Imaging neuroblastoma: what the radiologist needs to know

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Medical Imaging
• Cancer Staging

Background:

• Neuroblastoma is the most common childhood extracranial solid tumor with variable behavior.
• Inconsistent risk stratification factors historically hindered global clinical trial comparisons and treatment advancements.
• The International Neuroblastoma Risk Group (INRG) was formed to establish a unified approach to pretreatment risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group Staging System (INRGSS).
• To explain the role and application of imaging-defined risk factors (IDRFs) in neuroblastoma staging.
• To highlight the increased importance of radiologists in the pretreatment staging of pediatric neuroblastoma.

Main Methods:

• Development of a consensus approach for pretreatment risk stratification by the INRG.
• Identification and validation of imaging-defined risk factors (IDRFs).
• Establishment of the INRG Staging System (INRGSS) based on IDRFs determined pre-therapeutically.

Main Results:

• The INRGSS provides a standardized method for neuroblastoma risk stratification.
• IDRFs are crucial for determining risk before surgery or other interventions.
• The INRGSS increases the radiologist's role in staging pediatric neuroblastoma.

Conclusions:

• The INRGSS offers a standardized, imaging-based approach to neuroblastoma staging.
• Consistent application of INRGSS and IDRFs facilitates global research collaboration.
• Improved risk stratification through INRGSS is expected to enhance treatment strategies and patient survival outcomes.