Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is an uncommon, harmful cancer of the olfactory epithelium. Olfactory neuroblastoma has been described in nearly 1100 cases since its original report in 1925. Due to its nature, definitive treatment and care have been narrow in extent and results, however, there are plenty of potential treatments for olfactory neuroblastoma.
Several cutting-edge cancer studies give children with neuroblastoma access to new prospective treatment breakthroughs. Specialized clinics also contribute to collaborative medical examination trial networks, as well as the Children’s Oncology Group.
What Is The Best Treatment For Olfactory Neuroblastoma?
Several tests are performed to help detect and diagnose olfactory neuroblastoma. This includes
- Physical exam and history during which the whole body is examined
- Magnetic resonance imaging for a detailed picture of the body and areas to identify the location of the tumor
- CT scan to show up more clearly through different angles.
Based on the diagnosis, the stage of the cancer is determined, and the type of treatment is identified. There is certain treatment also referred to as standard treatments which are currently used to treat this type of condition. However, some are being tested through clinical trials as well. A clinical trial is a research study conducted by doctors, analysts and experts to determine a medical, surgical and behavioral intervention.
This study will help improve treatment or obtain information on new treatments for patients with cancer. Also, this clinical trial will state that a new treatment can be more applicable for treating the condition than the currently existing treatment, then this treatment becomes the standard treatment.1,2
Since olfactory neuroblastoma affects infants and young children, a clinical trial is very essential and turns to be a potential cancer treatment. However, this can be introduced only in patients who have not started the treatment.
Your health care provider will suggest that you should plan the patient’s treatment with a team of doctors who have expertise in treating tumors. This is because a pediatric oncologist often oversees the condition and advise recommendation for suitable specialists. Most cancer treatments involve treatment-related consequences that typically arises after months or years after treatment.
Furthermore, regular follow-ups are crucial because discontinuation of follow-ups may lead to long term side effects although the treatment has ended. The most common side effects of olfactory neuroblastoma treatment are
- Health problems and skin-related conditions
- Mood changes related to thinking, feelings, and loss of memory
- Rare chances for the occurrence of other types of cancers.3
There are three forms of standard treatment for cancer
Surgery- The optimal treatment for most patients with olfactory neuroblastomas (ONB) is maximal surgical removal followed by radiation. Surgery is performed to remove the tumor in olfactory neuroblastoma. This method of treatment is frequently performed to eliminate a wide range of cancerous tissues and also helps ensure that all cancer has been removed.
Radiation Therapy- Medical studies show that for olfactory neuroblastoma patients, treatment strategy typically includes endoscopic resection followed by radiation therapy. This is believed to produce effective results. Radiation plays a vital part in treating olfactory neuroblastoma especially during the primary modality of treatment, either as the preoperative setting or as the postoperative setting. This procedure uses radioactive rays to kill the cancer cells
Chemotherapy- Although the role of chemotherapy is not clearly explained in the neuroblastoma studies, yet they are predominantly applied in the setting of induction chemotherapy or concurrent chemoradiation therapy. This treatment involves high dosage drugs that have the potential to stop the growth of the cancer cells.4,5
- Olfactory Neuroblastoma Surgery, Symptoms and Treatment UPMC Life Changing Medicine https://www.upmc.com/services/neurosurgery/brain/conditions/brain-tumors/olfactory-neuroblastoma
- Olfactory Neuroblastoma | Johns Hopkins Medicine https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/olfactory-neuroblastoma
- Olfactory neuroblastoma: the long-term outcome and late toxicity of multimodal therapy including radiotherapy based on treatment planning using computed tomography https://ro-journal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13014-015-0397-5
- Olfactory Neuroblastoma | Symptoms and Treatments | Aurora Health Care https://www.aurorahealthcare.org/services/neuroscience/brain-skull-base-care/brain-tumor/olfactory-neuroblastoma
- Esthesioneuroblastoma Treatment & Management: Medical Care https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/278047-treatment
Also Read:
- Is Olfactory Neuroblastoma Hereditary?
- Is Olfactory Neuroblastoma A Serious Condition & Can It Be Reversed
- What Is The Prognosis For Olfactory Neuroblastoma & Lifestyle Changes For It?
- How Long Will It Take To Recover From Olfactory Neuroblastoma & How Long Does The Symptoms Last?
- What Are The Ways To Prevent Olfactory Neuroblastoma & Does It Reoccur?
- Who Is At Risk For Olfactory Neuroblastoma & Is There A Blood Test For It?
