Evaluation of IFN-gamma effects on apoptosis and gene expression in neuroblastoma--preclinical studies.

Loss of caspase-8 expression and resistance to cytotoxic agents occurs frequently in late stage neuroblastoma (NB). Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) induces caspase-8 in NB cells, sensitizing them to death receptor mediated apoptosis. This study characterizes the kinetics of this phenomenon and examines the effects of IFN-gamma on global gene expression to determine whether IFN-gamma responses are achievable at physiologically relevant doses and to define the biological effects of this cytokine.

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (ATRT): improved survival in children 3 years of age and older with radiation therapy and high-dose alkylator-based chemotherapy.

Purpose: To describe clinical features, therapeutic approaches, and prognostic factors in pediatric patients with atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (ATRT) treated at St Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH).

Patients And Methods: Primary tumor samples from patients diagnosed with ATRT at SJCRH between July 1984 and June 2003 were identified. Pathology review included histologic, immunohistochemical analysis, and fluorescence in situ hybridization for SMARCB1 (also known as hSNF5/INI1) deletion.

Pediatric extraadrenal paraganglioma.

Background: Pediatric paraganglioma is rare and extraadrenal paraganglioma has not been characterized in children.

Methods: The authors reviewed the medical records and pathology samples of children with extraadrenal paraganglioma treated at our institution between December 1978 and September 2000. Clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome were evaluated.