Rhabdomyosarcoma in children: Retrospective analysis from a single tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children occurring most commonly in the head and neck region. The treatment involves using a multimodality approach including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Survival for patients with localized disease has improved markedly, but the treatment of advanced disease remains a challenge. We report the clinical characteristics and outcome for patients treated at a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Patients aged 0-14 years diagnosed with RMS between 2005 and 2018 were included. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate overall and event free survival. Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-four patients were analyzed. The median age was 5.7 years with male predominance (2.4:1). The most common primary sites were head/neck (30%) and the genitourinary tract (25%). Embryonal RMS was present in 81%; alveolar in 19%. Most patients had intermediate risk disease (60%). The 5-year overall and event free survivals were 64.3% and 53.3%, respectively. Survival was influenced by primary tumor site, histology, and clinical risk group. Unfavorable primary site, high risk stratification, and poor initial response to therapy predicted a poor outcome. CONCLUSION: This study provides an insight on the current management outcomes for our patients with RMS. Cytogenetics and molecular diagnostics need to be incorporated as standard of care in the therapeutic approach of our patients. In addition, there is a need for national collaborative efforts to improve the outcome of RMS in children and adolescents.

Impact of Radiation Therapy After High Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Lymphomas: A Single Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: After high dose chemotherapy (HDC) and autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT), in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), involved field radiation therapy (RT) for consolidation and residual/progressive disease (PD) eradication is a common practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective single-institution cohort analysis to evaluate the impact of early RT after HDC auto-SCT. RESULTS: Between 1996 and October 2019, 153 patients (43 DLBCL, 110 HL) underwent RT after HDC auto-SCT. Males 95 (62%), females 58 (38%), median age 24 years. Indications for RT was consolidation 65%: residual disease eradication 16%: and PD eradication 19%. For DLBCL, the median overall survival (OS) for the above indications was not reached (NR):NR:2 months and the KM 5-year OS was 72.6%:64.3%:12.5% respectively (P ≤ .000). Pair-wise analysis showed that consolidation versus residual disease eradication had no difference (P = .88) but both were superior to PD disease eradication (P ≤ 000 and P = .005 respectively). For HL, indication for RT was, 54%:23%:24% respectively. The median OS was NR:NR:28.8 months and KM 5-year OS was 82.3%:78%:30% respectively (P ≤ .000). Pair-wise analysis showed that consolidation versus residual disease eradication had no difference (P = .98) but both were superior to the PD eradication group (P ≤ 000). RT was well tolerated with no significant long-term toxicity. CONCLUSION: Post HDC auto-SCT RT was well tolerated. DLBCL and HL patients with residual disease treated with the RT had similar long-term survival as those who received RT for consolidation. RT failed to improve the poor survival in patients with post-HDC auto-SCT PD.

Outcomes of autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: In 2015, multiple myeloma (MM) represented 1% of all cancers and about 5% of hematologic malignancies in Saudi cancer registry. We conducted this large study because only small pilot studies have examined MM outcomes after autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). The standard therapy for eligible patients is induction chemotherapy followed by ASCT. OBJECTIVES: Determine the demographic characteristics of MM patients and the outcomes of ASCT. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Tumor registry database of major tertiary cancer care center in Riyadh. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified patients with newly diagnosed MM who underwent ASCT from October 1997 to March 2015. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The demographic characteristics of MM patients and the outcomes of ASCT in the form of response evaluation, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). SAMPLE SIZE: 169 patients with newly diagnosed MM. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 51 years (range 23-69) and 100 (59.2%) were male. The most common immunoglobulin (Ig) subtype was IgG-kappa (80 patients; 47.6%). Most patients presented with advanced ISS stage III (75 patients; 47.5%). The cytogenetic analysis was documented in only 87 patients (51.4%); about half (48.3%) had normal cytogenetics by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Deletion 13 was present in 18.4% of patients. In post-induction therapy, 84 patients (50%) achieved a complete response, which increased to 78.1% (132 patients) after ASCT. The median PFS and OS post-transplantation were 30 and 202 months, respectively. Only one patient (<1%) died in the first 100 days after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Our transplant eligible MM patients tend to be younger with a higher OS and a low ASCT-related mortality (<1%) than is reported internationally. LIMITATIONS: Usual limitations of a retrospective analysis using registry-level data; no data on quality of life. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: None.

Comparison of 18F-labelled fluoro-2-deoxyglucose-PET with conventional computed tomography for staging and response assessment in paediatric and adult patients with nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is an uncommon subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma. Data are limited regarding 18F-labelled fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG)-PET use in NLPHL. We are reporting our experience with FDG-PET utility in staging and response assessment NLPHL patients. METHODS: We retrospectively studied a population of all newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory patients who underwent both pre-treatment contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CeCT) and an FDG-PET and also at the end of planned treatment. RESULTS: We identified 68 patients found to have in total 312 scans, 78 paired pre-therapeutic and post-treatment CeCT and FDG-PET scans. Among them, 55 were male, with a median follow-up was 48 months. Median SUV-max was 8.3 (2.0-21.0). FDG-PET and CeCT were concordant in 80% (62/78) of staging scans. In 20% (16/78) of patients in whom a discordance was observed, FDG-PET resulted in upstaging in 13 scans and downstaging in 3 scans. The sensitivity of CeCT was 92% for nodal staging and 42% for extralymphatic staging when compared to FDG-PET. The specificity of CeCT was 98% as compared to FDG-PET. For response assessment, there was poor agreement between the CeCT and FDG-PET in assigning complete remission of disease scores as FDG-PET was able to identify the absence of disease despite the presence of a radiologically evident residual mass on CeCT. The sensitivity for CeCT compared to FDG-PET was 100% while the specificity was 43% for detection of post-treatment response. CONCLUSION: For NLPHL, pre-therapeutic FDG-PET scan is better than CeCT staging. FDG-PET has much better specificity for response assessment than CeCT.

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma characteristics, management of primary and relapsed/refractory disease and outcome analysis: the first comprehensive report from the Middle East.

BACKGROUND: Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is an uncommon variant of Hodgkin lymphoma. There is limited data on treatment, management of refractory and relapsed disease, and long-term outcome. Many registries or country-wide data reports are unable to provide detailed primary and subsequent management. We are reporting our observation on patient's characteristics, management, and outcome. METHODS: This single-institution retrospective cohort analysis includes NLPHL patients seen from 1998 to July 2019. We used Fisher's exact test, chi-square, and Kaplan-Meier (KM) method for various analyses. RESULTS: Two hundred patients were identified, (6.34% of all the HL). Male:female was 3:1. The median age at diagnosis was 22 years (4-79 years). Stage I-II in 145 (72.5%) cases. One hundred patients (50%) received chemotherapy, 68 (34%) chemotherapy + radiation therapy (RT); 87% of all chemotherapy was ABVD (adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine). Thirteen patients (6.5%) received RT alone and 16 (8%) had surgery alone. Complete response in 82%, partial response in 5.5% and progressive disease in 10.5%. The median follow is 60 months (5-246). Median 5 and 10 years overall survival (OS) is 94.8 and 92.4% (stages I-II, 97.7 and 97.7%, stage III-IV, 94.8 and 92.4%). Median event-free survival (EFS) is 62.3 and 54% respectively (stage I-II, 72 and 64%, stage III-IV, 36.4 and 18.2%). Stage I-II vs III-IV OS (p = < 0.001) and EFS (p = < 0.001) were significant. For stage I-II, 5 year EFS of chemotherapy + RT (83.3%) was superior to chemotherapy alone (60%, p = 0.008). Five year EFS for early favorable (80%), early unfavorable (60%), and advanced (36.4%) was significant (p = < 0.001). Eleven patients (5.5%) had high-grade transformation. Twenty-nine patients underwent HDC auto-SCT, all are alive (28 in remission). 25% of patients had pathologically proved nodal hyperplasia at some point in time. CONCLUSION: OS of NLPHL is excellent and independent of treatment type. EFS is better for chemotherapy + RT than chemotherapy alone. Stem cell transplant in refractory / multiple relapses resulted in excellent disease control. There is a need to identify optimal treatment strategies accordingly to the risk stratification.

Low-dose fractionated radiation with induction docetaxel and cisplatin followed by concurrent cisplatin and radiation therapy in locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer: A randomized phase II-III trial.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy and outcome of adding low-dose fractionated radiotherapy (LDFRT) to induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiation in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC). METHODS: A single-institute, phase II-III, prospectively controlled randomized clinical trial was performed at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. Patients aged 18-70 years with WHO type II and III, stage III-IVB nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score of 0-2, with adequate hematological, renal, and hepatic function were eligible. In total, 108 patients were enrolled in this trial. All patients received two cycles of induction docetaxel and cisplatin (75 mg/m2 each) chemotherapy on Days 1 and 22, followed by concurrent chemoradiation therapy. Radiation therapy consisted of 70 Gy in 33 fractions, with concurrent cisplatin 25 mg/m2 for 4 days on Days 43 and 64. Patients were randomly assigned to either adding LDFRT (0.5 Gy twice daily 6 hours apart for 2 days) to induction chemotherapy in the experimental arm (54 patients) or induction chemotherapy alone in the control arm (54 patients). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the post-induction response rates (RRs) or in toxicity between the two treatment arms. The 3-year overall survival (OS), locoregional control (LRC), and distant metastases-free survival (DMFS) rates for experimental arm and control arm were 94% versus 93% (p = .8), 84.8% versus 87.5% (p = .58), and 84.1% versus 91.6% (p = .25), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results showed no benefit from adding LDFRT to induction chemotherapy in terms of RR, OS, LRC, and DMFS.

Volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) versus 3D-conformal radiation therapy in supra-diaphragmatic Hodgkin's Lymphoma with mediastinal involvement: A dosimetric comparison.

PURPOSE: To compare volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with 3D-conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) mediastinal irradiation for stage I-II supra-diaphragmatic Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven patients were planned for RT after 4-6 cycles of ABVD chemotherapy: conventional 3D-CRT (AP/PA) and VMAT plans were conformed to the same PTV. Objective was to choose the best PTV coverage plan with the least OAR dose. The 2 plans were compared for: PTV coverage, mean dose and V5,V20lung, mean dose and V30heart, V5, V10, V15breast (female patients), and the integral body dose. RESULTS: Both techniques achieved adequate PTV coverage. Mean lung and heart dose was consistently lower in VMAT plans. The lung V20 dose was acceptable for VMAT, but exceeded the tolerance threshold in 6 cases with 3DCRT plans. A mean difference of 15.9% for both lungs V20 favored VMAT plans; average MLD difference was 2.3Gy less for VMAT plans. Similarly, lower maximum and mean heart doses with a 3.3Gy dose reduction and a 9.4% difference in V30 favored VMAT plans. Mean V5lung/female breast and integral dose were invariably higher in VMAT plans because of the low-dose spread. CONCLUSIONS: VMAT is a valuable technique for treatment of large mediastinal HL. VMAT spares the lung and heart compared to 3DCRT using ISRT in select HL cases. VMAT allows dose escalation for post-chemotherapy residual disease with minimal dose to OARs. VMAT low radiation dose (V5) to the normal tissues, and the increased integral dose should be considered.

Pediatric Hodgkin's lymphoma: changing concepts and moving points in radiation therapy.

The classic treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) in children resulted in significant late toxicity in long-term survivors. Late treatment effects included skeletal, cardio- pulmonary, gonadal toxicities, and second malignant tumor (SMN). This has driven pediatric HL groups to adopt treatment strategies using less intense chemotherapy, less alkylating agents, reduced radiation dose and volume, and omission of radiation therapy in selected group of patients. In limited disease, the aim is to maintain a high cure rate with minimal side effects. Patients with advanced-stage HL have a lower outcome, and need treatment intensification. Dose-dense, risk and response-adapted treatment strategies are evolving aiming at improving outcome and reducing toxicity.

Clinical experience in pediatric neuroblastoma intensity modulated radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: In spite of the numerous publications of dosimetric comparison of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) versus conventional radiotherapy in pediatrics, few data exist regarding the clinical use of IMRT and its potential late effects. PROCEDURE: Pediatric neuroblastoma patients treated between November 2008 and October 2010 with IMRT were reviewed. Treatment plans, clinical, laboratory and radiological data at the last follow up date were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirteen patients received IMRT. The mean age was 4.9 ± 2 years. The radiation dose ranged from 21 to 25.5 Gy with a mean dose of 24.06 Gy. The mean liver dose was 9.81 Gy. The V8 of the liver was 51 ± 20%, and the V15 of the liver was 21 ± 12%. V18 of the right and left kidneys were 32 ± 27% and 23 ± 18% respectively. The minimum and maximum vertebral point doses were 12.82 and 24.87 Gy respectively. The IMRT treatment was well tolerated in terms of acute toxicity. At 26 month follow up, second malignancy and skeletal asymmetry were not noted, and the liver and the kidney functions showed no significant abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: The use of IMRT in pediatric neuroblastoma confers higher target conformality with better sparing of the kidneys and it did not show any considerable short term side effects.

Intracranial germ cell tumors: a single-institution experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) are not a common disease. We reviewed the experience of a single institution to determine the variables that affect treatment outcome. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective review of patients with the diagnosis of intracranial germ cell tumors treated in a single institution (KFSHRC) during the period from March 1985 to December 2007. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with the diagnosis of intracranial GCT were recorded in the KFSHRC Tumor Registry during the period from 1985 to 2007. Seven patients with a pineal region tumor treated as germinomas in the earlier years without a tissue diagnosis were excluded. This retrospective study was restricted to the remaining 50 patients with a tissue or marker diagnosis: 31 germinomas and 19 non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs). RESULTS: The 10-year overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) were 87%, 88% and 96% for patients with germinoma, with a median follow-up of 4.5 (range 2-17) years, compared with 26%, 29% and 46% for patients with NGGCT with a median follow-up of 3 (range 1.5-13) years. For NGGCT, variables favorably influencing OS were younger age (< 16 y vs ≥16 y, P=.01), higher radiation dose (>50 Gy vs ≤50 Gy; P=.03) and later year of diagnosis (>1990 vs <1990 P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: Tissue diagnosis of GCTs is mandatory prior to treatment except for patients with elevated markers. In germinoma, localized radiotherapy (RT) for M0 patients may be adequate. Long-term follow-up is needed to define the benefit of adding chemotherapy. For NGGCT, the use of combined modality treatment and RT dose ;gt;50 Gy are important factors that influence the outcome. Second-look surgery and resection of residual/ refractory tumors is always recommended.

Cone beam CT for organs motion evaluation in pediatric abdominal neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To quantify the organ motion relative to bone in different breathing states in pediatric neuroblastoma using cone beam CT (CBCT) for better definition of the planning margins during abdominal IMRT. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty-two datasets of kV CBCT for 9 pediatric patients with abdominal neuroblastoma treated with IMRT were evaluated. Organs positions on planning CT scan were considered the reference position against which organs and target motions were evaluated. The position of the kidneys and the liver was assessed in all scans. The target movement was evaluated in four patients who were treated for gross residual disease. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 4.1 ± 1.6 years. The range of target movement in the craniocaudal direction (CC) was 5mm. In the CC direction, the range of movement was 10mm for the right kidney, and 8mm for the left kidney. Similarly, the liver upper edge range of motion was 11 mm while the lower edge range of motion was 13 mm. CONCLUSIONS: With the use of daily CBCT we may be able to reduce the PTV margin. If CBCT is not used daily, a wider margin is needed.

Response of medulloblastoma cells to vincristine and lomustine: role of TRKC, CTNNB1 and STK15.

BACKGROUND: Vincristine and lomustine are two important chemotherapeutic drugs used for the treatment of different types of neoplasms, including medulloblastomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the effects of vincristine and lomustine on 12 primary medulloblastoma cell cultures and the DAOY cell line using the annexinV-flow cytometry and immunoblotting techniques, following treatment of cells for different periods of time. RESULTS: Both drugs triggered apoptosis and cell cycle delay at the G(2)/M phase and also up-regulated p16. Furthermore, the expression of 8 different cancer-related genes were assessed and their mRNA and protein levels were found to be highly heterogeneous and did not correlate in several medulloblastoma cultures. Importantly, there was significant correlation between the level of cadherin-associated protein beta 1 (CTNNB1) and Aurora kinase A (STK15) proteins and neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 3 (TRKC) mRNA and the proportion of apoptosis induced by vincristine, the combination of both drugs, and lomustine, respectively. CONCLUSION: These genes could be of great importance as therapeutic biomarkers during the treatment of medulloblastoma patients with vincristine and lomustine.

Improved survival with combined chemo-radiotherapy in primary central nervous system lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive primary brain tumor. Cranial irradiation alone rarely results in long-term disease control or prolonged survival. We retrospectively analyzed data on the effect of adding high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) prior to whole brain irradiation (WBI). METHODS: All patients with PCNSL diagnosed and managed during 1991-2004 were identified and demographic characteristics, prognostic factors, treatment and outcome were reviewed. Of 62 patients, 10 were excluded (4 had WBI<40 Gy and 6 had no treatment). Radiation alone was considered curative with a dose>40 Gy. Combined modality therapy included 3-4 cycles of HDMTX (3 g/m2) followed by WBI. RESULT: Of 52 patients analyzed for outcome, 36 had WBI (dose>40 Gy), 16 received 3-4 cycles of HDMTX followed by WBI (combined modality therapy [CMT]). Median age was 48.2 years; 42 years in the CMT group, 51 years in WBI. Patient characteristics were comparable between two groups except for higher multifocal tumor in the CMT group (92% vs. x22%, p=.029). Median follow up was 12.83±6.4 months. The hazard ratio for an event was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.52-0.98) and for death 0.58 (95% CI, 0.48-0.92), both in favor of CMT. Univariate regression analysis using one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate Cox regression analysis for prognostic factors including age (<60 vs. >60 years), ECOG PS (0-2 vs. 3-4), extent of surgery (biopsy vs. debulking), solitary vs multifocal tumor and dose of radiation therapy (<50 Gy vs. >50 Gy) failed to identify any prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: This retrospective comparison supports phase II trial results that indicate that high-dose methotrexate followed by WBI in PCNSL improves outcome.

Curcumin inhibits the Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway and triggers apoptosis in medulloblastoma cells.

Medulloblastoma is an aggressive primary brain tumor that arises in the cerebellum of children and young adults. The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway that plays important roles in the pathology of this aggressive disease is a promising therapeutic target. In the present report we have shown that curcumin has cytotoxic effects on medulloblastoma cells. Curcumin suppressed also cell proliferation and triggered cell-cycle arrest at G(2)/M phase. Moreover, curcumin inhibited the Shh-Gli1 signaling pathway by downregulating the Shh protein and its most important downstream targets GLI1 and PTCH1. Furthermore, curcumin reduced the levels of beta-catenin, the activate/phosphorylated form of Akt and NF-kappaB, which led to downregulating the three common key effectors, namely C-myc, N-myc, and Cyclin D1. Consequently, apoptosis was triggered by curcumin through the mitochondrial pathway via downregulation of Bcl-2, a downstream anti-apoptotic effector of the Shh signaling. Importantly, the resistant cells that exhibited no decrease in the levels of Shh and Bcl-2, were sensitized to curcumin by the addition of the Shh antagonist, cyclopamine. Furthermore, we have shown that curcumin enhances the killing efficiency of nontoxic doses of cisplatin and gamma-rays. In addition, we present clear evidence that piperine, an enhancer of curcumin bioavailability in humans, potentiates the apoptotic effect of curcumin against medulloblastoma cells. This effect was mediated through strong downregulation of Bcl-2. These results indicate that curcumin, a natural nontoxic compound, represents great promise as Shh-targeted therapy for medulloblastomas.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of pediatric patients with stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: While treatment outcomes for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) have improved remarkably, patients with disseminated disease still have a poorer outcome. Stage IV HL is often reported with other 'advanced stage' categories, confusing the specific contribution of disease dissemination to the outcome. This single-institution report looks at characteristics and outcomes of this specific category. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of pediatric HL patients (< 14 years) from 1975 through 2003 were retrospectively reviewed and the data analyzed. RESULTS: Stage IV patients (n = 67) had more poor-risk characteristics than patients in stages I-III (n = 300) (B symptoms 86.6% vs. 19.3%, bulky disease 57.6% vs. 45.5% and mediastinal mass 77.6% vs. 29.7%; P < .001 for all characteristics). The liver was the most common extralymphatic site (in 51.5% of patients with stage IV disease. Stage IV patients received chemotherapy (CT) alone (n = 55) or combined modality therapy (CMT) (n = 12). Fifty-four patients (80.6%) achieved complete remission, 2 (3%) partial remission, 10 (14.9%) had progressive disease and 1 was lost to follow up. Overall survival was 79.4% and event-free survival (EFS) was 63.9% at 5 years. There was a non-significant benefit for CMT (OS = 91.7% v. 77.1%, P = .3; EFS = 70.7% v. 62.7%, P = .3). Ten of 12 relapsed and only 1 of 10 progressive disease patients were salvaged. On multivariate analysis, failure to achieve complete remission with CT was associated with a poorer outcome. CONCLUSION: Stage IV disease is associated with poor risk features and confers a worse outcome than stage I-III disease. Achievement of complete remission with CT is an important prognostic feature. Slow responders may require novel and/or aggressive therapy to achieve complete remission.

The Role of 18-FDG Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET) in Detecting Post- Radiotherapy Loco Regional Relapse/Residual Disease in Nasopharyngeal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Post-radiotherapy nasopharyngeal changes represent a diagnostic dilemma. Early detection of persistent or recurrent disease may be translated to better cure rate if salvage therapy is implemented. Neither clinical exam nor current radiological anatomical studies (CT/MRI) can differentiate between benign post therapy changes and recurrence. PET scan is a functional study capable of identifying viable tumors as areas of increased radiotracer uptake. METHODS: Fifty-five patients underwent 18-FDG PET scans post radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. We compared the 18-FDG PET scan with the clinical, radiological and pathological findings. RESULTS: Clinical examination and CT of the head and neck showed post-treatment abnormality in the nasopharynx in 40 patients. Among these, 28 patients had asymmetry in the CT scan. Three out of the 28 patients had positive PET scan. Out of the 12 patients with positive primary disease in the CT scan, 3 had negative PET scan which was also confirmed by biopsy in 2 patients. Eleven patients had positive PET scan in the primary site; this was pathologically confirmed to be recurrent disease in 5 patients. In 2 patients repeat PET scan was converted to negative. The remaining 4 patients did not have biopsy due to the presence of concurrent distant disease. None of the patients with negative PET scan in the neck exhibit recurrence or persistent neck disease to the day of reporting the study. PET scan showed persistent higher sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values at both the primary site and the neck region than the CT did. CONCLUSION: PET scan is a useful tool in differentiating between post radiotherapy fibrosis and recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer. KEY WORDS: Nasopharyngeal cancer - FDG/PET - Post therapy changes.

Primary angiosarcoma of the brain in a child.

We describe a pediatric case of primary angiosarcoma of the brain displaying striking intravascular papillary pattern, consistent with the "Dabska tumor," often in continuity with a massive, multifocal intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia. The tumor contained small hemangioma and obliterated dysplastic arteries as well as very large thin-walled veins. The surrounding brain tissue showed scattered telangiectasias, conglomerates of calcified dysplastic arteries, old hemorrhages and gliosis. Colocalization of these lesions suggests the development of a papillary angiosarcoma in the pre-existing vascular malformation. Although never reported, the possibility of a malignant transformation of endothelial papillary hyperplasia also should be considered in this case.

Hodgkin lymphoma in very young children: Clinical characteristics and outcome of treatment.

In developed nations, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is rare in <5-year olds and represent a minority in developing countries. Little is reported about the biology and behavior of these very young patients compared with older children. 18.75% of our pediatric HL patients (0 - 14 years) were <5 years at diagnosis. This group had more boys, similar incidence of B-symptoms and stage distribution, less mediastinal involvement and bulky disease, and more mixed cellularity subtype than older children. Treatment included chemotherapy (CT; n = 55), combined modality therapy (CMT; n = 12) and XRT only (n = 2). Ten-year EFS and OS was 81.5% and 90.4%, respectively, versus 75.5% and 90.5% for older children (p > 0.5). A trend toward better survival was seen with CMT, using very LD-XRT, than with CT (OS 100% vs. 86.4%[p = 0.3]; EFS 90.9% vs. 81.0%[p = 0.4]). Although CT could be effective in a subset of LR patients, LD-XRT may be needed to effectively treat most of these patients. This dose reduction may reduce XRT-related toxicity, which can be significant in very young children.

Factors affecting autologous peripheral blood stem cell collection in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large cell lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma: a single institution result of 168 patients.

From 1996 to April 2006, 174 consecutive patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large cell lymphoma (DLCL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) received ESHAP as salvage and for mobilisation. Males 92, females 76. DLCL 64: HL 104, prior radiation in 35%. First relapse 45%, second relapse 12%, induction failure 43%. Median prior chemotherapy cycles were 6. Median age at apheresis was 26.5 years. Six patients failed mobilisation and 21 patients had CD34+ cells collection < 2 x 10(6)/kg on first apheresis. Median CD34+ cells/kg collection was 5.5 x 10(6)/kg for first apheresis and 6.7 x 10(6)/kg for all apheresis. We evaluated impact of histology, gender, age, stage, marrow involvement, prior radiation and chemotherapy cycles, timing (relapse1: relapse > 1: refractory), platelet count and weight. For first apheresis collection; all patients, younger age (p = 0.004), for DLCL (64), younger age (p = 0.021) and higher platelet count (p = 0.013) and for HL (104), younger age (p = 0.036) and male gender had better CD34+ cells collection. For all apheresis product, for all patients, age (p = 0.001) and no prior radiation therapy (p = 0.051) had better CD34+ cells collection. Higher first harvest CD34+ cells collection also resulted in early neutrophil (p < or = 0.001) and platelet (p = 0.004) engraftment.

Morphologic, immunphenotypic and clinical discriminators between T-cell/histiocyte-rich large B-cell lymphoma and lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Features of T-cell/histiocyte rich large B-cell lymphoma (THRLBCL) overlap with those of lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (LPHL). The two lymphomas may represent a spectrum of the same disease, and differentiation between the two can sometimes be difficult. We looked at histomorphologic, immunophenotypic and clinical information that may help differentiate the two entities. METHODS: Cases of THRLBCL and LPHL were blindly reviewed and studied for histological pattern (nodular vs. diffuse), nuclear features and pattern of expression of CD20, CD30, CD57, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). A score encompassing diffuse histology, high nuclear grade, CD20 single-cell pattern, CD30+, CD57-, EMA-, and EBV+ was estimated for the diagnosis of TCHRLBCL. RESULTS: There were 58 cases, including 30 cases of TCHRLBL and 28 cases of LPHL. The median age was 36 years for TCHRLBCL and 21 years for LPHL (P = 0.0001). Three types of nuclei were identified (lymphocytic/histocytic, Reed-Sternberg and centroblast-like). The latter two high-grade nuclei were suggestive of TCHRLBCL. TCHRLBCL and LPHL, respectively, showed diffuse histology, 90% vs. 4% (P = 0.001), single CD20+ cells, 93% vs. 3.5% (P = 0.00004), CD30+ cells, 30% vs. 0% (P = 0.01), CD57+ cells, 41% vs. 93% (P = 0.008), EMA+ cells, 27% vs. 60% (P = 0.113), EBV+ cells, 24% vs. 0% (P = 0.117), high nuclear grade, 70% vs. 0% (P = 0.001), total score 2-7 (mean 4.68) vs. 0-2 (mean 0.72) (P = 0.001), high stage, 86% vs. 7% (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that a combination of multiple parameters can help differentiate between the two diseases. Two cases originally diagnosed as LPHL were re-assigned the diagnosis of THRLBCL.