N2004-05: Neuroblastoma Biology Study
Medical scientists want to find better ways to treat neuroblastoma and to find ways to prevent the tumor from growing back. To do this, they need more information about the characteristics of neuroblastoma cells. Therefore, they want to study samples of neuroblastoma tissues and neuroblastoma and normal cells in the blood and bone marrow that may be related to the growth of neuroblastoma cells. Doctors and other medical scientists also want to find better ways to detect and measure neuroblastoma to improve the ability to follow the response of tumor cells to therapy.
• Patients must be greater than or 31 days of age.
• Patients must have had a diagnosis of high risk neuroblastoma either by histological verification of neuroblastoma and/or demonstration of tumor cells in the bone marrow with increased urinary catecholamines.
• All patients with refractory or recurrent high risk neuroblastoma at NANT institutions are eligible regardless of disease status (including no measurable or evaluable tumor) as long as they undergo a disease evaluation and appropriate samples are submitted.
• Additionally, all patients with high risk neuroblastoma without relapse treated at a NANT institution are eligible if undergoing a disease evaluation, as long as Children's Oncology Group specimens are prioritized.