Neuroblastoma is an embryonal malignancy of the autonomic nervous system characterized by remarkable biological and clinical heterogeneity, resulting in highly divergent patient outcomes. Approximately half of affected children experience favorable outcomes, whereas the remaining patients suffer from aggressive disease with long-term survival rates of only 50% despite intensive multimodal treatment. This striking heterogeneity underscores the necessity for robust risk stratification systems and molecular markers that accurately predict disease course, treatment responses and survival. 

This project aims to refine neuroblastoma risk stratification through molecular characterization and classification by evaluating the prognostic impact of established and emerging molecular markers, including telomere maintenance mechanisms, and by identifying biologically distinct groups within clinically relevant neuroblastoma subgroups. The ultimate goal is to establish a foundation for future risk- and treatment-stratification strategies matching the underlying tumor biology.