Description:

This session will focus on recent advances in the “other” pediatric malignant disorders beyond the most common acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The session will highlight current challenges with a special focus on the determination of optimal strategies for risk stratification and treatment assignment, especially with the advent of molecular genetic based criteria. Recently completed and ongoing trials investigating the introduction of targeted agents into both the relapsed and upfront therapy setting will be reviewed.

Dr. Andy Kolb will review recent data from trials in acute myeloid leukemia on molecular indicators of risk and potential molecular targets for therapies. He will summarize the available novel agents and the challenges faced in bringing these drugs forward to clinical testing in children.

Dr. Kara Kelly will highlight recent advances in pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma, including efforts at improving risk stratification with clinical, biologic and imaging based factors. New initiatives aimed at harmonizing staging and response evaluation will be reviewed. Targeted agents being investigated in pediatric trials, and challenges in introducing these agents to maximize cure and reduce long term toxicities will be discussed.

Dr. Rachel Kobos will summarize approaches aimed at introducing targeted agents in a range of lymphoma subtypes. She will highlight current efforts in anaplastic large cell lymphoma, anti-CD20 directed therapy in B cell lymphomas, and CD19 targeted therapies. Novel agents such as the gamma secretase inhibitors, ibrutinib, the trifunctional anti-CD20 x anti-CD3 antibody and EZH2 inhibitors with potential for application in pediatric non Hodgkin lymphoma will also be summarized.