[Molecular biology aspects of neuroblastoma]

Abstract

Neuroblastoma is one of the most frequent malignant tumors in childhood. Molecular and cytogenetic methods have led to important advances in our understanding of the biology of this tumor. Amplification and increased expression of the gene N-myc is correlated with the clinical stage. This may be a useful marker for monitoring tumor activity during therapy. In addition, karyotyping and flow cytometric DNA analysis may be useful diagnostic tools for staging and predicting the clinical outcome.