Regimen-related toxicity of myeloablative chemotherapy with BCNU, thiotepa, and etoposide followed by autologous stem cell rescue for children with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme: Report from the Children's Cancer Group

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  • JFJonathan L. Finlay
    Jonathan L. Finlay
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Abstract
Background The survival of children with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains poor. In an effort to improve the cure rate of children with this disease, high‐dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell rescue (ASCR) has been evaluated. We report the regimen‐related toxicity (RRT) and survival seen in 11 children with newly diagnosed GBM treated with high‐dose chemotherapy on a Children's Cancer Group study (CCG‐9922). Procedures This phase II pilot study, intended to treat 30 patients, accrued 11 patients from July, 1993, to April, 1995. The pre‐ASCR preparative regimen included BCNU 100 mg/m2 every 12 hr for a total of six doses on days −8, −7, −6; thiotepa 300 mg/m2/day on days −5, −4, −3; and etoposide 250 mg/m2/day on days −5, −4, −3. All patients received delayed radiotherapy at a dose of 5,400 cGy to the primary site commencing on approximately day +42 after ASCR. Results Five patients (45%) developed significant, nonfatal (grade III or IV) pulmonary and/or neurological toxicities. Three patients developed signs and/or symptoms of idiopathic interstitial pneumonitis. Eight patients (73%) have died, two (18%) of toxicity, and six (55%) of disease progression. Three patients (27%) achieved and remain in complete radiographic remission 2.9, 3.9, and 5.1 years from ASCR. One of these three, developed a lymphoblastic nonhodgkins lymphoma (NHL) 3.5 years post‐ASCR. The survival rates for these 11 children at 1 year and 2 years are 73% ± 13% and 46% ± 14%, respectively. The progression‐free survival rates at 1 year and at 2 years are 64% ± 14% and 46% ± 14%, respectively. Conclusions We conclude that high‐dose chemotherapeutic regimens followed by ASCR is a feasible treatment of childhood GBM. The BCNU‐based preparative regimen utilized in this study was associated with prohibitive pulmonary toxicity. Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 33:83–87, 1999.

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