Development of a Dose-Adjusted Polygenic Risk Model for Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: Anthracyclines, which are effective chemotherapeutic agents, cause cardiac dysfunction in up to 57% of patients. The cumulative anthracycline dose is a crucial predictor of cardiotoxicity; however, the cumulative dose alone cannot explain all cardiotoxic events. Strongly associated genetic variants in SLC28A3 , UGT1A6 , and RARG contribute to anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in pediatric patients and may help identify those most susceptible. This study aimed to examine how these pharmacogenetic effects are modulated by cumulative anthracycline doses in the development of cardiotoxicity. METHODS: A total of 595 anthracycline-treated children were genotyped and cardiotoxicity cases were identified. A dose-stratified analysis was performed to compare the contributions of SLC28A3 rs7853758, UGT1A6 rs17863783, and RARG rs2229774 variants to the development of cardiotoxicity in low-dose (<150 mg/m 2 cumulative dose) and high-dose (>250 mg/m 2 cumulative dose) patient groups. Logistic regression was used to model the relationships between the cumulative anthracycline dose, genetic variants, and cardiotoxicity in the full cohort. RESULTS: At < 150 mg/m 2 cumulative anthracycline dose, the SLC28A3 protective variant did not reach statistical significance [odds ratio (OR) 0.46 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10-1.45), P = 0.23], but it was statistically significant at doses >250 mg/m 2 [OR 0.43 (95% CI 0.22-0.78), P = 0.0093]. Conversely, the UGT1A6 and RARG risk variants were either statistically significant or approaching significance at doses <150 mg/m 2 [OR 7.18 (95% CI 1.78-28.4), P = 0.0045 for UGT1A6 and OR 2.76 (95% CI 0.89-7.63), P = 0.057 for RARG ], but not at doses >250 mg/m 2 [OR 2.91 (95% CI 0.80-11.0), P = 0.10; OR 1.56 (95% CI 0.89-2.75), P = 0.12]. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the SLC28A3 variant imparts more significant protection for patients receiving higher anthracycline doses, whereas the UGT1A6 and RARG risk variants significantly increased the risk of cardiotoxicity at low anthracycline doses.

Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in childhood cancer: comparison between two countries.

BACKGROUND: Various definitions used to describe cisplatin nephrotoxicity potentially lead to differences in determination of risk factors. This study evaluated incidence of kidney injury according to commonly used and alternative definitions in two cohorts of children who received cisplatin. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included children from Vancouver, Canada (one center), and Mexico City, Mexico (two centers), treated with cisplatin for a variety of solid tumors. Serum creatinine-based definitions (KDIGO and Pediatric RIFLE (pRIFLE)), electrolyte abnormalities consisted of hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia and hypomagnesemia (based on NCI-CTCAE v5), and an alternative definition (Alt-AKI) were used to describe nephrotoxicity. Incidence with different definitions, definitional overlap, and inter-definition reliability was analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 173 children (100 from Vancouver, 73 from Mexico) were included. In the combined cohort, Alt-AKI criteria detected more patients with cisplatin nephrotoxicity compared to pRIFLE and KDIGO criteria (82.7 vs. 63.6 vs. 44.5%, respectively). Nephrotoxicity and all electrolyte abnormalities were significantly more common in Vancouver cohort than in Mexico City cohort except when using KDIGO definition. The most common electrolyte abnormalities were hypomagnesemia (88.9%, Vancouver) and hypophosphatemia (24.2%, Mexico City). The KDIGO definition provided highest overlap of cases in Vancouver (100%), Mexico (98.6%), and the combined cohort (99.4%). Moderate overall agreement was found among Alt-AKI, KDIGO, and pRIFLE definitions (κ = 0.18, 95% CI 0.1-0.27) in which KDIGO and pRIFLE showed moderate agreement (κ = 0.48, 95% CI 0.36-0.60). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to pRIFLE and KDIGO criteria, Alt-AKI criteria detected more patients with cisplatin nephrotoxicity. pRIFLE is more sensitive to detect not only actual kidney injury but also patients at risk of cisplatin nephrotoxicity, while KDIGO seems more useful to detect clinically significant kidney injury. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Acute kidney injury during cisplatin therapy and associations with kidney outcomes 2 to 6 months post-cisplatin in children: a multi-centre, prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies describe acute kidney injury (AKI) burden during paediatric cisplatin therapy and post-cisplatin kidney outcomes. We determined risk factors for and rate of (1) AKI during cisplatin therapy, (2) chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension 2-6 months post-cisplatin, and (3) whether AKI is associated with 2-6-month outcomes. METHODS: This prospective cohort study enrolled children (aged < 18 years at cancer diagnosis) treated with cisplatin from twelve Canadian hospitals. AKI during cisplatin therapy (primary exposure) was defined based on Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) serum creatinine criteria (≥ stage one). Severe electrolyte abnormalities (secondary exposure) included ≥ grade three hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, or hypomagnesemia (National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0). CKD was albuminuria or decreased kidney function for age (KDIGO guidelines). Hypertension was defined based on the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. RESULTS: Of 159 children (median [interquartile range [IQR]] age: 6 [2-12] years), 73/159 (46%) participants developed AKI and 55/159 (35%) experienced severe electrolyte abnormalities during cisplatin therapy. At median [IQR] 90 [76-110] days post-cisplatin, 53/119 (45%) had CKD and 18/128 (14%) developed hypertension. In multivariable analyses, AKI was not associated with 2-6-month CKD or hypertension. Severe electrolyte abnormalities during cisplatin were associated with having 2-6-month CKD or hypertension (adjusted odds ratio (AdjOR) [95% CI]: 2.65 [1.04-6.74]). Having both AKI and severe electrolyte abnormalities was associated with 2-6-month hypertension (AdjOR [95% CI]: 3.64 [1.05-12.62]). CONCLUSIONS: Severe electrolyte abnormalities were associated with kidney outcomes. Cisplatin dose optimization to reduce toxicity and clear post-cisplatin kidney follow-up guidelines are needed. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Outcomes of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection in Children and Adolescents With Cancer in Canada: Population-based Study and Systematic Review.

Published outcomes for children with cancer with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have varied. Outcome data for pediatric oncology patients in Canada, outside of Quebec, have not been reported. This retrospective study captured patient, disease, and COVID-19-related infectious episode characteristics and outcome data for children, 0 to 18 years, diagnosed with a first COVID-19 infection between January 2020 to December 2021 at 12 Canadian pediatric oncology centers. A systematic review of pediatric oncology COVID-19 cases in high-income countries was also undertaken. Eighty-six children were eligible for study inclusion. Thirty-six (41.9%) were hospitalized within 4 weeks of COVID-19; only 10 (11.6%) had hospitalization attributed to the virus, with 8 being for febrile neutropenia. Two patients required intensive care unit admission within 30 days of COVID-19 infection, neither for COVID-19 management. There were no deaths attributed to the virus. Of those scheduled to receive cancer-directed therapy, within 2 weeks of COVID-19, 20 (29.4%) experienced treatment delays. Sixteen studies were included in the systematic review with highly variable outcomes identified. Our findings compared favorably with other high-income country's pediatric oncology studies. No serious outcomes, intensive care unit admissions, or deaths, in our cohort, were directly attributable to COVID-19. These findings support the minimization of chemotherapy interruption after COVID-19 infection.

Vertebroplasty as a palliative treatment option for intractable pain in pediatric patients with spinal tumors.

Primary and secondary malignant tumors of the spine are relatively uncommon in the pediatric population but are associated with high morbidity and significantly decreased quality of life due to pain. Local management of these tumors is often challenging due to the importance of maintaining vertebral mechanical integrity as well as the spinal growth potential. Typically, surgery and/or radiation therapy have been used in the primary management of these tumors. However, treatment options become more limited when there is relapse or refractory disease, with re-resection or additional radiotherapy often not being viable therapies. Vertebroplasty is a currently underutilized modality that might provide significant pain palliation in cases of relapsed cancer in the spine.

Histologic Correlates of Molecular Group 4 Pediatric Medulloblastoma: A Retrospective Canadian Review.

INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization currently classifies medulloblastoma (MB) into four molecular groups (WNT, SHH, Group 3 and Group 4) and four histologic subtypes (classic, desmoplastic nodular, MB with extensive nodularity, and large cell/anaplastic). "Classic" MB is the most frequent histology, but unfortunately it does not predict molecular group or patient outcome. While MB may exhibit additional histologic features outside of the traditional WHO subtypes, the clinical significance of such features, in a molecular context, is unclear. METHODS: The clinicopathologic features of 120 pediatric MB were reviewed in the context of NanoString molecular grouping. Each case was evaluated for five ancillary histologic features, including: nodularity without desmoplasia (i.e., "biphasic", B-MB), rhythmic palisades, and focal anaplasia. Molecular and histological features were statistically correlated to clinical outcome using Chi-square, log-rank, and multivariate Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: While B-MB (N = 32) and rhythmic palisades (N = 12) were enriched amongst non-WNT/SHH MB (especially Group 4), they were not statistically associated with outcome. In contrast, focal anaplasia (N = 12) was not associated with any molecular group, but did predict unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSION: These data nominate B-MB as a surrogate marker of Groups 3 and particularly 4 MB, which may earmark a clinically significant subset of cases.

Vincristine-induced peripheral neurotoxicity: A prospective cohort.

Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) is a serious and pervasive problem, affecting 12-78% of pediatric patients, based on retrospective studies. The study objective was to prospectively collect a cohort of well-phenotyped patients receiving vincristine in order to accurately classify and grade their neurotoxicity. All children in British Columbia with leukemia or lymphoma requiring vincristine between 2013 and 2016 were approached for consent. Those recruited were assessed by occupational and physiotherapists at baseline, mid and endpoint of their treatment. Assessments included the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency - 2nd ed. (BOT-2), strength, "Timed up and go" test and vibration sensibility. Seventy-two patients consented (age: 2.0-18.7 years). The majority were below average for age on one or more BOT-2 domains at midpoint (N = 32/45, 71%), which decreased by the endpoint (N = 19/41, 46%, p = .049). Six patients showed severe VIPN throughout treatment (N = 6/53, 11%), defined as a BOT-2 score well below average. Muscle strength for wrist extension/flexion, anterior tibialis and peronei decreased significantly between baseline (Median = 5) and midpoint (Median = 4), with no significant change noted by endpoint. Most patients had normal vibration sensibility in lower (N = 30/60, 50%) and upper limbs (N = 26/38, 68%). In conclusion, with no differences between time points. VIPN is highly prevalent among patients with pediatric cancer, causing significant morbidity and functional deficits. Identification of risk factors would allow for resource appropriation to patients at higher risk, as well as potentially permitting dose escalation in patients with low toxicity to improve survival.

Third-generation cephalosporin-resistant urinary tract infections in children presenting to the paediatric emergency department.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children is increasing. The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors for third-generation cephalosporin-resistant UTIs presenting to the paediatric emergency department (ED). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at British Columbia Children's Hospital. Children aged 0 to 18 years old presenting to the ED between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014 and were found to have UTI due to Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas species were included. Patient demographics, clinical features, laboratory findings, and outcomes were compared using standard statistical analyses. Risk factors for resistant UTIs were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: There were 294 eligible patients. The median age was 27.4 months. A third-generation cephalosporin-resistant organism was identified in 36 patients (12%). Patients with resistant UTI had lower rates of appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy (25% versus 95.3%, P<0.05), higher rates of hospitalization (38.9% versus 21.3%, P<0.05), higher rates of undergoing a voiding cystourethrogram (19.4% versus 5.0%, P<0.05), and higher rates of UTI recurrence within 30 days (13.9% versus 4.7%, P<0.05). In multivariate analysis, recent hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] 4.3, confidence interval [CI] 1.2 to 16) and antibiotic therapy (OR 3.5, CI 1.5 to 8.5) within the previous 30 days were risk factors for resistant UTI. CONCLUSIONS: Third-generation cephalosporin-resistant organisms account for a significant proportion of community-acquired paediatric UTIs. Recent hospitalization and antibiotic use are associated with increased risk of resistant UTI.

Pediatric oncology and stem cell transplant patients with healthcare-associated Clostridium difficile infection were already colonized on admission.

Clostridium difficile is the leading cause of healthcare-associated infections worldwide. The diagnosis of C. difficile infection (CDI) in pediatric oncology patients is complex as diarrhea is common, and there is a high rate of colonization in infants and young children. This study was conducted to assess the accuracy of the surveillance definitions of healthcare-associated CDI (HA-CDI) and to determine the prevalence of toxigenic C. difficile colonization among pediatric oncology and stem cell transplant patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted over a three-year period in an inpatient pediatric oncology and stem cell transplant setting. Baseline stool samples were collected within three days of admission and were genotypically compared with clinically indicated samples submitted after three days of admission. RESULTS: A total of 175 patients were recruited with a total of 536 admissions. The adjusted prevalence of baseline toxigenic C. difficile colonization among admissions was 32.8%. Seventy-eight percent of positive admissions did not have history of CDI. Colonization with a toxigenic strain on admission was predictive of CDI (OR = 28.6; 95% CI, 6.58-124.39; P < 0.001). Nearly all clinical isolates (8/9) shared identical pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns with baseline isolates or were closely related (1/9). Only one of the 11 cases that were considered HA-CDI was potentially nosocomially acquired. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of colonization with toxigenic C. difficile in our cohort is high. Unfortunately, the current CDI surveillance definitions overestimate the incidence of HA-CDI in pediatric oncology and stem cell transplantation settings.

High incidence of acute kidney injury during chemotherapy for childhood acute myeloid leukemia.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rare and heterogeneous disease. Pediatric data on the epidemiology of acute kidney injury (AKI) in AML are limited. We report on the incidence of AKI in childhood AML and the risk factors associated with AKI episodes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 53 patients (≤18 years), with de novo AML, receiving chemotherapy over a 10-year period. All serum creatinine (SCr) levels during therapy-related hospitalizations were assessed to stage AKI episodes as per Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Severe AKI was defined as AKI stages 2 or 3 and urine output criteria were not used. AKI risk factors were assessed independently in both cycle 1 alone and combining all chemotherapy cycles. RESULTS: AKI developed in 34 patients (64%) with multiple AKI episodes in 10 patients (46 total episodes). Twenty-four severe AKI episodes occurred in 23 patients (43.4%) with a mean duration of 26.1 days (SD 7.3). In cycle 1, hyperleukocytosis was not predictive of AKI, but severe sepsis was an independent risk factor of severe AKI (odds ratio [OR]: 13.4; 95% CI 1.9-94.9). With cycles combined, all subjects with AKI had severe sepsis and older age (≥10 years) was associated with severe AKI (OR: 20.8; 95% CI 3.8-112.2). CONCLUSION: There was a high incidence of AKI in our AML cohort with a strong association with older age (≥10 years) and severe sepsis. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm the high burden of AKI and risk factors in this susceptible population.

An initial health economic evaluation of pharmacogenomic testing in patients treated for childhood cancer with anthracyclines.

BACKGROUND: Anthracyclines are a class of highly effective chemotherapeutic drugs commonly used to treat cancer patients. Anthracyclines, however, are associated with the development of serious adverse reactions, including anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (ACT). It is not possible, within current practice, to accurately individualize treatment to minimize risk. PROCEDURE: Recently, genetic variants have been associated with the risk of ACT in children. Building on these findings and the related genetic test, a predictive model was developed which classifies pediatric patients by their risk of developing ACT. We assessed the value of this ACT-predictive risk classification in addressing ACT. RESULTS: With current care, the estimated average lifetime cost of ACT is $8,667 per anthracycline-treated patient and approximately 7% of patients are expected to die from ACT. The projected impact of the information from the new predictive model is a 17% reduction in the risk of mortality from ACT and savings of about 6%: lives saved and lower costs. CONCLUSION: The newly identified genetic variants associated with the risk of ACT provide information that allows a more reliable prediction of the risk of ACT for a given patient and can be obtained at a very moderate cost, which is expected to lead to meaningful progress in reducing harm and costs associated with ACT.

Comparison of hypersensitivity rates to intravenous and intramuscular PEG-asparaginase in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Pegylated-asparaginase (PEG-ASP) is a critical treatment for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and has traditionally been delivered via intramuscular (IM) injection. In an attempt to reduce pain and anxiety, PEG-ASP has increasingly been delivered via intravenous (IV) administration. The study objective was to perform a meta-analysis and systematic review to compare and generate pooled hypersensitivity rates for IM and IV PEG-ASP. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted for all epidemiological studies that investigated IV and IM hypersensitivity rates for pediatric ALL. Included studies were critically appraised using the GRACE checklist. Pooled estimates and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for IM and IV hypersensitivity rates were derived based on either a random or fixed effects model. RESULTS: Four studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were of adequate quality. The random effects pooled hypersensitivity rates were 23.5% (95% CI 14.7-33.7) and 8.7% (95% CI 5.4-12.8) for IV and IM, respectively. The fixed effects pooled odds ratio after adjusting for publication bias was 2.49 (95% CI 1.62-3.83), indicating a significantly higher risk of hypersensitivity for IV over IM PEG-ASP. This risk is far more pronounced for high-risk (HR) patients compared with standard-risk (SR) patients (IV vs. IM: HR ↑35.2% and SR ↓2.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Although administering PEG-ASP through IV is preferable for patients, it poses a significantly higher risk of hypersensitivity when compared with IM administration, especially for HR patients. We recommend pediatric oncologists consider treating patients with HR pediatric ALL with IM PEG-ASP to reduce the risk of hypersensitivity.

Recommendations for genetic testing to reduce the incidence of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.

AIMS: Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (ACT) occurs in 57% of treated patients and remains an important limitation of anthracycline-based chemotherapy. In various genetic association studies, potential genetic risk markers for ACT have been identified. Therefore, we developed evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for pharmacogenomic testing to further individualize therapy based on ACT risk. METHODS: We followed a standard guideline development process, including a systematic literature search, evidence synthesis and critical appraisal, and the development of clinical practice recommendations with an international expert group. RESULTS: RARG rs2229774, SLC28A3 rs7853758 and UGT1A6 rs17863783 variants currently have the strongest and the most consistent evidence for association with ACT. Genetic variants in ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC5, ABCB1, ABCB4, CBR3, RAC2, NCF4, CYBA, GSTP1, CAT, SULT2B1, POR, HAS3, SLC22A7, SCL22A17, HFE and NOS3 have also been associated with ACT, but require additional validation. We recommend pharmacogenomic testing for the RARG rs2229774 (S427L), SLC28A3 rs7853758 (L461L) and UGT1A6*4 rs17863783 (V209V) variants in childhood cancer patients with an indication for doxorubicin or daunorubicin therapy (Level B - moderate). Based on an overall risk stratification, taking into account genetic and clinical risk factors, we recommend a number of management options including increased frequency of echocardiogram monitoring, follow-up, as well as therapeutic options within the current standard of clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: Existing evidence demonstrates that genetic factors have the potential to improve the discrimination between individuals at higher and lower risk of ACT. Genetic testing may therefore support both patient care decisions and evidence development for an improved prevention of ACT.

Clinical Practice Recommendations for the Management and Prevention of Cisplatin-Induced Hearing Loss Using Pharmacogenetic Markers.

Currently no pharmacogenomics-based criteria exist to guide clinicians in identifying individuals who are at risk of hearing loss from cisplatin-based chemotherapy. This review summarizes findings from pharmacogenomic studies that report genetic polymorphisms associated with cisplatin-induced hearing loss and aims to (1) provide up-to-date information on new developments in the field, (2) provide recommendations for the use of pharmacogenetic testing in the prevention, assessment, and management of cisplatin-induced hearing loss in children and adults, and (3) identify knowledge gaps to direct and prioritize future research. These practice recommendations for pharmacogenetic testing in the context of cisplatin-induced hearing loss reflect a review and evaluation of recent literature, and are designed to assist clinicians in providing optimal clinical care for patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

Evolution of a Pediatric Primary Cerebral ALK-1-Positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma on Serial MRI.

BACKGROUND: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare central nervous system tumor, especially in the pediatric population. There are fewer than 20 described cases of pediatric primary central nervous system anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The child described in our case report demonstrated a dramatic evolution of this tumor in the first 4 weeks on serial imaging. METHODS: Serial MRI imaging was performed followed by biopsy and chemotherapy. RESULTS: Initial imaging revealed a T2 hyperintense lesion in the frontal lobe with abnormally enhancing sulci and minimal surrounding edema and diffusion restriction. Serial imaging revealed progressive increase in the degree of gadolinium enhancement, and the hyperintense T2 edema progressed markedly to exert mass effect. The lesion itself grew marginally. Biopsy revealed an anaplastic large cell lymphoma, only described in 14 previous pediatric patient case reports. The patient was successfully treated with chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant. CONCLUSIONS: Our case demonstrates the rapidity with which a PCNSL lesion can develop, and the evolution of the imaging characteristics prior to definitive diagnosis and treatment. Serial imaging by MRI may help differentiate the behavior of a PCNSL from other imitating lesions.

Guideline for primary antifungal prophylaxis for pediatric patients with cancer or hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

This guideline provides clinicians with evidence-based recommendations on the use of antifungal prophylaxis in children with cancer and undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Recommendations are divided into: (1) allogeneic HSCT (2) autologous HSCT (3) acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome and (4) patients with malignancy and neutropenia for >7 days. A systematic review was conducted and evidence summaries compiled. The quality of evidence and strength of each recommendation was determined using GRADE. Implementation of these recommendations will require adaptation to local context. The contribution of this guideline in the prevention of invasive fungal infections requires prospective evaluation.

Growing teratoma syndrome in intracranial non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (iNGGCTs): a risk for secondary malignant transformation­a report of two cases.

PURPOSE: About 5% of pediatric intracranial germ cell tumors and 20% of non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCT) progress to growing teratoma syndrome (GTS) following chemoradiotherapy. The growing teratoma is thought to arise from the chemotherapy-resistant, teratomatous portion of a germ cell tumor and is commonly benign but may undergo malignant transformation. METHODS: Two pediatric patients whose intracranial NGGCTs progressed to growing teratomas during chemotherapy and later transformed to secondary malignant tumors after partial resection and radiation therapy (RT). RESULTS: Both tumors were diagnosed by MRI scans and elevated serum and CSF markers. Following normalization of tumor markers with chemotherapy and initial decrease in tumor volume, subsequent imaging showed regrowth during chemotherapy with pathology revealing benign teratoma. RT was administered. Several years following this treatment, further growth was seen with pathology indicating malignant carcinoma in one patient and malignant rhabdomyosarcoma in the other. The patient with carcinoma received palliative care while the patient with the sarcoma received further resection, intensive chemotherapy, and an autologous stem cell transplant and is currently in remission, 36 months since malignant transformation. CONCLUSION: Malignant transformation of presumed residual teratoma has been seldom reported. Treatment of NGGCT involves platinum-based chemotherapy with craniospinal RT and boost to the primary site, with cure rates of around 80%. Teratomas are characteristically chemotherapy and RT resistant and are treated surgically. In the event that residual or growing teratoma is suspected, a complete resection should be considered early in the management as there is a risk of malignant transformation of residual teratoma.

Efficacy of Palivizumab Immunoprophylaxis for Reducing Severe RSV Outcomes in Children with Immunodeficiencies: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Palivizumab is recommended for prevention of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in immunocompromised children, despite a lack of strong supporting evidence. The recent approval of substitute RSV-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against RSV, offers an opportunity to synthesize the most current evidence supporting the palivizumab standard of care. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of palivizumab in preventing acute respiratory tract infection- or RSV-related hospitalization, or mortality in immunocompromised children. METHODS: We searched Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE for published clinical studies that investigated outcomes of palivizumab use in children. We included clinical trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies. The primary outcomes were RSV-related or respiratory viral infection-related hospitalizations, or RSV-related mortality. This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (ID CRD42021248619) and is reported in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: From the 1993 records, six studies were eligible and included, for a total of 625 immunocompromised children with an heterogeneous composition of primary and acquired immunodeficiencies enrolled from palivizumab programs. There were no intervention studies. None of the studies included a control group. RSV hospitalizations were infrequent (0%-3.1% of children). Most children included received palivizumab, although one study (n = 56) did not specify how many received palivizumab. RSV mortality was neither observed, in three studies, nor reported, in three other studies. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence supporting the use of palivizumab for prevention of severe RSV disease in immunocompromised children remains extremely limited and appears insufficient to justify prioritizing this intervention as the current standard of care over alternative interventions.

Genomic variations associated with risk and protection against vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in pediatric cancer patients.

Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common and highly debilitating toxicity from vincristine treatment that affects quality of life and often requires dose reduction, potentially affecting survival. Although previous studies demonstrated genetic factors are associated with vincristine neuropathy risk, the clinical relevance of most identified variants is limited by small sample sizes and unclear clinical phenotypes. A genome-wide association study was conducted in 1100 cases and controls matched by vincristine dose and genetic ancestry, uncovering a statistically significant (p < 5.0 × 10-8) variant in MCM3AP gene that substantially increases the risk of neuropathy and 12 variants protective against neuropathy within/near SPDYA, METTL8, PDE4D, FBN2, ZFAND3, NFIB, PAPPA, LRRTM3, NRG3, VTI1A, ARHGAP5, and ACTN1. A follow-up pathway analysis reveals the involvement of four key pathways, including nerve structure and development, myelination, neuronal transmission, and cytoskeleton/microfibril function pathways. These findings present potential actionable genomic markers of vincristine neuropathy and offer opportunities for tailored interventions to improve vincristine safety in children with cancer. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under the title National Active Surveillance Network and Pharmacogenomics of Adverse Drug Reactions in Children (ID NCT00414115, registered on December 21, 2006).