Professor Nick Gottardo

Reducing the harm caused by radiation for children with brain cancer, including MRI evaluation of impacts of radiation therapy

Anti-CD47 immunotherapy for medulloblastoma and high-grade glioma

Developing and characterising juvenile models of aggressive paediatric brain cancers for the evaluation of novel immunotherapies

Using PARP inhibitors to radiosensitise medulloblastoma

Using demethylating agents to sensitise ependymoma to chemotherapy

The AIM-BRAIN Project: Access to Innovative Molecular diagnostic profiling for paediatric brain tumours

SJ-ELiOT: St Jude - Phase 1 Evaluation of LY2606368, Molecularly-Targeted CHK1/2i Therapy, in Combination with Cyclophosphamide or Gemcitabine for Children and Adolescents with Refractory or Recurrent Medulloblastoma Brain Tumours

Sensitising glioblastoma to enhance cancer therapy

Radiosensitisation of medulloblastoma

Exploring the immune microenvironment and investigating novel immunotherapeutics for medulloblastoma and paediatric high-grade glioma

Chemosensitisation of medulloblastoma and pineoblastoma

An initial health economic evaluation of the potential benefits gained by reducing late effects in paediatric brain cancer survivors

The Kids Cancer Biobank, patient-derived xenograft model development and genome-wide characterization

“I Don’t Get to Play With My Mum Anymore”: Experiences of Siblings Aged 8–12 of Children With Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Siblings of children with cancer have been shown to experience disruption in multiple domains including family, school, and friendships. Existing literature on siblings' experiences focuses on older children or on a broad range of ages.

Population-level 5-year event-free survival for children with cancer in Australia

Event-free survival considers other adverse events in addition to mortality. It therefore provides a more complete understanding of the effectiveness and consequences of treatment than standard survival measures, but is rarely reported at the population level for childhood cancer.

Precision-guided treatment in high-risk pediatric cancers

Recent research showed that precision medicine can identify new treatment strategies for patients with childhood cancers. However, it is unclear which patients will benefit most from precision-guided treatment.

Management of patients with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma in Australia and New Zealand: Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology/Oncology Group position statement

The main mission of the Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology and Oncology Group is to develop and facilitate local access to the world's leading evidence-based clinical trials for all paediatric cancers, including brain tumours, as soon as practically possible. 

ONC201 in Combination with Paxalisib for the Treatment of H3K27-Altered Diffuse Midline Glioma

Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG), including diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG), are the most lethal of childhood cancers. Palliative radiotherapy is the only established treatment, with median patient survival of 9 to 11 months. ONC201 is a DRD2 antagonist and ClpP agonist that has shown preclinical and emerging clinical efficacy in DMG. 

Incidence and survival for childhood cancer by endorsed non-stage prognostic indicators in Australia

Verschlimmbesserung: Craniospinal Radiotherapy Is Essential in WNT Medulloblastoma Patients

Standard-risk WNT medulloblastoma patients have an excellent prognosis using the combination of standard dose craniospinal radiotherapy (CSI) followed by platinum and alkylator based chemotherapy. A recent pilot study that attempted to completely omit radiotherapy was terminated early as all patients relapsed rapidly. The study highlights that therapy is the most important prognostic factor, with CSI still required to cure even the most favorable subgroup of medulloblastoma patients. 

Grandparents’ Experiences of Childhood Cancer: A Qualitative Study

A child's cancer diagnosis has a significant impact on the lives of grandparents. Grandparents experience the stress of worrying about both their adult children and their grandchildren. Our study aimed to explore the lived experience of grandparents of children diagnosed with cancer.

The type II RAF inhibitor tovorafenib in relapsed/refractory pediatric low-grade glioma: the phase 2 FIREFLY-1 trial

BRAF genomic alterations are the most common oncogenic drivers in pediatric low-grade glioma.

Prognostic significance of molecular subgroups in survival outcome for children with medulloblastoma in Malaysia

Advancements in genomic profiling led to the discovery of four major molecular subgroups in medulloblastoma (MB), which have now been incorporated into the World Health Organization classification of central nervous system tumors. The current study aimed to determine the prognostic significance of the MB molecular subgroups among children in Malaysia. 

Intravascular Tumor Extension and Pulmonary Tumor Embolism in Children With Solid Malignancies: Is There a Role for Inferior Vena Cava Filters?

Intravascular tumor extension is an uncommon complication of solid malignancies that, when present in the inferior vena cava (IVC), can result in fatal pulmonary tumor embolism. Currently, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery are the mainstays of treatment; however, there are no consensus guidelines for management.  

Implementation of DNA Methylation Array Profiling in Pediatric Central Nervous System Tumors: The AIM BRAIN Project: An Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology/Oncology Group Study

DNA methylation array profiling for classifying pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors is a valuable adjunct to histopathology. However, unbiased prospective and interlaboratory validation studies have been lacking. The AIM BRAIN diagnostic trial involving 11 pediatric cancer centers in Australia and New Zealand.

Editorial: Bench to bedside: translating pre-clinical research into clinical trials for childhood brain tumors

Temporal changes in childhood cancer incidence and survival by stage at diagnosis in Australia, 2000–2017

The Toronto Paediatric Cancer Stage Guidelines are a compendium of staging systems developed to facilitate collection of consistent and comparable data on stage at diagnosis for childhood cancers by cancer registries.

Long-term outcomes of symptomatic optic pathway glioma: 32-year experience at a single Western Australian tertiary pediatric oncology center

Optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) are associated with significant risk of visual and endocrine morbidity, but data on long-term outcomes in symptomatic patients is sparse. This study reviews the clinical course, disease progression, survival outcomes and long-term sequelae in pediatric patients with symptomatic OPGs in our institution over three decades.

A multi-institutional retrospective pooled outcome analysis of molecularly annotated pediatric supratentorial ZFTA-fused ependymoma

ZFTA-RELA (formerly known as c11orf-RELA) fused supratentorial ependymoma has been recognized as a novel entity in the 2016 WHO classification of CNS tumors and further defined in the recent 2021 edition.

BRAF-mediated brain tumors in adults and children: A review and the Australian and New Zealand experience

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway signaling pathway is one of the most commonly mutated pathways in human cancers. In particular, BRAF alterations result in constitutive activation of the rapidly accelerating fibrosarcoma-extracellular signal-regulated kinase-MAPK significant pathway, leading to cellular proliferation, survival, and dedifferentiation.

A novel transcriptional signature identifies T-cell infiltration in high-risk paediatric cancer

Molecular profiling of the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) has enabled the rational choice of immunotherapies in some adult cancers. In contrast, the TIME of paediatric cancers is relatively unexplored. We speculated that a more refined appreciation of the TIME in childhood cancers, rather than a reliance on commonly used biomarkers such as tumour mutation burden (TMB), neoantigen load and PD-L1 expression, is an essential prerequisite for improved immunotherapies in childhood solid cancers.

In vivo loss of tumorigenicity in a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft mouse model of ependymoma

Ependymomas (EPN) are the third most common malignant brain cancer in children. Treatment strategies for pediatric EPN have remained unchanged over recent decades, with 10-year survival rates stagnating at just 67% for children aged 0-14 years. Moreover, a proportion of patients who survive treatment often suffer long-term neurological side effects as a result of therapy. It is evident that there is a need for safer, more effective treatments for pediatric EPN patients.

Multiomic neuropathology improves diagnostic accuracy in pediatric neuro-oncology

The large diversity of central nervous system (CNS) tumor types in children and adolescents results in disparate patient outcomes and renders accurate diagnosis challenging. In this study, we prospectively integrated DNA methylation profiling and targeted gene panel sequencing with blinded neuropathological reference diagnostics for a population-based cohort of more than 1,200 newly diagnosed pediatric patients with CNS tumors, to assess their utility in routine neuropathology.

Fathers’ Experiences of Childhood Cancer: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study

Research has shown differences in how fathers and mothers respond to a child's cancer diagnosis. Previous studies have highlighted that sociocultural norm shape fathers' experiences of their child's cancer diagnosis. Our phenomenological qualitative study aimed to examine the lived experiences of fathers whose children have been diagnosed with cancer and explore the impact of sociocultural gender roles.

Imaging of pediatric brain tumors: A COG Diagnostic Imaging Committee/SPR Oncology Committee/ASPNR White Paper

Tumors of the central nervous system are the most common solid malignancies in children and the most common cause of pediatric cancer-related mortality. Imaging plays a central role in diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and response assessment of pediatric brain tumors.

‘Torn in two’: Experiences of Mothers Who Are Pregnant when Their Child Is Diagnosed With Cancer

Mothers of children diagnosed with cancer have been shown to experience high rates of psychological distress and poor physical health. Pregnancy further increases the healthcare needs of mothers due to the marked physiological changes and psychological adaptations.

Conventional Therapies Deplete Brain-Infiltrating Adaptive Immune Cells in a Mouse Model of Group 3 Medulloblastoma Implicating Myeloid Cells as Favorable Immunotherapy Targets

Medulloblastoma is the most common childhood brain cancer. Mainstay treatments of radiation and chemotherapy have not changed in decades and new treatment approaches are crucial for the improvement of clinical outcomes. To date, immunotherapies for medulloblastoma have been unsuccessful, and studies investigating the immune microenvironment of the disease and the impact of current therapies are limited.

Defining the molecular features of radiation-induced glioma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cranial radiation therapy is essential in treating many pediatric cancers, especially brain tumors; however, its use comes with the risk of developing second malignancies. Cranial radiation-induced gliomas (RIGs) are aggressive high-grade tumors with a dismal prognosis, for which no standard therapy exists. A definitive molecular signature for RIGs has not yet been established. We sought to address this gap by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of the molecular features of cranial RIGs.

COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescents aged 5 years and older undergoing treatment for cancer and non-malignant haematological conditions: Australian and New Zealand Children’s Haematology/Oncology Group consensus statement

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation and New Zealand Ministry of Health recommend all children aged ≥ 5 years receive either of the two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines: Comirnaty (Pfizer), available in both Australia and New Zealand, or Spikevax (Moderna), available in Australia only. Both vaccines are efficacious and safe in the general population, including children. Children and adolescents undergoing treatment for cancer and immunosuppressive therapy for non-malignant haematological conditions are particularly vulnerable, with an increased risk of severe or fatal COVID-19.

Challenges in the Management of Childhood Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors in Middle-Income Countries: A 20-Year Retrospective Review From a Single Tertiary Center in Malaysia

A higher incidence of pediatric intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCTs) in Asian countries compared with Western countries has been reported. In Malaysia, the literature regarding pediatric iGCTs have been nonexistent. The aim of this study was to review the management, survival, and long-term outcomes of pediatric iGCTs at a single tertiary center in Malaysia.

Clinical phenotypes and prognostic features of embryonal tumours with multi-layered rosettes: a Rare Brain Tumor Registry study

Embryonal tumours with multi-layered rosettes (ETMRs) are a newly recognised, rare paediatric brain tumour with alterations of the C19MC microRNA locus. Due to varied diagnostic practices and scarce clinical data, disease features and determinants of outcomes for these tumours are poorly defined. We did an integrated clinicopathological and molecular analysis of primary ETMRs to define clinical phenotypes, and to identify prognostic factors of survival and key treatment modalities for this orphan disease.

Accuracy of Central Neuro-Imaging Review of DIPG Compared with Histopathology in the International DIPG Registry

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) remains a clinico-radiologic diagnosis without routine tissue acquisition. Reliable imaging distinction between DIPG and other pontine tumors with potentially more favorable prognoses and treatment considerations is essential.

What matters for people with brain cancer? Selecting clinical quality indicators for an Australian Brain Cancer Registry

The goal of a clinical quality registry is to deliver immediate gains in survival and quality of life by delivering timely feedback to practitioners, thereby ensuring every patient receives the best existing treatment. We are developing an Australian Brain Cancer Registry (ABCR) to identify, describe, and measure the impact of the variation and gaps in brain cancer care from the time of diagnosis to the end of life.

Rare case of spontaneous simultaneous extensive subcutaneous emphysema, bilateral pneumothoraces, pneumomediastinum and pneumorrhachis

Multi-institutional analysis of treatment modalities in basal ganglia and thalamic germinoma

Central nervous system germinomas are treatment-sensitive tumors with excellent survival outcomes. Current treatment strategies combine chemotherapy with radiotherapy (RT) in order to reduce the field and dose of RT. Germinomas originating in the basal ganglia/thalamus have proven challenging to treat given their rarity and poorly defined imaging characteristics. Craniospinal, whole brain, whole ventricle, and focal RT have all been utilized; however, the best treatment strategy remains unclear.

Conduct of neuro-oncology multidisciplinary team meetings and closing the "gaps" in the clinical management of childhood central nervous system tumors in a middle-income country

Multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs) are essential in the clinical management of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Evaluations of the impact of MDTMs on childhood CNS tumors and clinicians' perspectives on their effectiveness are scarce.

Ultra high-risk PFA ependymoma is characterized by loss of chromosome 6q

Within PF-EPN-A, 1q gain is a marker of poor prognosis, however, it is unclear if within PF-EPN-A additional cytogenetic events exist which can refine risk stratification.

PATZ1 fusions define a novel molecularly distinct neuroepithelial tumor entity with a broad histological spectrum

Large-scale molecular profiling studies in recent years have shown that central nervous system (CNS) tumors display a much greater heterogeneity in terms of molecularly distinct entities, cellular origins and genetic drivers than anticipated from histological assessment.

Parents' Experiences of Childhood Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Australian Perspective

COVID-19 has had far-reaching impacts including changes in work, travel, social structures, education, and healthcare. This study aimed to explore the experiences of parents of children receiving treatment for cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Characteristics of patients ≥10 years of age with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: a report from the International DIPG/DMG Registry

Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas generally occur in young school-age children, although can occur in adolescents and young adults. The purpose of this study was to describe clinical, radiological, pathologic, and molecular characteristics in patients ≥10 years of age with DIPG enrolled in the International DIPG Registry.

Incidence and survival for childhood central nervous system tumours in Australia, 1983–2016

To investigate incidence and survival of childhood tumours of the central nervous system (CNS) by histological subtype, tumour behaviour and tumour grade. Methods: National, population-based data on all children under 15 years old diagnosed with a CNS tumour between 1983 and 2016 were sourced from the Australian Childhood Cancer Registry. Incidence rate trends were calculated using Joinpoint regression.

Systems pharmacogenomics identifies novel targets and clinically actionable therapeutics for medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant paediatric brain tumour and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity. Existing treatment protocols are aggressive in nature resulting in significant neurological, intellectual and physical disabilities for the children undergoing treatment. Thus, there is an urgent need for improved, targeted therapies that minimize these harmful side effects.

Malignant Melanoma in Children and Adolescents Treated in Pediatric Oncology Centers: An Australian and New Zealand Children’s Oncology Group (ANZCHOG) Study

Unlike adults, malignant melanoma in children and adolescents is rare. In adult melanoma, significant progress in understanding tumor biology and new treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy have markedly improved overall survival. In sharp contrast, there is a paucity of data on the biology and clinical behavior of pediatric melanoma. We report a national case series of all pediatric and adolescent malignant melanoma presenting to ANZCHOG Childhood Cancer Centers in Australia and New Zealand.

Veliparib Is an Effective Radiosensitizing Agent in a Preclinical Model of Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant childhood brain tumor, and 5-year overall survival rates are as low as 40% depending on molecular subtype, with new therapies critically important. As radiotherapy and chemotherapy act through the induction of DNA damage, the sensitization of cancer cells through the inhibition of DNA damage repair pathways is a potential therapeutic strategy.

A surveillance clinic for children and adolescents with, or at risk of, hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes

Hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes (HCPS) account for at least 10% of paediatric cancers.1 Li‐Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a dominant HCPS caused by mutations in the TP53 gene and is associated with an 80–90% lifetime risk of cancer, commencing in infancy.2 Children of affected individuals are at 50% risk of inheriting the family mutation.

Assessment of Cannabidiol and Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabiol in Mouse Models of Medulloblastoma and Ependymoma

Children with medulloblastoma and ependymoma are treated with a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy; however, overall survival rates for patients with high-risk disease remain unsatisfactory. Data indicate that plant-derived cannabinoids are effective against adult glioblastoma; however, preclinical evidence supporting their use in pediatric brain cancers is lacking. Here we investigated the potential role for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in medulloblastoma and ependymoma. Dose-dependent cytotoxicity of medulloblastoma and ependymoma cells was induced by THC and CBD in vitro, and a synergistic reduction in viability was observed when both drugs were combined.

Small-molecule screen reveals synergy of cell cycle checkpoint kinase inhibitors with DNA-damaging chemotherapies in medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma (MB) consists of four core molecular subgroups with distinct clinical features and prognoses. Treatment consists of surgery, followed by radiotherapy and cytotoxic chemotherapy. Despite this intensive approach, outcome remains dismal for patients with certain subtypes of MB, namely, MYC-amplified Group 3 and TP53-mutated SHH. Using high-throughput assays, six human MB cell lines were screened against a library of 3208 unique compounds. We identified 45 effective compounds from the screen and found that cell cycle checkpoint kinase (CHK1/2) inhibition synergistically enhanced the cytotoxic activity of clinically used chemotherapeutics cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, and gemcitabine.

Whole genome, transcriptome and methylome profiling enhances actionable target discovery in high-risk pediatric cancer

The Zero Childhood Cancer Program is a precision medicine program to benefit children with poor-outcome, rare, relapsed or refractory cancer. Using tumor and germline whole genome sequencing (WGS) and RNA sequencing (RNAseq) across 252 tumors from high-risk pediatric patients with cancer, we identified 968 reportable molecular aberrations.

Immunogenicity of the inactivated influenza vaccine in children who have undergone allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant

This study provides evidence to support annual inactivated influenza vaccine administration to children following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant

Germline Elongator mutations in Sonic Hedgehog medulloblastoma

Genetic predisposition to proteome instability may be a determinant in the pathogenesis of paediatric brain cancers

'Walking their walk': Reducing conflict between families of ill children and the medical profession

I review recent high-profile court cases to underscore the changing landscape of conflict and the central role that the media (and social media in particular) can play

Challenges to curing primary brain tumours

The seven key challenges summarized in this Position Paper are intended to serve as foci for future research and investment in brain tumours

The Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology/Oncology Group Biobanking Network

The ANZCHOG-BN was developed to improve and streamline access to high quality pediatric and adolescent/young adult cancer biospecimens for cancer research

The Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology/Oncology Group Biobanking Network

The ANZCHOG-BN is a new biobank network in Australasia that was developed to improve and streamline access to high-quality pediatric and AYA cancer biospecimens

International experience in the development of patient-derived xenograft models of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma

This multi-center study provides valuable information on the success rate of establishing patient-derived pre-clinical models of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma

Use of bevacizumab as a single agent or in adjunct with traditional chemotherapy regimens in children with unresectable or progressive low-grade glioma

Bevacizumab is well tolerated and appears most effective for rapid tumor control to preserve vision and improve morbidity

Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma

This chapter summarizes recent advances in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma and potential novel therapies

Exercise training improves vascular function and secondary health measures in survivors of pediatric oncology related cerebral insult

This study demonstrates that exercise is achievable and has positive effects on vascular function, submaximal fitness, local strength and physical activity in a population of AYA survivors of pediatric oncology related cerebral insult

Medulloblastoma therapy generates risk of a poorly-prognostic H3 wild-type subgroup of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: a report from the International DIPG Registry

These findings provide a compelling argument for efforts to reduce exposure of the brainstem in the treatment of medulloblastoma

Activation of ERBB4 in Glioblastoma Can Contribute to Increased Tumorigenicity and Influence Therapeutic Response

The functional effects of increased ERBB4 activation identify ERBB4 as a potential prognostic and therapeutic target

Activation of ERBB4 in Glioblastoma Can Contribute to Increased Tumorigenicity and Influence Therapeutic Response

Despite low ERBB4 mRNA in glioblastoma, the functional effects of increased ERBB4 activation identify ERBB4 as a potential prognostic and therapeutic target

Clinical, Radiologic, Pathologic, and Molecular Characteristics of Long-Term Survivors of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma

We report clinical, radiologic, and molecular factors that correlate with survival in children and young adults with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma

"Pre-emptive strike"-the case for early treatment of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome with defibrotide

We describe the case of a child with a right 11th rib primitive neuroectodermal tumor who developed HSOS following focal radiotherapy and actinomycin-D treatment

Metabolic and Psychological Impact of a Pragmatic Exercise Intervention Program in Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Pediatric Cancer-Related Cerebral Insult

Adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors and cranial irradiation should be screened for metabolic and psychological well-being

Unusual paediatric spinal myxopapillary ependymomas: Unique molecular entities or pathological variations on a theme?

We describe two unusual cases of MPE and use DNA methylation analyses to compare their signatures to try and distinguish if these represent a unique subset.

DNA methylation-based classification of central nervous system tumours

Here we present an approach for the DNA methylation-based classification of central nervous system tumors across all groups and demonstrate its application.

A Pre-Clinical Assessment of the Pan-ERBB Inhibitor Dacomitinib in Pediatric and Adult Brain Tumors

Glioblastoma in adults, and medulloblastoma and pineoblastoma that mainly affect children, are aggressive brain tumors.

Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma is a highly malignant small round blue cell tumor of the posterior fossa

Irreversible growth plate fusions in children with medulloblastoma treated with a targeted hedgehog pathway inhibitor

We report on 3 children treated with vismodegib who developed widespread growth plate fusions that persist long after cessation of therapy.

A Phase I Study of the CDK4/6 Inhibitor Ribociclib (LEE011) in Pediatric Patients with Malignant Rhabdoid Tumors, Neuroblastoma, and Other Solid Tumors

In this. i study the MTD and RP2D, safety, PK, and preliminary activity of single-agent ribociclib were investigated in patients with neuroblastoma.

A novel technique of serial biopsy in mouse brain tumour models

Here we describe a method by which serial biopsy can be used to validate response to dacomitinib treatment in vivo using a mouse glioblastoma model

Evaluation of age-dependent treatment strategies for children and young adults with pineoblastoma: Analysis of pooled European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOP-E) and US Head Start data

Pineoblastoma is a rare pineal region brain tumor. Treatment strategies have reflected those for other malignant embryonal brain tumors.

Contemporary survival endpoints: An international diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma registry study

This study defines PFS and OS, and is the first describe post-progression survival in a large cohort of children with DIPG.

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome during chemotherapy for childhood medulloblastoma: Report of a case and review of the literature

We report a patient with high-risk anaplastic medulloblastoma who developed severe HSOS during her second cycle of maintenance chemotherapy.

Recurrent MET fusion genes represent a drug target in pediatric glioblastoma

We identified previously unidentified gene fusions involving the MET oncogene in pediatric glioblastoma

Immunogenicity and clinical effectiveness of the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in immunocompromised children undergoing treatment for cancer

The trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine is safe, immunogenic, provides clinical protection and should be administered annually to immunosuppressed children receiving treatment for cancer

Relapse and outcome patterns of patients with central nervous system mixed malignant germ cell tumors treated without irradiation

This study investigates the different patterns of relapse in patients with central nervous system mixed malignant germ cell tumors - treated with chemotherapy.

Pediatric Brain Tumors: Innovative Genomic Information Is Transforming the Diagnostic and Clinical Landscape.

This article summarizes data from collaborative group and institutional trials that have advanced the science of pediatric brain tumors.

Increased Body Mass Index during Therapy for Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Significant and Underestimated Complication

We undertook a retrospective review of children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and treated with modern COG protocols to determine...

Relapse and outcome patterns of patients with central nervous system mixed malignant germ cell tumors treated without irradiation

This study investigated the relapse and outcome patterns of patients with central nervous system mixed malignant germ cell tumors treated with chemotherapy-only

Folate pathway gene polymorphisms and risk of childhood brain tumors: Results from an Australian case-control study

Recent research suggests that maternal folic acid supplementation is associated with a reduced risk of childhood brain tumors (CBT); polymorphisms in folate...

Rare childhood cancers—an increasing entity requiring the need for global consensus and collaboration

Rare childhood cancers have not benefited to the same extent from the gains that have been made for their frequently occurring counterparts.

Novel peptide-based drugs for the treatment of sonic hedgehog-dependent medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma, the most common pediatric malignant brain tumor, consists of at least four distinct molecular subgroups.

Gene Expression Analyses of the Spatio-Temporal Relationships of Human Medulloblastoma Subgroups during Early Human Neurogenesis

Medulloblastoma is the most common form of malignant paediatric brain tumour and is the leading cause of childhood cancer related mortality.

Germ-line and somatic DICER1 mutations in pineoblastoma

This study suggests that germ-line DICER1 mutations make a clinically significant contribution to PinB, establishing DICER1 as an important susceptibility...

Glioma-specific Domain IV EGFR cysteine mutations promote ligand-induced covalent receptor dimerization and display enhanced sensitivity

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is over-expressed in many brain tumors. This paper examines mutations the EGFR that make the cell it is produced in...

The evolution of clinical trials for infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Despite initial improvements in survival of infants with ALL since establishment of the first pediatric cooperative group ALL trials, the poor outcome has...

Medulloblastoma Down Under 2013: a report from the third annual meeting of the International Medulloblastoma Working Group

Medulloblastoma is curable in approximately 70 % of patients. Over the past decade, progress in improving survival using conventional therapies has stalled...

Morbidity in survivors of child and adolescent meningioma

Given the paucity of data concerning long-term outcome, the authors undertook a meta-analysis to analyze morbidity in survivors of this disease.

Bacillus Cereus Bacteremia and Multiple Brain Abscesses During Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Induction Therapy

Bacillus cereus can cause serious infections in immunosuppressed patients. This population may be susceptible to B. cereus pneumonia, bacteremia, cellulitis,...

Efficacy of acute myeloid leukemia therapy without stem-cell transplantation in a child with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm

Our case demonstrates that AML therapy, without HSCT, can be sufficient to treat this rare disease in children.

Maternal Use of Folic Acid and Other Supplements and Risk of Childhood Brain Tumors

Interest in a possible protective effect of maternal vitamin use before or during pregnancy against childhood brain tumors (CBT) and other childhood cancers...

Chemotherapy increases amenability of surgical resection in congenital glioblastoma

Brain tumors presenting in infancy, especially during the first 6 months of life.

Idiosyncratic nature of voriconazole photosensitivity in children undergoing cancer therapy

In adults, the unpredictability of voriconazole pharmacokinetics, particularly in those patients receiving chemotherapy, is well recognised. A paucity of...

Interactions between acute lymphoblastic leukemia and bone marrow stromal cells influence response to therapy

To identify links between drug resistance and gene deregulation we used oligonucleotide microarray technology.

Meningiomas in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis of individual patient data

The epidemiological, prognostic, and therapeutic features of child and adolescent meningioma are poorly defined...

Integrated Analysis of miRNA and mRNA Expression in Childhood Medulloblastoma Compared with Neural Stem Cells

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity.

Integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression in childhood Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor in children and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity.

Interactions between acute lymphoblastic leukemia and bone marrow stromal cells influence response to therapy

The cure rate for pediatric patients with B precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pre-B ALL) is steadily improving, however relapses do occur despite...

Pediatric meningioma: Current approaches and future direction

With improvement in leukemia therapy, central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the leading cause of cancer mortality in children and the most expensive...

MEIS proteins as partners of the TLX1/HOX11 oncoprotein

Aberrant expression of the TLX1/HOX11 proto-oncogene is associated with a significant subset of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias...