Growing Burden of Neuroblastoma in Children: Global Study Reveals Regional and Demographic Disparities

Strategic Insights -

Neuroblastoma is a common malignant tumor in children and adolescents, with significant health burdens, especially for those under 19 years. A new study assesses the global, regional, and national burden of neuroblastoma from 1990 to 2021, highlighting the need for precision medicine in high-income regions and improved healthcare infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries. The research, conducted by Nanchang University, revealed that global age-standardized prevalence and incidence rates of neuroblastoma increased from 1.79 and 0.19 to 2.15 and 0.23 per 100,000 population, respectively, with annual percentage changes of 0.74 and 0.73.

Key Takeaways:

  • The global burden of neuroblastoma increased by 20% between 1990 and 2021, with a significant increase in prevalence and incidence rates among children under 5.
  • High-income Asia Pacific region had the highest prevalence and incidence rates, whereas the Caribbean region showed the highest mortality and DALYs.
  • Regional and demographic disparities were observed, with males showing a greater increase in burden than females.
  • The burden of neuroblastoma decreased temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic due to reduced healthcare access and underreporting.
  • The study highlights the need for precision medicine in high-income regions and improved healthcare infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Future research should focus on understanding etiological factors, personalized treatment, and data collection to support effective global health policies.
  • Zhixin Liu and Chunhua Xu were the lead authors of the study, which was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Statistics:

  • Global age-standardized prevalence of neuroblastoma increased from 1.79 to 2.15 per 100,000 population between 1990 and 2021 (20% increase).
  • Global incidence rates of neuroblastoma increased from 0.19 to 0.23 per 100,000 population between 1990 and 2021 (21% increase).
  • High-income Asia Pacific region had the highest prevalence and incidence rates of 3.14 and 0.38 per 100,000 population, respectively.
  • Caribbean region showed the highest mortality and DALYs rates, with 2.53 and 1.79 per 100,000 population, respectively.
  • Children under 5 had the highest rates of neuroblastoma, with 3.43 and 0.44 per 100,000 population for prevalence and incidence, respectively.

Sources:

  • Global, regional, and national burden of neuroblastoma in children and adolescents under 19 years from 1990 to 2021: a trend analysis. Discover Public Health, 2025,22(1):1-17.
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China.
  • Nanchang University.
  • Springer (publisher of Discover Public Health).
  • doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00626-2 (free version of the journal article).
  • Zhixin Liu, Department of Neurosurgery, 1 st Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University.