Mass screening for neuroblastoma in Japan.

The present status of the neuroblastoma mass screening program in Japan, the first national trial in the world, is evaluated. This program, now in its fifth year, was conducted in cooperation with the infants' mothers, local health centers, screening centers, and selected hospitals. From the onset of the program in Kyoto in 1973 to the end of 1989, 337 cases were detected and analyzed. Most cases were detected at early stages and 97% are expected to be cured. Several social, technical, and clinical problems remain unresolved.