Neuroblastoma, a tumor that can regress spontaneously

This is arguably the most striking case of spontaneous regression in some neuroblastomas. It is the most common extracerebral solid malignancy in young children. Derived from cells at the origin of the sympathetic nervous system, it can be found in front of the spinal column. Some neuroblastoma are aggressive and require intensive treatment, others, on the contrary, are more indolent and may even regress spontaneously. “In the 1980s, some, including the Rhône-Alpes region of France, decided to detect neuroblastomas early by measuring urinary catecholamines, a hormone secreted by these tumors. We then observed a 50% increase in the incidence of diagnosed neuroblastomas, but no increase in survival. A more detailed analysis showed that we had detected a neuroblastoma that was likely to regress spontaneously.says P^r: Olivier Delattre, pediatric oncologist…