Changes in gestational trophoblastic tumors over four decades. A Korean experience

To review changes that occurred in gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT) patients treated over four decades and to identify factors leading to the changes.

A retrospective study of 287 cases treated during 1961-1967, 1975-1979, 1980-1986 and 1990-1994. The method of diagnosis, incidence and outcome in each decade and factors that may have had an influence, on incidence, outcome or both, were reviewed.

Diagnosis shifted from pathologic (1960s) to clinical (1990s). The incidence per 1,000 births decreased from 4.4 (1960s) to 1.6 (1990s). The incidence showed a 26-fold increase in women aged 40 and over and 13.4-fold increase in women para 3 and over. The obstetric population showed a decrease in the high-risk group of greater age and higher parity. Assessment by the 1983 World Health Organization prognostic score showed an increase in low-risk and decrease in high-risk disease. Prognostic score changes are related to a decrease in GTT in older women, increase in GTT with a short interval and increase in nonmetastatic disease. Overall mortality decreased from 32.6% to 2.6%.

The decreased incidence and improved outcome of GTT in Korea are related to improved medical care and to social, economic and educational changes.