Neuroblastoma with localization in the neck. Own experience Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology
Authors: Shevtsov D. V. , Shamanskaya T. V. , Kachanov D. Yu. , Grachev N. S. , Kirgizov K. I. , Muftakhova G. M. , Roshchin V. Yu. , Tereshchenko G. V. , Olshanskaya Yu. V. , Likar Yu. N. , Varfolomeeva S. R. 
Published: January 2019

Introduction.Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. As a rule, NB is localized in the adrenal gland, retroperitoneal space and posterior mediastinum. The head and neck area belongs to the rare localization of NB, which accounts for 2.6 % of cases, and is most common in children aged 0–3 years. Localization of NB in the neck in most cases has a favorable prognosis.

Materials and methods.For the period from September 2013 to September 2017 (48 months) in the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology received treatment for 8 patients with NB in the neck. Examination, assessment of the prevalence of the process and stratification into risk groups in all patients were carried out according to the recommendations of the protocol of the German group for the treatment of NB NB-2004. For the purpose of histological verification of the diagnosis and detection of unfavorable molecular genetic markers, patients underwent surgical intervention, performed risk-adapted therapy according to the NB-2004 protocol.

Results.The median age of diagnosis was 8.7 (1.2–34.1) months. In our cohort of patients in 87.5 % of cases, the diagnosis was made in the first year of life. In most cases, there was not only the identification of tumor masses, but also other symptoms of the disease. In 3 (37.5 %) patients the 2nd stage was established, in 1 (12.5 %) patient – the 3rd stage, in 3 (37.5 %) patients – the 4th stage and in 1 (12.5 %) patient – 4S stage of the disease. When stratifying patients into risk groups, in the observation group and the high-risk group was stratified by 3 (37.5 %) children and 2 (25 %) patients were classified as high-risk group. 3 (37.5 %) patients showed unfavorable cytogenetic abnormalities. When evaluating the response to therapy in most patients, a complete and very good partial response was stated. Overall (OS) and event-free (EFS) survival rates were 75 ± 15 % and 50 ± 17 %, respectively. The median of observation is 43 (26–61) months.

Discussion.NB with the localization of the primary tumor in the head and neck area is a favorable form in terms of the stage of the disease and the risk group, however, it should be noted that in our patient cohort half of the subjects showed the development of certain adverse events, which was also reflected in the OS and EFS. Moreover, this localization dictates its risks from the point of view of the surgical stage of treatment. The main danger is complications after surgical treatment associated with the anatomical proximity of the central arteriovenous trunks, cranial nerves, and their involvement in the tumor process. In the case of the development of life threatening conditions (LTC), it is possible to use low-intensity chemotherapy courses.

Conclusion.Experience Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology shows the need for timely diagnosis and the start of treatment of NB with localization in the neck. The choice of management tactics in favor of carrying out only surgical treatment is possible in patients of the observation group without the development of LTC. Not always the localization of NB in the neck region correlates with a favorable prognosis.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding. The study was performed without external funding.