Present concepts in the treatment of neuroblastoma

Abstract

The outlook for the child with neuroblastoma remains dismal. The tumor has been known to undergo spontaneous resolution, and this phenomenon has led to increased interest and research in possible immune mechanisms that may be involved. Treatment often involves the use of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, frequently producing a short-term response, but a cure of the disease in an advanced stage can rarely be attributed to any of these treatment modalities. The present staging and treatment method used by the authors is that of the Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) #8104. As far as the immunological therapeutic approach is concerned, promising results have been obtained in animal studies with monoclonal antibodies and immunocellular components. Cumulative data from various pediatric centers have showed that the patient's age strongly influences the prognosis in all stages of the disease.

New concepts in the treatment of genitourinary cancer in childhood

“…Resolution of residual tumor is followed by decreased levels of catecholomines in the urine, whereas persistent elevation or recurrent rise in metabolites is a sign that treatment is not effective. Furthermore, a high ratio of vanillylmandelic acid to homovanillic acid indicates a good prognosis, since high levels of homovanillic acid correlate with more aggressive disease [15,16]. 5) Cystathionine.…”

“…Cystathionine is a metabolite found in urine of patients with neuroblastoma. Decreased levels after treatment are prognostically favorable [15,16]. 6) Ferritin.…”