The application and value of radiotherapy at the primary site in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma

Abstract

Objective To retrospectively analyze radiotherapy (RT) regimens for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB) at the primary site after surgery, and to further analyze the characteristics of patients who would benefit more from RT. Methods 98 pediatric patients with HRNB were analyzed for local control (LC), RT dose, extent of excision and prognostic factors. Among them, 69 children received RT. Results The 3 year LC rates were 96.9 and 62.1% (p < 0.001) in the RT and non-RT groups, respectively. In the non-RT group, LC was better in patients with complete macroscopic resection (CME) than in those with incom-plete macroscopic resection (IME) (p = 0.026), while in the RT group, no significant difference in LC was found (p = 0.985). Among patients with IME, the LC was 100% in patients with RT doses >= 36 Gy and 66.7% in patients with doses <36 Gy. Conclusion RT is valuable, provides patients with excellent LC, and is safe in the short term. RT had a comple-mentary therapeutic effect on incompletely resected tumors, thus bringing their LC to the level of patients with CME. For patients with IME, RT at a dose of not less than 36 Gy may improve LC. Advances in knowledge This study analysed the role of radiotherapy in HRNB, investigated the dose of RT depending on the degree of resection, and explored the characteristics of patients who would benefit more from RT.