title: Hepatoblastomas in Oman: Unveiling success.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Primary malignant liver tumours account for more than 1% of all paediatric malignancies, with the most common form being hepatoblastomas (HB). Such malignancies among Arab populations have rarely been addressed in the literature. Using data from Oman's sole national referral centre for childhood solid malignancies, this study aimed to present the nationwide Omani experience with HB over the past 21 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of all children with HB who were managed in the Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman, between January 1991 and April 2012. Clinical, radiological and laboratory characteristics were examined as well as treatments and outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the study period, 15 patients with HB were treated. Of these, 10 have survived to date. Nine of the survivors were no longer receiving treatment and one patient still had the disease but was in a stable condition. Of the remaining five patients, three did not survive and two were lost to follow-up. The survival rate among patients who completed therapy was 91%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HB has an excellent prognosis in Oman. The main obstacle to improving outcomes among Omani patients is non-compliance with therapy.
authors: Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
authors: Fatma
authors: F
authors: Rabah
authors: Department of Paediatric Haemato-Oncology, Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
authors: Nagwa
authors: N
authors: El-Banna
authors: Department of Paediatric Haemato-Oncology, Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
authors: Dipali
authors: D
authors: Bhuyan
authors: Department of Paediatric Haemato-Oncology, Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
authors: Ibrahim
authors: I
authors: Al-Ghaithi
authors: Department of Paediatric Haemato-Oncology, Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
authors: Mohamed
authors: M
authors: Al-Hinai
authors: Department of Paediatric Haemato-Oncology, Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
authors: Amal
authors: A
authors: Al-Sabahi
authors: Department of Paediatric Haemato-Oncology, Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
authors: Nawal
authors: N
authors: Al-Mashaikhi
authors: Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
authors: Ismail
authors: I
authors: Beshlawi
keywords: Hepatic Cancer; Hepatoblastoma; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Oman