Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 10, 2026
Establishment of Orthotopic Patient-derived Xenograft Models for Brain Tumors using a Stereotaxic Device
Published on: May 2, 2025
The evolving burden of pediatric solid tumors: A global analysis from 1990 to 2021
1Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China.
Insights
Pediatric solid tumors show significant global disparities in incidence and mortality. Targeted early detection and treatment strategies are crucial for reducing childhood cancer deaths, especially in low-resource regions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Global Health
- Cancer Epidemiology
Background:
- Seven major pediatric solid tumors are analyzed: brain cancer, hepatoblastoma, kidney cancer, malignant bone tumors (MNBAC), neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, and soft tissue sarcomas.
- Data spans from 1990 to 2021, focusing on individuals aged 0-19 years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate global incidence and mortality trends of seven major pediatric solid tumors.
- To identify regional disparities and correlations with sociodemographic factors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.
- Analyses stratified by age, region, and Sociodemographic Index (SDI).
- Temporal trends assessed using Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC).
Main Results:
- In 2021, 96,913 cases and 42,869 deaths occurred globally.
- Brain cancer and MNBAC were most common and fatal; retinoblastoma incidence increased most, while neuroblastoma mortality rose.
- Significant regional variations noted, with highest burdens in East Asia and sub-Saharan Africa; incidence varied by age group and SDI.
Conclusions:
- Persistent global and regional disparities in pediatric solid tumor burden exist.
- Early detection in low-SDI regions and targeted strategies for high-burden tumors are vital for mortality reduction.
Background:
To evaluate the global incidence and mortality trends of seven major solid tumors (brain cancer, hepatoblastoma, kidney cancer, malignant bone tumors [MNBAC], neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, and soft tissue sarcomas) in individuals aged 0-19 years from 1990 to 2021.
Methods:
Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, analyses were stratified by age, region, and sociodemographic index (SDI). Temporal trends were quantified via estimated annual percentage change (EAPC). A linear regression model evaluated the correlation between childhood meningitis mortality and SDI.
Results:
In 2021, these tumors accounted for 96,913 new cases and 42,869 deaths worldwide. Brain cancer and MNBAC were the most common and fatal. Retinoblastoma showed the largest incidence increase, while neuroblastoma was the only tumor with rising mortality. Major regional disparities were observed, with East Asia having the highest brain cancer burden and sub-Saharan Africa experiencing the greatest retinoblastoma mortality. Incidence peaked in infants for hepatoblastoma, neuroblastoma, and soft tissue sarcomas, and in adolescents for bone tumors. Higher SDI correlated with higher neuroblastoma incidence, while lower-SDI regions had elevated mortality for multiple tumors.
Conclusion:
Substantial global and regional disparities persist in the burden of pediatric solid tumors. Enhancing early detection in low-SDI regions and implementing targeted strategies for high-burden tumors such as brain cancer and MNBAC are essential to reducing mortality.
Related Concept Videos
02:07Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
01:17Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
01:24Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
01:26Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion