PrefaceMajor advances have occurred in the management of

pediatric solid tumors of infants and children in the lastseveral years. New information is available regarding theirdiagnosis, and in some cases new drug therapy is availablethat is directed at recently identified genetic alterations.Recent cooperative group trials have also clarified appro-priate treatment in several tumor systems, and risk-basedtherapy is used increasingly to minimize the long-term mor-bidity of treatment.

In this issue of Seminars in Pediatric Surgery, I haveasked authors who are recognized leaders in each of thetumor systems that they cover to report the major newclinical and basic science discoveries of the last 5 years. Thearticles are designed not to provide a broad-based summary

of the tumors but to focus on new critical developments. Inthis manner, Seminars will help bridge the gap between thepediatric surgical textbooks and the most current knowl-edge. Also included in this issue are articles on managementof pulmonary metastases in pediatric solid tumors and adiscussion of the use of adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemo-therapy in the various tumors. I hope that this issue will beuseful in keeping all pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists,oncologists, and pediatricians abreast of these recent devel-opments.

Robert C. Shamberger, MDGuest Editor

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Seminars in Pediatric Surgery (2012) 21, 15-8586/$ -see front matter 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.:10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2011.10.001