Neuroblastoma in the adult: effective combination chemotherapy

Although neuroblastoma occurs most frequently in children, it also may occur in adults and has been considered of poor prognosis. Six adult patients (greater than 16 years of age) with widespread neuroblastoma diagnosed between 1974 and 1976 are described. Five were treated with a combination of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, adriamycin and dimethyl triazeno imidazole carboxamide (CYVADIC). The sixth received a similar regimen in which actinomycin D was substituted for dimethyl triazeno imidazole carboxamide (CYVADACT). There were two complete responses and three partial responses. The median duration of survival is in excess of 11 months. The results indicate that effective chemotherapy is now available for these patients and the achievement of remission and prolongation of survival are realistic goals in neuroblastoma.