Korean J Pediatr.  2014 Oct;57(10):434-439. 10.3345/kjp.2014.57.10.434.

Advancements in the treatment of pediatric acute leukemia and brain tumor - continuous efforts for 100% cure

• Ju HY
• Hong CR
• Shin HY

• KMID: 2284382
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2014.57.10.434

Abstract

Treatment outcomes of pediatric cancers have improved greatly with the development of improved treatment protocols, new drugs, and better supportive measures, resulting in overall survival rates greater than 70%. Survival rates are highest in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, reaching more than 90%, owing to risk-based treatment through multicenter clinical trials and protocols developed to prevent central nervous system relapse and testicular relapse in boys. New drugs including clofarabine and nelarabine are currently being evaluated in clinical trials, and other targeted agents are continuously being developed. Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells are now attracting interest for the treatment of recurrent or refractory disease. Stem cell transplantation is still the most effective treatment for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, in order to reduce treatment-related death after stem cell transplantation, there is need for improved treatments. New drugs and targeted agents are also needed for improved outcome of AML. Surgery and radiation therapy have been the mainstay for brain tumor treatment. However, chemotherapy is becoming more important for patients who are not eligible for radiotherapy owing to age. Stem cell transplant as a means of high dose chemotherapy and stem cell rescue is a new treatment modality and is often repeated for improved survival. Drugs such as temozolomide are new chemotherapeutic options. In order to achieve 100% cure in children with pediatric cancer, every possible treatment modality and effort should be considered.

Keyword

Pediatrics; Neoplasms; Survival rate; Leukemia; Brain neoplasms

MeSH Terms

Brain Neoplasms*
Central Nervous System
Child
Clinical Protocols
Drug Therapy
Humans
Leukemia*
Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute
Pediatrics
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma
Radiotherapy
Recurrence
Stem Cell Transplantation
Stem Cells
Survival Rate
T-Lymphocytes