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Extracranial Germ Cell Tumors in Children: A Comprehensive Study on Epidemiology and Treatment Outcomes in 543
Sajid S Qureshi1,2, Saiesh V Reddy1, Maya Prasad2,3
1Division of Paediatric Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital and Advanced Centre for Training Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Ernest Borges Road, Parel, 400012 Mumbai, India.
Insights
Pediatric extracranial germ cell tumors primarily affect young children, with a female predominance. Complete treatment leads to an 83% 5-year survival rate, highlighting favorable outcomes with proper care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Oncology
- Tumor Biology
Background:
- Extracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare in children.
- Understanding their demographics and outcomes is crucial for improving patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the demographic distribution of pediatric extracranial GCTs.
- To evaluate treatment patterns and survival outcomes for these tumors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 543 pediatric patients (0-15 years) diagnosed with extracranial GCTs.
- Data collected from January 2006 to December 2019.
- Evaluation of demographic, treatment, and survival data.
Main Results:
- Peak incidence at 1 year (both genders) and 14 years (females); overall female predominance noted.
- 5-year overall survival rate was 83% with complete curative treatment.
- Gonadal tumors (87.6% survival) had better outcomes than extragonadal tumors (75.6% survival).
- Head and neck, mediastinal tumors, and choriocarcinoma histology were associated with lower survival.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric extracranial GCTs predominantly affect children under 5 years, with a female predominance.
- Favorable outcomes are achievable with appropriate treatment.
- Tumor location and histology significantly impact survival rates.
Abstract:
The objectives of this study are to investigate the demographic distribution of pediatric extracranial germ cell tumors and to evaluate treatment patterns and outcomes. We analyzed the medical records of 543 consecutive patients aged 0-15 years who were diagnosed with an extracranial germ cell tumor between January 2006 and December 2019. The peak age of presentation was at 1 year for both genders with a second peak at 14 years specifically for girls. An overall female predominance was noted, although there were variations in gender across different age groups. The 5-year overall survival rate for patients receiving complete curative treatment was 83%. Patients with gonadal tumors had a significantly greater probability of overall survival (87.6%) than did those with extragonadal tumors (75.6%) (p < 0.0001). Additionally, patients with head and neck tumors (53.3%), mediastinal tumors (52.3%), and choriocarcinoma histology (33.3%) had a lower likelihood of survival. Pediatric extracranial germ cell tumors predominantly affect children under 5 years of age, with a notable female predominance. These tumors demonstrate overall favorable outcomes with appropriate treatment.
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