Pathology reporting of hepatoblastoma resections: recommendations from the international collaboration on cancer reporting

Aims

Hepatoblastoma is the most common primary malignant tumour of the liver diagnosed in children and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Ongoing international clinical trials and scientific collaborative efforts are attempting to standardize the diagnosis, risk stratification and management of young patients diagnosed with this rare cancer, which includes surgical resection of the tumour. Here we report the international consensus-based dataset for the pathology reporting of hepatoblastoma resection specimens. The dataset was developed under the auspices of the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR), a global alliance of international pathology and cancer organizations.

Methods and results

According to the ICCR's guidelines for dataset development, an international expert panel including paediatric pathologists and a paediatric oncologist specialized in liver tumours developed a set of core and non-core data items for hepatoblastoma resection specimens based on critical review and discussion of current evidence available. Members of the panel were specialists working in tertiary paediatric hospitals, central reviewers for international paediatric liver tumours consortia and/or involved in paediatric liver tumour trials expert committees. Commentaries were provided to support each data item, explaining the rationale for selecting them as a ‘core’ or ‘non-core’ elements, their clinical relevance and highlighting potential areas of lack of evidence, including clinical, macroscopic, microscopic and ancillary testing considerations. The hepatoblastoma dataset was finalized and ratified following international public consultation and is published on the ICCR website for wide implementation.

Conclusion

This is the first international dataset developed by an international expert panel for reporting hepatoblastoma resection specimens aimed to promote high-quality, standardized pathology reporting of these rare paediatric liver tumours. The adoption and implementation of this hepatoblastoma data set, freely available worldwide on the ICCR website (www.iccr-cancer.org/data-sets), will facilitate accurate reporting and enhance the consistency of data collection, support retrospective and inform prospective research and ultimately help to improve clinical outcomes of children with hepatoblastoma.