Genitourinary Tract Tumors in Children: An Update
Andrés Augusto González-Arboleda1, Nicolás Fernandez2, Herney Andrés García-Perdomo1,3
1UROGIV Research Group, School of Medicine, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.
Background:
Genitourinary tract tumors in children are less common than in adults. Most of these tumors have different genetic backgrounds, clinical presentation, and oncologic behavior than their adult counterpart. As a result of low prevalence in children, some of the treatment approaches and recommendations are based on treatment experience in adult patients. However, thanks to scientific and technological development, survival rates have risen considerably.
Objective:
This paper presents a review of the principal features of the tumors involving the genitourinary tract in children and an update in genetic background, diagnosis, and treatment.
Methods:
A narrative review was performed on published literature about genitourinary tract tumors in pediatric patients. Papers presented in English and Spanish literature were reviewed. PubMed, Science Direct, and SciELO databases were used to collect information and present this article.
Results:
Kidney tumors are the most common type of genitourinary tumors in children. Among those, Wilms tumor represents the majority of cases and shows the successful work of clinical trial groups studying this tumor type. Other tumors involving the genitourinary tract in children include Rhabdomyosarcoma, Transitional cell carcinoma, Testicular, and Adrenal tumors.
Conclusion:
Genitourinary tract tumors in children represent significant morbidity and economic burden, so awareness in early diagnosis represents improvement in treatment, clinical, and oncological outcomes.
Insights
Pediatric genitourinary tumors are rare but distinct from adult cancers. Early diagnosis and updated treatments are improving survival rates for these childhood cancers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric oncology
- Urologic oncology
- Cancer genetics
Background:
- Genitourinary (GU) tract tumors in children are less common than in adults, often exhibiting unique genetic profiles, clinical presentations, and behaviors.
- Treatment strategies for pediatric GU tumors are sometimes extrapolated from adult data due to low prevalence.
- Advances in science and technology have significantly improved survival rates for these young patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the key characteristics of pediatric genitourinary tract tumors.
- To provide an update on the genetic background, diagnostic approaches, and treatment modalities for these conditions.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of published literature on pediatric genitourinary tract tumors was conducted.
- Searches were performed in English and Spanish literature using PubMed, Science Direct, and SciELO databases.
Main Results:
- Kidney tumors are the most prevalent genitourinary tumors in children, with Wilms tumor being the most common, highlighting the success of dedicated clinical trial groups.
- Other significant pediatric genitourinary tumors include Rhabdomyosarcoma, Transitional cell carcinoma, Testicular tumors, and Adrenal tumors.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric genitourinary tract tumors impose a substantial burden of morbidity and economic cost.
- Increased awareness and early diagnosis are crucial for enhancing treatment efficacy and improving clinical and oncological outcomes in children.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
01:30Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
01:11Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters
01:25Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management
01:28Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction
01:28Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management