Haematotoxicity of Craniospinal Radiochemotherapy for Metastatic Paediatric High-Grade Glioma

Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-review

Contributors

  • C. Valentini - , Department of Radiotherapy and Radiooncology (Author)
  • T. Perwein - , Medical University of Graz (Author)
  • B. Bison - , Augsburg University (Author)
  • G. H. Gielen - , University of Bonn (Author)
  • F. Knerlich-Lukoschus - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • H. C. Bock - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • C. Seidel - , Leipzig University (Author)
  • R. D. Kortmann - , Leipzig University (Author)
  • D. Sturm - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • M. Benesch - , Medical University of Graz (Author)
  • G. Nussbaumer - , Medical University of Graz (Author)
  • J. M. Krischer - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • A. v Bueren - , Geneva University Hospitals (Author)
  • M. Eyrich - , University of Würzburg (Author)
  • L. L. Friker - , University of Bonn (Author)
  • M. Hoffmann - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • E. Gkika - , University of Bonn (Author)
  • A. Wittig-Sauerwein - , University of Würzburg (Author)
  • J. Hörner-Rieber - , University Hospital Duesseldorf (Author)
  • R. Schwarz - , University of Hamburg (Author)
  • K. Jablonska - , University of Cologne (Author)
  • W. Hoffmann - , Städtisches Klinikum Braunschweig gGmbH (Author)
  • D. Vordermark - , Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (Author)
  • S. Rieken - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • L. Höng - , Justus Liebig University Giessen (Author)
  • C. Rödel - , Goethe University Frankfurt a.M. (Author)
  • B. Timmermann - , University Hospital Essen, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • J. T. Fennell - , University Medical Center Freiburg (Author)
  • A. Claviez - , Hannover Medical School (MHH) (Author)
  • M. Karremann - , Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • C. M. Kramm - , University of Göttingen (Author)
  • M. Krause - , Department of Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) (Author)

Abstract

Aims: Paediatric high-grade gliomas (pedHGGs) have a dismal prognosis, often characterised by early and diffuse disease progression. Novel treatment approaches are urgently needed to improve outcomes. The upcoming SIOPE-HGG (High Grade Glioma)-01 trial will investigate upfront craniospinal radiochemotherapy (CSI-RCT) for newly diagnosed, nonmetastatic diffuse midline glioma/diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DMG/DIPG). As CSI-RCT is frequently avoided due to concerns over haematotoxicity, real-world feasibility data are critically needed. Materials and methods: We retrospectively assessed haematological toxicity in 19 patients (aged 3-21 years) with metastatic pedHGG treated with CSI-RCT within the hirn tumor glioblastoma trial (HIT-HGG) and hospital in trial-glioblastoma (HIT-GBM) trial programmes (2002–2024). All patients received craniospinal irradiation (median dose: 35.2 Gy) using photon- or proton-based techniques, with concurrent chemotherapy: temozolomide (TMZ; n = 14) or PEI (cisplatin, etoposide, ifosfamide; n = 5). Haematological toxicities were graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.0. Results: Grade 3 to 4 haematotoxicity was observed in 7 of 19 patients (36.8%). Chemotherapy was discontinued in two cases—one due to TMZ-induced aplastic anaemia (TIAA) and another due to thrombocytopaenia. The remaining patients tolerated full-dose CSI-RCT with manageable side effects, and no unplanned radiotherapy interruptions occurred. The haematotoxicity rate was comparable to or lower than previous reports, indicating that CSI-RCT is feasible with appropriate monitoring and management. Conclusion: This is the largest cohort to date assessing haematological toxicity of upfront CSI-RCT in metastatic pedHGG. Despite notable haematotoxicity, treatment was largely feasible and well-tolerated. These findings support the integration of CSI-RCT into future clinical trials for newly diagnosed DMG/DIPG and provide a foundation for the upcoming SIOPE HGG-01 trial. Proton therapy may further reduce toxicity and warrants prospective evaluation.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number103956
Number of pages8
JournalClinical oncology
Volume48
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 41207064
ORCID /0000-0003-1776-9556/work/204618520

Keywords

Keywords

  • Craniospinal radiochemotherapy, haematotoxicity, paediatric high-grade glioma