Neuroblastoma research

Over the past 20 years, major advances have been made in neuroblastoma research, thanks in large part to Institut Curie. The institute initiated the SIOPEN BIOPORTAL European observational study, conducted in the European countries of the SIOPEN network, to collect data on neuroblastoma diagnosis, treatment and sequelae.  Information on biological samples taken from patients is stored in a registry for research purposes. 

Liquid biopsy to assess tumor genetics and aggressiveness from circulating DNA is another important innovation developed largely at Institut Curie. 
In addition, Institut Curie has a basic research laboratory, which has discovered mutations in the ALK gene, paving the way for targeted therapies, such as the introduction of ALK gene inhibitors, if standard treatments prove insufficient. Eventually, these inhibitors can be administered as early as diagnosis, notably for the initial management of children with high-risk neuroblastoma.

Institut Curie also conducts translational research to better understand the development of neuroblastoma and the mechanisms by which certain children escape treatment, to envisage new therapeutic targets, identify new prognostic factors and, finally, develop new treatments or combinations of treatments.
Another strength of the institute is that it is at the forefront of a new nuclear medicine imaging technique, as sensitive but easier to implement as the current MIBG scintigraphy method used to monitor metastases.  Finally, Institut Curie holds LRIPH (Research Involving Human Subjects) authorization, enabling it to conduct clinical trials and offer some of the most advanced experimental treatments to children with resistant cancers. Thus, when possible and justified, children with neuroblastoma resistant to conventional treatments can be included in a clinical trial, to give them the benefit of treatments currently under evaluation.