Pediatric Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Surgical Pathology
• Tumor Biology

Background:

• Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is an uncommon pediatric tumor with generally low malignant potential.
• Aggressive variants exist, but literature on their management in children is scarce.
• This study addresses the experience of managing large and recurrent SPN in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze clinicopathological findings in children with SPN.
• To evaluate management strategies for large and recurrent SPN in pediatric patients.
• To identify clinicopathological factors associated with tumor recurrence.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of pediatric SPN cases treated between 2012-2022 at a tertiary care center in India.
• Evaluation of clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes.
• Correlation of findings with recurrence risk.

Main Results:

• Sixteen pediatric SPN cases were identified, predominantly affecting girls (88%) with a median age of 12 years.
• Computed tomography achieved definitive diagnosis in 81% of cases; most tumors involved the pancreatic head.
• One case of recurrence after initial resection and chemotherapy required radiation and reoperation, achieving disease-free status for 77 months.

Conclusions:

• Complete tumor resection is curative for most pediatric SPN cases.
• Recurrent SPN necessitates a multi-modality treatment approach, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
• Long-term survival is favorable, but clearer definitions for high-grade malignancy criteria are needed.