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Improving outcome of malignant brain tumours in very young children: a population-based study in Finland during
I Ilveskoski1, H Pihko, R Sankila
1Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Insights
Survival rates for malignant brain tumors in young children have significantly improved. Early diagnosis and treatment in recent years have led to better outcomes and reduced long-term disabilities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
- Clinical Epidemiology
Background:
- Malignant brain tumors are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in young children.
- Survival rates for pediatric brain tumors have historically been poor, with limited data on long-term outcomes.
- Understanding trends in survival and late complications is crucial for improving pediatric cancer care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze survival trends for malignant brain tumors in children diagnosed under three years of age.
- To evaluate the rate of severe neurologic late complications in survivors.
- To assess the impact of diagnosis period on survival and functional outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study using data from the Finnish Cancer Registry (1975-1993).
- Inclusion criteria: children diagnosed with malignant brain tumors at <3 years of age.
- Survival rates and neurologic late complications were analyzed based on diagnosis period.
Main Results:
- A total of 64 children were included in the study.
- The 5-year survival rate improved significantly from 13% (1975-1985) to 40% (1986-1993).
- Among survivors diagnosed 1986-1993, 43% had minimal disabilities (Bloom's group I or II), while others experienced severe neurologic complications.
Conclusions:
- There has been a substantial improvement in 5-year survival for malignant brain tumors in very young children.
- While survival has increased, a significant proportion of survivors experience severe neurologic late complications.
- Further research is needed to optimize treatment strategies and mitigate long-term neurodevelopmental deficits in pediatric brain tumor survivors.
Abstract:
Sixty-four children with malignant brain tumours diagnosed at less than 3 years of age were reported to the Finnish Cancer Registry from 1975 to 1993. The survival rate has improved significantly: the 5-year survival rate was 26% for all children, 13% for children diagnosed during 1975-85 (n = 30) and 40% for those diagnosed during 1986-93 (n = 34). Of the surviving children in 1986-93, 43% were categorized in Bloom's group I or II and could lead active lives without major disabilities. The remaining children had severe neurologic late complications, such as hemiplegia, intractable seizures, and mental retardation.
