Neuroblastoma in Infants: Long-Term Survival From INES Protocols A SIOPEN Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Cancer Genomics

Background:

• Neuroblastoma is a common infant extracranial solid tumor with variable prognosis.
• Spontaneous regression occurs, but late relapses and treatment toxicity are concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess long-term (10-year) survival and prognostic factors in infants with neuroblastoma.
• To identify subgroups at risk for late events or treatment-related toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 750 infants under 12 months with neuroblastoma from the prospective INES protocols (1999-2004).
• Updated follow-up data and survival analyses were performed.
• Prognostic factors including age, stage, genomic profile, and MYCN amplification were evaluated.

Main Results:

• 10-year overall survival was 91.1% and event-free survival was 82.4%.
• Infants under 6 months had significantly better outcomes than those aged 6-12 months.
• MYCN amplification was the strongest negative prognostic factor, especially in metastatic disease.

Conclusions:

• Long-term survival for infants with neuroblastoma is excellent and stable.
• MYCN-amplified tumors have a poor prognosis, requiring accurate risk stratification.
• No significant difference in long-term outcomes or lethal toxicity was observed compared to previous INES data.