Gene expression profiling for discovery of novel markers of minimal disease.

Abstract

Statement of clinical relevance: Disseminated disease is a predictor of poor outcome in children with neuroblastoma, and remains the most difficult challenge for successful patient management and cure. In many children at diagnosis this disease can be detected using current methods. However for a small percentage of children at diagnosis and for those on treatment and during follow up, more sensitive and specific methods for the detection of minimal disease are required. Accurate detection of minimal disease is essential to inform the development of more effective therapies, and for improved disease stratification and monitoring.