Neuroblastoma: evolving therapies for a disease with many faces

Paediatr Drugs. 2004;6(2):107-22. doi: 10.2165/00148581-200406020-00004.

Abstract

Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial solid tumor in children and has a heterogeneous clinical presentation and course. Clinical and biologic features of this disease have been used to develop risk-based therapy. Patients with low-risk disease can be treated with surgery alone. Patients with intermediate-risk features have an excellent prognosis after treatment with surgery and a relatively short course of standard dose chemotherapy. Unfortunately, most children with neuroblastoma present with advanced disease. More than 60% of patients with high-risk features will succumb to their disease despite intensive therapy including a myeloablative consolidation. Research efforts to understand the biologic basis of neuroblastoma and to identify new, more effective therapies are essential to improve the outcome for these children.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Humans
  • Neuroblastoma* / diagnosis
  • Neuroblastoma* / epidemiology
  • Neuroblastoma* / therapy

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor