Citations 26

Evaluation of local control strategies on patterns of treatment failure in patients with localized ewing sarcoma treated on AEWS1031: A report from the children’s oncology group.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | June 4, 2023 | Volume: 41 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 11529-11529

10.1200/jco.2023.41.16_suppl.11529

11529 Background: To evaluate clinical characteristics and patterns of treatment failure in patients with localized Ewing sarcoma (ES) treated on AEWS1031 according to local control (LC) strategies, tumor size, and tumor site. Methods: AEWS1031 was a phase 3 randomized trial comparing two interval compressed chemotherapy regimens. Patients who completed LC on AEWS1031 were analyzed. LC was with surgery alone (S), definitive radiation therapy (RT), or surgery plus radiation (S+RT), and determined by the treating investigator. Local failure (LF) and distant failure (DF) were defined as recurrence at primary tumor site or distant site, respectively. Fine and Gray method was used to estimate cumulative incidence of LF and DF from time LC was completed. P-values were calculated using logrank or Gray’s test, as appropriate. A two-sided p-value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. Results: 588 patients completed LC. Median age at enrollment was 13.0 years (range: 0.6- 33.9 years). Tumor sites were categorized as extremity (230; 39%), axial (142; 24%), extraosseous (110; 19%), and pelvis (106; 18%). At diagnosis, tumor volume (TV) was ≥200 mL in 170 patients (31%) and maximum tumor dimension (MTD) was ≥8 cm in 289 patients (52%). LC was with S in 320 patients (54%), RT in 160 (27%), and S+RT in 108 (18%). Eight patients received preoperative RT. Fifty-three patients (13.1%) who received S±RT had an R1 resection. LC with S was more likely for extremity (58%), RT for pelvis (38%) and S+ RT for axial (36%) and extraosseous (34%) primary tumors (p <0.01). With median follow up of 67.6 months from LC, the 5-year cumulative incidences of LF and DF for the entire cohort were 6.0% (95% CI, 4.3-8.3%) and 11.0% (95% CI, 8.6-13.9%), respectively. Eleven patients experienced simultaneous LF and DF. LF incidence was 5.0% for S, 8.4% for RT, and 5.6% for S+RT (p=0.47). DF incidence was 11.8% for S, 6.4% for RT, and 15.1% for S+RT (p=0.16). LF incidence by tumor site was 3.6% for extremity, 8.7% for pelvis, 7.3% for axial, and 6.8% for extraosseous (p=0.08). LF incidence was higher for primary tumors ≥200 mL (11.3%) compared to tumors < 200 mL (3.9%; p<0.01) and for tumors ≥8 cm (7.8%) compared to tumors < 8 cm (4.4%; p=0.02). Tumor size was associated with a higher LF incidence for S and RT, but not for S+RT (Table). LF incidence was 4.0% for R0, 7.5% for R1 with RT, and 16.7% for R1 without RT (p=0.02). Conclusions: We report the lowest LF incidence to date for prospective ES trials conducted. Both larger TV and MTD were associated with higher LF. Future investigations will aim to evaluate the impact of chemotherapy dose-intensity on LC and identify risk-stratification variables for improved LC. Five-year LF incidence by LC and tumor size. Clinical trial information: NCT01231906 . [Table: see text]
Joint Adult and Pediatric Working Group as a Successful Platform to Strengthen Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Clinical Trial Collaboration: A Report from the NCTN/SARC AYA Clinical Trials Sarcoma Working Group

Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology | February 1, 2023 | Volume: 12 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 792-793

10.1089/jayao.2022.0179 | PMID 36724495

Inclusion of a core patient-reported outcomes battery in adolescent and young adult cancer clinical trials

JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute | September 2, 2022 | Volume: 115 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 21-28

10.1093/jnci/djac166 | PMID 36266760

Abstract Disparities in care, treatment-related toxicity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for adolescents and young adults (AYAs, aged 15-39 years) with cancer are under-addressed partly because of limited collection of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in cancer clinical trials (CCTs). The AYA years include key developmental milestones distinct from younger and older patients, and cancer interrupts attainment of critical life goals. Lack of consensus on a standardized approach to assess HRQoL and treatment-related toxicity in AYA CCTs has limited the ability to improve patient outcomes. The National Cancer Institute’s Clinical Trials Network AYA PRO Task Force was assembled to reach consensus on a core set of PROs and foster its integration into AYA CCTs. Eight key considerations for selecting the core PRO AYA battery components were identified: relevance to AYAs; importance of constructs across the age continuum; prioritization of validated measures; availability of measures without licensing fees; availability in multiple languages; applicability to different cancer types and treatments; ability to measure different HRQoL domains and toxicities; and minimized burden on patients and sites. The Task Force used a modified Delphi approach to identify key components of the PRO battery. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and the PRO Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Measurement System met all criteria and were selected to assess HRQoL and treatment toxicity, respectively. Investigators are rapidly incorporating the recommendations of the Task Force into AYA trials. Inclusion of a standardized assessment of HRQoL and treatment toxicities in AYA CCTs is a vital first step to develop interventions to improve health outcomes for AYAs diagnosed with cancer.
The incidence of brainstem toxicity following high-dose conformal proton therapy for adult skull-base malignancies

Acta Oncologica | July 27, 2022 | Volume: 61 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 1026-1031

10.1080/0284186x.2022.2101900 | PMID 35897132

Phase III Trial Adding Vincristine-Topotecan-Cyclophosphamide to the Initial Treatment of Patients With Nonmetastatic Ewing Sarcoma: A Children's Oncology Group Report

Journal of Clinical Oncology | October 15, 2021 | Volume: 39 | Issue: 36 | Pages: 4029-4038

10.1200/jco.21.00358 | PMID 34652968

PURPOSE The primary aim of this phase III randomized trial was to test whether the addition of vincristine, topotecan, and cyclophosphamide (VTC) to interval compressed chemotherapy improved survival outcomes for patients with previously untreated nonmetastatic Ewing sarcoma. METHODS Patients were randomly assigned to receive standard five-drug interval compressed chemotherapy (regimen A) for 17 cycles or experimental therapy with five cycles of VTC within the 17 cycles (regimen B). Patients were stratified by age at diagnosis (< 18 years and ≥18 years) and tumor site (pelvic bone, nonpelvic bone, and extraosseous). Tumor volume at diagnosis was categorized as < 200 mL or ≥ 200 mL. Local control occurred following six cycles. Histologic response was categorized as no viable or any viable tumor. Event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between randomized groups with stratified log-rank tests. RESULTS Of 642 enrolled patients, 309 eligible patients received standard and 320 received experimental therapy. The 5-year EFS and OS were 78% and 87%, respectively. There was no difference in survival outcomes between randomized groups (5-year EFS regimen A v regimen B, 78% v 79%; P = .192; 5-year OS 86% v 88%; P = .159). Age and primary site did not affect the risk of an EFS event. However, age ≥ 18 years was associated with an increased risk of death at 5 years (hazard ratio 1.84; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.96; P = .009). The 5-year EFS rates for patients with pelvic, nonpelvic bone, and extraosseous primary tumors were 75%, 78%, and 85%, respectively. Tumor volume ≥ 200 mL was significantly associated with lower EFS. CONCLUSION While VTC added to five-drug interval compressed chemotherapy did not improve survival, these outcomes represent the best survival estimates to date for patients with previously untreated nonmetastatic Ewing sarcoma.
Identified Enrollment Challenges of Adolescent and Young Adult Patients on the Nonchemotherapy Arm of Children's Oncology Group Study ARST1321

Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology | September 13, 2021 | Volume: 11 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 328-332

10.1089/jayao.2021.0103 | PMID 34515544

ARST1321, a trial of patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma, was the first National Clinical Trials Network study codeveloped by pediatric and adult consortia with two treatment cohorts. We report on the findings of a survey to identify barriers to enrolling adolescent and young adult patients (15–39 years) onto the nonchemotherapy arm. The survey response rate was 31% with a 70% completion rate. Common identified reasons for low accrual in order of decreasing frequency included insufficient funding, lack of study awareness or interest, competing trials, toxicity concerns, philosophical differences in the therapy backbone, and regulatory and infrastructure barriers. Clinical Trials.gov ID: NCT02180867.
Pulmonary dose tolerance in hemithorax radiotherapy for Ewing sarcoma of the chest wall: Are we overestimating the risk of radiation pneumonitis?

Pediatric Blood & Cancer | August 16, 2021 | Volume: 68 | Issue: 11 | Pages: No page available

10.1002/pbc.29287 | PMID 34398486

AbstractBackgroundChildren with chest wall Ewing sarcoma with malignant pulmonary effusion or pleural stranding require hemithorax radiation, often with plans that exceed lung constraints. We investigated disease control and pneumonitis in children requiring hemithorax radiation.ProcedureEleven children (median age 13 years) received hemithorax radiotherapy. Symptomatic radiation pneumonitis was considered National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grade 1+ with respiratory symptoms. Mean lung dose (MLD), volume of lung exposed to a dose ≥5 Gy (V5), ≥20 Gy (V20), and ≥35 Gy (V35) were recorded. Adult and pediatric lung constraints were obtained from Quantitative Analysis of Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic (QUANTEC) guidelines and Children's Oncology Group (COG) protocols, respectively.ResultsMedian hemithorax dose was 15 Gy (1.5 Gy/fraction). Median total dose was 51 Gy (1.8 Gy/fraction). Most plans delivered both protons and photons. The ipsilateral MLD, V5, and V20 were 27.2 Gy, 100%, and 48.3%; the bilateral MLD, V20, and V35 were 14.1 Gy, 22.8%, and 14.3%, respectively. One hundred percent, 36%, and 91% of treatments exceeded recommended adult ipsilateral lung constraints of V5 <65%, V20 <52%, and MLD of 22 Gy; 64%, 45%, and 82% exceeded COG bilateral lung constraints of V20 <20%, MLD <15 Gy, and MLD <12 Gy, respectively; 82% of treatments exceeded the COG ipsilateral lung constraint of V20 <30%. At a median 36 months (range 12–129), the symptomatic radiation pneumonitis incidence was 0%. Two patients progressed with nonpulmonary metastatic disease and died at a median 12 months following radiotherapy.ConclusionsExisting guidelines may overestimate pneumonitis risk, even among young children receiving multiagent chemotherapy. For children with chest wall Ewing sarcoma and other thoracic malignancies, more data are needed to refine pediatric dose–effect models for pulmonary toxicity.
Ewing sarcoma

Pediatric Blood & Cancer | April 5, 2021 | Volume: 68 | Issue: S2 | Pages: No page available

10.1002/pbc.28355 | PMID 33818887

Abstract Ewing sarcoma is a rare tumor that requires complex multidisciplinary management. This report describes the general management and standard radiotherapy guidelines in both North America (Children's Oncology Group) and Europe (International Society of Pediatric Oncology). Standard treatment involves multiagent induction chemotherapy followed by local treatment with surgery, definitive radiation, or a combination of surgery and radiation followed by additional chemotherapy and consolidation local treatment to metastatic sites. The data supporting the role of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation and specific radiation therapy guidelines are presented.
Second tumor risk in children treated with proton therapy

Pediatric Blood & Cancer | February 10, 2021 | Volume: 68 | Issue: 7 | Pages: No page available

10.1002/pbc.28941 | PMID 33565257

Abstract Background Out‐of‐field neutron dissemination during double‐scattered proton therapy has raised concerns of increased second malignancies, disproportionally affecting pediatric patients due to the proportion of body exposed to scatter dose and inherent radiosensitivity of developing tissue. We sought to provide empiric data on the incidence of early second tumors. Methods Between 2006 and 2019, 1713 consecutive children underwent double‐scattered proton therapy. Median age at treatment was 9.1 years; 371 were ≤3 years old. Thirty‐seven patients (2.2%) had tumor predisposition syndromes. Median prescription dose was 54 Gy (range 15–75.6). Median follow‐up was 3.3 years (range 0.1–12.8), including 6587 total person‐years. Five hundred forty‐nine patients had ≥5 years of follow‐up. A second tumor was defined as any solid neoplasm throughout the body. Results Eleven patients developed second tumors; the 5‐ and 10‐year cumulative incidences were 0.8% (95% CI, 0.4–1.9%) and 3.1% (95% CI, 1.5–6.2%), respectively. Using age‐ and gender‐specific data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, the standardized incidence ratio was 13.5; the absolute excess risk was 1.5/1000 person‐years. All but one patient who developed second tumors were irradiated at ≤5 years old ( p < .0005). There was also a statistically significant correlation between patients with tumor predisposition syndromes and second tumors ( p < .0001). Excluding patients with tumor predisposition syndromes, 5‐ and 10‐year rates were 0.6% (95% CI, 0.2–1.7%) and 1.7% (95% CI, 0.7–4.0%), respectively, with all five malignant second tumors occurring in the high‐dose region. Conclusion Second tumors are rare within the decade following double‐scattered proton therapy, particularly among children irradiated at >5 years old and those without tumor predisposition syndrome.
Osteosarcoma

Pediatric Blood & Cancer | August 11, 2020 | Volume: 68 | Issue: S2 | Pages: No page available

10.1002/pbc.28352 | PMID 32779875

Abstract Osteosarcoma is a rare tumor that requires complex multidisciplinary management. This paper reviews the general management and standard radiotherapy guidelines for osteosarcoma in both North America and Europe in a joined effort between the Children's Oncology Group and International Society of Pediatric Oncology. Standard treatment involves multiagent induction chemotherapy followed by surgical resection for local tumor control and consolidation local control to metastatic sites. Radiotherapy is reserved for cases with a marginal or incomplete resection or for definitive treatment in the case of unresectable disease. We present supporting data for the role of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.