Tumor DNA samples are examined by mutation analysis for germline and somatic mutations in the ALK tyrosine kinase domain. Samples are analyzed by whole genome amplification using polymerase chain reaction and then sequenced for DNA alterations in the entire ALK coding sequence. Samples are also examined for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by polymorphism analysis. Exploratory multivariable analysis is performed to test for the prognostic ability of ALK mutations in the presence of other known prognostic variables (i.e., age, International Neuroblastoma Staging System stage, MYCN status, International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification, and diploidy).