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Mass screening for neuroblastoma in infants
Meng Wei1, Mujie Ye1, Kuiran Dong1,2
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.
Discovery Medicine
|December 31, 2020
Summary
Neuroblastoma screening uses urinary biomarkers like homovanillic acid, but its impact on mortality remains unproven. Further trials are needed to assess the benefits and risks before resuming mass screening for this pediatric tumor.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Cancer Screening
- Biomarker Detection
Background:
- Neuroblastoma (NB) is the sole pediatric tumor subject to nationwide screening.
- Screening involves detecting urinary homovanillic acid (HVA) and/or vanillylmandelic acid (VMA).
- The effectiveness of NB screening in reducing mortality has not been definitively established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review international data on neuroblastoma incidence and mortality rates in screened populations.
- To analyze variations in screening age, detection methodologies, and diagnostic biomarkers.
- To evaluate the evidence supporting or refuting the mortality benefit of NB mass screening.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of international mass screening data for neuroblastoma.
- Review of incidence and mortality trends associated with NB screening programs.
- Examination of differences in screening protocols, including age, detection methods, and biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Data from international mass screening programs were compared for incidence and mortality rates.
- Variations in screening age, detection methods, and biomarkers were analyzed.
- The review did not establish a confirmed reduction in mortality due to NB screening.
Conclusions:
- The established link between neuroblastoma screening and reduced mortality requires further investigation.
- A well-designed clinical trial is necessary to explore the potential benefits and harms of NB mass screening.
- Resuming mass screening for neuroblastoma should be contingent upon evidence from rigorous trials.
