Neuroblastoma: The Clinical Aspects

Abstract

Neuroblastoma is a predominantly pediatric cancer, arising from the primordial neural crest cells that form the sympathetic nervous system. The prognosis for patients with neuroblastoma can vary from uniform survival in low risk patients to fatality in patients with high risk disease. This chapter gives a brief overview of the epidemiology, genetics, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and discussion of the various staging systems and risk classiications of neuroblastoma. We also briely describe our understanding of the conventional and novel treatment modalities available and their efects on the current prognosis of patients with neuroblastoma. The purpose of this chapter is to serve as a brief overview of the clinical aspects of neuroblastoma, to serve as a foundation of knowledge for scientists aspiring to develop new therapeutic modalities for this dreadful pediatric disease.

Mechanisms involved in selecting and maintaining neuroblastoma cancer stem cell populations, and perspectives for therapeutic targeting

“…Conventional induction, consolidation and post-consolidation therapeutic strategies for high risk unfavourable NBs, induce initial clinical remission to states of no evidence or minimal residual disease, but also select and promote the formation of therapy-resistant polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) and CSC subpopulations, adding to the probability of post-therapeutic relapse and metastatic progression. It is, therefore, of paramount importance that novel therapeutic strategies are developed to specifically target and eliminate PGCCs and CSC subpopulations in order to improve the current ≈ 8% 5-year overall survival rate in high risk NB[ 481 ].…”

Application of the FISH method and high-density SNP arrays to assess genetic changes in neuroblastoma—research by one institute

“…The most common cytogenetic changes include deletions of chromosome 1p, amplification of the oncogene MYCN , ploidy changes, gains of chromosome arm 17q and deletion of 11q in tumor cells. Genetic abnormalities are very powerful predictors of response to therapy and outcome and provide important information to guide optimal patient management ( Bhat and McGregor, 2017 ; Lim et al, 2020 ).…”