DR. BASSEM I. RAZZOUK, MD

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This study looked at the genetic changes in children with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to understand how these changes affect survival rates. The researchers analyzed data from 403 out of 569 patients and found that certain genetic patterns at the time of relapse were linked to better survival outcomes, such as a 4-year overall survival rate of 71% for one specific genetic change. Conversely, other patterns were associated with poor outcomes, with lower survival rates around 17% to 22%, highlighting the need for personalized treatment strategies based on these genetic factors. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers in treating children with relapsed AML more effectively.

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This study examined how well early treatment responses predict outcomes for children with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Researchers looked at bone marrow samples from 338 patients and found that after treatment, 77% had low levels of leukemia cells on days 15 and 28. However, patients assessed at 28 days with the highest counts of leukemia cells had notably lower survival rates, with only 14% surviving four years if the count was above 20%, compared to 52% for those with 5% or fewer cells. This information is important because it may help doctors decide on the best treatment approach based on how well a child responds early on. Who this helps: This helps patients and their doctors by providing clearer guidance on treatment options based on early response rates.

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This study looked at whether routine chest X-rays are helpful in finding pneumonia and mould infections in children with cancer who have a fever and low white blood cell counts. Out of 200 children reviewed, only 5 showed signs of pneumonia on the X-ray, and it only changed treatment for one child. Additionally, for mould infections identified over 36 years, the X-ray only helped with two cases. This means routine chest X-rays are not useful unless the children show actual signs of lung problems. Who this helps: This helps doctors make more informed decisions about when to use chest X-rays for children undergoing cancer treatment.

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This study looked at how the cancer drug clofarabine and its byproduct, 6-ketoclofarabine, behave in both children and adults with cancer. Researchers found that the drug is quickly absorbed and the time it stays in the body varies based on factors like age and kidney function; for example, a 3-year-old child absorbs clofarabine more efficiently than an 82-year-old adult given the same dose. Understanding these differences is important because it helps doctors adjust dosages appropriately, especially in patients with kidney issues, ensuring everyone gets the most effective treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving cancer treatment, especially children and elderly patients.

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This study looked at the drug clofarabine in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that didn't respond to previous treatments. Out of 42 patients, 26% had a positive response to the drug, with responses lasting an average of 20 weeks. Some patients were able to receive a stem cell transplant after treatment, which can improve their chances of survival. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients with difficult-to-treat AML and their doctors.

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This study looked at how a telemedicine program helped treat children with retinoblastoma (a type of eye cancer) in Jordan. The program involved collaboration between doctors in Jordan and the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the U.S. Among 33 children studied, 25% of eyes needed to be removed in new cases of bilateral retinoblastoma, and there was no mortality reported. This is important because it shows that providing specialized care through remote consultations can lead to better treatment outcomes in developing countries. Who this helps: This helps patients with retinoblastoma and their families by providing access to better care.

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This study looked at how effective limb salvage surgery is for young people in Lebanon who have serious bone tumors. Over a five-year period, 30 children underwent these surgeries and with an average follow-up time of about 31 months, 20 of them are no longer in treatment, while 4 have unfortunately died due to their illness. The surgeries were successful overall, with all patients maintaining good use of their limbs, and the findings could guide similar programs in other developing countries. Who this helps: This helps children and teens with bone cancer and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at the genetic changes called monosomy 7 and deletion 7q in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), analyzing data from 258 patients. The researchers found that kids with monosomy 7 had a lower chance of reaching complete remission (61%) compared to those with deletion 7q, who had a much higher rate (89%). Overall, the 5-year survival rate was 39%, but it was 51% for patients with deletion 7q, compared to just 30% for those with monosomy 7. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare teams by helping them better understand which genetic factors can impact treatment outcomes for children with AML.

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This study looked at a rare type of lung tumor in a young child that is usually seen in children with a condition called neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). The researchers found that this child's tumor, called a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), is similar in appearance to another type of tumor known as a pleuropulmonary blastoma. Recognizing that MPNST can occur in children without NF1 is important for helping doctors accurately diagnose lung tumors in kids. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers identify and treat lung tumors in children more effectively.

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This study focused on how clofarabine, a cancer medication, behaves in the bodies of children with acute leukemia. Researchers found that the way clofarabine is cleared from the body and its concentration levels can vary significantly based on the children's body weight and white blood cell counts. Specifically, they noted that a typical patient would have clofarabine levels resulting in effective treatment, and adjustments to doses should be based on body size to ensure the best outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients undergoing treatment for acute leukemia.

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This study looked at how many children with certain types of cancer, like neuroblastoma and Hodgkin disease, had anemia when they were first diagnosed. It found that between 51% and 74% of these children were anemic, which means they had lower hemoglobin levels than normal for their age and sex. Understanding how common anemia is in these kids is important because it could affect their treatment and quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by highlighting a common issue in pediatric cancer care.

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This study looked at the risk of developing a second cancer in children who were treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Out of 497 patients, 16 developed a second cancer, which is about 10 times higher than what you'd expect in the general population. The risk of a second cancer increased over time, reaching nearly 5% after 20 years, particularly among those treated for lymphoblastic lymphoma, and certain treatments were linked to a higher risk of secondary acute myeloid leukemia. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and patients understand the long-term risks of treatment for childhood NHL.

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This study looked at how different factors might affect the treatment outcomes for infants with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), analyzing data from 299 children. Researchers found that infants under 24 months had specific characteristics linked to a better prognosis, such as having certain types of leukemia (70% of these younger children had M4 or M5 leukemia) and specific genetic markers (like t(9;11)). Understanding these factors is important because it helps doctors predict which young patients might respond better to treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers treating infants with leukemia.

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This study looked at how a specific medical procedure, called a lumbar puncture, affects children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Researchers found that when only one lumbar puncture was contaminated with leukemia cells, the chance of surviving without complications was lower compared to those without contamination; specifically, for those with contamination in both procedures, only 46% were alive and complication-free after five years. This matters because it highlights the need for careful monitoring and possibly stronger treatment for children whose initial tests show contamination, to improve their chances of recovery. Who this helps: This helps young patients with leukemia and their doctors in making treatment decisions.

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This study looked at the long-term effects of three treatment trials for children with a type of leukemia called acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) conducted at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital from 1984 to 1994. The findings show that the survival rate without disease recurrence improved over time, reaching up to 76.9% five years after treatment in the most recent trial, while the risk of the disease coming back in the brain dropped significantly to just 1.2%. This is important because it highlights successful treatment strategies that can lead to better outcomes for children with this serious condition. Who this helps: This helps children with leukemia and their families.

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This study looked at 53 children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) treated at a hospital in Moscow from 1990 to 1994. Researchers found that 60% of the cases were a specific type called small noncleaved cell lymphoma, and more than half of these contained the Epstein-Barr virus (53%). This matters because it indicates that Epstein-Barr virus might be more important in the development of NHL than previously thought, which could influence future treatment and prevention strategies. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and researchers focusing on childhood cancers.