Specific gene expression profiles and chromosomal abnormalities are associated with infant disseminated neuroblastoma
2009

Gene Expression and Chromosomal Changes in Infant Neuroblastoma

Sample size: 35 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lavarino Cinzia, Cheung Nai-Kong V, Garcia Idoia, Domenech Gema, de Torres Carmen, Alaminos Miguel, Rios Jose, Gerald William L, Kushner Brian, LaQuaglia Mike, Mora Jaume

Primary Institution: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Hypothesis

The study aims to investigate chromosomal alterations and differential gene expression among infant disseminated neuroblastoma subgroups.

Conclusion

Specific chromosomal aberrations are associated with distinct gene expression profiles which characterize spontaneously regressing or aggressive infant neuroblastoma.

Supporting Evidence

  • All stage 4s patients underwent spontaneous remission.
  • Only 48% of stage 4 patients survived despite combined modality therapy.
  • Distinct gene expression profiles were observed between stage 4s and stage 4 tumors.

Takeaway

This study looks at how certain genes and chromosomes behave differently in two types of infant neuroblastoma, helping doctors understand which cases might get better on their own.

Methodology

The study evaluated 35 neuroblastoma tumors from patients diagnosed under 18 months using allelic and gene expression analyses.

Limitations

The small cohort size may have led to an overestimation of the differentially expressed genes.

Participant Demographics

Patients diagnosed at < 18 months, including 25 stage 4 and 10 stage 4s.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2407-9-44

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