As compared with the non-MYCN-amplified localised (stage 1, 2, and 3) tumours, the mean expression levels of miR-487b and miR-410, but not of miR-409-3p, were significantly downregulated in the two high-risk neuroblastoma subgroups, that is, MYCN-amplified (P<0.01) and non-MYCN-amplified stage 4 children aged ⩾18 months (P<0.04). This evidence concerns the gene MYCN and neuroblastoma.