[Neuroblastoma trial to overcome a rare malignant disease]

Neuroblastoma is one of the main causes of children's deaths in Japan and many developed countries, although it is a rather rare pediatric cancer. Many clinical studies have been carried out and reported. The clinical study system of Japan is much different from the systems of the other countries. In Japan, the main hospitals, where clinical study including clinical trials have been conducted, are not only national centers but also many regional or prefectural centers. Progression-free survival has been achieved in over 80% of low-risk patients,and in about 40% of high-risk patients. These are the same as the outcomes of neuroblastoma patients in European countries and North America. Further clinical studies and translational research should be planned especially regarding high-risk neuroblastomas.