Unique Familial MLL(KMT2A)-Rearranged Precursor B-Cell Infant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Non-twin Siblings.

Background: Infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has never occurred in families except for the ∼100% concordant cases in monozygous twins attributed to twin-to-twin metastases. We report the first kindred with infant ALL in non-twin siblings. The siblings were diagnosed with MLL-rearranged (MLL-R) ALL 26 months apart.

Prospective study of carboplatin-based chemotherapy for pediatric germ cell tumors.

Background: Survival of pediatric patients with malignant germ cell tumors has improved dramatically with the use of cisplatin-based chemotherapy, though patients are at high risk of significant long-term complications. In a prospective study, carboplatin was substituted for cisplatin in an attempt to minimize nephro- and oto-toxicities, while achieving excellent disease-free survival.

Procedure: All consecutive patients with malignant germ cell tumors at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia were treated between 1989 and 1998.