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Role of embryonic induction in benign transformation of neuroblastomas
Author(s) -
Wilkerson James A.,
Van De Water Joseph M.,
Goepfert Helmuth
Publication year - 1967
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(196708)20:8<1335::aid-cncr2820200818>3.0.co;2-e
Subject(s) - ganglioneuroblastoma , neuroblastoma , medicine , malignant transformation , embryonic stem cell , carcinogenesis , transformation (genetics) , pathology , ganglioneuroma , cancer , anatomy , biology , gene , cell culture , biochemistry , genetics
A child with an intrathoracic neuroblastoma and widespread cutaneous metastases, all of which underwent spontaneous transformation into ganglioneuroblastoma, is presented. This is apparently the eleventh reported instance in which this phenomenon has been demonstrated histologically. Of special interest in this case is the maturation of the tumor cells from neuroblastic forms into immature ganglion cells during the interval between the excision of cutaneous metastases at the time the patient was 5 months old and when he was 81/2 months old. The current knowledge of embryonic induction is reviewed briefly, particularly in regard to the benign transformation of neuroblastomas and to the origin of all neuronal tumors. A hypothetical role for embryonic induction in neuronal oncogenesis is proposed and statistical evidence supporting this hypothesis is discussed.