Cell Based Treatment Approaches in The Headway for Neuroblastoma: An Outline

Abstract Neuroblastoma is specifically the cancer of sympathetic nervous system rarely seen in neonates, hence called embryonal cancer. It usually occurs due to mutations observed in gestation period of child growth. Holistic approaches have been reported for the pharmacological management of the same. Both the approaches focus on the etiopathogenesis of the disease which is seen due to poor functioning of a noncoding mRNA (microRNA) which is regulated by MYCN transcription factor in mutant neuroblastoma cell. Recent approaches being developed are signaling the interactions of signaling proteins with the cellular processes. Pharmacological approach focuses on the nanomolecules targeting the mutant protein of neuroblastoma. Research suggests the MYCN oncogene contributes to high risk of neuroblastoma tumors in neonates which paves a way for advancements in the treatment of the disease both from the therapeutic and pharmacological perspective. Targeting the MYCN oncogene followed by inhibiting the proliferation of residual cells in the haemopoietic compartment can serve as an effective approach for the treatment. Advancements in the myeloablation chemotherapeutic regimen are also under trials. Chimeric anti-GD-2 monoclonal antibody has also shown anti-tumor activity in the initial phases of neuroblastoma which exhibits additive effect when given with granulocyte- macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) which is usually considered a combination therapy for the treatment. The article presents the approaches in targeting the MYCN oncogene and the advancements in the myeloablation chemotherapy in combination with GM-CSF. Keywords: Neuroblastoma, MYCN, oncogene, nanomolecules, GM-CSF, myeloablation