Defining Neuroblastoma: from origin to precision medicine.

Abstract

Neuroblastoma (NB), an heterogenous pediatric tumor of the sympathetic nervous system, is the most common and deadly extracranial solid malignancy diagnosed in infants. Numerous efforts have been invested in understanding its origin and in development of novel curative targeted therapies. Here, we summarize the recent advances in the identification of the cell of origin and the genetic alterations occurring during development contributing to NB. We discuss current treatment regimens, present and future directions for identification of novel therapeutic metabolic targets, differentiation agents, as well as personalized combinatory therapies as potential approaches for improving survival and quality of life of children with NB.