[Better survival in neuroblastoma?]

This study compares the five year absolute survival rates among neuroblastoma patients treated at the National Hospital, Oslo, during two periods of time, 1985-90 and 1967-81. The treatment regimens differed, the main difference was more radical operations and more intensive chemotherapy during the period 1985-90 (n = 27) than in 1967-81 (n = 58). The intensified treatment was accomplished without operative mortality and without lethal complications associated with the cytostatic medication. For localized neuroblastoma the survival rate rose from 64% to 93%. The results obtained for disseminated neuroblastoma (Evans' stage IV) remained poor, however, with survival rates of 0% in 1967-81 and 17% in 1985-90.