Screening for neuroblastoma in late infancy by use of EIA (enzyme-linked immunoassay) method: 115000 screened infants in Austria.
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a neuroblastoma screening programme for children in late infancy, based on collaboration of general paediatricians and practitioners in Austria, using the technique of enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA) for biochemical analyses. Analysis of catecholamine metabolites in spot urine samples by EIA with high performance liquid chromatography as a backup was undertaken. Austrian infants (median age 8.7 months) were screened. Overall compliance was 30%. The EIA method had a high rate (6.7%) of false-positive results. 28 infants were admitted to hospital. In 15 cases, neuroblastoma was found (four stage 1, five stage 2B, six stage 3). The EIA method can be used for neuroblastoma screening, but requires a backup analytical technique in order to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions. The stage distribution and biological features of neuroblastomas diagnosed by screening at a later age are different from those detected by earlier screening. Screening in late infancy might be of more benefit than early screening.
Kerbl
R
R
University Children's Hospital (Division of Haematology/Oncology), Graz, Austria.
Urban
C E
CE
Ambros
P F
PF
Lackner
H
H
Ladenstein
R
R
Spuller
E
E
Mutz
I
I
Ambros
I
I
Amann
G
G
Gadner
H
H
Parker
L
L
D001317:Austria; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000652:urine; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000652:urine; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007223:Infant; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy / Q000652:urine; D010349:Patient Compliance; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002395:Catecholamines