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Respiratory Difficulties in Children With Underlying Asthma During Immunotherapy for High-risk Neuroblastoma
Laura K Metrock1, Muna Qayed, Dawn Simon
1*Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta †Division of Pediatric Pulmonology ∥Division of Radiation Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA ‡Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology Medicine §Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital, Nashville, TN.
Insights
Antibody-based immunotherapy improves high-risk neuroblastoma survival but causes side effects. Children with asthma need early pulmonology care to manage respiratory risks and complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Pulmonology
Background:
- High-risk neuroblastoma treatment now standardly includes antibody-based antitumor immunotherapy.
- This immunotherapy has significantly improved patient survival rates.
Observation:
- Immunotherapy is associated with considerable side effects.
- Children with pre-existing respiratory conditions, especially asthma, are at higher risk for immunotherapy-related respiratory compromise and pulmonary issues.
Findings:
- Patients with asthma may experience exacerbated respiratory complications during immunotherapy.
- Pulmonary complications can arise from immunotherapy in susceptible pediatric patients.
Implications:
- Early and routine pulmonology consultation is recommended for neuroblastoma patients with asthma.
- Involving pulmonologists can optimize immunotherapy delivery and reduce acute and long-term respiratory complications.
Abstract:
Treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma now includes antibody based antitumor immunotherapy as part of standard care. Although this therapy has resulted in dramatic improvements in survival, it is associated with significant side effects. Children with underlying respiratory issues, and in particular asthma, may be more susceptible to immunotherapy associated respiratory compromise and pulmonary complications. Early routine involvement of pulmonology care is warranted for these patients in an effort to allow maximal delivery of immunotherapy and minimize acute and long-term complications.
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