Anatomy of Hematologic System Related

Review Anatomy of Hematologic System related questions and content

A 2-year-old girl has a diagnosis of overall stage IV favorable histology Wilms' tumor with pulmonary metastases and local stage III disease due to finding positive lymph nodes. After she completes 6 weeks of vincristine/dactinomycin/doxorubicin (DD4A) chemotherapy, restaging shows complete resolution of some but not all lung nodules. Tumor genetic testing reveals combined loss of heterozygosity for 1p and 16q. Which of the following would be the most appropriate treatment plan?

  • A. Continue chemotherapy with vincristine, doxorubicin, and dactinomycin to complete 25 weeks of therapy. Administer radiation to lungs and flank.
  • B. Continue chemotherapy with vincristine, doxorubicin and dactinomycin to complete 25 weeks of therapy. Radiation to flank only. No lung radiation.
  • C. Continue chemotherapy with vincristine, doxorubicin and dactinomycin, add cyclophosphamide and etoposide to complete 33 weeks of therapy. Radiation to flank only. No lung radiation.
  • D. Continue chemotherapy with vincristine, doxorubicin and dactinomycin, add cyclophosphamide and etoposide to complete 33 weeks of therapy. Radiation to lungs and flank.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the addition of cyclophosphamide and etoposide to the chemotherapy regimen is indicated for patients with combined loss of heterozygosity for 1p and 16q in Wilms' tumor. This genetic abnormality is associated with a higher risk of relapse and poorer outcomes. The extended duration of chemotherapy (33 weeks) is necessary to target any remaining tumor cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Additionally, the decision to administer radiation to both the lungs and flank is appropriate given the incomplete resolution of some lung nodules after initial chemotherapy. Lung radiation helps to target any remaining metastatic lesions, while flank radiation targets the primary tumor site and positive lymph nodes. This comprehensive treatment approach aims to maximize the chances of long-term disease control and survival for the patient.

Choice A is incorrect because it lacks the addition of cyclophosphamide and etoposide, which are needed for Wilms' tumor with the specific genetic abnormality mentioned.