Cycles N5 + N6

Cycles N5 + N6 refer to a specific sequence of multi-agent chemotherapy regimens used as part of the induction phase for high-risk neuroblastoma, particularly in pediatric patients. These cycles are defined by the German NB2004 protocol and related European protocols. The regimens alternate between two distinct combinations: - **N5 cycle** typically includes vindesine, cisplatin (cisplatinum), and etoposide administered over several days. - **N6 cycle** typically includes vincristine, dacarbazine, ifosfamide, and doxorubicin (adriamycin), also administered over several days. These cycles may be combined with immunotherapy agents such as dinutuximab beta in some protocols. The primary mechanism is cytotoxicity through DNA damage or inhibition of cell division by various chemotherapeutic agents targeting rapidly dividing neuroblastoma cells. The regimen is used for disease control prior to consolidation therapies like stem cell transplantation or further maintenance therapy[1][3][5][6].

Other names

N5/N6 cyclesNB2004 induction chemotherapy cycles (N5 and N6)