Relapsed ALCL are highly chemosensitive but over 40% of the patients experience several relapses. Prolonged conventional chemotherapy based on vinblastine might, in some cases, be as efficient as short intensive treatment with ABMT.

A significant proportion of children with OPT can avoid radiotherapy after prolonged chemotherapy. Deferring irradiation with chemotherapy protocols did not compromise overall survival of the entire population or visual function.

BACKGROUNDThe detection of hepatic nodules, particularly in patients treated for a previous malignancy, raises a diagnostic dilemma. Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) of the liver is an uncommon, benign tumor in children and must be differentiated from malignant hepatic lesions. The etiology of FNH is obscure, and its pathogenesis is poorly understood. FNH may be a reaction to localized vascular abnormalities and circulatory disturbances. The goal of the current study was to identify risk factors for the occurrence of FNH in children who had received prior treatment for a malignant tumor.METHODSThe current retrospective study examined 14 cases of FNH in pediatric patients who previously had been treated for a malignancy. Diagnosis was based on clinical and radiologic findings and was proven histologically in four cases.RESULTSFNH lesions were discovered by chance during routine examination in 78% of patients. The incidence of FNH was particularly high in the current series (0.45%) compared with the incidence in the general pediatric population. High doses of alkylating agents (e.g., busulfan or melphalan), venoocclusive disease, and liver radiotherapy may be responsible for injury to the vascular endothelium and subsequent localized circulatory disturbances. FNH is characterized by the absence of complications after its detection; therefore, only close follow‐up is recommended.CONCLUSIONSFNH appears to be a late complication of an iatrogenic vascular disease in children with a history of malignancy. Cancer 2003;97:3107–13. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11452

Transplantation of PBSCs is associated with more rapid hematologic recovery than is bone marrow transplantation after high-dose chemotherapy for solid tumors or lymphomas. Furthermore, global costs are lower and cost-effectiveness ratios are better with PBSC transplantation.

Semiquantitative MIBG score early in therapy provides valuable prognostic information for overall response and EFS, which may be useful in tailoring treatment.