PDOC-11 A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE TREATMENT OUTCOMES OF GANGLIONEUROBLASTOMA IN PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS AT AIC KIJABE HOSPITAL IN KENYA

Abstract BACKGROUND Ganglioneuroblastoma is one of neurogenic tumors characterized by an interval spectrum of differentiation with elements of both malignant neuroblastoma and benign ganglioneuroma. They are mostly diagnosed by the first decade of life with median age at diagnosis of 22-48 months. OBJECTIVES The main objective of this study is to determine treatment outcome of ganglioneuroblastoma in pediatric cancer patients at AIC Kijabe Hospital. METHODOLOGY This is a retrospective study where children diagnosed with ganglioneuroblastoma at AICKH over a period of three years have been assessed. Inclusion criteria included children from ages 0-14 years diagnosed with ganglioneuroblastoma. Data was entered in a questionnaire and was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Children were evaluated based on histologic tissue diagnosis, staging scans, risk stratification and monitored along the course of treatment that included during surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and followed up in one year post treatment for recurrence. RESULTS Ganglioneuroblastoma constituted 1.3 % of all childhood malignancies diagnosed compared to the more common variant neuroblastoma with an incidence of 8-10%, mainly predominated in the males. More than 75% had remission after one-year follow up, those who died was as a result of other factors not related to the disease. Surgery and combination chemotherapy regimen COJEC administered yielded benefits in the treatment outcome. Radiotherapy was considered in high-risk tumors. CONCLUSIONS Ganglioneuroblastoma is commoner in older children with a median age of 3-4 years with incidence noted more in male with thoracic type tends to be a common presentation. The disease was noted to be rare after 10 years of age and generally has a good overall survival and prognosis compared to neuroblastoma.