Neuroblastoma; An Evaluation Of Its Natural History And The Effects Of Therapy, With Particular Reference To Treatment By Massive Doses Of Vitamin B12
Archives of Diseases in Childhood 38: 1963; 606-619
View Original Source →Abstract
Neuroblastoma presenting with wide spread osseous metastases (stage IV) is generally considered incurable. However, rare cases of spontaneous regression and cure are on record. This report deals with such a case in which an infant received steroids as sole treatment for developing skeletal pain. Established metastases to the brain, scalp and skeleton disappeared. Today 4.5 years later the patient is free from symptoms and signs of tumour.
Case Details
Personal Characteristics
Male, born april 10, 1950, admitted to this hospital aged 7 months
Clinical Characteristics
Retention of urine of recent onset. After decompression of distended bladder by suprapubic cystotomy, a large fixed presacral mass was palpable extending around rectum, almost filling pelvis and projecting upwards into left iliac fossa.
Remission Characteristics
After four months’ treatment tumour no longer palpable through abdominal wall, but there was some infiltration in vicinity of prostate on rectal examination. Child now in good health and free from recurrence or metastases, 12 years after clinical onset of disease.
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Not discussed
Clinical Treatment
1 milligram vitamin b12 intramuscular on alternate days