Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer of the sympathetic nervous system -- a nerve network that carries messages from the brain throughout the body. Each year there are about 700 new cases in the United States and about 12 to 14 cases in Ireland. It is usually found in young children, and is the most common cancer among infants. These solid tumors -- which take the form of a lump or mass -- may begin in nerve tissues in the neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, or, most commonly, in the adrenal gland. They may also spread to other areas of the body, including bone and bone marrow.

The cause of neuroblastoma is unknown, but most physicians believe that it is an accidental growth that occurs during normal development of the sympathetic nervous system.

Treatment for neuroblastoma differs depending on many factors, particularly the stage of the disease and the age of the patient. Neuroblastomas that have recurred, or come back, may require different types of medicine. The main goal of our neuroblastoma program at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is to minimize the use of the most toxic forms of treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation, and to maximize the use of immunotherapy -- a form of treatment that is designed to destroy neuroblastoma cells by strengthening the patient's own immune system.

Treatment

Neuroblastomas exhibit a variety of different behaviors. Some will go away without any treatment, and others can be cured by surgery alone. But approximately half of all neuroblastomas have already spread to the bone and bone marrow by the time they are found, and these tumors require more complex treatment. The best treatment for a particular child depends mainly on the child's age and the stage of the tumor. The location of the primary tumor and where it has spread will also be taken into consideration. Treatment will also vary depending on whether the patient is being treated for the first time or for relapse.

Treatment for neuroblastoma usually involves a variety of approaches (also called modalities). Some treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, are designed to kill neuroblastoma cells. Surgery involves the removal of neuroblastoma cells that have grown into a solid mass (i.e. tumor). Stem cell transplant is used to destroy the patient's neuroblastoma-infected bone marrow and replace it with stem cells that are relatively free of neuroblastoma. Immunotherapy arms and trains the body's own defense system to fight neuroblastoma. Finally, there are a number of other specialized treatments that may be used in appropriate cases. These include drugs that stop the growth of blood vessels that supply food to a tumor ("anti-angiogenesis") and drugs such as isotretinoin (also known as cis-retinoic acid, or Accutane®) that encourage immature neuroblastoma cells to stop dividing or to die.

Support During Treatment

Undergoing neuroblastoma treatment can be daunting. In addition to medical treatment, patients and their families have emotional, social, and financial issues surrounding a diagnosis of cancer, some of which are related to cancer, while some are a result of treatment. That is why the O Keeffe family need your help and support to raise the funds needed to get Holly better.

	Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center - New York Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is one of the world's premier cancer centers located in New York.
	Irish Cancer Society The Irish Cancer Society is the national charity dedicated to preventing cancer, saving lives from cancer and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer through patient care research and education.
	Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin is committed to providing family centred health care in a compassionate and supportive environment where each child receives the highest standards of health care.