EJC paediatric oncology最新文献

Identifying bone marrow involvement (with or without bone destruction) in children with cancer is essential for adequate diagnosis, prognostication, therapy planning, and response assessment. Imaging plays an increasing role, with MRI including DWI and [¹⁸F]FDG-PET/CT as the most commonly used imaging techniques. Interpretation of the paediatric bone marrow on imaging might be challenging because of age-related physiological changes in the bone marrow, as well as disease and therapy related effects. In this review, we discuss how the imaging techniques available may be employed to detect bone marrow involvement (BMI) in paediatric oncology. Furthermore, insights into physiological, disease and therapy related bone marrow changes in children that might influence bone marrow imaging interpretation will be provided.

Evolving evidence indicates that tumor cells can transdifferentiate between distinct transcriptionally-determined cell states with changes in resultant phenotypes, a phenomenon known as cellular plasticity. These transitions are not driven by genetic mutations and typically in contrast to normal developmental processes, may proceed bidirectionally. Here, we review the role of cellular plasticity in the aggressive childhood solid tumor, neuroblastoma. We discuss the detection of two cell states, termed mesenchymal (MES) and adrenergic (ADRN), their properties and the transcriptional circuitries that control them, their relation to the normal embryogenesis of the sympathetic nervous system and their potential role in drug resistance, escape from therapy and development of relapse.

Introduction

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is the most common malignant brainstem tumour in children. Despite advances in understanding its biology, current treatments have shown minimal impact on overall survival in this fatal disease. Focal radiotherapy (RT) is the only treatment proven to improve symptoms and extend progression-free survival. Albeit palliative, re-irradiation (rRT) has emerged as the best alternative for progressive disease. This study presents the Spanish experience with re-irradiation in DIPG.

Results

Between April 2015 and December 2023, 44 paediatric patients with progressive DIPG underwent rRT in 16 Spanish institutions. Median time from diagnosis to progression was 9.9 months (range, 4.2–24.3 months). Median dose of rRT was 20 Gy (range, 18–40 Gy) in 2 Gy fractions (range, 1.3–4 Gy). Twenty-two patients (50 %) received other treatments besides RT. Clinical improvement was seen in 77.3 %, and radiological improvement in 60 %. Treatment was well tolerated (1 case toxicity >grade 2 related to rRT). Median overall survival was 15.5 months (range, 8.2–63.2 months), with a median time from rRT to death of 4.2 months (range, 0.6–10.3 months). Longer time between diagnosis and rRT (>10 months) and dose of rRT >20 Gy were statistically significantly correlated with better overall survival. There was no survival benefit in patients receiving additional treatments.

Conclusions

Re-irradiation is safe and effective in progressive DIPG patients, not only improving symptoms but also prolonging survival. However, the ideal candidates for rRT remain undefined, as well as the best irradiation scheme. Prospective studies are needed.

Deregulated levels of the MYCN oncogene contribute to the tumorigenesis of several human tumors including neuroblastoma. MYCN amplification classifies neuroendocrine tumors as high-risk and as a consequence is an unfavorable prognostic factor. MYCN has long been primarily described as a transcription factor, which binds to active promoters after heterodimerizing with MAX and directly regulates gene expression programs. New findings show that MYC proteins have novel oncogenic functions that are tumor-promoting and go beyond the regulation of gene expression. This review describes how MYCN continuously drives tumor progression by forming various protein complexes, for example to resolve torsional stress, coordinate transcription and replication, repair DNA damage and regulate R-loops. Interfering with the described processes as well as interfering with MYCN chromatin binding emerge as novel treatment strategies to indirectly target the oncoprotein. Furthermore, we describe the role of MYCN in metabolism and we review how these newly described functions of MYCN could be used as vulnerabilities for MYCN-driven tumors. Recent studies show that MYC proteins are capable of multimerizing at sites of genomic instability to protect cancer cells from stress. Additionally, MYCN can bind aberrant RNA transcripts, another feature to enhance the stress resilience of cancer cells, once again highlighting the oncogenic potential of MYC. Taken together, we show that the diverse functions of MYCN depend on its temporal and spatial dynamic interactome, making those interaction partners and functions crucial factors in the treatment of MYCN-related cancer.

In an attempt to minimize surgical trauma in already vulnerable patients, pediatric surgeons are increasingly using minimally invasive surgery in surgical oncology, with similar outcomes as open surgery. In addition to its technical benefits, robotic surgery allows integration of technological enhancements, such as artificial-intelligence-based software or tri-dimensional (3D) modeling, into the operating room. In this article, we report our experience in robotic-assisted surgery for the resection of pediatric tumors and present current developments in 3D modeling applied to pelvic tumors. Since 2016, 149 oncology cases have been undertaken using the robotic approach. Neuroblastic tumors account for the most part, with a median hospital stay of two days [1–7 days] and very few intraoperative events. The use of robotics was mainly extended to renal tumors (predominantly Wilms tumors) and endocrine tumors, but was found of particular interest for pelvic tumors. Our experience led us to publish a first set of guidelines on robotic surgical oncology, focusing on its apparent contraindications. 3D models derived from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging have been developed for more than 150 patients with solid tumors, but the pelvic area was made a key focus because of its anatomical complexity. In addition to their educational benefits, some of these 3D models were integrated into the robotic console as a surgical aid and proved invaluable for difficult dissections or nerve plexus preservation. As evidenced by the development of robotics and 3D modeling, pediatric oncology is leaning toward ultra-precise surgical resection tailored to the patient and the tumor.

Treatment of neuroblastoma is a significant clinical unmet need in paediatric oncology epitomised by high-risk disease in which relapse is common and outcomes for children with relapse or primary refractory disease are typically poor, with 4-year progression-free survival for relapse/refractory disease of 6 %. Immunotherapy targeting disialoganglioside GD2 using monoclonal antibodies (mAb) has become a component of standard of care treatment in neuroblastoma following published studies that have demonstrated clinical activity and survival benefit associated with this treatment. Hence a number of research groups have developed and clinically evaluated chimeric antigen receptor gene modified T cells (CAR-T cells) targeting GD2 in patients with relapsed and refractory neuroblastoma. Preclinical and clinical results using a range of receptor technologies and immune effectors have demonstrated the basic safety and feasibility of this approach, progressing into clinical data exhibiting promise for sustained patient benefit.

Background

Cancer Predisposition Syndromes (CPSs) have been identified in 7–15 % of children with cancer. The possibilities for germline genetic testing have increased in recent years, presenting new opportunities but also challenges. There is currently no consensus on germline genetic testing in children with cancer in diagnostic settings.

Methods

The International Society of Pediatric Oncology Europe (SIOPE) Host Genome Working Group used a consensus development conference method to reach agreement on four key topics: Who do we test? Which genes do we test? What do we disclose? How do we evaluate the benefits of testing?

Results

The Working Group members agreed that: (1) All children with cancer should undergo clinical screening for their risk of harboring a CPS. (2) Targeted genetic testing based on clinical indication is recommended. Comprehensive CPS gene panels with more than 100–150 genes for all children with cancer should preferably be evaluated within research settings. (3) Smaller actionable gene panels can be considered including genes supporting diagnosis or influencing treatment decisions. (4) Clear pre-test information and consenting processes that highlight potential outcomes and implications of germline genetic testing are imperative. (5) Consequences of genetic testing, treatment adaption, and tumor surveillance in children with CPSs, including economic impact and psychosocial factors, should be further explored.

Conclusions

These consensus-based recommendations provide guidance on germline genetic testing in children with cancer. Regular review of these recommendations is essential. Collaboration and the use of data sharing platforms can further improve screening procedures and its impact on care.

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric tumor of the sympathetic nervous system. Survival remains poor for the almost 40 % of patients with high-risk NB. Targeted therapy options for high-risk NB are limited and single compound strategies often fail due to escape mechanisms, driven either by tumor heterogeneity or adaptive (epigenetic) responses or mutations. Novel NB therapeutic approaches rely increasingly on biomarker selected cohorts for phase I/II clinical trials. Parallel intensive research programs are needed to identify novel therapeutic vulnerabilities or drug targeting strategies and to further inform clinical trials and prioritize potent, less toxic combinations. While several effective chemotherapies work by increasing replication stress in cancer cells, recently, newer putatively less toxic small molecule-based approaches that directly target DNA damage response (DDR) pathway components such as ATR, CHK1 and PARP inhibitors are being evaluated in early phase trials for many cancers. NB sequencing studies have identified recurrent alterations (copy number and mutations) in many of these genes encoding critical DDR pathway proteins suggesting susceptibility to specific classes of DDR-targeting therapies. In this review, we summarize current data supporting the roles of DDR and replicative stress addiction in NB, including genetic alterations which impact DDR signaling pathways. Finally, we review the mechanisms, pre-clinical evidence and ongoing trials for drugs that target DDR-deficient and/or replication addicted NB.

Wilms tumour (WT) is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in children. Elucidating modifiable risk factors is crucial in identifying venues for primary prevention of the disease. This study aimed to review literature and synthesize environmental risk factors for WT. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies using PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. Studies were included if they were case-control or cohort studies of children under the age of 20 years at diagnosis and reported Relative Risks (RRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Pooled effect sizes (ES) and 95 % CIs for risk factors associated with WT were estimated using random-effects models. We included 58 eligible studies from Asia, Europe, Latin and North America, and Oceania totalling approximately10000 cases of WT diagnosed between 1953 and 2019. We confirmed an association between high birthweight ((>4000 g) ES 1.54, CI 1.20–1.97) and WT. Similarly, consistent associations were suggested for Caesarean section (ES 1.23, CI 1.07–1.42), gestational age <37 weeks (ES 1.45, CI 1.21–1.74), and large-for-gestational age (ES 1.52, CI 1.09–2.12). Parental occupational exposure to pesticides during preconception / pregnancy also showed increased risks of WT (maternal ES 1.28, CI 1.02–1.60, paternal ES 1.48, CI 0.98–2.24). There were inverse associations for breastfeeding (ever breastfed = ES 0.71, CI 0.56–0.89; < 6 months ES 0.67, CI 0.49–0.91; and ≥6 months ES 0.75, CI 0.59–0.97), and maternal intake of vitamins (unspecified) and folic acid during pregnancy (ES 0.78, CI 0.69–0.89). Among factors showing no associations were low birthweight (<2500 g), small-for-gestational age, assisted reproductive technology, parental age, and smoking or alcohol consumption during preconception / pregnancy, paternal occupational extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) exposures, and maternal X-ray exposure during pregnancy. Our findings suggest that modifiable risk factors of WT are parental occupational exposure to pesticides, breastfeeding (beneficial), and intake of folic acid during preconception / pregnancy (beneficial), but all associations were rather modest in strength.