Is it right that my child doesn’t need treatment for low‑risk neuroblastoma? 

Yes - in some cases, children with low‑risk neuroblastoma do not need immediate treatment. Low‑risk tumours behave differently to high‑risk disease and may shrink or disappear without chemotherapy or surgery. This approach is known as active monitoring or “watch and wait”, and it is a recognised and safe part of neuroblastoma care for selected children. 

Why some low‑risk tumours don’t need treatment 

Your child’s consultant will look at several factors when deciding whether treatment is needed, including: 

• your child’s age 

• the size and location of the tumour 

• whether the tumour is causing symptoms 

• the tumour’s biology, including markers that help predict how it might behave 

These features help the clinical team determine whether it is safe to monitor the tumour rather than treat it straight away. 

What “watch and wait” involves 

If active monitoring is recommended for your child, this will include: 

• regular scans (usually ultrasounds or MRI) 

• check‑ups with your child’s medical team 

• careful tracking of any symptoms or changes 

• discussions with you about results and next steps 

This is not a passive approach; your child will be monitored closely. If the tumour starts to grow or cause problems, treatment can begin promptly.  

Why this approach is safe 

Some low‑risk neuroblastomas, especially in babies and very young children, are known to: 

• shrink over time 

• become less active 

• disappear completely without treatment 

Treating only when necessary helps avoid the side effects and long‑term impacts of chemotherapy or surgery when these are not needed. 

If treatment does become necessary later, your child’s team will discuss the safest and most effective options. 

If you feel unsure or worried 

It is completely normal to feel anxious if your child is not starting treatment straight away. Many parents want reassurance that “doing nothing” is the right thing. You can always: 

• ask your child’s consultant to explain why active monitoring has been recommended 

• request more detail about the risk group assessment 

• ask how often scans will happen and what will trigger treatment