Children's Oncology Group Risk Research Articles

Percutaneous biopsy for the diagnosis, risk stratification, and molecular profiling of neuroblastoma: A single-center retrospective study.

To determine whether percutaneous core needle biopsy (PCNB) is adequate for the diagnosis and full molecular characterization of newly diagnosed neuroblastoma. Patients with newly diagnosed neuroblastoma who underwent PCNB in interventional radiology at a single center over a 5-year period were included. Pre-procedure imaging and procedure details were reviewed. Rates of diagnostic success and sufficiency for International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification (INPC), risk stratification, and evaluation of genomic markers utilized in the Children's Oncology Group risk stratification, and status of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene were assessed. Thirty-five patients (13 females, median age 2.4years [interquartile range, IQR: 0.9-4.4] and median weight 12.4kg [IQR: 9.6-18]) were included. Most had International Neuroblastoma Risk Group Stage M disease (n=22, 63%). Median longest axis of tumor target was 8.8cm [IQR: 6.1-12]. A 16-gauge biopsy instrument was most often used (n=20, 57%), with a median of 20 cores [IQR: 13-23] obtained. Twenty-five specimens were assessed for adequacy, and 14 procedures utilized contrast-enhanced ultrasound guidance. There were two post-procedure bleeds (5.7%). Thirty-four of 35 procedures (97%) were sufficient for histopathologic diagnosis and risk stratification, 94% (n=32) were sufficient for INPC, and 85% (n=29) were sufficient for complete molecular characterization, including ALK testing. Biologic information was otherwise obtained from bone marrow (4/34, 12%) or surgery (1/34, 2.9%). The number of cores did not differ between patients with sufficient versus insufficient biopsies. In this study, obtaining multiple cores with PCNB resulted in a high rate of diagnosis and successful molecular profiling for neuroblastoma.

Development and validation of a promising 5-gene prognostic model for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia

Risk classification in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (P-AML) is crucial for personalizing treatments. Thus, we aimed to establish a risk-stratification tool for P-AML patients and eventually guide individual treatment. A total of 256 P-AML patients with accredited mRNA-seq data from the TARGET database were divided into training and internal validation datasets. A gene-expression-based prognostic score was constructed for overall survival (OS), by using univariate Cox analysis, LASSO regression analysis, Kaplan–Meier (K-M) survival, and multivariate Cox analysis. A P-AML-5G prognostic score bioinformatically derived from expression levels of 5 genes (ZNF775, RNFT1, CRNDE, COL23A1, and TTC38), clustered P-AML patients in training dataset into high-risk group (above optimal cut-off) with shorter OS, and low-risk group (below optimal cut-off) with longer OS (p < 0.0001). Meanwhile, similar results were obtained in internal validation dataset (p = 0.005), combination dataset (p < 0.001), two treatment sub-groups (p < 0.05), intermediate-risk group defined with the Children's Oncology Group (COG) (p < 0.05) and an external Japanese P-AML dataset (p = 0.005). The model was further validated in the COG study AAML1031(p = 0.001), and based on transcriptomic analysis of 943 pediatric patients and 70 normal bone marrow samples from this dataset, two genes in the model demonstrated significant differential expression between the groups [all log2(foldchange) > 3, p < 0.001]. Independent of other prognostic factors, the P-AML-5G groups presented the highest concordance-index values in training dataset, chemo-therapy only treatment subgroups of the training and internal validation datasets, and whole genome-sequencing subgroup of the combined dataset, outperforming two Children's Oncology Group (COG) risk stratification systems, 2022 European LeukemiaNet (ELN) risk classification tool and two leukemic stem cell expression-based models. The 5-gene prognostic model generated by a single assay can further refine the current COG risk stratification system that relies on numerous tests and may have the potential for the risk judgment and identification of the high-risk pediatric AML patients receiving chemo-therapy only treatment.

Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting survival in intermediate- and high-risk neuroblastoma of the Children's Oncology Group risk stratification.

To develop and validate a nomogram for predicting survival in intermediate- and high-risk neuroblastoma patients and to compare the accuracy of the nomogram in predicting survival with Children's Oncology Group (COG) risk stratification. A total of 885 intermediate- and high-risk neuroblastoma patients were enrolled in this study, including 243 patients from our hospital (the training set) and 642 patients from the TARGET database (the validation set). The factors related to event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) in neuroblastoma were determined to construct the nomogram by Cox regression analysis. The C-index, calibration curves, and area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were used to assess the predictive performance of the nomogram. International Neuroblastoma Staging System stage and Mitosis-karyorrhexis index (MKI) were significant unfavorable factors for EFS, while MKI and MYCN status were significant unfavorable factors for OS. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.621 and 0.586 for predicting EFS, 0.650 and 0.570 for predicting OS in the training and validation sets, respectively. The calibration curves revealed good agreement in the EFS and OS predicted by the nomogram. The AUCs of the nomogram for 1-, 2-, 3-year EFS and OS were 0.633, 0.669, 0.604 and 0.672, 0.670, 0.702 in the training set, respectively. Moreover, the nomogram was able to classify patients into two groups according to risk scores, with the "high-risk" group having a lower survival rate than the "intermediate-risk" group. And the nomogram performed better than the COG risk stratification, which had a C-index of 0.537, 0.502 and 0.565, 0.572 for predicting EFS, OS in the training and validation sets, respectively. We developed and validated a prognostic nomogram for intermediate- and high-risk neuroblastoma patients that clinicians can use to make more informed decisions for individual patients.

Informatics tools to implement late cardiovascular risk prediction modeling for population management of high-risk childhood cancer survivors.

Clinical informatics tools to integrate data from multiple sources have the potential to catalyze population health management of childhood cancer survivors at high risk for late heart failure through the implementation of previously validated risk calculators. The Oklahoma cohort (n=365) harnessed data elements from Passport for Care (PFC), and the Duke cohort (n=274) employed informatics methods to automatically extract chemotherapy exposures from electronic health record (EHR) data for survivors 18yearsold and younger at diagnosis. The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) late cardiovascular risk calculator was implemented, and risk groups for heart failure were compared to the Children's Oncology Group (COG) and the International Guidelines Harmonization Group (IGHG) recommendations. Analysis within the Oklahoma cohort assessed disparities in guideline-adherent care. The Oklahoma and Duke cohorts both observed good overall concordance between the CCSS and COG risk groups for late heart failure, with weighted kappa statistics of .70 and .75, respectively. Low-risk groups showed excellent concordance (kappa>.9). Moderate and high-risk groups showed moderate concordance (kappa .44-.60). In the Oklahoma cohort, adolescents at diagnosis were significantly less likely to receive guideline-adherent echocardiogram surveillance compared with survivors younger than 13years old at diagnosis (odds ratio [OD] 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10-0.49). Clinical informatics tools represent a feasible approach to leverage discrete treatment-related data elements from PFC or the EHR to successfully implement previously validated late cardiovascular risk prediction models on a population health level. Concordance of CCSS, COG, and IGHG risk groups using real-world data informs current guidelines and identifies inequities in guideline-adherent care.

Survival of Patients With Neuroblastoma After Assignment to Reduced Therapy Because of the 12- to 18-Month Change in Age Cutoff in Children's Oncology Group Risk Stratification.

In 2006, Children's Oncology Group (COG) reclassified subgroups of toddlers diagnosed with neuroblastoma from high-risk to intermediate-risk, when the age cutoff for high-risk assignment was raised from 365 days (12 months) to 547 days (18 months). The primary aim of this retrospective study was to determine if excellent outcome was maintained after assigned reduction of therapy. Children <3 years old at diagnosis, enrolled on a COG biology study from 1990 to 2018, were eligible (n = 9,189). Assigned therapy was reduced for two cohorts of interest on the basis of the age cutoff change: 365-546 days old with International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS) stage 4, MYCN not amplified (MYCN-NA), favorable International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification (INPC), hyperdiploid tumors (12-18mo/Stage4/FavBiology), and 365-546 days old with INSS stage 3, MYCN-NA, and unfavorable INPC tumors (12-18mo/Stage3/MYCN-NA/Unfav). Log-rank tests compared event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) curves. For 12-18mo/Stage4/FavBiology, 5-year EFS/OS (± SE) before (≤2006; n = 40) versus after (>2006; n = 55) assigned reduction in therapy was similar: 89% ± 5.1%/89% ± 5.1% versus 87% ± 4.6%/94% ± 3.2% (P = .7; P = .4, respectively). For 12-18mo/Stage3/MYCN-NA/Unfav, the 5-year EFS and OS were both 100%, before (n = 6) and after (n = 4) 2006. The 12-18mo/Stage4/FavBiology plus 12-18mo/Stage3/MYCN-NA/Unfav classified as high-risk ≤2006 had an EFS/OS of 91% ± 4.4%/91% ± 4.5% versus 38% ± 1.3%/43% ± 1.3% for all other high-risk patients <3 years old (P < .0001; P < .0001, respectively). The 12-18mo/Stage4/FavBiology plus 12-18mo/Stage3/MYCN-NA/Unfav classified as intermediate-risk >2006 had an EFS/OS of 88% ± 4.3%/95% ± 2.9% versus 88% ± 0.9%/95% ± 0.6% for all other intermediate-risk patients <3 years old (P = .87; P = .85, respectively). Excellent outcome was maintained among subsets of toddlers with neuroblastoma assigned to reduced treatment after reclassification of risk group from high to intermediate on the basis of new age cutoffs. Importantly, as documented in prior trials, intermediate-risk therapy is not associated with the degree of acute toxicity and late effects commonly observed with high-risk regimens.

Comparison of Current and Enhanced Risk Stratification of 21,199 Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Using Objective Risk Categorization Criteria: A Children's Oncology Group Report

Contemporary risk stratification algorithms commonly use threshold-defined categories of clinically relevant risk factors. The Children's Oncology Group (COG) uses National Cancer Institute (NCI) risk group (RG), cytogenetics, and early response to therapy measured by minimal residual disease (MRD) using flow cytometry on day 8 peripheral blood (D8 PB) and day 29 bone marrow (D29 BM). However, it is unclear whether assigning different weights to individual risk factors, as well as using numerical values as continuous, rather than categorical, would more accurately predict relapse risk. Previous work (Loh, ASH 2020) described validation of a continuous prognostic index (PI) for risk of relapse published by UK investigators incorporating favorable and unfavorable genetics, white blood cell count (WBC), and D29 BM as continuous variables (O'Connor, JCO 2018; Enshaei, Blood 2020), and assessed the added value of D8 PB. We now extend this work by comparing patient outcomes with current COG risk classification to PI-derived risk classifications on the previously described population (Loh, ASH 2020).We first retrospectively classified patients (pts) (N=21,199 from prior COG trials AALL0331/0232 or AALL0932/1131 enrolled 2004-2019) in our analysis population using the COG risk stratification algorithm employed in the current generation of COG trials. Pts with Down syndrome or BCR/ABL1 were excluded. We classified our analysis population as SR-Favorable [SR-Fav, 24.5% (5-year relapse free survival (RFS) probability 0.97)], SR-Favorable/Average (not distinguishable because of missing D8 PB) [SR-Fav/Avg, 5.3% (.96)], SR-Avg [20.5% (0.93)], SR-High [12.5% (0.83)], HR-Fav [3.0% (0.96)], HR [29.6% (0.82)], and Very HR [VHR, 1.1% (0.54)] according to NCI RG, CNS status, cytogenetics, D8 PB where relevant, D29 BM, and EOC MRD. Ninety-seven percent of pts had sufficient data to be retrospectively classified and thus 20,176 pts were considered for subsequent analyses.We next developed a multivariable model for RFS using log transformed MRD (τ(MRD)). Temporal external validation was first employed by developing models considering AALL0932/1131 data (n=12,453) and then validating them with AALL0331/0232 data (n=7,723). Of the full cohort of 20,176 pts, 24.4% could not be classified by COG PI, primarily due to missing D8 PB MRD which was not assessed routinely in earlier studies; thus the model was developed on 11,151 pts and validated on 4,103 pts. The COG PI (PI COG) was calculated using the equation [τ(d8 MRD) x -0.036 + τ(d29 MRD) x -0.119 + CYTO-GR x -0.914 + CYTO-HR x 0.752 + WBC log x 0.178]. The UK PI (PI UK) was also calculated using published coefficients [τ(d29 MRD) x -0.218 + CYTO-GR x -0.440 + CYTO-HR x 1.066 + WBC log x 0.138] for comparison to assess the practical significance of adding D8 PB. In contrast to the UK method, we identified risk groups by selecting PI cutoffs that maximized the discrimination of the predictive model as quantified by the concordance probability estimator (CPE) (Barrio, SORT 2017). This objective method of cutpoint determination allows for risk group definition without investigator agreement on exact prespecified risk group characteristics; this method also defined four risk groups (Low, Standard, Intermediate, and High).Cutpoints derived from the two different indices, applied to the pts who could be classified by PI COG (n=15,254), resulted in different proportions of pts in each of the risk groups with generally similar RFS estimates for each group. Using cutpoints estimated for PI COG (-2.073, -1.307, and -0.857) 36.0% (RFS = 0.97) were classified as low, 29.6% (0.93) standard, 17.1% (0.88) intermediate, and 17.4% (0.73) high risk of relapse. For PI UK ( -2.916, -2.534, and -1.15), among those who were classifiable by PI COG, 33.4% (0.97) were classified as low, 26.3% (0.93) standard, 30% (0.87) intermediate, and 10.4% (0.69) high.Finally, we compared the COG risk stratification to PI CPE-defined risk stratification in the cohort. As shown in the table, PI COG improves discrimination among individuals by identifying groups with different relapse risk than expected. The PI COG can thus identify patients for whom therapeutic intensification may not result in significantly better outcomes while improving the discrimination of HR pts to allow randomized interventions with achievable hazard ratios. [Display omitted] DisclosuresLoh: MediSix therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Borowitz: Amgen, Blueprint Medicines: Honoraria. Zweidler-McKay: ImmunoGen: Current Employment. Mullighan: AbbVie: Research Funding; Amgen: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Illumina: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Research Funding. Hunger: Amgen: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Raetz: Pfizer: Research Funding; Celgene: Other: DSMB member.

Revised Neuroblastoma Risk Classification System: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group.

Treatment planning for children with neuroblastoma requires accurate assessment of prognosis. The most recent Children's Oncology Group (COG) risk classification system used tumor stage as defined by the International Neuroblastoma Staging System. Here, we validate a revised classifier using the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group Staging System (INRGSS) and incorporate segmental chromosome aberrations (SCA) as an additional genomic biomarker. Newly diagnosed patients enrolled on the COG neuroblastoma biology study ANBL00B1 between 2007 and 2017 with known age, International Neuroblastoma Staging System, and INRGSS stage were identified (N = 4,832). Tumor MYCN status, ploidy, SCA status (1p and 11q), and International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification histology were determined centrally. Survival analyses were performed for combinations of prognostic factors used in COG risk classification according to the prior version 1, and to validate a revised algorithm (version 2). Most patients with locoregional tumors had excellent outcomes except for those with image-defined risk factors (INRGSS L2) with MYCN amplification (5-year event-free survival and overall survival: 76.3% ± 5.8% and 79.9% ± 5.5%, respectively) or patients age ≥ 18 months with L2 MYCN nonamplified tumors with unfavorable International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification histology (72.7% ± 5.4% and 82.4% ± 4.6%), which includes the majority of L2 patients with SCA. For patients with stage M (metastatic) and MS (metastatic, special) disease, genomic biomarkers affected risk group assignment for those < 12 months (MYCN) or 12-18 months (MYCN, histology, ploidy, and SCA) of age. In a retrospective analysis of patient outcome, the 5-year event-free survival and overall survival using COG version 1 were low-risk: 89.4% ± 1.1% and 97.9% ± 0.5%; intermediate-risk: 86.1% ± 1.3% and 94.9% ± 0.8%; high-risk: 50.8% ± 1.4% and 61.9% ± 1.3%; and using COG version 2 were low-risk: 90.7% ± 1.1% and 97.9% ± 0.5%; intermediate-risk: 85.1% ± 1.4% and 95.8% ± 0.8%; high-risk: 51.2% ± 1.4% and 62.5% ± 1.3%, respectively. A revised 2021 COG neuroblastoma risk classifier (version 2) that uses the INRGSS and incorporates SCAs has been adopted to prospectively define COG clinical trial eligibility and treatment assignment.

CHIC Risk Stratification System for Predicting the Survival of Children With Hepatoblastoma: Data From Children With Hepatoblastoma in China.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) risk stratification system to the Children’s Hepatic tumor International Collaboration (CHIC) risk stratification system for predicting the prognosis of Chinese children with hepatoblastoma (HB).MethodsClinicopathological data of 86 patients diagnosed with HB between January 2014 and December 2017 were retrieved. The study endpoints were the 1- and 3-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed to evaluate the predictive value.ResultsThe 1-, 3-year OS and DFS of the 86 patients were 86.0%, 76.3%, and 74.4%, 54.0%, respectively. Univariate analyses revealed that age at diagnosis had a significant role in prognosis for both OS and DFS, along with PRETEXT staging and metastasis at diagnosis. Multivariate analysis showed that metastasis at diagnosis (HR 3.628, 95% CI 1.404-9.378, P=0.008), PRETEXT staging system (HR 2.176, 95% CI 1.230-3.849, P=0.008) and age at diagnosis (HR 2.268, 95% CI 1.033-4.982, P=0.041) were independent factors for OS. For DFS, the independent factors were the PRETEXT staging system (HR 2.241, 95% CI 1.533-3.277, P<0.001) and age at diagnosis (HR 1.792, 95% CI 1.018-3.154, P=0.043). Both COG and CHIC risk stratification systems could effectively predict the prognosis of children with HB for OS. For DFS, the CHIC risk stratification system was more effective. In addition, the CHIC risk stratification system had a higher c-index (OS 0.743, DFS 0.730), compared to the COG risk stratification system (OS 0.726, DFS 0.594).ConclusionAge at diagnosis played a significant role in prognosis. Compared to the COG risk stratification system, the CHIC risk stratification system was superior in predicting the survival of Chinese children with HB.

Enhanced Risk Stratification of 21,178 Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Incorporating White Blood Count (WBC), Age, and Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) at Day 8 and 29 As Continuous Variables: A Children's Oncology Group (COG) Report

Current risk stratification for COG ALL patients (pts) relies on National Cancer Institute (NCI) risk group (RG) at diagnosis, somatic genetics, and early response to therapy as measured by specific thresholds of minimal residual disease (MRD) using flow cytometry on day 8 peripheral blood (D8 PB) and day 29 bone marrow (D29 BM). NCI RG is defined as age 1-10 years (yrs) and white blood cell count (WBC) &amp;lt;50,000/uL (Standard Risk, SR); all other non-infant patients are high risk (HR). Using COG risk stratification, current therapies for SR and HR patients are based on 5-year projected event-free survival (EFS) of 92-97%, and 65-86%. Currently, two subsets, Ph-like and very high risk (VHR) ALL are identified with additional assays-genomic sequencing for Ph-like, and persistent BM MRD on D29 and at end of consolidation for VHR, and are eligible for different treatments. However, as UK investigators recently published (O'Connor, JCO 2018; Enshaei, Blood 2020), using multiple continuous variables as threshold-defined categorical data may diminish the power of accurately predicting relapse, and thus prescribe inappropriate post induction therapy. We tested the UK approach of transforming categorical variables into continuous data on 13,870 NCI SR and 7308 NCI HR B-ALL pts treated on two generations of COG trials: AALL0331 (SR; n=5094), AALL0932 (SR; n=8776), AALL0232 (HR; n=2883), and AALL1131 (HR; n=4425). Down syndrome and Ph+ pts were excluded from analysis. Clinical characteristics are listed in Table 1. ETV6-RUNX1 (25.24%) and double trisomies of chromosome 4, 10 (DT) (23.77%) comprised the favorable risk genetic RG (FRG) group (48.15% of risk classified) while KTM2A rearranged (1.71%), hypodiploidy (1.67%), and iAMP21 (2.56%) comprised the unfavorable risk genetic RG (URG) (6.26%). All others with genetic information were classified as intermediate risk genetic RG (IRG) (45.59% of risk classified). Among 4873 pts tested, 20.46% had Ph-like ALL. D8 PB and D29 BM MRD data were available for 76.42% and 96.69% pts, respectively. We first log transformed WBC, D8 and D29 MRD and displayed these by treatment protocol, NCI RG, and FRG/URG (separating out Ph-like independently). Age and WBC followed the normal expected distribution with the median age of SR pts 4.0 yrs (range 1-9) and HR 12 yrs (range 1-30). Transformed MRD was displayed as a variable t(MRD), corresponding to the negative log; max t(D29 MRD) was 13.82, corresponding to MRD &amp;lt;1.0 x 10-5.The great majority of pts were MRD-positive at D8 (mean t(D8 MRD) 7.42); but there was broad distribution of values, with NCI SR and FRG pts having lower t(D8 MRD) (mean 7.52 and 8.08) than NCI HR and URG pts (mean 7.20 and 6.56) (p &amp;lt; 0.001) . The great majority of pts were D29 MRD-negative (mean t(D29 MRD) 12.08), with NCI SR and FRG pts achieving lower D29 MRD (mean t(D29 MRD) 12.43 and 12.73) than NCI HR and URG pts (mean 11.40 and 10.95) (p&amp;lt; 0.0001). Ph-like ALL pts had a mean t(D8 MRD) and t(D29 MRD) of 6.22 and 9.37. We next conducted a univariate analysis for risk factors for relapse, including sex, age, WBClog, CNS status, protocol-defined rapid early response status, FRG, URG, t(D8 MRD), and t(D29 MRD); all variables except CNS status were significant p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Multivariable modeling showed that WBClog, FRG, URG, t(D8 MRD), t(D29 MRD) retained significance (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Finally, we applied the UK Prognostic Index (PIUKALL) equation [t(d29 MRD) x -0.218 + CYTO-GR x -0.440 + CYTO-HR x 1.066 + WBClog x 0.138] to the COG data using protocol, NCI RG, FRG, URG, IRG, or Ph-like RG in the model and validated the trends for relapse-free survival (RFS), which were similar in our groups with an overall median PIUKALL of -2.63 (mean -2.32, SD -.90, min -3.54, max 1.79). We next added in t(D8 MRD) to define a PICOG and determined that D8 PB MRD added significantly to the model, mostly through discriminating between the hazard ratios of the FRG and the URG RGs. Importantly, the D8 PB MRD led to a qualitatively more distinctive group with a potentially lower predicted RFS in NCI SR pts, a group that has been more difficult to predict in the past, and yet comprises nearly half of all relapse events. Our analyses of 21,178 COG B-ALL pts confirm and extend the utility of integrating WBC and MRD as continuous rather than categorical values to refine risk stratification for patient treatment and trial design. Disclosures Loh: Pfizer: Other: Institutional Research Funding; Medisix Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Borowitz:Amgen: Honoraria. Zweidler-McKay:ImmunoGen, Inc.: Current Employment. Mattano:Melinta Therapeutics: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy. Hunger:Amgen: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy. Raetz:Celgene/BMS: Other; Pfizer: Research Funding. Mullighan:Illumina: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; AbbVie, Inc.: Research Funding.

A revised Children's Oncology Group (COG) neuroblastoma risk classification system: Report from the COG biology study ANBL00B1.

10012 Background: The COG risk classification system previously used the International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS). The pre-treatment INRG staging system (INRGSS) has been adopted internationally, requiring integration of INRGSS with known prognostic biological and clinical characteristics to evaluate outcomes and assess whether this incorporation will require revision to the established COG risk classifier. Methods: 4,037 newly diagnosed neuroblastoma patients were enrolled on COG ANBL00B1 between 2006-2014. Staging per the INSS and INRGSS was determined. Tumor biological and histologic features, including MYCN status [amplified (A) versus not amplified (NA)], ploidy, histology, and segmental chromosome aberrations (SCA) including 1p and 11q LOH, were assessed centrally. Survival analyses were performed to identify independent prognostic factors and to calculate event-free and overall survival (EFS, OS) for combinations of variables used to determine risk group assignments according to COG and INRG classification templates. Results: Using the original COG risk classifier 1,309 low (LR), 992 intermediate (IR) and 1,736 high-risk (HR) patients were identified with 5-year EFS of 91.4±2.1%, 84.3±2.9%, 45.2±3.1%, and OS of 98.1±1.0%, 94.0±1.9%, 54.1±3.0%, respectively. Outcomes based on combinations of clinical and biological prognostic factors were determined and compared for subsets of patients according to the COG (version1) and INRG risk classification systems to develop a revised COG risk classifier that incorporates the INRGSS (version 2, subset shown in table). Conclusions: Use of INRGSS requires a revision to the COG risk classifier. By combining INRGSS and presence of SCA together with age, MYCN status, ploidy, and histology to determine outcome of patients treated with modern era therapies, we developed a revised risk classification system to inform therapy and COG clinical trial eligibility. Clinical trial information: NCT00904241. [Table: see text]

Statistical Framework in Support of a Revised Children's Oncology Group Neuroblastoma Risk Classification System.

The International Neuroblastoma Risk Group (INRG) Staging System (INRGSS) was developed through international consensus to provide a presurgical staging system that uses clinical and imaging data at diagnosis. A revised Children's Oncology Group (COG) neuroblastoma (NB) risk classification system is needed to incorporate the INRGSS and within the context of modern therapy. Herein, we provide statistical support for the clinical validity of a revised COG risk classification system. Nine factors were tested for potential statistical and clinical significance in 4,569 patients diagnosed with NB who were enrolled in the COG biology/banking study ANBL00B1 (2006-2016). Recursive partitioning was performed to create a survival-tree regression (STR) analysis of event-free survival (EFS), generating a split by selecting the strongest prognostic factor among those that were statistically significant. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was applied to obtain the most parsimonious model for EFS. COG patients were risk classified using STR, LASSO, and per the 2009 INRG classification (generated using an STR analysis of INRG data). Results were descriptively compared among the three classification approaches. The 3-year EFS and overall survival (± SE) were 72.9% ± 0.9% and 84.5% ± 0.7%, respectively (N = 4,569). In each approach, the most statistically and clinically significant factors were diagnostic category (eg, NB, ganglioneuroblastoma), INRGSS, MYCN status, International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification, ploidy, and 1p/11q status. The results of the STR analysis were more concordant with those of the INRG classification system than with LASSO, although both methods showed moderate agreement with the INRG system. These analyses provide a framework to develop a new COG risk classification incorporating the INRGSS. There is statistical evidence to support the clinical validity of each of the three classifications: STR, LASSO, and INRG.

Long-term prognosis of low-risk neuroblastoma treated by surgery alone: an experience from a single institution of China.

Low-risk neuroblastomas have favorable biologic characteristics. Children Oncology Group (COG) proposed that surgical resection of the primary tumor was sufficient. We evaluated the long-term prognosis of surgery alone for patients with low-risk neuroblastoma in China. A total of 34 patients with low-risk neuroblastoma were treated in our center between Jan 2009 and Dec 2013. The medical records of these patients were reviewed. The primary lesion was located in the adrenal gland in 19 patients, the retroperitoneum in 5, the posterior mediastinum in 9 and the neck in 1. The tumor diameters and volumes were 1.80-10.0cm (average 5.5 ± 2.3cm) and 1.28-424.10cm3 (average 58.81 ± 92.00cm3), respectively. The stages of the patients were as follows: stage I in 25, stage II in 7, and stage IVs in 2. All patients were in the low-risk group according to COG risk stratification criteria. No patients showed MYCN amplification. The primary tumors of all patients were completely resected. Nine adrenal tumors were completely resected by laparoscopy. All patients were successfully followed for 66-115 (average 89.71 ± 16.17) months. Recurrence was observed in 4 patients. In addition to one local recurrence, another three recurrences were metastases. The lesions were effectively controlled in all patients with recurrences. All patients survived, including 28 cases of tumor-free survival; the 4-year overall and event-free survival rates were both 100%. Surgery alone is a safe and effective treatment strategy for low-risk neuroblastoma. Recurrent lesions may be controlled and treated by rescue chemotherapy and surgery.

Pediatric non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas: multimodality approach results and validation of American Children's Oncology Group risk stratifications——a study of single-institutional series

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics, survival, factors of prognosis and therapeutical strategy of pediatric non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas(NRSTS). Methods There were 34 cases of NRSTS treated in Department of Orthopaedic Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital during July 2007 and March 2015.The clinical and pathological data and outcome of multimodality approach were retrospectively studied, the survival analysis was performed. Results There were 21 male and 13 female cases, and the median age was 14 years, ranging from 7 to 18 years old.Mean and median size was 5.0 cm and 3.0 cm, ranged 0.5-22.0 cm.Synovial sarcoma was the most common type among the 9 sorts of histologies[29.4%(10/34 cases)], and limb was the most common site [67.6%(23/34 cases), accounting for 50.0% (17/34 cases)by lower limb]. There were 28 cases, 2 cases, 2 cases, 2 cases in Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRG) groupⅠ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, respectively, and 23 cases, 7 cases, 4 cases in Children's Oncology Group (COG) low, moderate and high risk group respectively.The median follow-up was 35 months, ranging from 6 to 96 months.There were 2 cases of local recurrence, 1 case of distant recurrence, 2 cases of metastases of lymph node and distant sites, and 1 case of local and distant recurrence.The 2-year overall survival rate was 89.2%, 100.0%, 70.0% for total group, COG low risk group, COG moderate and high risk group, respectively.For 28 cases of tumors without any nodular or distant metastasis, the 2-year local recurrence-free survival and distant recurrence-free survival rate was 96.4% and 87.6% respectively.IRS group, COG risk group and size of tumor were associated with the prognosis.The groups of completely resected tumor(P=0.007), COG low risk (P=0.014)and tumors no larger than 5.0 cm in diameter(P=0.037) had more favorable overall survivals.There were 14 cases, 10 cases, 4 cases, 2 cases, 2 cases, 2 cases who had surgery alone, surgery plus chemotherapy, surgery plus chemoradiotherapy, surgery plus radiation, chemoradiotherapy alone and chemotherapy alone, respectively, as multimodality approaches.Mesna+ Adriamycin+ Ifosfamide regimen(Pirarubicin 40 mg/m2, Ifosfamide 10 g/m2) was the main(17/18 cases) choice as chemotherapy, with a total and mean cycles of chemotherapy for every case of 2-12 and 4.6 respectively. Conclusions This series of NRSTS showed favorable oncological outcomes after a multimodality approach composed of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy on MAI regimen.The COG risk stratifications were firstly adopted in domestic study of pediatric NRSTS, with prognostic efficacy being validated.Risk-based multimodality approach was also recommended. Key words: Non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas; Survival analysis; Risk stratifications; Multimodality approach

Clinico-epidemiology of neuroblastoma in north east Egypt: A 5-year multicenter study.

Neuroblastoma, an embryonal malignancy of the sympathetic nervous system, is the most frequent extracranial solid tumor The clinico-epidemiological features of neuroblastoma in infants and children were investigated between January 2005 and January 2010 at the Pediatric Oncology units of Mansoura, Zagazig, and Tanta University Children's Hospitals (Egypt). Of 142 cases of neuroblastoma, 10 were omitted from the study due to defective data. The median age of the patients was 30 months, with 75.8% aged ≥1 year and 24.2% aged <1 year at time of diagnosis. The male-to-female ratio was 1.06. Suprarenal glands were the most common primary tumor site (72.7%). The majority of the patients (76.7%) had stage IV disease. Favorable pathology was observed in 43.8% of patients, while 56.2% exhibited unfavorable pathology. The estimated survival rate of patients was 30.7±10.0%, and mean survival time was 24.2±5.2 months. The rate of mortality was 28.6% for patients aged <1 year, and 81.8% for those aged ≥1 year (P=0.005). For patients with favorable pathology, the rate of mortality was significantly lower (28.6%) compared with that of patients with unfavorable pathology (77.8%; P=0.049). Although the association between outcome and each of the primary tumor sites, children's oncology group risk and gender was statistically insignificant, a large effect size was identified between outcome and primary tumor site, as well as children's oncology group risk and a medium effect size was identified between outcome and gender. Additionally, an age of ≥1 year was associated with unfavorable pathology (P=0.024), stage IV disease (P=0.026) and a suprarenal primary tumor site (P=0.001).

Non-Rhabdomyosarcoma Soft Tissue Sarcomas in Children: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Analysis Validating COG Risk Stratifications

Non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas (NRSTS) are a heterogeneous group of sarcomas that encompass over 35 histologies. With an incidence of ∼500 cases per year in the United States in those <20 years of age, NRSTS are rare and therefore difficult to study in pediatric populations. We used the large Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to validate the prognostic ability of the Children's Oncology Group (COG) risk classification system and to define patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics. From SEER data from 1988 to 2007, we identified patients ≤18 years of age with NRSTS. Data for age, sex, year of diagnosis, race, registry, histology, grade, primary size, primary site, stage, radiation therapy, and survival outcomes were analyzed. Patients with nonmetastatic grossly resected low-grade tumors of any size or high-grade tumors ≤5 cm were considered low risk. Cases of nonmetastatic tumors that were high grade, >5 cm, or unresectable were considered intermediate risk. Patients with nodal or distant metastases were considered high risk. A total of 941 patients met the review criteria. On univariate analysis, black race, malignant peripheral nerve sheath (MPNST) histology, tumors >5 cm, nonextremity primary, lymph node involvement, radiation therapy, and higher risk group were associated with significantly worse overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). On multivariate analysis, MPNST histology, chemotherapy-resistant histology, and higher risk group were significantly poor prognostic factors for OS and CSS. Compared to low-risk patients, intermediate patients showed poorer OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 6.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.53-10.47, P<.001) and CSS (HR: 6.27; 95% CI: 3.44-11.43, P<.001), and high-risk patients had the worst OS (HR: 13.35, 95% CI: 8.18-21.76, P<.001) and CSS (HR: 14.65, 95% CI: 8.49-25.28, P<.001). The current COG risk group stratification for children with NRSTS has been validated with a large number of children in the SEER database.

Development of prognostic molecular markers in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma based on gene expression and copy number variations.

9510 Background: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma and comprises two major histological subtypes: alveolar and embryonal. The majority of alveolar tumors harbor PAX/FOXO1 fusion genes. Current patient risk stratification, unlike other pediatric embryonal tumors, does not utilize any molecular data. Therefore, we aimed to improve the risk stratification of RMS patients through the use of molecular biological data. Methods: Two independent data sets of gene expression profiling for 124 and 101 RMS were used to derive prognostic gene signatures by meta-analysis. Genomic array CGH data for 109 RMS was also evaluated to develop a prognostic marker based on copy number variations (CNVs). The performance and usefulness of these derived metagenes and CNVs as well as a previously published metagene signature were evaluated using rigorous leave-one-out cross-validation analyses. Results: The new prognostic gene expression signature, MG15, and one previously published (MG34) (Davicioni. JCO. 2010) performed well with reproducible and significant effects (HR 3.2 [1.7-5.9] p &lt; 0.001 and HR 2.5 [1.5-4.3] p &lt; 0.001, respectively). However, they did not significantly add new prognostic information over the fusion gene status (PAX3/FOXO1, PAX7/FOXO1 and Negative). Similarly, a prognostic CNV marker, although showing HR 2.9 [1.5-5.6] p &lt; 0.01, was also not improving models with fusion gene status. Within fusion negative RMS, the analysis identified prognostic markers based on either gene expression or CNVs and showed significant association with patients outcome (HR 6.3 [1.5-26.3] p ≤ 0.016 and HR 11.2 [2.5-50.7] p &lt; 0.010, respectively). Moreover, these were able to identify distinct risk groups within the COG (Children's Oncology Group) risk categories, which is currently used to guide treatment. Conclusions: Molecular signatures derived using all RMS effectively stratify patients by their risk, but most of their prognostic information is contained in the PAX/FOXO1 fusion gene status which is simpler to assay. New markers developed within the fusion negative population seem improving current RMS risk classifier and should be tested in follow-up studies.

Natural course of low risk neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is characterized by heterogeneity of histology, biology, and clinical behavior. Most epidemiology studies are based on Western and Japanese populations; there are very few studies on neuroblastoma from Southeast Asia. Cases of Thai children with neuroblastoma were retrospectively reviewed to determine if the epidemiology of the disease differs from Western populations. Sixty-two cases were assembled from two pathology centers in Bangkok. Histologic prognostic category and MYCN copy number were determined. The median age at diagnosis was 2.9 years. Only 11% of cases presented at less than 1 year of age and 12% cases had low stage disease (1, 2, and 4S). The majority of tumors had unfavorable histology (48/62); this was at least partly due to the higher age at diagnosis for most patients. MYCN amplification was detected in 18/52 (35%) tumors, all in stage 3 or 4 tumors. We assigned patients to high, intermediate and low risk categories using the Children's Oncology Group risk stratification criteria. In contrast to Western studies, the majority of cases (50/59 or 85%) in our series had high risk disease. Since there is no evidence to date that the biology of neuroblastoma varies by geographic region, the paucity of low risk cases in our study may reflect spontaneous resolution/differentiation of tumors that are not clinically detected. Moreover, a delay in diagnosis of intermediate risk cases could result in higher tumor burden at the time of diagnosis, increasing the proportion of high risk cases observed.

Risk- and response-based classification of childhood B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a combined analysis of prognostic markers from the Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) and Children's Cancer Group (CCG)

AbstractThe Children's Cancer Group (CCG) and the Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) joined to form the Children's Oncology Group (COG) in 2000. This merger allowed analysis of clinical, biologic, and early response data predictive of event-free survival (EFS) in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) to develop a new classification system and treatment algorithm. From 11 779 children (age, 1 to 21.99 years) with newly diagnosed B-precursor ALL consecutively enrolled by the CCG (December 1988 to August 1995, n = 4986) and POG (January 1986 to November 1999, n = 6793), we retrospectively analyzed 6238 patients (CCG, 1182; POG, 5056) with informative cytogenetic data. Four risk groups were defined as very high risk (VHR; 5-year EFS, 45% or below), lower risk (5-year EFS, at least 85%), and standard and high risk (those remaining in the respective National Cancer Institute [NCI] risk groups). VHR criteria included extreme hypodiploidy (fewer than 44 chromosomes), t(9;22) and/or BCR/ABL, and induction failure. Lower-risk patients were NCI standard risk with either t(12;21) (TEL/AML1) or simultaneous trisomies of chromosomes 4, 10, and 17. Even with treatment differences, there was high concordance between the CCG and POG analyses. The COG risk classification scheme is being used for division of B-precursor ALL into lower- (27%), standard- (32%), high- (37%), and very-high- (4%) risk groups based on age, white blood cell (WBC) count, cytogenetics, day-14 marrow response, and end induction minimal residual disease (MRD) by flow cytometry in COG trials.

Neuroblastoma-derived secretory protein messenger RNA levels correlate with high-risk neuroblastoma

Background/Purpose In advanced-stage neuroblastoma, bulky disease and systemic dissemination can be controlled with intense surgical and medical therapies; however, recurrence rates are very high in this group indicating that residual disease is rarely eradicated. The need to detect residual disease and predict prognosis is critical to planning appropriate treatment regimens for these patients. Recently, neuroblastoma-derived secretory protein (NDSP) was identified and cloned from neuroblastoma. Methods Using quantitative real-time PCR, we tested NDSP messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in 45 neuroblastoma tumor samples and 5 bone marrow samples. Correlation between NDSP expression and age at diagnosis, International Neuroblastoma Staging System, MYCN amplification, and Children's Oncology Group risk stratification was analyzed using Spearman nonparametric correlation. Results Neuroblastoma tissue samples show much higher NDSP mRNA levels above control in 43 of 45 samples (96%); moreover, these levels correlate with the Children's Oncology Group neuroblastoma risk group assignment. We also found that bone marrow samples with known tumor infiltration had much higher NDSP mRNA levels than bone marrow from patients without metastasis. Conclusion From these data, we conclude that NDSP mRNA levels in neuroblastoma tumor tissue correlate with risk group assignment and may serve as a marker for metastasis in bone marrow.

The biologic basis for neuroblastoma heterogeneity and risk stratification

Neuroblastoma serves as the paradigm for the clinical utility of tumor-specific biologic data for prognostication. This review will describe the genetic and biologic basis for the diverse clinical phenotypes observed in neuroblastoma patients. It will also discuss the current approach to risk classification and how this may change in the future. The biologic basis of neuroblastoma has come into clearer focus. PHOX2B is the first bona fide neuroblastoma predisposition gene identified, but is mutated in only a small subset of cases. Somatically acquired alterations at chromosome arms 3p and 11q are highly correlated with acquisition of metastases in the absence of MYCN amplification and may be useful as prognostic markers. The Children's Oncology Group risk classification system has been validated, with current emphasis on further refinement such as reevaluation of the age cutoff used to stratify therapy, and incorporation of additional molecular genetic markers is being studied prospectively. High-throughput genome scale analyses of neuroblastomas are further clarifying the genetic basis of this heterogeneous disease. Neuroblastoma remains a significant challenge as high-risk patients are treated with intensive multimodal therapies but cure rates remain suboptimal. There is remarkable heterogeneity observed in tumor phenotype, ranging from spontaneous regression to relentless progression. There are literally dozens of clinical and biologic markers that have been proposed as being predictive of disease outcome, but large clinical correlative studies are sharpening the focus of which markers can be used by the clinician to optimize therapy for an individual patient.