Neuroblastoma overview--1986

Understanding of the biology of neuroblastoma has advanced dramatically in the last several decades. Misunderstood and misdiagnosed in the early years of this century, neuroblastoma is now the prototypic model for research in the molecular biology and genetics of the transformed cell. It is through these advances in knowledge of the malignant process, and of neuroblastoma itself, that exquisitely targeted therapies will shortly evolve. These include not only immunologic approaches through monoclonal antibodies, but also the exploitation of metabolic pathways. Radioactive meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) is among the most promising of the latter methods. It is deservedly undergoing clinical tests for its diagnostic and therapeutic applications in the management of neuroblastoma patients.