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Spontaneous regression of a > 5cm infant neuroblastoma after a three-fold volume increase without life or organ threatening features
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  • Andrew C. Hinchliffe,
  • leigh mcdonald,
  • Corina Moldovan,
  • Angharad Goodman,
  • Deborah Tweddle
Andrew C. Hinchliffe
Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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leigh mcdonald
Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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Corina Moldovan
Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Department of Cellular Pathology
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Angharad Goodman
Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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Deborah Tweddle
Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Spontaneous tumour regression is a well-recognised phenomenon in infantile favourable-biology neuroblastoma. An ‘expectant-observation’ strategy avoids chemotherapy or surgery associated risks but has mostly been limited to small tumours (diameter < 5 cm) and discontinued if significant tumour growth or increasing catecholamine levels. Here we report the successful use of an observation-only strategy in an infant with unresectable neuroblastoma > 5 cm at diagnosis which initially tripled in size with a 10-fold increase in urinary catecholamines. We highlight the need for consensus evidence-based criteria to define the subgroup where a ‘wait-and-see’ approach is appropriate and criteria to begin active treatment.