Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
CancerIndex Home - Children's Cancer Web Home > Cancer Types > Childhood Leukaemia > Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Found this page useful?

Menu: Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukaemia

Information for Patients and Family
Information for Health Professionals / Researchers
Latest Research Publications
Childhood Leukaemia

Information Patients and Family (4 links)


Information for Health Professionals / Researchers (3 links)

Latest Research Publications

This list of publications is regularly updated (Source: PubMed).

Flower A, Cairo MS
The evolution of allogeneic stem cell transplant for children and adolescents with acute myeloid leukemia.
Clin Adv Hematol Oncol. 2017; 15(1):52-62 [PubMed] Related Publications
Survival rates in subsets of pediatric patients who have acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with favorable risk features are now greater than 90%. However, outcomes for patients with high-risk (HR) features remain unacceptably poor. As novel technologies for the identification of HR biomarkers and the detection of residual disease are developed, risk stratification and the application of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) are evolving. HSCT has been shown to benefit subpopulations of pediatric patients with AML, including those with HR cytogenetic translocations, genetic mutations, and/or residual disease after induction. Targeted therapies have shown promise for improving outcomes, and their integration into standard therapy and HSCT regimens is a critical area of interest. Also, expansion of the donor pool has led to the successful use of alternative donor sources for those patients without a matched sibling. However, transplant-related morbidity and mortality and late effects are major limiting factors. Reduced-intensity conditioning regimens have resulted in outcomes equivalent to those achieved with myeloablative regimens among patients in complete remission. The limitation of transplant-related morbidity and mortality through reduced-intensity conditioning and supportive care, and improved survival through optimal alloreactivity in combination with targeted therapy, are steps toward advancing outcomes for pediatric patients who have AML with HR features.

Related: Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants


Lim JW, Yeap FS, Chan YH, et al.
Second Malignant Neoplasms in Childhood Cancer Survivors Treated in a Tertiary Paediatric Oncology Centre.
Ann Acad Med Singapore. 2017; 46(1):11-19 [PubMed] Related Publications
Introduction: One of the most feared complications of childhood cancer treatment is second malignant neoplasms (SMNs). This study evaluates the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of SMNs in a tertiary paediatric oncology centre in Singapore. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients diagnosed with childhood cancer under age 21 and treated at the National University Hospital, Singapore, from January 1990 to 15 April 2012. Case records of patients with SMNs were reviewed. Results: We identified 1124 cases of childhood cancers with a median follow-up of 3.49 (0 to 24.06) years. The most common primary malignancies were leukaemia (47.1%), central nervous system tumours (11.7%) and lymphoma (9.8%). Fifteen cases developed SMNs, most commonly acute myeloid leukaemia/myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 7). Median interval between the first and second malignancy was 3.41 (0.24 to 18.30) years. Overall 20-year cumulative incidence of SMNs was 5.3% (95% CI, 0.2% to 10.4%). The 15-year cumulative incidence of SMNs following acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was 4.4% (95% CI, 0% to 8.9%), significantly lower than the risk after osteosarcoma of 14.2% (95% CI, 0.7% to 27.7%) within 5 years (P <0.0005). Overall 5-year survival for SMNs was lower than that of primary malignancies. Conclusion: This study identified factors explaining the epidemiology of SMNs described, and found topoisomerase II inhibitor use to be a likely risk factor in our cohort. Modifications have already been made to our existing therapeutic protocols in osteosarcoma treatment. We also recognised the importance of other risk management strategies, including regular long-term surveillance and early intervention for detected SMNs, to improve outcomes of high risk patients.

Related: Bone Cancers Brain and Spinal Cord Tumours Leukemia Cancer Prevention and Risk Reduction Osteosarcoma


Portich JP, Gil MS, Dos Santos RP, et al.
Low brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are associated with active disease and poor prognosis in childhood acute leukemia.
Cancer Biomark. 2016; 17(3):347-352 [PubMed] Related Publications
BACKGROUND: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, tropomyosin-related receptor kinase B (TrkB) are involved in the maturation of B lymphocytes in the bone marrow (BM), promote cell differentiation in B-cell malignancies, and are associated with poor prognosis in adults with acute leukemia (AL). However, the role of BDNF in pediatric AL remains poorly understood.
OBJECTIVE: We carried out a cohort observational study to evaluate BDNF levels in BM or peripheral blood (PB) samples from children with AL.
METHODS: BM or PB samples were collected from 57 children and adolescents with acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), 14 children and adolescents with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and 44 healthy individuals (HI) of the same age range.
RESULTS: BDNF levels at diagnosis in AL patients were significantly lower when compared to HI. Samples from patients in complete remission from disease had higher levels of BDNF compared to those obtained from patients with malignant cells. Moreover, BDNF levels at diagnosis in patients who died were significantly lower compared to those found in survivors.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide the first evidence for a possible role of BDNF as a marker of active disease and poor prognosis in pediatric AL.

Related: Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Childhood Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) ALL - Molecular Biology


Wang X, Zuo D, Yuan Y, et al.
MicroRNA-183 promotes cell proliferation via regulating programmed cell death 6 in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia.
J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2017; 143(1):169-180 [PubMed] Related Publications
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate roles of microRNA (miR)-183 in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
METHODS: miR-183 expression in bone marrow and patients' sera of childhood AML was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. Functions of miR-183 in malignant phenotypes of two leukemia cell lines were then evaluated. Additionally, putative targets of miR-183 were predicted using three miRNA target prediction algorithms and validated by luciferase reporter assay. Clinical relevance of miR-183 and its target gene were further determined.
RESULTS: miR-183 expression in bone marrow and patients' sera of childhood AML was both significantly higher than those in the corresponding normal controls (both P < 0.001). Enforced expression of miR-183 dramatically enhanced cell proliferation and G1/S transition, but inhibited cell apoptosis of leukemia cells. Bioinformatics prediction and luciferase reporter assay identified programmed cell death 6 (PDCD6) as a direct target gene of miR-183. Moreover, high serum miR-183 combined with low serum PDCD6 mRNA was significantly associated with French-American-British classification subtype M7 (P = 0.01) and unfavorable karyotypes (P = 0.006). Further multivariate analysis identified the combination of serum miR-183 and PDCD6 levels as an independent prognostic factor for both relapse-free and overall survivals. Functionally, re-introduction of PDCD6 markedly reversed the effects of miR-183 in cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis of two leukemia cell lines.
CONCLUSION: Combined serum miR-183 and PDCD6 mRNA may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for pediatric AML. Interestingly, miR-183 may function as an oncogene and may enhance cell proliferation by targeting PDCD6, implying a potential therapeutic target for this malignancy.

Related: Apoptosis MicroRNAs PDCD6


Huang QT, Gao YF, Zhong M, Yu YH
Preterm Birth and Subsequent Risk of Acute Childhood Leukemia: a Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.
Cell Physiol Biochem. 2016; 39(3):1229-38 [PubMed] Related Publications
BACKGROUND: Preterm birth (PTB) has been recognized as a crucial long term risk factor for multiple non-communicable diseases. However, studies between the relationship of PTB and the risk of acute childhood leukemia have yielded inconclusive results. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to systematically review the current literature to investigate whether PTB is associated with increased risk of acute childhood leukemia.
METHODS: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE) were searched up to December 1st, 2015. Relevant studies reporting the association between PTB and subsequent risk of acute childhood leukemia were included for further evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed using Revmen 5.3 and Stata 10.0.
RESULTS: A total of 12 studies for acute childhood leukemia, eight studies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and seven studies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) were included in the current meta-analyses. We calculated pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate the relationship between PTB and acute childhood leukemia as well as its two subtypes: ALL and AML. Our results suggested that PTB was significantly associated with increased risk of acute childhood leukemia (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.02-1.17, P = 0.01) and AML (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.21-1.67, P < 0.01). However, PTB was not significantly associated with an increased risk of ALL (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.96-1.13, P = 0.29).
CONCLUSION: Our data showed that PTB increased the risk of AML. Further studies are required to explore causality and dissect the biological mechanisms involved.

Related: Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)


Yoshida K
Genetic abnormalities associated with the relapse of childhood leukemia.
Rinsho Ketsueki. 2016; 57(7):919-24 [PubMed] Related Publications
Acute leukemia, especially acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is the most common tumor in childhood. Survival in pediatric acute leukemia cases has improved significantly, but once a relapse occurs, the long-term survival rates decrease markedly. Recently, SNP array and next-generation sequencing have revealed the relapse mechanism of pediatric leukemia and genetic alterations which drive leukemia recurrence.

Related: Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Childhood Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) ALL - Molecular Biology


Marjanovic I, Kostic J, Stanic B, et al.
Parallel targeted next generation sequencing of childhood and adult acute myeloid leukemia patients reveals uniform genomic profile of the disease.
Tumour Biol. 2016; 37(10):13391-13401 [PubMed] Related Publications
The age-specific differences in the genetic mechanisms of myeloid leukemogenesis have been observed and studied previously. However, NGS technology has provided a possibility to obtain a large amount of mutation data. We analyzed DNA samples from 20 childhood (cAML) and 20 adult AML (aAML) patients, using NGS targeted sequencing. The average coverage of high-quality sequences was 2981 × per amplicon. A total of 412 (207 cAML, 205 aAML) variants in the coding regions were detected; out of which, only 122 (62 cAML and 60 aAML) were potentially protein-changing. Our results confirmed that AML contains small number of genetic alterations (median 3 mutations/patient in both groups). The prevalence of the most frequent single gene AML associated mutations differed in cAML and aAML patient cohorts: IDH1 (0 % cAML, 5 % aAML), IDH2 (0 % cAML, 10 % aAML), NPM1 (10 % cAML, 35 % aAML). Additionally, potentially protein-changing variants were found in tyrosine kinase genes or genes encoding tyrosine kinase associated proteins (JAK3, ABL1, GNAQ, and EGFR) in cAML, while among aAML, the prevalence is directed towards variants in the methylation and histone modifying genes (IDH1, IDH2, and SMARCB1). Besides uniform genomic profile of AML, specific genetic characteristic was exclusively detected in cAML and aAML.


Wu X, Feng X, Zhao X, et al.
Prognostic significance of FLT3-ITD in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia: a meta-analysis of cohort studies.
Mol Cell Biochem. 2016; 420(1-2):121-8 [PubMed] Related Publications
The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of the internal tandem duplication in FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3-ITD) on the outcome in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. We identified eligible studies from several databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (from January 1995 to July 2015). Ten studies of 1661 pediatric patients with AML were included in exploring the relationship between the FLT3-ITD and overall survival (OS)/event free survival (EFS). Pediatric patients with AML with FLT3-ITD had worse OS [HR = 2.19 (1.60-3.01)]/EFS [HR = 1.70 (1.37-2.11)] than those patients without FLT3-ITD. Furthermore, FLT3-ITD had unfavorable effect on OS/EFS in the subgroups of NOS, uni/multivariate model, number of patients, the length of following-up, and patient source. The findings of this meta-analysis indicated that FLT3-ITD had negative impact on pediatric patients with AML.

Related: FLT3


Farrar JE, Schuback HL, Ries RE, et al.
Genomic Profiling of Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia Reveals a Changing Mutational Landscape from Disease Diagnosis to Relapse.
Cancer Res. 2016; 76(8):2197-205 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 15/04/2017 Related Publications
The genomic and clinical information used to develop and implement therapeutic approaches for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) originated primarily from adult patients and has been generalized to patients with pediatric AML. However, age-specific molecular alterations are becoming more evident and may signify the need to age-stratify treatment regimens. The NCI/COG TARGET-AML initiative used whole exome capture sequencing (WXS) to interrogate the genomic landscape of matched trios representing specimens collected upon diagnosis, remission, and relapse from 20 cases of de novo childhood AML. One hundred forty-five somatic variants at diagnosis (median 6 mutations/patient) and 149 variants at relapse (median 6.5 mutations) were identified and verified by orthogonal methodologies. Recurrent somatic variants [in (greater than or equal to) 2 patients] were identified for 10 genes (FLT3, NRAS, PTPN11, WT1, TET2, DHX15, DHX30, KIT, ETV6, KRAS), with variable persistence at relapse. The variant allele fraction (VAF), used to measure the prevalence of somatic mutations, varied widely at diagnosis. Mutations that persisted from diagnosis to relapse had a significantly higher diagnostic VAF compared with those that resolved at relapse (median VAF 0.43 vs. 0.24, P < 0.001). Further analysis revealed that 90% of the diagnostic variants with VAF >0.4 persisted to relapse compared with 28% with VAF <0.2 (P < 0.001). This study demonstrates significant variability in the mutational profile and clonal evolution of pediatric AML from diagnosis to relapse. Furthermore, mutations with high VAF at diagnosis, representing variants shared across a leukemic clonal structure, may constrain the genomic landscape at relapse and help to define key pathways for therapeutic targeting. Cancer Res; 76(8); 2197-205. ©2016 AACR.


Decembrino N, Zecca M, Tortorano AM, et al.
Acute isolated appendicitis due to Aspergillus carneus in a neutropenic child with acute myeloid leukemia.
New Microbiol. 2016; 39(1):65-9 [PubMed] Related Publications
We describe a case of isolated acute appendicitis due to Aspergillus carneus in a neutropenic child with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated according to the AIEOP AML 2002/01 protocol. Despite prophylaxis with acyclovir, ciprofloxacin and fluconazole administered during the neutropenic phase, 16 days after the end of chemotherapy the child developed fever without identified infective foci, which prompted a therapy shift to meropenem and liposomial amphotericin B. After five days of persisting fever he developed ingravescent abdominal lower right quadrant pain. Abdominal ultrasound was consistent with acute appendicitis and he underwent appendectomy with prompt defervescence. PAS+ fungal elements were found at histopathology examination of the resected vermiform appendix, and galactomannan was low positive. A. carneus, a rare species of Aspergillus formerly placed in section Flavipedes and recently considered a member of section Terrei, was identified in the specimen. Treatment with voriconazole was promptly started with success. No other site of Aspergillus localization was detected. Appendicitis is rarely caused by fungal organisms and isolated intestinal aspergillosis without pulmonary infection is unusual. To our knowledge, this is the first report of infection due to A. carneus in a child and in a primary gastrointestinal infection.


Tavil B, Isgandarova F, Bayhan T, et al.
Sorafenib-induced Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Child With FLT3-ITD-positive Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2016; 38(3):240-2 [PubMed] Related Publications
BACKGROUND: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical and radiologic condition characterized by headache, seizures, impaired vision, acute hypertension, and typical cranial MRI findings.
OBSERVATION: A 10-year-old boy with FLT3-ITD-positive acute myelogenous leukemia who developed PRES during sorafenib treatment has been presented here. In English literature, there are 2 adult patients with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma or hepatocellular carcinoma who developed PRES under sorafenib treatment. Our patient is the first pediatric case with the diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia who developed PRES that might be attributed to sorafenib use.
CONCLUSIONS: Thus, PRES might be a rare, potentially serious, but manageable, side effect of sorafenib that should be kept in mind by pediatric hematologists and oncologists.

Related: Sorafenib (Nexavar) FLT3


Udroiu I, Sgura A
Hematopoietic ontogeny and its relevance for pediatric leukemias.
Med Hypotheses. 2016; 88:70-3 [PubMed] Related Publications
Fetal and infant hematopoiesis display characteristics different from the adult one: our suggestion is that these features may help to explain the peculiar incidence rates of acute leukemias. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are fast-cycling (those in adults instead are largely quiescent) and studies in mice demonstrated that their relative contribution to myelo- and lymphopoiesis varies during development. We hypothesize that during development some of the "hits" needed for the onset of leukemia are usually occurring (being part of the normal development), so leukemogenesis needs less mutations than in adults to take place and therefore it's more probable. The switch between the relative incidence of acute myeloid and lymphoid leukemias may be related to the changes of the percentage of lymphoid-deficient and lymphoid-proficient sub-set of HSCs during development. Further investigations may clarify this hypothesis, elucidating also the roles of the different microenvironments in determining the myeloid/lymphoid predisposition of the HSCs.

Related: Leukemia Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) CLL - Molecular Biology Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) CML - Molecular Biology Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)


Cao L, Wang N, Pan J, et al.
Clinical significance of microRNA-34b expression in pediatric acute leukemia.
Mol Med Rep. 2016; 13(3):2777-84 [PubMed] Related Publications
The present study aimed to explore the function of miR‑34b promoter methylation in cell proliferation in children's acute leukemia. Quantitative PCR and methylation‑specific PCR were performed to measure the levels of miR‑34b and its promoter methylation in normal cells, eight leukemia cell lines as well as primary leukemic cells isolated from patients newly diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and mixed lymphocytic lymphoma. miR‑34b levels in leukemia cell lines and primary leukemic cells were significantly lower than those in normal cells. The miR‑34b promoter was found to be methylated in all leukemia cell lines, 24 of 31 ALL patients and 8 of 19 AML patients, but not in the 23 normal controls. miR‑34b expression and methylation of its promoter were not associated with most clinical parameters assessed; however, miR‑34b levels in prednisone‑sensitive ALL were significantly different from those in insensitive ALL. A cell counting kit‑8 assay showed that transfection of miR‑34b mimics into K562 cells inhibited their proliferation. Furthermore, treatment with the demethylating agent 5‑aza‑2‑deoxycytidine significantly enhanced miR‑34b expression levels and decreased the methylation status of its promoter in HL‑60 and K562 cells. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that in pediatric leukemia cells and leukemia cell lines, the expression of miR‑34b is inhibited by methylation of its promoter, which impairs the restraining effects of miR‑34b on cell proliferation. It was also indicated that the expression of miR‑34b in ALL patients may affect their response to early treatments.

Related: MicroRNAs Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Childhood Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) ALL - Molecular Biology


De Oliveira SN, Kao RL, Pham A, et al.
Same sibling marrow following cord allogeneic transplantation as therapy for second relapse acute promyelocytic leukemia in a pediatric patient.
Pediatr Transplant. 2016; 20(2):337-41 [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications
Optimal therapy for relapsed APL in pediatric patients is controversial. Allogeneic HSCT is an alternative, with event-free survival of 70-75%. We report a pediatric patient with APL who relapsed 28 months after CBT from her sibling and then was treated with BMT from the same donor. Bone marrow was selected for higher cell dose, donor availability, and partial donor chimerism. Persistent molecular remission was achieved, currently at 65 months after BMT. This case suggests the potential role of GVL activity in APL and illustrates the use of different cell sources from the same donor in allogeneic transplantation for pediatric patients.


Abrahão R, Keogh RH, Lichtensztajn DY, et al.
Predictors of early death and survival among children, adolescents and young adults with acute myeloid leukaemia in California, 1988-2011: a population-based study.
Br J Haematol. 2016; 173(2):292-302 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/04/2017 Related Publications
A better understanding of factors associated with early death and survival among children, adolescents and young adults with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) may guide health policy aimed at improving outcomes in these patients. We examined trends in early death and survival among 3935 patients aged 0-39 years with de novo AML in California during 1988-2011 and investigated the associations between sociodemographic and selected clinical factors and outcomes. Early death declined from 9·7% in 1988-1995 to 7·1% in 2004-2011 (P = 0·062), and survival improved substantially over time. However, 5-year survival was still only 50% (95% confidence interval 47-53%) even in the most recent treatment period (2004-2011). Overall, the main factors associated with poor outcomes were older age at diagnosis, treatment at hospitals not affiliated with National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centres, and black race/ethnicity. For patients diagnosed during 1996-2011, survival was lower among those who lacked health insurance compared to those with public or private insurance. We conclude that mortality after AML remained strikingly high in California and increased with age. Possible strategies to improve outcomes include wider insurance coverage and treatment at specialized cancer centres.


Lin X, Wang Z, Wang Y, Feng W
Serum MicroRNA-370 as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia.
Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2015; 8(11):14658-66 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/04/2017 Related Publications
BACKGROUND: Controversial data on the expression pattern of microRNA-370 (miR-370) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) were previously reported.
OBJECTIVE: To clarify the expression pattern of miR-370 and its clinical implications in pediatric AML patients.
METHODS: Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to detect the expression of miR-370 in both bone marrow mononuclear cells and sera obtained from pediatric AML patients and healthy controls.
RESULTS: Compared with healthy controls, the expression levels of miR-370 in the bone marrow and sera of pediatric AML patients were both decreased significantly (both P=0.001). Importantly, serum miR-370 level could efficiently screen pediatric AML patients from healthy controls (Area under receiver operating characteristic curve, AUC =0.993). Then, low serum miR-370 level was significantly associated with French-American-British (FAB) classification subtype M7 subtype (P=0.02) and unfavorable karyotype (P=0.01). Moreover, pediatric AML patients with low serum miR-370 level had shorter relapse-free and overall survivals than those with high serum miR-370 level (both P=0.001). Multivariate analysis further identified serum miR-370 level as an independent prognostic factor for both relapse-free and overall survivals. Interestingly, the prognostic relevance of serum miR-370 level was more obvious in the subgroup of patients with intermediate-risk cytogenetics.
CONCLUSIONS: MiR-370 expression may be markedly and consistently decreased in pediatric AML patients and in turn contributes to aggressive progression of this malignancy. Serum miR-370 may serve as a potential non-invasive diagnostic/prognostic marker for pediatric AML patients.

Related: MicroRNAs


Hassler A, Bochennek K, Gilfert J, et al.
Infectious Complications in Children With Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Down Syndrome: Analysis of the Prospective Multicenter Trial AML-BFM 2004.
Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2016; 63(6):1070-4 [PubMed] Related Publications
BACKGROUND: Children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and Down syndrome have high survival rates with intensity-reduced chemotherapeutic regimens, although the optimal balance between dose intensity and treatment toxicity has not been determined. We, therefore, characterized infectious complications in children with AML and Down syndrome treated according to AML-BFM 2004 study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00111345; amended 2006 for Down syndrome with reduced intensity).
PROCEDURE: Data on infectious complications were gathered from the medical records in the hospital where the patient was treated. Infectious complications were categorized as fever without identifiable source (FUO), or as microbiologically or clinically documented infections.
RESULTS: A total of 157 infections occurred in 61 patients (60.5% FUO, 9.6% and 29.9% clinically and microbiologically documented infections, respectively). Almost 90% of the pathogens isolated from the bloodstream were Gram-positive bacteria, and approximately half of them were viridans group streptococci. All seven microbiologically documented episodes of pneumonia were caused by viruses. Infection-related mortality was 4.9%, and all three patients died due to viral infection.
CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that a reduced-intensity chemotherapeutic regimen in children with AML and Down syndrome is still associated with high morbidity. Although no patient died due to bacteria or fungi, viruses were responsible for all lethal events. Future studies, therefore, have to focus on the impact of viruses on morbidity and mortality of patients with AML and Down syndrome.

Related: Cytarabine Daunorubicin Down Syndrome and Cancer Etoposide Idarubicin Mitoxantrone


Lam GK, Leung AW, Ha SY, et al.
Acute Leukemia in Down Syndrome Children in Hong Kong: Retrospective Review.
J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2016; 38(2):102-6 [PubMed] Related Publications
BACKGROUND: Children with Down syndrome (DS) are at higher risk of developing acute leukemia. Treatment continues to evolve as we accumulate better understanding of the distinctive clinical and biological features of acute leukemia in DS patients.
PROCEDURE: A retrospective review of the clinical features, treatment outcomes, and survival of DS children with acute leukemia in Hong Kong from 1993 to 2013 was conducted. Patients were identified from the registry of the Hong Kong Pediatric Hematology and Oncology study group.
RESULTS: This cohort included a total of 29 patients with DS. Ten were diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 19 had acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The mean follow-up duration was 8.3 years (range, 0.6 mo to 18.1 y). The 5-year overall survival and event-free survival for DS-acute lymphoblastic leukemia and DS-AML were 65.6%, 54.9%, 89.5%, and 89.5%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: The clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of DS patients with acute leukemia in Hong Kong were comparable with results from other international study groups. Patients with DS-AML had a better prognosis.

Related: Down Syndrome and Cancer Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Childhood Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) ALL - Molecular Biology


Abla O, Angelini P, Di Giuseppe G, et al.
Early Complications of Hyperleukocytosis and Leukapheresis in Childhood Acute Leukemias.
J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2016; 38(2):111-7 [PubMed] Related Publications
Hyperleukocytosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with early morbidity and mortality. The benefit from leukapheresis is controversial, and its complications are not well defined. We analyzed the frequency of early complications in children with ALL and AML presenting with white blood cell (WBC) count >100 × 10(9)/L, and the type and frequency of complications related to leukapheresis. During a 12-year period, 84 of 634 (13%) ALL and 18 of 143 (12.5%) AML patients presented with hyperleukocytosis. Leukapheresis was performed in 18 ALL and 12 AML patients. The median initial WBC was 474 × 10(9)/L in the leukapheresis group compared with 175 × 10(9)/L in the nonleukapheresis group. Neurological leukostasis occurred in 6 ALL (7.1%) and 4 AML (22.2%) patients. Pulmonary leukostasis occurred in 16 ALL (19%) and 4 AML patients (22.2%). Neurological symptoms improved in few patients after leukapheresis, except in patients with very high WBC (>650 × 10(9)/L in ALL and >400 × 10(9)/L in AML). Leukapheresis improved respiratory symptoms in some patients but caused worsening symptoms in others. Early death was associated with neurological complications, AML diagnosis, and coagulopathy. Leukapheresis did not delay initiation of chemotherapy, nor did it impact early response to chemotherapy or long-term survival. Complications included femoral vein thrombosis, electrolyte imbalances, and hemodynamic instability, which were all reversible. The role of leukapheresis as a cytoreductive procedure in childhood hyperleukocytic leukemia remains to be well defined.

Related: Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Childhood Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) ALL - Molecular Biology


Menon NN, Jenkins LM, Cui H, et al.
Factors associated with improved outcomes after second allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for relapsed pediatric leukemia.
Ann Hematol. 2016; 95(4):637-44 [PubMed] Related Publications
A second allogeneic (allo) hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) is an important therapeutic consideration for patients relapsing after their first. We conducted a retrospective review of 41 pediatric patients with leukemia that underwent a second allo-HCT at our institution. Overall, 53.7 and 43.9 % of patients were alive and disease-free at 1 and 5 years, respectively, after the second allo-HCT. The factors affecting outcome by both univariate and multivariate analysis were interval between transplants and the use of a myeloablative conditioning (MAC) regimen prior to second transplant. Outcomes were inferior in patients who received their second transplant <6 months from their first HCT when compared to patients in whom the interval between HCTs was 6-12 or more than 12 months. Interval between HCTs was also significant when each type of leukemia (acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) n = 21, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) n = 11, and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) n = 7) was analyzed separately. In univariate analysis, use of the same donor and use of a matched sibling donor resulted in significant improved outcome. There was not a significant association between disease-free survival (DFS) and age, remission status, use of total body irradiation (TBI) before second HCT, or type of leukemia. Second allogeneic HCT can be a curative therapeutic option for leukemia patients relapsing after their first transplant. As more targeted therapies have become available, patients that relapse after first HCT are more likely to achieve remission. Therefore, it is anticipated that there will be more candidates for second HCT with improved performance and remission status, ultimately leading to a better outcome with the second HCT.


Zahler S, Bhatia M, Ricci A, et al.
A Phase I Study of Reduced-Intensity Conditioning and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Followed by Dose Escalation of Targeted Consolidation Immunotherapy with Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin in Children and Adolescents with CD33+ Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2016; 22(4):698-704 [PubMed] Related Publications
Myeloablative conditioning and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHSCT) in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission (CR1) may be associated with significant acute toxicity and late effects. Reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) and alloHSCT in children is safe, feasible, and may be associated with less adverse effects. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) induces a response in 30% of patients with CD33+ relapsed/refractory AML. The dose of GO is significantly lower when combined with chemotherapy. We examined the feasibility and toxicity of RIC alloHSCT followed by GO targeted immunotherapy in children with CD33+ AML in CR1/CR2. Conditioning consisted of fludarabine 30 mg/m2 × 6 days, busulfan 3.2 to 4 mg/kg × 2 days ± rabbit antithymocyte globulin 2 mg/kg × 4 days followed by alloHSCT from matched related/unrelated donors. GO was administered ≥60 days after alloHSCT in 2 doses (8 weeks apart), following a dose-escalation design (4.5, 6, 7.5, and 9 mg/m2). Fourteen patients with average risk AML received RIC alloHSCT and post-GO consolidation: median age 13.5 years at transplant (range, 1 to 21), male-to-female 8:6, and disease status at alloHSCT 11 CR1 and 3 CR2. Eleven patients received alloHSCT from 5-6/6 HLA-matched family donors: 8 received peripheral blood stem cells, 2 received bone marrow, and 1 received related cord blood transplantation. Three patients received an unrelated allograft (two 4-5/6 and one 9/10) from unrelated cord blood unit and bone marrow, respectively. Neutrophil and platelet engraftment was observed in all assessable patients (100%), achieved at median 15.5 days (range, 7 to 31) and 21 days (range, 10 to 52), respectively. Three patients received GO at dose level 1 (4.5 mg/m2 per dose), 5 at dose level 2 (6 mg/m2 per dose), 3 at dose level 3 (7.5 mg/m2 per dose), and 3 at dose level 4 (9 mg/m2 per dose). Three of 14 patients received only 1 dose of GO after alloHSCT. One patient experienced grade III transaminitis, which resolved; no grade IV transaminitis, no grade III/IV hyperbilirubinemia, or sinusoidal obstructive syndrome were observed. The second dose of GO was given at median of 143 days (range, 120 to 209) after alloHSCT. Probability of grades II to IV acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease were 21% and 33.5%, respectively. Probability of overall survival after RIC alloHSCT and GO consolidation at 1 and 5 years was 78% and 61%, respectively. Probability of 5-year event-free survival after RIC alloHSCT and GO consolidation in patients in CR1 was 78%. No dose-limiting toxicities probably or directly related to GO were observed in this cohort. This preliminary data demonstrate that RIC followed by alloHSCT and consolidation with GO appears to be safe in children and adolescents with CD33+ AML in CR1/CR2. A phase II trial is currently underway investigating this approach with a GO dose of 9 mg/m2 per dose.

Related: Busulfan Gemtuzumab (Mylotarg) Fludarabine


Keino D, Kinoshita A, Tomizawa D, et al.
Residual disease detected by multidimensional flow cytometry shows prognostic significance in childhood acute myeloid leukemia with intermediate cytogenetics and negative FLT3-ITD: a report from the Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group.
Int J Hematol. 2016; 103(4):416-22 [PubMed] Related Publications
Residual disease (RD) after induction chemotherapy may predict clinical outcome in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In the present study, we investigated the prognostic significance of RD detected by multidimensional flow cytometry (MDF) among 34 children treated for AML in a clinical trial (JPLSG AML-05) in Japan. Bone marrow samples were analyzed at the points of the end of the first induction course (BMA-1) and second induction course (BMA-2) by MDF. RD was evaluated by detecting the immature cells showing abnormal antigen expression pattern; CD34(+), CD15(+), CD7(+). Thirteen (39.4 %) of 34 patients at BMA-1 and 8 (27.6 %) of 34 at BMA-2 had RD levels ≥0.1 %. There was no significant difference in 3y-EFS and 3y-OS between patients with RD levels ≥0.1 % and those with RD levels <0.1 % (53.8 versus 70.0 %, P = 0.30 and 50.0 versus 66.7 %, P = 0.27, respectively). However, IR cytogenetics and negative FLT3-ITD patients with RD levels ≥0.1 % exhibited significantly lower 3y-EFS and 3y-OS than those with RD levels <0.1 % (33.3 versus 83.3 %, P = 0.02 and 20.0 versus 76.9 %, P = 0.005, respectively). Our study suggests that RD shows prognostic relevance in pediatric patients with IR cytogenetics and negative FLT3-ITD AML.


Bochennek K, Hassler A, Perner C, et al.
Infectious complications in children with acute myeloid leukemia: decreased mortality in multicenter trial AML-BFM 2004.
Blood Cancer J. 2016; 6:e382 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/04/2017 Related Publications
Infections are an important cause for morbidity and mortality in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We therefore characterized infectious complications in children treated according to the trial AML-BFM 2004. Patients with Down syndrome were excluded from the analysis. Data were gathered from the medical records in the hospital where the patients were treated. A total of 405 patients (203 girls; median age 8.4 years) experienced 1326 infections. Fever without identifiable source occurred in 56.1% of the patients and clinically and microbiologically documented infections in 17.5% and 32.4% of the patients, respectively. In all, 240 Gram-positive (112 viridans group streptococci) and 90 Gram-negative isolates were recovered from the bloodstream. Invasive fungal infection was diagnosed in 3% of the patients. Three children each died of Gram-negative bacteremia and invasive aspergillosis, respectively. As compared with the results of AML-BFM 93 with lower dose intensity, infection-related morbidity was slightly higher in AML-BFM 2004 (3.3. versus 2.8 infections per patient), whereas infection-related mortality significantly decreased (1.5% versus 5.4%; P=0.003). Specific anti-infective recommendations included in the treatment protocol, regular training courses for pediatric hematologists and increasing experience may be the reason for reduced infection-related mortality in children with AML. Further studies are needed to decrease infection-related morbidity.


Usemann J, Ernst T, Schäfer V, et al.
EZH2 mutation in an adolescent with Weaver syndrome developing acute myeloid leukemia and secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
Am J Med Genet A. 2016; 170A(5):1274-7 [PubMed] Related Publications
Weaver syndrome is an overgrowth syndrome characterized by pre- and postnatal overgrowth with distinctive craniofacial appearance. Mutations in the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) gene were found to cause Weaver syndrome, and have been associated with hematologic malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We present the first report of a patient with Weaver syndrome, who developed AML and harbored an EZH2 mutation. The clinical course of the 16-year-old female adolescent patient was complicated by a secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Genomic DNA was isolated from bone marrow cells at AML diagnosis. Polymerase chain reactions were performed with primers covering all exons of the EZH2 gene. We found a novel heterozygous EZH2 mutation within exon 5 that caused an amino acid change from proline to leucine at position 132 (p.Pro132Leu) within the catalytic D1 domain. Analysis of a remission sample also showed this mutation, indicating a germline mutation. It remains to be elucidated whether EZH2 mutations contribute to disease severity in specific AML cases.

Related: EZH2


Mehrvar A, Rahiminejad MS, Hedayati Asl AA, et al.
Features of Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Iran: a Report from Double Center Study.
Acta Med Iran. 2015; 53(12):749-52 [PubMed] Related Publications
Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia is one of the important malignancies in children. For better managing the prognosis of this disease, there should be enough information about common features of this malignancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate these common features in children with Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia. A total of 104 eligible children less than 15-year-old have been referred from 2007-2011 to two referral centers for childhood malignancies. Basic epidemiological information recorded in checklists for each individual. Analyzes have been done by SPSS version 22. Out of patients, 57 cases were males (54.8%). The male/female ratio was 1.2. The mean age of patients was 6.5 ± 4.3 years. The majority subtypes of patients were M3, M4, non-M3, and M2, respectively. The common molecular abnormalities were t (15;17) and inv (16). Of patients, 19.2% had an early relapse. The mean age of relapse in patients was 6.7 ± 3.9 years. Sixty patients (57.7%) were alive, and 44 cases (42.3%) died during or after therapy. The three years overall survival rate of patients was 42% in this study. According to our data, AML has the same frequency as compared with data from developing countries. But different epidemiological characteristic was a lower rate of three years overall survival in patients. These data may serve the health authorities for more effective environmental and preventive measurements, purposeful allocation of resources for facilitating up-to-date diagnostic and treatment modalities, psychological support programs for respective family members and educational purposes.


Xu LH, Guo Y, Cen JN, et al.
Overexpressed miR-155 is associated with initial presentation and poor outcome in Chinese pediatric acute myeloid leukemia.
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2015; 19(24):4841-50 [PubMed] Related Publications
OBJECTIVE: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the second leading leukemia in children. There is growing evidence that microRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators involved in leukemogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the role of miR-155 in Chinese pediatric AML by evaluating its diagnostic and prognostic significance.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression of miR-155 and miR-25 in bone marrow specimens from 83 AML and 29 non-malignancies children were analyzed by TaqMan probe-based real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
RESULTS: The expression level of miR-155 was significantly higher in AML patients than in controls. Besides, a lowest miR-155 level was found in favorable prognosis group and t (15; 17)/M3 subgroup compared to the rest, while a higher level in C-Kit/FLT3-ITD mutation and relatively lower level existed in "Negative" mutation group. Moreover, miR-155 level was positively associated with the white blood cell (WBC) count, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and C-reaction protein (CRP) value in peripheral blood (PB), as well as miR-25/miR-196b expression levels. Survival analysis showed a statistically negative association with overall survival (OS) in the expression of miR-155 in chemotherapy group.
CONCLUSIONS: These finding suggested that miR-155 expression cannot only be promising biomarker for the early detection of pediatric AML but also predict poor outcome. MiR-155 would be a novel biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy in pediatric AML.

Related: MicroRNAs


Kang MG, Kim YN, Lee JH, et al.
Clinicopathological Implications of Mitochondrial Genome Alterations in Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Ann Lab Med. 2016; 36(2):101-10 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/04/2017 Related Publications
BACKGROUND: To the best of our knowledge, the association between pediatric AML and mitochondrial aberrations has not been studied. We investigated various mitochondrial aberrations in pediatric AML and evaluated their impact on clinical outcomes.
METHODS: Sequencing, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number determination, mtDNA 4,977-bp large deletion assessments, and gene scan analyses were performed on the bone marrow mononuclear cells of 55 pediatric AML patients and on the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 55 normal controls. Changes in the mitochondrial mass, mitochondrial membrane potential, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were also examined.
RESULTS: mtDNA copy numbers were about two-fold higher in pediatric AML cells than in controls (P<0.0001). Furthermore, a close relationship was found between mtDNA copy number tertiles and the risk of pediatric AML. Intracellular ROS levels, mitochondrial mass, and mitochondrial membrane potentials were all elevated in pediatric AML. The frequency of the mtDNA 4,977-bp large deletion was significantly higher (P<0.01) in pediatric AML cells, and pediatric AML patients harboring high amount of mtDNA 4,977-bp deletions showed shorter overall survival and event-free survival rates, albeit without statistical significance.
CONCLUSIONS: The present findings demonstrate an association between mitochondrial genome alterations and the risk of pediatric AML.

Related: Mitochondrial DNA


Babushok DV, Bessler M, Olson TS
Genetic predisposition to myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia in children and young adults.
Leuk Lymphoma. 2016; 57(3):520-36 [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a clonal blood disorder characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, cytopenias, dysplasia and an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). With the growing availability of clinical genetic testing, there is an increasing appreciation that a number of genetic predisposition syndromes may underlie apparent de novo presentations of MDS/AML, particularly in children and young adults. Recent findings of clonal hematopoiesis in acquired aplastic anemia add another facet to our understanding of the mechanisms of MDS/AML predisposition. As more predisposition syndromes are recognized, it is becoming increasingly important for hematologists and oncologists to have familiarity with the common as well as emerging syndromes, and to have a systematic approach to diagnosis and screening of at risk patient populations. Here, we provide a practical algorithm for approaching a patient with a suspected MDS/AML predisposition, and provide an in-depth review of the established and emerging familial MDS/AML syndromes caused by mutations in the ANKRD26, CEBPA, DDX41, ETV6, GATA2, RUNX1, SRP72 genes. Finally, we discuss recent data on the role of somatic mutations in malignant transformation in acquired aplastic anemia, and review the practical aspects of MDS/AML management in patients and families with predisposition syndromes.

Related: GATA2


Shiba N, Ohki K, Kobayashi T, et al.
High PRDM16 expression identifies a prognostic subgroup of pediatric acute myeloid leukaemia correlated to FLT3-ITD, KMT2A-PTD, and NUP98-NSD1: the results of the Japanese Paediatric Leukaemia/Lymphoma Study Group AML-05 trial.
Br J Haematol. 2016; 172(4):581-91 [PubMed] Related Publications
Recent reports described the NUP98-NSD1 fusion as an adverse prognostic marker for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and PRDM16 (also known as MEL1) as the representative overexpressed gene in patients harbouring NUP98-NSD1 fusion. PRDM16 gene expression levels were measured via real-time polymerase chain reaction in 369 paediatric patients with de novo AML, of whom 84 (23%) exhibited PRDM16 overexpression (PRDM16/ABL1 ratio ≥0·010). The frequencies of patients with high or low PRDM16 expression differed widely with respect to each genetic alteration, as follows: t(8;21), 4% vs. 96%, P < 0·001; inv(16), 0% vs. 100%, P < 0·001; KMT2A (also termed MLL)- partial tandem duplication, 100% vs. 0%, P < 0·001; NUP98-NSD1, 100% vs. 0%, P < 0·001. The overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) among PRDM16-overexpressing patients were significantly worse than in patients with low PRDM16 expression (3-year OS: 51% vs. 81%, P < 0·001, 3-year EFS: 32% vs. 64%, P < 0·001) irrespective of other cytogenetic alterations except for NPM1. PRDM16 gene expression was particularly useful for stratifying FLT3-internal tandem duplication-positive AML patients (3-year OS: high = 30% vs. low = 70%, P < 0·001). PRDM16 overexpression was highly recurrent in de novo paediatric AML patients with high/intermediate-risk cytogenetic profiles and was independently associated with an adverse outcome.

Related: MLL PRDM16 NUP98 FLT3


Cheng HR, Wu BQ, Chen L, et al.
Expression and effect of serum interleukin-24 level on bone marrow mononuclear cells in children with acute leukemia.
Genet Mol Res. 2015; 14(4):17281-8 [PubMed] Related Publications
To investigate the expression of interleukin-24 (IL-24) in the children with acute leukemia (AL) and its effect on the apoptosis of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) in vitro. Four groups were assessed: acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), non-leukemia, and healthy groups, 20 children in each group. ELISA was used to measure IL-24 serum level. The bone marrow was taken from patients and controls. BMMNCs were isolated and the DNA was analyzed by glucose electrophoresis. Flow cytometry was used to determine BMMNC apoptosis. The serum level of IL-24 in the ALL and AML groups were significantly higher than in the other two groups. There was no statistical difference between ALL and AML groups, either between non-leukemia and healthy groups. BMMNCs were exposed to IL-24 for 48 h, and the apoptotic rate of the group treated with 50 ng/ml IL-24 was obviously higher than that of control group (0 ng/mL). The serum IL-24 level of AL children decreased comparing to non-leukemia and healthy children, indicating that IL-24 can induce BMMNCs apoptosis of AL children in vitro.

Related: Apoptosis Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Childhood Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) ALL - Molecular Biology IL24 (MDA7)


Monitor
this page
it's private
powered by
ChangeDetection

This page last updated: 9th March 2017
Displaying links verified within last 2 weeks at time of update.

Children's Cancer Web Logo

Home
Site Map
Cancer Types
Treatments
Locations
Support & Information
Research
Health Professionals

About

Disclaimer
© 1996-2017