A recent study has used whole-genome sequencing, exome sequencing, genome-wide rearrangement analyses and massively parallel sequencing techniques to determine the genetic basis of neuroblastoma. On average, 19 somatic alterations per tumour were found. Two new genes not previously associated with neuroblastoma—ARID1A and ARID1B—were found to be deleted or altered in 11% of the samples studied (71 total). These genes, which are involved in chromatin remodelling and mutations, were associated with early treatment failure and reduced survival. Methods to detect and direct treatment to these targets might provide new avenues for managing patients with neuroblastoma.