High risk neuroblastoma is incurable in at least 70% of patients.
Autologous bone marrow transplant is used so that higher doses of chemotherapy (ie- myeloablative) can be used.
Without a transplant, the bone marrow would be suppressed for a dangerously long time.
After myeloablative chemotherapy is given, the patient’s own bone marrow cells or stem cells are returned. This way, patient’s can receive high doses of chemotherapy directed towards the neuroblastoma without prolonged bone marrow suppression.
The chemotherapy used:
Trials have shown that this does reduce the relapse rate.
To improve event free survival (EFS), tandem (or dual-cycle) transplant regimens with PBSC support are being used after a dose intensified induction regime. The current COG high risk study ANBL0532 is assessing this approach.
