Cardiotoxicity in children with cancer treated with anthracyclines: A position statement on dexrazoxane.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of non-malignant morbidity and mortality in childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). Anthracyclines are included in many treatment regimens for paediatric cancer, but unfortunately, these compounds are cardiotoxic. One in 10 CCSs who has received an anthracycline will develop a symptomatic cardiac event over time. Given the crucial need to mitigate anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity (ARC), the authors critically examined published data to identify effective cardioprotective strategies. Based on their expert analysis of contemporary literature data, it was concluded that consideration should be given for routine use of dexrazoxane in children with cancer who are at risk of ARC.

Off-label and compassionate use of targeted anticancer therapies: The experience of an Italian pediatric cancer center.

INTRODUCTION: In Europe, despite recent advances in clinical development, most of the drugs currently used to treat childhood cancers are adult medicines, prescribed outside of the authorized indication. In this context, a monocentric retrospective cohort analysis was conducted, evaluating pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients affected by onco-hematologic disease, treated with targeted therapies used off-label or as compassionate use. METHODS: The analysis was conducted on 45 patients aged less than or equal to 30 years with cancer, having received at least one targeted therapy prescribed as off-label or compassionate use at a large Italian pediatric center between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2021. Data collected included information on the patient and tumor, data on off-label/compassionate treatment, and data on safety and efficacy. RESULTS: Total 25 out of 45 patients treated with off-label or compassionate targeted therapies were affected by onco-hematological diseases. Overall, 22 out of the 52 agents (42%) were prescribed in patients with relapsed neoplasm and 39% (20/52) in patients with refractory diseases. Complete response was observed in more than half (27/52) of treatments. At least one adverse reaction occurred in 76% (n = 22) of agents administered to patients with onco-hematological tumor and in 43% (n = 10) of agents prescribed to patients with solid tumor. CONCLUSION: This work aims to provide a snapshot of off-label and compassionate use prescriptions in a large Italian pediatric cancer center. This study confirms that targeted agents for unauthorized indications are often prescribed in pediatric patients with cancer, especially after disease relapse and that these treatments are mostly tolerable and effective.

Guillain-Barré syndrome after bortezomib therapy in a child with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

A 12-year-old male being treated for a high-risk relapsed T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented progressive weakness and numbness of both legs after having received a chemotherapy regimen that included bortezomib. Diagnosis of acute Guillain-Barré syndrome-like inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy was made following clinical examination, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, electrodiagnostic studies, magnetic resonance imaging, and serum immunoglobulin antibodies to anti-ganglioside. Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment was started, resulting in complete clinical recovery. Although in rare cases, Guillain-Barré syndrome after bortezomib therapy has been reported; this paper suggests that GBS may occur when bortezomib is administered and high­dose intravenous immunoglobulin lead to a resolution of the symptoms.

Exercise program for children and adolescents with leukemia and lymphoma during treatment: A comprehensive review.

An exercise program (EP) during cancer treatment seems to be a valid strategy against physiological and quality-of-life impairments, but scientific evidence of benefits among pediatric patients is still limited. This review summarizes the literature focused on randomized controlled trials of EP offered to patients during leukemia and lymphoma treatment. Studies published up to June 2017 were selected from multiple databases and assessed by three independent reviewers for methodological validity. The review identified eight studies, but several types of bias have to be avoided to provide evidence-based recommendations accessible to patients, families, and professionals.

Growth impairment after TBI of leukemia survivors children: a model- based investigation.

BACKGROUND: Children receiving Total Body Irradiation (TBI) in preparation for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) are at risk for Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD), which sometimes severely compromises their Final Height (FH). To better represent the impact of such therapies on growth we apply a mathematical model, which accounts both for the gompertzian-like growth trend and the hormone-related 'spurts', and evaluate how the parameter values estimated on the children undergoing TBI differ from those of the matched normal population. METHODS: 25 patients long-term childhood lymphoblastic and myeloid acute leukaemia survivors followed at Pediatric Onco-Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Division, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital (Turin, Italy) were retrospectively analysed for assessing the influence of TBI on their longitudinal growth and for validating a new method to estimate the GH therapy effects. Six were treated with GH therapy after a GHD diagnosis. RESULTS: We show that when TBI was performed before puberty overall growth and pubertal duration were significantly impaired, but such growth limitations were completely reverted in the small sample (6 over 25) of children who underwent GH replacement therapies. CONCLUSION: Since in principle the model could account for any additional growth 'spurt' induced by therapy, it may become a useful 'simulation' tool for paediatricians for comparing the predicted therapy effectiveness depending on its timing and dosage.

Italian translation, cultural adaptation and pilot testing of Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT 3.1) in pediatric cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Experiences related to pediatric oncology diagnosis cause great imbalances within the family structure. Assessing the frailties and needs of families and children with cancer from a psychosocial perspective is an important step in providing appropriate pediatric psychology care. METHODS: The aim of this study was to develop an Italian translation of the last version of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool questionnaire (PAT 3.1) and to pilot-test it among pediatric oncological families. The guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of health-related quality of life measures were followed. Specifically, two independent forward translations were produced, followed by a reconciliation step by a multidisciplinary expert committee and back-translation. Revision of the original text and all translations were performed by the expert committee leading to a final version, which was pilot-tested by cognitive debriefing on five families. Subsequently, the final Italian PAT 3.1 version was approved. RESULTS: The Italian version of the PAT 3.1 generated in the present study is a useful instrument to examine the psychosocial risk of the families with a child with cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This instrument will be a valuable tool for future clinical trials and it will help clinicians to target specific pediatric psychology support intervention. The questionnaire will be further validated through a multicenter Italian study on psychosocial screening of pediatric oncology and pediatric general diseases.

[Italian Society of Pediatric Cardiology (SICP) position paper on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cardiotoxicity in pediatric patients with cancer]. / Position paper della Società Italiana di Cardiologia Pediatrica (SICP) su prevenzione, diagnosi, trattamento e follow-up della cardiotossicità nei pazienti oncologici pediatrici.

The survival of pediatric cancer patients has significantly increased thanks to the improvement of oncological treatments. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to manage short- and long-term cardiovascular complications. In pediatric cardio-oncology, there are no recognized guidelines as in adults. Several recommendations and many indications have been derived from the data obtained in the adult cancer population, resulting in greater discrepancies in the clinical management of patients. The aim of this position paper of the Italian Society of Pediatric Cardiology (SICP) is to collect the main evidence regarding the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and follow-up of cardiotoxicity in children, to provide useful indications for clinical practice, and to promote a network between pediatric centers.

A single scalp nodule as the first presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (KMT2A::MLLT3) in a healthy-appearing infant: a case report.

Background: Infant leukemia is a rare form of acute leukemia diagnosed prior to the age of 1 and is characterized by an extremely poor prognosis due to its dismal response to current therapeutic approaches. It comprises about 4% of all childhood cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Isolated initial cutaneous involvement in ALL is uncommon, and even more so in infant ALL. Case presentation: Here, we present the case of a 2-month-old healthy-appearing infant, initially presenting with a single scalp nodule and subsequently diagnosed with an infant ALL. The leukemia was characterized by the most immature B-lineage immunophenotype [pro-B ALL/B-I, according to the European Group for the Immunological Characterization of Leukaemias (EGIL) classification] and chromosomal translocation t(9;11)(p22;q23), resulting in fusion gene KMTLA2::MLLT3, which is considered a negative prognostic factor. The patient underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and is still in remission. Conclusions: This case is peculiar because of the rare occurrence of isolated initial cutaneous involvement in ALL. Despite the healthy appearance of the patient, every suspicious symptom suggestive of malignancies should be further investigated to anticipate the diagnosis and start treatment early.

Impact of Mercaptopurine Metabolites on Disease Outcome in the AIEOP-BFM ALL 2009 Protocol for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

In the maintenance phase of Associazione Italiana di Ematologia e Oncologia Pediatrica (AIEOP)- Berlin-Frankfurt-Muenster (BFM) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) 2009 protocol, mercaptopurine (MP) is given at the planned dose of 50 mg/m2 /day; however, dose adjustments are routinely performed to target patients' white blood cells to the optimal range of 2,000-3,000 cells/µL. Pediatric patients with ALL (n = 290, age: median (1st-3rd quartile): 4.8 (3.0-8.1) years; boys: 56.9%) were enrolled mainly in 4 medium-large Italian pediatric hospitals; 14.1% of patients relapsed after a median (1st-3rd quartile) follow-up time of 4.43 (3.82-5.46) years from maintenance beginning. MP metabolites (thionucleotide (TGN) and methyl-derivatives (MMPN)) were measured in the erythrocytes of 387 blood samples of 200 patients by high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; (rs1800462, rs1800460, and rs1142345 in TPMT gene, rs116855232 in NUDT15, rs1127354, rs7270101, rs6051702 in ITPA, and rs2413739 in PACSIN2) were characterized by Taqman SNP genotyping assays. Cox proportional hazard models did not show an impact of TGN levels and variability on relapse. In contrast, after multivariate analysis, relapse hazard ratio (HR) increased in children with ALL of the intermediate risk arm compared with those in standard risk arm (3.44, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.31-9.05, P = 0.012), and in carriers of the PACSIN2 rs2413739 T allele compared with those with the CC genotype (heterozygotes CT: HR, 2.32, 95% CI, 0.90-5.97, P = 0.081; and homozygous TT: HR, 4.14, 95% CI, 1.54-11.11, P = 0.005). Future studies are needed to confirm the lack of impact of TGN levels and variability on relapse in the AIEOP-BFM ALL trials, and to clarify the mechanism of PACSIN2 rs2413739 on outcome.

Blinatumomab in Children and Adolescents with Relapsed/Refractory B Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Real-Life Multicenter Retrospective Study in Seven AIEOP (Associazione Italiana di Ematologia e Oncologia Pediatrica) Centers.

Five-year event-free survival in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) currently exceeds 80-85%. However, 15-20% of patients still experience a relapsed/refractory disease. From 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2020, thirty-nine patients, 0-21 years old with r/r BCP-ALL were treated with blinatumomab with the aim of inducing remission (n = 13) or reducing MRD levels (n = 26) in the frame of different multiagent chemotherapy schedules, in seven AIEOP centers. Patients were treated in compassionate and/or off-label settings and were not enrolled in any controlled clinical trials. Treatment was well tolerated; 22 (56.4%) patients reported adverse events (AE) on a total of 46 events registered, of which 27 (58.7%) were ≤2 grade according to CTCAE. Neurological AEs were 18 (39.1%); only two patients required transient blinatumomab discontinuation. Complete remission (CR) rate was 46% for the 13 patients treated with ≥5% blasts and 81% PCR/FC MRD negativity in the 26 patients with blasts < 5%. Median relapse-free survival was 33.4 months (95% CI; 7.5-59.3); median overall survival was not reached over a mean follow-up of 16 months. In our study, as in other real-life experiences, blinatumomab proved to be effective and well-tolerated, able to induce a high rate of CR and MRD negativity.

Adrenal axis function after high-dose steroid therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: A 4-week course of high-dose glucocorticoids may cause prolonged adrenal suppression even after a 9-day tapering phase. In this study, adrenal function and signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency were prospectively assessed in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) after induction treatment including high-dose prednisone (PDN) or dexamethasone (DXM). PROCEDURES: Sixty-four children with ALL, treated according to the AIEOP ALL 2000 Study protocol, underwent low dose ACTH (LD-ACTH) stimulation 24 hr after the last tapered steroid dose. In those with impaired cortisol response, additional LD ACTH tests were performed every 1-2 weeks until cortisol levels normalized. Signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency were recorded during the observation period. RESULTS: All patients had normal basal cortisol values at diagnosis. Twenty-four hours after last glucocorticoid dose, morning cortisol was reduced in 40/64 (62.5%) patients. LD-ACTH testing showed adrenal suppression in 52/64 (81.5%) patients. At the following ACTH test 7-14 days later, morning cortisol values were reduced in 8/52 (15.4%) patients and response to the test was impaired in 12/52 (23%). Adrenal function completely recovered in all patients within 10 weeks. No difference was found between patients treated with PDN or DXM. Almost 35% of children with impaired cortisol values at the first test developed signs or symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. One child developed a severe adrenal crisis during adrenal suppression. CONCLUSIONS: High-dose glucocorticoid therapy in ALL children may cause prolonged adrenal suppression and related clinical symptoms. Laboratory monitoring of cortisol levels and steroid coverage during stress episodes may be indicated.

Translation and cultural adaptation of the US National Cancer Institute's patient-reported outcome (PRO) version of the CTCAE for Italian pediatric oncology populations.

PURPOSE: This study intends to translate and make any necessary cultural adaptations of the Pediatric PRO-CTCAE version for Italian oncological patients aged 7-18 years and their caregivers. METHODS: The questionnaire has been forward/backward translated into Italian and subjected to detailed verification by fluent Italian speakers, children and their parents, for use in clinical trials in Italian populations. The Italian version includes 130 questions that assess 62 symptoms. To verify the patients' comprehension some interviews were completed with 24 oncological children and adolescents in different age groups and 24 parents (Mage = 41.2). Caregivers were interviewed independently. RESULTS: A final Italian version of the Pediatric PRO-CTCAE was produced. Across the age range, most patients and caregivers were able to understand and answer the questions. The 7-9 years old had greater challenges completing two terms which were retested in a second round of interviews. There were no comprehension differences on the basis of trials enrollment phase. CONCLUSIONS: The translation and adaptation of the Pediatric PRO-CTCAE confirms that this instrument is also suitable for assessing symptom toxicities among Italian cancer patients. Its rapid integration into care pathways is necessary to guarantee an early response to patient symptoms and to facilitate drug tolerability assessment.

Body Image Discomfort of Adolescent and Young Adult Hematologic Cancer Survivors.

This study focuses on body image discomfort (BID) of 50 adolescent and young adult (AYA) hematologic cancer survivors (age range 15-23; 52% males). The study results were obtained through data from a self-report questionnaire: the Body Uneasiness Test. Findings differed according to gender: a greater proportion of females were in the Risk category of impaired body image than males (χ2 = 5.258, p < 0.05). No significant body image differences were found according to the type of diagnosis or to the length of survival. To manage survivors' BIDs and to improve their quality of life, assessing BID in AYA cancer survivors is important for identifying those who might be in need of additional supportive care or a program.

Clofarabine, cyclophosphamide and etoposide for the treatment of relapsed or resistant acute leukemia in pediatric patients.

Clofarabine is a promising new chemotherapeutic agent that is active in the treatment of pediatric acute leukemia. Forty children (16 with acute myeloid leukemia [AML], 24 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL]), aged 1-20 years (median 7.6 years) with relapsed or refractory ALL or AML were treated because of resistance to first-line treatment (n =5), or for first (n =22), second (n =11) or third relapse (n =2). They received clofarabine (40 mg/m(2)/day) associated with etoposide (100 mg/m(2)/day) and cyclophosphamide (440 mg/m(2)/day) administered as one or two induction cycles (5 days of chemotherapy) in an attempt to reach complete remission (CR) or CR without platelet recovery (CRp). This was followed by 1-3 consolidation cycles (4 days of chemotherapy) for a maximum of four cycles. Seven (44%) out of 16 and 10 (42%) out of 24 evaluable children with AML and ALL, respectively, responded to treatment. The most common adverse events were infections and gastrointestinal and hepatic toxicity. Thirteen (76%) out of 17 responders underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The 24-month overall survival was 25%, while it was 59% among patients who responded to the first induction cycle. Our study suggests that this drug regimen is well tolerated and can be effective in heavily pretreated pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory acute leukemia.

Prospective bone ultrasound patterns during childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Bone impairment is a well-known complication in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors but less is known about bone dynamics during ALL therapy. We longitudinally assessed by Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) skeletal modifications during this treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four newly diagnosed ALL children underwent bone measurement by QUS parameters BTT (Bone Transmission Time) and AD-SoS (Amplitude-Dependent Speed of Sound), mainly reliant on bone density and cortical thickness, respectively. Measurements were performed at diagnosis, and 6, 12, and 24 months thereafter. The occurrence of skeletal complications such as fractures, vertebral collapse, osteonecrosis, and osteopenia was related to measurement outcome. RESULTS: A rapid deterioration of bone properties measured by BTT and AD-SoS was evident in the first semester of therapy (p<0.001). Subsequently, the next measurements were characterized by progressive uncoupling of the two QUS parameters (p<0.001). These were both significantly reduced at the end of therapy (p<0.001). Twelve subjects with in-treatment skeletal complications displayed an almost two-fold decrease of both parameters (p<0.001). BTT decreasing more than 1 Standard Deviation (SD) over 6 months of therapy was able to predict skeletal complication occurrence (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This report represents the largest longitudinal cohort systematically submitted to bone condition assessment from the beginning to the end of therapy for childhood ALL. Bone deterioration occurs early and persists throughout therapy, consistent with bone properties uncoupling. This pattern possibly reflects an initial impairment of both mineral density and cortical thickness with a subsequent recovery of this latter. QUS permits an early detection of bone deterioration and related skeletal complications in childhood ALL.

Steroid withdrawal syndrome during steroid tapering in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a controlled study comparing prednisone versus dexamethasone in induction phase.

Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receive as part of induction therapy a 4-week course of high-dose glucocorticoid, which is either abruptly discontinued or shortly tapered. The aim of this study was to evaluate the signs and symptoms of steroid withdrawal syndrome and performance status (according to Lansky scale) during the 9-day tapering period and 1 week after withdrawal of the steroid in 63 children randomly allocated to receive prednisone or dexamethasone as part of induction treatment according the AIEOP ALL 2000 protocol. Twenty of 28 (75%) patients on dexamethasone versus 18 of 35 (51.4%) on prednisone (P < 0.05) developed at least one steroid withdrawal symptom during the study period. Three or more symptoms were observed in 39.3% (11/28) of the dexamethasone group and 8.6% (3/35) of the prednisone group (P < 0.05). Dexamethasone patients developed clinical signs earlier (within 3 days from the steroid tapering) than symptomatic prednisone patients. In the prednisone group, the symptoms were less severe and the performance status was higher (P < 0.05). Steroid withdrawal morbidity in ALL children during induction is a frequent and clinically relevant complaint. A more gradual (for dexamethasone) or a more prolonged (for prednisone) tapering might be suggested.