Neuroblastoma Treatment for Children | I D Cancer Center Lucknow
Overview
At I D Cancer Center, we provide comprehensive evaluation and advanced treatment for neuroblastoma, combining expert pediatric care with world-class oncology technology.
Causes & Risk Factors
While the exact cause is not known, several factors may contribute:
Genetic mutations in nerve cell development
Family history (rare)
Inherited syndromes like ALK mutation or PHOX2B mutation
Occurs mostly in children under 5 years of age
Neuroblastoma is NOT caused by lifestyle or environmental factors and is not anyone’s fault.
While the exact cause is not known, several factors may contribute:
Genetic mutations in nerve cell development
Family history (rare)
Inherited syndromes like ALK mutation or PHOX2B mutation
Occurs mostly in children under 5 years of age
Neuroblastoma is NOT caused by lifestyle or environmental factors and is not anyone’s fault.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s location and size. Parents should watch for:
Abdominal swelling or a firm mass
Bone pain or limping
Fatigue or irritability
Weight loss or poor appetite
Dark circles around eyes (“raccoon eyes”)
Nerve weakness or difficulty walking
High blood pressure or sweating episodes
Breathing difficulty (if chest tumor)
If these symptoms persist, seek medical evaluation promptly.
Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s location and size. Parents should watch for:
Abdominal swelling or a firm mass
Bone pain or limping
Fatigue or irritability
Weight loss or poor appetite
Dark circles around eyes (“raccoon eyes”)
Nerve weakness or difficulty walking
High blood pressure or sweating episodes
Breathing difficulty (if chest tumor)
If these symptoms persist, seek medical evaluation promptly.
Diagnosis at I D Cancer Center
We follow a systematic, child-friendly diagnostic approach:
Physical examination
Ultrasound/CT/MRI scans to identify tumor site
MIBG scan (special nuclear scan for neuroblastoma)
PET-CT for staging in selected cases
Bone marrow biopsy
Blood and urine tests for tumor markers (VMA/HVA levels)
Genetic testing (MYCN amplification) to determine risk category
Accurate staging is crucial for tailoring treatment.
We follow a systematic, child-friendly diagnostic approach:
Physical examination
Ultrasound/CT/MRI scans to identify tumor site
MIBG scan (special nuclear scan for neuroblastoma)
PET-CT for staging in selected cases
Bone marrow biopsy
Blood and urine tests for tumor markers (VMA/HVA levels)
Genetic testing (MYCN amplification) to determine risk category
Accurate staging is crucial for tailoring treatment.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on whether the disease is classified as low-, intermediate-, or high-risk.
Treatment depends on whether the disease is classified as low-, intermediate-, or high-risk.
1. Surgery
Used primarily for localized tumors.
Removal of the tumor when safe
Minimally invasive options when suitable
Used primarily for localized tumors.
Removal of the tumor when safe
Minimally invasive options when suitable
2. Chemotherapy
Essential for intermediate- and high-risk disease.
Helps shrink the tumor before surgery
Destroys microscopic disease
Administered in child-friendly daycare settings
Essential for intermediate- and high-risk disease.
Helps shrink the tumor before surgery
Destroys microscopic disease
Administered in child-friendly daycare settings
3. Radiation Therapy
IMRT for precise tumor targeting
IGRT / VMAT for maximum accuracy and minimal side effects
Image-guided treatment ensuring safety for children
4. High-Dose Chemotherapy & Stem Cell Transplant
Recommended for high-risk neuroblastoma in specialized centers.
Recommended for high-risk neuroblastoma in specialized centers.
5. Immunotherapy / Targeted Therapy
Anti-GD2 immunotherapy
ALK inhibitors (for ALK mutation)
6. Supportive Care
Pain management
Nutrition support
Infection prevention
Psychological counseling for child and parents
Pain management
Nutrition support
Infection prevention
Psychological counseling for child and parents
Life After Treatment
Survivorship care is an important part of healing:
Regular follow-ups and imaging
Monitoring growth, hormones, and learning development
Emotional and mental health support
Long-term rehabilitation when needed
Families are guided throughout recovery so children can return to normal life confidently.
Survivorship care is an important part of healing:
Regular follow-ups and imaging
Monitoring growth, hormones, and learning development
Emotional and mental health support
Long-term rehabilitation when needed
Families are guided throughout recovery so children can return to normal life confidently.
Why Choose I D Cancer Center?
Experienced oncology team led by Dr. Sunil Kumar, Radiation Oncologist
Advanced pediatric-friendly radiotherapy systems
Multidisciplinary approach with surgeons, pediatricians, and medical oncologists
Compassionate, child-focused cancer care
Safe, clean, and comfortable environment for families
Evidence-based treatment protocols
Experienced oncology team led by Dr. Sunil Kumar, Radiation Oncologist
Advanced pediatric-friendly radiotherapy systems
Multidisciplinary approach with surgeons, pediatricians, and medical oncologists
Compassionate, child-focused cancer care
Safe, clean, and comfortable environment for families
Evidence-based treatment protocols
