Prognostic Value of Molecular Aberrations in Low- or Intermediate-Risk Neuroblastomas: A Systematic Review.

Background: The 5-year prognosis of non-high-risk neuroblastomas is generally good (>90%). However, a proportion of patients show progression and succumb to their disease. We aimed to identify molecular aberrations (not incorporated in the current risk stratification) associated with overall survival (OS) and/or event-free survival (EFS) in patients diagnosed with non-high-risk neuroblastoma.

Methods: We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Google Scholar. Two reviewers independently and blindly screened titles/abstracts, references of protocols/reviews and full texts. Risk of bias was assessed using a customized Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. Applicability was assessed using a tool designed by the researchers. GRADE criteria were used to determine quality of evidence.

Results: Sixteen studies (4718 patients) were included. A segmental chromosomal aberration (SCA) profile was associated with lower survival. 1p loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and 17q gain were associated with lower OS and EFS. 1p deletion and 2p gain were associated with lower OS, but this was not the same for EFS. 3p deletion was not associated with worse outcome. Quality of evidence was downgraded because of imprecision and publication bias and upgraded because of moderate/large effect, resulting in a moderate quality of evidence.

Conclusion: The association of 1p LOH, 1p deletion, 2p gain and 17q gain with OS and EFS suggests that these SCAs may be added to the risk stratification to identify non-high-risk neuroblastomas with worse prognosis.