If neuroblastoma comes back after initial treatment, it is known as a recurrence or neuroblastoma relapse. Treatment of recurrent neuroblastoma depends on many factors, including the initial risk group, where the cancer recurs, and what treatments have been used.

For low and intermediate-risk neuroblastomas that recur in the same area where they started, surgery with or without chemotherapy may be effective.

For high-risk cancers or those that recur in distant parts of the body, treatment is usually more intense, and may include a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy (such as MIBG radiotherapy). Chemotherapy might include drugs that weren’t used during the initial treatment. Intensive treatment with high-dose chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant might be another option. Because these cancers can be hard to treat, clinical trials of newer treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies or new anti-cancer drugs, might be another reasonable option.

This information is reproduced with permission of The American Cancer Society from their page: Late and Long-Term Effects of Neuroblastoma and Its Treatment

The American Cancer Society Medical and Editorial Content Team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing. Last Medical Review: March 19, 2018 Last Revised: March 19, 2018

More information

• Treatment options for relapsed or refractory high risk neuroblastoma - Children’s Cancer and Leukemia Group UK
• If your child has neuroblastoma - American Cancer Society
• What’s new in neuroblastoma research - American Cancer Society
• Chance of cure - Cancer Australia