MYCN Gene Amplification in Infantile Neuroblastoma
Author Information
Author(s): Iehara T, Hosoi H, Akazawa K, Matsumoto Y, Yamamoto K, Suita S, Tajiri T, Kusafuka T, Hiyama E, Kaneko M, Sasaki F, Sugimoto T, Sawada T
Primary Institution: Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine
Hypothesis
How is MYCN related to the prognosis of infantile neuroblastoma cases detected by mass screening?
Conclusion
MYCN amplification is strongly correlated with poor prognosis in infantile neuroblastoma cases.
Supporting Evidence
- Of 1533 infants examined, 33 (2.2%) had MYCN amplification.
- The 4-year overall survival rates were significantly different among groups with varying MYCN copy numbers.
- Patients with more than 10 copies of MYCN had a 4-year survival rate of only 53%.
Takeaway
This study found that babies with a certain gene change called MYCN have a higher chance of getting very sick from a type of cancer called neuroblastoma.
Methodology
Urinary catecholamine levels were measured in infants, and MYCN amplification was assessed using Southern blot analyses.
Limitations
The study may not fully account for spontaneous regression of tumors detected by mass screening.
Participant Demographics
Infants screened for neuroblastoma in Japan from 1987 to 2000.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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