Genetic variations may predispose children to develop high-risk neuroblastoma

Researchers from the University of Chicago (IL, USA) have published findings indicating that genetic variations appear to predispose children to developing certain severe forms of neuroblastoma. The report, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, focused specifically on MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma and could aid the development of more targeted treatments for pediatric brain cancers. In neuroblastoma, children placed in lower-risk categories experience a 95% survival rate with minimal treatment. However, children classified as high-risk have a 50% survival rate, and undergo an intensive treatment strategy that typically includes high-dose chemotherapy, surgery, stem cell transplant, radiation and immunotherapy. It has...