Computer-assisted image analysis can aid the prognostication of advanced-stage neuroblastomas

Purpose: The aim of this work was to detect nuclear parameters related to t he prognosis of patients with stage III, IV or DS neuroblastomas. Methods: Histological sections of 25 operation specimens obtained from children with advanced-stage neuroblastomas were subjected to computer-assisted image an alysis. Statistical relationships between nuclear descriptors of the tumor cells and patients' clinical outcome were determined. Results: The coeffici ent of variability of the mean nuclear area the mean nuclear elongation fac tor, and the mean nuclear averaged Feret diameter of the neuroblastoma cell s were ascertained to be discriminators separating high-grade from low-grad e tumors. Conclusions: The histomorphometrically gauged nuclear parameters may help oncologists to assess the prognosis of patients with advanced-stag e neuroblastoma.