Matrix metalloproteinase-activated anthrax lethal toxin inhibits endothelial invasion and neovasculature formation during in vitro morphogenesis.

Solid tumor growth is dependent on angiogenesis, the formation of neovasculature from existing vessels. Endothelial activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, c-jun NH(2)-terminal kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways is central to this process, and thus presents an attractive target for the development of angiogenesis inhibitors. Anthrax lethal toxin (LeTx) has potent catalytic mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibition activity.

Impact of site of tumor recurrence upon survival for children with recurrent or progressive medulloblastoma.

Object: The object of this study was to identify prognostic factors for survival among children with recurrent medulloblastoma.

Methods: Postprogression survival and patient, tumor, and treatment factors were examined in 46 cases of recurrent medulloblastoma (mean age of patients at diagnosis 6.5 years, mean age at progression 8.

Neurocytoma-like neoplasm of the thoracic spine in a 15-month-old child presenting with diffuse leptomeningeal dissemination and communicating hydrocephalus. Case report.

This unusual mixed glioneuronal neoplasm of the spine resembling central neurocytoma is only the second reported example of a neoplasm of this type involving the spinal cord and is, seemingly, the first to present with diffuse leptomeningeal dissemination and communicating hydrocephalus. This 15-month-old boy presented with somnolence, bilateral sixth nerve palsy, and lower-extremity weakness and was found to harbor a primary neoplasm within the thoracic spine and associated syrinx, widespread leptomeningeal dissemination, and communicating hydrocephalus. The patient underwent cerebrospinal fluid shunt placement, thoracic laminectomy for tumor debulking and biopsy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to the neuraxis.

Neuropsychological performance and quality of life of 10 year survivors of childhood medulloblastoma.

Purpose: Survivors of medulloblastoma, the most frequently occurring malignant brain tumor of childhood, suffer neuropsychological damage in the first decade after diagnosis. Cognitive performance, psychosocial functioning and quality of life were assessed in medulloblastoma survivors in the second decade after diagnosis.

Methods: Ten year survivors were evaluated with a battery of neuropsychological tests, and self-report questionnaires regarding quality of life and emotional functioning.

Robotically guided radiosurgery for children.

Background: A robotically guided linear accelerator has recently been developed which provides frameless radiosurgery with high precision. Potential advantages for the pediatric population include the avoidance of the cognitive decline associated with whole brain radiotherapy, the ability to treat young children with thin skulls unsuitable for frame-based methods, and the possible avoidance of general anesthesia. We report our experience with this system (the "Cyberknife") in the treatment of 21 children.

Phase I study of oral cyclophosphamide and oral topotecan for children with recurrent or refractory solid tumors.

Background: To determine the maximum-tolerated duration and dose-limiting toxicity of a daily schedule of orally administered cyclophosphamide and topotecan in pediatric patients with recurrent or refractory malignant solid tumors.

Methods: Patients received oral cyclophosphamide (50 mg/m2/dose) in the morning followed by topotecan (0.8 mg/m2/dose) 8-12 hr later for an escalating number of consecutive days (10, 14, and 17 days).

Study of the MIB-1 labeling index as a predictor of tumor progression in pilocytic astrocytomas in children and adolescents.

Purpose: The pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most common childhood brain tumor. This report examines the MIB-1 labeling index (LI) as a predictor of progression-free survival (PFS) among childhood PAs.

Patients And Methods: Consecutive PAs were examined to determine whether the MIB-1 LI was associated with tumor progression.

Prognostic factors in children and adolescents with low-grade oligodendrogliomas.

Few reports exist describing the progression-free and overall survival of children with low-grade (WHO grade II) oligodendrogliomas treated uniformly with aggressive surgery but without adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Furthermore, significant prognostic features, including the MIB-1 labeling index (LI), have not been reported for children with oligodendrogliomas. The medical records of 20 consecutive patients with low-grade oligodendrogliomas were reviewed.

Nonperioperative strokes in children with central nervous system tumors.

Background: Nonperioperative strokes are rare yet potentially devastating events for children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors. The incidence of and risk factors for nonperioperative strokes in children with CNS tumors is unknown.

Methods: The authors performed a retrospective review of children from their institution with CNS tumors.