EPID-38. GLOBAL DISPARITIES AND PROJECTIONS IN PEDIATRIC BRAIN AND CNS CANCERS: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS THROUGH 2050

Abstract BACKGROUND Brain and other central nervous system (CNS) cancers are the most prevalent solid tumors and the leading cause of death among children worldwide. This study investigates trends in the incidence, mortality, and global distribution of pediatric brain and other CNS cancers projected through 2050. METHODS Data on pediatric brain and other CNS cancer incidence and mortality were extracted from Globocan 2022 for children aged 0 to 14 years. Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were calculated by continent, country, and Human Development Index (HDI) categories. RESULTS The Globocan dataset revealed 24,677 new cases and 12,249 deaths, corresponding to age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) of 1.3 and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) of 0.62 per 100,000 population. Significant geographic disparities were observed: North America reported the highest incidence rate at 3.6, followed by Europe (2.2), Latin America (1.7), Oceania (1.4), Asia (1.3), and Africa (0.67). Europe recorded the highest mortality rate at 0.89, followed by Latin America (0.87), North America (0.70), Asia (0.66), and Africa (0.40). A country-specific analysis revealed that the highest incidence rates were in Montenegro (3.7), Estonia (3.4), and Austria (3.2), whereas the highest mortality rates were in Lithuania (2.1), Angola (2.0), and Honduras (1.7). Additionally, 37.82% of new cases and 40.71% of deaths occurred in high-HDI countries. Projections: The annual increase in incidence and mortality rates for brain and other CNS cancers is projected at 1.3% through 2050, with new cases expected to rise to 25,004 and deaths to 12,404. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate a 23% decrease in brain and other CNS cancer cases in high-HDI countries by 2050, contrasted with a 45.3% increase in low-HDI countries. These disparities underscore the critical need for global health strategies that promote equitable healthcare access and advanced treatments to reduce the global burden of these cancers and address inequities in health outcomes.