Prognostic role of tumor size in childhood cancer

Future Oncol. 2009 Dec;5(10):1605-13. doi: 10.2217/fon.09.124.

Abstract

Identifying prognostic factors that influence outcome is a key point in pediatric oncology, as it enables risk stratification and helps us to fine-tune risk-adapted treatments, thereby hopefully improving the chances of survival for high-risk patients, and minimizing the burden of treatment for those whose outlook is good. Along with other clinical and biological variables, tumor size at onset has been identified as a crucial variable in several pediatric malignancies, and in soft-tissue sarcomas in particular. This review provides a critical reappraisal of the prognostic role of tumor size in pediatric soft-tissue sarcomas.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Body Size
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Sarcoma / mortality*
  • Sarcoma / pathology*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / mortality*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / pathology*