Ibrahim Qaddoumi

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · Department of Oncology

Objective/background: Retinoblastoma is an ocular cancer diagnosed in early childhood. Previous research has indicated the impact of cancer treatment on sleep, but little is known about how sleep is impacted among survivors of retinoblastoma. The current study aimed to describe sleep habits of school-age survivors of retinoblastoma, to examine ass...

Purpose: Efforts to address inequities in the treatment of pediatric CNS tumors and the burden of childhood cancer globally have prompted the designation of low-grade glioma as one of six index cancers for the World Health Organization Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. Understanding the importance of neurosurgical interventions and evaluatin...

Introduction: Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common primary intraocular cancer of childhood. Over the last few decades, a variety of techniques and treatment modalities emerged that improved the survival and ocular salvage rate of patients with RB. We investigated the relative survival trends of patients with RB from 2000 to 2018 by using the Sur...

Childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors have longer delays in diagnosis than do other pediatric malignancies because health care providers (HCPs) lack awareness about clinical presentation of these tumors. To evaluate the knowledge gap among HCPs, we conducted a global cross-sectional survey. The survey consisted of a set of CNS tumor knowled...

Background Unresectable hypothalamic/optic pathway pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) often progresses despite multiple therapies. Identifying clinical and molecular characteristics of progressive tumors may aid in prognostication and treatment. Methods We collected 72 unresectable, non-NF1-associated hypothalamic/optic pathway PA to identify clinical and...

PURPOSE Pediatric CNS tumors are increasingly a priority, particularly with the WHO designation of low-grade glioma (LGG) as one of six index childhood cancers. There are currently limited data on outcomes of pediatric patients with LGGs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS To better understand the outcomes of LGGs in LMICs, this s...

To assess the frequency of torticollis as a presenting symptom of pediatric CNS tumors and its impact on pre-diagnostic symptom intervals (PSIs) and patient outcomes. We performed a systematic review of studies reporting torticollis in children with various CNS tumors. We searched PubMed for studies published from January 1972 to March 2021 in Engl...

Methylation profiling has radically transformed our understanding of tumors previously called central nervous system primitive neuro-ectodermal tumors (CNS-PNET). While this marks a momentous step toward defining key differences, reclassification has thrown treatment into disarray. To shed light on response to therapy and guide clinical decision-ma...

Introduction: Hospital wait time (WT) influences healthcare quality and patient satisfaction. Long WTs are distressful for patients and considered substandard healthcare delivery. Pediatric hematology/oncology patients with complex medical conditions frequently need multiple appointments in a day, making their scheduling very challenging. Here, we...

BACKGROUND: Low-grade gliomas (LGG) are the most common central nervous system (CNS) tumors in children. Peru is an index country for the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC). As part of the Initiative, a multidisciplinary brain tumor team was formed in 2020 that includes five national reference centers: National Institute of Neoplastic Di...

Unresectable hypothalamic/optic pathway pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) can be challenging to manage due to repeated progressions despite multiple lines of therapy. To identify clinical and biologic factors associated with tumor progression, we retrospectively identified 72 unresectable non-NF1-associated hypothalamic/optic pathway PA. Tumors were class...

BACKGROUND: Central nervous system (CNS) tumors in children are associated with a longer delay in diagnosis. One of the contributing factors is the lack of awareness regarding childhood CNS tumors presentation among health care providers. To evaluate the knowledge gap among health care providers, we conducted a cross-sectional survey that was distr...

To accurately evaluate the burden of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors, estimate resources for cancer control, and monitor outcomes, a classification system that segregates tumors into clinically relevant groups is essential. The current classification of CNS tumors included in the third revision of the International Childhood Cancer Cl...

Patients with childhood brain tumors are at risk of endocrine disorders. The prevalence of endocrine disorders varies across the world but is unknown in Malaysia. This study’s objectives were to determine the prevalence of endocrine disorders among children with brain tumors in Malaysia and to identify endocrinopathy-associated risk factors. We ret...

IMPORTANCE: The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging manual incorporated new changes from its 7th edition for classifying retinoblastoma (RB). OBJECTIVE: We assessed the comparative prognostic values of the 7th and 8th editions of the AJCC clinical (cTNM) staging manuals for RB and suggested modifications for future...

The presentation of psychiatric symptoms in pediatric low-grade brain tumors is challenging because this can delay proper diagnosis and treatment. We performed a systematic review of psychiatric presenting symptoms of low-grade brain tumors in pediatric patients. We searched the PubMed and Web of Science databases of studies published in English fr...

The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly devastating for Iran. Children with cancer are generally immunosuppressed and especially vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infections. We report the treatment and outcomes of pediatric oncology patients with COVID-19 at the MAHAK Pediatric Cancer Treatment and Research Center (MPCTRC) in Tehran. We enrolled pediat...

Rationale: Differentiating tumor recurrence or progression from pseudoprogression during surveillance of pediatric high-grade gliomas (PHGGs) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the primary imaging modality for evaluation of brain tumors, can be challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether 11C-methionine positron emission tomograp...

Pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) is a major contributor to cancer-related death in children. In vitro and in vivo disease models reflecting the intimate connection between developmental context and pathogenesis of pHGG are essential to advance understanding and identify therapeutic vulnerabilities. Here we report establishment of 21 patient-deriv...

Background Since 2013, pediatric oncologists from Central and South America discuss neuro-oncology cases with experts from North America and Europe in a web-based “Latin American Tumor Board” (LATB). Here, we evaluate the feasibility of recommendations rendered by the Board. Methods An electronic questionnaire was distributed to physicians who had...

PurposeMultidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs) are essential in the clinical management of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Evaluations of the impact of MDTMs on childhood CNS tumors and clinicians’ perspectives on their effectiveness are scarce.Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of pediatric patients (aged <18 year...

Purpose: To describe the trajectory of cognitive and adaptive functioning in pediatric patients with retinoblastoma from diagnosis through age 10. This is an extension of a previous report that discussed findings from diagnosis through age 5. Patients and methods: Ninety-eight participants with retinoblastoma completed psychological assessments...

Background: The American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union for International Cancer Control (AJCC/UICC) cTNM staging is emerging as a universal staging for all cancers, including retinoblastoma. Methods: Here we evaluated the predictive value of the eighth edition AJCC/UICC cTNM staging in comparison with the International Intraocular Retinoblasto...

Purpose: Report relevance of molecular groups to clinico-pathologic features, germline SMARCB1/SMARCA4 alterations (GLA), and survival of children with atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) treated in two multi-institutional clinical trials. Patients and methods: Seventy-four participants with newly diagnosed ATRT were treated in two trials: i...

PURPOSE Pediatric neuro-oncology resources are mostly unknown in Chile. We report the human and material resources available in Chilean hospitals providing pediatric neuro-oncology services. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 17 hospitals providing pediatric neuro-oncology services (Programa Infantil Nacional de Drogas Antineoplás...

Background: Pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGGs) are the most common childhood brain tumor. Progression-free survival (PFS) is much lower than overall survival, emphasizing the need for alternative treatments. Sporadic (without neurofibromatosis type-1) optic pathway and hypothalamic glioma (OPHGs) are often multiply recurrent and cause significant...

Purpose: To describe clinical data, rehabilitation services, and outcomes of children with handedness switching as their presenting symptom before low-grade glioma (LGG) diagnosis. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for five patients (four female and four white) with LGG and confirmed handedness switching before LGG diagnosis....

Pediatric high-grade glioma (pHGG) is a major contributor to cancer-related death in children. In vitro and in vivo disease models reflecting the intimate connection between developmental context and pathogenesis of pHGG are essential to advance understanding and identify therapeutic vulnerabilities. We established 21 patient-derived pHGG orthotopi...

The success of the treatment of children with central nervous system (CNS) tumors relies on an effective multidisciplinary team, with up-to-date and broad knowledge and skills. The St. Jude Global Academy Neuro-Oncology Training Seminar was launched as course in globally applicable content in pediatric neuro-oncology with a focus on multidisciplina...

BACKGROUND We report the human and material resources available in Chilean institutions providing pediatric neuro-oncology services. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 17 hospitals providing pediatric neuro-oncology services (Programa Infantil Nacional de Drogas Antineoplásicas (PINDA) centers=11, Private=6). RESULTS Response rat...

The PBTC conducted a re-treatment study (NCT01089101) evaluating selumetinib (AZD6244, ARRY-142886), a MEK I/II inhibitor, in children with recurrent/progressive pLGG. Eligible patients must have previously enrolled on PBTC-029 or PBTC-029B and progressed after coming off treatment with selumetinib. Patients must have maintained stable disease (SD)...

Although approximately 90% of pediatric cancer cases exist in low- and middle-income countries, the magnitude of the global burden of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors remains poorly quantified. METHODS: Data from International Incidence of Childhood Cancer-3 and CONCORD-3, which include observed incidence and survival from population-b...

BACKGROUND Pediatric brain tumor classification has undergone significant evolution over the last decade requiring a high-level of expertise and diagnostic techniques. Such advances have created challenges for pathologists particularly in low-to-middle income countries (LMIC). We conduct weekly pediatric neuro-oncology teleconferences linking globa...

BACKGROUND The Philippine General Hospital, a public national referral center, sees 60–80 pediatric brain tumor cases per year. Historically, the rate of post-operative ventriculitis has been high, resulting in treatment delays and poor outcomes. Starting in July 2019, as a means to decrease infections, patients were provided standardized bathing a...

BACKGROUND Since 2013, pediatric oncologists from Latin America have discussed neuro-oncology cases with experts from North America and Europe in a web-based “Latin American Tumor Board” (LATB). This descriptive study evaluates the feasibility of the recommendations rendered during the Board. METHODS An electronic questionnaire was distributed to...

Background: Iran has greatly suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic. Iranian children with cancer are especially vulnerable; therefore, we describe the care of patients with COVID-19 who received treatment at the MAHAK Pediatric Cancer Treatment and Research Center (MPCTRC) in Tehran. Patients and Methods: Children who experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection...

Background: The St Jude Global Academy Neuro-Oncology Training Seminar (NOTS) is a hybrid course in pediatric neuro-oncology specifically designed for physicians from low-income and middle-income countries. Methods: The curriculum for the course was created by conducting a targeted needs assessment that evaluated 11 domains of care for children...

PURPOSE We aimed to evaluate the capacity to treat retinoblastoma in the Middle East, North Africa, and West Asia region. METHODS A Web-based assessment that investigated retinoblastoma-related pediatric oncology and ophthalmology infrastructure and associated capacity at member institutions of the Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean group w...

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of integrating telemedicine-based twinning partnership and centralized care for Retinoblastoma (RB) on survival and eye salvage. Design A cohort of 478 RB patients from 2003 to 2019 treated at tertiary referral cancer center (King Hussein Cancer Centre, KHCC). Participants 478 RB patients who were treated at KHC...

With more than 40,000 CNS tumors diagnosed in children and adolescents every year worldwide, CNS tumors are a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality in these patients. 1 The complexity of elements needed to provide quality care is substantial, with integration of comprehensive multidisciplinary care comprising accurate pathologic and radio...

Pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGG) are frequently driven by genetic alterations in the RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase (RAS/MAPK) pathway yet show unexplained variability in their clinical outcome. To address this, we characterized a cohort of >1,000 clinically annotated pLGG. Eighty-four percent of cases harbored a driver alteration, while th...

Background: Management of unresectable pediatric low-grade glioma and glioneuronal tumor (LGG/LGGNT) is controversial. There are no validated prognostic features to guide use of radiation therapy (RT). Our study aimed to identify negative prognostic features in patients treated with RT using clinicopathologic and molecular data and validate these...

Tectal glioma (TG) is a distinct clinicopathologic entity arising in the midbrain tectal region with characteristic imaging findings and a low-grade histopathology combining features of pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) and diffuse astrocytoma [11]. TG shows an indolent clinical behavior and occurs predominantly in children. It is not currently listed in...

Purpose Most pediatric spinal tumors are low-grade gliomas (LGGs). Characterization of these tumors has been difficult given their heterogeneity and rare incidence. The objective was to characterize such tumors diagnosed at our institution. Methods Spinal tumors diagnosed in our pediatric patients between 1984 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectivel...

Purpose Children with sporadic optic pathway glioma (OPG) commonly experience a decline in visual acuity (VA). This study aimed to quantify long-term VA outcomes after definitive radiation therapy (RT). Methods From 1997 to 2017, 41 patients underwent RT for OPG and had baseline VA testing. All patients underwent serial VA testing every 3–6 months...

Background: Abnormal expression of ABCC transporter genes has been associated with treatment failure in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression pattern of ABCC1-6 and ABCC10 genes in Iranian pediatric patients with ALL relapse and determine the potential predictive value of d...

Background: Paediatric low-grade glioma is the most common CNS tumour of childhood. Although overall survival is good, disease often recurs. No single universally accepted treatment exists for these patients; however, standard cytotoxic chemotherapies are generally used. We aimed to assess the activity of selumetinib, a MEK1/2 inhibitor, in these...

BACKGROUND: Pediatric low-grade glioma (pLGG) is the most common CNS tumor of childhood. Progression-free survival (PFS) is much lower than overall survival emphasizing the need for alternative treatments. In addition, many children suffer functional morbidities such as visual and motor disturbances. Recently, there has been an appropriate prioriti...

Molecular characterization of pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGG) have identified recurrent alterations, most commonly involving BRAF and NF1, which have been exploited to aid in diagnosis and treatment decisions. However, a significant portion do not have these canonical alterations, and the genetics and clinical course of these tumors remains unkn...

Background Hippocampal avoidance has been suggested as a strategy to reduce short-term memory decline in adults receiving whole-brain radiation therapy (RT). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the hippocampal dose in children and adolescents undergoing RT for low-grade glioma was associated with memory, as measured by verbal recall....

Purpose Studies of epidemiology, treatment modalities, and outcomes of childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors in Sudan are scarce. To address this shortcoming, we evaluated baseline information about the epidemiology, treatment types, and outcomes of childhood CNS tumors at the National Cancer Institute, University of Gezira (NCI-UG) in Wad...

Background: Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNETs) are uncommon neural tumors presenting most often in children and young adults and associated with intractable seizures. Rare midline neoplasms with similar histological features to those found in DNETs have been described near the septum pellucidum and termed 'DNET-like neoplasms of the s...

Purpose The Latin American Brain Tumor Board (LATB) is a weekly teleconference connecting pediatric neuro-oncologists from referral centers in high-income countries with pediatric subspecialists from 20 Latin American countries since 2013. This survey explored the participants’ experience utilizing this resource. Methods A cross-sectional electron...

Purpose Low-grade gliomas (LGG) are a heterogeneous group of brain tumors, which are often assumed to have a benign course. Yet, children diagnosed and treated for LGG in infancy are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental disruption. We sought to investigate neuropsychological outcomes of infants diagnosed with LGG. Methods Between 1986 and 2013...

Objective: Delayed diagnosis of pediatric brain tumors is known to occur worldwide but is not well studied in developing countries. Here, we examined the extent of delayed pediatric brain tumor diagnoses in Rabat, Morocco, and consider its potential causes and possible solutions. Methods: We conducted a survey and interviews of the parents of ch...

Tectal glioma (TG) is a rare low-grade tumor occurring predominantly in the pediatric population. There has been no detailed analysis of molecular alterations in TG. Risk factors associated with inferior outcome and long-term sequelae of TG have not been well-documented. We retrospectively studied TGs treated or referred for review at St. Jude Chil...

Background/aims Non-irradiative local therapies have shown promise in delaying or supplanting external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and enucleation in patients with retinoblastoma. We hypothesised that prior focal therapy does not compromise the efficacy of delayed episcleral plaque brachytherapy (epBRT). Methods We performed an institutional review b...

PURPOSE The LATB is a weekly teleconference operating over 3.5 years connecting pediatric neuro-oncologists from high-income countries with pediatric subspecialists from 20 Latin-American countries. This survey explored the participants’ experience utilizing this resource. METHODS A web-based questionnaire was distributed to 159 participants throu...

Low-grade glioma (LGG) diagnosed during infancy is associated with unique clinical profile and challenges in management. Morbidities in long-term survivors are not well described. We retrospectively reviewed patients with LGG diagnosed before 12 months of age managed at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital from 1986-2013. Altogether, 51 patients w...

Tectal glioma (TG) is an uncommon pediatric low-grade tumor with limited data on long-term outcome. A retrospective review of TG diagnosed in patients ≤ 21 years at our center between 1986 and 2013 identified 19 patients (males=13; median age at diagnosis=10 years [yrs]; range, 0.01-19.99). All patients were diagnosed based on MRI. Initial CSF dive...

Most pediatric spinal tumors are low-grade gliomas (LGGs). Characterization of these tumors has been difficult given their heterogeneity and rare incidence. Spinal tumors diagnosed in pediatric patients at our institution between 1984 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographics, clinical presentation, pathology, imaging, management, and la...

PURPOSE Pediatric low-grade glioma (PLGG) represents a heterogeneous group of tumors. The purpose of this study was to identify clinical prognostic factors for overall-survival (OS) in PLGG treated with radiation therapy (RT). METHODS Between 1986 and 2017, 174 patients with non-metastatic, biopsy-proven PLGG were consecutively treated with RT at...