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Imaging in early phase childhood cancer trials

  • ALARA CONCEPT IN PEDIATRIC IMAGING: ONCOLOGY
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Abstract

Advances made in the treatment of childhood malignancies during the last four decades have resulted in overall cure rates of approximately 80%, but progress has slowed significantly during the last 10 years, underscoring the need for more effective and less toxic agents. Current research is focused on development of molecularly targeted agents, an era ushered in with the discovery of imatinib mesylate for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. Since imatinib’s introduction into the clinic, an increasing number of tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been developed and entered into clinical trials and practice. Parallel to the initial advances made in molecularly targeted agents has been the development of a spectrum of novel imaging modalities. Future goals for imaging in childhood cancer research thus include (1) patient identification based on target identification or other biologic characteristics of the tumor, (2) assessing pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) effects, and (3) predictive value with an early indication of patient benefit. Development and application of novel imaging modalities for children with cancer can serve to streamline development of molecularly targeted agents.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3615 Civic Center Blvd., ARC 916, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Peter C. Adamson

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  1. Peter C. Adamson
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Correspondence to Peter C. Adamson.

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Dr. Adamson has no relevant financial relationships or potential conflicts of interest related to the material to be presented.

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Adamson, P.C. Imaging in early phase childhood cancer trials. Pediatr Radiol 39 (Suppl 1), 38–41 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-008-1016-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-008-1016-5

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