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Daniel's Story
The remarkable story of Daniel's experience with neuroblastoma

Mainly affecting children, neuroblastoma is a relatively rare cancer of the sympathetic nervous system -- a nerve network that carries messages from the brain throughout the body. Each year about 600 children in the United States will develop neuroblastoma. Generally developing in young children, it accounts for half of all malignancies in infants. These solid tumors, which take the form of a lump or mass, commonly begin in one of the adrenal glands, though they can also develop in nerve tissues in the neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis. The adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, are specialized glands that release hormones which maintain blood pressure and respond to stress.

The cause of neuroblastoma is unknown, though most physicians believe that it is an accidental cell growth that occurs during normal development of the adrenal glands. Increased awareness and improved screening has contributed to a recent increase in the detection and incidence of neuroblastoma.

In this section you will find information about our approach and expertise in treating children with neuroblastoma.

  • Our Approach & Expertise
    Each year, 80 or more patients come to Memorial Sloan-Kettering seeking treatment for neuroblastoma -- more than any other hospital in the country. As the number of new patients increases, physicians here continue to explore new treatment options.
  • Our Team of Experts
    The medical staff of the Neuroblastoma Program consists of four board-certified pediatric oncologists, four nurse practitioners trained in pediatric oncology, and two research nurses skilled in biologics.
  • Symptoms
    Neuroblastoma's first symptoms are often vague and may include fatigue and loss of appetite. Later on, symptoms depend on where the tumor takes root within the body.
  • Diagnosis & Staging
    Diagnosis is made using either a biopsy of the tumor or the results of urine and bone marrow tests. The treatment each child receives depends on the age at diagnosis, tumor location, stage of disease, and tumor biology.
  • Treatment
    Neuroblastomas are highly diverse in their behavior. Some will go away without any treatment, and others can be cured by surgery alone. But half of these tumors spread quickly to the bone and bone marrow and may require chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, or immunotherapy.
  • Innovative Treatments
    We have a great deal of experience using the latest therapies to treat all stages and types of neuroblastoma, including the most advanced and aggressive forms.
  • Our Clinical Trials
    A continually updated listing of Memorial Sloan-Kettering's current clinical trials for neuroblastoma.
  • Treatments Offered at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Q & A
    Frequently asked questions about the various treatment options for children with neuroblastoma.
  • 3F8 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Q & A
    Frequently asked questions about 3F8 monoclonal antibody therapy for neuroblastoma.
  • Selected Readings
    Peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters by staff of the Neuroblastoma Program, arranged by subject.

Last Updated: Dec. 1, 2005
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