4S neuroblastoma: the long-term outcome

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Clinical Genetics
• Radiology

Background:

• Stage 4S neuroblastoma has high survival rates (70-90%) due to spontaneous resolution.
• Limited long-term follow-up data exists for disease status and late effects in survivors.
• This study aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes and imaging findings in stage 4S neuroblastoma survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term clinical outcomes in survivors of stage 4S neuroblastoma.
• To evaluate imaging findings in long-term survivors of stage 4S neuroblastoma.
• To identify potential late effects and residual abnormalities in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A single-center study identified 31 consecutive patients with stage 4S neuroblastoma over 26 years.
• Twenty-five patients were identified as long-term survivors and underwent clinical examination.
• Abdominal ultrasound, liver function tests, hepatitis viral screening, and urinary catecholamines were performed on survivors.

Main Results:

• The mean age at diagnosis was 8 weeks, with survivors studied at a mean age of 11 years and 10 months.
• Most survivors (20/25) had no significant clinical findings, but three had disease-related abnormalities (neurological, nodules).
• Abnormal liver ultrasound findings were present in 12 patients, and three had persistent adrenal abnormalities; treatment did not correlate with hepatic findings.

Conclusions:

• The majority of long-term stage 4S neuroblastoma survivors exhibit no clinically significant sequelae but do have residual abnormalities.
• These residual abnormalities, including hepatic and adrenal changes, have implications for managing unrelated medical conditions.
• Long-term surveillance and management strategies should consider these potential late effects in survivors.