Neuroblastoma

Each year, one in 100,000 children in the United States develops Neuroblastoma. This childhood cancer accounts for 7-10% of childhood cancers. It accounts for 50% of all malignancies encountered in infants. Almost 90% of neuroblastomas are diagnosed in children younger than age 5. In the majority of cases, 73%, Neuroblastoma has already spread to areas outside of the original site at the time of diagnosis. (High Risk)

Low Risk - 95+% - (mostly infants)
Intermediate Risk - 80-90% - (usually at 2yrs. with no spreading outside of original site)
High Risk - Less than 30% - (usually occurs in children older than two. The disease has spread outside of the original site)

Neuroblastoma is the second most common solid tumor. It arises in embryonic neuronal cells in the neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis. It is often present at the time of birth, but usually does not produce symptoms until later. Diagnosis of neuroblastoma can be complicated. It is called the "Sneaky Cancer" because its symptoms mimic so many other diseases. It often shows no symptoms until it has spread outside of the original site making it High Risk. To make a definite diagnosis of neuroblastoma an actual sample of the tumor tissue and/or bone marrow sample is usually necessary.

Treatment is determined by many factors including, risk of the disease upon diagnosis and child's age. The higher the risk the more aggressive the treatment. Common treatment options include; surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. Clinical trials use various treatment combinations with hope of defeating the disease. Due to the very aggressive nature of some treatments, some children do not survive. An understanding of the biology of neuroblastoma is critical to the development of treatment strategies.