Rhabdoid tumors: clinical approaches and molecular targets for innovative therapy

Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2013 Oct;30(7):587-604. doi: 10.3109/08880018.2013.791737. Epub 2013 Jul 12.

Abstract

Rhabdoid tumors are rare but highly aggressive tumors with a predilection for infants and young children. The majority of these tumors harbor biallelic mutations in SMARCB1/INI1/hSNF5. Rather rare cases with mutations in other SWI/SNF core members such as BRG1 are on record. Rhabdoid tumors have only recently been registered and treated according to specifically designed treatment recommendations and in the framework of clinical trials. Within the last decade, prognosis has improved significantly but at least 50% of patients still relapse and subsequently almost inevitably succumb to their disease. This review summarizes past and current clinical approaches and presents an overview of the rationales for targeted therapy with potential for future clinical treatment trials for rhabdoid tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / genetics*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • DNA Helicases / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Mutation*
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
  • Rhabdoid Tumor / genetics*
  • Rhabdoid Tumor / metabolism
  • Rhabdoid Tumor / pathology
  • Rhabdoid Tumor / therapy*
  • SMARCB1 Protein
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*

Substances

  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • SMARCB1 Protein
  • SMARCB1 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • SMARCA4 protein, human
  • DNA Helicases