Sorafenib treatment in children with relapsed and refractory neuroblastoma: an experience of four cases

Abstract

Metastatic neuroblastoma is an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. Recent findings have shown that sorafenib decreases cell viability and increases apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cell lines. We report an experience of compassionate use of sorafenib in children with treatment-refractory neuroblastoma. Sorafenib showed transient anti-tumor activity in all four patients without adverse effects. However, progression was observed after a short stabilization phase. While sorafenib showed minimal anti-tumor activity in our patients, it might still be effective in patients with neuroblastoma in an earlier stage.

Keywords: Metastatic neuroblastoma; pediatric; sorafenib.