Pediatric Brainstem Gliomas: A Retrospective Study of 180 Patients from the SEER Database

Abstract

Background/Aims: Large population-based studies are needed to assess the epidemiology and survival risk factors associated with pediatric brainstem gliomas. This retrospective study explores factors that may influence survival in this population. Methods: Utilizing the SEER database, the authors retrospectively assessed survival in histologically confirmed brainstem gliomas in patients aged 17 and younger. Survival was described with Kaplan-Meyer curves and multivariate regression analysis. Results: This analysis of 180 cases showed that age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04, 95% CI 0.96–1.14, p = 0.34), non-white race (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.35–2.85 p > 0.99), distant or invasive extension of the tumor (HR 0.4, 95% CI 0.08–2.53, p = 0.37), and radiation therapy (HR 1.27, 95% CI 0.52–3.11, p = 0.61) were not associated with decreased survival. High-grade tumor status (HR 8.64, 95% CI 3.49–21.41, p < 0.001) was associated with decreased survival. Partial resection (HR 0.11, 95% CI 0.04–0.30, p < 0.001) and gross-total resection (HR 0.03, 95% CI 0.01–0.14, p < 0.001) were associated with improved survival. Conclusions: High-grade brainstem gliomas have a worse prognosis. Early diagnosis and surgery appear to be associated with improved survival, while the role of radiation is unclear.