Response-adapted consolidation therapy strategy for patients with metastatic high-risk neuroblastoma: Results of the...

Tandem high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDCT/auto-SCT) and incorporation of ¹³¹I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (¹³¹I-MIBG) treatment have shown positive outcomes in high-risk neuroblastoma. However, more optimized treatment strategies are still needed.

The NB-2014 study was a nonrandomized, prospective trial that examined survival outcomes in metastatic high-risk neuroblastoma patients using response-adapted consolidation therapy. We used post-induction residual ¹²³I-MIBG status at metastatic sites as a treatment response marker. Patients achieving complete resolution of MIBG uptake at metastatic sites underwent a reduced first HDCT/auto-SCT with a 20% dose reduction in HDCT. After the first HDCT/auto-SCT, patients with remaining MIBG uptake received dose-escalated (18 mCi/kg) ¹³¹I-MIBG treatment. In contrast, those with complete resolution of MIBG at metastatic sites received a standard dose (12 mCi/kg) of ¹³¹I-MIBG. We compared survival and toxicity outcomes with a historical control group from the NB-2009.

Of 65 patients treated, 63% achieved complete resolution of MIBG uptake at metastatic sites following induction chemotherapy, while 29% of patients still had MIBG uptake at metastatic sites after the first HDCT/auto-SCT. The 3-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 68.2% ± 6.0% and 86.5% ± 4.5%, respectively. Compared to NB-2009, EFS was similar (p = .855); however, NB-2014 had a higher OS (p = .031), a lower cumulative incidence of treatment-related mortality (p = .036), and fewer acute and late toxicities.

Our results suggest that response-adaptive consolidation therapy based on chemotherapy response at metastatic sites facilitates better treatment tailoring, and appears promising for patients with metastatic high-risk neuroblastoma.