Comparing Safety and Adequacy Between Surgical Biopsy Versus Core Needle Biopsy in Diagnosing Neuroblastoma
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In brief
In brief
This retrospective study compared core needle biopsy versus surgical biopsy for neuroblastoma diagnosis in 38 pediatric patients. Core needle biopsy achieved equivalent diagnostic adequacy while reducing hospital stay by 60% and complications by 36%, supporting its use as a safer alternative to surgical biopsy.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Background
Adequate tissue biopsy is essential for diagnosis and risk stratification of neuroblastoma (NB). Historically, NB diagnosis has relied on tissue obtained via surgical biopsy. However, core needle biopsy may provide a safe and adequate method of obtaining tissue in pediatric patients.
Aim
The aim of this study is to compare the adequacy and safety between core needle biopsy and surgical biopsy for the diagnosis of NB in children at our institution.
Methods
Institutional approval was obtained. Medical records of patients diagnosed with NB from 2004 – 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients had either core needle biopsy (CNB) or surgical biopsy (SB) including open/minimally invasive biopsy. Data included patient demographics, tumor location and size, sample adequacy for diagnosis and risk stratification, post-biopsy complications, length of hospital stay, and need for repeat biopsy. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test or Student's t-test.
Results
Thirty-eight patients were included; 53 biopsies were performed including 41 SB and 12 CNB. Patient and tumor characteristics were similar in both groups, as well as the biopsy adequacy for diagnosis and risk stratification. In all cases, there was no need for repeat biopsy. The CNB group demonstrated reduced length of stay (2 ± 0.4 days vs 5 ± 0.5 days; P < 0.0001) and fewer complications (8%) than the SB group (44%) (P = 0.038).
Conclusion
Core needle biopsy is an acceptable modality for diagnosis and risk stratification in the pediatric population. Advantages include decreased length of stay and fewer post-procedure complications.