The challenge of defining “ultra‐high‐risk” neuroblastoma

AbstractGiven the biological and clinical heterogeneity of neuroblastoma, risk stratification is vital to determining appropriate treatment. Historically, most patients with high ‐risk neuroblastoma (HR‐NBL) have been treated uniformly without further stratification. Attempts have been made to identify factors that can be used to risk stratify these patients and to characterize an “ultra‐high‐risk” (UHR) subpopulation with particularly poor outcome. However, amon g published data, there is a lack of consensus in the definition of the UHR population and heterogeneity in the endpoints and statistical methods used. This review summarizes our current understanding of stratification of HR‐NBL and discusses the complex issues in defining UHR neuroblastoma.

Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer - November 26, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Daniel A. Morgenstern, Rochelle Bagatell, Susan L. Cohn, Michael D. Hogarty, John M. Maris, Lucas Moreno, Julie R. Park, Andrew D. Pearson, Gudrun Schleiermacher, Dominique Valteau ‐Couanet, Wendy B. London, Meredith S. Irwin Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research