To transplant, or not to transplant? That is the question. A patient advocate evaluation of autologous stem cell transplant in neuroblastoma
Nick Bird, Nicole Scobie, Antonia Palmer, Donna Ludwinski
Abstract
High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) has been a mainstay of high-risk neuroblastoma treatment for several decades, demonstrating improvements in event-free survival but with risks of serious or even life-threatening acute toxicities, severe long-term adverse health effects for survivors, and ongoing contention regarding overall survival benefit. The merits of ASCT in the modern era of immunotherapy are a source of debate among parents, advocates, and some physicians. Here we examine evidence for and against ASCT, explore parent attitudes and their turmoil over decision-making, and strongly encourage international research consortia to develop a coordinated strategy to accelerate progress toward a future that avoids the routine use of ASCT in high-risk neuroblastoma.