refractory Neuroblastomas of the bone or bone marrow
What is Refractory Neuroblastoma?
Refractory neuroblastoma is an aggressive form of cancer that consists of mutated nerve cells found in the adrenal gland, chest, neck, or spine. These cells form tumors in the bone or bone marrow. Refractory neuroblastoma has a poor prognosis and is one of the most challenging types of pediatric cancers to treat since it often does not respond to traditional therapies. But, there is hope; new treatments are being explored to increase survival rate for patients with this rare form of cancer.
Symptoms
Some notable symptoms of refractory neuroblastoma are:
- Abdominal pain
- Bone pain
- Rapid weight gain
- A lump in either the chest or abdomen
- Finger or toe abnormalities like swelling, redness, or discoloration
- Difficulty breathing
- Poor appetite
- Frequent fevers
- Lethargy
Treatment
Treatment for refractory neuroblastoma will depend on the stage and certain risk factors such as tumor characteristics, and cancer cell characteristics. Treatment often includes surgery, chemotherapy, or both. Chemotherapy may be given intravenously or as pills. Surgery may be used to get a sample of the tumor and to remove it if it is not too extensive.
Doctors may also recommend a stem cell transplant in which a patient’s own healthy stem cells are taken from their bone marrow or elsewhere to replace abnormal or destroyed cells. Other treatments may include radiation therapy and/or targeted therapies (drugs that “target” and destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed).
In some cases, it may be necessary to use a combination of treatments. Clinical trials should also be considered as a treatment option as some may offer access to treatments that are not yet available to the general public.
Outlook
Unfortunately, refractory neuroblastoma has a poor prognosis. Early detection and proper care can help improve the chances of survival. However, the survival rate varies greatly from patient to patient. Long-term survivors are possible with the right diagnosis and treatment plan.