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Pediatric germ cell tumor incidence varied by gender, age; survival high
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The localization and histology of pediatric germ cell tumors varied between genders and age groups, with an increased incidence rate observed only in ovarian germ cell tumors.
“Malignant germ cell tumors are a rare and heterogeneous group of tumors that account for 3% of pediatric cancers,” Peter Kaatsch, PhD, from the German Childhood Cancer Registry at the University Medical Center in Mainz, Germany, and colleagues wrote. “The incidence rates of germ cell tumors have increased in children in Europe, the United States and Australia. The reason for the increase is unknown.”
To evaluate incidence, trends and outcomes of germ cell tumors among children aged 0 to 14 years, researchers examined data for 1,366 children registered in the nationwide, population-based German Childhood Cancer Registry from 1987 to 2011. The researchers calculated and adjusted (where necessary) age- and gender-specific incidence rates to WHO world standard population and expressed per million person-years.
There was a slightly higher incidence rate of germ cell tumors among girls vs. boys (age-standardized rate, girls, 5.3 per million; boys, 4.4 per million). The age apportionment observed was bimodal.
In children aged 1 younger than 1 year, the highest age-specific incidence rates were in girls with germ cell tumors in the pelvic region (12.7 per million) and in boys with germ cell tumors in the testis (9.5 per million). In boys aged 10 to 14 years, germ cell tumors most frequently were seen in the central nervous system (3.1 per million), while among girls of this age, the ovaries were the most common location (4.5 per million). There was a statistically significant increase in incidence rate for ovarian germ cell tumors only.
The 5-year survival likelihood for patients diagnosed during the study period was 92%; 20-year survival probability was 90%. Survival rates for intracranial and extragonadal germ cell tumor showed the most marked improvement from 1987 to 2006.
“We have confirmed that the germ cell tumor localization and histology in children vary among genders and age groups,” the researchers wrote. “The incidence rates were similar to other reported rates. An increase in the incidence rate was observed for ovarian germ cell tumors only; however, the increase may be due to changes in reporting. The long-term survival probability for these tumors, particularly for gonadal tumors, was excellent.”
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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