Neuroblastoma - Experience in One Center -

신경모세포종 -15년간 한 병원에서의 임상적 경험-

Neuroblastoma treatment remains challenging, but treatment has become more effective due to the establishment of clinical and biological variables that determine prognostic risks. Initially, stage and age were the prime determinants of survival used in clinical practice. Risk-based therapy currently is the hallmark of neuroblastoma treatment. This study reviews one center's experience with the management of neuroblastoma. Sixty-three patients with neuroblastoma were treated from 1989 to 2003. All patients were graded according to the International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS) at diagnosis. There were 37 boys and 26 girls. The median age was 2.14 years (range, 33 days-10.2years). The primary site was the adrenal gland in 47, dumbbell shape extending into spinal canal in 6, retroperitoneum in 5, mediastinum in 3, and other sites in 2. The probability of 5-year overall survival (OS) and event free survival (EFS) were 46.7 % and 44.2 % by Kaplan-Meier method. According to INSS, there were stage 1 in 2 cases, stage 2 in 5, stage 3 in 12, stage 4 in 42, and stage 4s in 2. There were statistically significant differences in the survival rates between patients with stage1, 2 and stage 3, 4(P<0.05). For the stage 3 and 4, the extents of surgical resection, determined from the operative records and pathologies, were complete resection in 17 cases, minimal residual in 15, and partial resection 11, and the 5-year OS rate was 57.8, 51.4, and 13.6 %, respectively. There is a trend toward higher OS with more complete resection (P<0.05). We conclude that age and stage at diagnosis are prognostic factors, and complete excision of the primary tumor can provide better prognosis for patients with stage 3 and 4 neuroblastoma.