Association of N-myc amplification with neuroblastoma: the Australian and New Zealand experience

Tumour samples from 38 patients with neuroblastoma were analysed for the presence of N-myc amplification. N-myc gene copy number in tumour DNA was determined by Southern blotting, and by dilution analysis where appropriate. Available clinical data, obtained at tissue collection and by subsequent questionnaire included patient age at diagnosis, catecholamine, ferritin and neuron-specific enolase levels, treatment and disease status. This study was designed to investigate the use of N-myc amplification data as an additional indicator for determination of prognosis. Patients with amplified N-myc had more rapid disease progression than those without amplification (P less than 0.005). Stratification of Stage III and IV patients using N-myc amplification permitted identification of a subgroup with poorer prognosis. The results demonstrate that determination of N-myc amplification is important in assessment of prognosis and subsequent treatment in patients with neuroblastoma.