Brainstem Tumour in Children in a Limited Resource Setting: A Single-Institution Experience

摘要

Background: Brainstem tumors account for 10 to 20% of all intracranial tumors in children. The clinical profile and outcomes of these tumors differ around the world. The aim of this study is to describe clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of brainstem tumor at the National Cancer Institute in Sudan. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study of children diagnosed with brainstem tumors and treated between January 1998 and December 2015 at National Cancer Institute, Sudan. Results: A total of 15 children were diagnosed to have brainstem tumor. The mean age was seven ± 3.2 years. Female were mostly affected (60%) than male (40%) with a female to male ratio of 0.67. Diffuse brainstem gliomas were the most frequent tumor type with 14 cases (93%). Cranial nerves palsies were the most frequent presenting clinical feature (80%). The mean pre-diagnostic symptomatic interval was two months. Eleven (73%) patients received external beam radiotherapy. The abandonment rate was 13%. Overall survival rate at one and two years were 13% and 7% respectively. Conclusion: Overall this study draws attention to the situation of pediatric brain tumors in Sudan. The prognosis of brainstem tumors in our setting is dismal. Late diagnosis in addition to limited resources contributes to poor outcome in these patients.