Biomarkers in Young Patients With Neuroblastoma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Registered on the COG-ANBL00B1 Neuroblastoma Biology Study or its CCG or POG precursor * Sufficient high-quality tumor material available for the proposed studies meeting the following criteria: * Tissue histopathologic review with \> 70% tumor cells in sections adjacent to areas used for nucleic acid preparation * Matched normal cells (blood or uninvolved bone marrow) available * ≥ 5 μg DNA available * ≥ 5 μg RNA available * ≥ 200 mg tissue available * Tumor samples must meet 1 of the following criteria: * High-risk tumor * With or without MYCN amplification * With or without tumor progression or relapse (during ≥ 2.5 years of follow up) * Patients aged 18 months to 5 years * Low-risk tumor * Primary neuroblastoma * Stage I disease (completely resected) * No event in ≥ 3 years of follow up * Cell lines representing diverse high-risk genetics including with or without MYCN amplification and clinical course (at diagnosis or after relapse) PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * Not specified PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: * Not specified