Comparison of results of a pilot study of alternating vincristine/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide and etoposide/ifosfamide with IRS-IV in intermediate risk rhabdomyosarcoma: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

Background

Over 50% of patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) have intermediate risk disease, with a 3‐year failure‐free survival (FFS) of 50%–70% depending on histology. Doxorubicin is active against RMS, but its role in improving outcome remains controversial. Ifosfamide is as active as cyclophosphamide in RMS, with the Fourth Intergroup RMS Study (IRS‐IV) showing equivalent outcomes for patients treated with ifosfamide for the first 28 weeks compared to cyclophosphamide. Treatment with alternating cycles of non‐cross‐resistant chemotherapy has been used in a number of diseases with good results.

Procedure

The results of a pilot study utilizing alternating courses of vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide/ifosfamide (VDC/IE) were compared for outcome and patient characteristics to a group of similar matched patients treated on IRS‐IV.

Results

The 5‐year FFS for patients with parameningeal (PM) primaries on IRS‐IV and the VDC/IE study were 72% and 82%, respectively (P = 0.26); for patients with non‐PM primaries, the estimated risk of failure for VDC/IE study versus IRS‐IV was 0.54. Combining all disease sites and performing analysis for relative risk of failure for 46 VDC/IE patients and 342 IRS‐IV patients, the relative risk of failure for the VDC/IE study compared to the IRS‐IV study is 0.5 (P = 0.06).

Conclusions

VDC/IE is as effective therapy for intermediate risk RMS as IRS‐IV therapy. It is being explored along with irinotecan in relapsed patients and newly diagnosed high‐risk patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:33–36. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Long‐term survival after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in two patients with malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney

A 5‐month‐old male with stage II malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (MRTK) and a 24‐month‐old male with stage III MRTK were treated with surgical resection of tumors and chemotherapy of alternating ICE (ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide) and VDC (vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide), followed by high‐dose chemotherapy using etoposide, carboplatin, and melphalan with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Two patients have been alive without any evidence of disease for 30 and 37 months after diagnosis, respectively, and require no medication. Consolidation with SCT should be further studies for selected patients with high‐risk MRTK. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:888–890. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

14例肝母细胞瘤患儿的临床疗效观察

目的：通过对儿童肝母细胞瘤患儿的临床治疗结果的回顾总结,对ICE化疗方案的有效性和安全性进行评估。方法：自2000年6月至2008年6月,14例初发患儿入选,男7例,女7例,中位年龄：1.33岁（范围0.25～8.25岁）。临床分期：Ⅰ期6例,Ⅱ期1例,Ⅲ期5例,Ⅳ期2例。诊断时血甲胎蛋白（AFP）水平显著升高13例,1例AFP正常。采用多科室协作模式进行治疗,其中一期手术8例,3例进行了二期手术。化疗方案采用ICE方案,14例患儿共接受了73个疗程化疗,其中术前化疗25个疗程。结果：14例患儿治疗后有效12例（85.7%）,其中完全缓解10例（71.4%）,部分缓解2例,2例无效。随访至2008年7月31日,疾病处于长期完全缓解者9例（64.3%）,中位随访时间为35个月（范围：16～96个月）。5年总生存率（OS）为：（70.71±12.37）%,5年无事件生存率（EFS）为：（64.29±12.81）%。1例患儿复发,2例失访。结论：ICE化疗方案联合手术治疗能有效并且安全地治疗儿童肝母细胞瘤,Ⅳ期患儿的治疗有待于进一步研究。［中国当代儿科杂志,2009,11（8）：659-662］     

Rhabdoid tumor of the kidney: A report of two cases with respective tumor markers and a specific chromosomal abnormality,del(11p13)

Malignant rhabdoid tumor is a rare, aggressive, invariably lethal tumor that is resistant to multimodal treatment. In this report, two patients with malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (RTK) are described. The first patient is the first case of RTK with hyperreninemia, and the second case is also the first case with a specific chromosomal abnormality, del 11p13. The first patient presented with hematuria and a mass in the left kidney. Plasma renin, angiotensin, and aldosterone levels were elevated and paralleled the tumor progression. The karyotype of the tumor cells was normal (46, XX). In the second patient, who presented with a mass in the right kidney, the concentration of plasma tissue polypeptide antigen was elevated and paralleled the tumor progression. The karyotype of the tumor cells was 46, XX, del(11)(pter-p13::p12-qter). RTK with a cytogenetic abnormality of del(11p13), which is usually found in aniridia-Wilms' tumor syndrome, has not been known. Both patients died of metastatic disease within 7 months of diagnosis in spite of the multi-modal therapy. The clinicopathology of RTK and the differences between Wilms' tumor and RTK raise compelling questions which should be the subject of future studies. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Failure of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor to reduce febrile neutropenia in children with recurrent solid tumors treated with ifosfamide,carboplatin, and etoposide chemotherapy

Ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (ICE) chemotherapy has promising activity against various solid tumors but produces significant myelotoxicity that might be ameliorated by hematopoietic growth factors. Twelve patients with relapsed solid tumors were treated with ICE chemotherapy. Carboplatin was given on day 1 at a targeted area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of 8 mg/mL × min (adjusted for each patient's glomerular filtration rate), followed by ifosfamide 2 g/m² and etoposide 100 mg/m² on days 2 through 4. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), 1,000 μg/m²/day, was started 24 hours after each course and given for 17 days or until the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) reached 10 × 10⁹/L. Myelotoxicity and responses in these patients were compared to those of eight patients who received the same therapy without GM-CSF. Patients received a median of three courses (range, 1–8). All 20 patients developed grade 4 neutropenia and grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia. The median duration of neutropenia was significantly shorter in patients who received GM-CSF (16.75 vs. 10 days, P = 0.005). However, the two groups did not differ in the proportion of courses associated with hospitalization for febrile neutropenia, the duration of hospitalization, or the median duration of thrombocytopenia. There were two complete, four partial, and three objective responses in the 12 patients treated with ICE plus GM-CSF, and two partial and three objective responses in the 8 patients treated with ICE only. GM-CSF did not reduce the occurrence of febrile neutropenia or the duration of thrombocytopenia associated with ICE chemotherapy. Studies of other hematopoietic growth factors in conjunction with this promising combination are merited. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Successful treatment of a patient with stage IV rhabdoid tumor of the kidney: case report and review

The clinical course of a 31-month-old patient with advanced (stage IV) rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (RTK) and an analysis of treatment variables that may impact survival are presented. Treatment included complete resection of abdominal disease, radiation therapy to the abdomen and chest, and chemotherapy on a schedule of dose intensification by reduction of the interval between cycles. Inclusion of doxorubicin in treatment was associated with survival among patients in published series (P = 0.002). The patient was in continuous complete remission 60 months from diagnosis. Stage IV rhabdoid tumor of the kidney can be effectively treated with intensive multimodal therapy. Doxorubicin may be an important component of a successful therapeutic regimen.     

Malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney: Imaging features in two cases

Two new cases of malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (RTK) in childhood are reported. Both presented with large abdominal masses and developed hypertension and one became hypercalcemic during the course of the disease. In each case disseminated disease and death occurred within three months of diagnosis. The findings on imaging consisted of large renal masses with a central site of origin, distant metastases at the time of presentation, and a subcapsular fluid collection in one of the two patients. The clinical and imaging features of RTK may suggest this diagnosis when faced with a primary renal neoplasm in childhood.     

儿童恶性肾横纹肌样瘤3例临床分析及文献回顾

目的通过总结3例原发于肾脏的儿童恶性横纹肌样瘤的临床资料,探讨儿童肾横纹肌样瘤的诊断、治疗及预后。方法收集我院近8年来收治的3例病理明确诊断的原发于肾脏的恶性横纹肌样瘤（男2例,女1例）,对其发病特点、病理特点、治疗及随访等临床资料进行总结分析,并复习相关文献。结果根据国际儿童肿瘤组织肾横纹肌样瘤的临床分期诊断,3例患儿均为Ⅲ期。均行手术、化疗及放疗治疗。化疗以ICE与VDC交替方案为主,化疗周期分别为6、6、15周期,放疗采用外放疗。随访至2012年7月（3例随访时间分别是8、14、8个月）。2例获完全缓解（CR）,1例复发后经手术、化疗及放疗后病情部分缓解（PR）。结论恶性肾横纹肌样瘤是一种少见、病理形态独特的肿瘤。治疗应在明确诊断和确切分期的基础上,行手术、化疗和选择性放疗的综合性治疗。     

Ifosfamide/carboplatin/etoposide (ICE) as front-line, topotecan/ cyclophosphamide as second-line and oral temozolomide as third-line treatment for advanced neuroblastoma over one year of age

Children affected by advanced neuroblastoma have a discouraging prognosis, but intensive induction chemotherapy may increase the complete response rate. The combination of ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide (ICE) was used for the first time as front-line regimen in patients with stage 4 neuroblastoma over the age of 1 y. Similarly, second-line treatment for children with relapsed neuroblastoma, particularly after high-dose chemotherapy, has been unsatisfactory. The combination of topotecan and cyclophosphamide was studied in resistant or relapsed solid tumors. Furthermore, there is a need for effective palliative treatment in patients failing therapy. Temozolomide, a new dacarbazine analog with optimal oral bioavailability, is being used in an ongoing phase II study as an alternative to oral etoposide. Seventeen patients with stage 4 neuroblastoma have entered the ICE study; 15/16 (94%) major responses after induction were observed and 6/16 (37%) evaluable patients are disease free after a median of 51 mo. Twenty-one patients with relapsed/refractory disease (of whom 13 neuroblastomas) entered the topotecan/cyclophosphamide study: 7/21 (33%) patients responded. Forty-one patients entered the temozolomide study (of whom 16 had neuroblastomas): stable disease and symptom relief were obtained in 15/30 (50%) evaluable patients. Intensive induction with ICE resulted in a faster response with high response rate; a larger study with longer follow-up is needed to confirm a survival advantage. Second-line treatment was effective in obtaining remissions, some of them long lasting. Third-line treatment did not elicit measurable responses in neuroblastoma, but achieved prolonged freedom from disease progression and excellent palliation in several patients.     

Ifosfamide/carboplatin/etoposide (ICE) as front-line, topotecan/cyclophosphamide as second-line and oral temozolomide as third-line treatment for advanced neuroblastoma over one year of age

Children affected by advanced neuroblastoma have a discouraging prognosis, but intensive induction chemotherapy may increase the complete response rate. The combination of ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide (ICE) was used for the first time as front-line regimen in patients with stage 4 neuroblastoma over the age of 1 y. Similarly, second-line treatment for children with relapsed neuroblastoma, particularly after high-dose chemotherapy, has been unsatisfactory. The combination of topotecan and cyclophosphamide was studied in resistant or relapsed solid tumors. Furthermore, there is a need for effective palliative treatment in patients failing therapy. Temozolomide, a new dacarbazine analog with optimal oral bioavailability, is being used in an ongoing phase II study as an alternative to oral etoposide. Seventeen patients with stage 4 neuroblastoma have entered the ICE study; 15/16 (94%) major responses after induction were observed and 6/16 (37%) evaluable patients are disease free after a median of 51 mo. Twenty-one patients with relapsed/refractory disease (of whom 13 neuroblastomas) entered the topotecan/cyclophosphamide study: 7/21 (33%) patients responded. Forty-one patients entered the temozolomide study (of whom 16 had neuroblastomas): stable disease and symptom relief were obtained in 15/30 (50%) evaluable patients. Intensive induction with ICE resulted in a faster response with high response rate; a larger study with longer follow-up is needed to confirm a survival advantage. Second-line treatment was effective in obtaining remissions, some of them long lasting. Third-line treatment did not elicit measurable responses in neuroblastoma, but achieved prolonged freedom from disease progression and excellent palliation in several patients.     

Clinical aspects of the rhabdoid tumor of the kidney: A report of the national wilms' tumor study group

Rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (RTK), originally described as a monophasic sarcomatous variant of Wilms' tumor, is now recognized as a highly malignant, non-Wilms' tumor possibly of neuroectodermal origin. Twenty-one National Wilms' Tumor Study patients with this tumor were treated in the years 1969 through 1978. Mean patient age was 18 months with 16 of the 21 younger than 2 years at diagnosis. Two patients were Stage I, 10 Stage II, 5 Stage III, and 4 Stage IV. One patient only is continuously disease free and another is surviving disease free following excision of bilateral pulmonary metastases. One patient died of sepsis early during therapy. Thus 18 of the 19 patients who relapsed died, 15 within 1 year of diagnosis, all with progressive tumor growth. The rapid appearance of metastases (mean 4 months), often to multiple sites, and short subsequent survival signal a very malignant tumor resistant to current treatment stratagems.     

Tandem thiotepa with autologous hematopoietic cell rescue in patients with recurrent,refractory, or poor prognosis solid tumor malignancies

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and tolerability of tandem courses of high‐dose thiotepa with autologous hematopoietic cell rescue (AHCR) in patients with recurrent, refractory solid tumors who were ineligible for a single course of high‐dose therapy due to greater than minimal residual disease. Patients with decreased hearing or poor renal function were eligible. Procedure: Thiotepa was administered intravenously at a dose of 200 mg/m²/day (6.67 mg/kg/day) daily for 3 days followed by AHCR. A second course of thiotepa was given 4 weeks later provided blood counts recovered sufficiently without evidence of tumor progression. Results: Fifty‐eight patients received 96 courses. Thirty‐eight (65%) patients received two courses of therapy. Twenty‐seven courses (28%) were administered completely in the outpatient setting. A toxic mortality rate of 3.4% was observed. Five of 26 patients with medulloblastoma were alive at a median of 35 months, whereas 21 patients died at a median of 11.7 months. Four of five patients with central nervous system germ cell tumors (CNS GCT) were alive 68–103 months following AHCR. Conclusions: Two cycles of high‐dose thiotepa with AHCR were well tolerated even in these heavily pretreated patients. This therapy may provide prolonged survival in patients with recurrent malignant brain tumors, particularly medulloblastoma and CNS GCT.     

Treatment of stage IV malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (MRTK) with ICE and VDCy: a case report

The prognosis of stage IV malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (MRTK) has been extremely poor. However, a combination of ICE (ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide) and VDCy (vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide) was recently reported to be effective for metastatic MRTK. We describe a 21-month-old girl with stage IV MRTK who was successfully treated with ICE, VDCy, and radiotherapy. She remained well, without recurrence, 24 months after diagnosis. Alternating therapy with ICE and VDCy might become a standard regimen for stage IV MRTK, although further study is required to confirm its effectiveness.     

纤维支气管镜在儿童感染性肺不张治疗中的应用

目的　探讨纤维支气管镜 (简称纤支镜 )在儿童感染性肺不张治疗中的作用。方法　12 5例住院儿童经X光胸片或CT证实为肺不张 ,且经纤支镜除外异物、畸形、肿瘤、结核等 ,明确为感染所至 ,分为纤支镜组及临床组 ,纤支镜组 65例以纤支镜治疗为主 ,经纤支镜治疗 2～ 6次。临床组60例 ,以临床抗炎、对症治疗为主 ,两组均定期复查胸X线片 ,3 0～ 40d时比较疗效 ;此外还对纤支镜组中不同病程的疗效进行了观察。结果　纤支镜组治愈 3 9例 ,好转 2 0例 ,无效 6例 ,临床组治愈 17例 ,好转 2 5例 ,无效 18例 (P <0 .0 1) ;纤支镜组中病程 <3月、3～ 6月、>6月三组疗效比较差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 1)。结论　纤维支气管镜在儿童感染性肺不张的治疗中起着十分重要的作用 ,病程短时有利于肺不张的恢复 ,支气管冲洗克服了支气管肺泡灌洗的缺点 ,更适应于感染性肺不张的治疗     

Cyclosporine therapy for refractory langerhans cell histiocytosis

Optimal treatment for Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) has not yet been established. Preliminary reports suggest some effect of cyclosporine (CSA), both alone or in combination with steroids and/or vinblastine, in untreated cases. Twelve children (6 females and 6 males, age at diagnosis 3 months to 4 years) with biopsy proven, systemic LCH received oral CSA (12 mg/kg/day in two divided doses given daily) as a second-line therapy following chemotherapy including vinblastine and/or etoposide (10 cases) or steroid alone (one case); one child was not pretreated. A total of 16 CSA courses were administered to the 12 patients: 8 were completed, 4 were interrupted as unsuccessful, and 4 are still ongoing. CSA related toxicity consisted of hypertrichosis and transient hypertension and was never limiting. Treatment was associated with a clinical response in 8/12 patients: 3 had a complete response and are off therapy, and 5 had a partial response; disease reactivation following first favorable response required additional CSA courses in 3 patients. Four patients failed to respond to CSA: two died of progressive disease, while two had a favorable response to CSA + VP16. Favorable response to CSA was not related to CSA trough and peak levels and was usually observed during the first 2 weeks of CSA therapy. CSA is effective for treatment of LCH also in pretreated children with progressive disease including life-threatening organ dysfunction. Long-lasting complete remission may be achieved after 6 to 12 months of CSA therapy. When disease reactivation occurs after treatment withdrawal, a second course may be followed by favorable response. As minimal or no adverse effects are observed during or after prolonged CSA therapy, this may also be safely used in young patients.     

Prospective randomized trial between two doses of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor after ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide in children with recurrent or refractory solid tumors: a children's cancer group report

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were: 1) to compare the time to hematologic recovery (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] > or = 1,000/mm3 and platelet count > or = 100,000/mm3) in a randomized prospective study of two doses of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (5.0 vs. 10.0 microg/kg per day) after ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (ICE) chemotherapy; and 2) to determine the response rate (complete response [CR] + partial response [PR]) of ICE in children with refractory or recurrent solid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 1992 until November 1994, 123 patients with recurrent or refractory pediatric solid tumors were treated with ifosfamide (1,800 mg/m2 per day x 5), carboplatin (400 mg/m2 per day x 2), and etoposide (100 mg/m2 per day x 5) and randomized to receive either 5.0 microg/kg per day or 10.0 microg/kg per day of G-CSF subcutaneously until recovery of ANC to > or = 1,000/mm3. RESULTS: The incidence of grade 4 neutropenia during the first course was 88%. Median time from the start of chemotherapy to ANC > or = 1,000/mm(-3) for all patients during courses 1 and 2 was 21 and 19 days, respectively. The incidence of developing platelet count < or = 20,000/mm3 during course 1 was 82%. The median time from the start of the course of chemotherapy to platelet recovery > or =100,000/mm3 for all patients during courses 1 and 2 was 27 days. There was no significant difference in the median time of ANC recovery, platelet recovery, or incidence of grade 4 neutropenia; and in the median days of fever and the incidence of infections requiring hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics during courses 1 and 2, there was no significant difference between the two doses of G-CSF. One hundred eighteen patients were evaluated for response to ICE. The overall response rate (CR + PR) in this study was 51% (90% confidence interval, 43%-59%). The CR rate for all diagnostic categories was 27%. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of 1-year and 2-year survival probabilities for all patients were 52% and 30%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In summary, this combination of chemotherapy (ICE) was associated with a high CR rate (27%) in children with recurrent or refractory solid tumors, but also with a high incidence of grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Doubling the dose of G-CSF from 5.0 to 10.0 microg/kg per day after ICE chemotherapy did not result in an enhancement of neutrophil or platelet recovery or the incidence of grade 4 neutropenia developing.     

Efficacy of continuous infusion 2-CDA (cladribine) in pediatric patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) may behave differently depending on what sites are involved and the response or lack of response to earlier therapies. Therapy for high-risk patients or those with multiple reactivations continues to be challenging because of variable response rates and frequent toxicities. The goals of this study were to determine the long-term disease free survival in children with high-risk or multiply reactivated LCH treated with 2-CDA, and the toxicity of low dose continuous infusion (CI). Ten children with multiple reactivations or high-risk disease as defined by the Histiocyte Society were treated with CI 2-CDA and were evaluable for response and toxicity assessment. The starting dose of 2-CDA was 5 mg/M(2)/day for 3 days and escalated to 6.5 mg/M(2)/day for 3 days if tolerated. The maximum number of courses of 2-CDA per patient was limited to six. Fifty-two courses of 2-CDA were administered without difficulty. After the patient demonstrated no acute toxicity with the first administration of 2-CDA, the subsequent doses were given at home to all but one patient. All 10 patients had a clinical response, 9 documented by radiographic, or changes in physical exam or review of systems. Toxicity was limited to myelosuppression. Seven of the 10 patients required no additional therapy and remain disease free a median of 50 months from completing therapy. The three remaining patients are currently disease free after receiving other therapy. Further studies are needed to determine the role of 2-CDA in this patient population. 2-CDA can be given safely using home therapy, and may effective even in high-risk patients.     

Pulse methylprednisolone therapy in the treatment of immune globulin-resistant Kawasaki disease: case report and review of the literature

A subgroup of patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) did not respond to intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) therapy. Corticosteroid therapy remains a controversial alternative in such cases. We report two young children with KD who failed to respond to three courses of IVIG therapy and subsequently received pulse methylprednisolone as an alternative. One had a satisfactory outcome but the other developed giant coronary aneurysms and had a myocardial infarction 2 months after onset of the illness. A review of relevant literature showed that the timing of initiation of pulse methylprednisolone therapy is important. It is suggested that pulse methylprednisolone therapy should be considered if there is no response to two standard doses of IVIG treatment.     

儿童再生障碍性贫血临床特点及临床分型探讨

目的探讨儿童再生障碍性贫血(再障)临床特点及临床分型。方法2003-01—2005-12在中山大学附属第二医院儿科确诊儿童再障50例,年龄2～15岁,其中37例接受免疫抑制治疗(IST),观察再障发病诱因、临床表现、血象、骨髓象变化特点、临床分型及治疗转归。结果86%的儿童再障为特发性,70%患儿病程≤6个月,按疾病严重程度分型,临床诊断重型再障(SAA)38例,轻型再障(MAA)12例,骨髓有核细胞增生程度除与病情严重程度相关外,还与取材部位、病程及是否接受IST等因素有关。特发性再障患儿强化IST(IIST)及单用环孢菌素A(CsA)治疗6个月有效率分别为78.3%(18/23)和40.0%(4/10,χ2=4.59,P<0.05),多数患儿于IIST后2～3个月起效,仅1例病程2年余的SAA于IIST后7个月达部分缓解。结论儿童再障多数为特发性,起病急,病情重,临床表现及血象改变严重程度与骨髓增生减低程度相关,特发性再障患儿IIST疗效显著优于单用CsA治疗者,宜按国际标准根据病情严重程度分为重型和轻型。     

Intensive chemotherapy for metastatic neuroblastoma: A southwest oncology group study

Thirty-three children with Evans stage IV neuroblastoma were treated with an intensive chemotherapy regimen reported by Helson to be highly effective. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the toxic regimen was manageable by different investigators and to increase the sample of patients. Remission induction therapy consisted of courses repeated every four weeks: Cyclophos-phamide (CTX) 80 mg/kg IV, with IV fluids and furosemide on days 1 and 2; vincristine (VCR) 0.03 mg/kg IV 12 hours after cyclophosphamide; trifluoro-methyl-2-deoxyridine (F3TdR) 45 mg/kg IV push, and papaverine (PAP) 45 mg/kg (12-hour infusion) under cardiac monitoring on days 3 and 4. Initially during maintenance, courses of therapy were reduced to two days. Because this was found to be ineffective therapy, the courses were extended to four days. Some of the patients who achieved response were removed from the protocol and placed on different maintenance therapy. Seventeen of 21 children newly diagnosed and 6/12 children previously treated for metastatic neuroblastoma achieved partial or complete remissions. Eight of 16 newly diagnosed patients achieving response are still alive, six without evidence of disease for periods of time ranging from 20 to 41 months. The median of the administered drug dosages was 100% of the recommended dosages. Seventy percent of the 229 courses given were initiated at correct interval. Therapy had to be delayed on the others because of toxicity. The value of the four-drug combination is limited because of side effects related to myelosuppression which resulted in severe complications and frequent hospitalizations.