A phase II study of topotecan with vincristine and doxorubicin in children with recurrent/refractory neuroblastoma.

Background: A Phase II trial in children with advanced neuroblastoma was carried out in five Italian institutions to evaluate the antitumor activity and tolerability of topotecan followed by vincristine and doxorubicin.

Methods: Children older than age 1 year with Stage III or Stage IV neuroblastoma, all of whom had been treated previously with chemotherapy and were diagnosed with either refractory or recurrent disease, were treated with topotecan at an intravenous dose of 1.5 mg/m(2) (the dose was 0.

Phase I trial and pharmacokinetics of fenretinide in children with neuroblastoma.

Purpose: Fenretinide (4HPR), a synthetic retinoid, induces apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells. A Phase I study in children with neuroblastoma was designed to determine maximum tolerated dose, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics.

Experimental Design: Fifty-four patients received oral 4HPR, once daily, for 28 days, followed by a 7-day interruption, for up to 6 courses.

Second malignancies in children with neuroblastoma after combined treatment with 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine.

Background: (131)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine ((131)I-MIBG) is selectively taken up by cells of neural crest origin, allowing targeted radiotherapy of tumors such as neuroblastoma (NB) and pheochromocytoma. Radiotherapy may provide additional benefits in the treatment of NB, with moderate side effects such as hematologic and thyroid toxicity. However, with longer follow-up, other complications might occur.