development of a therapeutic approach to rare cancers in children: the Children's Oncology Group experience

Abstract

Rare tumors are a heterogenous group of infrequent tumors with varied biology and clinical presentation. Although individually rare, in aggregate they account for 15% of all cancers in children younger than 20 years of age. The management of these tumors can be challenging, as there are no pediatric protocols or treatment guidelines. In an effort to improve the management of these rare tumors, the Children's Oncology Group rare tumor committee, brought together a panel of experts to develop therapeutic recommendations for these rare tumors. These recommendations are being presented in this journal issue.