The intensity of therapy and the level of complexity of the complex treatment program are determined by the risk group, which, according to the results of the survey, includes a small patient with a malignant neoplasm. Let’s consider the main methods that have proven effective in the fight against neuroblastoma.
Surgical removal
In the early stages of the disease, the tumor must be surgically removed. The operation may be preceded by a course of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, the purpose of which is to reduce the size of the node and reduce the likelihood of tumor recurrence, and metastasis.
Chemotherapy
Patients in the intermediate-risk group receive a standard course of chemotherapy. In high-risk children, it is reasonable to use high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation, followed by maintenance treatment with cis-retinoid acid.
Radiation therapy
It is prescribed for children from high and medium-risk groups, as well as for patients with an inoperable tumor.
Immunotherapy
The administration of monoclonal antibodies against malignant neoplasm antigens in combination with cytokines can significantly increase the likelihood of survival and recovery in high-risk patients. It is carried out as the final stage of treatment to reduce the likelihood of relapse and consolidate remission.