Abstract
BACKGROUND: Neuroblastoma is the most prevalent extracranial solid tumor in children. This study aims to assess the global burden of neuroblastoma in 2021. METHODS: We utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study to collect the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of neuroblastoma, and calculated the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC). The neuroblastoma burden was then assessed using decomposition analysis and inequality analysis. Additionally, we forecast neuroblastoma trends from 2022 to 2036. RESULTS: In 2021, an estimated 51,762 [95% uncertain interval (UI): 34,704.53-70,435.21] cases of neuroblastoma were reported globally among individuals under 14 years of age, with 5,560 (95% UI: 3,734.21-7,560.03) new cases and an estimated 1,977 (95% UI: 1,445.04-2,528.54) deaths. From 1990 to 2021, the global burden of neuroblastoma showed an upward trend. Only the high socio-demographic index (SDI) region exhibited a declining trend in disease burden, with an EAPC for incidence of -0.81 (-1.05 to -0.56). India had the highest number of new cases, total cases, and deaths among 204 countries. Decomposition analysis indicated that population growth and epidemiological changes are the primary drivers of the disease burden. Inequality analysis indicates an increasing burden of neuroblastoma in low-SDI countries. The actual number of cases is expected to continue increasing. By 2036, the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) is projected to be 2.83 per 100,000 for males and 2.18 per 100,000 for females. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the increasing global neuroblastoma case numbers and the inequities in disease distribution. These insights may guide the development of more effective public health policies.