Neuroblastoma Cancer Treatment in Indore

Neuroblastoma Cancer - Management and Overview.

Neuroblastoma is a form of cancer that arises due to immature nerve cells known as neuroblasts and mostly in the areas of the adrenal glands, which are above the kidneys. It is mostly found in young children and infants whose age is not more than 5 years. The neuroblastoma may also develop in the abdomen, chest, neck or spine.

This type of cancer may present low to high-risk cases that may self-heal or need a very aggressive treatment mode.

🔹 Causes and Risk Factors

Neuroblastoma is not well understood in terms of its cause, although genetic alterations are involved. Risk factors include:

Neuroblastoma has a rare history in the family (family history.

Genetic mutation in some genes (ex, ALK, PHOX2B)

Under 5 years (the highest numbers are registered in toddlers and babies)

Environmental factors and the lifestyle of parents do not cause neuroblastoma.

🔹 Common Symptoms

The symptoms are dependent on the location and the size of tumours, but they could include:

Abdominal mass or swelling

Suffering or limping (in case the tumour touches bones).

Drowsiness and general weakness.

Unexplained fever

Anorexia and anorexia nervosa.

Peritraumatic bruising of the face and eyes (raccoon eyes).

Difficulty in breathing (in case the tumour is located in the chest).

Rare cases (release of hormones by tumour) result in high blood pressure or watery diarrhoea.

Diagnosis at an early stage is essential to enhance the results.

🔹 Diagnosis of Neuroblastoma

Diagnosis normally requires a combination of the following tests:

Physical assessment: Examine in terms of lumps, swellings or pain.

Imaging test: ultrasound test, X-ray, CT, MRI, MIBG test.

Laboratory tests: Blood tests and urine tests of catecholamine levels.

Biopsy: Establishes cancer and is used to identify the type of tumour.

Genetic and molecular testing: Finding out the mutation to help in treatment.

Neuroblastoma has no cure; however, multiple treatment methods are available to control its progression.

Treatment is based on the age of the child, stage of tumour and risk group (low, intermediate, and high-risk).

1. Surgery

First-line therapy for local tumour.

Destroys a maximum of the tumour.

May can be used together with chemotherapy in case of a large or inoperable tumour.

2. Chemotherapy

Takes anti-cancer medications to destroy tumour cells.

Common in high-risk or metastatic neuroblastoma.

An adjuvant may be administered after surgery or a neoadjuvant before surgery to reduce tumours.

3. Radiation Therapy

Causes high-energy rays to kill leftover cancerous cells.

Normally, when tumours are not able to be surgically removed totally.

4. Immunotherapy

Supplies the immune system of the child against neuroblastoma cells.

Examples include anti-GD2 antibodies, cytokine therapy.

5. Stem Cell Transplant (Bone Marrow Transplant).

Indicated in the case of high-risk cases following intensive chemotherapy.

Bone marrow that is damaged is replaced with healthy stem cells.

Enhances the probability of remission.

6. Targeted Therapy

Medications that are aimed at special genetic mutations in malignant cells.

Examples: ALK inhibitors and tumours mutated with the ALK gene.

7. Supportive Care

Pain control, nutrition, infection control, and psychological assistance.

Treatment outcome is improved.

🔹 Prognosis

Low-risk neuroblastoma: have high survival rates; occasionally, the tumours may regress on their own.

High-risk neuroblastoma: this type of neuroblastoma needs intensive treatment; however, the survival rate with advanced treatment has increased.

To a large extent, timeliness can lead to better outcomes.

Inadequate Specialization: Reason to Select Special Centers.

Experienced specialists in neuroblastoma working in pediatric oncology.

State-of-the-art imaging, laboratory and molecular testing facilities.

Oncologists, pediatric nurses, radiologists, and multidisciplinary teams of surgeons.

Clinical trial, immunotherapy and stem cell transplant programs.

Prevention and awareness

Prevention and awareness.

Frequent examinations of children having lumps that are abnormal, constant pain, or without any explanation.

The early diagnosis and treatment planning enhance survival.

Hereditary risk genetic counselling of a family.