Intensification of therapy using hematopoietic stem-cell support for high-risk neuroblastoma

The use of new strategies for dose intensification using peripheral blood stem cell or autologous purged bone marrow rescue has raised expectations for cure in advanced neuroblastoma, although conflicting reports exist regarding the efficacy of these approaches. Using risk groups based on both biological and clinical staging, the Children's Cancer Group and the Pediatric Oncology Group have agreed upon common prognostic criteria for treatment stratification. We summarize below the prognostic classification and treatment approaches that have improved the overall outcome for children with advanced neuroblastoma. Intensive induction therapy, myeloablative therapy, hematopoietic stem cell purging, and post-transplant therapy for minimal residual disease all have an important role in the treatment. Possible future improvements may incorporate more tumor-specific therapy with targeted radiotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, tumor vaccines, and differentiating agents.