Neuroblastoma is:
- A cancer of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system
- Derived from embryonic neural crest cells (a neuroendocrine tumor)
- The most common solid tumor of infancy and the most common extra-cranial solid tumor of childhood
- One of the few cancers known to undergo spontaneous regression from an undifferentiated state to a benign tumor
Neuroblastoma can be very difficult to cure in older children.
Neuroblastoma accounts for 8 - 10% of childhood malignancies. However, it accounts for 15% of cancer deaths in children.
In Canada the James Fund for Neuroblastoma research has been established.
Here are examples of US associations founded by parents of children with neuroblastoma to fund research and provide support for families battling this disease:
