Preliminary Observations on the Treatment of Neuroblastoma with Vitamin B12

Abstract

Ten cases are reported in which vitamin B12 is used in the treatment of neuroblastoma alone or in combination with other treatment procedures. The author discusses the ways in which recovery from neuroblastoma might occur as theorized by Farber (American Journal of Diseases in Children 60 (1940) 749): (a) the neuroblastoma may undergo spontaneous hemorrhage and necrosis and disappear without any treatment; (b) the neuroblastoma may undergo spontaneous maturation or metaplasia (sic) and become a benign ganglioneuroma; (c) the neuroblastoma may be treated successfully by a combination of surgical removal of the tumor followed by irradiation. The author suggests that possible modes of action of vitamin B12 on neuroblastoma include direct metabolic interference or by induction of growth that exceeds the available nutrients, hence promoting a necrotizing process.

Case Details

Clinical Characteristics

A massive pelvic neuroblastoma of poor differentiation

Remission Characteristics

Underwent virtually complete regression, and the patient is now in good health 3 years after the onset of symptoms. At no time during the course of the disease was there clinical or radiological evidence of metastasis. Regression occurred during the early months of treatment with vitamin b12

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

The neuroblastoma may undergo spontaneous hemorrhage and necrosis and disappear without any treatment; the neuroblastoma may undergo spontaneous maturation or metaplasia (sic) and become a benign ganglioneuroma; the neuroblastoma may be treated successfully by a combination of surgical removal of the tumor followed by irradiation. The author suggests that possible modes of action of vitamin b12 on neuroblastoma include direct metabolic interference or by induction of growth that exceeds the available nutrients, hence promoting a necrotizing process.

Clinical Treatment

Treatment with vitamin b12