Lineage switching of the cellular distribution of BRAFV600E in multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Most children with high-risk Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) have BRAFV600E mutation. BRAFV600E alleles are detectable in myeloid mononuclear cells at diagnosis but it is not known if the cellular distribution of mutation evolves over time. Here, the profiles of 16 patients with high-risk disease were analyzed.

Embryonal sarcoma of the liver in a girl with Cockayne syndrome.

The first reported malignancy associated with Cockayne syndrome.

Symptom interval and treatment burden for patients with malignant central nervous system germ cell tumours.

Objective: Patients with central nervous system germ cell tumours (CNS-GCTs) commonly initially present to primary care or general paediatricians. Prolonged symptom intervals (SI) are frequently seen in CNS-GCTs and have been associated with inferior outcomes in other brain tumours. This study reviewed the clinical presentation of CNS-GCTs and examined the effect of prolonged SI.

Psychosocial Support in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer.

Various forms of psychosocial support have been suggested in working with adolescents and young adults (AYAs) as they attempt to cope with cancer, including peer-based interventions, individual psychoeducational counseling, and skill-based interventions. More recently, modern electronic applications created technology-based ways to deliver information and support and have grown in popularity to satisfy AYA needs for information and support. Such support should be offered routinely rather than in a response to a crisis.

Cognitive function in children with brain tumors in the first year after diagnosis compared to healthy matched controls.

Background: Improved survival of children with brain tumors (BTs) has increased focus on ameliorating morbidity. To reduce the risk of progressive cognitive decline, remedial strategies need to be instituted early, based upon accurate appraisal of need, yet few studies have investigated cognition in BT children early post-diagnosis. The study aims were to investigate cognition in children with primary BTs 1, 6, and 12 months post-diagnosis compared with healthy children, exploring the impact of disease and treatment variables.

A detailed prospective longitudinal assessment of health status in children with brain tumors in the first year after diagnosis.

Purpose: To compare health status (HS) in children with brain tumors at 1 (t1), 6 (t6), and 12 (t12) months after diagnosis with "normal" controls. To assess the relationship between parent-report and self-report HS for patients at t12.

Methods: HS was assessed using the Health Utilities Index Mark III parent-report at all time points and self-report at t12.

Child-related determinants of health-related quality of life in children with brain tumours 1 year after diagnosis.

Objectives: Infratentorial tumour site and health-related quality of life (HRQL) 1 month after diagnosis have been shown to predict HRQL 1 year after diagnosis in children with brain tumours. This study aimed to identify additional early child-related determinants of parent- and child-report HRQL.

Methods: Longitudinal prospective study.

Family, demographic and illness-related determinants of HRQL in children with brain tumours in the first year after diagnosis.

Aims: To evaluate the relationship between parent- and child-report Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL) and demographic, tumour and family variables in children with a brain tumour in the first year after diagnosis and to identify determinants of HRQL at 12 months.

Procedure: Longitudinal prospective study: Semi-structured interviews took place approximately 1, 6 and 12 months after diagnosis. HRQL was measured using the self- and parent-report PedsQL 4.

Psychosocial issues and quality of life.

The age group 20 to 39 years includes survivors of childhood cancer and those diagnosed with and treated for cancer during young adult life. Much of what is known about the psychosocial consequences of cancer in this age range is based on work involving survivors of cancer in childhood. We argue that the impact of cancer in young adults is different from experiences during childhood.

Health related quality of life in the first year after diagnosis in children with brain tumours compared with matched healthy controls; a prospective longitudinal study.

This paper compares parent- and self-report health-related quality of life (HRQL) in children aged 2-16 years with brain tumours, one, six and twelve months after diagnosis with matched normal controls. HRQL was assessed using the PedsQL generic core scales. 37 tumour patients and 42 controls were included in analysis of parent-report, and 27 patients and 31 controls in self-report HRQL.

Long term survivors of childhood cancer: cure and care. The Erice statement.

The number of subjects that have successfully completed treatment for a cancer diagnosed during childhood and are entering adulthood is increasing over time. Members of the International Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster (I-BFM) Early and Late Toxicity Educational Committee (ELTEC) invited 45 paediatric cancer experts (representing oncologists, psychologists, nurses, epidemiologists, parents, and survivors) from 13 European countries (with five additional experts from North America) to Erice, Sicily (from October 27 to 29, 2006) to discuss the circumstances in which the word 'cure' should be used when speaking about children with cancer, and when and why continuing follow-up and care may be required. The objective of the gathering was to generate from the personal and professional experience of the participants an overview statement of the group's philosophy of cure and care of survivors of childhood cancer.