Observation of untreated patients with neuroblastoma detected by mass screening: A "wait and see" pilot study

Background. Recent studies have indicated that mass screening for neuroblas toma detects tumors that otherwise would have regressed spontaneously witho ut recognition. Therefore, we started an observation program for these pati ents to determine how frequently spontaneous regression occurs. Procedure. Eighteen patients were detected by mass screening between lune 1994 and Dec ember 1996. Eight of these cases matched the following criteria and entered the observation program: Stage I or II, less than 5 cm in diameter; no inv olvement of large vessels or organs; not difficult to resect; informed cons ent. if there were an increase in tumor size, an elevation of tumor markers , or evidence of metastasis, the tumor would be immediately resected. Resul ts. Five of the eight cases showed spontaneous regression. Although the rem aining three tumors were resected 6-10 months after diagnosis, all patients survived without evidence of recurrence. Conclusions. At least 60% of neur oblastoma cases who entered our observation program regressed spontaneously . Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 36:160-162, 2001. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss. Inc.