Neuroblastoma
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Neuroblastoma is one of the most common solid tumours of early childhood usually found in babies or young children. The disease originates in the adrenal medulla or other sites of sympathetic nervous tissue. The most common site is the abdomen (near the adrenal gland) but can also be found in the chest, neck, pelvis, or other sites. Most patients have widespread disease at diagnosis. This page contains links to information specifically related to Neuroblastoma, other relevant resources are availible via the Main Menu of Children's Cancer Web.

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Information Patients and Family (15 links)


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See also: Neuroblastoma - Genes and Chromosomes

Latest Research Publications

This list of publications is regularly updated (Source: PubMed).

Yang MH, Chen KC, Chiang PW, et al.
Proteomic Profiling of Neuroblastoma Cells Adhesion on Hyaluronic Acid-Based Surface for Neural Tissue Engineering.
Biomed Res Int. 2016; 2016:1917394 [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications
The microenvironment of neuron cells plays a crucial role in regulating neural development and regeneration. Hyaluronic acid (HA) biomaterial has been applied in a wide range of medical and biological fields and plays important roles in neural regeneration. PC12 cells have been reported to be capable of endogenous NGF synthesis and secretion. The purpose of this research was to assess the effect of HA biomaterial combining with PC12 cells conditioned media (PC12 CM) in neural regeneration. Using SH-SY5Y cells as an experimental model, we found that supporting with PC12 CM enhanced HA function in SH-SY5Y cell proliferation and adhesion. Through RP-nano-UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analyses, we identified increased expression of HSP60 and RanBP2 in SH-SY5Y cells grown on HA-modified surface with cotreatment of PC12 CM. Moreover, we also identified factors that were secreted from PC12 cells and may promote SH-SY5Y cell proliferation and adhesion. Here, we proposed a biomaterial surface enriched with neurotrophic factors for nerve regeneration application.

Related: RANBP2


Xie P, Monaghan R, Edwards K, et al.
Elevated MIBG Activity at the Site of Erythema of Unknown Etiology.
Clin Nucl Med. 2017; 42(3):227-230 [PubMed] Related Publications
A 6-year-old boy underwent I-MIBG therapy for recurrent neuroblastoma. On posttherapy scan, there were new foci of increased MIBG activity in the anterior abdomen, which were not seen on pretherapy I-MIBG scan. Physical examination demonstrated that these new foci of activity corresponded to the sites of asymptomatic erythema, which had of unknown etiology and was spontaneously resolved without treatment.


Lindholm EB, Alkattan AK, Abramson SJ, et al.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy for pediatric and adolescent pancreatic malignancy: A single-center retrospective analysis.
J Pediatr Surg. 2017; 52(2):299-303 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/02/2018 Related Publications
PURPOSE: While pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has been extensively studied in adults, there are few data pertaining specifically to pediatric patients. We retrospectively analyzed PD-associated morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients.
METHODS: Our analytic cohort included all consecutive patients ≤18years of age treated at our institution from 1993 to 2015 who underwent PD. Patient data (demographics, disease characteristics, surgical and adjuvant treatment, length of hospital stay, and postoperative course) were extracted from the medical records.
RESULTS: We identified 12 children with a median age of 9years (7 female, 5 male). Final diagnoses were pancreatoblastoma (n=3), solid pseudopapillary tumor (n=3), neuroblastoma (n=2), rhabdomyosarcoma (n=2), and neuroendocrine carcinoma (n=2). Four patients underwent PD for resection of recurrent disease. 75% (9/12 patients) received neoadjuvant therapy. The median operative time was approximately 7hours with a mean blood loss of 590cm(3). The distal pancreas was invaginated into the posterior stomach (n=3) or into the jejunum (n=5) or was directly sewn to the jejunal mucosa (n=4). There were no operative deaths. There were 4 patients (34%) with grade II complications, 1 with a grade IIIb complication (chest tube), and 1 with a grade IV complication (reexploration). The most common long-term morbidity was pancreas exocrine supplementation (n=10; 83%). Five patients (42%) diagnosed with either solid pseudopapillary tumor or rhabdomyosarcoma are currently alive with a mean survival of 77.4months.
CONCLUSION: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is a feasible management strategy for pediatric pancreatic malignancies and is associated with acceptable morbidity and overall survival. Long-term outcome is mostly dependent on histology of the tumor.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; retrospective study with no comparison group.

Related: Cancer of the Pancreas Pancreatic Cancer Rhabdomyosarcoma


Zheng J, Zhang R, Zhu J, et al.
Lack of Associations between XPC Gene Polymorphisms and Neuroblastoma Susceptibility in a Chinese Population.
Biomed Res Int. 2016; 2016:2932049 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/02/2018 Related Publications
Neuroblastoma is one of the most malignant solid tumors in infants and young children. No more than 40% of neuroblastoma patients can survive for longer than five years after it has been diagnosed. XPC protein is a pivotal factor that recognizes DNA damage and starts up the nucleotide excision repair (NER) in mammalian cells. This makes up the first group to defend against the cancer. Previous studies have identified that XPC gene polymorphisms were associated with various types of cancer. However, the associations between XPC gene polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk have not yet been studied. We investigated the associations between three XPC gene polymorphisms (rs2228001 A>C, rs2228000 C>T, and rs2229090 G>C) and neuroblastoma risk with 256 neuroblastoma patients and 531 healthy controls in a Chinese Han population. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to access the association between these three polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk. No significant association was detected between these three polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk in the overall analysis as well as in the stratification analysis. These results suggest that none of these three polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of neuroblastoma in the Chinese Han population.


Xie P, Shao F, Zhuang H
Primary Neuroblastoma Involving Spinal Canal.
Clin Nucl Med. 2016; 41(12):986-988 [PubMed] Related Publications
An MRI of the spine was performed in a 5-month-old girl to assess the cause of lower-extremity paralysis. The images showed a left paraspinal mass at the lumbar level invading the spinal canal, which suggested possible neuroblastoma. A subsequent MIBG scan showed abnormal activity in the spinal canal. Neuroblastoma was confirmed pathologically.


Farsi DJ
Children Undergoing Chemotherapy: Is It Too Late for Dental Rehabilitation?
J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2016; 40(6):503-505 [PubMed] Related Publications
Children undergoing cancer therapy encounter a diverse spectrum of oral changes that generally are attributed to immunosuppression and bleeding tendencies caused by the therapeutic agents. Therefore, providing oral health instructions and dental rehabilitation before the initiation of cancer therapy is encouraged. In this article, we discuss the general dental management of pediatric patients with cancer actively undergoing cancer therapy, or for whom it is planned. We also describe the dental rehabilitation performed on a child while he was undergoing chemotherapy for neuroblastoma, using an unconventional approach that varied from the standard management protocol used by King Abdulaziz University Hospital. The importance of close collaboration between the medical and dental teams is highlighted.


Kawashima M, Kojima M, Ueda Y, et al.
Telomere biology including TERT rearrangements in neuroblastoma: a useful indicator for surgical treatments.
J Pediatr Surg. 2016; 51(12):2080-2085 [PubMed] Related Publications
PURPOSE: Our telomere biology study of neuroblastomas (NBLs) has revealed that unfavorable NBLs acquired telomere stabilization by telomerase activation or ALT (alternative lengthening of telomeres). Recently, genomic rearrangements in a region proximal to the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene have been discovered in NBLs. In this study, TERT rearrangements were examined in NBLs along with their relationship to other aspects of telomere biology.
METHODS: In 121 NBLs, including 67 cases detected by mass-screening whose telomere length, telomerase activity, ALT with ATRX/DAXX alterations, and MYCN amplification were already known, TERT rearrangements were examined using GeneChip SNP arrays.
RESULTS: The 11 ATRX/DAXX mutated ALT cases and 29 cases with high telomerase activity showed poor prognosis. MYCN amplification and TERT rearrangements were independently detected in 16 and 13 cases, respectively, and these alterations were significantly correlated with high telomerase activity. In 81 infant cases, MYCN amplification, TERT rearrangements and ATRX mutations were detected in 3, 4, and 3 cases, respectively. Among them, 6 cases showed progression or recurrences.
CONCLUSIONS: Telomere stabilization in NBLs is acquired by telomerase activation through MYCN amplification, TERT rearrangements or by ALT. Since these tumors usually show progression and recurrence, complete resection should be considered, even in infant cases.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognosis study, level III.

Related: TERT


Li Z, Xu Z, Xie Q, et al.
miR-1303 promotes the proliferation of neuroblastoma cell SH-SY5Y by targeting GSK3β and SFRP1.
Biomed Pharmacother. 2016; 83:508-513 [PubMed] Related Publications
Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common solid tumors in children, many microRNAs regulate progression and development of NB. Here, we found miR-1303 was upregulated in NB cells and tissues, miR-1303 overexpression promoted the proliferation of SH-SY5Y NB cell investigated by MTT assay, colony formation assay and anchorage-independent growth ability assay, while miR-1303 knockdown reduced this effect. mechanism analysis suggested glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) and secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) were the target of miR-1303, luciferase assay revealed miR-1303 directly bound to the 3'UTR of GSK3β and SFRP1. miR-1303 increased expression of MYC and CyclinD1, and decreased the expression of p21 and p27, and further demonstrated miR-1303 promotes NB proliferation. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between miR-1303 expression and GSK3β and SFRP1 expression in NB tissues, confirming GSK3β and SFRP1 were the targets of miR-1303 in NB tissues. Collectively, our findings suggested miR-1303 promotes NB proliferation by targeting GSK3β and SFRP1, and might be a target for NB therapy.

Related: MicroRNAs


Zhao J, Liu J, Xu E, et al.
dl-3-n-Butylphthalide attenuation of methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.
Life Sci. 2016; 165:16-20 [PubMed] Related Publications
AIMS: Methamphetamine (Meth) abuse causes neural injury in the brain. There are no efficacious therapies available to treat Meth-induce neural injury. The present study intended to test the therapeutic potential of dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), a chemical compound extracted originally from the seeds of Chinese Celery, in the amelioration and prevention of Meth-induced neural injury.
MAIN METHODS: Experiments were carried out on SH-SY5Y cells. Neuronal injury and apoptotic cell death were detected by MTT assay and analysis of nuclear morphology. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated by dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay and protein expression levels of the apoptosis-related cleaved caspase-3, bcl2 and Bax were determined by western blotting.
KEY FINDINGS: Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with Meth induced cell injury and apoptosis. NBP attenuated Meth-associated cell injury and apoptosis via blockage of Meth-mediated upregulation of intracellular ROS production and inhibition of Meth-induced decrease of cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 and Bcl-2/Bax ratios.
SIGNIFICANCE: The results presented in this study indicate that NBP may have therapeutic benefits in the treatment of Meth-induced neuronal injury in the central nervous system.

Related: Signal Transduction


Hwang SM, Yoo SY, Kim JH, Jeon TY
Congenital Adrenal Neuroblastoma With and Without Cystic Change: Differentiating Features With an Emphasis on the of Value of Ultrasound.
AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2016; 207(5):1105-1111 [PubMed] Related Publications
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the features of congenital adrenal neuroblastomas with and without cystic changes and to emphasize the value of ultrasound in the diagnostic evaluation of cystic congenital adrenal neuroblastoma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 41 patients with surgically confirmed congenital adrenal neuroblastoma were enrolled. We divided the patients into two groups according to presence or absence of cystic change in the tumor, as determined from the initial ultrasound findings. Clinical and laboratory findings, disease stage, and patient outcome were investigated with a statistical comparison between the two groups. The imaging findings for cystic congenital adrenal neuroblastoma were reviewed to compare the additional diagnostic value of CT and MRI when paired with ultrasound.
RESULTS: There were 22 patients (54%) in the group without cystic changes and 19 patients (46%) in the group with cystic changes. Prenatal detection and absence of metastasis were significantly more common in the cystic group than in the noncystic group (p < 0.05). Sensitivities of tumor marker levels were also significantly lower in the cystic group. Patient outcome was excellent, and there was no significant difference between the groups. With regard to imaging of cystic congenital adrenal neuroblastoma, in the 15 cases in which CT or MRI was paired with ultrasound, no additional diagnostic information was discerned with CT or MRI.
CONCLUSION: Nearly one-half of congenital adrenal neuroblastomas are cystic, and these tumors have clinical and laboratory features that distinguish them from noncystic congenital adrenal neuroblastoma. Diagnostic tests, including CT, MRI, and assessment of tumor markers, have low diagnostic value in the evaluation of cystic congenital adrenal neuroblastoma.


Zennaro C, Rastaldi MP, Bakeine GJ, et al.
A nanoporous surface is essential for glomerular podocyte differentiation in three-dimensional culture.
Int J Nanomedicine. 2016; 11:4957-4973 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/02/2018 Related Publications
Although it is well recognized that cell-matrix interactions are based on both molecular and geometrical characteristics, the relationship between specific cell types and the three-dimensional morphology of the surface to which they are attached is poorly understood. This is particularly true for glomerular podocytes - the gatekeepers of glomerular filtration - which completely enwrap the glomerular basement membrane with their primary and secondary ramifications. Nanotechnologies produce biocompatible materials which offer the possibility to build substrates which differ only by topology in order to mimic the spatial organization of diverse basement membranes. With this in mind, we produced and utilized rough and porous surfaces obtained from silicon to analyze the behavior of two diverse ramified cells: glomerular podocytes and a neuronal cell line used as a control. Proper differentiation and development of ramifications of both cell types was largely influenced by topographical characteristics. Confirming previous data, the neuronal cell line acquired features of maturation on rough nanosurfaces. In contrast, podocytes developed and matured preferentially on nanoporous surfaces provided with grooves, as shown by the organization of the actin cytoskeleton stress fibers and the proper development of vinculin-positive focal adhesions. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that in vitro studies regarding podocyte attachment to the glomerular basement membrane should take into account the geometrical properties of the surface on which the tests are conducted because physiological cellular activity depends on the three-dimensional microenvironment.


Charles NC, Petris CK, Kim ET
Aggressive esthesioneuroblastoma with divergent differentiation: A taxonomic dilemma.
Orbit. 2016; 35(6):357-359 [PubMed] Related Publications
The authors describe an esthesioneuroblastoma (olfactory neuroblastoma) that occurred within the nasal cavity and brain in a 31-year-old man. Following excision, the tumor recurred in the left orbit and in mediastinal lymph nodes. Treatment included orbital excision and systemic chemotherapy. Histopathology showed a high-grade neuroepithelial tumor with positive immunohistochemical markers for neuroendocrine and epithelial components, an unusual combination raising issues concerning taxonomy.


Kim HK, Son TG, Jo DG, et al.
Cytotoxicity of lipid-soluble ginseng extracts is attenuated by plasma membrane redox enzyme NQO1 through maintaining redox homeostasis and delaying apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells.
Arch Pharm Res. 2016; 39(10):1339-1348 [PubMed] Related Publications
Lipid-soluble ginseng extracts (LSGE) is known to inhibit many types of cancer cells through arresting cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. Usually, normal cells are can also be damaged by anti-tumor reagents. The plasma membrane redox system (PMRS) is enhanced to compensate mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired energy metabolism. NADH-quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), a plasma membrane redox enzyme, is known to be induced by panaxytriol, one of components of lipid-soluble ginseng extracts (LSGE). The objective of this study was determine the mechanisms of NQO1 involved in neuroprotection in response to cytotoxicity induced by LSGE. Exposure of control SH-SY5Y cells to LSGE resulted in dramatic loss of cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. The loss of cell viability was significantly recovered in cells transfected with NQO1. LSGE-induced cell death occurred through apoptosis such as cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. These apoptotic features were significantly attenuated by overexpression of NQO1. Levels of oxidative/nitrative damage were highly elevated by LSGE in a dose-dependent manner. However, these elevated levels were greatly reduced by overexpression of NQO1. In addition, overexpression of NQO1 attenuated the decrease in mitochondrial complex I activity caused by LSGE. Taken together, these findings suggest that overexpressed NQO1 can protect cells against LSGE-induced cytotoxicity through lowering oxidative/nitrative damage and delaying apoptosis, supporting that stimulation of NQO1 activity could be a therapeutic targets in neurodegeration.

Related: Apoptosis NQO1


Tanaka T, Higashi M, Kimura K, et al.
MEK inhibitors as a novel therapy for neuroblastoma: Their in vitro effects and predicting their efficacy.
J Pediatr Surg. 2016; 51(12):2074-2079 [PubMed] Related Publications
BACKGROUND: A recent study reported that relapsed neuroblastomas had frequent RAS-ERK pathway mutations. We herein investigated the effects and pathways of MEK inhibitors, which inhibit the RAS-ERK pathway, as a new molecular-targeted therapy for refractory neuroblastomas.
METHOD: Five neuroblastoma cell lines were treated with trametinib (MEK inhibitor) or CH5126766 (RAF/MEK inhibitor). Growth inhibition was analyzed using a cell viability assay. ERK phosphorylation and the MYCN expression were analyzed by immunoblotting or immunohistochemistry. RAS/RAF mutations were identified by direct sequencing or through the COSMIC database.
RESULTS: Both MEK inhibitors showed growth inhibition effects on cells with ERK phosphorylation, but almost no effect on cells without. In immunoblotting analyses, ERK phosphorylation and MYCN expression were suppressed in ERK active cells by these drugs. Furthermore, phosphorylated-ERK immunohistochemistry corresponded to the drug responses. Regarding the relationship between RAS/Raf mutations and ERK phosphorylation, ERK was phosphorylated in one cell line (NLF) without RAS/Raf mutations.
CONCLUSION: MEK inhibitors are a promising molecular-targeted therapeutic option for ERK active neuroblastomas. The efficacy of MEK inhibitors corresponds to ERK phosphorylation, while RAS/RAF mutations are not always detected in drug-sensitive cells. Phosphorylated-ERK immunohistochemistry is thus a useful method to analyze ERK activity and predict the therapeutic effects of MEK inhibitors.

Related: Signal Transduction


Kimura K, Kishida T, Wakao J, et al.
Tumor-homing effect of human mesenchymal stem cells in a TH-MYCN mouse model of neuroblastoma.
J Pediatr Surg. 2016; 51(12):2068-2073 [PubMed] Related Publications
BACKGROUND: Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are multipotent stem-like cells that are reported to have tumor-suppression effects and migration ability toward damaged tissues or tumors. The aim of this study was to analyze the tumor-homing ability of hMSCs and antitumor potency in a transgenic TH-MYCN mouse model of neuroblastoma (NB).
METHODS: hMSCs (3×10(6)) labeled with DiR, a lipophilic near-infrared dye, were intraperitoneally (i.p.) or intravenously (i.v.) administered to the TH-MYCN mice. hMSC in vivo kinetics were assayed using the IVIS® imaging system for 24h after injection. Immunohistochemistry using human CD90 antibody was also performed to confirm the location of hMSCs in various organs and tumors. Furthermore, the survival curve of TH-MYCN mice treated with hMSCs was compared to a control group administered PBS.
RESULTS: i.p. hMSCs were recognized in the tumors of TH-MYCN mice by IVIS. hMSCs were also located inside the tumor tissue. Conversely, most of the i.v. hMSCs were captured by the lungs, and migration into the tumors was not noted. There was no significant difference in the survival between the hMSC and control groups.
CONCLUSION: The present study suggested that hMSCs may be potential tumor-specific therapeutic delivery vehicles in NB according to their homing potential to tumors.


Pressey JG, Adams J, Harkins L, et al.
In vivo expansion and activation of γδ T cells as immunotherapy for refractory neuroblastoma: A phase 1 study.
Medicine (Baltimore). 2016; 95(39):e4909 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/02/2018 Related Publications
INTRODUCTION: CD3+ γδ+ T cells comprise 2% to 5% of circulating T cells with Vγ9Vδ2+ cells the dominant circulating subtype. Vγ9Vδ2+ cells recognize non-peptide phosphoantigens and stress-associated NKG2D ligands expressed on malignant cells. Strategies that incorporate the tumoricidal properties of γδ T cells represent a promising immunotherapeutic strategy for treatment of solid malignancies including neuroblastoma (NB). In this prospective, non-randomized Phase I trial, we assessed whether circulating Vγ9Vδ2+ cells could be safely expanded using intravenous ZOL (Zoledronate [Zometa]) and subcutaneous Interleukin-2 (IL-2) in patients with refractory NB.
METHODS: Patients 2 to 21 years of age with refractory neuroblastoma with no known curative therapeutic options received ZOL on day 1, and IL-2 on days 1 to 5 and 15 to 19 of each 28-day cycle (n = 4). Lymphocyte immunophenotyping was assessed weekly. Immunophenotyping studies from the treatment group were compared with healthy pediatric controls (n = 16; range, 5y-15y) and of untreated NB disease controls (n = 9; range, 4m-18y).
RESULTS: Treatment was well tolerated with no unexpected grade 3 and 4 toxicities. Lymphocyte subset counts did not differ significantly between volunteers and disease controls with the exception of γδ+ T cell counts that were significantly higher in healthy volunteers (212 + 93 vs. 89 + 42, P = 0.05). Study patients showed increases in circulating γδ+ T cell count (3-10 fold) after the first week, increasing into the range seen in healthy volunteers (125 + 37, P = 0.1940). Interestingly, all ZOL + IL-2 treated patients showed significant increases in CD3+CD4+CD27CD127 T cells that rose weekly in 2 patients throughout the 4 weeks of observation (maximum 41% and 24% of total CD3+CD4+ T cells, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: In summary, combined ZOL and IL-2 is well tolerated and restored γδ+ T cell counts to the normal range with a moderate expansion of Natural Killer cells. Progressive increases in circulating CD4+ T cells with a regulatory phenotype cells may offset beneficial effects of this therapy.

Related: Bisphosphonates Interleukin 2 (Aldesleukin) Zoledronic acid (Zometa)


Lewington V, Lambert B, Poetschger U, et al.
(123)I-mIBG scintigraphy in neuroblastoma: development of a SIOPEN semi-quantitative reporting ,method by an international panel.
Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2017; 44(2):234-241 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/02/2018 Related Publications
PURPOSE: A robust method is required to standardise objective reporting of diagnostic (123)I-mIBG images in neuroblastoma. Prerequisites for an appropriate system are low inter- and intra-observer error and reproducibility across a broad disease spectrum. We present a new reporting method, developed and tested for SIOPEN by an international expert panel.
METHOD: Patterns of abnormal skeletal (123)I-mIBG uptake were defined and assigned numerical scores [0-6] based on disease extent within 12 body segments. Uptake intensity was excluded from the analysis. Data sets from 82 patients were scored independently by six experienced specialists as unblinded pairs (pre- and post-induction chemotherapy) and in random order as a blinded study. Response was defined as ≥50 % reduction in post induction score compared with baseline.
RESULTS: In total, 1968 image sets were reviewed individually. Response rates of 88 % and 82 % were recorded for patients with baseline skeletal scores ≤23 and 24-48 respectively, compared with 44 % response in patients with skeletal scores >48 (p = 0.02). Reducing the number of segments or extension scale had a small but statistically negative impact upon the number of responses detected. Intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] calculated for the unblinded and blinded study were 0.95 at diagnosis and 0.98 and 0.99 post-induction chemotherapy, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: The SIOPEN mIBG score method is reproducible across the full spectrum of disease in high risk neuroblastoma. Numerical assessment of skeletal disease extent avoids subjective evaluation of uptake intensity. This robust approach provides a reliable means with which to examine the role of 123I mIBG scintigraphy as a prognostic indicator in neuroblastoma.

Related: Bone Cancers


Provost C, Prignon A, Cazes A, et al.
68Ga-DOTATOC and FDG PET Imaging of Preclinical Neuroblastoma Models.
Anticancer Res. 2016; 36(9):4459-66 [PubMed] Related Publications
BACKGROUND/AIM: Somatostatine receptors subtype 2 (SSTR2) are regarded as a potential target in neuroblastoma (NB) for imaging and promising therapeutic approaches. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the SSTR2 status by (68)Ga-[tetraxetan-D-Phe1, Tyr3]-octreotide ((68)Ga-DOTATOC) positron-emission tomography (PET) and the tumour metabolic activity by (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET in different experimental models of NB.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three cell lines of human NB with different levels of expression of SSTR2 were grafted into nude mice. Animals were imaged with FDG and (68)Ga-DOTATOC and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was determined to quantify tracer uptake. Ex vivo biodistribution of (68)Ga-DOTATOC and immunohistochemical analysis of NB xenografts were performed.
RESULTS: Compared with FDG, the SUVmax of (68)Ga-DOTATOC uptake by the tumour was lower but the ratio to background was higher; there was a strong positive correlation between SUVmax values observed with the two tracers (r(2)=0.65). Sorting the cell lines according to uptake of FDG or (68)Ga-DOTATOC, injected activity per gram of tissue, Ki67 index or expression of SSTR2 assessed visually led to the same classification.
CONCLUSION: (68)Ga-DOTATOC allows preclinical imaging of NB according to the intensity of the expression of SSTR2. In contrast with what has been reported for neuroendocrine tumours, in this NB model, the (68)Ga-DOTATOC uptake was positively correlated with FDG uptake and with Ki67 index, usual markers of tumour aggressiveness. If confirmed in humans, this result would favour a theranostic application of (68)Ga-DOTATOC in NB, even in advanced stages.

Related: MKI67


Džinić T, Hartwig S, Lehr S, Dencher NA
Oxygen and differentiation status modulate the effect of X-ray irradiation on physiology and mitochondrial proteome of human neuroblastoma cells.
Arch Physiol Biochem. 2016; 122(5):257-265 [PubMed] Related Publications
Cytotoxic effects, including oxidative stress, of low linear energy transfer (LET)-ionizing radiation are often underestimated and studies of their mechanisms using cell culture models are widely conducted with cells cultivated at atmospheric oxygen that does not match its physiological levels in body tissues. Also, cell differentiation status plays a role in the outcome of experiments. We compared effects of 2 Gy X-ray irradiation on the physiology and mitochondrial proteome of nondifferentiated and human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells treated with retinoic acid cultivated at 21% and 5% O2. Irradiation did not affect the amount of subunits of OxPhos complexes and other non-OxPhos mitochondrial proteins, except for heat shock protein 70, which was increased depending on oxygen level and differentiation status. These two factors were proven to modulate mitochondrial membrane potential and the bioenergetic status of cells. We suggest, moreover, that oxygen plays a role in the differentiation of human SH-SY5Y cells.

Related: Mitochondrial Mutations in Cancer


Yurinskaya MM, Funikov SY, Evgen'ev MB, Vinokurov MG
Exogenous heat shock protein HSP70 reduces response of human neuroblastoma cells to lipopolysaccharide.
Dokl Biochem Biophys. 2016; 469(1):239-43 [PubMed] Related Publications
The effect of exogenous heat shock protein HSP70 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), TNFα secretion, and mRNA expression by human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells. It was shown that exogenous HSP70 protects neuroblastoma cells from the action of LPS. The protection mechanism of HSP70 includes a reduction in the production of ROS and TNFα and a decrease in the expression of TLR4 and IL-1β mRNA in SK-N-SH cells induced by LPS.

Related: TNF


Czapiewski P, Gorczyński A, Haybaeck J, et al.
Expression pattern of ISL-1, TTF-1 and PAX5 in olfactory neuroblastoma.
Pol J Pathol. 2016; 67(2):130-5 [PubMed] Related Publications
Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare neoplasm of the sinonasal area with neuroendocrine differentiation. ISL-1, TTF-1 and PAX5 are transcription factors that are frequently upregulated in tumors showing neuroendocrine differentiation. The aim of our study was to evaluate these markers in a group of ONBs. We included 11 ONBs from 4 large university hospitals. Immunohistochemical expression of TTF-1, PAX5 and ISL-1 was evaluated. TTF-1, ISL-1 and PAX5 were expressed in 3/11 cases (27.27%, h-score: 3-45), 7/11 cases (63.64%, h-score: 23-200), and in 3/11 cases (27.77%, h-score 3-85), respectively. The patient with the strongest PAX5 reactivity exhibited an aggressive clinical course with rapid dissemination to the spine and death shortly after the diagnosis. No significant correlation in the expression of PAX5 and TTF-1 ( = 0.43; p = 0.18) was observed. ISL-1 is widely expressed in tumors with neuroendocrine differentiation and therefore of limited value in their differential diagnosis. TTF-1 positivity does not exclude the diagnosis of primary ONB, although usually only a small percentage of cells are positive. PAX5 expression is infrequent (27.27%) in ONB; however, if present it can be associated with a very aggressive clinical course.


Sousa NV, Marques de Oliveira LC, Cortez PJ, et al.
A rare case of Ganglioneuroblastoma Encapsulated in Pheochromocytoma.
Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove). 2016; 59(2):67-9 [PubMed] Related Publications
Pheochromocytoma and Ganglioneuroblastoma are separate diseases and a rare combination in which the diagnosis can only be confirmed by pathological examination after tumor excision. We reported here a case of ganglioneuroblastoma encapsulated in pheochromocytoma. The patient is a woman, 73 years old, hypertensive, with hypothyroidism, associated for 15 years with hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, which had frequent complaints of low back pain. She underwent magnetic resonance and the findings were consistent with the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. After surgery, anatomic, pathologic and immunohistochemistry analysis confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma composed by small ganglioneuroblastoma representation with the identification of small focus of infiltration of the adrenal capsule and adipose tissue by pheochromocytoma. This rare association can instigate the discussion of methods of diagnosis, more effective and more appropriate treatments for each patient.


Corroyer-Dulmont A, Falzone N, Kersemans V, et al.
MRI-guided radiotherapy of the SK-N-SH neuroblastoma xenograft model using a small animal radiation research platform.
Br J Radiol. 2017; 90(1069):20160427 [PubMed] Related Publications
OBJECTIVE: Neuroblastoma has one of the lowest survival rates of all childhood cancers, despite the use of intensive treatment regimens. Preclinical models of neuroblastoma are essential for testing new multimodality protocols, including those that involve radiotherapy (RT). The aim of this study was to develop a robust method for RT planning and tumour response monitoring based on combined MRI and cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging and to apply it to a widely studied mouse xenograft model of neuroblastoma, SK-N-SH.
METHODS: As part of a tumour growth inhibition study, SK-N-SH xenografts were generated in BALB/c nu/nu mice. Mice (n = 8) were placed in a printed MR- and CT-compatible plastic cradle, imaged using a 4.7-T MRI scanner and then transferred to a small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) irradiator with on-board CBCT. MRI/CBCT co-registration was performed to enable RT planning using the soft-tissue contrast afforded by MRI prior to delivery of RT (5 Gy). Tumour response was assessed by serial MRI and calliper measurements.
RESULTS: SK-N-SH xenografts formed soft, deformable tumours that could not be differentiated from surrounding normal tissues using CBCT. MR images, which allowed clear delineation of tumours, were successfully co-registered with CBCT images, allowing conformal RT to be delivered. MRI measurements of tumour volume 4 days after RT correlated strongly with length of survival time.
CONCLUSION: MRI allowed precision RT of SK-N-SH tumours and provided an accurate means of measuring tumour response. Advances in knowledge: MRI-based RT planning of murine tumours is feasible using an SARRP irradiator.


Jo DS, Shin DW, Park SJ, et al.
Attenuation of Aβ toxicity by promotion of mitochondrial fusion in neuroblastoma cells by liquiritigenin.
Arch Pharm Res. 2016; 39(8):1137-43 [PubMed] Related Publications
Mitochondrial dynamics control mitochondrial morphology and function, and aberrations in these are associated with various neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. To identify novel regulators of mitochondrial dynamics, we screened a phytochemical library and identified liquiritigenin as a potent inducer of mitochondrial fusion. Treatment with liquiritigenin induced an elongated mitochondrial morphology in SK-N-MC cells. In addition, liquiritigenin rescued mitochondrial fragmentation induced by knockout of mitochondrial fusion mediators such as Mfn1, Mfn2, and Opa1. Furthermore, we found that treatment with liquiritigenin notably inhibited mitochondrial fragmentation and cytotoxicity induced by Aβ in SK-N-MC cells.


Fornaguera C, Feiner-Gracia N, Calderó G, et al.
PLGA nanoparticles from nano-emulsion templating as imaging agents: Versatile technology to obtain nanoparticles loaded with fluorescent dyes.
Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2016; 147:201-9 [PubMed] Related Publications
The interest in polymeric nanoparticles as imaging systems for biomedical applications has increased notably in the last decades. In this work, PLGA nanoparticles, prepared from nano-emulsion templating, have been used to prepare novel fluorescent imaging agents. Two model fluorescent dyes were chosen and dissolved in the oil phase of the nano-emulsions together with PLGA. Nano-emulsions were prepared by the phase inversion composition (PIC) low-energy method. Fluorescent dye-loaded nanoparticles were obtained by solvent evaporation of nano-emulsion templates. PLGA nanoparticles loaded with the fluorescent dyes showed hydrodynamic radii lower than 40nm; markedly lower than those reported in previous studies. The small nanoparticle size was attributed to the nano-emulsification strategy used. PLGA nanoparticles showed negative surface charge and enough stability to be used for biomedical imaging purposes. Encapsulation efficiencies were higher than 99%, which was also attributed to the nano-emulsification approach as well as to the low solubility of the dyes in the aqueous component. Release kinetics of both fluorescent dyes from the nanoparticle dispersions was pH-independent and sustained. These results indicate that the dyes could remain encapsulated enough time to reach any organ and that the decrease of the pH produced during cell internalization by the endocytic route would not affect their release. Therefore, it can be assumed that these nanoparticles are appropriate as systemic imaging agents. In addition, in vitro toxicity tests showed that nanoparticles are non-cytotoxic. Consequently, it can be concluded that the preparation of PLGA nanoparticles from nano-emulsion templating represents a very versatile technology that enables obtaining biocompatible, biodegradable and safe imaging agents suitable for biomedical purposes.


Salet MC, Vogels R, Brons P, et al.
Maturation toward neuronal tissue in a Ewing sarcoma of bone after chemotherapy.
Diagn Pathol. 2016; 11(1):74 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/02/2018 Related Publications
BACKGROUND: Ewing sarcoma is the second most common bone tumor, occurring mainly in children and young adults. It shows a typical primitive, small round cell morphology and a characteristic fusion oncogene involving EWSR1 and members of the ETS family in most of the cases. Neuronal maturation after chemotherapy is a rare phenomenon and we herein describe such an exceptional case.
CASE PRESENTATION: An 8-year old boy was diagnosed with a Ewing sarcoma in the left femur. On biopsy the morphology was typical and there was an EWSR1-FLI1 gene fusion. He underwent neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and resection of the tumor. On microscopic evaluation, part of the tumor showed ganglioneuroblastoma-like differentiation with expression of neuronal markers. The continued presence of EWSR1 rearrangement in both the blue round cell component and the ganglioneuroblastoma-like component was shown by FISH analysis.
CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this case describes the possibility of a Ewing sarcoma to differentiate into a ganglioneuroblastoma-like lesion after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy treatment; the prognostic value of this phenomenon remains questionable.

Related: Doxorubicin Etoposide Ifosfamide Ewing's Sarcoma Vincristine EWSR1


van As JW, van den Berg H, van Dalen EC
Different infusion durations for preventing platinum-induced hearing loss in children with cancer.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016; (8):CD010885 [PubMed] Related Publications
BACKGROUND: Platinum-based therapy, including cisplatin, carboplatin or oxaliplatin, or a combination of these, is used to treat a variety of paediatric malignancies. Unfortunately, one of the most important adverse effects is the occurrence of hearing loss or ototoxicity. In an effort to prevent this ototoxicity, different platinum infusion durations have been studied. This review is an update of a previously published Cochrane review.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of different durations of platinum infusion to prevent hearing loss or tinnitus, or both, in children with cancer. Secondary objectives were to assess possible effects of these infusion durations on: a) anti-tumour efficacy of platinum-based therapy, b) adverse effects other than hearing loss or tinnitus, and c) quality of life.
SEARCH METHODS: We searched the electronic databases Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; The Cochrane Library 2016, Issue 4), MEDLINE (PubMed) (1945 to 18 May 2016) and EMBASE (Ovid) (1980 to 18 May 2016). In addition, we handsearched reference lists of relevant articles and we assessed the conference proceedings of the International Society for Paediatric Oncology (2009 up to and including 2015) and the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (2014 and 2015). We scanned ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP; apps.who.int/trialsearch) for ongoing trials (searched on 20 May 2016 and 24 May 2016 respectively).
SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing different platinum infusion durations in children with cancer. Only the platinum infusion duration could differ between the treatment groups.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently performed the study selection, risk of bias assessment and GRADE assessment of included studies, and data extraction including adverse effects. Analyses were performed according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.
MAIN RESULTS: We identified one RCT and no CCTs; in this update no additional studies were identified. The RCT (total number of children = 91) evaluated the use of a continuous cisplatin infusion (N = 43) versus a one-hour bolus cisplatin infusion (N = 48) in children with neuroblastoma. For the continuous infusion, cisplatin was administered on days 1 to 5 of the cycle but it is unclear if the infusion duration was a total of 5 days. Methodological limitations were present. Only results from shortly after induction therapy were provided. No clear evidence of a difference in hearing loss (defined as asymptomatic and symptomatic disease combined) between the different infusion durations was identified as results were imprecise (risk ratio (RR) 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47 to 4.13, low quality evidence). Although the numbers of children were not provided, it was stated that tumour response was equivalent in both treatment arms. With regard to adverse effects other than ototoxicity we were only able to assess toxic deaths. Again, the confidence interval of the estimated effect was too wide to exclude differences between the treatment groups (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.07 to 17.31, low quality evidence). No data were available for the other outcomes of interest (i.e. tinnitus, overall survival, event-free survival and quality of life) or for other (combinations of) infusion durations or other platinum analogues.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Since only one eligible RCT evaluating the use of a continuous cisplatin infusion versus a one-hour bolus cisplatin infusion was found, and that had methodological limitations, no definitive conclusions can be made. It should be noted that 'no evidence of effect', as identified in this review, is not the same as 'evidence of no effect'. For other (combinations of) infusion durations and other platinum analogues no eligible studies were identified. More high quality research is needed.

Related: Carboplatin Cisplatin Oxaliplatin


Chen Y, Tsai YH, Tseng BJ, et al.
Suppression of miR-19b enhanced the cytotoxic effects of mTOR inhibitors in human neuroblastoma cells.
J Pediatr Surg. 2016; 51(11):1818-1825 [PubMed] Related Publications
BACKGROUND: Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors exert significant antitumor effects on several cancer cell types. In this study, we investigated the effects of mTOR inhibitors, in particular the regulation of the microRNA, in neuroblastoma cells.
METHODS: AZD8055 (a new mTOR inhibitor)- or rapamycin-induced cytotoxic effects on neuroblastoma cells were studied. Western blotting was used to investigate the expression of various proteins in the mTOR pathway. MicroRNA precursors and antagomirs were transfected into cells to manipulate the expression of target microRNA.
RESULTS: AZD8055 exerted stronger cytotoxic effects than rapamycin in neuroblastoma cells (p<0.03). In addition, AZD8055 suppressed the mTOR pathway and increased the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) in the neuroblastoma cells. AZD8055 significantly decreased miR-19b expression (p<0.005); in contrast, rapamycin increased miR-19b expression (p<0.05). Transfection of miR-19b antagomir into the neuroblastoma cells mimicked the effects of AZD8055 treatment, whereas miR-19b overexpression reversed the effects of AZD8055. Combination of miR-19b knockdown and rapamycin treatment significantly improved the sensitivity of neuroblastoma cells to rapamycin (p<0.02).
CONCLUSION: Suppression of miR-19b may enhance the cytotoxic effects of mTOR inhibitors in neuroblastoma cells.

Related: MicroRNAs MTOR


Hatten J, McGuffin A, Mogul M
Inconspicuous Presentation of Metastatic Neuroblastoma.
W V Med J. 2016 Jul-Aug; 112(4):38-41 [PubMed] Related Publications
Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor arising from nerve tissue that accounts for approximately 15 percent of pediatric cancer fatalities. Primary tumors most commonly arise in sympathetic nervous tissue of the abdomen and metastasize to the bone marrow, liver, and lymph nodes. This case report depicts a 3-year-old girl who presented with a recurring fever, runny nose, and a positive test for rhinovirus suggesting a simple case of the common cold. Further investigation, however, revealed stage 4 neuroblastoma. This patient experience emphasizes the importance of having a high level of suspicion to rule out more serious underlying pathology in a seemingly unremarkable patient presentation.


Hada M, Subramanian C, Andrews PC, Kwok RP
Cytosolic Ku70 regulates Bax-mediated cell death.
Tumour Biol. 2016; 37(10):13903-13914 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/02/2018 Related Publications
The first known function of Ku70 is as a DNA repair factor in the nucleus. Using neuronal neuroblastoma cells as a model, we have established that cytosolic Ku70 binds to the pro-apoptotic protein Bax in the cytosol and blocks Bax's cell death activity. Ku70-Bax binding is regulated by Ku70 acetylation in that when Ku70 is acetylated Bax dissociates from Ku70, triggering cell death. We propose that Ku70 may act as a survival factor in these cells such that Ku70 depletion triggers Bax-dependent cell death. Here, we addressed two fundamental questions about this model: (1) Does all Bax, which is a cytosolic protein, bind to all cytosolic Ku70? and (2) Is Ku70 a survival factor in cells types other than neuronal neuroblastoma cells? We show here that, in neuronal neuroblastoma cells, only a small fraction of Ku70 binds to a small fraction of Bax; most Bax is monomeric. Interestingly, there is no free or monomeric Ku70 in the cytosol; most cytosolic Ku70 is in complex with other factors forming several high molecular weight complexes. A fraction of cytosolic Ku70 also binds to cytosolic Ku80, Ku70's binding partner in the nucleus. Ku70 may not be a survival factor in some cell types (Ku70-depletion less sensitive) because Ku70 depletion does not affect survival of these cells. These results indicate that, in addition to Ku70 acetylation, other factors may be involved in regulating Ku70-Bax binding in the Ku70-depletion less sensitive cells because Ku70 acetylation in these cells is not sufficient to dissociate Bax from Ku70 or to activate Bax.

Related: Apoptosis Ovarian Cancer


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