Which metabolite is primarily measured to detect neuroblastoma?

The primary metabolite measured to detect neuroblastoma is vanillylmandelic acid (VMA). Neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that commonly occurs in children, is derived from neural crest cells and often arises in the adrenal glands or sympathetic nervous tissue. This tumor is known to produce catecholamines, which are hormones that include epinephrine and norepinephrine.

VMA is a breakdown product of catecholamines and serves as a significant biomarker in diagnosing neuroblastoma. Elevated levels of VMA in the urine can indicate the presence of this malignancy, making it a vital component in the diagnostic process.

While homovanillic acid (HVA) is also a metabolite related to catecholamine breakdown and is sometimes measured alongside VMA, it is primarily VMA that is emphasized in the context of neuroblastoma detection. Thyroxine and 3,5,3’-triiodothyronine are thyroid hormones and are not relevant in the diagnosis of neuroblastoma.