Retrospective Analysis of Pediatric Hepatoblastoma With Tumor Rupture: Experience From a Single Center

PurposeHepatoblastoma (HB) tumor rupture is currently considered as a high-risk factor in some risk stratification systems. This study aimed to investigate the value of HB tumor rupture in predicting the poor prognosis. MethodsThe clinical data from children with high-risk HB or HB tumor rupture at our institution from October 2008 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. ResultsTogether, 34 children with high-risk HB or HB tumor rupture were retrospected, including 25 in the high-risk group and nine in tumor rupture group. The 3-year overall survival (OS) rate in tumor rupture group was significantly higher than that of the high-risk group (100 vs. 64%, p = 0.0427). In tumor rupture group, seven (77.8%) of nine patients had a hemoglobin level <= 8 g/L and 3 of them (33.3%) had <= 6 g/L at the time of diagnosis. Peritoneal perfusion with interleukin-2 was implemented for each patient. At the end of the treatment, seven (77.8%) of nine patients achieved complete response (CR). No patient died at the last follow-up. ConclusionsHB tumor rupture might not be predictive of poor prognosis with the risk of peritoneal dissemination/relapse, in which peritoneal perfusion with interleukin-2 could play a role.

Automated summary

This study found that HB tumor rupture may not predict poor prognosis, and peritoneal perfusion with interleukin-2 may improve prognosis.