Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Neuroblastoma: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Considerations

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a solid tumour of the extracranial region in children, and it originates from the developing sympathetic nervous system. Metastasis is present in circa 70% of NB cases at the time of diagnosis and may be accompanied by poor prognosis and resistance to treatment. As such, metastasis is an important step in NB progression and is the main cause of fatality in this cancer. Furthermore, metastasis is linked to epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT).

EMT is characterised by the loss of the stationary compact epithelial cell arrangement and increased motility and invasion of these cells and may also be associated with patient outcomes, including treatment resistance, recurrence, and poor survival.

This study aims to gain mechanistic insight into EMT and review signalling pathways, proteins, non-coding RNA, and microenvironmental factors that may contribute to this process in NB. Further, drug compounds that affect EMT in NB, and proteins and non-coding RNA that impact EMT and treatment resistance will be reviewed. A better comprehension of EMT in NB will deepen our understanding of this cancer and provide new avenues for clinical interventions and therapeutic gain.