What is relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma?

Also known as: Neuroblastoma relapse, secondary cancer.

Neuroblastoma is the most common solid cancerous tumor found outside the brain in children. It develops from nerve cells in the adrenal gland or from nerves in the neck, chest or pelvis that control voluntary body functions (sympathetic nervous system).

In some cases, the neuroblastoma can return after treatment. This is known as relapsed neuroblastoma. If the tumor doesn’t resolve with treatment, it is known as refractory neuroblastoma. They are often treated in a similar fashion.

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM