Neuroblastoma patients aged 1.0–18 years
Newly diagnosed / relapsed / refractory cases
Established in 2006, the NTUH Neuroblastoma Team integrates pediatric hematology-oncology, pediatric surgery, nuclear medicine, radiology, pathology, and laboratory medicine to provide individualized care for high-risk neuroblastoma through a model of “PET imaging + precision surgery + end-to-end case management.” NTUH is the only center in Taiwan routinely offering 18F-DOPA PET in combination with 18F-FDG PET, and has implemented a PET-guided, tumor-activity–oriented resection strategy to reduce major complications and improve preservation of vital organs. In parallel, the team links translational research and biobanking to accelerate new drug development and precision medicine, aiming to build a leading pediatric neuroblastoma center in Asia.
Comprehensive case management throughout the entire treatment course
Taiwan’s only routine dual-tracer PET imaging (18F-DOPA / 18F-FDG) for neuroblastoma
PET-guided, tumor-activity–oriented precision surgery
149 patients treated (2014–2024), accounting for >50% of cases nationwide
Care for >60% of high-risk neuroblastoma cases in Taiwan
By 2024, a cumulative total of 1,219 18F-DOPA PET studies completed
100% of treated children are followed and managed by dedicated case managers
18F-DOPA tumor detection rate: 97.6%, superior to mIBG reported in European literature
Stage 4 pediatric patients: 5-year overall survival 62%, outperforming other top international institutions
After the integrated care team was established in 2007, survival improved significantly from 26.1% to 66.7%
0% adverse events related to the 18F-DOPA radiopharmaceutical
In stage 4 patients with renal involvement: major surgical complication rate 7%; nephrectomy rate 0%
2025 parent satisfaction survey: 87.9% gave the neuroblastoma team a perfect score (10/10)
2025 parent satisfaction survey: 71% gave the DOPA PET service a perfect score
A patient/family support group established in 2012 has served >260 families
Globally leading experience with 18F-DOPA PET in neuroblastoma; findings cited in international consensus guidelines
>61 neuroblastoma-related papers published in international journals
The team has received multiple national and international awards and has been repeatedly invited as speakers at international conferences
Innovative introduction of 18F-DOPA PET to enhance diagnostic accuracy and risk stratification
Improved survival while reducing complications and organ resection through integrated care
Promoted innovation in nuclear imaging, surgery, and translational new-drug research
