Advancements in the treatment of pediatric acute leukemia and brain tumor - continuous efforts for 100% cure.
10.3345/kjp.2014.57.10.434
- Author:
Hee Young JU
1
;
Che Ry HONG
;
Hee Young SHIN
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. hyshin@snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Multicenter Study ; Review
- Keywords:
Pediatrics;
Neoplasms;
Survival rate;
Leukemia;
Brain neoplasms
- MeSH:
Brain Neoplasms*;
Central Nervous System;
Child;
Clinical Protocols;
Drug Therapy;
Humans;
Leukemia*;
Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute;
Pediatrics;
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma;
Radiotherapy;
Recurrence;
Stem Cell Transplantation;
Stem Cells;
Survival Rate;
T-Lymphocytes
- From:Korean Journal of Pediatrics
2014;57(10):434-439
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Treatment outcomes of pediatric cancers have improved greatly with the development of improved treatment protocols, new drugs, and better supportive measures, resulting in overall survival rates greater than 70%. Survival rates are highest in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, reaching more than 90%, owing to risk-based treatment through multicenter clinical trials and protocols developed to prevent central nervous system relapse and testicular relapse in boys. New drugs including clofarabine and nelarabine are currently being evaluated in clinical trials, and other targeted agents are continuously being developed. Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells are now attracting interest for the treatment of recurrent or refractory disease. Stem cell transplantation is still the most effective treatment for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, in order to reduce treatment-related death after stem cell transplantation, there is need for improved treatments. New drugs and targeted agents are also needed for improved outcome of AML. Surgery and radiation therapy have been the mainstay for brain tumor treatment. However, chemotherapy is becoming more important for patients who are not eligible for radiotherapy owing to age. Stem cell transplant as a means of high dose chemotherapy and stem cell rescue is a new treatment modality and is often repeated for improved survival. Drugs such as temozolomide are new chemotherapeutic options. In order to achieve 100% cure in children with pediatric cancer, every possible treatment modality and effort should be considered.
