Chemotherapy as a therapeutic option for congenital neuroblastoma complicated by paraplegia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Spinal compression can be a complication of neuroblastoma (NBL). Delayed or insufficient treatment of this condition may lead to permanent neurological sequelae. Therefore, appropriate treatment should be introduced promptly. Therapeutic options include neurosurgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

CASE REPORT:

We report on a newborn male with congenital NBL who presented with complete paraplegia of the legs at birth. Tumor size diminished quickly and neurological symptoms partly recovered after the patient received chemotherapy consisting of vincristine, doxorubicine, and cyclophosphamide.

CONCLUSION:

Rapid initiation of chemotherapy was safe and effective in a neonate with NBL complicated by spinal cord compression.

• Authors: K N Walter, C Kratz, M Uhl, C Niemeyer
• Journal: Klinische Padiatrie (Klin Padiatr) 2008 May-Jun Vol. 220 Issue 3 Pg. 175-7 ISSN: 0300-8630 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 18478490 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Vincristine
• Doxorubicin
• Cyclophosphamide

Topics

• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Child, Preschool
• Cyclophosphamide (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Doxorubicin (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Lumbar Vertebrae
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Neuroblastoma (complications, congenital, drug therapy)
• Neurologic Examination (drug effects)
• Paraplegia (congenital, drug therapy)
• Spinal Cord Compression (congenital, drug therapy)
• Spinal Neoplasms (complications, congenital, drug therapy)
• Thoracic Vertebrae
• Vincristine (administration & dosage, adverse effects)