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TARGET - TARGET Neuroblastoma (NBL)

TARGET Neuroblastoma (NBL)

TARGET

Program Description

The TARGET Neuroblastoma projects used comprehensive molecular characterization analyses to determine the genetic changes that drive the initiation and progression of high-risk cases (stage 4, the tumor has metastasized to many locations). In addition, we characterized a set of 4S cases who have metastasis, but usually not to the bone marrow and the disease clinically resolves.

clinically resolves. TARGET NBL molecular characterization analyses included gene expression array, copy number array, methylation, whole genome sequencing, whole exome sequencing, and mRNA-seq. Details on the methodology for each of these can be found on the TARGET Project Experimental Methods Page.

Neuroblastoma (NBL) is a cancer that arises in immature nerve cells of the sympathetic nervous system, primarily affecting infants and children. It can have a devastating impact on patients and their families. Neuroblastoma accounts for ~12% of childhood cancer mortality; those between 18 months and 5 years of age are affected most severely. Furthermore, current NBL treatment involves harsh chemoradiotherapies that generally leave surviving children with lifelong side effects. The discovery of novel therapeutic targets in neuroblastoma could not only improve the outcomes of high-risk patients, but could also reduce the burden of sustained complications for surviving patients. To learn more about neuroblastoma and current treatment strategies, visit the NCI Neuroblastoma website.

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