Myc protein expression (84%), decreased Bcl2 protein expression (28%), and an increased frequency of the GC phenotype (75%). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that there are significant biologic differences between pediatric and adult forms of DLBCL, which may contribute to the superior prognosis seen in the pediatric population relative to adult disease.

A strategy for efficient handling of fresh tumor needle biopsies that allows histological and cytopathological assessment.

Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery is used in the management of many pediatric solid tumors, and diagnosis is therefore valuable and is frequently made by percutaneous needle biopsy. We describe a method that enhances tissue preservation and obtains a sample for rapid cytopathological assessment. Biopsies are placed in Ham's F(10) culture's medium in theatre and transferred to pathology. The biopsies are retrieved from the medium and dealt as before (submit to cytogenetics; fix in glutharaldheyde; snap frozen at -80 degrees C and routine histology). An equal amount of 90% alcohol is then added to the Ham culture's medium fluid received from theatre before performing a cytospin preparation and a cell clot. We used this method in the diagnosis of 16 tumors demonstrating that this allows a more efficient handling of the biopsy, makes possible a same day diagnosis, enhances the quality of the immunohistochemistry and maximizes the amount of tissue available for diagnosis.

Excellent survival following two courses of COPAD chemotherapy in children and adolescents with resected localized B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: results of the FAB/LMB 96 international study.

High cure rates are possible in children with localized mature B-cell lymphoma (B NHL) using a variety of chemotherapeutic strategies. To reduce late sequelae, the duration and intensity of chemotherapy has been progressively reduced. The Lymphome Malins de Burkitt (LMB) 89 study reported long-term survival in almost all children with localized resected disease treated with two courses of COPAD (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisolone and doxorubicin). This study was designed to confirm the effectiveness of this approach in a larger number of patients in a multinational co-operative study. The patient cohort was part of an international study (French-American-British LMB 96), which included all disease stages and involved three national groups. Patients in this part of the study had resected stage I or completely resected abdominal stage II disease. Following surgery, two courses of COPAD were given, without intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy. One hundred and thirty-two children were evaluable. Two of 264 (0.9%) courses were associated with grade IV toxicity (one stomatitis and one infection). With a median follow up of 50.5 months, the 4 year event-free survival is 98.3% and overall survival is 99.2%. Children with resected localized B-NHL can be cured with minimal toxicity following two courses of low intensity treatment without IT chemotherapy.

Treatment of recurrent clear cell sarcoma of the kidney with brain metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK) is known for its propensity to metastasize to bone, but it also spreads to other sites including the brain. This study was undertaken to describe the treatment and outcomes of patients with recurrent CCSK involving the brain. METHODS: A retrospective records review was conducted on eight patients with CCSK who developed brain metastases after complete responses to initial therapy. RESULTS: The recurrences occurred at a median of 24.5 months after initial diagnosis (range, 12-53 months). At the time of recurrence, patients were treated with multimodal therapy including biopsy or resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. All patients received a variable number of courses of ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (ICE), with or without other agents. Four patients received high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue. One patient died from complications of bacteremia 8 weeks after starting chemotherapy. The other seven patients achieved a complete response after either surgery or ICE chemotherapy. Of these, six patients were alive without disease with a median follow-up of 30 months from the time of recurrence (range, 24 to 71 months). All six survivors received radiation therapy and four had gross total resections. Three survivors received high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue. CONCLUSION: Patients with recurrent CCSK involving the brain can have durable survival after recurrence. ICE chemotherapy, together with radiation therapy and surgery, provides a reasonable salvage regimen for recurrent CCSK. It is unclear whether high-dose chemotherapy confers a benefit compared to conventional-dose chemotherapy.

Results of the randomized international FAB/LMB96 trial for intermediate risk B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children and adolescents: it is possible to reduce treatment for the early responding patients.

A previous study (LMB89) of the French Society of Pediatric Oncology for childhood mature B-cell lymphoma (B-NHL) demonstrated a 92% 3-year event-free survival (EFS) for intermediate-risk group B defined as "non-resected" stage II/I and CNS-negative advanced-stage IIV/IV (70% of cases). We performed the FAB/LMB96 trial to assess the possibility of reducing treatment in children/adolescents with intermediate-risk B-NHL without jeopardizing survival. "Early responding" patients (tumor response > 20% at day 7) were randomized in a factorial design between 4 arms, 2 receiving half-dose of cyclophosphamide in the second induction course with cyclophosphamide, Oncovin (vincristine), prednisone, Adriamycin (doxorubicin), methotrexate (COPADM) and 2 not receiving the maintenance course M1. A total of 657 patients were randomized (May 1996 to June 2001) and 637 were analyzed. The analysis showed no significant effect of any of the treatment reductions on EFS and survival. The 4-year EFS was 93.4% and 90.9% in the groups with full-dose and half-dose of cyclophosphamide (RR = 1.3, P = .40) and 91.9% and 92.5% in the groups with and without M1 (RR = 1.01, P = .98). There was no interaction between the 2 treatment reductions or between each treatment reduction and LDH level or histologic subtypes (Burkitt/Burkitt-like or large B-cell). Children/adolescents with intermediate-risk B-NHL who have an early response and achieve a complete remission after the first consolidation course can be cured with a 4-course treatment with a total dose of only 3.3 g/m2 cyclophosphamide and 120 mg/m2 doxorubicin.

Results of a randomized international study of high-risk central nervous system B non-Hodgkin lymphoma and B acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children and adolescents.

The prognosis for higher risk childhood B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma has improved over the past 20 years but the optimal intensity of treatment has yet to be determined. Children 21 years old or younger with newly diagnosed B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma/B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-NHL/B-ALL) with higher risk factors (bone marrow [BM] with or without CNS involvement) were randomized to standard intensity French-American-British/Lymphoma Malignancy B (FAB/LMB) therapy or reduced intensity (reduced cytarabine plus etoposide and deletion of 3 maintenance courses M2, M3, M4). All patients with CNS disease had additional high-dose methotrexate (8 g/m2) plus extra intrathecal therapy. Fifty-one percent had BM involvement, 20% had CNS involvement, and 29% had BM and CNS involvement. One hundred ninety patients were randomized. The probabilities of 4-year event-free survival (EFS) and survival (S) were 79% +/- 2.7% and 82% +/- 2.6%, respectively. In patients in remission after 3 cycles who were randomized to standard versus reduced-intensity therapy, the 4-year EFS after randomization was 90% +/- 3.1% versus 80% +/- 4.2% (one-sided P = .064) and S was 93% +/- 2.7% versus 83% +/- 4.0% (one-sided P = .032). Patients with either combined BM/CNS disease at diagnosis or poor response to cyclophosphamide, Oncovin [vincristine], prednisone (COP) reduction therapy had a significantly inferior EFS and S (P < .001). Standard-intensity FAB/LMB therapy is recommended for children with high-risk B-NHL (B-ALL with or without CNS involvement).

Mature B-cell lymphoma in children and adolescents: International group pathologist consensus correlates with histology technical quality.

In pediatric mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, international pathologist diagnostic agreement was previously evaluated using the Revised European-American Lymphoma Classification. Surgical biopsy histology technical quality (HTQ) is variable and may affect diagnostic accuracy. This study evaluated diagnostic agreement correlated with HTQ. Surgical biopsies obtained from international protocol FAB LMB96 Treatment of Mature B-Cell Lymphoma/Leukemia for Burkitt lymphoma (BL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and high-grade B-cell lymphoma Burkitt-like (BLL), were independently reviewed by hematopathologists from 3 national groups (Children's Cancer Group, Société Française d'Oncologie Pédiatrique, and United Kingdom Children's Cancer Study Group) to determine each national diagnosis and a final diagnosis. HTQ grades for microscopic tissue sections included: good; medium; low; inconclusive. Final diagnoses in 187 cases included: BL 87 (47%); BLL 20 (11%); DLBCL 64 (34%); other 16 (9%). HTQ grades included: good 10 (5%); medium 100 (54%); low 75 (40%); inconclusive 2 (1%). The rate of uniform agreement between the national diagnoses was significantly higher with good or medium HTQ (62%) than with low HTQ (33%) (P = 0.001). In conclusion, in pediatric mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, international pathologist diagnostic agreement is significantly higher in surgical biopsies with better HTQ. Poor HTQ may adversely impact diagnostic ability and affect prognosis and therapeutic management when different treatment regimens are employed for DLBCL versus BL/BLL.

Localized non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with B-cell histology: cure without cyclophosphamide? A report of the United Kingdom Children's Cancer Study Group on studies NHL 8501 and NHL 9001 (1985-1996).

We have examined the outcome for children treated on two consecutive United Kingdom Children's Cancer Study Group studies of localized B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The first study (NHL 8501; 1985-1989) included cyclophosphamide in the treatment regimen at a total cumulative dose of 4 g/m2 whereas the regimen in the succeeding study (NHL 9001; 1990-1996) did not include cyclophosphamide. Ninety children with confirmed B-cell NHL were treated in the two studies (NHL 8501, n = 33 and NHL9001, n = 57). With a median follow-up of 7.5 years, overall survival for localized B-cell NHL did not differ between the two regimens with observed 3-year survivals of 94%[95% confidence interval (CI) 80-98%] and 89% (95% CI 79-95%) respectively (P = 0.47). There was also no difference in the event-free survival between children treated on regimen NHL 8501 and NHL 9001 [91% (95% CI 76-97%) vs 84% (95% CI 73-92%) after 3 years; P = 0.34]. Although the difference in the number of failed remissions between NHL 8501 and 9001 (0/33 vs 6/57) approached statistical significance (P = 0.08, Fisher's exact test), there was no overall statistical difference between the treatment failures on either regimen (P = 0.34). Substantial long-term survival can be achieved for many children with localized B-cell NHL without the use of cyclophosphamide. Further studies are needed to identify whether all clinical or histopathological subgroups will benefit equally from the omission of cyclophosphamide.