Chromosomes 1 and 11 Associated with Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer to afflict children younger than 10 years old. Involving the nervous system, not all neuroblastoma tumors are 100% malignant. Benign ganglioneuromas do not grow or metastasize and ganglioneuroblastomas have both malignant and benign parts.

Neuroblastomas are typically treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. But it’s difficult to determine which combination of treatments is best for each patient. Using information on the MYCN gene in tumors, it is possible to predict the more aggressive forms of neuroblastoma. Researchers have also discovered that deletions in tumor chromosomes 1 and 11 may also predict tumor progression.

When it comes to cancer, we have to be concerned about more than the DNA we were born with. The DNA found in cancer cells will have changed to give these cells their deadly power. Identifying mutated genes will help improve diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Forbes, November 23, 2005