Role of Image-defined risk factors in clinical practice of
neuroblastoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the role of image-defined risk factors in clinical
practice of neuroblastoma. Methods: A systematic search was conducted to
identify articles about IDRFs. Combined overall results were calculated
using fixed effects models. Results: The literature search identified 11
articles including 1338 patients for analysis. There was no difference
in amplification of MYCN and tumor site (abdominal tumor) between no
IDRFs and any IDRFs group, but there was a significant increase of event
free survival (OR: 2.43[1.69, 3.49]; P < 0.00001) and
overall survival (OR: 3.15[1.68, 5.89]; P = 0.0004) in no IDRFs
group. The incidence of complications (OR: 0.21[0.15, 0.30];
P< 0.00001) was higher in patients with any IDRFs.
Furthermore, no IDRFs are correlated with higher rate of earlier INSS
stage. Conclusions: IDRFs could be an important adjuvant image
monitoring method in NB treatment. IDRFs are valuable to evaluate
surgical indications for pediatric surgeon, regardless of surgical
ability.