Neuroblastoma: Management, recurrence, and follow-up

Neuroblastoma is a neoplasm that affects infants and children with significant mortality and morbidity. Efforts at population-based screening have increased disease detection, but have failed to reduce mortality. The clinical behavior is highly variable, depending on the patient's age, disease stage, and histopathologic findings. Research also has identified molecular markers that are useful in predicting disease aggressiveness and prognosis. By categorizing patients into risk groups, it is possible to optimize treatment and follow-up strategies. Low-risk patients may be amenable to observation or surgery alone, whereas multidisciplinary treatment protocols are needed in those with advanced disease and relapses. Although outcomes of patients with advanced disease remain poor, novel developments in research and treatment protocols are ongoing and hold promise to improved outcomes.