Recent studies of neuroblastoma have shed light on the dramatic heterogeneity in its clinical behaviour, which spans from spontaneous regression or differentiation to relentless disease progression. This Review describes the different mechanisms of spontaneous neuroblastoma regression—including neurotrophin deprivation, humoral or cellular immunity, loss of telomerase activity and alterations in epigenetic regulation—and the consequent therapeutic approaches, as a better understanding of these mechanisms might help to identify optimal therapies.
- Garrett M. Brodeur
- Rochelle Bagatell
