| 1. |
- Grahn, Petra, et al.
(författare)
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Early disc degeneration in radiotherapy-treated childhood brain tumor survivors
- 2023
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Ingår i: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1471-2474. ; 24:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundChildhood brain tumor (BT) survivors have an increased risk of treatment-related late effects, which can reduce health-related quality of life and increase morbidity. This study aimed to investigate lumbar disc degeneration in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in adult survivors of radiotherapy-treated childhood BT compared to age and sex-matched population controls.MethodsIn this cross-sectional comparative study, 127 survivors were identified from hospital registries. After a mean follow-up of 20.7 years (range 5-33.1), 67 survivors (mean age 28.4, range 16.2-43.5) were investigated with MRI and compared to 75 sex-matched population-based controls. Evaluated MRI phenotypes included Pfirrmann grading, , intervertebral disc protrusions, extrusions, and high-intensity-zone-lesions (HIZ). Groups were also compared for known risk factors of lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration.ResultsChildhood BT survivors had higher Pfirrmann grades than controls at all lumbar levels (all p < 0.001). Lumbar disc protrusions at L4-5 (p = 0.02) and extrusions at L3-4 (p = 0.04), L4-5 (p = 0.004), and L5-S1 (p = 0.01) were significantly more common in the BT group compared to the control. The survivor cohort also had significantly more HIZ-lesons than the controls (n=13 and n=1, p=0.003). Age at diagnosis was associated with lower degree of IVD degeneration (p < 0.01). Blood pressure correlated with IVD degeneration (P < 0.05).ConclusionsSigns of early disc degeneration related to tumor treatment can be seen in the IVDs of survivors. Disc degeneration was more severe in children treated in adolescence.
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| 2. |
- Remes, Tiina M., et al.
(författare)
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Neurocognitive impairment, employment, and social status in radiotherapy-treated adult survivors of childhood brain tumors
- 2021
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Ingår i: Neuro-Oncology Practice. - : Oxford University Press. - 2054-2577 .- 2054-2585. ; 8:3, s. 266-277
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundLittle is known of the cognitive functions, employment, and social status in adult survivors of childhood brain tumor (BT). We aimed to determine the long-term neurocognitive profile of radiotherapy-treated adult survivors of childhood BT and the relationship between cognitive functions and employment and social status.MethodsNeurocognitive profiles of survivors were assessed in a Finnish national cohort of 71 radiotherapy-treated survivors of childhood BT (median follow-up time: 21 years [range: 5-33 years]) using a cross-sectional design. Neurocognitive outcomes were compared to control (n = 45) and normative values. Tumor- and treatment-related data were collected from the patient files. Information on employment and social status was gathered.ResultsSurvivors’ (median age: 27 years [range: 16-43 years]) median verbal and performance intelligence quotient (IQ) was 90 (range: 49-121) and 87 (range: 43-119), respectively. The cognitive domains with the greatest impairment were executive functions (median z score, −3.5 SD [range: −25.0 to 1.3 SD]), and processing speed and attention (median z score, −2.5 SD [range: −24.9 to 0.5 SD]). Executive functions were associated with employment, educational level, living independently, having an intimate relationship, and having a driving license. Processing speed and attention were related to educational level, living independently, having an intimate relationship, and having a driving license. Performance IQ was associated with educational level and employment status. Working memory was associated with educational level and living independently.ConclusionsRadiotherapy-treated adult survivors of childhood BT experience significant neurocognitive impairment, which is associated with difficulties related to employment and social status.
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| 3. |
- Remes, Tiina M., et al.
(författare)
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Radiation-Induced Meningiomas After Childhood Brain Tumor : A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Screening Study
- 2019
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Ingår i: Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology. - : Mary Ann Liebert. - 2156-5333 .- 2156-535X. ; 8:5, s. 593-601
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: Childhood brain tumors (CBTs) and their treatment increase the risk of secondary neoplasms (SNs). We studied the incidence of secondary craniospinal tumors with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening in a national cohort of survivors of CBT treated with radiotherapy, and we analyzed the Finnish Cancer Registry (FCR) data on SNs in survivors of CBT with radiotherapy registered as a part of the primary tumor treatment. Methods: A total of 73 survivors of CBT participated in the MRI study (mean follow-up of 19 +/- 6.2 years). The incidence of SNs in a cohort of CBT patients (N = 569) was retrieved from the FCR (mean follow-up of 11 +/- 12.9 years). Brain tumors were diagnosed at age <= 16 years between the years 1970 and 2008 in the clinical study and the years 1963 and 2010 in the FCR population. Results: Secondary brain tumors, meningiomas in all and schwannoma in one, were found in 6 of the 73 (8.2%) survivors with a mean of 23 +/- 4.3 years after the diagnosis of the primary tumor. The cumulative incidence was 10.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.9-25.1) in 25 years of follow-up. In the FCR data, the 25-year cumulative incidence of SNs was 2.4% (95% CI 1.3-4.1); only two brain tumors, no meningiomas, were registered. Conclusion: Survivors of CBT treated with radiotherapy have a high incidence of meningiomas, which are rarely registered in the FCR.
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| 4. |
- van Atteveld, Jenneke E., et al.
(författare)
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Bone mineral density surveillance for childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors : evidence-based recommendations from the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group
- 2021
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Ingår i: The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology. - : Elsevier. - 2213-8587 .- 2213-8595. ; 9:9, s. 622-637
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors are at increased risk of reduced bone mineral density. Clinical practice surveillance guidelines are important for timely diagnosis and treatment of these survivors, which could improve bone mineral density parameters and prevent fragility fractures. Discordances across current late effects guidelines necessitated international harmonisation of recommendations for bone mineral density surveillance. The International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group therefore established a panel of 36 experts from ten countries, representing a range of relevant medical specialties. The evidence of risk factors for very low and low bone mineral density and fractures, surveillance modality, timing of bone mineral density surveillance, and treatment of very low and low bone mineral density were evaluated and critically appraised, and harmonised recommendations for childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors were formulated. We graded the recommendations based on the quality of evidence and balance between potential benefits and harms. Bone mineral density surveillance is recommended for survivors treated with cranial or craniospinal radiotherapy and is reasonable for survivors treated with total body irradiation. Due to insufficient evidence, no recommendation can be formulated for or against bone mineral density surveillance for survivors treated with corticosteroids. This surveillance decision should be made by the survivor and health-care provider together, after careful consideration of the potential harms and benefits and additional risk factors. We recommend to carry out bone mineral density surveillance using dualenergy x-ray absorptiometry at entry into long-term follow-up, and if normal (Z-score > -1), repeat when the survivor is aged 25 years. Between these measurements and thereafter, surveillance should be done as clinically indicated. These recommendations facilitate evidence-based care for childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors internationally.
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| 5. |
- Ljungman, Lisa, 1981-, et al.
(författare)
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Health-related quality of life in long-term survivors of childhood brain tumors : a population-based cohort study
- 2022
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Ingår i: Supportive Care in Cancer. - : Springer Nature. - 0941-4355 .- 1433-7339. ; 30:6, s. 5157-5166
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose Survivors of childhood brain tumors (BT) are at high risk for long-term physical and psychological sequelae. Still, knowledge about health-related quality of life (HRQL) and associated factors in this population is sparse. This study investigated HRQL and its predictors in long-term survivors of childhood BT.Methods Survivors of childhood BT (mean age = 28.1 years, SD = 6.8, n = 60) underwent clinical examination and neurocognitive examination, and completed self-rating questionnaires assessing HRQL (RAND-36) and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II). Socio-demographic information was gathered via a questionnaire. Tumor- and treatment-related information was collected from medical records. Control group data were collected from age-matched controls (n = 146) without a history of cancer, randomly selected from the local population registry. Multiple linear regression models were used to investigate predictors of HRQL; separate models were fitted for each domain of the RAND-36.Results Male survivors (mean age = 27.0, SD = 6.0, n = 39) reported significantly lower HRQL than male controls in the domains of physical functioning, general health, vitality, social functioning, and role limitations-emotional. Female survivors (mean age = 30.2 years, SD = 7.6, n = 21) reported comparable levels as female controls in all domains except physical functioning. A higher burden of late effects, not working/studying, being diagnosed with BT during adolescence, and reporting current depressive symptoms were significant predictors of lower HRQL.Conclusion Our results highlight that male survivors of childhood BT are at particular risk of impaired HRQL. Also, results point to the close relation between symptoms of depression and impaired HRQL in survivors of childhood BT which should be acknowledged by long-term follow-up care.
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| 6. |
- Remes, Tiina M., et al.
(författare)
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Bone mineral density is compromised in very long-term survivors of irradiated childhood brain tumor
- 2018
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Ingår i: Acta Oncologica. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0284-186X .- 1651-226X. ; 57:5, s. 665-674
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: The increase in the number of childhood brain tumor survivors warrants detailed research to increase our knowledge regarding the possible physical and psychosocial adverse outcomes of tumor and tumor therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current bone health by measuring the bone mineral density (BMD) in irradiated, adult long-term survivors of childhood brain tumors.Material and methods: We studied a national cohort of 74 adult survivors of childhood brain tumors treated with irradiation in Finland between 1970 and 2008. Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed for the femoral necks, total hips, and lumbar spine. Laboratory tests were conducted for evaluating the pituitary, thyroid, and gonadal functions. The participants were interviewed, examined clinically, and the disease and treatment related data were retrieved from the patient files.Results: One fourth of the patients (23.6%) had sex- and age-normalized z-scores below the expected range for age (z-score -2.0). Mean BMD scores were decreased in all the DXA measurement sites. Male sex was associated with low BMD (p<.05), while body mass index (BMI) had a significant positive association with BMD (p<.01). Mode of irradiation (with or without spinal irradiation) or inclusion of chemotherapy in the treatment did not affect BMD significantly. However, patients with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt had lower BMD than those without a shunt (p<.05). Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were negatively associated with BMD in women (p<.05). However, a higher cumulative dose of glucocorticoids during treatment was not associated with lower BMD, while low BMD was significantly associated with previous fractures in long bones.Discussion: Low BMD should be taken in consideration in treatment of irradiated childhood brain tumor survivors especially in those with previous fractures in long bones.
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| 7. |
- Remes, Tiina Maria, et al.
(författare)
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Radiation-induced accelerated aging of the brain vasculature in young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors
- 2020
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Ingår i: Neuro-Oncology Practice. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2054-2577 .- 2054-2585. ; 7:4, s. 415-427
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundCranial radiotherapy may damage the cerebral vasculature. The aim of this study was to understand the prevalence and risk factors of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in childhood brain tumors (CBT) survivors treated with radiotherapy.MethodsSeventy CBT survivors who received radiotherapy were enrolled in a cross-sectional study at a median 20 years after radiotherapy cessation. The prevalence of and risk factors for CVD were investigated using MRI, MRA, and laboratory testing. Tumors, their treatment, and stroke-related data were retrieved from patients’ files.ResultsForty-four individuals (63%) had CVD at a median age of 27 years (range, 16-43 years). The prevalence rates at 20 years for CVD, small-vessel disease, and large-vessel disease were 52%, 38%, and 16%, respectively. Ischemic infarcts were diagnosed in 6 survivors, and cerebral hemorrhage in 2. Lacunar infarcts were present in 7, periventricular or deep WMHs in 34 (49%), and mineralizing microangiopathy in 21 (30%) survivors. Multiple pathologies were detected in 44% of the participants, and most lesions were located in a high-dose radiation area. Higher blood pressure was associated with CVD and a presence of WMHs. Higher cholesterol levels increased the risk of ischemic infarcts and WMHs, and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein and higher waist circumference increased the risk of lacunar infarcts.ConclusionsTreating CBTs with radiotherapy increases the risk of early CVD and WMHs in young adult survivors. These results suggest an urgent need for investigating CVD prevention in CBT patients.
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| 8. |
- Tulstrup, M., et al.
(författare)
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NT5C2 germline variants alter thiopurine metabolism and are associated with acquired NT5C2 relapse mutations in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- 2018
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Ingår i: Leukemia. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0887-6924 .- 1476-5551. ; 32:12, s. 2527-2535
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The antileukaemic drug 6-mercaptopurine is converted into thioguanine nucleotides (TGN) and incorporated into DNA (DNA-TG), the active end metabolite. In a series of genome-wide association studies, we analysed time-weighted means ((wm)) of erythrocyte concentrations of TGN (Ery-TGN) and DNA-TG in 1009 patients undergoing maintenance therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). In discovery analyses (454 patients), the propensity for DNA-TG incorporation ((wm)DNA-TG/(wm)Ery-TGN ratio) was significantly associated with three intronic SNPs in NT5C2 (top hit: rs72846714; P - 2.09 x 10(-10), minor allele frequency 15%). In validation analyses (555 patients), this association remained significant during both early and late maintenance therapy (P - 8.4 x 10(-6) and 1.3 x 10(-3), respectively). The association was mostly driven by differences in (wm)Ery-TGN, but in regression analyses adjusted for wmEry-TGN (P < 0.0001), rs72846714-A genotype was also associated with a higher (wm)DNA-TG (P - 0.029). Targeted sequencing of NT5C2 did not identify any missense variants associated with rs72846714 or (wm)Ery-TGN/(wm)DNA-TG. rs72846714 was not associated with relapse risk, but in a separate cohort of 180 children with relapsed ALL, rs72846714-A genotype was associated with increased occurrence of relapse-specific NT5C2 gain-of-function mutations that reduce cytosol TGN levels (P = 0.03). These observations highlight the impact of both germline and acquired mutations in drug metabolism and disease trajectory.
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| 9. |
- Aarnivala, Henri, et al.
(författare)
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Reply to Ian J. Cohen
- 2022
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Ingår i: Supportive Care in Cancer. - : Springer Nature. - 0941-4355 .- 1433-7339. ; 30:3, s. 1901-1902
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)
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| 10. |
- Anastasopoulou, Stavroula, et al.
(författare)
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Acute central nervous system toxicity during treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia : phenotypes, risk factors and genotypes
- 2020
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Ingår i: Haematologica. - : Ferrata Storti Foundation. - 0390-6078 .- 1592-8721. ; 107:10, s. 2318-2328
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Central nervous system (CNS) toxicity is common at diagnosis and during treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We studied CNS toxicity in 1,464 children aged 1.0-17.9 years, diagnosed with ALL and treated according to the Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology ALL2008 protocol. Genome-wide association studies, and a candidate single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; n=19) study were performed in 1,166 patients. Findings were validated in an independent Australian cohort of children with ALL (n=797) in whom two phenotypes were evaluated: diverse CNS toxicities (n=103) and methotrexate-related CNS toxicity (n=48). In total, 135/1,464 (9.2%) patients experienced CNS toxicity for a cumulative incidence of 8.7% (95% confidence interval: 7.31-10.20) at 12 months from diagnosis. Patients aged >= 10 years had a higher risk of CNS toxicity than had younger patients (16.3% vs. 7.4%; P < 0.001). The most common CNS toxicities were posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (n=52, 43 with seizures), sinus venous thrombosis (n=28, 9 with seizures), and isolated seizures (n=16). The most significant SNP identified by the genome-wide association studies did not reach genomic significance (lowest P-value: 1.11x10(-6)), but several were annotated in genes regulating neuronal functions. In candidate SNP analysis, ATXN1 rs68082256, related to epilepsy, was associated with seizures in patients < 10 years (P=0.01). ATXN1 rs68082256 was validated in the Australian cohort with diverse CNS toxicities (P=0.04). The role of ATXN1 as well as the novel SNP in neurotoxicity in pediatric ALL should be further explored.
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| 11. |
- Anastasopoulou, Stavroula, et al.
(författare)
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Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia : Clinical characteristics, risk factors, course, and outcome of disease
- 2019
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Ingår i: Pediatric Blood & Cancer. - : WILEY. - 1545-5009 .- 1545-5017. ; 66:5
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a distinct entity with incompletely known predisposing factors. The aim of this study is to describe the incidence, risk factors, clinical course, and outcome of PRES in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).Procedure: Patients aged 1.0 to 17.9 years diagnosed with ALL from July 2008 to December 2015 and treated according to the Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (NOPHO) ALL2008 protocol were included. Patients with PRES were identified in the prospective NOPHO leukemia toxicity registry, and clinical data were collected from the medical records.Results: The study group included 1378 patients, of whom 52 met the criteria for PRES. The cumulative incidence of PRES at one month was 1.7% (95% CI, 1.1-2.5) and at one year 3.7% (95% CI, 2.9-4.9). Older age (hazard ratios [HR] for each one-year increase in age 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.2, P = 0.001) and T-cell immunophenotype (HR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.6-5.3, P = 0.0005) were associated with PRES. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement (odds ratios [OR] = 2.8; 95% CI, 1.2-6.5, P = 0.015) was associated with early PRES and high-risk block treatment (HR = 2.63; 95% CI, 1.1-6.4, P = 0.033) with late PRES. At follow-up of the PRES patients, seven patients had epilepsy and seven had neurocognitive difficulties.Conclusion: PRES is a neurotoxicity in the treatment of childhood ALL with both acute and long-term morbidity. Older age, T-cell leukemia, CNS involvement and high-risk block treatment are risk factors for PRES.
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| 12. |
- Anastasopoulou, Stavroula, et al.
(författare)
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Seizures during treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia : A population-based cohort study
- 2020
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Ingår i: European journal of paediatric neurology. - : ELSEVIER SCI LTD. - 1090-3798 .- 1532-2130. ; 27, s. 72-77
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Seizures are common in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). As ALL survival rates are improving, the challenge to minimize treatment related side effects and late sequelae rises. Here, we studied the frequency, timing, etiology and risk factors of seizures in ALL patients. Methods: The study included children aged 1-17.9 years at diagnosis of B-cell-precursor and T cell ALL who were treated according to the Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (NOPHO) ALL2008 protocol between 2008 and 2015. Detailed patient data were acquired from the NOPHO ALL2008 registry and by review of medical records. Results: Seizures occurred in 81/1464 (5.5%) patients. The cumulative incidence of seizures at one months was 1.7% (95% CI: 1.2-2.5) and at one year 5.3% (95% CI 4.2-6.5%). Patients aged 10-17.9 years, those with T cell immunophenotype, CNS involvement, or high-risk induction with dexamethasone had higher risk for seizures in univariable analyses. Only age remained a risk factor in multivariable analyses (the cumulative incidence of seizures for patients 10-17.9 years old at one year was 9.0% (95% CI: 6.2-12.9)). Of the 81 patients with seizures, 43 had posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), 15 had isolated seizures, nine had sinus venous thrombosis (SVT), three had stroke-like syndrome, and 11 had other neurotoxicities. Epilepsy diagnosis was reported in totally 11 ALL survivors at last follow up. Conclusion: Seizures are relatively common in ALL patients and occur most often in patients with PRES, SVT, or as an isolated symptom. Older children have higher risk of seizures. (C) 2020 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 13. |
- Arthur, Cecilia, et al.
(författare)
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Patient-Specific Assays Based on Whole-Genome Sequencing Data to Measure Residual Disease in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia : A Proof of Concept Study
- 2022
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Oncology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2234-943X. ; 12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Risk-adapted treatment in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) relies on genetic information and measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring. In this proof of concept study, DNA from diagnostic bone marrow (BM) of six children with ALL, without stratifying genetics or central nervous system (CNS) involvement, underwent whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to identify structural variants (SVs) in the leukemic blasts. Unique sequences generated by SVs were targeted with patient-specific droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays. Genomic DNA (gDNA) from BM and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were analyzed longitudinally. WGS with 30x coverage enabled target identification in all cases. Limit of quantifiability (LoQ) and limit of detection (LoD) for the ddPCR assays (n = 15) were up to 10(-5) and 10(-6), respectively. All targets were readily detectable in a multiplexed ddPCR with minimal DNA input (1 ng of gDNA) at a 10(-1) dilution, and targets for half of the patients were also detectable at a 10(-2) dilution. The level of MRD in BM at end of induction and end of consolidation block 1 was in a comparable range between ddPCR and clinical routine methods for samples with detectable residual disease, although our approach consistently detected higher MRD values for patients with B-cell precursor ALL. Additionally, several samples with undetectable MRD by flow cytometry were MRD-positive by ddPCR. In plasma, the level of leukemic targets decreased in cfDNA over time following the MRD level detected in BM. cfDNA was successfully extracted from all diagnostic CSF samples (n = 6), and leukemic targets were detected in half of these. The results suggest that our approach to design molecular assays, together with ddPCR quantification, is a technically feasible option for accurate MRD quantification and that cfDNA may contribute valuable information regarding MRD and low-grade CNS involvement.
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| 14. |
- Arthur, Cecilia, et al.
(författare)
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Simultaneous Ultra-Sensitive Detection of Structural and Single Nucleotide Variants Using Multiplex Droplet Digital PCR in Liquid Biopsies from Children with Medulloblastoma
- 2023
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Ingår i: Cancers. - : MDPI. - 2072-6694. ; 15:7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Medulloblastoma is one of the most common types of brain tumors in children. During and after treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy, children with this disease are monitored with imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis for the detection of tumor cells. These methods are not always sensitive or specific enough to confirm or rule out residual disease. Here, we develop a laboratory test based on the genetic makeup of medulloblastomas in 12 children. We analyze liquid biopsies (cerebrospinal fluid and blood plasma) for specific genetic fragments leaking from the individual tumors and find molecular traces of disease in 75% (9/12) of children overall. None of the children had malignant cells in the cerebrospinal fluid. We propose that this test could open up new technical possibilities to track measurable residual disease in children with medulloblastoma in order to further risk-adapt treatment, but first, larger studies of the approach at standardized time points are warranted.Medulloblastoma is a malignant embryonal tumor of the central nervous system (CNS) that mainly affects infants and children. Prognosis is highly variable, and molecular biomarkers for measurable residual disease (MRD) detection are lacking. Analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using broad genomic approaches, such as low-coverage whole-genome sequencing, has shown promising prognostic value. However, more sensitive methods are needed for MRD analysis. Here, we show the technical feasibility of capturing medulloblastoma-associated structural variants and point mutations simultaneously in cfDNA using multiplexed droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Assay sensitivity was assessed with a dilution series of tumor in normal genomic DNA, and the limit of detection was below 100 pg of input DNA for all assays. False positive rates were zero for structural variant assays. Liquid biopsies (CSF and plasma, n = 47) were analyzed from 12 children with medulloblastoma, all with negative CSF cytology. MRD was detected in 75% (9/12) of patients overall. In CSF samples taken before or within 21 days of surgery, MRD was detected in 88% (7/8) of patients with localized disease and in one patient with the metastasized disease. Our results suggest that this approach could expand the utility of ddPCR and complement broader analyses of cfDNA for MRD detection.
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| 15. |
- Banerjee, Joanna, et al.
(författare)
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The spectrum of acute central nervous system symptoms during the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- 2020
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Ingår i: Pediatric Blood & Cancer. - : WILEY. - 1545-5009 .- 1545-5017. ; 67:2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Children with central nervous system (CNS) toxicity during therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) are at risk for treatment modifications, long-term sequelae and even higher mortality. A better understanding of CNS symptoms and their complications improves the potential to prevent and treat them.Methods: Patient files from 649 children treated with Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology ALL92 and ALL2000 protocols in Finland were reviewed retrospectively for any acute CNS symptom. Detailed data on symptoms, examinations and treatment of the underlying CNS complications were collected from the medical records. Disease-related and outcome data were retrieved from the Nordic leukaemia registry.Results: Altogether, 13% (86) of patients with ALL had acute CNS symptoms. Most symptoms (64%) occurred during the first 2 months of therapy. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome was the most frequent complication (4.5%). Cerebrovascular events were diagnosed in 10 cases (1.6%), while methotrexate-related stroke-like syndrome (SLS) was observed in only one patient (0.2%). CNS symptoms due to systemic or unclear conditions, especially sepsis, were important for differential diagnosis. CNS leukaemia was associated with CNS symptoms (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.03; P = .003), and epilepsy was a common sequel of CNS complications (19%).Conclusions: Acute CNS symptoms are common during ALL therapy, occurring mainly during the first 2 months of treatment. Patients with CNS leukaemia at diagnosis are at a higher risk for CNS toxicity. Despite intensive CNS-directed methotrexate treatment, SLS was diagnosed extremely rarely in our series.
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| 16. |
- Bang, Benedicte, et al.
(författare)
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A somatic UBA2 variant preceded ETV6-RUNX1 in the concordant BCP-ALL of monozygotic twins
- 2022
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Ingår i: Blood Advances. - : American Society of Hematology. - 2473-9529 .- 2473-9537. ; 6:7, s. 2275-2289
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Genetic analysis of leukemic clones in monozygotic twins with concordant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has proved a unique opportunity to gain insight into the molecular phylogenetics of leukemogenesis. Using whole-genome sequencing, we characterized constitutional and somatic single nucleotide variants/insertion-deletions (indels) and structural variants in a monozygotic twin pair with concordant ETV6-RUNX1(+) B-cell precursor ALL (BCP-ALL). In addition, digital PCR (dPCR) was applied to evaluate the presence of and quantify selected somatic variants at birth, diagnosis, and remission. A shared somatic complex rearrangement involving chromosomes 11, 12, and 21 with identical fusion sequences in leukemias of both twins offered direct proof of a common clonal origin. The ETV6-RUNX1 fusion detected at diagnosis was found to originate from this complex rearrangement. A shared somatic frameshift deletion in UBA2 was also identified in diagnostic samples. In addition, each leukemia independently acquired analogous deletions of 3 genes recurrently targeted in BCP-ALLs (ETV6, ATF7IP, and RAG1/RAG2), providing evidence of a convergent clonal evolution only explained by a strong concurrent selective pressure. Quantification of the UBA2 deletion by dPCR surprisingly indicated it persisted in remission. This, for the first time to our knowledge, provided evidence of a UBA2 variant preceding the well-established initiating event ETV6-RUNX1. Further, we suggest the UBA2 deletion exerted a leukemia predisposing effect and that its essential role in Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) attachment (SUMOylation), regulating nearly all physiological and pathological cellular processes such as DNA-repair by nonhomologous end joining, may hold a mechanistic explanation for the predisposition.
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| 17. |
- Byrne, Julianne, et al.
(författare)
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Impact of era of diagnosis on cause-specific late mortality among 77 423 five-year European survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer : The PanCareSurFup consortium
- 2022
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cancer. - : Wiley. - 0020-7136 .- 1097-0215. ; 150:3, s. 406-419
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Late mortality of European 5-year survivors of childhood or adolescent cancer has dropped over the last 60 years, but excess mortality persists. There is little information concerning secular trends in cause-specific mortality among older European survivors. PanCareSurFup pooled data from 12 cancer registries and clinics in 11 European countries from 77 423 five-year survivors of cancer diagnosed before age 21 between 1940 and 2008 followed for an average age of 21 years and a total of 1.27 million person-years to determine their risk of death using cumulative mortality, standardized mortality ratios (SMR), absolute excess risks (AER), and multivariable proportional hazards regression analyses. At the end of follow-up 9166 survivors (11.8%) had died compared to 927 expected (SMR 9.89, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 9.69-10.09), AER 6.47 per 1000 person-years, (95% CI 6.32-6.62). At 60 to 68 years of attained age all-cause mortality was still higher than expected (SMR = 2.41, 95% CI 1.90-3.02). Overall cumulative mortality at 25 years from diagnosis dropped from 18.4% (95% CI 16.5-20.4) to 7.3% (95% CI 6.7-8.0) over the observation period. Compared to the diagnosis period 1960 to 1969, the mortality hazard ratio declined for first neoplasms (P for trend <.0001) and for infections (P <.0001); declines in relative mortality from second neoplasms and cardiovascular causes were less pronounced (P =.1105 and P =.0829, respectively). PanCareSurFup is the largest study with the longest follow-up of late mortality among European childhood and adolescent cancer 5-year survivors, and documents significant mortality declines among European survivors into modern eras. However, continuing excess mortality highlights survivors' long-term care needs.
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| 18. |
- Byrne, Julianne, et al.
(författare)
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The PanCareSurFup consortium : research and guidelines to improve lives for survivors of childhood cancer
- 2018
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Ingår i: European Journal of Cancer. - : ELSEVIER SCI LTD. - 0959-8049 .- 1879-0852. ; 103:Nov, s. 238-248
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Second malignant neoplasms and cardiotoxicity are among the most serious and frequent adverse health outcomes experienced by childhood and adolescent cancer survivors (CCSs) and contribute significantly to their increased risk of premature mortality. Owing to differences in health-care systems, language and culture across the continent, Europe has had limited success in establishing multi-country collaborations needed to assemble the numbers of survivors required to clarify the health issues arising after successful cancer treatment. PanCareSurFup (PCSF) is the first pan-European project to evaluate some of the serious long-term health risks faced by survivors. This article sets out the overall rationale, methods and preliminary results of PCSF. Methods: The PCSF consortium pooled data from 13 cancer registries and hospitals in 12 European countries to evaluate subsequent primary malignancies, cardiac disease and late mortality in survivors diagnosed between ages 0 and 20 years. In addition, PCSF integrated radiation dosimetry to sites of second malignancies and to the heart, developed evidence-based guidelines for long-term care and for transition services, and disseminated results to survivors and the public. Results: We identified 115,596 individuals diagnosed with cancer, of whom 83,333 were 5-year survivors and diagnosed from 1940 to 2011. This single data set forms the basis for cohort analyses of subsequent malignancies, cardiac disease and late mortality and case-control studies of subsequent malignancies and cardiac disease in 5-year survivors. Conclusions: PCSF delivered specific estimates of risk and comprehensive guidelines to help survivors and care-givers. The expected benefit is to provide every European CCS with improved access to care and better long-term health.
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| 19. |
- Egnell, Christina, et al.
(författare)
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Impact of body mass index on outcome and treatment-related toxicity in young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- 2023
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Ingår i: Acta Oncologica. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0284-186X .- 1651-226X. ; 62:12, s. 1723-1731
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Data on outcome for patients in different body mass index (BMI) categories in young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are scarce. We explored survival and toxicities in different BMI categories in young adults with ALL.Material and methods: Patients aged 18-45 years, diagnosed with ALL between July 2008 and June 2022 in the Nordic countries, Estonia, or Lithuania, and treated according to the NOPHO ALL2008 protocol, were retrospectively enrolled and classified into different BMI categories. Endpoints were overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS) and cumulative incidence of relapse as well as incidence rate ratio (IRR) of severe predefined toxic events, and treatment delays.Results: The group comprised 416 patients, of whom 234 (56%) were stratified to non-high-risk (non-HR) treatment. In the non-HR group, patients with severe obesity, BMI & GE;35 kg/m2 had worse EFS due to relapses but there was no effect on toxicity or treatment delays compared with the healthy-weight patients. There was no association between BMI category and OS, overall toxicity, or treatment delays in the patients with high-risk treatment.Conclusion: Severe obesity is associated with worse EFS in young adults treated according to the non-HR arms of the NOPHO ALL2008 protocol. Poorer outcome is explained with a higher risk of relapse, possibly due to under treatment, and not caused by excess therapy-related mortality.
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| 20. |
- Egnell, Christina, et al.
(författare)
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Impact of body mass index on relapse in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated according to Nordic treatment protocols
- 2020
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Ingår i: European Journal of Haematology. - : WILEY. - 0902-4441 .- 1600-0609. ; 105:6, s. 797-807
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives High body mass index (BMI) is associated with poorer survival in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but the actual impact on the risk of relapse still needs to be clarified. We evaluated the impact of BMI at diagnosis on the risk of relapse in children with ALL treated according to Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (NOPHO) protocols. Method In a multicenter study, we collected data on BMI at diagnosis and outcome of 2558 children aged 2.0-17.9 years diagnosed between 1992 and 2016. Patients were divided into four groups according to International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) childhood BMI cut-offs: underweight, <17; healthy weight, 17-25; overweight, 25-30; and obese, >= 30 kg/m(2). Results In Cox multivariate regression analyses, an increased risk of relapse was observed in children aged 10-17.9 years with unhealthy BMI at diagnosis (underweight hazard ratio HR: 2.90 [95% confidence interval: 1.24-6.78],P = .01; overweight, HR: 1.95 [1.11-3.43],P = .02, and obese HR: 4.32 [95% 2.08-8.97],P < .001), compared to children with healthy weight. BMI had no impact on relapse in children under 10 years of age. Conclusion High BMI, and especially obesity at diagnosis, is an independent adverse prognostic factor for relapse in older children with ALL.
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| 21. |
- Egnell, Christina, et al.
(författare)
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Obesity as a predictor of treatment-related toxicity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
- 2022
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Ingår i: British Journal of Haematology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0007-1048 .- 1365-2141. ; 196:5, s. 1239-1247
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Obesity is associated with poor outcomes in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). We explored whether severe treatment-related toxicity and treatment delays could explain this observation. This study included 1 443 children aged 2 center dot 0-17 center dot 9 years with ALL treated with the Nordic Society of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology (NOPHO) ALL2008 non-high-risk protocol. Prospective treatment-related toxicities registered every three-month interval were used. Patients were classified according to sex- and age-adjusted international childhood cut-off values, corresponding to adult body mass index: underweight, <17 kg/m(2); healthy weight, 17 to <25 kg/m(2); overweight, 25 to <30 kg/m(2); and obese, >= 30 kg/m(2). Obese children had a higher incidence rate ratio (IRR) for severe toxic events {IRR: 1 center dot 55 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1 center dot 07-2 center dot 50]}, liver and kidney failures, bleeding, abdominal complication, suspected unexpected severe adverse reactions and hyperlipidaemia compared with healthy-weight children. Obese children aged >= 10 years had increased IRRs for asparaginase-related toxicities compared with healthy-weight older children: thromboses [IRR 2 center dot 87 (95% CI 1 center dot 00-8 center dot 21)] and anaphylactic reactions [IRR 7 center dot 95 (95% CI 2 center dot 15-29 center dot 37)] as well as higher risk for truncation of asparaginase [IRR 3 center dot 54 (95% CI 1 center dot 67-7 center dot 50)]. The high prevalence of toxicity and a higher risk of truncation of asparaginase may play a role in the poor prognosis of obese children aged >= 10 years with ALL.
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| 22. |
- Einberg, Afrodite Psaros, et al.
(författare)
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Prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus infection among childhood cancer survivors in Stockholm, Sweden
- 2019
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Ingår i: Acta Oncologica. - : TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. - 0284-186X .- 1651-226X. ; 58:7, s. 997-1002
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Childhood cancer survivors treated before 1992, when blood donor screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was introduced, are at risk of transfusion-transmitted HCV infection. A national HCV screening campaign targeting blood transfusion recipients was launched in Sweden in 2007-2010. The aims of this study were to, among adult childhood cancer survivors in Stockholm County, investigate the prevalence of HCV infection, the natural course of infection, treatment outcome and anti-HCV testing frequency before, during and after the screening campaign and finally to actively screen the untested ones.Material and Methods: This was a combined retrospective register based and prospective screening study of adult childhood cancer survivors (n=686) treated for malignancy in Stockholm before 1992. In the first part, we investigated the prevalence of HCV infection and previous anti-HCV testing, and in the second part, we actively traced and HCV-screened the remaining untested cohort living in Stockholm. Analysis of previous documented anti-HCV tests in medical records, laboratory records, and the national communicable disease registry was performed. In the second part, 231 presumably untested individuals were contacted by mail and offered an anti-HCV test. The natural course of HCV infection and treatment outcome was analyzed for those found to be chronically infected.Results: In total, 235 patients were tested and 11 were HCV-RNA positive. The overall prevalence of chronic HCV infection among the tested childhood cancer survivors was thus 4.7% (95% CI = 2.6-8.2%), which is almost 10 times higher than the national prevalence of 0.5%. Only 12% of the Stockholm cohort were tested during the screening campaign in 2007-2010, while the test uptake using active tracing screening within this study was 40% (p<.001).Conclusion: With today's effective treatment options, active tracing and HCV screening of childhood cancer survivors are recommended.
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| 23. |
- Elfving, Andreas, et al.
(författare)
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An explorative study on proteomic analyses related to inflammation and pain in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- 2023
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Ingår i: BMC Pediatrics. - : Springer Nature. - 1471-2431. ; 23:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Our aim was attempting to find proteins involved in the pain process and correlating with pain but not degree of inflammation in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), using a proteomics panel.Methods: A total of 87 plasma samples were collected from 51 children with JIA (51 at diagnosis in a higher disease activity state, 18 at follow-up in a lower disease activity state) and 18 healthy controls. Relative levels of 92 proteins related to a wide range of biological processes in inflammation were obtained using a proximity extension assay panel. Comparisons between children with and without JIA, in different disease categories, by juvenile disease activity score (JADAS27) and degree of pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS), were performed using parametric and non-parametric statistical methods.Results: Nineteen proteins involved in arthritic inflammation, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and S100 protein A12, were higher in patients with JIA than controls, seven decreased significantly during treatment, and 18 correlated significantly with JADAS27. Three proteins correlated with pain VAS scores in unadjusted analyses: the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), transforming growth factor beta, and IL-18R1. Levels of GDNF correlated significantly with pain VAS scores but not with JADAS27.Conclusions: Plasma levels of 18 of 92 tested proteins correlated with degree of disease activity. Levels of three proteins correlated with pain, and levels of one, GDNF, originating from neural cells, correlated with pain without correlating with inflammatory degree, suggesting that it may play a role in pain in JIA. Further studies in larger cohorts are warranted.
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| 24. |
- Gezelius, Henrik, PhD, 1977-, et al.
(författare)
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Comparison of high-throughput single-cell RNA-seq methods for ex vivo drug screening
- 2024
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Ingår i: NAR Genomics and Bioinformatics. - : Oxford University Press. - 2631-9268. ; 6:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Functional precision medicine (FPM) aims to optimize patient-specific drug selection based on the unique characteristics of their cancer cells. Recent advancements in high throughput ex vivo drug profiling have accelerated interest in FPM. Here, we present a proof-of-concept study for an integrated experimental system that incorporates ex vivo treatment response with a single-cell gene expression output enabling barcoding of several drug conditions in one single-cell sequencing experiment. We demonstrate this through a proof-of-concept investigation focusing on the glucocorticoid-resistant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) E/R+ Reh cell line. Three different single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) approaches were evaluated, each exhibiting high cell recovery and accurate tagging of distinct drug conditions. Notably, our comprehensive analysis revealed variations in library complexity, sensitivity (gene detection), and differential gene expression detection across the methods. Despite these differences, we identified a substantial transcriptional response to fludarabine, a highly relevant drug for treating high-risk ALL, which was consistently recapitulated by all three methods. These findings highlight the potential of our integrated approach for studying drug responses at the single-cell level and emphasize the importance of method selection in scRNA-seq studies. Finally, our data encompassing 27 327 cells are freely available to extend to future scRNA-seq methodological comparisons.
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| 25. |
- Harju, Tekla, et al.
(författare)
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DNA polymerase gamma variants and hepatotoxicity during maintenance therapy of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia : is there a causal relationship?
- 2023
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Ingår i: The Pharmacogenomics Journal. - : Springer Nature. - 1470-269X .- 1473-1150. ; 23, s. 105-111
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Hepatotoxicity is a frequent complication during maintenance therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate. Elevated levels of methylated 6-mercaptopurine metabolites (MeMP) are associated with hepatotoxicity. However, not all mechanisms are known that lead to liver failure in patients with ALL. Variants in the POLG gene, which encodes the catalytic subunit of mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma (POLG1), have been related to drug-induced hepatotoxicity, for example, by sodium valproate. The association of common POLG variants with hepatotoxicity during maintenance therapy was studied in 34 patients with childhood ALL. Of the screened POLG variants, four different variants were detected in 12 patients. One patient developed severe hepatotoxicity without elevated MeMP levels and harbored a heterozygous POLG p.G517V variant, which was not found in the other patients.
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