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A dose‐intensive approach (NB96) for induction therapy utilizing sequential high‐dose chemotherapy and stem cell rescue in high‐risk neuroblastoma in children over 1 year of age
Author(s) -
MonnereauLaborde Sylvie,
Munzer Caroline,
ValteauCouanet Dominique,
Ansoborlo Sophie,
Coze Carole,
Chastagner Pascal,
Rubie Hervé,
Demeocq François,
Stephan JeanLouis,
Hartmann Olivier,
Perel Yves
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
pediatric blood and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.116
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1545-5017
pISSN - 1545-5009
DOI - 10.1002/pbc.23232
Subject(s) - medicine , etoposide , carboplatin , induction chemotherapy , chemotherapy , regimen , surgery , toxicity , cyclophosphamide , neuroblastoma , oncology , cisplatin , biology , genetics , cell culture
Background To improve outcome and overall survival (OS) in high‐risk neuroblastoma, NB96 induction therapy was intensified using sequential high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue. Procedure Twenty children were included in this pilot study undertaken at seven reference centers in France, between May 1995 and October 1996. Induction began with one cycle of conventional chemotherapy followed by six sequential cycles of high‐dose chemotherapy comprising two cycles of etoposide 800 mg/m 2 /day over 3 days, two cycles of cyclophosphamide 2,000 mg/m 2 /day over 3 days, and two cycles of carboplatin 400 mg/m 2 /day over 5 days, followed by stem cell rescue. Results Thirteen patients (13/20) received this induction with acceptable toxicity and adequate stem cell harvest. Of these, nine (9/13) underwent surgery according to the protocol, while one patient was given a consolidation regimen prior to surgery. No toxic death was recorded. At the end of induction, complete remission was achieved in 10 cases (50%), with six still alive in July 2009. The 5‐year event‐free survival and OS were 35 ± 11% and 40 ± 11%, respectively. Conclusion NB96 therapy is feasible and tolerated without lethal toxicity. Nevertheless, given the small sample size and absence of randomization in our study, the effectiveness of this strategy based on metastasis complete response rates and long‐term outcome was not superior to other intensive chemotherapy regimens. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 965–971. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.