Vincristine and Cyclophosphamide Therapy in Generalized Neuroblastoma

Abstract

Combined vincristine and cyclophosphamide therapy was given to 48 children with generalized neuroblastoma. Their response was similar whether these drugs were used sequentially, concurrently, or on an alternate week schedule. The median survival time from diagnosis was 245 days. Objective tumor response occurred in 55% while 25% of all children achieved complete remission. Survival for one year from diagnosis was noted in 36% of the group; however, all but two children, who are probable cures, have died within 26 months, and one child continues in complete remission after one year. There was no relationship between response and age at diagnosis, site of primary tumor or metastases; however, the three children still alive were under 2 years of age, and those without skeletal or marrow metastases did have longer median survival times.