In agreement with previous studies reporting a loss of caspase 8 expression in aggressive NBs (Hopkins-Donaldson et al, 2000; Teitz et al, 2000; Stupack et al, 2006), in our series a low expression of caspase 8 mRNA was found in all tumours, with a tendency for high risk tumours to express even lower levels. This evidence concerns the gene CASP8 and neoplasm.