bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Children: Therapeutic Abstention After Initial Lymph Node Resection—A Study of the French Society of Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Pellegrino B. , Terrier-Lacombe M.J. , Oberlin O. , Leblanc T. , Perel Y. , Bertrand Y. , Beard C. , Edan C. , Schmitt C. , Plantaz D. , Pacquement H. , Vannier J.P. , Lambilliote C. , Couillault G. , Babin-Boilletot A. , Thuret I. , Demeocq F. , Leverger G. , Delsol G. , Landman-Parker J. 
Published: July 2003

Purpose: To clarify treatment strategy for lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma (LPHL), the French Society of Pediatric Oncology initiated a prospective, nonrandomized study in 1988. Patients received either standard treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma or were not treated beyond initial adenectomy. Patients and Methods: From 1988 to 1998, 27 patients were available for study. Twenty-four patients were male, and median age was 10 years (range, 4 to 16 years). Twenty-two, two, and three patients had stage I, II, and III disease, respectively. Thirteen patients (stage I, n = 11; stage III, n = 2) received no further treatment after initial surgical adenectomy (SA). Fourteen patients received combined treatment (CT; n = 10), involved-field radiotherapy alone (n = 1), or chemotherapy alone (n = 3). The two groups were comparable for clinical status, treatment, and follow-up. Results: Twenty-three of 27 patients achieved complete remission (CR). With a median follow-up time of 70 months (range, 32 to 214 months), overall survival to date is 100%, and overall event-free survival (EFS) is 69% ± 10% (SA, 42% ± 16%; CT, 90% ± 8.6%; P < .04). If we considered only the patients in CR after initial surgery (n = 12), EFS was no longer significantly different between the two groups. Patients with residual mass after initial surgery (n = 15) had worse EFS if they did not receive complementary treatment (P < .05). Conclusion: Although based on a small number of patients, our study showed that (1) no further therapy is a valid therapeutic approach in LPHL patient in CR after initial lymph node resection, and (2) complementary treatment diminishes relapse frequency but has no impact on survival.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Methodologic Issues in Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Bottomley Andrew , Efficace Fabio , Thomas Ronald , Vanvoorden Veerle , Ahmedzai Sam H. 
Published: July 2003

Purpose: Non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both developed and developing countries, heavily impacts patient health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Although recent research has found many positive and significant steps in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which HRQOL has been used as an outcome, questions remain regarding methodologic quality and impact value of HRQOL outcome assessments in some RCTs. To date, no detailed systematic review exists of HRQOL methodology in NSCLC RCTs. Methods: A systematic review using Cochrane methodology evaluated HRQOL components in RCTs. Identified studies were evaluated independently by three reviewers on a broad set of predetermined criteria. Results: Twenty-nine published RCTs (NSCLC patient samples total, N = 8,445) with an HRQOL component were identified. Although most trials exhibited good-quality research and useful HRQOL and clinical data, the weaknesses identified in some trials include such common limitations as no clear hypothesis, lack of a clear approach to missing data and data analysis, and limited presentation of results. Conclusion: Although it is clear that HRQOL is an important end point in NSCLC RCTs because the information helps to influence treatment recommendations, the identified weaknesses in conducting HRQOL measurement in NSCLC RCTs and the reporting of results need to be addressed.
Trastuzumab and Vinorelbine as First-Line Therapy for HER2-Overexpressing Metastatic Breast Cancer: Multicenter Phase II Trial With Clinical Outcomes, Analysis of Serum Tumor Markers as Predictive Factors, and Cardiac Surveillance Algorithm
Authors: Burstein Harold J. , Harris Lyndsay N. , Marcom P. Kelly , Lambert-Falls Rosemary , Havlin Kathleen , Overmoyer Beth , Friedlander Robert J. , Gargiulo Janet , Strenger Rochelle , Vogel Charles L. , Ryan Paula D. , Ellis Mathew J. , Nunes Raquel A. , Bunnell Craig A. , Campos Susana M. , Hallor Michele , Gelman Rebecca , Winer Eric P. 
Published: July 2003

Purpose: Trastuzumab-based therapy improves survival for women with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–positive advanced breast cancer. We conducted a multicenter phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of trastuzumab combined with vinorelbine, and to assess cardiac surveillance algorithms and tumor markers as prognostic tools. Patients and Methods: Patients with HER2-positive (immunohistochemistry [IHC] 3+-positive or fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH]-positive) metastatic breast cancer received first-line chemotherapy with trastuzumab and vinorelbine to determine response rate. Eligibility criteria were measurable disease and baseline ejection fraction ≥ 50%. Serial testing for HER2 extracellular domain (ECD) was performed. Results: Fifty-four women from 17 participating centers were entered onto the study. The overall response rate was 68% (95% confidence interval, 54% to 80%). Response rates were not affected by method of HER2 status determination (FISH v IHC) or by prior adjuvant chemotherapy. Median time to treatment failure was 5.6 months; 38% of patients were progression free after 1 year. Concurrent therapy was quite feasible with maintained dose-intensity. Patients received both chemotherapy and trastuzumab on 90% of scheduled treatment dates. Two patients experienced cardiotoxicity in excess of grade 1; one patient experienced symptomatic heart failure. A surveillance algorithm of screening left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at 16 weeks successfully identified women at risk for experiencing cardiotoxicity. Other acute and chronic side effects were tolerable. Lack of decline in HER2 ECD during cycle 1 predicted tumor progression. Conclusion: Trastuzumab and vinorelbine constitute effective and well-tolerated first-line treatment for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Patients with normal LVEF can be observed with surveillance of LVEF at 16 weeks to identify those at risk for cardiotoxicity.
Phase I Trial of Escalating-Dose Irinotecan Given Weekly With Cisplatin and Concurrent Radiotherapy in Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Ilson David H. , Bains Manjit , Kelsen David P. , O’Reilly Eileen , Karpeh Martin , Coit Daniel , Rusch Valerie , Gonen Mithat , Wilson Katie , Minsky Bruce D. 
Published: July 2003

Purpose: To identify the maximum-tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of weekly irinotecan combined with cisplatin and radiation in esophageal cancer.Patients and Methods: Nineteen patients with clinical stage II to III esophageal squamous cell or adenocarcinoma were treated on this phase I trial. Induction chemotherapy with weekly cisplatin 30 mg/m2and irinotecan 65 mg/m2was administered for four treatments during weeks 1 to 5. Radiotherapy was delivered weeks 8 to 13 in 1.8-Gy daily fractions to a dose of 50.4 Gy. Cisplatin 30 mg/m2and escalating-dose irinotecan (40, 50, 65, and 80 mg/m2) were administered on days 1, 8, 22, and 29 of radiotherapy. DLT was defined as a 2-week delay in radiotherapy for grade 3 to 4 toxicity.Results: Minimal toxicity was observed during chemoradiotherapy, with no grade 3 or 4 esophagitis, diarrhea, or stomatitis. DLT caused by myelosuppression was seen in two of six patients treated at the 80-mg/m2dose level, thus irinotecan 65 mg/m2was defined as the recommended phase II dose. Dysphagia improved or resolved after induction chemotherapy in 13 (81%) of 16 patients who reported dysphagia before therapy. Only one patient (5%) required a feeding tube. Six complete responses (32%) were observed, including four pathologic complete responses in 15 patients selected to undergo surgery (27%).Conclusion: Cisplatin, irinotecan, and concurrent radiotherapy can be administered on a convenient schedule with relatively minimal toxicity and an acceptable rate of complete response in esophageal cancer. Further phase II evaluation of this regimen is ongoing. A phase III comparison to fluorouracil or taxane-containing chemoradiotherapy should be considered.
Multicenter, Randomized Trial for Stage IIIB or IV Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Using Weekly Paclitaxel and Carboplatin Followed by Maintenance Weekly Paclitaxel or Observation
Authors: Belani Chandra P. , Barstis John , Perry Michael C. , La Rocca Renato V. , Nattam Sreenivasa R. , Rinaldi David , Clark Ray , Mills Glenn M. 
Published: July 2003

Purpose: To explore the efficacy and safety of three regimens of weekly paclitaxel plus carboplatin as initial therapy and the feasibility of subsequent maintenance therapy versus observation in patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and Methods: Four hundred one patients were randomly assigned to one of the following arms: arm 1, paclitaxel 100 mg/m2 weekly for 3 of 4 weeks with carboplatin (area under the curve [AUC] = 6) on day 1; arm 2, paclitaxel 100 mg/m2 and carboplatin (AUC = 2) weekly for 3 of 4 weeks; or arm 3, paclitaxel 150 mg/m2 cycle 1 and 100 mg/m2 cycle 2 and carboplatin (AUC = 2) weekly for 6 of 8 weeks. Patients who responded (n = 130) at week 16 were randomly assigned to either weekly paclitaxel therapy (70 mg/m2, 3 of 4 weeks; n = 65) or observation (n = 65). Results: For the 390 assessable patients, the objective response rates observed with initial therapy were 32% for arm 1, 24% for arm 2, and 18% for arm 3. The median time to progression and median survival times were 30 and 49 weeks for arm 1, 21 and 31 weeks for arm 2, and 27 and 40 weeks for arm 3, respectively. The 1-year survival rates were 47% for arm 1, 31% for arm 2, and 41% for arm 3. Conclusion: Arm 1, paclitaxel 100 mg/m2 weekly for 3 of 4 weeks with carboplatin (AUC = 6) administered on day 1, demonstrates the most favorable therapeutic index in patients with advanced NSCLC.
Phase II Study of Gemcitabine, Cisplatin, and Infusional Fluorouracil in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: El-Rayes B.F. , Zalupski M.M. , Shields A.F. , Vaishampayan U. , Heilbrun L.K. , Jain V. , Adsay V. , Day J. , Philip P.A. 
Published: July 2003

Purpose: This phase II study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of adding infusional fluorouracil (FU) to the chemotherapy doublet of gemcitabine and cisplatin in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Patients and Methods: The eligibility criteria included histologically or cytologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the pancreas that was either unresectable or metastatic. No prior gemcitabine therapy was allowed. Patients received a combination of gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) on days 1, 8, and 15; cisplatin 50 mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 15; and FU 175 mg/m2/d from days 1 to 15 by continuous IV infusion. Cycles were repeated every 28 days. Objective tumor response and toxicity were evaluated according to the World Health Organization criteria. Results: A total of 47 patients (median age, 57 years; males, 59%) were enrolled. Sixteen patients had locally advanced (LA) disease, and 31 patients had metastatic disease. A total of 183 cycles of chemotherapy were administered. In patients with metastatic disease (n = 31), the probability of survival at 6 and 12 months was 66% and 34%, respectively. Objective partial response or stable disease was observed in 26% (90% confidence interval [CI], 0.14 to 0.41) and 61% (90% CI, 0.45 to 0.74) of patients, respectively. In patients with LA disease (n = 16), there were three partial responses (19%; 90 CI, 0.07 to 0.39). One patient in this group was successfully resected after FU-based radiotherapy. The most common grade 3 to 4 toxicities were neutropenia (60%), thrombocytopenia (42%), and anemia (26%). Thirteen patients were hospitalized for treatment-related complications. Conclusion: The combination of gemcitabine, cisplatin, and infusional FU has significant activity in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
Height and Weight in Children Treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Relationship to CNS Treatment
Authors: Dalton Virginia Kimball , Rue Montse , Silverman Lewis B. , Gelber Richard D. , Asselin Barbara L. , Barr Ronald D. , Clavell Luis A. , Hurwitz Craig A. , Moghrabi Albert , Samson Yvan , Schorin Marshall , Tarbell Nancy J. , Sallan Stephen E. , Cohen Laurie E. 
Published: July 2003

Purpose: We evaluated the long-term effects of treatment on height and weight in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with one of the following three different CNS therapies: intrathecal therapy alone, intrathecal therapy with conventional cranial radiation, or intrathecal therapy with twice-daily radiation. Patients and Methods: Between 1987 and 1995, 618 children treated on two consecutive Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Consortium protocols for ALL were measured for height and weight at diagnosis, and approximately every 6 months thereafter. Patient height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were converted to z scores for age and sex using the 2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts for the United States. Results: Children younger than 13 years at diagnosis had a statistically significant decrease in their height z scores and an increase in their BMI z scores, regardless of whether they had received cranial radiation. Young age at diagnosis and increased chemotherapy intensity were major risk factors. Unexpectedly, there was no significant difference in long-term height between children who received radiation and those who did not. Conclusion: Final height is compromised in survivors of ALL. The detrimental effects on height occur during therapy without the ability for long-term catch-up growth. Although patients became overweight for height, this seemed to be a result of relative height loss with normal weight gain rather than accelerated weight gain. The type of CNS treatment received did not affect changes in height, weight, or BMI.
Phase II Study of Oxaliplatin in Platinum-Resistant and Refractory Ovarian Cancer: A Gynecologic Group Study
Authors: Fracasso Paula M. , Blessing John A. , Morgan Mark A. , Sood Anil K. , Hoffman James S. 
Published: July 2003

Purpose: A phase II study was conducted to determine the efficacy of oxaliplatin therapy in patients with platinum-resistant or refractory epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Eligible patients were to receive oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 intravenously over 2 hours, every 21 days, until progression of disease or adverse effects prohibited further therapy. Results: Of 25 patients entered onto the study, 23 were eligible and assessable. There were no patients with complete response. One patient (4.3%) achieved a partial response, with a response duration of 6.4 months. Nine patients (39.1%) experienced stable disease, with a median duration of 5.6+ months (range, 1.8 to 13.1months). The most frequently reported drug-related toxicities were hematologic, gastrointestinal, and neurologic. Conclusion: Oxaliplatin as a single agent has minimal activity in patients with platinum-resistant or refractory ovarian cancer at the dosage and schedule tested. However, future studies of oxaliplatin combined with other active agents in women with platinum-naïve or platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian carcinoma may be indicated.
Single Center Experience of a New Intensive Induction Therapy for Ewing’s Family of Tumors: Feasibility, Toxicity, and Stem Cell Mobilization Properties
Authors: Strauss S.J. , McTiernan A. , Driver D. , Hall-Craggs M. , Sandison A. , Cassoni A.M. , Kilby A. , Michelagnoli M. , Pringle J. , Cobb J. , Briggs T. , Cannon S. , Witt J. , Whelan J.S. 
Published: July 2003

Purpose: To examine the feasibility, tolerability, and toxicity of an intensified induction regimen (vincristine, ifosfamide, doxorubicin, and etoposide [VIDE]) in patients with newly diagnosed Ewing’s family of tumors (EFT); to assess ability to maintain dose-intensity, and predictability of peripheral-blood stem cell mobilization. Patients and Methods: Thirty patients were treated with vincristine 1.4 mg/m2 (maximum 2 mg) on day 1, doxorubicin 20 mg/m2, ifosfamide 3 g/m2 plus mesna and etoposide 150 mg/m2 on days 1 to 3. Cycles were given every 21 days for up to six cycles. Results: One-hundred and seventy cycles of VIDE were given. The median treatment interval was 21 days (21 to 42) and nadir count: hemoglobin 8.3 (6.3 to 11.9), neutrophils 0.045 (0.0 to 2.1), and platelets 45 (3 to 343). There were 96 episodes of infection requiring hospitalization (56%). Growth factor support reduced infectious complications by 34%. Etoposide dose was reduced, or omitted, in 24% of cycles. Four patients did not complete six cycles due to unacceptable toxicity and one patient progressed on treatment. Twenty patients underwent peripheral-blood stem cell harvesting, 15 after cycle 3, and five after cycle 4. Median CD34+ yield was 4.6 × 106/kg per patient (1.8 to 14.5). Overall response to treatment, measured in 24 patients, was 88%. Seven of 11 patients undergoing surgery achieved greater than 90% necrosis of tumor (64%). Conclusion: VIDE is an effective induction regimen with substantial but acceptable toxicity that allows predictable mobilization of stem cells. Maintenance of dose-intensity is feasible in the majority of patients. Growth factors play a role in maintaining dose-intensity and reduce infectious complications.
Cognitive Outcome of Long-Term Survivors of Multisystem Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A Single-Institution, Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nanduri Vasanta Rao , Lillywhite Leasha , Chapman Claire , Parry Louise , Pritchard Jon , Vargha-Khadem Faraneh 
Published: July 2003

Purpose: Damage to the CNS, including the cerebellum, and to the hypothalamopituitary axis, is documented in Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). Neuropsychologic deficits have been recognized, but this is the first study in which cognitive function has been systematically assessed in a cohort of patients. Patients and Methods: Twenty-eight long-term survivors of multisystem LCH (mean age, 15.1 years) were investigated for intelligence, memory and learning, language, and academic attainments. Results: The mean intelligence quotient (IQ) of the entire group was not significantly different from the mean of the population (ie, mean ± SD, 100 ± 1), but there were wide ranges (Full-Scale IQ [FSIQ]: mean, 93.6; range, 61.7 to 134; Performance IQ [PIQ]: mean, 92.2; range, 46 to 136; and Verbal IQ [VIQ]: mean, 93.7; range, 64.2 to 126). CNS involvement was a significant risk factor for lower scores, but sex, diabetes insipidus, and cranial radiotherapy were not. The CNS group had lower VIQ, PIQ, and FSIQ than patients with no CNS involvement (no CNS group: mean ± SD FSIQ, 102.3 ± 15.6; CNS group: mean ± SD FSIQ, 73.6 ± 7.7; P < .001). A similar pattern of results was obtained for all other cognitive measures. Even when effects of reduction in FSIQ were taken into account, specific deficits were found in patients in the CNS group. Conclusion: Long-term survivors of multisystem LCH, particularly patients with CNS involvement, may develop significant cognitive deficits. All patients should have formal, repeated neuropsychologic assessment as part of long-term follow-up, which will enable abnormalities to be detected early so that appropriate supportive measures can be offered.
Colon Cancer Survival Is Associated With Increasing Number of Lymph Nodes Analyzed: A Secondary Survey of Intergroup Trial INT-0089
Authors: Le Voyer T.E. , Sigurdson E.R. , Hanlon A.L. , Mayer R.J. , Macdonald J.S. , Catalano P.J. , Haller D.G. 
Published: July 2003

Purpose: To determine the relationship, in patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon, between survival and the number of lymph nodes analyzed from surgical specimens. Patients and Methods: Intergroup Trial INT-0089 is a mature trial of adjuvant chemotherapy for high-risk patients with stage II and stage III colon cancer. We performed a secondary analysis of this group with overall survival (OS) as the main end point. Cause-specific survival (CSS) and disease-free survival were secondary end points. Rates for these outcome measures were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methodology. Log-rank test was used to compare overall curves, and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to multivariately assess predictors of outcome. Results: The median number of lymph nodes removed at colectomy was 11 (range, one to 87). Of the 3,411 assessable patients, 648 had no evidence of lymph node metastasis. Multivariate analyses were performed on the node-positive and node-negative groups separately to ascertain the effect of lymph node removal. Survival decreased with increasing number of lymph node involvement (P = .0001 for all three survival end points). After controlling for the number of nodes involved, survival increased as more nodes were analyzed (P = .0001 for all three end points). Even when no nodes were involved, OS and CSS improved as more lymph nodes were analyzed (P = .0005 and P = .007, respectively). Conclusion: The number of lymph nodes analyzed for staging colon cancers is, itself, a prognostic variable on outcome. The impact of this variable is such that it may be an important variable to include in evaluating future trials.
Mitoxantrone and Cytarabine Induction, High-Dose Cytarabine, and Etoposide Intensification for Pediatric Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Children’s Cancer Group Study 2951
Authors: Wells Robert J. , Adams Mary T. , Alonzo Todd A. , Arceci Robert J. , Buckley Jonathan , Buxton Allen B. , Dusenbery Kathryn , Gamis Alan , Masterson Margaret , Vik Terry , Warkentin Phyllis , Whitlock James A. 
Published: July 2003

Purpose: To evaluate the response rate, survival, and toxicity of mitoxantrone and cytarabine induction, high-dose cytarabine and etoposide intensification, and further consolidation/maintenance therapies, including bone marrow transplantation, in children with relapsed, refractory, or secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To evaluate response to 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CDA) and etoposide (VP-16) in patients who did not respond to mitoxantrone and cytarabine. Patients and Methods: Patients with relapsed/refractory AML (n = 101) and secondary AML (n = 13) were entered. Results: Mitoxantrone and cytarabine induction achieved a remission rate of 76% for relapsed/refractory patients and 77% for patients with secondary AML, with a 3% induction mortality rate. Cytarabine and etoposide intensification exceeded the acceptable toxic death rate of 10%. The response rate of 2-CDA/VP-16 was 8%. Two-year overall survival was estimated at 24% and was better than historical control data. Patients with secondary AML had similar outcomes to relapsed or refractory patients. Initial remission longer than 1 year was the most important prognostic factor for patients with primary AML (2-year survival rate, 75%), whereas for patients with primary AML, with less than 12 months of initial remission, survival was 13% and was similar to that of refractory patients (6%). Conclusion: Mitoxantrone and cytarabine induction is effective with reasonable toxicity in patients with relapsed/refractory or secondary AML. The cytarabine and etoposide intensification regimen should be abandoned because of toxicity. Patients with relapsed AML with initial remissions longer than 1 year have a relatively good prognosis.