Neuroblastoma natural history

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Complications

• Spread (metastasis) of the tumor
• Damage and loss of function of involved organ(s)
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver failure
  • Loss of blood cells produced by the bone marrow
  • Decreased resistance to infection
  • Other organ system failures

Prognosis

The prognosis of neuroblastoma is poor and it depends on the following:

• Whether or not the tumor can be removed by surgery.
• The stage of the cancer: the size of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread
• The child’s general health

Post-treatment prognosis

After it is declared that the disease is gone, it often comes back. Further treatment is then required. This can be problematic because some treatments, such as chemotherapy, have cumulative effects and side-effects therefore can increase significantly if used again.

Intensive chemotherapy and radiation therapy have known long-term negative consequences. An estimated two of three survivors of childhood cancer will ultimately develop at least one chronic and sometimes life-threatening health problem within 20 to 30 years after the cancer diagnosis.