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Incidence of medulloblastoma in Canadian children
Donna L Johnston1, Daniel Keene, Maria Kostova
1Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada, djohnston@cheo.on.ca.
Abstract:
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. There was a perception of pediatric neuro-oncologists that the incidence had declined in Canada. An epidemiological survey was undertaken to determine the incidence of this tumor in Canada and if a change had indeed occurred. All patients 14 years and under diagnosed with medulloblastoma from 1990 to 2009 inclusive in Canada were included. Data collected included date of diagnosis, age at diagnosis, gender, stage, pathology, treatment, recurrence and current status. Data were analysed for change in incidence over time. Data were obtained on 574 eligible patients. The mean overall incidence per 1,000,000 persons was 4.82 (95 % CI 4.28-5.35) for the study time period. The mean age at diagnosis was 5.8 years, and there was a male predominance. Although there was an increase in incidence over the first three time periods (24 % for 1990-1994, 27.5 % for 1995-1999, 27.7 % for 2000-2004), the most recent time period (2005-2009) showed a decrease (21 %). This was true for male children while the incidence was stable for females. The mean incidence rate was double for children under the age of 5 years (7.92 per million) compared to those over 5 years (3.64 per million).This study showed that from 1990 to 2009 the incidence of medulloblastoma was relatively stable, with a slight decrease in the last five-year time period.
Insights
The incidence of medulloblastoma, a common pediatric brain tumor, remained stable in Canada from 1990-2009. While rates increased initially, a slight decline was observed in the most recent period, particularly in males under five.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Neuro-oncology
Background:
- Medulloblastoma is the most frequent malignant brain tumor in children.
- Pediatric neuro-oncologists perceived a decline in medulloblastoma incidence in Canada.
- An epidemiological survey was conducted to assess medulloblastoma incidence trends in Canada.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of medulloblastoma in Canadian children (14 years and under) from 1990 to 2009.
- To investigate if there has been a change in medulloblastoma incidence over this period.
- To analyze incidence rates by age, gender, and time intervals.
Main Methods:
- An epidemiological survey included all Canadian patients aged 14 and under diagnosed with medulloblastoma between 1990 and 2009.
- Data collected encompassed diagnosis date, age, gender, stage, pathology, treatment, recurrence, and patient status.
- Incidence rates were analyzed for changes over distinct time periods (1990-1994, 1995-1999, 2000-2004, 2005-2009).
Main Results:
- A total of 574 eligible patients were identified.
- The overall mean incidence was 4.82 per million person-years.
- Incidence increased in the first three periods but decreased by 21% in 2005-2009, with stability in females and a decrease in males.
- Children under 5 had double the incidence rate (7.92/million) compared to those over 5 (3.64/million).
Conclusions:
- The incidence of medulloblastoma in Canada remained relatively stable between 1990 and 2009.
- A slight decrease in incidence was observed in the most recent five-year period (2005-2009).
- Incidence rates varied significantly by age group, with higher rates in younger children.
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