Search

Based on a murine model, we conducted a series of trials of m-myeloablative human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-matched or mismatched related donor stem cell transplantation (SCT) with the intention of inducing mixed chimaerism (MC), then administering prophylactic donor lymphocyte infusions (DLIs), for the treatment of advanced haematologic malignancies. Preparative therapy consisted of cyclophosphamide, equine anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) or MEDI-507 (an anti-CD2 monoclonal antibody) forin-vivoT-cell depletion, thymic irradiation on day−1 and cyclosporine alone for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. DLIs were given as early as 5 weeks post-SCT in patients with MC without evidence of GVHD. Twenty-two patients ultimately lost their graft (<1% donor cells) that could no be rescued by DLIs. Nine of 22 (41%) patients who lost donor chimaerism achieved an objective response, including three patients who showed evidence of disease regression following DLI, despite continued absence of macrochimaerism. Six patients were alive at 2·5–5·5 years following SCT, including four in continuous complete remission. In summary, it is possible to achieve sustained remission in patients with chemorefractory malignancies following non-myeloablative allogeneic SCT, even in the absence of sustained donor macrochimaerism; DLI may contribute to an ongoing anti-tumour effect in these patients. Immunological mechanisms that correlated with rejection of the graft may have a role in anti-tumour responses via a cell or cytokine-mediated pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a junior faculty mentoring program is beneficial to participants and to identify particular positive and negative aspects of such a program to enable others to institute similar programs. Study design: In 2001 a pilot program was instituted in our obstetrics and gynecology department for interested faculty members. There were 3 focus groups and a written survey that assessed the project. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods were used for data analysis; Fisher's exact test was used. Results: Two recurring themes emerged from the focus group sessions: participants felt better supported by the department and appreciated a greater sense of camaraderie. Most mentees noted the program's success in the following areas of having a role model (83.3%), having increased visibility (82.3%), and having to whom someone to turn (93.8%). Conclusion: The faculty mentoring program had significant benefits for everyone who participated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation-induced secondary malignancies are a significant, yet uncommon cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors. Secondary malignancy risk is dependent upon multiple factors including patient age, the biological and genetic predisposition of the individual, the volume and location of tissue irradiated, and the dose of radiation received. Proton therapy (PRT) is an advanced particle therapy with unique dosimetric properties resulting in reduced entrance dose and minimal to no exit dose when compared with standard photon radiation therapy. Multiple dosimetric studies in varying cancer subtypes have demonstrated that PRT enables the delivery of adequate target volume coverage with reduced integral dose delivered to surrounding tissues, and modeling studies taking into account dosimetry and radiation cell biology have estimated a significantly reduced risk of radiation-induced secondary malignancy with PRT. Clinical data are emerging supporting the lower incidence of secondary malignancies after PRT compared with historical photon data, though longer follow-up in proton treated cohorts is awaited. This article reviews the current dosimetric and clinical literature evaluating the incidence of and risk factors associated with radiation-induced secondary malignancy following PRT.

Background. Cervicomedullary astrocytomas are a unique subset of brainstem tumors in children because they have a good prognosis when compared to the pontine subset of brainstem gliomas. Objective. To review the clinical and imaging findings in a series of children with cervicomedullary astrocytomas as to diagnosis and management. Materials and methods. A retrospective review of eleven children (six females, five males, age range: 10 days-18 years; mean = 7 years) with cervicomedullary tumors was done including the clinical presentation, imaging studies (MR: eleven, CT and MR: four), surgical findings, pathological results, and follow-up clinical and imaging findings (range: 0.2–11 years; mean = 5.2 years). Results. Symptoms and signs were delayed and protracted, often occurring over months to years (mean = 2.3 years, range 0.5–7 years). The tumors expanded the dorsal medulla and involved the upper cervical spinal cord (mean maximum tumor diameter = 4.4 cm). Only three patients had hydrocephalus. In three of four cases the tumor was not seen on CT. On MR, the majority of the tumors were T1 hypointense and T2 hyperintense. Treatment consisted of surgery only in six patients, surgery and radiation therapy in four, and surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation in one. There was recurrent local disease in four patients and on follow-up metastatic disease in the brain in one. On follow-up the majority of the patients are alive and stable (mean = 5.2 years, range 0.2–11 years). There has been one death. The majority of tumors were pilocytic astrocytomas. Conclusion. Cervicomedullary tumors are a unique subset of brainstem gliomas in childhood that present with a long duration of symptoms and a greater long-term survival than pontine gliomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Looks into the incidence of second malignant disorders in survivors of Hodgkin's disease, especially in children of 16 years or younger. Treatment with wide-field irradiation, combination chemotherapy or both; Percentage of actuarial survival; Relative risk of second tumor for male compared to females; Increase in cancer risk; Results of research.

Stereotactic techniques available for managing pediatric brain tumors include not only stereotactic biopsy but also stereotactic craniotomy, brachytherapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery. This paper illustrates the use of these techniques in brain tumors in children over a 2-year period at Children's Hospital, Boston. Stereotactic biopsy was used in six cases of deep-seated tumor, with successful tissue diagnosis in all six. Stereotactic craniotomy, in which excision of a mass was done in the stereotactic frame with computed tomography-guided localization and control, was employed in three children. Interstitial radiation using implanted I seeds was carried out in two children with malignant astrocytomas: in both it provided good local control but there was later distant recurrence. Stereotactic radiosurgery with a modified linear accelerator was used in eight children as adjunctive therapy for local control. These cases illustrate the versatility of stereotactic techniques involved in a comprehensive approach to pediatric brain tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]