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Pediatrics

Phase II Trial of Conformal Radiotherapy in Pediatric High-Grade Glioma Shows Positive Results

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recently published study on Oncology research has revealed promising outcomes in the treatment of pediatric high-grade glioma (HGG) using conformal radiotherapy (CRT). The study, performed between July 1997 and January 2003, enrolled 34 pediatric patients with a median age of 13.2 years, who underwent CRT with a 2 cm clinical target volume margin. The results showed that CRT using this margin demonstrated tumor control comparable to conventional radiation therapy, with a 18.8%+/-6.9% progression-free survival rate at 10 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The phase II trial of CRT for pediatric HGG was conducted between July 1997 and January 2003, involving 34 patients with a median age of 13.2 years.
  • The study used CRT with a 2 cm clinical target volume margin, which demonstrated tumor control comparable to conventional radiation therapy.
  • The median follow-up for the entire group was 18 months (range, 2-134 months), during which 20 (58.8%) patients developed local progression, and 6 (17.6%) patients developed distant progression.
  • Functional outcomes assessments revealed disrupted cognitive and adaptive behavioral functioning at baseline and throughout the disease course.
  • Progression-free and overall survival at 10 years were 18.8%+/-6.9% and 16.8%+/-6.5%, respectively.
  • Baseline and serial evaluations of cognitive function showed a mixed model with a quadratic function, indicating a decrease in IQ between baseline and 6 months and a slight increase through 12 months.
  • Adaptive behavioral functioning, including activities of daily living, socialization, and the composite score, showed opposite patterns, with a decrease found in these areas.

Statistics:

  • 34 pediatric patients were enrolled in the trial, with a median age of 13.2 years.
  • 20 (58.8%) patients developed local progression, and 6 (17.6%) patients developed distant progression.
  • Median follow-up for the entire group was 18 months (range, 2-134 months).
  • Progression-free survival at 10 years was 18.8%+/-6.9%.
  • Overall survival at 10 years was 16.8%+/-6.5%.

Sources:

  • Prospective evaluation of local control and late effects of conformal radiation therapy in children, adolescents, and young adults with high-grade glioma. Neuro-Oncology, 2014;16(12):1652-1660.
  • Oxford Univ Press Inc, Journals Dept, 2001 Evans Rd, Cary, NC 27513, USA.
  • Neuro-Oncology can be contacted at: neuro-oncology.oxfordjournals.org.

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