Research progress of neuroblastoma related gene variations

Neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor among children, is an embryonal tumor originating from undifferentiated neural crest cell. Neuroblastomas are highly heterogeneous, represented by the wide range of clinical presentations and likelihood of cure, ranging from spontaneous regression to relentless progression despite rigorous multimodal treatments. Approximately, 50% of cases are high-risk with overall survival rates less than 40%. With the efforts to collect large numbers of clinically annotated specimens and the advancements in technologies, researchers have revealed numerous genetic alterations that may drive tumor growth. However, the most lack mutations in genes that are recurrently mutated, which inspires researchers to identify disrupted pathways instead of single mutated genes to unearth biological systems perturbed in neuroblastoma. Stratification of patients and target therapy based on their molecular signatures have been the center of focus. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the recent advances in identification of candidate genes variations, targeted approaches to high-risk neuroblastoma and evaluates the methods utilized for detection, which will provide new avenues to develop therapies and further genetic researches.