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Epidemiology and Survival of Patients With Optic Pathway Gliomas: A Population-Based Analysis
Huanbing Liu1, Yong Chen1, Xiaowei Qin1
1Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
Insights
Optic pathway gliomas are rare tumors, primarily affecting children, with a generally good prognosis. Treatment approaches vary, but survival rates remain high for pediatric and adult patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) are tumors affecting the visual system.
- Understanding their epidemiology and outcomes is crucial for patient care.
- Population-based studies provide valuable insights into rare diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology and outcomes of OPGs in pediatric versus adult patients in the US.
- To identify demographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics.
- To evaluate prognostic factors and survival rates.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for OPG cases diagnosed 2000-2018.
- Categorized patients into pediatric and adult groups.
- Employed descriptive analyses, chi-square tests, Kaplan-Meier curves, and Cox proportional hazards models.
Main Results:
- OPGs constitute 86.6% of optic pathway lesions, with 83.7% in pediatric patients (peak diagnosis 1-4 years).
- Pilocytic astrocytoma was the most common subtype (59.1% pediatric, 37.5% adult).
- Overall survival rates were high (94.8% at 5 years, 93.0% at 10 years), with pediatric patients showing a better prognosis; treatments showed no significant survival benefit.
Conclusions:
- Optic pathway gliomas are rare, generally have a good prognosis, and predominantly affect children.
- Pilocytic astrocytoma is the most frequent histological diagnosis.
- Individualized treatment strategies are essential for optimal patient outcomes.
Background:
We aimed to analyze the epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric patients and adult patients with optic pathway gliomas in the United States using a population-based method.
Methods:
Data for patients with optic pathway gliomas diagnosed between 2000 and 2018 were extracted from the SEER database. We divided the patients into a pediatric group and an adult group. Descriptive analyses were conducted to analyze demographic and clinical characteristics and treatment. We used the chi-square test to evaluate differences between pediatric and adult patients with optic pathway gliomas. The possible prognostic indicators were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models.
Results:
Optic pathway gliomas represented 86.6% of all lesions originating from the optic pathway. In total, 1257 cases of optic pathway gliomas were included in our study. Pediatric patients accounted for 83.7% in this cohort, and most of the patients were diagnosed at 1-4 years old. Chemotherapy was chosen most often for pediatric patients, but radiation therapy was chosen most often for adult patients. Pilocytic astrocytoma accounted for 59.1% of pediatric patients and 37.5% of adult patients. The overall survival (OS) rates were 94.8% 5 years after diagnosis and 93.0% 10 years after diagnosis. Survival analysis showed that surgery, radiation and chemotherapy did not help patients obtain a better prognosis. Overall, pediatric patients had a better prognosis.
Conclusion:
Optic pathway gliomas are relatively rare lesions with good prognosis. They mostly affect children, and pilocytic astrocytoma is the most common histological diagnosis. Highly individualized treatment is essential for such patients.
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