Objectives: To assess the outcome of childhood neuroblastoma in India over the last 2 decades, identify management lacunae and suggest remedial measures.
Methods: A comprehensive search to identify literature addressing outcome of childhood neuroblastoma from India was performed. International Society of Paediatric Oncology and American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual-Meeting abstracts were hand searched to identify unpublished data. Clinico-demographic and outcome data was extracted.
Results: Outcome of approximately 700 patients has been published over the last 2 decades with predominantly small to moderate single center series from 6 cities. Primarily non-myeloablative multiagent chemotherapy protocols alongwith surgery, have been used for treatment. A large majority of patients had stage III/IV neuroblastoma. Limited diagnostic facilities were available at most centers. Survival outcome of 8.7 to 80 % has been reported with high death and relapse rates alongwith high incomplete control/disease progression and treatment abandonment. Few series have identified prognostic parameters. Few patients with high-risk disease have been adequately treated and cured.
Conclusions: There is a clear need for replicating neuroblastoma outcomes at centers of excellence in other cancer centers, improving diagnostic and laboratory facilities, administering adequate and appropriate contemporary therapy, assessing disease response and improving supportive care. National data management infrastructure along with better financial and social support initiatives are key factors.