Anti-GD2 based immunotherapy prevents late events in high-risk neuroblastoma patients over 18 months at diagnosis

Michelle L. Tas, Lisa W. Dootjes, Marta Fiocco, Ronald R. de Krijger, Miranda P. Dierselhuis, Natasha K.A. van Eijkelenburg, Martine van Grotel, Kathelijne C.J.M. Kraal, Annemarie M.L. Peek, Godelieve A.M. Tytgat, Max M. van Noesel*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Background: Anti-GD2 based immunotherapy has improved overall (OS) and event free survival (EFS) for high-risk neuroblastoma (HR-NBL) patients. Here, we evaluate the long-term efficacy of anti-GD2 immunotherapy in combination with isotretinoin, GM-CSF, and IL-2. Methods: Dutch HR-NBL patients treated with immunotherapy according to the COG-ANBL0032 protocol (n = 47) were included and compared to historical controls (n = 37) treated with single-agent isotret-inoin maintenance therapy. Survival time was calculated from start of the maintenance therapy. Results: The study and control group were similar concerning baseline characteristics. In the com-plete cohort, 5 year OS was 64±7% and 49±8% for the immunotherapy group and the control group, respectively (p = 0.16). Five year EFS was 57±7% and 41±8%, respectively (p = 0.16). In the subgroup of patients ≥ 18 months, 5-yr OS was 63±8% and 39±9, respectively (p = 0.04) and EFS 54±8% and 29±8%, respectively (p = 0.05). Landmark analysis for EFS with landmark point at 6 months after start of maintenance suggests a larger effect on the prevention of late than early events. Conclusions: This study is the first to confirm the results of the COG-ANBL0032 study in a cohort treated with a different induction regimen. Anti-GD2 immunotherapy prevents late events, most significantly in patients older than 18 months of age at diagnosis.

Original languageEnglish
Article number4941
JournalCancers
Volume13
Issue number19
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2021

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Funding: This work was supported by a grant from the Villa Joep Foundation.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

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  • EMC MM-02-54-03

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