MONALISA (recurrent neuroblastoma)
Clinical research into whether measuring abnormalities in the blood can detect a relapse of the disease earlier than standard imaging tests (CT or MRI scan).
Recruiting
Study details
Who can participate
Children with recurrent neuroblastoma
Age: 0.5 years to adult
Goal
The aim of this study is to determine how much earlier a relapse of the disease can be detected with blood examination compared to standard diagnostics.
Background
Neuroblastoma is a cancer of the peripheral nervous system that mainly affects children and adolescents. Every year, 1500 patients are diagnosed with neuroblastoma in the EU, of whom approximately half have high-risk neuroblastoma with a long-term survival of 40-50%. Currently, the risk of relapse for an individual patient cannot be accurately predicted at diagnosis.
The current standard assessment of disease response includes various imaging techniques (such as CT or MRI scans). This is a significant burden for these, usually very young, children with a significant impact on the quality of life of the child and the family.
The idea behind this study is that taking blood samples (liquid biopsies) is less burdensome than imaging techniques, and may predict better/earlier whether the disease will recur.
In this study, two groups will be created:
Group 1: will have a blood sample taken every month and standard imaging techniques every 6 months
Group 2: will have a blood sample taken every 6 months and standard imaging techniques every 6 months
The study lasts 18 months. For group 1, 18 blood samples will be taken (total volume 126 ml) over 18 months (once every month). For group 2, a blood sample will be taken once every 6 months. In addition, questionnaires will be administered weekly, monthly, and every 6 months to the patient's caregivers/parents. Everything else is according to standard treatment.
In order to participate in a study please refer to your/your child’s doctor.
Last reviewed
January 28, 2026
Study details
- Study details
Official title
A SIOPEN pragmatic clinical trial to monitor neuroblastoma relapse with liquid biopsy sensitive analysis
Cancer type
Recurrent neuroblastoma
Maximum number of study participants
150 of whom 15 in the Netherlands
Start date
January 28, 2026
Status
Open
Local principal investigator
Prof. Dr. G.A.M. Tytgat
Sponsor
Princess Máxima Center for pediatric oncology
Approval
The study has been reviewed by an accredited medical research ethics committee. This committee has decided that it is justified to ask patients to participate in this study. More information can be found at: CCMO.
Trial registry number
OMON: NL-009229 • PI-01.01
The above information is intended as a brief summary only and may not reflect the most up-to-date information. For full details and the current status of a protocol, physicians can contact the Princess Máxima Center directly.