Pediatric cancer is very different from cancer in adults, as it regards mainly embryonal tumors with a high-speed growth and a very large volume at diagnosis. Treatment usually involves neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy when needed. As a result of advances in treatment, the mean overall survival (OS) is currently approximately 80% regardless of the type of tumor. Although open surgery remains the gold standard for resection in the vast majority of pediatric tumors, minimal invasive surgery has been introduced in the last 15 years. This is in accordance with the de-escalation principle which aims to decrease the sequels of treatment in pediatric cancer. The introduction of somatic and tumoral genetics in the decision-making process for the design of treatment protocols has also modified the timing and the type of surgery in the global strategy of treatment.
Although pediatric tumors may be considered as rare diseases (incidence is 15.3 per 100,000 per year), pediatricians and surgeons are often on the frontline for the diagnosis of these diseases. This paradox may explain why there is often some delay in the diagnosis of solid tumors and or inappropriate initial management, especially inadequate diagnosis approaches, which may decrease the chance of cure. In addition, information delivered to patients and family when a tumor is discovered is crucial as it is deeply imprinted in their mind, even if the message is wrongly too optimistic or pessimistic. Thus, it is important that pediatricians, no matter the subspecialty involved, and pediatric surgeons are aware of the recent advances in the diagnostic tools and treatment strategies in pediatric oncology.
The aim of this Research Topic is to deliver to non-specialists a comprehensive update on the current management of most of solid pediatric tumors, focusing on the specific role of the pediatric surgeon. The main pediatric solid tumors will be described with their biology and the principle of treatment according to risk factors. The different aspects of surgical interventions will be addressed with a particular emphasis on the place of surgery in the multidisciplinary treatment strategy currently applied in pediatric oncology.
Pediatric cancer is very different from cancer in adults, as it regards mainly embryonal tumors with a high-speed growth and a very large volume at diagnosis. Treatment usually involves neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy when needed. As a result of advances in treatment, the mean overall survival (OS) is currently approximately 80% regardless of the type of tumor. Although open surgery remains the gold standard for resection in the vast majority of pediatric tumors, minimal invasive surgery has been introduced in the last 15 years. This is in accordance with the de-escalation principle which aims to decrease the sequels of treatment in pediatric cancer. The introduction of somatic and tumoral genetics in the decision-making process for the design of treatment protocols has also modified the timing and the type of surgery in the global strategy of treatment.
Although pediatric tumors may be considered as rare diseases (incidence is 15.3 per 100,000 per year), pediatricians and surgeons are often on the frontline for the diagnosis of these diseases. This paradox may explain why there is often some delay in the diagnosis of solid tumors and or inappropriate initial management, especially inadequate diagnosis approaches, which may decrease the chance of cure. In addition, information delivered to patients and family when a tumor is discovered is crucial as it is deeply imprinted in their mind, even if the message is wrongly too optimistic or pessimistic. Thus, it is important that pediatricians, no matter the subspecialty involved, and pediatric surgeons are aware of the recent advances in the diagnostic tools and treatment strategies in pediatric oncology.
The aim of this Research Topic is to deliver to non-specialists a comprehensive update on the current management of most of solid pediatric tumors, focusing on the specific role of the pediatric surgeon. The main pediatric solid tumors will be described with their biology and the principle of treatment according to risk factors. The different aspects of surgical interventions will be addressed with a particular emphasis on the place of surgery in the multidisciplinary treatment strategy currently applied in pediatric oncology.