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Incidence of neuroblastoma in infancy in Japan
Insights
Mass screening for neuroblastoma in infants using a vanilmandelic acid (VMA) spot test is effective. This method, combined with physical exams, aids in early detection of childhood neuroblastoma.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Biochemical Screening
Background:
- Neuroblastoma is a significant childhood cancer.
- Early detection is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of mass screening for neuroblastoma in infants.
- To assess the incidence and detection rates of neuroblastoma in young children.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a vanilmandelic acid (VMA) spot test for mass screening of 6-month-old infants.
- Analysis of neuroblastoma case data registered in Kyoto City from 1974-1982.
- Calculation of incidence and detection rates based on population and birth data.
Main Results:
- Fifteen (48.4%) of 31 childhood neuroblastoma cases were diagnosed in infants under 1 year old.
- The annual incidence of childhood neuroblastoma was 13.3 per million children under 15.
- The annual detection rate in infancy reached 93 per million live births between 1974 and 1982.
Conclusions:
- Mass screening using the VMA spot test can effectively detect neuroblastoma in infancy.
- A combination of VMA testing and physical examination enhances early diagnosis of neuroblastoma.
Abstract:
Since 1974, we have been mass screening for neuroblastoma in 6-month-old infants using a VMA (vanilmandelic acid) spot test in Kyoto City. Fifteen (48.4%) of the 31 childhood neuroblastoma cases registered in this city during the recent 8-year-period, 1974-1982, were under 1 year of age. The annual number of cases per year was 3.9 cases under 15 years with 1.9 cases under 1 year of age. As the number of children under 15 years of age in this city was 292,000 according to the National Census of the Human Population in 1975, the annual incidence of this tumor in childhood was 3.9/292,000 (13.3/million). And as the number of live births was 161,153, the annual detection rate for this tumor in infancy increased to 15/161,153 (93/million) from 1974 to 1982. We found that many neuroblastomas could be detected in infancy by a VMA spot test and/or a careful physical examination.