Stage 4 neuroblastoma is an aggressive and advanced form of cancer that commonly affects children. While the prognosis for individuals with stage 4 neuroblastoma is often poor, there is hope for recovery in some cases.
In general, the outlook for those with stage 4 neuroblastoma is determined by a combination of factors, including the size and location of the tumor, the extent of the cancer's spread, and the person's age and overall health. Treatment for stage 4 neuroblastoma is typically a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplants.
In some cases, surgery may be used to remove the tumor and any cancerous tissue. However, due to the aggressive nature of the cancer, the tumor may have already spread to other parts of the body, making it impossible to completely remove it. In these cases, chemotherapy and radiation may be used to reduce the size of the tumor and reduce the risk of the cancer spreading further.
In addition to chemotherapy and radiation, high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplants may also be used to treat stage 4 neuroblastoma. The high dose chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells and the stem cell transplant is used to help the patient's body rebuild healthy cells.
In some cases, these treatments can be successful in curing stage 4 neuroblastoma. However, it is important to keep in mind that each patient is unique and that the prognosis for each individual case will depend on numerous factors. Therefore, it is important to speak with a medical professional about the best treatment options for each particular case.