The role of neurosurgery in advancing pediatric CNS tumor care worldwide

Abstract

Introduction: There is substantial inequity in survival outcomes for pediatric brain tumor patients residing in high-income countries (HICs) compared to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To address disparities in pediatric cancer survival, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) to expand quality care for children with cancer. Research question: To provide an overview of pediatric neurosurgical capacity and detail the burden of neurosurgical diseases impacting children. Material and methods: A narrative review of the current context of global pediatric neurosurgical capacity as it relates to neurooncology and other diseases relevant to children. Results: In this article, we provide an overview of pediatric neurosurgical capacity and detail the burden of neurosurgical diseases impacting children. We highlight concerted advocacy and legislative efforts aimed at addressing unmet neurosurgical needs in children. Finally, we discuss the potential implications of advocacy efforts on treating pediatric CNS tumors and outline strategies to improve global outcomes for children with brain tumors worldwide in the context of the WHO GICC. Discussion and conclusion: With both global pediatric oncology and neurosurgical initiatives converging on the treatment of pediatric brain tumors, significant strides toward decreasing the burden of pediatric neurosurgical diseases will hopefully be made.

Keywords

• Global neurosurgery
• Pediatric neurosurgery
• Pediatric brain tumors
• Neurosurgical advocacy
• Health system strengthening