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Neurotoxicity of biologically targeted agents in pediatric cancer trials

Elizabeth M Wells1, Amulya A Nageswara Rao, Joseph Scafidi

  • 1Brain Tumor Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.

Pediatric Neurology
|April 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Biologically targeted anticancer agents show low neurotoxicity in adults and children. However, limited pediatric data necessitates further study on long-term neurologic effects in children undergoing cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Biologically targeted agents offer precise anticancer effects with reduced healthy tissue damage.
  • These agents are increasingly used in pediatric oncology, necessitating neurotoxicity evaluation.
  • Previous research focused on adult trials, with limited data on pediatric neurotoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on neurotoxicity associated with biologically targeted anticancer agents.
  • To specifically assess neurotoxicity data from pediatric clinical trials.
  • To identify gaps in understanding long-term neurologic effects in children.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of preclinical and clinical trial data.
  • Analysis of neurotoxicity findings in adult studies, especially those involving brain tumors.
  • Compilation and assessment of available pediatric neurotoxicity data for targeted agents.

Main Results:

  • Biologically targeted agents are generally well-tolerated with minimal serious neurotoxic effects observed.
  • Adult studies, including those with brain tumors, provide a baseline for toxicity.
  • Pediatric data are limited, suggesting potential for increased neurotoxicity in this population.

Conclusions:

  • Biologically targeted agents are largely safe, but neurotoxicity requires careful monitoring in pediatric cancer patients.
  • The targeting pathways involved in both tumorigenesis and neural maturation may increase pediatric neurotoxicity risk.
  • Further research is crucial to understand and manage long-term neurologic sequelae in children treated with these novel agents.

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