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Neuroblastoma Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention Measures

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Several factors increase the risk of neuroblastoma cancer. However, neuroblastoma occurs spontaneously without any underlying risk factors in many cases. Individuals with genetic abnormalities that increase their risk of neuroblastoma should consult with a genetic counselor to determine the severity of the risk. Currently, effective neuroblastoma prevention measures are not available.

What are Neuroblastoma Risk Factors?

Some of the common neuroblastoma risk factors are:

Age

Age is one of the most predominant neuroblastoma risk factors. Neuroblastoma commonly occurs in children, and studies suggest a strong association between age and the incidence of neuroblastoma. The highest incidence of neuroblastoma is reported in infants, especially during the initial two years of their lives. The majority of these cases are diagnosed during the first year. The doctors may classify some of them as congenital neuroblastoma in cases where the disease is diagnosed in infants at birth or during the early few weeks of their lives. The condition becomes rarer as individuals age and is much less common in individuals above 10.

Heredity

Heredity may also be a neuroblastoma risk factor. However, the majority of the neuroblastoma cases are sporadic and occur spontaneously without any family history of the disease. Families with multiple members with neuroblastoma are considered to have familial neuroblastoma. Hereditary neuroblastoma may be linked to specific genetic mutations, such as PHOX2B and ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase). Studies have also reported that a combination of genetic and environmental conditions may be a neuroblastoma risk factor.

Genetic Predisposition

Genetic predisposition is another neuroblastoma risk factor. Several types of genetic predispositions increase the risk of neuroblastoma. These genetic predispositions include a family history of the disease, genetic mutations, chromosomal aberrations, and MYCN amplification.

Family History

Family history is also a neuroblastoma risk factor. Additionally, siblings of children affected by neuroblastoma are at higher risk compared with the normal population.

Chromosomal Abnormalities

Chromosomal abnormalities are one of the most predominant neuroblastoma risk factors. Patients with neuroblastoma may have several types of chromosomal abnormalities. These include MYCN amplification, chromosome 17q gain, chromosome 11q deletion, chromosome 1p deletion, and chromosome 3p deletion. The type of chromosomal abnormality also affects the severity, aggressiveness, and prognosis of the disease. Identifying specific chromosomal abnormalities in patients diagnosed with neuroblastoma assists oncologists in optimizing their treatment.

MYCN Amplification

MYCN amplification is a crucial neuroblastoma risk factor. The MYCN gene is situated on chromosome 2. Amplification involves an abnormal increase in the number of copies of the MYCN gene in cancer cells. It is an established marker of neuroblastoma. The presence of MYCN amplification indicates the aggressiveness of cancer, poor prognosis, and high-risk neuroblastoma cancer. It is more prevalent in older children with advanced-stage diseases. The presence of MYCN amplification may alter treatment strategies.

Having Birth Defects (Congenital Anomalies)

Studies have reported that congenital abnormalities are associated with the occurrence of neuroblastoma, especially in children aged <1 year. However, no strong association was reported between congenital anomalies and neuroblastoma in children >1 year of age. The location of congenital malformations may include the heart, urinary system, gastrointestinal system, genital organs, and skeleton.

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What are Neuroblastoma Prevention Measures?

Like other childhood cancers, there are currently no established neuroblastoma prevention measures for preventing the occurrence of this condition. However, a healthy lifestyle and consumption of healthy food reduce the risk of neuroblastoma by enhancing the activity of the immune system. It has also been reported that women consuming folic acid or multivitamins during pregnancy have offspring that have a reduced neuroblastoma risk. Further studies are required to establish this neuroblastoma prevention measure. Individuals with a family history of neuroblastoma or having familial neuroblastoma in their families should consult with a genetic counselor to determine the exact risk of developing this condition.

Conclusion

The risk factors for neuroblastoma include age, heredity, genetic predisposition, family history, chromosomal abnormalities, MYCN amplification, and birth defects (congenital anomalies). Presently, there is no one specific neuroblastoma prevention measure that effectively lowers the risk of disease occurrence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who gets neuroblastoma the most?

Neuroblastoma most commonly affects children and individuals with chromosomal aberrations, the presence of a genetic predisposition to neuroblastoma, people of specific races and ethnicities with MYCN amplification, and individuals exposed to environmental factors.

There is no established neuroblastoma prevention measure. Theoretically, like in other cancers, lifestyle choices may reduce the risk of neuroblastoma. However, it has yet to be validated by the studies.

The recurrence of neuroblastoma depends on several factors, including the location and characteristics of the disease. Studies have found that approximately 50% of the patients with high-risk neuroblastoma who had achieved initial remission have recurrent neuroblastoma.

It is the most aggressive form of neuroblastoma. Patients with high-risk neuroblastoma cancer require aggressive and combinatorial treatment and have a poor prognosis.

Intermediate-risk neuroblastoma is a relatively less aggressive form of neuroblastoma compared with high-risk neuroblastoma cancer but is more aggressive than low-risk neuroblastoma. MYCN may not be amplified in most cases of intermediate-risk neuroblastoma.