Metastatic neuroblastoma in infancy: what does the pattern of metastases contribute to prognosis?
BACKGROUND
The purpose was to investigate the influence of metastatic pattern and primary extension over midline on prognosis of infants with metastatic neuroblastoma.


METHODS
Data of 317 consecutive infants with metastatic neuroblastoma were analyzed.


RESULTS
The amount of bone marrow infiltration (<10% vs. >10%) proved to be the most important factor and was more important than the presence of bone metastases. A disadvantage in outcome for patients with distant lymph node, intracranial, or atypical metastases or for patients with primary extension over midline could not be demonstrated. However, in the subgroup of patients treated with limited treatment, primary extension over midline proved a risk factor.


CONCLUSIONS
A redefinition of Stage 4S on an international basis is suggested.
Hero
B
B
Children's Hospital, University of Cologne, Köln, Germany. barbara.hero@medizin.uni-koeln.de
Simon
T
T
Horz
S
S
Berthold
F
F
D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies