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Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
Source: Neuroblastoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: October 23, 2024 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
If your child has been diagnosed with neuroblastoma, you may have questions about how serious the cancer is and your child's chances of survival. The likely outcome or course of a disease is called prognosis.
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The prognosis and treatment options depend on:
age at the time of diagnosis
the child's risk group
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whether there are certain changes in the MYCN or ALK genes
whether the tumor is diploid or hyperdiploid
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whether there are changes to the tumor chromosomes
the type of tumor neurotrophin receptor
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where in the body the tumor started (abdomen, chest, neck, or spine)
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the stage of the cancer
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levels of LDH and ferritin
how the tumor responds to treatment
how much time passed between diagnosis and when the cancer recurred (for recurrent cancer)
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Prognosis and treatment options for neuroblastoma are also affected by tumor histology, which includes:
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the patterns of the tumor cells
how different the tumor cells are from normal cells
how fast the tumor cells are growing
The tumor histology is said to be favorable or unfavorable, depending on these factors. A child with favorable tumor histology has a better chance of recovery.
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In some children up to age 6 months, neuroblastoma may disappear without treatment. This is called spontaneous regression. The child is closely watched for signs or symptoms of neuroblastoma. If signs or symptoms occur, treatment may be needed.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice