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The central neurotoxicity of cytotoxic drugs depends on their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The drugs with the highest neurotoxicity are therefore those that cross the BBB most easily: alkylating agents (metabolites of cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, thiotepa and high-dose melphalan), busulfan, platinum derivatives, aracytine and methotrexate. Apart from aracytine-induced cerebellar toxicity, the clinical signs suggestive of chemotherapy neurotoxicity are relatively nonspecific: altered level of consciousness, seizures, behavioural disorders and motor deficits. Nevertheless, a good knowledge of the various neurological syndromes likely to occur can allow them to be attributed to a drug-induced cause. However, as patients may be receiving several potentially neurotoxic treatments (chemotherapy, concomitant drugs, neurosurgery, radiotherapy), it is difficult to formally confirm the responsibility of the drug, which should only be considered after confirming the absence of radiological and metabolic abnormalities. A specific antagonist treatment can be administered in rare cases (ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) harvest may be difficult in young children. Extracorporeal separator line priming by red blood cells is usually required to improve haemodynamic tolerance and efficacy of collection. We present our experience with 24 children weighing less than 15?kg treated between January 1997 and September 1999, in whom we tried to avoid systematic blood priming. The median age and weight at the time of apheresis were 2.4 years and 12?kg, respectively. A total of 48 PBSC were performed. When haemoglobin was less than 12?g/dl, packed red cells were transfused before collection (40% of aphereses). The median cell yield per apheresis was 7.1 (2.2-30.6)x106/kg CD34+ cells and 16.0 (3.3-44.3)x105 CFU-GM/kg. Initial collection failed in three cases. Four children required an additional haematopoietic progenitor mobilization. This procedure allowed PBSC collection without transfusion in 37.5% of children, and was safe (two serious and five mild transient side effects) and effective (median CD34+ cells collected per child: 7.1x106/kg (4.6-30.6) and CFU-GM: 15.1x105/kg (4.7-44.3)). Despite their low weight, insertion of a femoral catheter was avoided in 43% of children.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2003) 31, 171-174. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1703825 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a 40-year-old patient with familial retinoblastoma also affecting his elder son, who developed multiple fibromas on the periungual or subungual areas of all the fingers. Molecular analysis disclosed a loss of heterozygosity for the RB1 gene in the larger tumour, with disappearance of the normal allele and persistence of the mutated allele only. The similarity of this observation with distal fibrous tumours encountered in other diseases with germline mutations of tumour-suppressor genes such as neurofibromatosis type 1, tuberous sclerosis and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 led to the hypothesis that multiple acral benign tumours with a fibrous component might be a cutaneous marker of tumour suppressor gene germline mutation with low sensitivity but high specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection-related outcomes associated with asplenia or impaired splenic function in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) remain understudied. Splenectomy and splenic radiation have been previously found to be risk factors regarding late infection-related mortality but few data exist concerning overall infections. Late infection-related morbidity and mortality was evaluated in the FCCSS cohort including 7670 5-year CCS diagnosed before the age of 21 treated before 2001 using data registered in the national medical database. Using a radiotherapy treatment planning system the dose distribution on different organs had been calculated on CT-based phantom. 4259 CCS had received radiotherapy, 5762 chemotherapy, and 87 splenectomy. Between 2006-2018: 580 patients were hospitalized at least once for bacterial infection, and 110 patients had severe sepsis or septic shock. 1493 late death are recorded, with an infectious cause in 3.8%(n=57). In a multivariate analysis, spleen irradiation was found to be a risk factor for infection (RR1.8-2.0[CI95%1.2-2.9]), non-significantly modified by radiotherapy, if considered as a binary variable, (RR1.7[CI95%1.4-2.0]) nor lung irradiation (RR1.7-2.1[CI95%1.3-3.2]) nor pituitary irradiation (RR1.5-1.9[CI95%1.1-3.2]).The risk was not related to the dose received to the spleen nor to the volume of spleen involved. Gender, age at diagnosis and chemotherapy were not found to play a significant role in the risk of infection. These results were not altered when considering any regular antibiotic prophylaxis nor vaccine therapy. When analyzing the risk of death by infection, the average dose to the spleen was a risk factor, from doses < 5 Gy, with an increased risk depending on the dose received, as well as a dose > 30 Gy on the pituitary gland. Splenic radiation was found to significantly increase the risk of late infection-related mortality but not of late severe infection. Nevertheless these data should be taken with caution as 45.6% of the deaths with an infectious cause were patients with a second progressive cancer. The dose to the pituitary gland was also a risk factor that may suggest a link with a hormonal deficit, possibly adrenal, that may increase the risk of decompensation during an infection. This hypothesis must be explored secondarily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinoblastoma is the most common paediatric neoplasm of the retina, and one of the earliest model of cancer genetics since the identification of the master tumour suppressor gene RB1. Tumorigenesis has been shown to be driven by pathogenic variants of the RB1 locus, but also genomic and epigenomic alterations outside the locus. The increasing knowledge on this "mutational landscape" is used in current practice for precise genetic testing and counselling. Novel methods provide access to pre-therapeutic tumour DNA, by isolating cell-free DNA from aqueous humour or plasma. This is expected to facilitate assessment of the constitutional status of RB1 , to provide an early risk stratification using molecular prognostic markers, to follow the response to the treatment in longitudinal studies, and to predict the response to targeted therapies. The aim of this review is to show how molecular genetics of retinoblastoma drives diagnosis, treatment, monitoring of the disease and surveillance of the patients and relatives. We first recap the current knowledge on retinoblastoma genetics and its use in every-day practice. We then focus on retinoblastoma subgrouping at the era of molecular biology, and the expected input of cell-free DNA in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignancy of infancy with an incidence of 1/15,000 births. Sixty percent of retinoblastomas are unilateral, with a median age at diagnosis of 2 years, and in most cases they are not hereditary. Retinoblastoma is bilateral in 40% of cases, with an earlier median age at diagnosis of 1 year. All bilateral and multifocal unilateral forms are hereditary and are part of a genetic cancer predisposition syndrome. All children with a bilateral or familial form, and 10-15% of children with a unilateral form, constitutionally carry an RB1 gene mutation. The two most frequent symptoms at diagnosis are leukocoria and strabismus. Diagnosis is made by fundoscopy, with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contributing both to diagnosis and assessment of the extension of the disease. Treatment of patients with retinoblastoma must take into account the various aspects of the disease (unilateral/bilateral, size, location), the risks for vision, and the possible hereditary nature of the disease. The main prognostic aspects are still early detection and adapted coverage by a multidisciplinary, highly specialized team. Enucleation is still often necessary in unilateral disease; the decision for adjuvant treatment is made according to the histological risk factors. The most important recent therapeutic advances concern conservative treatment, which is proposed for at least one of the two eyes in most bilateral cases: laser alone or in combination with chemotherapy, cryotherapy, or brachytherapy. Recently, the development of new conservative techniques of treatment, such as intra-arterial selective chemotherapy perfusion and intravitreal injections, aims at preserving visual function in these children and decreasing the number of enucleations and the need for external beam radiotherapy. The vital prognosis related to retinoblastoma is now excellent in industrialized countries, but long-term survival is still related to the development of secondary tumors, mainly secondary sarcoma. Retinoblastoma requires multidisciplinary care as well as a long-term specialized follow-up. Early counseling of patients and their family concerning the risk of transmission of the disease and the risk of development of secondary tumors is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Introduction Les enfants et adolescents atteints de cancer sont pris en charge en France par des équipes pluri-professionnelles au sein de centres spécialisés d’onco-hématologie pédiatrique, labellisés par l’Institut national du cancer, qui travaillent en réseau avec des centres de pédiatrie de proximité. Le diplôme inter-universitaire d’oncologie pédiatrique (DIUOP) propose une formation à l’onco-hématologie maligne pédiatrique comprenant un enseignement théorique, un stage dans un service validant et un projet de recherche soutenu devant un jury. Méthode Nous avons adressé un questionnaire aux diplômés pour connaître leur situation professionnelle actuelle et avons recherché sur PubMed tous les articles publiés. Résultats De 2000 à 2011, le DIUOP a formé 290 médecins spécialistes : 242 pédiatres, 21 chirurgiens et 19 radiothérapeutes, 8 ayant une autre spécialité telle que l’imagerie, l’hématologie ou l’anatomo-pathologie. Quatre-vingt-douze étaient titulaires d’un diplôme obtenu à l’étranger : en Europe (50 %), en Afrique et au Proche-Orient (42 %) et en Amérique du Sud (8 %). Cent quatre-vingt-dix-sept des 266 diplômés (74 %) ont répondu au questionnaire. Quatre-vingt-dix pour cent prenaient en charge des enfants et adolescents atteints de cancer. Pour ceux exerçant en France, ils travaillaient principalement dans les établissements impliqués dans l’organisation des soins définie par la circulaire DHOS (Direction de l’hospitalisation et de l’organisation des soins) de 2004. Soixante-neuf articles, soit un mémoire sur 4, avaient été publiés dans une revue avec un facteur d’impact médian de 3,5 (0–22,6) dont 85 % en langue anglaise. Conclusion Le DIUOP est la seule formation européenne en langue française offrant une formation professionnalisante, multidisciplinaire, de qualité et complète aux spécialistes impliqués dans la prise en charge des cancers de l’enfant et de l’adolescent. Summary Introduction According to the European Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOPE) standard of care guidelines, high-quality care of children and adolescents with cancer needs to be delivered by well-trained multidisciplinary teams in specialist centers working with designated shared-care local centers in a so-called hub-and-spoke model. The Diplôme Inter-Universitaire d’Oncologie Pédiatrique (DIUOP) is the only European training program in pediatric oncology in French for all physicians involved in care of patients with pediatric malignancies. In agreement with the SIOPE syllabus, the DIUOP is composed of training courses (120 h), on-site practical training in a specialist center, and a research project to be defended before an examining board. Method All graduates received a questionnaire to describe their current professional position. A comprehensive PubMed analysis retrieved all papers published form DIUOP research projects. Results From 2000 to 2011, 290 physicians were trained: 242 pediatricians, 21 surgeons, and 19 radiation therapists. Eight had another specialty including imaging, hematology, and pathology. Ninety-two were initially trained outside of France: 50% in Europe (mainly in Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland), 42% in Africa and the Middle East, and 8% in South America. Of the 266 graduates, 74% answered the questionnaire, and 90% of them take care of children and adolescents with cancer. Sixty-nine articles, i.e., one out of four research projects, were published in 34 journals with a median impact factor of 3.5 (0–22.6), 85% in English. Conclusion DIUOP is the only French-speaking European education program providing a high-quality, professionalizing, and comprehensive multidisciplinary training program for French and international specialists taking care of children and adolescents with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Usual dose-finding methods in oncology are sequential. Accrual is suspended after each group of patients to assess toxicity before increasing the dose. An adapted Continual Reassessment Method (CRM) and Rolling 6 (R6) method, designed to avoid this suspension of accrual in pediatric oncology, are compared with the traditional 3+3 design. Study design and setting: The competing performances were evaluated in a simulation study integrating the temporal dimension, and a phase I trial was reanalyzed. We compared methods for various interpatient arrival times and dose-toxicity relations, in terms of distribution of final recommendations, number of skipped children and duration of trials. Results: R6 and CRM can be safely implemented to limit trial suspensions, especially when mean interpatient arrival time is short. CRM was found to be more efficient than algorithm-based methods (44% of good recommendations vs. 38%) but moderately increased the risk of overtreatment. The R6 design included more patients at suboptimal doses. The design with the shortest study duration depended on the number of dose to escalate before the target. Conclusion: These new methods can reduce the number of skipped patients, but only provide limited gain in terms of ability to select the right dose. New designs are needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Primary objective: Childhood craniopharyngioma, a benign tumour with a good survival rate, is associated with important neurocognitive and psychological morbidity, reducing quality--of--life (QoL). Method: This retrospective study analysed QoL, mood disorders, everyday executive functioning and disease's impact on family life in 29 patients (mean age at diagnosis 7 years 10 months (SD == 4.1); mean follow--up period 6 years 2 months (SD == 4.5)) treated for childhood craniopharyngioma by surgery combined with radiotherapy using proton beam. Assessment included a semi--structured interview and standardized scales evaluating self--report of QoL (Kidscreen 52) and depression (MDI--C) and proxy--reports of QoL (Kidscreen 52), executive functioning (BRIEF) and disease's impact (Hoare and Russel Questionnaire). Results: Twenty--three families answered the questionnaires completely. Overall QoL self--report was within the normal range. QoL proxy--report was lower than self--report. Eleven patients reported depression; 24-38%% had dysexecutive symptoms. A majority of families felt 'very concerned' by the disease. Depression and low parental educational level were associated with lower QoL and higher levels of executive dysfunction. Conclusion: Given the high morbidity of childhood craniopharyngioma, screening for psychosocial outcome, cognitive functioning, including executive functions, mood and QoL should be systematic and specific interventions should be developed and implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimsTo assess if systematic fundus screening according to an 'intensive' schedule alters ocular outcome and to propose fundus screening schedule guidelines for children related to a retinoblastoma patient.MethodsFor children with a positive family history of retinoblastoma, we perform fundus exams shortly after birth under general anaesthesia and then at regular intervals according to schedules based on the risk. Familial retinoblastoma cases seen at our institution from January 1995 to December 2004 were retrospectively classified as 'screened' or 'non-screened' (NS) and, among the 'screened' patients, as 'intensively screened' (IS) if screening matched our recommendations or 'non-intensively screened' (S). Groups were compared by Fisher exact test for categorical variables and Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables.ResultsAmong the 547 retinoblastoma patients managed at our institution during this period, 59 were familial cases. In all, 20 were in the NS group, 23 in the S group, and 16 in the IS group. The number of children enucleated was, respectively, 13, 2, and 0 (P<10−4); external beam radiation (EBRT) was required for, respectively, 6, 0, and 2 children (P<0.009). Chemotherapy burden and visual acuity were not significantly different between groups.ConclusionAn 'intensive' fundus screening schedule decreased the need for enucleation and EBRT. Therefore, despite the heavy burden of the screening schedule, we recommend physicians and health-care professionals to better inform and refer children with a family history of retinoblastoma for genetic counselling and proper fundus screening in specialized centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overcoming childhood cancers is critically dependent on the state of research. Understanding how, with whom and what the research community is doing with childhood cancers is essential for ensuring the evidence-based policies at national and European level to support children, their families and researchers. As part of the European Union funded EUROCANCERCOMS project to study and integrate cancer communications across Europe, we have carried out new research into the state of research in childhood cancers. We are very grateful for all the support we have received from colleagues in the European paediatric oncology community, and in particular from Edel Fitzgerald and Samira Essiaf from the SIOP Europe office. This report and the evidence-based policies that arise from it come at a important junction for Europe and its Member States. They provide a timely reminder that research into childhood cancers is critical and needs sustainable long-term support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pediatric tumors still represent a formidable challenge despite the considerable therapeutical advances that have been reported for the past 30 years. This is largely related with the untowards side-effects of local therapy that are still acknowledged as the “price for cure”. In this setting, Proton therapy a sophisticated radiotherapeutical modality seems to represent a real breakthrough due to its unique ability to spare close and distant normal organs compared with modern photons techniques. We summarize in this paper current clinical and dosimetrical evidences including an update of the Orsay series on 108 children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Oral busulfan clearance is age-dependent and children experience a wide variability in plasma exposure. BSA- or age-based dosing is used with therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to reduce this variability. A new intravenous (IV) dosing of busulfan (Bu) based on body weight, designed to improve AUC targeting without TDM and dose-adjustment, was prospectively evaluated. Bu was administered as a 2 h IV infusion every 6 h over 4 days (16 administrations). Five dose levels were defined on body weight as follows: 1.0 mg/kg for <9 kg; 1.2 mg/kg for 9 to <16 kg; 1.1 mg/kg for 16–23 kg; 0.95 mg/kg for >23–34 kg; 0.80 mg/kg for >34 kg. Bu treatment was followed by Cyclophosphamide or Melphalan prior to allogeneic or autologous transplantation in 55 children aged 0.3–17.2 years (median 5.6 years). No difference in AUC values was observed between weight strata (mean ± SD 1248 ± 205 μmol·min), whereas a significant difference in Bu clearance was demonstrated. This new dosing enabled to achieve a mean exposure comparable to that in adults. At dose 1, 91% of patients achieved the targeted AUC range (900–1500 μmol·min) while no patients were underexposed. At doses 9 and 13, over 75% of patients remained within that target whilst most of the others were slightly above. Successful engraftment was achieved in all patients. In conclusion, from infants to adults this new dosing enabled, without TDM and dose adjustment, to successfully target a therapeutic AUC window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: School achievement of children with brain tumors is hampered by progressive neurologic and cognitive sequelae. To help the children and their family, we have created in 1997 a multidisciplinary consultation together with Necker''s hospital. Material and methods: The study describes the organization of the consultation and analyses the files of 69 children seen between September 2001 and June 2002. Results and conclusion: The authors conclude that this consultation is an irreplaceable mean to coordinate the complex rehabilitation process of a child treated for a brain tumor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Retinoblastoma is the most frequent malignant tumour in children with an incidence of 1 in 15,000 live births. Sixty per cent of retinoblastoma cases involve one eye (unilateral):median age at diagnosis is 2 years, and most of these forms are non-hereditary. Forty percent of retinoblastoma cases are bilateral: the median age at diagnosis is 1 year. All bilateral and multifocal unilateral forms are hereditary. Hereditary retinoblastoma is a cancer predisposition syndrome: the presence of a constitutional RB1 gene mutation in patients implies they have a greater than 90% chance of developing retinoblastoma. They also have an increased risk of developing other types of cancer. Leucocoria and strabismus are the most frequent revealing symptoms. Diagnosis is made by fundoscopy. US, MRI and CT scans may contribute to diagnosis. Treatment of patients with retinoblastoma should take into account the various aspects of the disease: the risk to vision, the possible hereditary nature of the disease, the life threatening risk. Enucleation is still often necessary in unilateral disease; adjuvant treatment might be given according to histological risk factors. Conservative treatmentmay be to at least one eye in most of bilateral cases: thermotherapy combined with chemotherapy, cryotherapy and brachytherapy. External beam radiation therapy should be restricted to large ocular tumours and diffuse vitreous seeding ocular because of the risk of late effects, including secondary sarcoma. Long term follow-up of patients with retinoblastoma is important, as well as information given at an early stage to them and their family about the risks of second primary tumours and of transmission to their off springs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic rearrangements involving NTRK1/2/3 result in constitutively active TRK fusion proteins that are oncogenic drivers in multiple pediatric and adult cancers. Larotrectinib is a selective TRK inhibitor approved by the FDA in 2018 for the treatment of any TRK fusion cancer based on a primary analysis in 55 patients from 3 clinical trials [Drilon et al. NEJM 2018]. For the first time, we now report median duration of response (DOR) data in this primary cohort, as well as updated data in an expanded cohort of 159 total TRK fusion patients treated with larotrectinib, with 153 (55 primary + 98 supplemental) evaluable for efficacy. Patients with TRK fusion cancer detected by local molecular profiling were treated with larotrectinib across 3 studies (NCT02122913, NCT02637687, and NCT02576431). Disease status was assessed by investigators using RECIST 1.1. Data cut-off was 19 February 2019. In the primary cohort of 55 patients with a median follow-up of 26 months, the median DOR in 44 patients with complete or partial responses was 35.2 months (95% CI 21.2–NE), with 17 progression events and 27 responses ongoing (range 1.6–44 months). The median PFS in the primary cohort was 25.8 months (95% CI 9.9–NE), with 27 patients having progressed. In the expanded combined dataset, the most common tumor types included soft tissue sarcoma (n = 36), infantile fibrosarcoma (n = 29), thyroid carcinoma (n = 26), salivary gland carcinoma (n = 21), and lung cancer (n = 12). The median age was 43 years, ranging from <1 month to 84 years; 33% <18 yr. The overall ORR was 79% (95% CI 72–85), with complete responses in 16%. Adverse events were primarily grade 1-2, with 13% of patients having had a grade 3-4 event related to larotrectinib. Only one patient discontinued due to an AE related to larotrectinib. These data confirm the marked tissue-agnostic efficacy and long durability of response in patients with TRK fusion cancer treated with larotrectinib. Larotrectinib continued to demonstrate a favorable long-term safety profile. Screening patients for NTRK gene fusions should be actively considered. NCT02122913, NCT02637687, NCT02576431. Editorial assistance was provided by Michael Sheldon, PhD, of Scion, London, UK, funded by Bayer. Bayer. Bayer. D.M. Hyman: Advisory / Consultancy: Chugai Pharma, CytomX Therapeutics, Boehringer Ingelheim, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Genentech / F. Hoffmann-La Roche; Research grant / Funding (self): Loxo Oncology, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, PUMA Biotechnology, AstraZeneca. C.M. van Tilburg: Advisory / Consultancy: Novartis, Bayer. D.S.W. Tan: Advisory / Consultancy: Novartis, Merck Loxo AstraZeneca Roche Pfizer; Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Pfizer Boehringer Ingelheim Roche; Honoraria (self): BMS, Takeda, Novartis, Roche, Pfizer; Research grant / Funding (self): Novartis, GSK, AstraZeneca. A.F. Farago: Research grant / Funding (self): Bayer, Loxo Oncology; Advisory / Consultancy: Bayer, Loxo Oncology. T.W. Laetsch: Advisory / Consultancy: Novartis, Bayer, Loxo, Lill; Research grant / Funding (self): Pfizer Novartis Bayer Loxo Abbvie Amgen Atara Biotherapeutics BMS Lilly Epizyme GSK Janssen Jubilant Pharmaceuticals Novella Clinical, Servier. S. Kummar: Honoraria (self): Bayer; Advisory / Consultancy: Bayer; Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Bayer. F. Doz: Research grant / Funding (institution): BMS, Celgene; Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: BMS; Advisory / Consultancy: Bayer, BMS, Celgene, Loxo Oncology, Servier. U.N. Lassen: Advisory / Consultancy: Bayer; Advisory / Consultancy: Pfizer. S.G. DuBois: Advisory / Consultancy: Loxo; Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Loxo, Roche; Honoraria (self): Loxo; Research grant / Funding (self): Millennium, Merck, Novartis Roche Lilly Lilly Loxo BMS. R. McDermott: Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Janssen-Cilag, Pfizer; Honoraria (self): Bayer, Sanofi, Janssen, Astellas, BMS, MSD, Pfizer, Novartis, Clovis; Research grant / Funding (self): Sanofi, Janssen, Bayer, Astellas. L. Mascarenhas: Research grant / Funding (institution): AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly. J.D. Berlin: Research grant / Funding (institution): PsiOxus, Bayer, EMD Serono, Symphogen, Roche/Genentech, Immunomedics, Novartis, Taiho, AbbVie (pharamcyclics), Boston Biomedical, FivePrime, Loxo, Incyte, Macrogenics; Honoraria (self): Nestle; Advisory / Consultancy: Rafeal, Seattle Genetics, EMD Serono, Bayer, eisai, Taiho, Armo,Gritstone, AstraZeneca, Celgene, Erytech. E.R. Rudzinski: Advisory / Consultancy: Bayer. M.C. Cox: Full / Part-time employment: Loxo Oncology. S. Nanda: Full / Part-time employment: Loxo Oncology. B.H. Childs: Full / Part-time employment: Bayer. A. Drilon: Advisory / Consultancy: Loxo Oncology/Bayer, Ignyta, TP Therapeutics, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Blueprint Medicines, Genentech/Roche, Takeda/Ariad/Millenium, Helsinn, Beigene, BergenBio, Hengrui Therapeutics, Exelixis, Bayer, Tyra; Research grant / Funding (self): Foundation Medicine; Licensing / Royalties: Wolters Kluwer; Honoraria (institution): Pfizer, Exelixis, GlaxoSmithKline, Teva, Taiho; Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Merck; Advisory / Consultancy: MORE Health. D.S. Hong: Research grant / Funding (self): AbbVie, Adaptimmune, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Bayer, BMS, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Fate Therapeutics, Genentech, Genmab, Ignyta, Infinity, Kite, Kyowa, Lilly, LOXO, Merck, MedImmune, Mirati, MiRNA, Molecular Templates, Mologen, NCI-CTEP, Novartis, Pfizer, Seatt; Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: Loxo, MiRNA, ASCO, AACR, SITC, Genmab; Advisory / Consultancy: Alpha Insights, Axiom, Adaptimmune, Baxter, Bayer, Genentech, GLG, Group H, Guidepoint Global, Infinity, Janssen, Merrimack, Medscape, Numab, Pfizer, Seattle Genetics, Takeda, Trieza Therapeutics; Shareholder / Stockholder / Stock options: Molecular Match, OncoResponse, Presagia Inc. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Morbidity and mortality are high in young children with medulloblastoma who receive craniospinal radiotherapy. We aimed to assess whether adjuvant treatment with protracted chemotherapy alone could replace radiotherapy. METHODS: We enrolled 79 children aged younger than 5 years who had had surgical resection of medulloblastoma onto a multicentre trial. Patients were treated with combination chemotherapy, which did not include methotrexate, for more than 16 months irrespective of the extent of disease. Early postoperative imaging defined three groups: R0M0 (no residual disease, no metastasis), R1M0 (radiological residual disease alone), and RXM+ (presence of metastases). Patients who did not relapse did not receive radiotherapy. Patients who relapsed or had disease progression received salvage treatment, which consisted of high-dose chemotherapy and stem-cell transplantation followed by local or craniospinal radiotherapy. For children classified as R0M0, the primary endpoint was 5-year overall survival and the secondary endpoint was 5-year progression-free survival. For children classified as R1M0 or RXM+, the primary endpoint was best radiological response and the secondary endpoints were 5-year overall survival and 5-year progression-free survival. Analyses were done by intention to treat. FINDINGS: Two of 15 patients classified as RXM+ and four of 17 patients classified as R1M0 had a complete radiological response. 5-year progression-free survival was 29% (95% CI 18-44) in the R0M0 group, 6% (1-27) in the R1M0 group, and 13% (4-38) in the RXM+ group. 5-year overall survival was 73% (59-84) in the R0M0 group, 41% (22-64) in the R1M0 group, and 13% (4-38) in the RXM+ group. In the R0M0 group, 5-year progression-free survival was 41% (26-58) for the 34 patients who underwent gross total resection compared with 0% for the 13 patients who had subtotal resection (relative risk 2.7 [1.3-5.6], p=0.0065). INTERPRETATION: Conventional chemotherapy alone can be used to cure children with non-metastatic medulloblastoma who have gross total resection confirmed by early radiological assessment, but is not sufficient for treatment of those with metastatic or incompletely resected medulloblastoma. Salvage treatment followed by posterior-fossa radiotherapy can effectively treat local relapses or progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty experts, members of a French medical network devoted to neurofibromatosis 1 have elaborated recommendations for the management of the disease. Bibliography was obtained through a Medline of articles from 1966 to 1999 for the terms neurofibromatosis, NF1, neurofibroma and from textbooks. A consensual document was written taking into account extracted data. An annual careful clinical examination is recommended except in cases with complications. Screening investigations are not recommended due to the rarity of complications, generally symptomatic and easily detected during the clinical follow-up. The only controversial exception might be magnetic resonance imaging for early detection of optic pathway gliomas in young children. A co-ordinated follow-up in specialised multidisciplinary centres, providing patients with a rational management, is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Genomic rearrangements involving neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase 1, 2, or 3 (NTRK1/2/3) result in constitutively active tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) fusion proteins that are oncogenic drivers in multiple pediatric and adult cancers. Larotrectinib is a selective TRK inhibitor approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2018 for the treatment of TRK fusion cancer based on a primary analysis in 55 patients from 3 clinical trials [Drilon et al. NEJM 2018]. Here, we report median duration of response (DOR) data in the primary cohort and updated data in an expanded cohort of 159 patients with TRK fusion cancer treated with larotrectinib, with 153 (55 primary + 98 supplemental) evaluable for efficacy. Methods Patients with TRK fusion cancer detected by local molecular profiling were treated with larotrectinib across 3 studies (NCT02122913, NCT02637687, NCT02576431). Disease status was assessed by investigators using RECIST 1.1. Data cut-off was February 19, 2019. Results In the primary cohort of 55 patients with a median follow-up of 26 months, the median DOR in 44 patients with complete or partial responses was 35.2 months (95% CI 21.2–not evaluable [NE]), with 17 progression events and 27 responses ongoing (range 1.6–44 months). Median progression-free survival in the primary cohort was 25.8 months (95% CI 9.9–NE), with 27 patients having progressed. In the expanded combined dataset, the most common tumor types included soft tissue sarcoma (n = 36), infantile fibrosarcoma (n = 29), thyroid carcinoma (n = 26), salivary gland carcinoma (n = 21), and lung cancer (n = 12). Median age was 43 years, ranging from < 1 month to 84 years; 33% < 18 years. The overall response rate was 79% (95% CI 72–85), with complete responses in 16%. Adverse events were mostly grade 1–2; 13% of patients had a grade 3–4 event related to larotrectinib. Only one patient discontinued due to an adverse event related to larotrectinib. Conclusions These data confirm the marked tissue-agnostic efficacy and long durability of response in patients with TRK fusion cancer treated with larotrectinib. Larotrectinib demonstrated a favorable long-term safety profile. Screening patients for NTRK gene fusions should be considered. Clinical trial identification NCT02122913, NCT02637687, NCT02576431. Legal entity responsible for the study Bayer. Funding Bayer. Disclosure F. Doz: Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (self), Travel / Accommodation / Expenses: BMS; Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (self): Celgene; Advisory / Consultancy: Bayer; Advisory / Consultancy: Loxo Oncology; Advisory / Consultancy: Servier. L. Mascarenhas: Speaker Bureau / Expert testimony: Bayer. J. Berlin: Research grant / Funding (institution): PsiOxus; Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution): Bayer; Advisory / Consultancy, Research grant / Funding (institution): EMD Serono; Research grant / Funding (institution): Symphogen; Research grant / Funding (institution): Roche/Genentech; Research grant / Funding (institution): Immunomedics; Research grant / Funding (institution): Novartis; Research grant / Funding (institution): Taiho; Research grant / Funding (institution): AbbVie (pharamcyclics); Research grant / Funding (institution): Boston Biomedical; Research grant / Funding (institution): FivePrime; Research grant / Funding (institution): Loxo; Research grant / Funding (institution): Incyte; Research grant / Funding (institution): Macrogenics; Honoraria (self): Nestle; Advisory / Consultancy: Rafeal; Advisory / Consultancy: Seattle Genetics; Honoraria (self): Eisai; Advisory / Consultancy: Taiho; Advisory / Consultancy: Armo. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims: Diagnosis of retinoblastoma is mainly based on indirect ophthalmoscopy, but additional imaging techniques are indispensable for the staging of the disease. A new high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique for the examination of the eye was evaluated. A new surface coil with a diameter of 5 cm allows a field of view of 60 mm with an in-plane resolution of 0.8 mm. We compared preoperative MRI scans with the histology after enucleation in 21 cases of retinoblastoma. Parameters studied were appearance of retinoblastoma, choroidal and scleral infiltration, extraocular extension, optic nerve infiltration, and vitreous seeding. Results: All retinoblastomas could be visualised as hypointense to vitreous on T2 weighted images and slightly hyperintense to vitreous on plain T1 weighted images with a moderate enhancement after contrast application. Histology revealed seven cases with infiltration of the optic disc or optic nerve. Preoperative MRI scans depict juxtapapillary tumour masses, but it was impossible to differentiate between a juxtapapillary retinoblastoma, a prelaminar infiltration of the optic disc, or a just postlaminar optic nerve infiltration. In five of 14 cases with a proved tumour infiltration of the choroid, MRI scans showed an inhomogeneous contrast enhancement of the choroid in enhanced T1 weighted sequences beneath the retinoblastoma. Whether this sign is specific for a choroidal infiltration or is just an artefact remains unclear. High resolution MRI scans did not allow the exclusion of this form of intraocular tumour extension. All nine cases with proved vitreous seeding were not detected by MRI scans. None of these cases showed scleral infiltration or orbital tumour extension. Therefore, it is not possible to judge the rank of this technique in detecting orbital tumour growth. Conclusion: The new MRI technique is of limited value in visualisation of prelaminar or postlaminar infiltration of the optic nerve. Advanced... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Le neuroblastome (NB) est une tumeur pédiatrique maligne du système nerveux périphérique, caractérisée par une grande hétérogénéité clinique, évolutive et génétique, le plus souvent sporadique. De rares formes familiales sont décrites, compatibles avec une transmission dominante. Par ailleurs, des tumeurs neuroblastiques sont observées chez des patients porteurs d’autres anomalies de la crête neurale, comme la maladie de Hirschprung, le syndrome d’Ondine. Nous avons identifié le gène PHOX2B comme premier gène de prédisposition au NB. En effet, des mutations constitutionnelles de ce gène ont été caractérisées dans des formes familiales de NB ainsi que chez des patients présentant une association NB/maladie de Hirschsprung. Récemment, notre groupe et d’autres équipes ont identifié le gène ALK, (Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase), comme gène de prédisposition au NB. Ce gène code pour un récepteur transmembranaire à activité tyrosine kinase. Des mutations somatiques du gène ALK ont par ailleurs été caractérisées dans des tumeurs sporadiques. L’identification de mutations constitutionnelles des gènes PHOX2B et ALK va permettre d’améliorer la prise en charge des familles à risque en proposant une surveillance adaptée aux enfants porteurs d’une mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: la protonthérapie (PT) apporte un bénéfice par l’épargne qu’elle permet des tissus sains. Elle offre aussi la possibilité d’escalader la dose pour des tumeurs agressives. Sujets, Matériel et Méthode: 108 enfants ont été pris en charge entre 1994 et 2007 à Orsay par PT, pour tout (44) ou partie (64) de leur RT. Étaient sélectionnés : 1]craniopharyngiomes (33) ; 2]gliomes BG (15) ; 3]sarcomes osseux (34) ; 4]sarcomes des tissus mous (11) ; 5]« autres » (15). L’âge médian était de 11 ans et la dose administrée de 50 à 70 Gy Eq Co, en fractionnement classique. La préparation des malades a fait appel à une dosimétrie 3D (TDM/IRM haute définition fusionnées) et la mise en place à un positionnement stéréotaxique par « fiduciaires » implantés. Une AG a été effectuée dans 7 cas. Résultats: avec un suivi moyen de 28 mois, la SG/SSR selon Kaplan/Meier à 5 ans, s’établit pour l’ensemble du groupe, à (%) 88/72. Par sous-groupes, elles s’établissent à 1]100/71, 2]100/52, 3]92/85, 4]63/54, 5]64/55. La tolérance immédiate et à long terme a été jugée excellente. Conclusion: cette expérience clinique encourageante basée sur un équipement ancien sera prochainement complétée par l’utilisation d’un accélérateur compact + source isocentrique aux multiples possibilités nouvelles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectif: Évaluer l’impact du traitement sur la prise de poids, la fonte tumorale et le délai avant irradiation. Méthode: 35 pts (âge médian 10 mois) ont reçu le BBSFOP qui consiste en l’alternance de 6 drogues pendant 16 mois. Résultats: 4 ont une NF1. Le diagnostic histologique est astrocytome pilocytique (19) ou astrocytome de bas grade NOS (4). 9 ont une dissémination leptoméningée. 18 ont reçu la totalité du protocole. La meilleure réponse a été BRP (2), RP (5), RO (5) MS(14) et MP(9). 13 ont pris du poids, sans corrélation avec la réponse. 34 ont ensuite progressé (délai médian: 22,5 mois [2-137]). 17 ont été irradiés (gain de temps médian : 54 mois [21-114]). La survie globale (SG) à 5 ans est de 83% [67-92], la survie sans événements (SSE) 8,6% [3-22] (suivi médian de 89 mois). 11 sont décédés (7 progressions tumorales et 4 toxicités des autres lignes). La SSE est moins bonne que celle des pts avec un GVO sans CD (34%), surtout pour les moins de 6 mois (p = 0,01), mais la SG est comparable. En fin de suivi, 10 sont obèses, 8 ont un déficit en GH et 19 ont des troubles pubertaires. Conclusion: le but de cette stratégie qui était de retarder l’irradiation a été atteint. La chimiothérapie est donc efficace dans le contrôle tumoral mais les résultats à long terme sont décevants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the Innovative Therapies for Children with Cancer (ITCC) consortium is to improve access to novel therapies for children and adolescents with cancer. The evolution of the ITCC clinical trial portfolio since 2003 was reviewed., Methods: All ITCC-labeled phase I/II trials opened between January 1, 2003 and February 3, 2018 were analyzed in two periods (2003-2010 and 2011-2018), and data were extracted from the ITCC database, regulatory agencies' registries, and publications., Results: Sixty-one trials (62% industry-sponsored) enrolled 3,198 patients. The number of trials in the second period increased by almost 300% (16 v 45). All biomarker-driven trials (n = 14) were conducted in the second period. The use of rolling six and model-based designs increased (1 of 9, 11% v 21 of 31, 68%), and that of 3 + 3 designs decreased (5 of 9, 55% v 5 of 31, 16%; P = .014). The proportion of studies evaluating chemotherapeutics only decreased (5 of 16, 31% v 4 of 45, 9%), the proportion of single-agent targeted therapies did not change (9 of 16, 56.2% v 24 of 45, 53.3%), the proportion of combination targeted therapies trials increased (2 of 16, 12%, v 17 of 45, 38%), the proportion of randomized phase II trials increased (1 of 7, 14% v 8 of 14, 57%). More trials were part of a pediatric investigation plan in the second period (4 of 16, 25% v 21 of 45, 46%). The median time for Ethics Committees' approvals was 1.7 times longer for academic compared with industry-sponsored trials., Conclusion: This study reports a shift in the paradigm of early drug development for childhood cancers, with more biologically relevant targets evaluated in biomarker-driven trials or in combination with other therapies and with more model-based or randomized designs and a greater focus on fulfilling regulatory requirements. Improvement of trial setup and recruitment could increase the number of patients benefiting from novel agents.

Background: Children with constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) syndrome have an increased risk of high-grade gliomas (HGG), and brain imaging abnormalities. This study analyzes brain imaging features in CMMRD syndrome children versus those with HGG without CMMRD., Methods: Retrospective comparative analysis of brain imaging in 30 CMMRD children (20 boys, median age eight years, 22 with HGG), seven with Lynch syndrome (7 HGG), 39 with type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF1) (four with HGG) and 50 with HGG without MMR or NF1 pathogenic variant ("no-predisposition" patients)., Results: HGG in CMMRD and Lynch patients were predominantly hemispheric (versus midline) compared to NF1 and no-predisposition patients (91% and 86%, vs 25% and 54%, p = 0.004). CMMRD-associated tumors often had ill-defined boundaries (p = 0.008). All CMMRD patients exhibited at least one developmental venous anomaly (DVA), versus 14%, 10%, and 6% of Lynch, NF1, and no-predisposition patients (p < 0.0001). Multiple DVAs were observed in 83% of CMMRD patients, one NF1 patient (3%), and never in other groups (p < 0.0001). Cavernomas were discovered in 21% of CMMRD patients, never in other groups (p = 0.01). NF1-like focal areas of high T2-FLAIR signal intensity (FASI) were more prevalent in CMMRD patients than in Lynch or no-predisposition patients (50%, vs 20% and 0%, respectively, p < 0.0001). Subcortical and ill-limited FASI, possibly involving the cortex, were specific to CMMRD (p < 0.0001) and did not evolve in 93% of patients (13/14)., Conclusion: Diffuse hemispherically located HGG associated with multiple DVAs, cavernomas, and NF1-like or subcortical FASI strongly suggests CMMRD syndrome compared to children with HGG in other contexts., Clinical Relevance Statement: The radiologic suggestion of CMMRD syndrome when confronted with HGGs in children may prompt genetic testing. This can influence therapeutic plans. Therefore, imaging features could potentially be incorporated into CMMRD testing recommendations., Key Points: Using imaging to detect CMMRD syndrome early may improve patient care. CMMRD features include: hemispheric HGG with multiple developmental venous anomalies and NF1-like or subcortical areas with high T2-FLAIR intensity. We propose novel imaging features to improve the identification of potential CMMRD patients., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to European Society of Radiology.)

Background: ELP1 pathogenic variants (PV) have been recently identified as the most frequent variants predisposing to Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) medulloblastomas (MB); however, guidelines are still lacking for genetic counseling in this new syndrome., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical and genetic data of a French series of 29 ELP1 -mutated MB., Results: All patients developed SHH-MB, with a biallelic inactivation of PTCH1 found in 24 tumors. Other recurrent alterations encompassed the TP53 pathway and activation of MYCN/MYCL signaling. The median age at diagnosis was 7.3 years (range: 3-14). ELP1 -mutated MB behave as sporadic cases, with similar distribution within clinical and molecular risk groups and similar outcomes (5 y - OS = 86%); no unusual side effect of treatments was noticed. Remarkably, a germline ELP1 PV was identified in all patients with available constitutional DNA ( n  = 26); moreover, all tested familial trio ( n  = 11) revealed that the PVs were inherited. Two of the 26 index cases from the French series had a family history of MB; pedigrees from these patients and from 1 additional Dutch family suggested a weak penetrance. Apart from MB, no cancer was associated with ELP1 PVs; second tumors reported in 4 patients occurred within the irradiation fields, in the usual time-lapse for expected radiotherapy-induced neoplasms., Conclusions: The low penetrance, the "at risk' age window limited to childhood and the narrow tumor spectrum, question the actual benefit of genetic screening in these patients and their family. Our results suggest restricting ELP1 germline sequencing to patients with SHH-MB, depending on the parents" request., Competing Interests: None declared., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press, the Society for Neuro-Oncology and the European Association of Neuro-Oncology.)

Objective: Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma mainly affects children. Excessive weight gain is a major long-term complication. The primary objective of this study was to assess long-term weight changes in children treated for craniopharyngioma. The secondary objectives were to identify risk factors for excessive weight gain and to look for associations with hypothalamic damage by the tumour or treatment., Design: Single-centre retrospective cohort study., Method: Children managed for craniopharyngioma at our centre between 1990 and 2019 were included. The body mass index (BMI) standard deviation scores (SDS) at baseline and at last follow-up were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed in order to identify variables associated with the long-term BMI-SDS variation., Results: The 108 patients had a mean follow-up of 10.4 years. The mean BMI-SDS increase over time was 2.11 (P < .001) overall, 1.21 (P < .001) in the group without hypothalamic involvement by the tumour, and 1.95 (P < .001) in the group managed using intended hypothalamus-sparing surgery. The absence of hypothalamic involvement by the tumour or treatment was significantly associated with less weight gain (P = .046 and P < .01, respectively). After adjustment, factors associated with a BMI-SDS change greater than 2 were female sex (P = .023), tumour involving the hypothalamus (P = .04), and higher baseline BMI (P < .001)., Conclusion: Clinically significant weight gain occurred in nearly all children treated for craniopharyngioma, including those whose hypothalamus was spared by the tumour and intentionally by treatment. However, hypothalamus integrity was associated with less weight gain. Despite hypothalamus-sparing strategies, hypothalamic obesity remains a major concern, indicating a need for novel treatment approaches., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of European Society of Endocrinology.)

Background: Due to late effects, childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are more likely to have multiple chronic conditions than the general population. However, little is known about the economic burden of care of CCS in the long term., Objectives: To estimate excess healthcare expenditure for long-term CCS in France compared to the general population and to investigate the associated factors., Methods: We included 5353 5-year solid CCS diagnosed before the age of 21 years before 2000 from the French CCS cohort and obtained a random reference sample from the general population for each CCS, matched on age, gender and region of residence. We used the French national health data system to estimate annual healthcare expenditure between 2011 and 2018 for CCS and the reference sample, and computed the excess as the net difference between CCS expenditure and the median expenditure of the reference sample. We used repeated-measures linear models to estimate associations between excess healthcare expenditure and CCS characteristics., Results: Annual mean (95% CI) excess healthcare expenditure was €3920 (3539; 4301), mainly for hospitalization (39.6%) and pharmacy expenses (17%). Higher excess was significantly associated with having been treated before the 1990s and having survived a central nervous system tumor, whereas lower excess was associated with CCS who had not received treatment with radiotherapy., Conclusions: Of the variables that influence excess healthcare expenditure, a lever for action is the type of treatment administered. Future research should focus on addressing the long-term cost-effectiveness of new approaches, especially those related to radiotherapy., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: A growing number of centers worldwide are preserving testicular tissue (TT) of young boys at risk of fertility loss to preserve their fertility. Data in this regard are scarce and experience sharing is essential to the optimization of the process., Objectives: This report of our 10-year activity of pediatric fertility preservation (FP) has the objective to (1) improve knowledge regarding the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and potential usefulness of the procedure; (2) analyze the impact of chemotherapy on spermatogonia in the cryopreserved TT., Materials and Methods: For this retrospective study of data prospectively recorded, we included all boys under 18 years of age referred to the FP consultation of our academic network between October 2009 and December 2019. Characteristics of patients and cryopreservation of testicular tissue (CTT) were extracted from the clinical database. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess factors associated with the risk of absence of spermatogonia in the TT., Results: Three hundred and sixty-nine patients (7.2 years; 0.5-17.0) were referred to the FP consultation for malignant (70%) or non-malignant (30%) disease, of whom 88% were candidates for CTT, after a previous chemotherapy exposure (78%). The rate of recorded immediate adverse events was 3.5%, with painful episodes dominating. Spermatogonia were detected in the majority of TTs: 91.1% of those exposed to chemotherapy and 92.3% of those not exposed (p = 0.962). In multivariate analysis, the risk of absence of spermatogonia was almost three-fold higher in boys > 10 years of age ([OR] 2.74, 95% CI 1.09-7.26, p = 0.035) and four-fold higher in boys exposed to alkylating agents prior to CTT ([OR] 4.09, 95% CI 1.32-17.94, p = 0.028)., Discussion/conclusion: This large series of pediatric FP shows that this procedure is well accepted, feasible, and safe in the short term, strengthening its place in the clinical care pathway of young patients requiring a highly gonadotoxic treatment. Our results demonstrate that CTT post-chemotherapy does not impair the chance to preserve spermatogonia in the TT except when the treatment includes alkylating agents. More data on post-CTT follow-up are still required to ensure the long-term safety and usefulness of the procedure., (© 2023 The Authors. Andrology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society of Andrology and European Academy of Andrology.)

Introduction: The risk of relapse in retinoblastoma is currently determined by the presence of high-risk histopathologic factors in the enucleated eye. However, the probability of developing metastatic disease is heterogeneous among these patients. Evaluating a biological marker to identify high-risk patients could be useful in clinical setting. This study aims to evaluate whether the expression of TFF1, a surrogate for subtype 2 retinoblastoma, is a prognostic marker for relapse and death., Methods: This multicenter cohort study included 273 patients, 48 of whom had extraocular disease. Immunohistochemical staining were performed for CRX, ARR3, TFF1, and Ki67. Tumors were classified as histological subtype 1 (HS1) if they had low or no expression of TFF1 (quick score (QS) ≤ 50) and as histological subtype 2 (HS2) if they expressed TFF1 diffusely (QS > 50). We studied the association between HS classification and outcome., Results: Of 273 patients, 35.9% were classified as HS1, 59.3% as HS2 and 4.8% were not evaluable. In multivariate analysis, patients with HS2 tumors had a higher probability of relapse and death than those with HS1 (p < .0001 and p = .00020, respectively). We identified a higher-risk subgroup among HS2 tumors, presenting non-mutually exclusive expression of ARR3 and TFF1 and had an increased risk of relapse and death compared with tumors that displayed mutually exclusive expression (p = .012 and p = .027, respectively)., Conclusions: Expression of TFF1, especially when it is not-mutually exclusive with ARR3, is an independent significant marker of poor outcome in retinoblastoma., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)