Osteosarcoma in young children

Article Abstract:

Osteosarcoma, a common form of bone cancer, is quite rare in young children under six years of age. To determine if the course of osteosarcoma is different in exceptionally young patients, the records of the Children's Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston were examined to identify cases of osteosarcoma in young children. From 1950, only 12 such cases could be identified in children who ranged from 3.4 to 5.8 years. There were twice as many girls as boys affected, a reversal of the ratio usually found in osteosarcoma. However, no particular pathological features distinguished these cancers from those occurring in older children and young adults. Furthermore, the survival of the young patients seemed comparable as well. One in six patients treated prior to 1972 survived. In contrast, four of six patients diagnosed after 1972 are enjoying long-term disease-free survival (with a median of 8.8 years). The difference in survival is presumed to be due to the introduction of high-dose methotrexate therapy in the treatment of osteosarcoma. These observations suggest that in the rare presentation of a young child with osteosarcoma, the same treatment used for older patients is appropriate; a liberal surgical excision of the lesion combined with aggressive chemotherapy will enhance long-term survival. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Reports, Cancer in children, Childhood cancer, Bone cancer, Osteosarcoma, Li-Fraumeni syndrome

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Relation between maternal diet and subsequent primitive neuroectodermal brain tumors in young children

Article Abstract:

Vegetables, fruits, vitamin C, folate and nitrate appear to protect children against the development of primitive neuroectodermal brain tumors when consumed by their mothers during pregnancy. A study compared the diets during pregnancy of mothers of 166 children who were diagnosed with neuroectodermal brain tumors before age six with those of 166 mothers whose children did not develop the brain tumors. Telephone interviews with the mothers included questions about occupation, medical history and a 53-item questionnaire on the frequency of the consumption of specific foods. The findings of the study contradicted earlier studies that found a correlation between the consumption of cured meats, which contain nitrosamines, and an increased risk of brain tumor development. Use of multivitamins and iron supplements early in pregnancy also seemed to lower the risk of neuroectodermal brain tumors in children.

Health aspects, Causes of, Food and nutrition, Pregnant women, Nitrites, Brain tumors, Tumors in children, Pediatric tumors, Nitrosoamines

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