Mortality Trends in Pediatric Hepatoblastoma: A Brazilian and Global Perspective
by
, , , and
Raquel Francine Liermann Garcia
1,2,3,
Camila Barbosa
1,3,
José Guilherme Pickler
1,2,
Francis Rosseti Pedack
1,2,
Christian Evangelista Garcia
3,
Hercilio Fronza Junior
1,
Bruna Louise Silva
1,4,
Paulo Henrique Condeixa de França
2,
Bárbara Sarni Sanches
5,6
,
Marcelo Gerardin Poirot Land
5,6,7
,
Rafael Roesler
5,8,9,10
and
Karina Munhoz de Paula Alves Coelho
1,2,5,10,* 1
Department of Scientific Development and Innovation (DECIPE), Center for Anatomo-Pathological Diagnosis (CEDAP), Joinville 89201-330, SC, Brazil
2
Graduate Program in Health and Environmental Sciences, University of the Joinville Region (UNIVILLE), Joinville 89219-710, SC, Brazil
3
São José City Hospital, Joinville 89202-030, SC, Brazil
4
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Technological Sciences, Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Joinville 89219-710, SC, Brazil
5
National Science and Technology Institute for Children’s Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology-INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
6
Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
7
Martagão Gesteira Childcare and Pediatrics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPPMG-UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-912, RJ, Brazil
8
Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
9
Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
10
Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, RS, Brazil
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Cancers 2025, 17(18), 2970; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17182970
Submission received: 30 July 2025
/
Revised: 3 September 2025
/
Accepted: 9 September 2025
/
Published: 11 September 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on Epidemiology of Childhood Cancer)
Simple Summary
Hepatoblastoma is a rare type of liver cancer that mostly affects young children. Even though it does not occur often, it is one of the main causes of cancer-related deaths in early childhood. This study looked at deaths caused by hepatoblastoma in children and teenagers in Brazil over the past 16 years. The goal was to understand how often these deaths occur, if they have increased or decreased over time, and whether there are differences between age groups, sexes, or regions of the country. The study found that most deaths happened in children under five years old and were more frequent in boys. Although death rates remained stable in young children, there was a clear decrease among teenagers. The results also showed regional differences, with some parts of the country being more affected. These findings help improve our understanding of this cancer and may guide future public health strategies to reduce its impact.
Abstract
Background: Hepatoblastoma is a rare malignant liver tumor that accounts for 1–2% of pediatric cancers. Despite its low incidence, it is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality in early childhood. Methods: This ecological study analyzed hepatoblastoma mortality in Brazilian children and adolescents (2008–2023) using data from the Mortality Information System (SIM/DATASUS). Mortality rates were calculated using official population estimates. Temporal trends were assessed using Prais-Winsten regression. Age and sex differences were analyzed using the chi-square test. Global mortality estimates (2008–2021) were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study for descriptive comparison. Results: A total of 267 deaths were recorded, most (66.7%) in children aged 0–4 years. Males accounted for 61.4% of cases. Although no significant mortality trends were observed for younger age groups, a significant annual decline was found among adolescents aged 15–19 years (Annual Percent Change (APC) = −38.4%, p = 0.016). Regional disparities were evident, with the Southeast presenting the highest number of deaths. Globally, the estimated number of deaths and age-specific mortality rate (ASMR) decreased over time, particularly among children under five. Conclusions: Hepatoblastoma remains a significant cause of mortality in early childhood. While Brazilian mortality rates remained stable in younger groups, mortality in adolescents showed a marked reduction. Global estimates suggest a progressive reduction in mortality.
