Loss of the putative tumor suppressor-gene locus 1p36 as investigated by a PCR-assay and N-myc amplification in 48 neuroblastomas: results of the German Neuroblastoma Study Group.

48 primary neuroblastomas have been examined for an amplified N-myc and loss of the putative tumor suppressor-gene locus 1p36 by loss of heterozygosity studies (LOH 1p36). In 25% of these tumors N-myc amplification and/or a LOH 1p36 was detected, and these patients had a bad prognostic clinical outcome. 75% of the tumors neither had an amplified N-myc nor a LOH 1p36, and these patients had a much better prognosis. Thus, tumor genetic changes can subdivide two types of neuroblastoma with profound different clinical behavior. Detection of these genetic changes at diagnosis could help in front-line risk adapted therapy stratifications in neuroblastoma.