ILC is well tolerated in heavily treated osteosarcoma patients and did not appear to have the typical toxicities associated with intravenous cisplatin. Three of eight patients with less bulky disease had sustained benefit. Further study of ILC is warranted.

EWS ± WT1 is a chimeric transcription factor resulting from fusion of the N-terminal domain of the Ewing sarcoma gene EWS to the three C-terminal zinc ®ngers of the Wilms tumor suppressor WT1. This translocation underlies desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT), which is noted for the abundance of reactive stroma surrounding islets of tumor cells, suggestive of paracrine signals contributing to tumor cell proliferation. Hybridization to high-density oligonucleotide microarrays can be used to identify targets of EWS ± WT1. Expression of EWS ± WT1 from a tetracycline-regulated promoter leads to the induction of growth-associated genes, of which the most remarkable is the beta-chain of the interleukin-2/15 receptor (IL-2/15Rb). Potent transcriptional activation by the chimeric protein maps to two bindings sites within the IL-2/15Rb promoter. Analysis of primary DSRCT tumor specimens demonstrates high levels of IL-2/15Rb within the tumor cells, along with expression of IL-2 and IL-15 by the abundant hyperplastic endothelial cells within the reactive stroma. Activation of this cytokine signaling pathway is consistent with the nuclear localization of its downstream eectors, phosphorylated STAT3 and STAT5. These observations suggest that the transcriptional induction of a cytokine receptor by a tumor-associated translocation product enables a proliferative response of epithelial cancer cells to ligands secreted by the surrounding stroma.

No abstract

A bezoar is a mass of indigestible material. Bezoars can present with a gradual onset of non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. However, bezoars can result in more serious conditions such as intestinal bleeding or obstruction. Without quick recognition, particularly in susceptible individuals, the diagnosis and treatment can be delayed. Currently resolution is achieved with enzymatic dissolution, endoscopic fragmentation or surgery. We describe, to our knowledge, the first pediatric patient with lymphoma to have had a bezoar treated with Coca-Cola.

9525 Background: Pulmonary relapse is the most common site of relapse for patients with osteosarcoma (OS). Few therapeutic options are available for these patients. By encapsulating the drug within liposomes, sustained release lipid inhalation targeting (SLIT) cisplatin is a novel sustained-release formulation of cisplatin designed for administration via inhalation, thereby targeting the lungs with little systemic exposure. Methods: A two-center, open-label, phase Ib/IIa study was designed to characterize the safety and efficacy of SLIT cisplatin in patients with OS metastatic to the lung. Two dose levels were utilized: 24 mg/m2/dose, and 36 mg/m2/dose. Study drug was administered via nebulizer once every two weeks. OS patients with only pulmonary relapse were eligible. Toxicities were assessed according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0. Response was evaluated radiographically according to the World Health Organization criteria after every 2 cycles. When clinically indicated, metastasectomy was undertaken in patients on study after 2 cycles, and levels of SLIT cisplatin were measured in tumor samples upon metastasectomy. Results: Fourteen patients have been treated on study. SLIT cisplatin has been well tolerated in heavily pre-treated patients who have received multiple cycles of therapy, including one patient, approaching cumulative doses of 840 mg of SLIT cisplatin over one year and a second patient receiving 1,020 mg. Specifically, no patients have experienced hematologic toxicity, nephrotoxicity or peripheral neuropathy. Nausea (= grade 3) was attributed to study drug in 5 patients. Respiratory symptoms (= grade 3) were attributable to study drug in 4 patients. No adverse events required discontinuation of study drug. Two patients are pulmonary disease free one year after initiation of therapy. Conclusions: SLIT cisplatin is well tolerated in patients with pulmonary relapse of OS. Two of 14 patients are pulmonary disease free one year after initiation of therapy. SLIT cisplatin provides a novel therapeutic modality for patients with pulmonary relapse of OS, and warrants further study. No significant financial relationships to disclose.