Favorable-biology Neuroblastoma Presenting with Leptomeningeal Metastases?: a Case Presentation

Intrinsic biologic tumor features are critical prognosticators of survival in patients with neuroblastoma. Patients with localized neuroblastoma and favorable biologic parameters may be observed without treatment. Conversely, leptomeningeal metastases in patients with primary extracranial neuroblastoma are highly unusual and, despite aggressive multimodality therapies, invariably fatal. The authors describe a newly diagnosed infant with neuroblastoma and radiographic imaging suggestive of leptomeningeal metastases. The patient underwent partial surgical resection of the primary tumor. The primary tumor revealed favorable biologic characteristics. The patient was observed with no cytotoxic therapy and remained well with no evidence of disease progression more than 3 years since diagnosis. This case illustrates that some infants with favorable-biology neuroblastoma may be observed without treatment despite the advanced INSS stage.