High Dose Chemotherapy for Metastatic Neuroblastoma in Children
Author Information
Author(s): C.R. Pinkerton, J.M. Zucker, O. Hartmann, J. Pritchard, V. Broadbent, P. Morris-Jones, F. Breatnach, A.E. Craft, A.D.J. Pearson, K.R. Wallendszus, T. Philip
Primary Institution: Royal Marsden Hospital
Hypothesis
Can a short duration, high dose, alternating chemotherapy regimen improve response rates in children with metastatic neuroblastoma?
Conclusion
The HIPE/IVAd regimen is effective at achieving cytoreduction and enabling early surgery, but it is too early to determine its impact on long-term cure rates.
Supporting Evidence
- The overall response rate in evaluable patients was 55%.
- Complete removal of primary site tumour was possible in 70% of cases.
- 75% of patients proceeded to elective megatherapy within a median time of 24 weeks after diagnosis.
- Serial audiometry showed a significant decline in hearing at frequencies above 2,000 Hz in 37% of children.
Takeaway
Doctors gave strong medicine to kids with a serious cancer to see if it would help them get better faster. It worked for many kids, but we still need to see if it helps them live longer.
Methodology
Fifty-one children received four courses of high dose multiagent chemotherapy, and their responses were evaluated using the International Neuroblastoma Response Criteria.
Limitations
The study does not provide long-term follow-up data to assess the impact on cure rates.
Participant Demographics
Children aged from 15 months to 13 years 5 months, with a median age of 38 months; 31 boys and 20 girls.
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