SIOP PNET5 MB trial: History and concept of a molecularly stratified clinical trial of risk-adapted therapies for standard-risk medulloblastoma

Abstract

BACKGROUND: SIOP PNET5 MB was initiated in 2014 as the first European trial using clinical, histological, and molecular parameters to stratify treatments for children and adolescents with standard-risk medulloblastoma. METHODS: Stratification by upfront assessment of molecular parameters requires the timely submission of adequate tumour tissue. In the standard-risk phase-III cohort, defined by the absence of high-risk criteria (M0, R0), pathological (non-LCA), and molecular biomarkers ( MYCN amplification in SHH-MB or MYC amplification), a randomized intensification by carboplatin concomitant with radiotherapy is investigated. In the LR stratum for localized WNT-activated medulloblastoma and age <16 years, a reduction of craniospinal radiotherapy dose to 18 Gy and a reduced maintenance chemotherapy are investigated. Two additional strata (WNT-HR, SHH-TP53) were implemented during the trial. RESULTS: SIOP PNET5 MB is actively recruiting. The availability of adequate tumour tissue for upfront real-time biological assessments to assess inclusion criteria has proven feasible. CONCLUSION: SIOP PNET5 MB has demonstrated that implementation of biological parameters for stratification is feasible in a prospective multicentre setting, and may improve risk-adapted treatment. Comprehensive research studies may allow assessment of additional parameters, e.g., novel medulloblastoma subtypes, and identification and validation of biomarkers for the further refinement of risk-adapted treatment in the future.