Feasibility of sequential high-dose chemotherapy in advanced pediatric solid tumors

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and tumor response of 3 cycles of sequential high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) in advanced pediatric solid tumor patients. Medical records of 11 children who underwent 2 consequent courses of reduced conditioning HDCT followed by final HDCT with autologous HSC infusion were reviewed in a retrospective manner. Each median time to an absolute neutrophil count > 0.5 x 10(9)/L was 12, 13, and 12 days. Major toxic reactions were fever, infection, and vomiting. One patient experienced transplantation-related mortality. Nine patients showed complete and partial responses to the therapy at 6 months follow-up after final HDCT. Finally, 6 patients are alive without evidence of disease at median follow-up of 24 months. Even though it is a preliminary result, the authors think that this treatment could be a feasible treatment option for advanced pediatric solid tumor patients.