Standardizing terminology in pediatric oncology--the basic data set

BACKGROUND: In the context of more than 20 therapy optimizing clinical trials in pediatric oncology an extensive documentation with a big number of case report forms was developed in the last 20 to 25 years. Across these trials same information is partially captured in different terminological ways, by which documentation about patients in the clinics is made more difficult. METHOD: Terminology of therapy optimizing clinical trials of German Society for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (GPOH) is standardized by a central "standards committee". RESULT: As a first result the basic data set of GPOH could be revised and made available in internet via http://www.dospo.uni-hd.de. CONCLUSION: A basis of a unique documentation language in pediatric oncology is available for German speaking regions.     

Training and education of pediatric radiation oncologists: A survey from the 2019 Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society meeting

To examine the educational background, clinical practice, and preferences regarding continuing medical education (CME) among radiation oncologists who attended the 2019 meeting of the Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society (PROS), a survey consisting of 20 questions was distributed asking for demographic and educational background, clinical practice, and preferences regarding pediatric radiation oncology CME. Of 188 participants, 130 (69.2%) returned the questionnaire. More than 80% reported access to CT simulation, three‐dimensional radiotherapy, and general anesthesia while <30% had access to intraoperative radiotherapy, proton, and heavy particle therapy. After residency, 12.1% did further training in pediatric radiation oncology. When asked about further training in pediatrics after residency, 88.8% answered that there should be a formal training program beyond residency in order to treat children. More than 75% acquired knowledge in pediatric radiation oncology through journals, books, live meetings, and tumor boards. The results of this survey may help Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society (PROS) in creating guidelines and recommendations for improvement in pediatric radiation oncology training and practice support as well as the development of CME activities most likely to benefit practitioners.     

Practice patterns and recommendations for pediatric image‐guided radiotherapy: A Children's Oncology Group report

This report by the Radiation Oncology Discipline of Children's Oncology Group (COG) describes the practice patterns of pediatric image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT) based on a member survey and provides practice recommendations accordingly. The survey comprised of 11 vignettes asking clinicians about their recommended treatment modalities, IGRT preferences, and frequency of in‐room verification. Technical questions asked physicists about imaging protocols, dose reduction, setup correction, and adaptive therapy. In this report, the COG Radiation Oncology Discipline provides an IGRT modality/frequency decision tree and the expert guidelines for the practice of ionizing image guidance in pediatric radiotherapy patients.     

Register for the evaluation of side effects after radiation in childhood and adolescence--first results

BACKGROUND: Late effects after radiotherapy in childhood and adolescence have mainly been characterized retrospectively with small patient numbers. Therefore the German Group of Pediatric Radiation Oncology (APRO) established the "RegIster for the evaluation of late Side effects after radiation in childhood and adolescence" (RiSK). After a pilot phase starting in 2001 documentation has been performed all over Germany since 2004. This analysis shows the first results of "RiSK". PATIENTS AND METHODS: Radiation parameters including detailed organ doses as well as toxicity evaluations were collected prospectively from centers all over Germany in the study center. Standardized documentation forms were used. Documentation is planned for all children who receive radiotherapy in one of the German pediatric therapy trials. RESULTS: Until December 31st 2006, 696 documentations of radiotherapy and 526 acute as well as 836 late follow-up documentation forms have been collected. Altogether, 41 patients with late grade 3 and 16 patients with late grade 4-side effects were identified. Side effects mainly concerned joints with functional impairment (after combined radiotherapy and surgery), the bowel, skin and subcutis as well as blood parameters under continued chemotherapy. Patients with late side effects of a higher grade were mainly treated for Ewing's or soft tissue sarcomas (n=235 patients), representing 33.8% of all patients in this study. CONCLUSION: Fortunately, up to now only a few late grade 3 or 4 side effects of radiotherapy are shown for almost 700 documented patients. For further results, especially for the characterization of dose-effect-relationships, this study has to be continued with a higher patient number and a longer follow-up.     

Computer-assisted documentation and therapy planning in pediatric oncology--introduction of a nationwide solution]

In Pediatric Oncology in Germany, 90% of the patients are treated according to multicenter clinical trials, which means an enormous effort for documentation in the participating clinics. In order to enable multiple use of data for patient records as well as for clinical trials a computer-based documentation system for pediatric oncology (DOSPO) is being developed, which can be used nationwide. DOSPO currently comprises a minimum basic data set, which represents the common core of all multicenter trials and which has been approved by the German Society for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (GPOH). It is intended to enhance the documentation by specific items of each clinical trial. Functions for computer-aided chemotherapy planning and medical report writing have already been implemented in the documentation system. Various centers in Germany are currently validating the system in routine use.     

Pediatric radiation oncology in Germany: a study of availability and application

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy plays a pivotal role in many multimodal therapy concepts in pediatric oncology. However, the absolute number of irradiated children is estimated to be quite low. The aim of this study was to evaluate the availability and application of pediatric radiation oncology in Germany. METHOD: In summer 2007, a standardized questionnaire was sent to all radiotherapy facilities in Germany. The questions regarded the structure of the departments, the number of irradiated children each year including the distribution of the different diagnoses, the number of curative treatments, inclusion in study trials, and existence of special contact persons for pediatric radiotherapy as well as technical aspects of irradiation of children. RESULTS: Answers to the questionnaires were obtained from 171 departments (77.4%). Of these, 67 (39%) stated to regularly treat children. These departments treated one to nine children in median each year (<5 children/year: 23 departments; >or=20 children: 15 departments). Most of these children suffered from brain tumors, Hodgkin's disease and acute lymphatic leukemia (ALL). Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy was the most frequent treatment technique; special techniques like intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or brachytherapy were rare. CONCLUSIONS: Due to quite low patient numbers treated in most radiotherapy facilities, individual experiences in pediatric radiation oncology can be assumed to be quite limited. As radiotherapy is part of multimodal therapy approaches in pediatric oncology and children treated with radiotherapy are at special risk for potential side effects, pediatric radiation oncology remains a sophisticated area. Therefore radiotherapy reference-institutions implemented by the therapy optimizing protocols are of fundamental importance.     

Nachsorge von Patienten mit Krebs im Kindes- und Jugendalter

Over the last 50 years, improvements in treatments for childhood cancer have led to the extremely gratifying result of survival rates that now exceed 75%. However, about two-thirds of the patients will suffer from late effects of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, hearing impairment caused by platinum compounds, and endocrine disturbances related to radiation therapy are three commonly observed sequelae that afflict childhood cancer survivors. Systematic prospective aftercare of these patients is particularly important and is necessary in order to detect and treat organ impairment as soon as possible. The Late Effects Surveillance System (LESS) is a national aftercare network established by the German Association of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology (GPOH). In collaboration with therapy optimisation studies and other working groups of the GPOH, LESS gives recommendations for follow-up and fulfils advisory functions. A future aim is to develop treatments that will avoid major late effects.     

Bacterial infections in pediatric cancer patients

Increased dose intensity and a better long term survival can not be reached in pediatric oncology without the judicious use of antibiotics. During periods with profound neutropenia and between intensive chemotherapy cycles are bacterial infections capable of disturbing the patients' quality of life; they may cause an acute life threatening situation and lead to a substantial increase in expenditures and consumption of ressources in supportive care. The non-judicious use of antibacterials may face the patient to an increased risk of adverse events and fosters the selection of resistant bacteria. This article provides the recommendations of the Infectious Diseases Working Party of the German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (DGPI) and the German Society for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (GPOH) for antibacterial therapy in pediatric oncology patients based upon the available literature and the clinical experience of the authors.     

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??Radiation therapy??RT?? is used to treat children with CNS tumors??solid tumors or Hodgkin lymphoma??including TBI. Pediatric radiation oncologists have provided critical input into the development and implementation of concepts for clinical trials to further define the modality’s role and test newer methods to reduce side effects or intensify therapy. The quality of pediatric oncology clinical trials that include radiation therapy is linked to the quality of guidelines. Radiation oncology is an adult medical specialty??thus??pediatric radiation oncologists are uniquely positioned to work with adult cancer investigators.     

Sekund?re Amenorrh? bei einer Jugendlichen

In rare cases secondary amenorrhea can be triggered by an endocrine tumor. Such findings need a close interdisciplinary cooperation between endocrinology, oncology, radiology, surgery and a reference pathological assessment of the tumor material. Patients with ovarian tumors should be registered and treated according to the MAKEI therapy optimization study of the GPOH (Society for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology).     

Medulloblastome, primitiv neuroektodermale Tumoren und Ependymome

Medulloblastoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), and ependymoma are the most frequent malignant brain tumors of childhood. Since the 1980s, multimodal therapy optimization trials of the German Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology (GPOH) have led to improved survival rates. Within the current primary treatment trial HIT 2000, modern strategies for radiotherapy and chemotherapy are evaluated according to histology, staging, and age after maximal safe tumor resection. Young children with desmoplastic medulloblastoma receive chemotherapy alone, and the aim for young children with classic medulloblastoma and PNET is for chemotherapy to delay radiotherapy. Intensified treatment concepts are evaluated in metastatic disease. In ependymoma, the extent of resection and local radiotherapy are most important. Prolonging survival while preserving a good quality of life is the aim of the trial HIT-REZ 2005 for children with relapsed medulloblastoma, PNET, or ependymoma; it includes the evaluation of new drugs and treatment modalities (temozolomide, intraventricular etoposide). Central tumor banking and improved treatment stratification by prognostic molecular markers are planned for future trials.     

Children's Oncology Group's 2013 blueprint for research: Radiation oncology

Radiation therapy (RT) is used to treat children with CNS tumors, solid tumors or Hodgkin lymphoma. Pediatric radiation oncologists have provided critical input into the development and implementation of concepts for clinical trials to further define the modality's role and test newer methods to reduce side effects or intensify therapy. The quality of pediatric oncology clinical trials that include radiation therapy is linked to the quality of guidelines. Radiation oncology is an adult medical specialty; thus, pediatric radiation oncologists are uniquely positioned to work with adult cancer investigators in the reorganized US National Cancer Institute Clinic Trials Network. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 1037–1043. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Diagnosis and management of central nervous system infections in pediatric cancer patients

Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are a common cause of neurological abnormalities in pediatric oncology patients apart from cancer disease of the CNS. Often symptoms do not present unequivocally, impeding a clear distinction from other differential diagnosis. Repeated neurological examinations of the patient allow selecting the necessary laboratory tests and imaging techniques. As delayed antiinfectious treatment is associated with high mortality and severe sequelae of survivors, patients do need empirical therapy using adequate doses until diagnostic results allow a more specific treatment. This article provides the recommendations of the Infectious Diseases Working Party of the German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (DGPI) and the German Society for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (GPOH) for diagnosis and treatment of infections of the CNS in immunocompromised patients.     

A discourse: the 2002 Wataru W. Sutow lecture. Hodgkin disease in children--perspectives and progress

THE PIONEER: Wataru W. Sutow, 1912-1981, was a remarkable and pivotal leader in pediatric oncology. Early in his medical career, he conducted important clinical and anthropometric studies among Japanese and Marshall Island children exposed to atomic radiation. These studies established standards for childhood growth and development still in use today. Dr. Sutow pioneered the multidisciplinary approach to childhood cancer by combining multidrug chemotherapy protocols with surgery and radiotherapy in the common childhood solid tumors. The textbook "Clinical Pediatric Oncology," of which he was the senior editor, served to define the discipline of pediatric oncology and educate a new era of oncologists in the curative treatment for childhood cancer. THE PAST AND PRESENT: The first edition of "Clinical Pediatric Oncology," published in 1973, demonstrated that only children with early-stage localized Hodgkin disease had a realistic opportunity for cure. Soon the use of combined-modality therapy consisting of low-dose, involved-field radiation plus multi-agent chemotherapy emerged, and made the goal of cure realistic for all patients. This approach is now universal. Today, the 5-year relative survival rate for American children with Hodgkin disease, who are under 14 years of age, is 94%, a dramatic and remarkable achievement. FUTURE: Management of children with Hodgkin disease now involves clinical staging and risk-adapted, combined-modality therapy. Clinical and translational research initiatives that hold promise for children with Hodgkin disease in the future include: use of the WHO Classification System combining morphologic and biologic criteria; noninvasive staging procedures with increased sensitivity and specificity; development of a useful prognostic index to define groups for risk-adapted therapy; high-dose therapy with stem cell transplantation; and novel therapies.     

A comprehensive review of 30 years of pediatric clinical trial radiotherapy dose constraints

Background

Radiation therapy normal tissue dose constraints are critical when treating pediatric patients. However, there is limited evidence supporting proposed constraints, which has led to variations in constraints over the years. In this study, we identify these variations in dose constraints within pediatric trials both in the United States and in Europe used in the past 30 years.

Procedure

All pediatric trials from the Children's Oncology Group website were queried from inception until January 2022 and a sampling of European studies was included. Dose constraints were identified and built into an organ-based interactive web application with filters to display data by organs at risk (OAR), protocol, start date, dose, volume, and fractionation scheme. Dose constraints were evaluated for consistency over time and compared between pediatric US and European trials

Results

One hundred five closed trials were included—93 US trials and 12 European trials. Thirty-eight separate OAR were found with high-dose constraint variability. Across all trials, nine organs had greater than 10 different constraints (median 16, range 11–26), including serial organs. When comparing US versus European dose tolerances, the United States constraints were higher for seven OAR, lower for one, and identical for five. No OAR had constraints change systematically over the last 30 years.

Conclusion

Review of pediatric dose-volume constraints in clinical trials showed substantial variability for all OAR. Continued efforts focused on standardization of OAR dose constraints and risk profiles are essential to increase consistency of protocol outcomes and ultimately to reduce radiation toxicities in the pediatric population.     

“Per protocol” practice patterns for Children's Oncology Group trials within the radiation oncology community

Little is known about the prevalence of pediatric radiation oncologists treating patients off study according to Children's Oncology Group (COG) trials before data are available regarding toxicity and efficacy of novel radiotherapy regimens. We conducted a 12-question survey of 358 pediatric radiation oncologists to characterize practice patterns regarding ongoing and completed COG protocols off study. With 130 responses (40.3%), the prevalence of providing treatment per protocol, but off study, before data are available in abstract or peer-reviewed form varied from 9.1% (for ACNS1422) to 88.1% (for AHOD1331). Future studies are needed to understand the effects of these practice patterns on outcomes.     

Parasitic diseases in pediatric cancer patients

Parasitic infections are rare events in pediatric oncology. Transmission routes and diseases of most parasites do not differ significantly from those seen in otherwise healthy children. However, latent asymptomatic infections with Cryptosporidium spp., Leishmania spp., Strongyloides stercoralis and Toxoplasma gondii might exacerbate during immunosuppression. Screening in asymptomatic patients is often unsuccessful due to the low sensitivity of available assays except in toxoplasmosis. This article provides the recommendations of the Infectious Diseases Working Party of the German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (DGPI) and the German Society for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (GPOH) for the appropriate diagnostic procedures and antiparasitic treatment immunocompromised patients.     

Telemedicine in pediatric oncology

The telemedicine project of the Competence Net Pediatric Oncology of the German/Austrian Gesellschaft für P?diatrische Onkologie und H?matologie (GPOH) has as an initial step of its work-programme sent out a questionnaire to the 54 largest pediatric hematology/oncology units in Germany. Institutions were asked for their experience, motivation, existing infrastructure, and anticipated benefits and obstacles regarding the implementation of telemedicine in patient care and research. Of the 54 largest German Pediatric Oncology institutions asked, 46 completed the questionnaire (85 %). Results: 1. The need for further detailed information on implementation and for help in technical realization of telemedicine applications was expressed by all participants. 2. The majority expected practical advantages from telemedicine communication and anticipated that telemedicine will increase quality in treating children with cancer. 3. Expert consultation (study chairman, reference radiologists) is stated as to be most important. 4. Thirty-three of 46 physicians (72 %) believe that telemedicine will reduce costs in medical care within the next years. 5. It is anticipated that the introduction of telemedicine is time consuming. 6. The lack of available medical informatics competence and manpower was regarded as the most important obstacle. 7. Data security and standardization, transfer speed and transmission quality are considered most important. 8. Most of the institutions (91 %) use computers in the management of patients. Fourty-four (96 %) are connected to the Internet. 9. Thirty-seven of 46 institutions were prepared to invest in the implementation of telemedicine. This analysis demonstrates that the use of telemedicine is expected to become standard in pediatric oncology, while the existing infrastructure and status of information regarding this subject at present are insufficient. The most pressing practical need for telemedicine applications is seen in the field of electronic expert consultation. Hence, the Telemedicine-Project of the GPOH Competence Net will focus on this aspect first.     

Imaging of pediatric calvarial and skull base tumors: A COG Diagnostic Imaging Committee/SPR Oncology Committee/ASPNR White Paper

A standardized imaging protocol for pediatric oncology patients is essential for accurate and efficient imaging, while simultaneously promoting collaborative understanding of pathologies and radiologic assessment of treatment response. The objective of this article is to provide standardized pediatric imaging guidelines and parameters for evaluation of tumors of the pediatric orbit, calvarium, skull base, and temporal bone. This article was drafted based on current scientific literature as well as consensus opinions of imaging experts in collaboration with the Children's Oncology Group Diagnostic Imaging Committee, Society of Pediatric Radiology Oncology Committee, and American Society of Pediatric Neuroradiology.     

Transfusion management strategies: a survey of practicing pediatric hematology/oncology specialists

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the criteria used by pediatric oncologists for the transfusion of red blood cells and platelets to pediatric oncology patients. PROCEDURE: Data regarding red blood cell and platelet transfusion practices were collected with an internet-based survey of physician members of the American Society for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPH/O). Respondents were asked to define platelet and red blood cell transfusion thresholds in a variety of clinical scenarios, and to describe criteria for dealing with cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission from blood products, platelet dosing strategies, and prevention of RhD alloimmunization. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 31.4% (264 of 841). Of the respondents, 76% indicated that their institution had defined criteria for acceptable transfusion practice; of these respondents, 114 (57%) indicated that there were special guidelines for pediatric oncology patients. Examination of the distribution of threshold platelet counts and hemoglobin levels that would prompt transfusion indicated a wide range of transfusion practice in commonly encountered clinical scenarios. Similar variability in practice was evident in platelet dosing strategies, CMV prevention strategies, and in the use of anti-D in RhD-negative patients who received RhD-positive platelets. CONCLUSIONS: This current survey demonstrates that transfusion practices vary widely among pediatric hematology/oncology specialists and that prospective clinical trials may be necessary to determine optimal criteria for blood product support in pediatric oncology patients.