Characterisation of stable cell clones derived from an unusual neuroblastoma stage 4S with MYCN amplification

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumour of childhood. One of its most remarkable biological properties is spontaneous regression in patients with tumour stage 4S despite disseminated disease. Major biological factors determining the outcome of NB are the status of the MYCN oncogene and differenzial expression of neurotrophin receptors of the Trk family. While expression of the TrkA receptor is associated with favourable outcome, expression of TrkB as well as MYCN amplification correlate with aggressive tumour characteristics and poor prognosis. Here, we report the molecular characterisati…