Relative Survival Rates of Pediatric Patients with Solid Tumours in Khon Kaen, Thailand

Pediatric solid tumours constitute a subgroup of childhood cancers that continue to pose a significant global health challenge due to limitations in diagnostic techniques and treatment options. This study aimed to explore the relative survival rates of patients with childhood cancer over two decades using population-based data from a cancer registry.

This population-based study included pediatric patients with cancer in Khon Kaen, Thailand, and focused on children under 15 years of age who were diagnosed with solid tumours from January 1st, 2000, through December 31st, 2019. A total of 371 childhood solid tumours were diagnosed in Khon Kaen during the study period, with follow-up through 2021. Survival analysis was conducted via relative survival rate (RSR) estimates.

The most common solid tumours were CNS and miscellaneous intracranial and intraspinal neoplasms (27.7%). The overall 5-year RSR for pediatric patients with solid tumours was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.52-0.62). Compared with male patients, female patients had higher 5-year RSRs (0.62, 95% CI: 0.53-0.68 versus 0.53, 95% CI: 0.46-0.60). Survival improved over time, with patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 having better 5-year RSRs than those diagnosed from 2000 to 2009 did (0.59, 95% CI: 0.52-0.66 and 0.55, 95% CI: 0.47-0.62, respectively).

In conclusion, better outcomes were observed among females, patients living closer to health care facilities and those diagnosed in the more recent decade (2010-2019).