Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that affects the nerves of the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for the fight-or-flight response) throughout the body. The disease forms as tumors in the adrenal glands (found above the kidneys) or in the neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis.
Treating children with neuroblastoma takes a team of experts with experience treating childhood cancer. Duke's pediatric neuroblastoma specialists offer the latest treatments, including a promising new targeted treatment, called MIBG therapy, for relapsed and hard-to-treat neuroblastoma. Duke Children’s is one of 15 centers in the U.S. to offer the treatment through a clinical trial.
Our doctors use these tests to personalize your child's treatment.
Doctors diagnose neuroblastoma with blood and urine tests, bone marrow examination, and imaging exams such as ultrasound, CT, MRI, bone scans, and MIBG (metaiodobenzylguanidine) scans. These tests find the location of the tumor and determine whether it's spread in the body.
Your child may also have surgery to get a tissue sample or biopsy for diagnosis.
Your child receives a personalized treatment and follow-up plan that’s tailored to their needs. You have access to many services that are designed to make your child’s experience as positive as possible and support your family throughout treatment.
We offer outpatient services -- such as chemotherapy, transfusions, and lab tests -- 12 hours a day, seven days a week at Duke Children’s Valvano Day Hospital. This means your child won't have to be admitted to the hospital just because they feel ill or need treatment on a day when your doctor's office is closed.
You want your child to be as comfortable as possible during treatment. Our team focuses on managing your child’s symptoms and other aspects of treatment that affect your child’s quality of life. We help with pain management, supportive nutrition, relaxation techniques, and more to help your child get through treatment. We’re here to improve your child’s and your family’s well-being during treatment and hospitalization.
Teens and young adults are too old to be treated like young kids, but adult care might not be quite right for them either. Our Teen and Young Adult Program brings together the expertise of pediatric and adult cancer specialists to determine what’s best for each person, along with personalized psychological support. We customize treatment and services that consider your child’s unique needs, including support and guidance to help them cope with the ways treatment may affect their high school or college activities or their social life.
Once treatment is complete, you can count on us for continuing support. We offer long-term follow-up services for preventive health care, including screenings and ongoing surveillance. Our cancer care doctors and nurses work with social workers and child psychologists who can offer support and assistance with school-related or personal issues. In addition, we can help your child transition to adult cancer care services when they’re ready. If your child needs other services related to treatment, we refer you to the appropriate specialists. You’ll have resources and support to ensure your child’s long-term well-being.
When your child is fighting cancer, it’s difficult for the entire family, so we try to make it a little easier on you. Whether it's explaining a procedure, offering encouragement, or arranging fun activities during therapy or during a hospital stay, your child gets care in a welcoming, kid-friendly environment. And, you and your family can get emotional support and education to help you cope as your child goes through treatment and recovery.
It’s helpful to have a team on your side to help you manage your child’s care. Our social workers help you navigate the medical system and coordinate the variety of health services your child needs. They can help you work with insurance providers, connect you with resources, and help you manage the details related to your child’s care. Our nurse coordinators can help you schedule appointments for tests, treatments, and other medical visits.
A Team of Specialists
Your child’s team includes pediatric oncologists, bone marrow transplant specialists, pediatric surgeons, radiation oncologists, specialized nurses, and nuclear medicine specialists. They work collaboratively with social workers, counselors, and other care professionals to keep you well-informed and supported through every step of your child’s treatment.
Access to the Latest Treatments
The neuroblastoma specialists who care for your child are also researchers who are seeking better treatments. Our neuroblastoma doctors collaborate with pediatric cancer experts nationally, as part of neuroblastoma committees through the Children's Oncology Group, the world’s largest childhood and adolescent cancer research organization.
Safe and High-Quality Surgical Care
Most children with neuroblastoma need surgery, and your child is in good hands. Duke Children’s is one of the few hospitals in the U.S. verified as a level I children's surgery center by the American College of Surgeons. This Level I designation recognizes our commitment to providing the safest and highest-quality surgical care to our young patients.
