Search

Background Yolk sac tumor (YST) is a malignant entity that often occurs in girls less than 3 years of age and is the most frequent type of primary extragonadal germ cell tumor. Case We describe the case of an 11-month-old girl who was referred to our center for vaginal bleeding with evidence of a uterine mass on ultrasonography. Preoperative investigations confirmed YST of the uterine cervix without metastasis. After 4 cycles of systemic chemotherapy, the patient was treated with laparoscopic trachelectomy (fertility-sparing surgery) without perioperative complications. Summary and Conclusion After 12 months of follow-up, no residual mass was seen. The laparoscopic technique for trachelectomy for uterine cervix YST seems to be feasible and safe in children under 1 year of age.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a malignant tumor frequent in children. The frequency and characteristics of cranial nerve involvement in pediatric head and neck (H&N) RMS have been scarcely reported. The aim of this study is to review a large cohort of pediatric head and neck RMS with an emphasis on cranial nerve involvement. We retrospectively reviewed H&N RMS cases from 3 tertiary hospitals over a 10-year period. Cranial nerve involvement was defined as radiologically apparent tumor extension along a nerve and/or the presence of secondary signs. Scans were reviewed by two pediatric neuroradiologists, blinded to clinical data. A total of 52 patients met the inclusion criteria. Histologically, 39/52 were embryonal RMS, while 13/52 were alveolar RMS. Regional lymph nodes metastases were present in 19.2%. Cranial nerve involvement was present in 36.5%. Nerves were mainly involved as a direct extension of the mass through skull base foramina or after invasion of cavernous sinus, Meckel’s cave, orbital apex, or stylomastoid foramen. Cranial nerve involvement is frequent in pediatric head and neck RMS and occurs secondary to “geographic” invasion due to direct extension through skull base foramina or cavernous sinus. These tumors never showed distant perineural metastatic disease as is seen in cases of adult head and neck carcinomas. This implies a different biological interaction between the nerves and these tumors in comparison to adult H&N tumors.

Paediatric diffuse high-grade gliomas (PDHGG) are rare central nervous system neoplasms lacking effective therapeutic options. Molecular imaging of tumour metabolism might identify novel diagnostic/therapeutic targets. In this study, we evaluated the distribution and the dosimetry aspects of [Paediatric patients with PDHGG were prospectively recruited. [Ten patients were enrolled (median age 9, range 6-16 years, 6 females). Diagnoses were diffuse midline gliomas (n = 8, 5 of which with H3K27 alterations) and diffuse hemispheric gliomas (n = 2). Six patients had visible tracer uptake (SUV: 1.0 ± 0.6 TBR: 5 ± 3.1). [[

Purpose: To analyze toxicity and outcome predictors in Ewing sarcoma patients with lung metastases treated with busulfan and melphalan (BU-MEL) followed by whole-lung irradiation (WLI). Methods: This retrospective study included 68 lung metastatic Ewing Sarcoma patients who underwent WLI after BU-MEL with autologous stem cell transplantation, as part of two prospective and consecutive treatment protocols. WLI 12 Gy for &lt, 14 years old and 15 Gy for ≥14 years old patients were applied at least eight weeks after BU-MEL. Toxicity, overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS) and pulmonary relapse-free survival (PRFS) were estimated and analyzed. Results: After WLI, grade 1–2 and grade 3 clinical toxicity was reported in 16.2% and 5.9% patients, respectively. The five-year OS, EFS and PRFS with 95% confidence interval (CI) were 69.8% (57.1–79.3), 61.2% (48.4–71.7) and 70.5% (56.3–80.8), respectively. Patients with good histological necrosis of the primary tumor after neoadjuvant chemotherapy showed a significant decreased risk of pulmonary relapse or death compared to patients with poor histological necrosis. Conclusions: WLI at recommended doses and time interval after BU-MEL is feasible and might contribute to the disease control in Ewing sarcoma with lung metastases and responsive disease. Further studies are needed to explore the treatment stratification based on the histological response of the primary tumor.

Background Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a progressive osteolytic tumor with proven response to denosumab when unresectable or at high surgical risk. We report on incidence of suspected (sONJ) and adjucated (aONJ) osteonecrosis of the jaw cases, from a single institution series of patients treated with denosumab within a phase 2 study Methods Patients were enrolled with unresectable GCTB (Cohort 1), resectable GCTB with planned high morbidity surgery (Cohort 2). Denosumab was given 120 mg SC every 4 weeks with loading doses on days 8 and 15. The primary endpoint was safety: aONJ and s ONJ rate; efficacy endpoints included proportion of Cohort 2 patients without surgery, and progression-free survival for all patients Results Baseline characteristics and ONJ results for 52 patients are shown in the Table 1. Median follow-up was 103 months (95%CI 55-126) in Cohort 1 and 105 months (95%CI 94-116) in Cohort 2. Overall response rate was 20% in all sample. Of 9 Cohort 1 patients, 1 ended denosumab for GCTB progression after 70 months of follow-up. Overall Kaplan Meier (KM) estimates (95% CI) for GCTB progression-free in these patients were 88% (39-98%). 23 Cohort 2 pts (53%) ended denosumab without GCTB progression, and 20 (47%) recurred with a KM estimate of 67% (51-79) at 24 months, and 52% (36-66%) at 60 months. Median time of denosumab therapy was 80 months in Cohort 1 and 14 months in Cohort 2. Within Cohort 2 patients with planned surgery, 88% underwent surgery and 12% continued with denosumab only. Following surgery, recurrence occurs higher after curettage than resection (47% vs 5%). ONJ rate is reported in Table 1. Conclusions Denosumab was generally well tolerated with excellent long-term disease control in unresectable patients. A 47% recurrence rate following surgery was seen in this high-risk, selected, resectable population. Denosumab has major, long-lasting antitumor activity in unresectable or metastatic GCTB, with an aONJ and sONJ rate of 4% and 8%, respectively, in this series.

Summary Background Presenting symptoms of childhood cancers might mimic those of rheumatic diseases. However, the evidence available to guide differential diagnosis remains scarce. Preventing wrong or delayed diagnosis is therefore important to avoid incorrect administration of glucocorticoid or immunosuppressive therapy and worsening of prognosis. As such, we aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of presenting musculoskeletal manifestations in patients at cancer onset and to identify the factors that differentiate childhood malignancies with arthropathy from juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Methods We did a multicentre, cross-sectional study at 25 paediatric haemato-oncology centres and 22 paediatric rheumatology centres in Italy. We prospectively recruited patients who were younger than 16 years that were newly diagnosed with cancer or juvenile idiopathic arthritis. We excluded patients with glucocorticoid pre-treatment (>1 mg/kg per day of oral prednisone or equivalent for ≥2 consecutive weeks). We collected data for patients with a new diagnosis of cancer or juvenile idiopathic arthritis using an electronic case report form on a web-based platform powered by the Cineca Interuniversity Consortium. The primary outcome was to describe the frequency and characteristics of musculoskeletal manifestations at cancer onset; and the secondary outcome was to identify factors that could discriminate malignancies presenting with arthropathy, with or without other musculoskeletal symptoms, from juvenile idiopathic arthritis using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Findings Between May 1, 2015, and May 31, 2018, 1957 patients were eligible, of which 1277 (65%) had cancer and 680 (35%) had juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Musculoskeletal symptoms occurred in 324 (25% [95% CI 23·0–27·8]) of 1277 patients with cancer, of whom 207 had arthropathy. Patients with malignant bone tumours had the highest frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms (53 [80%] of 66), followed by patients with Langerhans histiocytosis (16 [47%] of 34), leukaemia (189 [32%] of 582), soft-tissue sarcomas (16 [24%] of 68), and neuroblastoma (21 [19%] of 109). In the 324 patients with cancer and musculoskeletal symptoms, the most common complaints were joint pain (199 [61%]), followed by limb bone pain (112 [35%]). Joint involvement had a prevalent monoarticular pattern (100 [48%] of 207) and oligoarticular pattern (86 [42%] had 2–4 joints involved and 20 [10%] had >4 joints involved), with the most frequently involved joints being the hip (88 [43%] of 207) and knee (81 [39%]). On multivariable analysis, limb bone pain was the independent variable most strongly associated with cancer (odds ratio [OR] 87·80 [95% CI 18·89–408·12]), followed by weight loss (59·88 [6·34–565·53]), thrombocytopenia (12·67 [2·40–66·92]), monoarticular involvement (11·30 [4·09–31·19]), hip involvement (3·30 [1·13–9·61]), and male sex (2·40 [1·03–5·58]). Factors independently associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis were morning stiffness (OR 0·04 [95% CI 0·01–0·20]), joint swelling (0·03 [0·01–0·09]), and involvement of the small hand joints (0·02 [0–1·05]). Interpretation Our study provides detailed information about presenting musculoskeletal manifestations of childhood cancers and highlights the clinical and laboratory features that are most helpful in the differential diagnosis with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Funding Associazione Lorenzo Risolo.

Osteosarcoma is a rare bone tumor that occurs in young adults with a subsequent peak in the fifth decade. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery cure approximately 60% of patients with l...

This mono-institutional observational study was conducted to determine incidence, severity, risk factors, and outcome of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease (SOS/VOD) in high-risk Ewing sarcoma (ES) patients treated with intravenous busulfan and melphalan (BU-MEL) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). During the past 10 years, 75 consecutive ES patients resulted evaluable for the analysis. After diagnosis of SOS/VOD, defibrotide therapy was started as soon as the medication was available. The variables analyzed as potential risk factors were: gender, patient's age at diagnosis, primary tumor site, disease stage, and prior radiation therapy (RT) given, focusing on RT liver exposure. The median age at diagnosis was 18.8 years. Five patients developed moderate to severe SOS/VOD (cumulative incidence, 6.67%). None of 32 pediatric patients (≤17 years) developed SOS/VOD (p = 0.0674). In univariate analysis, prior RT liver exposure resulted statistically significant (p = 0.0496). There was one death due to severe SOS/VOD. This study reports the largest series of high-risk ES patients treated with intravenous BU-MEL before ASCT. The incidence of SOS/VOD was lower when compared with other studies that used oral busulfan. Any prior RT liver exposure should be avoided. Earlier defibrotide treatment confirms to be effective.

Background Malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) is associated withpoor prognosis and may lead to permanent paralysis, sensory loss, and sphincter dysfunction. Very limited data are available on incidence and etiology of MSCC in pediatric population. We aimed to examine etiology, clinical presentation and treatment of pediatric patient with MSCC admitted to the Santobono-Pausilipon Children’s Hospital, Naples, Italy. Methods Forty-four children under 18 yearsadmitedsince 2007 and assessed for MSCC clinical presentations, evaluation, and treatment.were retrospectively collected from our institutional pediatric oncology and neurosurgery database. Results The median age at time of MSCC diagnosis was 52 months, with a peak in young (≤3 years) patients. The leading cause of MSCC was extramedullary tumors (63.6%), in particular neuroblastoma (27.2%) followed by Ewing sarcomas (15.9%). Cord compression was the presenting feature of a new malignancy in 33 (75%) patients, and a consequence of metastatic disease progression or relapse in the remaining 11 (25%) patients. Motor deficit was the initial symptoms of spinal compression in all patients, while pain was present in about 60% of patients, followed by sphincteric deficit (43.2%). The primary tumor site was located in the neck in 3 (6.8%) patients, thorax in 16 (36.4%), cervico-thoracic region in 3 (6.8%), thoraco-lumbar region in 8 (18.2%), abdomen in 5 (11.4%), lumbar-sacral region in 7 (15.9%) and thoracic-lumbar-sacral region in 1 (2.3%). The median length of the interval between symptom onset and tumor diagnosis varied widely from 0 to 360 days in the entire population, however this interval was significantly shorter in patients with known neoplasia in comparisonto patients with new diagnosis (at relapse 7 days [interquartile range 3–10] vs at diagnosis 23 days [7–60]). Pre and post-operative spine magnetic resonance imagingwas performed in all cases, and most(95%) patients underwent neurosurgical treatment as first treatment. Severe motor deficit was associated with younger age and severe motor deficit at diagnosis was associated withworst motor outcomes at discharge from neurosurgery. Patients with progression or relapsed disease showed a worst prognosis, while the majority of patients (70.5%) were alive at 5 years after diagnosis. Conclusions The natural history of MSCC in children is associated to permanent paralysis, sensory loss, and sphincter dysfunction, thus prompt diagnosis and correct management are needed to minimize morbidity. Treatment strategies differed widely among cancer types and study groups in the absence of optimal evidence-based treatment guidelines. When the diagnosis is uncertain, surgery provides an opportunity to biopsy the lesion in addition to treating the mass.

e22507 Background: We compared toxicity and outcomes of BuMel and TreoMel HDCT consolidation with stem cell rescue in high-risk ES pts prospectively treated in 5 consecutive trials at the Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy. Methods: Eligible pts had histologically proven diagnosis of ES, high-risk disease defined as localized disease with poor histological/radiological response to standard chemotherapy or lung/pleural metastases or extra-pulmonary metastases or relapsed disease, were aged < 40. All pts received previous standard chemotherapy (vincristine, ifosfamide, doxorubicin, etoposide, cyclophosphamide actinomycin-D) and surgery and/or radiation therapy (RT) as local treatment. From June 1, 2011, TreoMel was used instead of BuMel to avoid potential severe complications related to busulfan, as in case of previous RT on axial skeleton/pelvis. Pts with lung metastases received lung irradiation 12-15 Gy at least 2 months after HDCT. Results: Between January 1, 2007, and September 30, 2018, 98 pts received BuMel or TreoMel: 52 pts with localized disease (7 TreoMel), 26 pts with lung/pleural metastases (5 TreoMel), 10 pts with extra-pulmonary metastases (4 TreoMel) and 10 pts with relapsed disease (1 TreoMel). Median age was 18 yrs (range 3-39 yrs). 14 out of 17 TreoMel pts received previous RT on axial skeleton/pelvis. Median follow up is 4.2 yrs (range 10 mo. - 12 yrs). Pts treated with TreoMel showed a significant lower incidence of grade 3-4 stomatitis (p = < 0.001) and of all grade ≥ 3 non-hematological toxicities (p = < 0.001). One pt died of BuMel-related toxicity (sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease) and none after TreoMel. For localized ES, the 5yr-EFS was 66.7% (95%CI, 47.9-78) for BuMel pts and 66.7% (95CI%, 19.5-90.4) for TreoMel pts. Conclusions: In high-risk ES, TreoMel is significantly less toxic then BuMel. Combining RT on central/axial sites and TreoMel is feasible. In localized ES, results show similar 5yr-EFS between BuMel and TreoMel. TreoMel could be used instead of BuMel when busulfan is contraindicated.

Background: High-grade bone osteosarcoma has a high relapse rate. The best treatment of local recurrence (LR) is under discussion. The aim of this study is to analyze LR patterns and factors prognostic for survival. Methods: LR diagnostic modality (clinical or imaging), pattern of recurrence, and post-LR survival (PLRS) were assessed. Results: Sixty-two patients were identified, with median age 21 years (range, 9–75 years), including 11 (18%) ≤15 years, 30 (48%) from 16 to 29 years; 21 (34%) were older. Patterns of relapse were LR only 58%, LR + distant metastases (DM) 42%. Seventy-nine percent of patients relapsed within 24 months, and diagnosis was clinical in 88%. LR treatment was surgery 85%, chemotherapy 55%, chemotherapy + surgery 45%. Surgical complete remission after LR (CR2) was achieved in 60% (LR 86%; LR + DM 23%). With a median follow-up of 43 months (range, 5–235 months), the five-year PLRS was 37%, significantly better for patients with longer LR-free interval (LRFI; ≤24 months 31% vs>24 months 61.5%, P=0.03), absence of DM (no DM 56%vs DM 11.5%, P=0.0001), and achievement of CR2 (no CR2 0%vs CR2 58.5%, P=0.0001). No difference was found according to age and chemotherapy (LR only: five-year PLRS: 53% without chemotherapy vs 58% with chemotherapy, P=0.9; LR + DM: five-year PLRS: 25% without chemotherapy vs 9% with chemotherapy, P=0.7). Conclusions: Early relapse is detected by symptoms in 90% of cases and associated with worse outcome. The achievement of CR2, not age, is crucial for survival. For patients with LR only, better survival was demonstrated, as compared with DM, and no improvement with chemotherapy after surgery was found.

Background Ewing sarcoma (ES) is the second most common bone tumor in adolescents and children. Staging workup for ES includes imaging and bone marrow biopsy (BMB). The effective role of BMB is now under discussion. Procedure A monoinstitutional retrospective analysis reviewed clinical charts, imaging, and histology of patients with diagnosis of ES treated at the Rizzoli Institute between 1998 and 2017. Results The cohort included 504 cases of ES of bone; 137 (27%) had metastases at diagnosis, while the remaining 367 had localized disease. Twelve patients had a positive BMB (2.4%). Eleven had distant metastases detected at initial workup staging with imaging assessment: six patients presented with bone metastases, five with both bone and lung metastases. Only one patient with ES of the foot (second metatarsus) was found to have bone marrow involvement with negative imaging evaluation (0.3%). Conclusions On the basis of our data, we suggest reconsidering the effective role of BMB in initial staging workup for patients with ES with no signs of metastases by modern imaging techniques. In metastatic disease, the assessment of the bone marrow status may remain useful to identify a group of patients at very high risk who could benefit from different treatment strategies.

e23564 Background: Activity of temozolomide (TEM) and irinotecan (IRI) in recurrent Ewing sarcoma (EWS) was demonstrated. Few data are available on TEMIRI use upfront. Biological predictive factors are lacking. Methods: This multi-institutional retrospective study (NCT03542097) included 59 patients with EWS. 8 patients with very high risk (HR) EWS (multivisceral ± bone marrow) received TEMIRI (TEM 100 mg/m2/day oral, and IRI 40 mg/m2/day intravenous, days 1-5, every 21 days) upfront, 51 patients after relapse (28% in 1st line, 72% ≥ 2nd line). Overall response rate (ORR: CR+PR), SD, and PD, progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. The relationship between pre-treatment expression of MGMT and ABCG2 (when FFPE tissue available) with ORR, PFS and OS was evaluated. Results: Median age was 27 years (range 4-62 years): 47 patients (80%) were adults (≥18 years), 35 (61%) had ECOG 0 and 42 (71%) presented with multivisceral disease (+ bone marrow in 5). MGMT was positive in 16/30 (53%), ABCG2 in 4/33 (12%). ORR for upfront TEMIRI (n = 8) was 50% (CR + PR = 1 + 3), with SD 50%, while in recurrent EWS (n = 49, 2 patients no measurable by RECIST) ORR was 31% (CR + PR = 4 + 11), SD 38%, and PD 31%. A better ORR was observed in adult (p = 0.008) & ECOG 0 (p = 0.001) patients; MGMT & ABCG2 expression did not influence ORR. 6-mos PFS was 87% after TEMIRI upfront, 43% at recurrence (p = 0.06), and 65% vs 28% (p = 0.02) for ECOG 0 vs ECOG 1-2, respectively. 6-mos PFS was 62% in MGMT+ vs 33% in MGMT- (p = 0.4) and 75% in ABCG2+ vs 50% in ABCG2- (p = 0.7). Median time to progression (TTP) with upfront TEMIRI was 9 months (range 5-28 months), with 1 patient with ongoing CR at 56 months; median TTP at relapse was 3 months (1-29 months). MGMT and ABCG2 expression did not influence 1-yr OS, whereas ECOG (0 vs 1-2) did (88% vs 31% p < 0.001). Grade 3-4 diarrhea, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia incidence was < 5%, 1 patient with recurrent kidney EWS died of acute liver failure. Conclusions: TEMIRI showed promising activity in a very unfavorable cohort of EWS patients, with manageable toxicity. Performance status correlated with 6-month PFS & OS whereas MGMT & ABCG2 did not. Clinical trial information: NCT03542097 .

BACKGROUND/AIM Whole lung irradiation (WLI) represents standard therapy for patients with pulmonary metastases from Ewing sarcoma although the impact on clinical outcomes and toxicity is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate toxicity after WLI in patients with Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma as well as overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS). MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review of studies on bilateral pulmonary irradiation treatments for prophylactic or curative therapy was performed based on PRISMA methodology. Data base searches on PubMed and Cochrane Library from the earliest time possible through 31st March 2018 were carried out. Combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgery were allowed. Only articles published in English were considered. RESULTS Toxicity was evaluated in 13 of the 14 analyzed studies (640 patients). Reported lung acute toxicity grade ≥3 ranged between 0.0 and 12.2%. Three studies reported 12 cases (1.8%) of severe pneumonitis. Grade ≥2 late toxicity was mainly recorded in patients who received boost irradiation, previous thoracic surgery, chemotherapy or who were smokers. Lack of a significant impact of WLI on OS was reported in comparative studies although patients treated with WLI showed higher survival in most individual studies. CONCLUSION Although the rate of severe toxicity was very low, the real impact of WLI on patients' outcomes remains unproven, probably due to the narrow dose limits that can be delivered to the whole lung parenchyma. New strategies to prevent or treat lung metastases in these patients should be tested. Ultra-fractionated radiotherapy concurrent with modern chemotherapy protocols could be tested in this setting due to the chemo-sensitizing effect and negligible radio-induced toxicity of fraction doses

Purpose: Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a rare skeletal tumor usually treated with surgery/embolization. We hypothesized that owing to similarities with giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB), denosumab was active also in ABC. Methods: In this observational study, a retrospective analysis of ABC patients treated with denosumab was performed. Patients underwent radiologic disease assessment every 3 months. Symptoms and adverse events were noted. Results: Nine patients were identified (6 male, 3 female), with a median age of 17 years (range 14–42 years). Primary sites were 6 spine–pelvis, 1 ulna, 1 tibia, and 1 humerus. Patients were followed for a median time of 23 months (range 3–55 months). Patients received a median of 8 denosumab administrations (range 3–61). All symptomatic patients had pain relief and 1 had paresthesia improvement. Signs of denosumab activity were observed after 3 to 6 months of administration: bone formation by computed tomography scan was demonstrated in all patients and magnetic resonance imaging gadolinium contrast media decrease was observed in 7/9 patients. Adverse events were negligible. At last follow-up, all patients were progression-free: 5 still on denosumab treatment, 2 off denosumab were disease-free 11 and 17 months after surgery, and the last 2 patients reported no progression 12 and 24 months after denosumab interruption and no surgery. Conclusions: Denosumab has substantial activity in ABCs, with favorable toxicity profile. We strongly support the use of surgery and/or embolization for the treatment of ABC, but denosumab could have a role as a therapeutic option in patients with uncontrollable, locally destructive, or recurrent disease.

Background: Data on temozolomide (TEM) and irinotecan (IRI) activity in recurrent Ewing sarcoma (EWS), especially in adult patients, are limited. Methods: Patients receiving TEM 100 mg/m2/day oral, and IRI 40 mg/m2/day intravenous, days 1–5, every 21 days, were included in this multi-institutional retrospective study. Disease control rate (DCR) [overall response rate (ORR) [complete response (CR) + partial response (PR)] + stable disease (SD)], 6-months progression-free survival (6-mos PFS) and 1-year overall survival (OS) were assessed. Results: The median age of the 51 patients was 21 years (range 3–65 years): 34 patients (66%) were adults (≥18 years of age), 24 (48%) had ECOG 1 and 35 (69%) were presented with multiple site recurrence. TEMIRI was used at first relapse/progression in 13 (25%) patients, while the remainder received TEMIRI for second or greater relapse/progression. Fourteen (27%) patients had received prior myeloablative therapy with busulfan and melphalan. We observed five (10%) CR, 12 (24%) PR and 19 (37%) SD, with a DCR of 71%. 6-mos PFS was 49% (95% CI 35–63) and it was significantly influenced by ECOG (6-mos PFS 64% [95% CI 45–83] for ECOG 0, 34% [95% CI 14–54] for ECOG ≥1; p =.006) and LDH (6-mos PFS 62% [95% CI 44–79] for normal LDH, 22% [95% CI 3–42] for high LDH; p =.02), with no difference according to line of treatment, age and metastatic pattern. One-year OS was 55% (95% CI 39–70), with RECIST response (p =.001) and ECOG (p =.0002) independently associated with outcome. Grade 3 and 4 toxicity included neutropenia in 12% of patients, thrombocytopenia in 4%, diarrhea in 4%. Conclusions: This series confirms the activity of TEMIRI in both adults and pediatric patients. This schedule offers a 71% DCR, independently of the line of chemotherapy. Predictive factors of response are ECOG and LDH.

BackgroundPost-relapse survival (PRS) was evaluated in patients with Ewing sarcoma (EWS) enrolled in chemotherapy protocols based on the use of high-dose chemotherapy with busulfan and melfalan (HDT) as a first-line consolidation treatment in high-risk patients. ProcedureEWS patients enrolled in ISG/SSG III and IV trials who relapsed after complete remission were included in the analysis. At recurrence, chemotherapy based on high-dose ifosfamide was foreseen, and patients who responded but had not received HDT underwent consolidation therapy with HDT. ResultsData from 107 EWS patients were included in the analysis. Median time to recurrence (RFI) was 18 months, and 45 (42%) patients had multiple sites of recurrence. Patients who had previously been treated with HDT had a significantly (P=0.02) shorter RFI and were less likely to achieve a second complete remission (CR2). CR2 status was achieved by 42 (39%) patients. Fifty patients received high-dose IFO (20 went to consolidation HDT). The 5-year PRS was 19% (95% CI 11 to 27%). With CR2, the 5-year PRS was 48% (95% CI 31 to 64%). Without CR2, median time to death was six months (range 1-45 months). According to the multivariate analysis, patients younger than 15 years, recurrence to the lung only, and RFI longer than 24 months significantly influenced the probability of PRS. ConclusionsAge, pattern of recurrence, RFI, and response to second-line chemotherapy influence post-relapse survival in patients with recurrent Ewing sarcoma. No survival advantage was observed from chemotherapy consolidation with HDT. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:994-999. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Less)

In patients with relapsed osteosarcoma, the surgical excision of all metastases, defined as second complete remission (CR-2), is the factor that mainly influences post-relapse survival (PRS). Currently a validated follow-up policy for osteosarcoma is not available, both chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) are suggested for lung surveillance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the type of imaging technique used for chest surveillance, chest X-ray or CT, influenced the rate of CR-2 and prognosis in patients with recurrent osteosarcoma.Patients up to 40 years with extremity osteosarcoma enrolled in consecutive clinical trials and treated at the Rizzoli Institute from 1986 to 2009 were identified. Only patients who had lung metastases alone as first pattern of recurrence were considered for the analysis. The rate of CR-2, overall survival (OS) and PRS were the end-points of the study.The median follow-up was 47 months (1-300), 215 patients were eligible. Lung metastases were detected by chest X-ray in 100 (47%) patients, by CT in 112 (52%) and by symptoms in 3 (1%). CR-2 rate was 60% for patients followed by X-rays and 88% for those followed by CT (p .0001). 5-year PRS was 30% (95% CI 21-39) in the X-ray group and 49% (95% CI 39-59) in the CT group (p = .0004). 5-year OS was 35% (95% CI 26-44) in the X-ray group and 60% (95% CI 51-70) in the CT group (p = .004).A follow-up strategy with chest CT leads to a higher rate of CR-2 and significantly improves PRS and OS in osteosarcoma, compared to chest X-ray.

Background: The Italian Sarcoma Group and the Scandinavian Sarcoma Group designed a joint study to improve the prognosis for patients with Ewing's family tumors and synchronous metastatic disease limited to the lungs, or the pleura, or a single bone. Patients and methods: The study was opened in 1999 and closed to the enrollment in 2008. The program consisted of intensive five-drug combination chemotherapy, surgery and/or radiotherapy as local treatment, and consolidation treatment with high-dose busulfan/melphalan plus autologous stem cell rescue and total-lung irradiation. Results: During the study period, 102 consecutive patients were enrolled. The median follow-up was 62 months (range 24-124). The 5-year event-free survival probability was 0.43 [standard deviation (SD) = 0.05] and the 5-year overall survival probability was 0.52 (SD = 0.052). Unfavorable prognostic factors emerging on multivariate analysis were a poor histological/radiological response at the site of the primary tumor [relative risk (RR) = 3.4], and incomplete radiological remission of lung metastases after primary chemotherapy (RR = 2.6). One toxic death and one secondary leukemia were recorded. Conclusions: This intensive approach is feasible and long-term survival is achievable in ∼50% of patients. New treatment approaches are warranted for patients responding poorly to primary chemotherapy.

Purpose Patients with Ewing sarcoma who are 40 years old or older are usually excluded from clinical trials. For this reason, information on this subset of patients is limited. Methods Clinical characteristics and treatment-related variables of patients aged 40 years or more, with a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma, treated at the authors’ institution had been prospectively collected since 1999. Results Thirty-one patients were identified, with ages ranging from 40 to 70 years (median 45 years). Twenty-six (84%) had localized disease, 4 patients presented with lung metastases, and 1 patient had multiple metastases (bone, lung, abdominal nodes, and bone marrow). The primary tumors were skeletal in 19 (61%) patients, while 12 (39%) had extraskeletal disease. All patients received chemotherapy according to regimens similar to those adopted in younger patients, based on doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, vincristine, dactinomycin, and ifosfamide. All patients experienced grade 4 leukopenia (100%); red blood cells or platelets transfusions were needed in 50% and 16% of patients, respectively. Toxicity-related dose reduction was required in 13 patients (43%). The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 54% for the whole group. In patients with complete remission, 5-year disease-free survival was 57%. Survival was different for patients with skeletal and extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma (5-year OS: 64% vs 40%, p = 0.2). Conclusions In older patients, the incidence of extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma is high. Intensive chemotherapy treatment can be recommended in this group. The high chemotherapy toxicity can be justified by expected results, similar to those of younger patients.

Influence of age and sex on chemotherapy-related toxicity was evaluated in children (3-9 years), adolescents (10-17 years), and adults (up to 40 years) with localized Ewing sarcoma (ES) enrolled in the ISG/SSG III protocol. Treatment was based on vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, dactinomycin, and etoposide. High-dose chemotherapy with busulfan and melphalan was given in poor responder patients. The analysis was based on 2191 courses of standard chemotherapy and 230 patients. A lower risk of G4 leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, hospitalization, febrile neutropenia, and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions was observed in males. Use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was more frequent in adults, while children more often received RBC transfusions. A significant correlation between sex and chemotherapy-related toxicity was observed in the study, whereas no significant differences in terms of bone marrow toxicity can be expected according to patient age. Further studies should analyse the role of pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomics, and clinical characteristics. © 2014 Edizioni Scientifiche per l'Informazione su Farmaci e Terapia.

e23501Background: Osteosarcoma is a rare disease recurring mainly to the lungs. In unoperable cases high dose ifosfamide, gemcitabine/docetaxel, /etoposide are employed. Very few studies are availa...

Aims and backgroundTo investigate a six-drug combination in patients with non-metastatic Ewing sarcoma, focusing on chemotherapy-induced necrosis and chemotherapy toxicity in adult and pediatric patients.Methods and study designAlternating cycles of vincristine (1.5 mg/m2), doxorubicin (80 mg/m2) and cyclophosfamide (1200 mg/m2) (weeks 0, 6, 13, 22a nd 31), ifosfamide (9 g/m2), vincristine (1.5 mg/m2), and actinomycin D (1.5 mg/m2) (weeks 3, 16, 25 and 34), and ifosfamide (9 g/m2) and etoposide (450 mg/m2) (weeks 9, 19, 28 and 37) were administered. Primary chemotherapy-induced necrosis was graded: G3 (complete necrosis), G2 (microfoci of tumor cells) and G1 (macrofoci of tumor cells).ResultsFrom 1996 to 1999, 50 patients with Ewing sarcoma were enrolled. The median age was 23.5 years (range, 4–56). Chemotherapy-induced necrosis (in 28 patients) was G3 in 36%, G2 in 21% and G1 in 43%. At a median follow-up of 110 months (range, 36–129), 5-year overall survival and event-free survival were 72% and 66%, respectively. According to histologic response, 5-year event-free survival was 90% in G3, 83% in G2, and 42% in G1 (P = 0.02). In adult and pediatric (ConclusionsThe six-drug combination can be administered safely in adult and pediatric populations. About 40% of patients have a poor chemotherapy-induced tumor necrosis, leading to poor probability of survival. New strategies are recommended to improve survival of poor responders to the six-drug combination.

Background: Post-relapse survival (PRS) was evaluated in patients with Ewing sarcoma (EWS) enrolled in chemotherapy protocols based on the use of high-dose chemotherapy with busulfan and melfalan (HDT) as a first-line consolidation treatment in high-risk patients. Procedure: EWS patients enrolled in ISG/SSG III and IV trials who relapsed after complete remission were included in the analysis. At recurrence, chemotherapy based on high-dose ifosfamide was foreseen, and patients who responded but had not received HDT underwent consolidation therapy with HDT. Results: Data from 107 EWS patients were included in the analysis. Median time to recurrence (RFI) was 18 months, and 45 (42%) patients had multiple sites of recurrence. Patients who had previously been treated with HDT had a significantly (P=0.02) shorter RFI and were less likely to achieve a second complete remission (CR2). CR2 status was achieved by 42 (39%) patients. Fifty patients received high-dose IFO (20 went to consolidation HDT). The 5-year PRS was 19% (95% CI 11 to 27%). With CR2, the 5-year PRS was 48% (95% CI 31 to 64%). Without CR2, median time to death was six months (range 1-45 months). According to the multivariate analysis, patients younger than 15 years, recurrence to the lung only, and RFI longer than 24 months significantly influenced the probability of PRS. Conclusions: Age, pattern of recurrence, RFI, and response to second-line chemotherapy influence post-relapse survival in patients with recurrent Ewing sarcoma. No survival advantage was observed from chemotherapy consolidation with HDT. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:994-999.

Cardiac metastases from sarcoma are uncommon. Due to their rarity there is not a standard of care. However, complete cardiac metastases resection is the best option but most of patients has widespread disease. In these patients palliative radiotherapy (RT) might improve symptoms and prevent further cardiac function decline. Here we present the case of a symptomatic 30-year-old woman with spindle cell sarcoma metastasis of right ventriculum and widespread disease. The patient received radiotherapy to the heart with palliative intent. Cardiac metastases represent a challenging clinic problem. Treatment should be individualized in a multidisciplinary setting, when possible surgery seems to be the best options. However, radiotherapy even in case of widespread disease can improve clinical control symptoms by reducing the mass effect.

11030 Background: TMZ+IRI has significant activity in metastatic ES. Epigenetic silencing of the MGMT DNA gene by promoter methylation has been associated with response to TMZ in glioblastoma. Our aim was to assess if MGMT methylation 1) has a role in ES progression and 2) is predictive of response to TMZ. Methods: 1) In 10 ES cell lines presence of MGMT gene (Real-time PCR), methylation of its promoter (methylation-specific PCR) and protein expression (western blot) were assessed. MGMT protein (IHC) and methylation of its promoter was searched in 97 ES pts samples (74 localized; 23 metastatic). 2) In metastatic ES pts treated with TMZ+IRI, with pre-treatment FFPE tissue and measurable disease, the relation between RECIST response, PFS and MGMT expression (IHC) was assessed. Results: 1) The expression of MGMT gene and its protein was detected and concordant (p = 0.02) in all ES cell lines evaluated; methylation was a rare event. In ES tissue samples the methylation of the MGMT gene was found at a low intensity as compared with the unmethylated gene, but the protein expression was relatively low: 36% in localized, 65% in metastatic pts (p 0.03). 2) 24 pts (median age 19 years, range 3-50 years; F/M: 7/17) treated with TMZ + IRI from 2010 to 2015 were identified. Line of treatment: 8 patients were in 1st line; 16 ≥ 2nd line. Median n of cycles was 6 (range: 2-31). Pattern of metastases: 16 multiple sites, 4 lungs, 3 multiple sites + bone marrow, 1 bone. MGMT was positive in 63% of cases. ORR: 16.5% (1 CR , 3 PR); SD: 50% (13 pts); PD: 33.5% (7 pts). According to MGMT expression the ORR was 11% in negative and 20% in MGMT positive patients (p = 0.8). 6-mos PFS rate was 59% (38-80 %IC), no differece according to MGMT expression (pos 61% vs neg 56%, p 0.7). Conclusions: Whereas in cell lines the MGMT gene and its protein expression is a generalized event, in tissue samples MGMT protein is present in a minority of localized pts, and might be associate with tumor progression. Methylation of MGMT gene does not seem responsible for its regulation in ES, and post-transcriptional mechanisms are more likely to be involved. The presence of MGMT protein does not predict the response to TMZ + IRI in this small series.

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor of the posterior fossa in children. This tumor has the tendency to spread within the brain and along the neuroaxis. Approximately one-third of children with MB have positive cerebrospinal fluid and cranial or spinal metastases at diagnosis. Current treatment modalities include neurosurgery, craniospinal irradiation (CSI), and chemotherapy. Radiotherapy is an essential component of treatment for CNS tumors and is normally utilized in children older than aged 3 years to avoid the high incidence of long-term neurocognitive and neuroendocrine deficits reported in younger children.1–4 Despite aggressive treatment protocols, the prognosis for relapsed patients remains poor, with a median overall survival of

BACKGROUND:: The incidence of central venous catheter (CVC)-related complications reported in pediatric sarcoma patients is not established as reports in available literature are limited. The analysis of risk factors is part of the strategy to reduce the incidence of CVC complications. OBJECTIVE:: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of CVC complications in children with bone sarcomas and if defined clinical variables represent a risk factor. METHODS:: During an 8-year period, 155 pediatric patients with bone sarcomas were prospectively followed up for CVC complications. Incidence and correlation with clinical features including gender, age, body mass index, histology, disease stage, and use of thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin were analyzed. RESULTS:: Thirty-three CVC complications were recorded among 42 687 CVC-days (0.77 per 1000 CVC-days). No correlation between the specific clinical variables and the CVC complications was found. A high incidence of CVC-related sepsis secondary to gram-negative bacteria was observed. CONCLUSIONS:: The analysis of CVC complications and their potential risk factors in this sizable and relatively homogeneous pediatric population with bone sarcomas has led to the implementation of a multimodal approach by doctors and nurses to reduce the incidence and morbidity of the CVC-related infections, particularly those related to gram-negative bacteria. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:: As a result of this joint medical and nursing study, a multimodal approach that included equipping faucets with water filters, the reeducation of doctors and nurses, and the systematic review of CVC protocol was implemented. © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Purpose The aim of this study was to describe the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (AIEOP) and Italian Sarcoma Group (ISG) experience from 1980 to 2009 on 112 patients with Ewing sarcoma (ES) occurring in unusual sites such as the craniofacial bones (CF), hands or feet (HF), or the mobile spine. These sites were grouped because their rarity as ES localisations. Patient and methods Twenty-six patients had CF ES (23%), 37 patients had HF ES (33%) and 49 patients had mobile spine ES (44%). A total of 26 patients presented with synchronous metastatic disease (23%). The local treatment with surgery and/or radiotherapy differed among ES sites. Systemic therapy was administrated according to the protocols in use over the years. Results From the data available, the histological/radiological response was higher for HF-patients even not statistical significant (good responders: CF 41%, HF 65% and mobile spine 39%, P = 0.NS) and the probability of achieving complete response was similar among the three sites (CF 87%, HF 83% and spine 74%, P = 0.44). Ten year overall survival (OS) was 61% (95% confidence interval [CI] 39–82), 63% (95% CI 37–89) and 64% (95% CI 49–79) for CF, HF or vertebral ES, respectively (P = NS). Ten year OS for non-metastatic patients was 60% (95% CI 36–83), 75% (95% CI 56–94) and 67% (95% CI 47–89) for CF, HF and mobile spine patients respectively (P = NS). Ten year OS was 45% (95% CI, 31–84) and 70% (95% CI, 61–85, [p = 0.01]) for metastatic and localised ES, respectively. Conclusions The probability of successful treatment did not differ from ES of the extremities. Furthermore, our series confirm the poor prognosis for patients with metastatic disease. Our data do not strengthen the need for a specific protocol for unusual site ES.

11033Background: Treatment of patients with metastatic Ewing sarcoma (ES) remains a challenge. Pre-clinical studies and small retrospective series, mainly including pediatric patients, have demonst...

Background The occurrence of high-grade osteosarcoma is rare in children aged 5 years or younger and only limited series or case reports have been described. Methods The records of patients aged 5 years or younger with non-metastatic high-grade osteosarcoma of the extremities treated with surgery and adjuvant or neo-adjuvant chemotherapy at Rizzoli Institute between 1972 and 1999 were retrospectively evaluated in relation to gender, primary tumor site, histological subtype, surgical treatment, chemotherapy-induced tumor necrosis, 5- and 10-year event-free survival (EFS), and rate of local recurrence. Data were compared to patients aged 6–40 years entered with the same diagnosis and over the same time interval. Results Data from 20 patients were collected. Comparing these data with those from 1,106 patients 6–40 years of age only two main differences resulted: the younger group showed a higher rate for fibroblastic subtype (P

BACKGROUND: Periosteal osteosarcoma is a rare variant of osteosarcoma. Wide surgical removal is the mainstay of treatment, but controversy remains about the role of chemotherapy. The objective of this study was to review and analyze the clinical and treatment-related factors that influence the survival of patients with periosteal osteosarcoma who received treatment in a single institution. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with periosteal osteosarcoma (19 males and 14 females) with a median age of 16 years (range, ages 6-32 years) underwent surgery (32 patients) and received radiotherapy (1 patient). Chemotherapy was received according to different regimens for high-grade osteosarcoma by 14 patients who had grade 3 tumors. RESULTS: The 10-year overall survival rate was 84%. The only patient who did not undergo surgery died of disease after 9 months; for the remaining 32 patients the 10-year disease-free survival rate was 65%. Survival was not influenced by the receipt of chemotherapy. The patients who received chemotherapy had a 10-year overall survival rate of 86%, and those who received only local treatment had an overall survival rate of 83% (P ¼ .73). CONCLUSIONS: The authors’ experience indicated that the treatment of periosteal osteosarcoma requires only wide surgical removal of the tumor and that adjuvant chemotherapy does not improve survival. Cancer 2010;000:000–000. V C 2010 American Cancer Society.

10545 Background: Nearly 30–40% of patients with newly diagnosed, non-metastatic Ewing's Sarcoma (EWS) relapse. Post-relapse survival (PRS) in EWS is very poor, with less than 15–20% alive 5-years after recurrence. The role of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is under investigation in metastatic and high risk localized EWS patients. In order to improve PRS, we employed HDCT with ASCT in EWS patients at 1st relapse. Methods: All non-metastatic EWS patients treated in Italian Sarcoma Group centers who relapsed between 1999 and June 2008 were offered HDCT (busulfan 4 mg/kg × 4 days orally and melphalan 140 mg/m2) with ASCT whenever possible (no previous HDCT; stable or responding disease after standard dose chemotherapy; adequate peripheral blood stem cells harvest). Results: 72 EWS patients experienced disease recurrence. Fifty (62%) were male. Twenty-eight (39%) of patients had previously received HDCT. Median relapse free interval (RFI) was 16 months (2.8–64). Pattern of relapse was: lung metastases in 20 (28%) patients, bone metastases in 12 (16%), local recurrence in 11 (15%) and multiple sites in 29 (40%). Treatment at 1st relapse was: standard dose chemotherapy in 31 (43%) patients; HDCT followed by ASCT in 24 (33%); palliative treatment in 12 (17%) and surgery only in 5 (7%). Three patients died of treatment-related toxicity. With a median follow-up of 24 months (1–64), the 3-year post-relapse survival (PRS) was 21% (95%CI 7–35). 3-year PRS was better for patients with a lung only relapse [48%, (95%CI 21–74)] and a RFI > 2 years [51%, (95%CI 27–76)]. 3-year PRS was 33% (95%CI 13–54) for patients treated with HDCT and 22% (95%CI 6–39) for those receiving standard dose chemotherapy. A significant (P 0.02) advantage was observed in the subgroup of patients with a shorter RFI treated with HDCT [3-year PRS 29% (95%CI 5–52)] compared to those treated with standard dose chemotherapy [3-years PRS 13%, (95%CI 2–29)]. Conclusions: Pattern of recurrence and RFI are the main factors influencing PRS in EWS. The use of HDCT with ASCT in recurrent EWS is investigational. Patients with shorter RFI could more likely benefit from HDCT. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

10578 Background: The best adjuvant treatment for soft tissue sarcomas is still unclear. Soft tissue sarcomas is an eterogenous group of several different hystotypes. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate prognostic factors and treatments. Methods: All liposarcoma cases evaluated in our Pathology from Jan 1985 to December 2005 were reviewed: 299 cases of liposarcoma were found of these only 155 were treated at Rizzoli since their first diagnosis. Metastatic since diagnosis and pediatric cases were excluded. Of these 155 pts only 122 had localized liposarcoma of soft tissue and adequate informations and follow up. Results: Male were 71 and female 51, Median age 47 (15–85). Histology was as follows: mixoid 62, round cell 33, pleomorphic 27. Grading according to FNCCL was G1=18, G2=51, G3=53. Median tumor volume was 183 cm3 (8–3,800), mean 401. Surgical margins were adequate in 84 patients (66.4%) unadequate in 34 (27.9%), 4 missing. Treatment received were: 18 no treatment besides surgery, pres...