Use of allogeneic stem cell transplantation for moderate-severe Glanzmann thrombasthenia.

Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare, autosomal recessive coagulopathy characterized by either qualitative or quantitative abnormalities of the membrane glycoprotein αIIbβ3 complex leading to bleeding tendencies, ranging from purpura to life-threatening hemorrhage. Although patients can be managed with supportive measures including platelet transfusions, complications such as alloimmunization are possible. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) can be indicated in severe cases of GT.

Differences in outcomes of newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia for adolescent/young adult and younger patients: a report from the Children's Oncology Group.

Background: Studies comparing survival of adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients to that of younger patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have yielded conflicting results. In order to more accurately characterize relative survival and other outcomes of AYA patients, a cross-study analysis was conducted using data from recent trials conducted by the Children's Cancer Group (CCG) and Children's Oncology Group (COG).

Methods: Data were combined from the CCG-2891, CCG-2941, CCG-2961, and AAML03P1 trials.

Surveillance following head, neck, and chest radiotherapy: thyroid ultrasound monitoring for secondary thyroid malignancy.

Children who receive head, neck, or chest radiotherapy for various primary malignancies have increased risk for secondary thyroid malignancy. Thyroid nodules are difficult to identify by physical examination and/or laboratory tests. Thyroid ultrasound can detect non-palpable nodules without adverse side effects.

Prognostic significance of interleukin-6 single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes in neuroblastoma: rs1800795 (promoter) and rs8192284 (receptor).

Purpose: Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer of the sympathetic nervous system and many patients present with high-risk disease. Risk stratification, based on pathology and tumor-derived biomarkers, has improved prediction of clinical outcomes, but overall survival (OS) rates remain unfavorable and new therapeutic targets are needed. Some studies suggest a link between interleukin (IL)-6 and more aggressive behavior in neuroblastoma tumor cells.

Fibrinogen Columbus: a novel gamma Gly200Val mutation causing hypofibrinogenemia in a family with associated thrombophilia.

Fibrinogen is an essential component of the coagulation cascade and the acute phase response. The native 340 kDa molecule has a symmetrical trinodular structure composed of a central E-domain connected to outer D-domains by triple helical coiled-coils.1 Several mutations known to cause hypofibrinogenemia occur within the C-terminal gammaD-domain and have helped to elucidate the structurally and functionally important areas of this domain.