Increasing Rates of Pediatric Solid Tumors in Children

Growing rates of pediatric solid tumors in children have become a serious health problem. The incidence of pediatric cancer is on the rise worldwide and it is primarily the result of a combination of factors, including a variety of environmental factors and a lack of funding. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the incidence of pediatric solid tumors. Graetz et al. (2021) conducted a survey that was distributed to 213 institutions across all regions. While global pediatric cancer care is affected by these factors, the situation is even worse in LMIC countries. The study found that thirteen of fifteen hospitals that closed their pediatric oncology departments were located in different countries. Moreover, these hospitals had reported reduced financial support and treatment abandonment.

The WHO has recently announced that it will launch a global initiative on childhood cancer. This group will work closely with the SIOP and WHO to address the burgeoning number of cases of pediatric solid tumors. Founded in 1969, SIOP is a global organization of pediatric oncologists. The group has six continents, with the largest being Asia, which accounts for over 60% of the world's population.

Childhood cancer statistics include leukemia, brain/CNS cancers, and malignant epithelial neoplasms. The most common types of pediatric cancers are melanoma, neuroblastoma, and leukemia. As a result, these disorders are one of the leading causes of death and disease burden in children. Unfortunately, the prevalence of childhood cancer is increasing, with over 400,000 new cases of pediatric solid tumors expected by 2022, and around 5,480 adolescents aged fifteen to 19 years diagnosed by 2022. This trend is unfavorable for those children and adolescents in LMIC countries. With poorer treatment, these patients are more likely to relapse and die from their cancers.

Most children with cancers develop cancers in their lower brains, including the cerebellum and brainstem. Common cancer in children, neuroblastoma, starts in early nerve cells in the embryo and develops in young children and infants. In older children, this cancer is rare. Similarly, nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms' tumor, begins in the kidneys.

The study aimed to determine the impact of the new COVID-19 pediatric cancer classification on global health, clinical outcomes, and care delivery. The authors of the study analyzed the literature to assess the potential impact of COVID-19 on pediatric oncology. They summarized the findings and identified priorities for further study. The study will also highlight future directions in pediatric oncology. So, the research community will continue to be able to meet the growing need for pediatric solid tumors.

Despite the recent growth in pediatric cancers, the numbers of children diagnosed with this disease are still low. As a result, the mortality rate is four percent. However, research shows that there is a direct correlation between childhood cancer mortality and COVID-19 infection rates. It is important to remember that COVID-19 is a pandemic, and the impact it has on children is different from that on adults. Consult Best Hemato Oncologist Delhi to know more about Pediatric Solid Tumors in Children.