Stage 4S neuroblastoma, a disseminated tumor with excellent outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To review the clinical features and outcome of all cases of stage 4S neuroblastoma treated at our center.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the files of all patients (n=75) with neuroblastoma treated at King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between 1986 and 2005. We studied the clinical features and outcome of patients with stage 4S neuroblastoma.


RESULTS
Six patients (8%) were confirmed to have stage 4S neuroblastoma. Three were boys with a median age at diagnosis of 4.5 months (range 28 days-11 months). Four patients required no intervention. The remaining 2 patients were treated with chemotherapy due to progressive hepatomegaly and respiratory distress. No patient required radiotherapy or surgical intervention. With a median follow up of 4 years (range 9 months-15.5 years), all patients are alive and well. Two patients continue to have a residual abdominal mass, while complete resolution occurred in the others.


CONCLUSIONS
Stage 4S neuroblastoma is a special tumor that carries excellent prognosis. Spontaneous regression may occur and intervention is only required in symptomatic patients.
Elimam
Najla A
NA
Pediatric Oncology/Hematology Section, Princess Noorah Oncology Center, King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Atra
Ayad A
AA
Fayea
Najwa Y
NY
Al-Asaad
Tareq G
TG
Khattab
Taha M
TM
Al-Sulami
Ganadeel A
GA
Felimban
Sami K
SK
D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000473:pathology; D000367:Age Factors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005047:Etoposide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006529:Hepatomegaly / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009365:Neoplasm Regression, Spontaneous; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014750:Vincristine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D014750:Vincristine; D005047:Etoposide; D004317:Doxorubicin; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D016190:Carboplatin