The reliability of bone marrow cytology as response criterion in
metastatic neuroblastoma
Abstract
Background: The quantitative assessment of neuroblastoma cell content in
bone marrow aspirates for response evaluation has been introduced
recently. Data on the concordance of interobserver reports are lacking
so far. Methods: Investigators of seven European countries representing
national reference or large oncological centres convened in 2016. They
agreed to quantitatively assess routine bone marrow smears of the
participating institutions and to discuss the discrepant results in
joint meetings. Results From 2017 through 2019, three cytology rounds
with 24, 28, and 28 bone marrow samples were run evaluating the
representativity of the smears (yes/(restricted)/no) and the presence of
tumors cells (yes/no and %). The comparison of the reports using κ
(Fleiss) and α (Krippendorff) statistics demonstrated no robust
reliabilities. The agreement on the representativity was moderate to
poor, on the presence of tumor cells moderate to good and on the
percentage of tumor cells slight to moderate. Though the unquestioned
value of cytology to detect even tiny metastatic cells in bone marrow,
the investigators unanimously agreed that a reliable quantification of
the tumor cell content in bone marrow smears is unrealistic. For the key
issue of representativity, a new practical definition was developed.
Conclusion For any work with bone marrow aspirates the representativity
of the material is of paramount importance. A practical definition is
proposed. A reliable quantitative cytological assessment of tumor cell
content in bone marrow aspirates is not feasible in metastatic
neuroblastoma. Therefore its use as response criterion should be
re-considered.