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Population-based and controlled study to evaluate neuroblastoma screening at one year of age in Germany: interim
F H Schilling1, F Berthold, R Erttmann
1Olgahospital, Pediatrics 5, Stuttgart, Germany. fhs@nbs.s.shuttle.de
Insights
The German Neuroblastoma Screening Project evaluated mass screening for neuroblastoma (a childhood cancer) in infants. This study found 124 preclinical cases, crucial for future screening program decisions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Public Health Screening
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The German Neuroblastoma Screening Project is a pioneering controlled, population-based study.
- It investigates the benefits of mass screening for neuroblastoma in infants aged 10-18 months.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and impact of mass screening for neuroblastoma.
- To determine the feasibility and yield of early detection through screening.
Main Methods:
- Screening conducted in 6 German states, with the remaining states serving as controls.
- Involves examining 1,199,165 children for urinary catecholamine metabolites.
- Utilizes the German Childhood Cancer Registry for comprehensive follow-up and identification of false-negative cases.
Main Results:
- Detected 124 preclinical neuroblastoma cases up to December 1999.
- Achieved a detection rate of 10.3 per 100,000 children screened.
- Identified 33 false-negative cases within the screened cohort.
Conclusions:
- Findings are vital for informing the future implementation of neuroblastoma screening programs.
- The study provides critical data on the efficacy and challenges of population-based neuroblastoma screening.
Background:
The German Neuroblastoma Screening Project is the first controlled and population-based screening study to evaluate the presumed benefit of neuroblastoma mass screening at 1 year of age (10-18 months).
Procedure:
Screening takes place in 6 of the 16 German states; children from the remainder serve as controls. The German Childhood Cancer Registry enables a mostly complete follow-up and detection of false-negative patients.
Results:
Up to December, 1999, 1,199,165 children were examined for urinary catecholamine metabolites and 124 cases of neuroblastoma were detected preclinically, giving a detection rate of 10.3/100,000. Within this cohort, 33 false-negative cases were found.
Conclusions:
The results of this screening program will be crucial for further implementation of neuroblastoma screening.