Mitsumasa Iwata

Biological characteristics of neuroblastoma with spontaneous tumor reduction: a case report.

The authors examined the biological characteristics of a neuroblastoma with spontaneous tumor reduction. A 6-month-old boy with a pelvic neuroblastoma underwent surgical extirpation of the tumor 1 month after diagnosis. The size of the tumor reduced spontaneously while he was awaiting operation. The low proliferative activity of the tumor cells and the presence of apoptosis in the tumor tissue were shown by an immunohistochemical method using anti-PCNA antibody and a DNA fragmentation analysis, respectively. These results suggest that the spontaneous tumor reduction seen in this patient may well be caused by the overwhelming apoptosis of tumor cells.

Autologous bone marrow transplantation in children with advanced neuroblastoma.

Background. Encouraging results have been reported with high dose chemotherapy and total body radiation followed by bone marrow autotransplantation in children with advanced neuroblastoma; however, relapse remains a significant problem. Methods. The authors treated 22 children with advanced neuroblastoma with high dose chemotherapy, surgery, intraoperative radiation, and a bone marrow autotransplant (treated in vitro to remove tumor cells) followed by 13-cis-retinoic acid. Results. The 3-year relapse rate was 25% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6-44%). The 3-year disease free survival rate was 72% (95% CI, 52-92%). Toxicities included hemolytic uremic syndrome, herpes infection, and hepatic venoocclusive disease. Conclusion. These data suggest that this treatment strategy offers an increased rate of 3-year disease free survival. The nonrandomized nature of this study and its use of multiple modalities precludes the analysis of the specific contribution of each treatment component and comparison with conventional therapy. Cancer 1994; 74: 972-7.

Comprehensive treatment of advanced neuroblastoma involving autologous bone marrow transplant

Encouraging results are reported with high‐dose chemotherapy and total body irradiation followed by autologous bone marrow transplantation in the treatment of advanced neuroblastoma. However, relapse remains a significant problem.