Treatment barriers and clinical outcome of children with medulloblastoma in China: a report from the Chinese Children's Cancer Group (CCCG)

Background Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant central nervous system tumor of childhood. Management requires interdisciplinary care and is associated with unique challenges in developing regions. Here, we report the characteristics, clinical outcome and treatment barriers for Chinese children with MB based on a multi-institutional cohort from the Chinese Children’s Cancer Group (CCCG). Methods Retrospective cohort study among 12 Chinese pediatric oncology units from the CCCG Brain Tumor Workgroup on patients aged Results 221 patients (male:female = 138:83) were included, 175 (79%) were ≥3 years of age, and 46 (21%) Conclusions We reported the clinical profiles and outcome from the largest cohort of Chinese children with MB after multi-modal therapy. Strengths and limitations on the local provision of neuro-oncology service are identified.