Although neuroblastoma is one of the deadliest childhood cancers, researchers are finding that biological markers can help predict if the tumors will act aggressively or behave more benign. Neuroblastoma is one of the only cancers that can turn from malignant cancer to a benign tumor. Under a microscope Gabrielle's tumor has both favorable and unfavorable components, but most of her biologic features lean toward a less agressive tumor. So we are caught in this grey area, where her tumor has the potential to act agressively or benign.
It changes from minute to minute but at the time, we are leaning toward observing without surgery until her next scans in April to see if the residual tumors stabalize or continue to slowly grow. The thought being if given the chance Gabrielle's tumors may mature into benign nerve cells instead of immature malignant neuroblast cells. If the tumors continue to grow she would likely have surgery and/or chemotherapy. We will know more after talking with our oncologist at Helen Devos when we get back.