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Srinivasan S, Bolous NS, Batra A, Bharti S, Singh N, Shaikh T, Yadav A, Kanwar V. Cost-effectiveness of treating childhood acute myeloid leukemia at a tertiary care center in North India. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e31242. [PMID: 39126354 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Childhood cancers are a significant global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where over 80% of childhood cancer patients reside. In India, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) constitutes a significant portion of childhood cancers; however, the data on the cost-effectiveness of childhood AML treatment in India and other LMICs remain limited. METHODS The study focused on children (<15 years of age) diagnosed with AML at a tertiary care cancer center in North India. Data, including treatment outcome, treatment-related morbidity, mortality, and costs were retrospectively collected from the electronic medical record and hospital database. Cost-effectiveness was assessed using disability-adjusted life years (DALY) averted in relation to the country-specific cost-effectiveness threshold. RESULTS Among 59 AML patients, treatment-related high mortality rates, abandonment, and limited access to bone marrow transplantation were notable challenges. Intensive chemotherapy resulted in substantial sepsis-related complications, with treatment-related mortality reaching 30%. The 3-year event-free survival and overall survival of the 43 patients who received intensive therapy were 24.5% ± 7.6% and 27.9% ± 8.3%, respectively. Despite these challenges, treating childhood AML was still found to be cost-effective. The total cost per newly diagnosed patient treated with curative intent was $4454. Cost per DALY averted accounted for 24% of the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, rendering the treatment to be cost-effective with a stringent cost-effectiveness threshold utilized. CONCLUSION The study underscores the challenges faced while treating childhood AML in LMICs, including treatment-induced high sepsis-related mortality and abandonment. Despite these challenges, it remains cost-effective to treat childhood AML in India. Future efforts should focus on reducing treatment-related morbidity and mortality to further improve outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Srinivasan
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital and ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Nancy S Bolous
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Akshay Batra
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sujit Bharti
- Department of Microbiology, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Neha Singh
- Department of Hematopathology, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tanveer Shaikh
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anil Yadav
- Department of Cytogenetics, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vikramjit Kanwar
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Viani K, Furlong W, Filho VO, Santos Murra MD, Nabarrete JM, Ladas E, Barr RD. Comprehensive health status and health-related quality of life of children at diagnosis of high-risk neuroblastoma: a multicentric pilot study. Hematol Transfus Cell Ther 2024:S2531-1379(24)00315-8. [PMID: 39304372 DOI: 10.1016/j.htct.2024.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastomas account for 8-10 % of all cancer diagnoses among children. Most patients present with advanced, high-risk disease and 90 % are less than five years old. The burden of morbidity and mortality is high and is quantifiable by measures of health-related quality of life (HRQL). Measuring quality of life in under five-year-old children is a particular challenge that has been met with the development of the Health Utilities Pre-School (HuPS) instrument. Quality of life studies in children with cancer are scarce in low- and middle-income countries and are usually conducted at a single center, thus limiting any conclusions drawn. This pilot study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life of children at the time of diagnosis of high-risk neuroblastomas. METHOD This prospective cross-sectional multicentric study assessed the quality of life of children with high-risk neuroblastoma. The Health Utilities Pre-School instrument was applied to under five-year-olds, and the related Health Utilities Index Mark 3 instrument to over five-year olds. MAIN RESULTS Eleven patients participated in this study. There was a high burden of morbidity at diagnosis, often equating to severe disability, indicative of states of health with scores worse than being dead in two under five-year-old children. CONCLUSION The results of the current study will help to set research priorities for subsequent investigations and provide a basis to improve supportive care for children with high-risk neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Viani
- Instituto de Tratamento do Câncer Infantil (ITACI), Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo. São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - William Furlong
- Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Vicente Odone Filho
- Instituto de Tratamento do Câncer Infantil (ITACI), Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo. São Paulo, Brazil; Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Elena Ladas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Bolous NS, Chokwenda-Makore N, Bonilla M, Chingo G, Kambugu J, Mulindwa JM, Noleb M, Chitsike I, Bhakta N. Addressing the gap in health economics data to support national cancer control plans in low- and middle-income countries: The Childhood Cancers Budgeting Rapidly to Incorporate Disadvantaged Groups for Equity (CC-BRIDGE) tool. Cancer 2024; 130:1112-1124. [PMID: 38100617 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND National cancer control plans (NCCPs) are complex public health programs that incorporate evidence-based cancer control strategies to improve health outcomes for all individuals in a country. Given the scope of NCCPs, small and vulnerable populations, such as patients with childhood cancer, are often missed. To support planning efforts, a rapid, modifiable tool was developed that estimates a context-specific national budget to fund pediatric cancer programs, provides 5-year scale-up scenarios, and calculates annual cost-effectiveness. METHODS The tool was codeveloped by teams of policymakers, clinicians, and public health advocates in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Uganda. The 11 costing categories included real-world data, modeled data, and data from the literature. A base-case and three 5-year scale-up scenarios were created using modifiable inputs. The cost-effectiveness of the disability-adjusted life years averted was calculated. Results were compared with each country's projected gross domestic product per capita for 2022 through 2026. RESULTS The number of patients/total budget for year 1 was 250/$1,109,366 for Zimbabwe, 280/$1,207,555 for Zambia, and 1000/$2,277,397 for Uganda. In year 5, these values were assumed to increase to 398/$5,545,445, 446/$4,926,150, and 1594/$9,059,331, respectively. Base-case cost per disability-adjusted life year averted/ratio to gross domestic product per capita for year 1, assuming 20% survival, was: $807/0.5 for Zimbabwe, $785/0.7 for Zambia, and $420/0.5 for Uganda. CONCLUSIONS This costing tool provided a framework to forecast a budget for childhood-specific cancer services. By leveraging minimal primary data collection with existing secondary data, local teams obtained rapid results, ensuring that childhood cancer budgeting is not neglected once in every 5 to 6 years of planning processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy S Bolous
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nester Chokwenda-Makore
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Miguel Bonilla
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Grace Chingo
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Disease Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Joyce Kambugu
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Justin M Mulindwa
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Disease Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mugisha Noleb
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Inam Chitsike
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nickhill Bhakta
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Bolous NS, Mercredi P, Bonilla M, Friedrich P, Bhakta N, Metzger ML, Gassant PY. Determining the cost and cost-effectiveness of childhood cancer treatment in Haiti. Ecancermedicalscience 2024; 18:1675. [PMID: 38439808 PMCID: PMC10911665 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2024.1675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Haiti is a low-income country with one of the lowest human development index rankings in the world. Its childhood cancer services are provided by a single hospital with the only dedicated paediatric oncology department in the country. Our objective was to assess the cost and cost-effectiveness of all types of childhood cancer in Haiti to help prioritise investments and to support national cancer control planning. All costing data were collected from the year 2017 or 2018 hospital records. Costs were classified into 11 cost categories, and the proportion of the overall budget represented by each was calculated and converted from Haitian Gourde to United States dollars. The 5-year survival rate was retrieved from hospital records and used to calculate the cost-effectiveness of disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted, using a healthcare costing perspective. Additional sensitivity analyses were conducted accounting for late-effect morbidity and early mortality and discounting rates of 0%, 3% and 6%. The annual cost of operating a paediatric oncology unit in Haiti treating 74 patients with newly diagnosed cancer was $803,184 overall or $10,854 per patient. The largest cost category was pharmacy, constituting 25% of the overall budget, followed by medical personnel (20%) and administration (12%). The cost per DALY averted in the base-case scenario was $1,128, which is 76% of the gross domestic product per capita, demonstrating that treating children with cancer in Haiti is very cost-effective according to the World Health Organisation Choosing Interventions that are Cost-Effective (WHO-CHOICE) threshold. In the most conservative scenario, the cost per DALY averted was cost-effective by WHO-CHOICE criteria. Our data will add to the growing body of literature illustrating a positive return on investment associated with diagnosing and treating children with cancer in even the most resource-limited environments. We anticipate that these data will aid local stakeholders and policymakers when identifying cancer control priorities and making budgetary decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy S Bolous
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | | | - Miguel Bonilla
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Paola Friedrich
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Nickhill Bhakta
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | | | - Pascale Y Gassant
- Nos Petit Frères et Sœurs-St Damien Hospital, Port-au-Prince 6124, Haiti
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Ortiz R, Vásquez L, Giri B, Kapambwe S, Dille I, Mahmoud L, Bolormaa S, Kasymova N, Ilbawi A. Developing and sustaining high-quality care for children with cancer: the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2023; 47:e164. [PMID: 38116183 PMCID: PMC10729910 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2023.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a major public health concern, impacting nearly 20 million people each year, and it is responsible for 1 in 6 deaths worldwide. The burden of cancer is increasing rapidly, straining health systems that are unable to prevent and manage the disease. Childhood cancer constitutes a significant and relevant public health challenge; it was the ninth leading cause of childhood disease globally, according to findings by the Global Burden of Disease 2017 study. Almost 80% of all children diagnosed with cancer live in low- and middle-income countries where treatment is often unavailable or unaffordable. As a result, only about 15-45% of these children survive compared with more than 80% in high-income countries. This represents a great health inequity. Delivering on the mandate provided by World Health Assembly resolution 70.12, WHO together with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and other global partners launched the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer at the United Nations General Assembly during the third High-level Meeting on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases in September 2018. The Initiative aims to increase global survival for children with cancer to at least 60% by 2030, while reducing suffering for all children with cancer. Five years after launching the Initiative, more than 70 countries across the World Health Organization's 6 regions have advanced to different phases of action through implementation of the Initiative's CureAll framework for action. Many successful approaches to implementing the CureAll pillars and enablers have demonstrated that improving care for children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries is possible as long as there is strong political will, multisectoral commitments and strategic investment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ortiz
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases Management, Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Unit World Health Organization Geneva Switzerland Department of Noncommunicable Diseases; Management, Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Unit; World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Liliana Vásquez
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Pan American Health Organization Washington, D.C. United States of America Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Bishnu Giri
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Healthier Populations World Health Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia New Delhi India Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Healthier Populations, World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia, New Delhi, India
| | - Sharon Kapambwe
- Universal Health Coverage/Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases Cluster World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa Brazzaville Congo Universal Health Coverage/Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases Cluster, World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Issimouha Dille
- Universal Health Coverage/Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases Cluster World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa Brazzaville Congo Universal Health Coverage/Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases Cluster, World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Lamia Mahmoud
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Cairo Egypt Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, World Health Organization, Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sukhbaatar Bolormaa
- World Health Organization Mongolia Country Office Ulaanbaatar Mongolia World Health Organization, Mongolia Country Office, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Nazokat Kasymova
- World Health Organization Uzbekistan Country Office Tashkent Uzbekistan World Health Organization, Uzbekistan Country Office, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Andre Ilbawi
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases Management, Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Unit World Health Organization Geneva Switzerland Department of Noncommunicable Diseases; Management, Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Unit; World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Schneider NM, Rossell N, Khan MS. Psychosocial services for pediatric oncology patients in low- and middle-income countries from health care providers' perspectives: A survey-based report from the SIOP Global Health Network Psychosocial Working Group. Psychooncology 2023; 32:1710-1717. [PMID: 37795966 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES While pediatric cancer survival rates have improved in high-income countries, they remain much lower in low- and middle-income countries (L/MICs). While much focus in recent years has been on remediating the survivorship gap, less is known about the psychosocial needs and availability of psychosocial services for this population. METHODS A questionnaire was created by the SIOP Global Health Network Psychosocial Working Group to assess psychosocial needs and services in L/MIC. The questionnaire was distributed to pediatric oncology professionals, both in-person at the SIOP Annual Congress in Lyon (2019) conference and then electronically. Individuals not part of SIOP were also invited to participate via social media posts. RESULTS Sixty-six respondents from 31 countries completed the questionnaire. The majority of participants were physicians, followed by nurses. Participants from low- and lower-middle-income countries (L/LMICs) perceived patients as having higher rates of anxiety and caregivers as having higher rates of depression as compared to those in upper-middle-income countries (UMICs). Across all L/MICs represented, 85% of physicians reported that psychosocial issues sometimes, frequently, or always affect their clinical obligations. Participants reflected on the availability of professionals who treat mental health concerns; the availability of social workers, psychologists, and non-professional volunteers differed significantly between L/LMICs and UMICs. Treatment abandonment and myths/disinformation were highlighted as the most pressing psychosocial priorities. CONCLUSION Our study highlights pediatric oncology providers' perceptions of psychosocial concerns. Based on responses, proposals for minimum standards of care are made, as well as the importance of training existing providers and funding additional psychosocially-focused professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Schneider
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Psychology, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Muhammad Saghir Khan
- Department of Pediatrics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Al Madinah Al Munawarrah, Saudi Arabia
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Genemo I, Chala TK, Hordofa DF, Sinkie SO. Cost and Cost-Effectiveness of Treating Childhood Cancer at Jimma Medical Center. CLINICOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2023; 15:433-442. [PMID: 37309357 PMCID: PMC10257924 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s395170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background More than 70% of childhood cancer patients die in Sub-Saharan African countries due to a lack of access. Additionally establishing a childhood cancer treatment service is perceived as expensive by the decision-makers of LMICs. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the actual cost and cost-effectiveness of this service in LMICs including Ethiopia. This study provides context-relevant evidence to consider childhood cancer treatment in the healthcare priority settings in Ethiopia and other LMICs. Methods Newly admitted case files of children for the year 2020/21 were reviewed. The cost was analyzed from the provider's perspective. The effectiveness was calculated using DALY averted based on the 5 years of survival rates, which is estimated from the 1-year survival rate of Kaplan-Meier output. The do-nothing was our comparator, and we assumed no cost (zero cost) will be incurred for the comparator. To account for sensitivity analyses, we varied the discount rate, 5-year survival rate, and life expectancy. Results During the study period, 101 children were treated in the unit. The total annual and unit cost to give treatment to childhood cancer patients was estimated at $279,648 and $2769, respectively. The highest per-patient annual unit cost of treatment was Hodgkin's lymphoma ($6252), while Retinoblastoma ($1520) was the least. The cost per DALY averted was $193, which is significantly less than Ethiopia's GDP per capita ($936.3). The results remained very cost-effective in sensitivity analyses. Conclusion Childhood cancer treatment is very cost-effective in Ethiopia as per WHO-CHOICE thresholds even in a conservative adjustment of assumptions. Therefore, to enhance and improve children's health, childhood cancer should get a better concern in health priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idiris Genemo
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Temesgen Kabeta Chala
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Diriba Fufa Hordofa
- Department of Pediatric Oncology Unit, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Shimeles Ololo Sinkie
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
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Rojas-Roque C, Palacios A. A Systematic Review of Health Economic Evaluations and Budget Impact Analyses to Inform Healthcare Decision-Making in Central America. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2023; 21:419-440. [PMID: 36720754 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-023-00791-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the quality, quantity and disease areas analysed by health economic research that inform healthcare decision-making in Central America. This study aimed to review the existing health economic evaluations (HEEs) and budget impact analyses (BIAs) evidence in Central America based on scope and reporting quality. METHODS HEEs and BIAs published from 2000 to April 2021 were searched in five electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature), EconLIT and OVID Global Health. Two reviewers assessed titles, abstracts and full texts of studies for eligibility. The quality appraisal for the reporting was based on La Torre and colleagues' version of the Drummond checklist and the ISPOR good practices for BIA. For each country, we correlated the number of studies by disease area with their respective burden of disease to identify under-researched health areas. RESULTS 102 publications were eligible for this review. Ninety-four publications reported a HEE, six publications reported a BIA, and two studies reported both a HEE and a BIA. Costa Rica had the highest number of publications (n = 28, 27.5%), followed by Guatemala (n = 25, 24.5%). Cancer and respiratory infections were the most common types of disease studied. Diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney diseases, and mental disorders were under-researched relative to their disease burden in most of the countries. The overall mean quality reporting score for HEE and BIA studies were 71/119 points (60%) and 7/10 points (70%), respectively; however, these assessments were made on different scales. CONCLUSION In Central America, health economic research is sparse and is considered as suboptimal quality for reporting. The findings reported information useful to other low- and middle-income countries with similar advances in the application of economics to promote health policy decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Rojas-Roque
- Health Technology Assessment and Health Economics Department, Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Doctor Emilio Ravignani 2024, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Alfredo Palacios
- Health Technology Assessment and Health Economics Department, Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Doctor Emilio Ravignani 2024, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Económicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Centre for Health Economics (CHE), University of York, York, UK
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Kiros M, Memirie ST, Tolla MTT, Palm MT, Hailu D, Norheim OF. Cost-effectiveness of running a paediatric oncology unit in Ethiopia. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068210. [PMID: 36918241 PMCID: PMC10016307 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the cost-effectiveness of running a paediatric oncology unit in Ethiopia to inform the revision of the Ethiopia Essential Health Service Package (EEHSP), which ranks the treatment of childhood cancers at a low and medium priority. METHODS We built a decision analytical model-a decision tree-to estimate the cost-effectiveness of running a paediatric oncology unit compared with a do-nothing scenario (no paediatric oncology care) from a healthcare provider perspective. We used the recently (2018-2019) conducted costing estimate for running the paediatric oncology unit at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) and employed a mixed costing approach (top-down and bottom-up). We used data on health outcomes from other studies in similar settings to estimate the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted of running a paediatric oncology unit compared with a do-nothing scenario over a lifetime horizon. Both costs and effects were discounted (3%) to the present value. The primary outcome was incremental cost in US dollars (USDs) per DALY averted, and we used a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of 50% of the Ethiopian gross domestic product per capita (USD 477 in 2019). Uncertainty was tested using one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. RESULTS The incremental cost and DALYs averted per child treated in the paediatric oncology unit at TASH were USD 876 and 2.4, respectively, compared with no paediatric oncology care. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of running a paediatric oncology unit was USD 361 per DALY averted, and it was cost-effective in 90% of 100 000 Monte Carlo iterations at a USD 477 WTP threshold. CONCLUSIONS The provision of paediatric cancer services using a specialised oncology unit is most likely cost-effective in Ethiopia, at least for easily treatable cancer types in centres with minimal to moderate capability. We recommend reassessing the priority-level decision of childhood cancer treatment in the current EEHSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizan Kiros
- Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting (BCEPS), Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Solomon Tessema Memirie
- Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting (BCEPS), Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Addis Center for Ethics and Priority Setting, Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mieraf Taddesse Taddesse Tolla
- Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting (BCEPS), Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Michael Tekle Palm
- Department of Health Financing, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Hailu
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit, Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ole F Norheim
- Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting (BCEPS), Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Soliman R, Oke J, Sidhom I, Bhakta N, Bolous NS, Tarek N, Ahmed S, Abdelrahman H, Moussa E, Zamzam M, Fawzy M, Zekri W, Hafez H, Sedky M, Hammad M, Elzomor H, Ahmed S, Awad M, Abdelhameed S, Mohsen E, Shalaby L, Eweida W, Abouelnaga S, Elhaddad A, Heneghan C. Cost-effectiveness of childhood cancer treatment in Egypt: Lessons to promote high-value care in a resource-limited setting based on real-world evidence. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 55:101729. [PMID: 36386036 PMCID: PMC9646894 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood cancer in low-and middle-income countries is a global health priority, however, the perception that treatment is unaffordable has potentially led to scarce investment in resources, contributing to inferior survival. In this study, we analysed real-world data about the cost-effectiveness of treating 8886 children with cancer at a large resource-limited paediatric oncology setting in Egypt, between 2013 and 2017, stratified by cancer type, stage/risk, and disease status. METHODS Childhood cancer costs (USD 2019) were calculated from a health-system perspective, and 5-year overall survival was used to represent clinical effectiveness. We estimated cost-effectiveness as the cost per disability-adjusted life-year (cost/DALY) averted, adjusted for utility decrement for late-effect morbidity and mortality. FINDINGS For all cancers combined, cost/DALY averted was $1384 (0.5 × GDP/capita), which is very cost-effective according to WHO-CHOICE thresholds. Ratio of cost/DALY averted to GDP/capita varied by cancer type/sub-type and disease severity (range: 0.1-1.6), where it was lowest for Hodgkin lymphoma, and retinoblastoma, and highest for high-risk acute leukaemia, and high-risk neuroblastoma. Treatment was cost-effective (ratio <3 × GDP/capita) for all cancer types/subtypes and risk/stage groups, except for relapsed/refractory acute leukaemia, and relapsed/progressive patients with brain tumours, hepatoblastoma, Ewing sarcoma, and neuroblastoma. Treatment cost-effectiveness was affected by the high costs and inferior survival of advanced-stage/high-risk and relapsed/progressive cancers. INTERPRETATION Childhood cancer treatment is cost-effective in a resource-limited setting in Egypt, except for some relapsed/progressive cancer groups. We present evidence-based recommendations and lessons to promote high-value in care delivery, with implications on practice and policy. FUNDING Egypt Cancer Network; NIHR School for Primary Care Research; ALSAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranin Soliman
- Department of Continuing Education, University of Oxford, UK
- Health Economics and Value Unit, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Corresponding author. Department for Continuing Education, Kellogg College, University of Oxford, UK; Health Economics and Value Unit, Children's Cancer Hospital 57357–Egypt (CCHE), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Jason Oke
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM), Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Iman Sidhom
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Nickhill Bhakta
- Global Paediatric Medicine Department, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, USA
| | - Nancy S. Bolous
- Global Paediatric Medicine Department, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, USA
| | - Nourhan Tarek
- Health Economics and Value Unit, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
| | - Sonia Ahmed
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Hany Abdelrahman
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Emad Moussa
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Clinical Oncology Department, Menoufia University, Egypt
| | - Manal Zamzam
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Fawzy
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Wael Zekri
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Hanafy Hafez
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Sedky
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Paediatrics Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Hammad
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Hossam Elzomor
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Sahar Ahmed
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Madeha Awad
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Nasser Institute for Research and Treatment, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sayed Abdelhameed
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Enas Mohsen
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Clinical Oncology Department, Beni-suef University, Egypt
| | - Lobna Shalaby
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Wael Eweida
- Chief Operating Office, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
| | - Sherif Abouelnaga
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt
- Chief Executive Office, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
| | - Alaa Elhaddad
- Paediatric Oncology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt – 57357, Egypt
- Paediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Carl Heneghan
- Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM), Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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11
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Assessing the cost and economic impact of tertiary-level pediatric cancer care in Tanzania. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273296. [PMCID: PMC9674137 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Worldwide, an estimated 400,000 children develop cancer each year. The bulk of the mortalities from these cases occur in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). In Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a tremendous need to strengthen the capacity of health systems to provide high-quality cancer care for children. However, a lack of data on the economic impact of cancer treatment in low-resource settings hinders its consideration as a healthcare priority. To address this gap, this study models the clinical and financial impact of pediatric cancer care in Tanzania, a lower-middle income country in East Africa. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients with cancer under the age of 19 years treated at Bugando Medical Centre from January 2010 to August 2014. Information was collected from a total of 161 children, including demographics, type of cancer, care received, and five-year survival outcomes. This data was used to calculate the number of averted disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) with treatment. Charges for all direct medical costs, fixed provider costs, and variable provider costs were used to calculate total cost of care. The societal economic impact of cancer treatment was modeled using the value of statistical life (VSL) and human capital methods. Findings The total health impact for these 161 children was 819 averted DALYs at a total cost of $846,743. The median cost per patient was $5,064 ($4,746–5,501 interquartile range). The societal economic impact of cancer treatment ranged from $590,534 to $3,647,158 using VSL method and $1,776,296 using a human capital approach. Interpretation Despite the limitations of existing treatment capacity, economic modeling demonstrates a positive economic impact from providing pediatric cancer care in Tanzania. As many countries like Tanzania progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage, these key economic indicators may encourage future investment in comprehensive pediatric cancer care programs in low-resource settings to achieve clinically and economically beneficial results not only for the individual patients, but for the country as a whole.
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12
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Olarte-Sierra MF, Rossell N, Zubieta M, Challinor J. Parent Engagement and Agency in Latin American Childhood Cancer Treatment: A Qualitative Investigation. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 6:1729-1735. [PMID: 33180634 PMCID: PMC7713522 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Parent engagement in childhood cancer treatment is central for positive outcomes. Aspects of fruitful engagement have been described mainly in high-income countries (HICs) where family autonomy is valued, health care provider-patient relationships are less hierarchical, and active family participation in health care is welcomed. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), these aspects are not always valued or encouraged. We explored childhood cancer treatment engagement in Latin America as part of a larger engagement study in 10 LMICs worldwide. METHODS A qualitative investigation was conducted with parents (with the exception of one grandmother and two aunts in loco parentis; n = 21) of children with cancer in El Salvador, Peru, and Mexico. Participants were recruited by two Childhood Cancer International foundations and two local hospitals. A pediatric oncology psychologist and a medical anthropologist (experienced, native Latin Americans researchers) conducted focus-group discussions and in-depth interviews that were recorded and transcribed, and analyzed data. RESULTS Parents in the three countries actively engage in their child’s treatment, despite challenges of communicating effectively with health care staff. Hierarchical health care provider relationships and generalized socioeconomic disparities and cultural diversity with health care staff notwithstanding, parents find ways to navigate cancer treatment by exerting their agency and exploiting resources they have at hand. CONCLUSION In Latin America, engagement materializes in ways that are not necessarily reflected in existing literature from HICs and, thus, engagement may seem nonexistent. Health care teams’ recognition of parents’ substantial sacrifices to adhere to complex demands as treatment engagement, may positively impact the children’s (and family’s) quality of life, treatment experience, adherence, and posttreatment circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcela Zubieta
- Oncology Unit, Hospital Exequiel Gonzalez Cortes, Fundación Nuestros Hijos, Santiago de Chile, Chile
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13
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Boateng R, Renner L, Petricca K, Gupta S, Denburg A. Health system determinants of access to essential medicines for children with cancer in Ghana. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 5:bmjgh-2020-002906. [PMID: 32967979 PMCID: PMC7513566 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence of the context-specific challenges related to childhood cancer drug (CCD) access is vital to improving outcomes for children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries, such as Ghana. We sought to determine the availability and cost of essential CCD in Ghana and identify the underlying determinants of access. Methods Our study integrated quantitative data on drug prices and availability with qualitative insights into health system and sociopolitical determinants of CCD access in Ghana. We analysed retrospective monthly price and stock data for 41 cancer and supportive care drugs on the WHO Essential Medicines List (EML) from private retail and public institutional pharmacies. Non-parametric analyses evaluated relationships between drug price and availability, and impacts of drug class and formulation on availability and procurement efficiency. We assessed the determinants of drug access through thematic analysis of policy documents and semi-structured interviews (n=21) with key health system stakeholders. Results Ghana lists only 47% of essential CCD on its National EML, revealing gaps in domestic formulary inclusion. Stock-outs occurred for 88% of essential CCD, with a 70-day median stock-out duration; 32% had median price ratios above internationally-accepted efficiency thresholds. Drugs procured inefficiently were more susceptible to stock-outs (p=0.0003). Principal determinants of drug access included: (1) lack of sociopolitical priority afforded childhood cancer and (2) the impact of policy and regulatory environments on drug affordability, availability and quality. Establishment of a population-based cancer registry, a nationally-coordinated procurement strategy for CCD, public financing for childhood cancer care and policies to control drug costs emerged as priority interventions to improve drug access in Ghana. Conclusion Our study provides context-specific evidence to enable responsive policy development for efficient drug procurement and supply management in Ghana and establishes a rigorous approach to the analysis of childhood cancer drug access in similar health system settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhonda Boateng
- Unit for Policy and Economic Research in Childhood Cancer, Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lorna Renner
- University of Ghana Medical School, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana
| | - Kadia Petricca
- Unit for Policy and Economic Research in Childhood Cancer, Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Unit for Policy and Economic Research in Childhood Cancer, Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Avram Denburg
- Unit for Policy and Economic Research in Childhood Cancer, Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada .,Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Zabih W, Thota AB, Mbah G, Freccero P, Gupta S, Denburg AE. Interventions to improve early detection of childhood cancer in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28761. [PMID: 33037867 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood cancer outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) lag behind those in high-income countries (HICs), in part due to late presentation and diagnosis. Though several interventions targeting early detection of childhood cancer have been implemented in LMICs, little is known about their efficacy. METHODS We conducted a systematic review to identify studies describing such interventions. We searched multiple databases from inception to December 4, 2019. Studies were included if they reported on LMIC interventions focused on: (a) training of health care providers on early recognition of childhood cancer, or (ii) public awareness campaigns. We used preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to conduct our review. The risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) checklist was used to assess quality of studies. RESULTS Twelve studies met inclusion criteria (n = 5 full text, n = 7 abstract only). Five studies focused on retinoblastoma only, while the others focused on all types of childhood cancer. The majority studied multiple interventions of which early detection was one component, but reported overall outcomes. All identified studies used pre-post evaluative designs to measure efficacy. Five studies reported statistically significant results postintervention: decrease in extraocular spread of retinoblastoma, decrease in rates of refusal/abandonment of treatment, increase in number of new referrals, increase in knowledge, and an absolute increase in median 5-year survival. Other studies reported improvements without tests of statistical significance. Two studies reported no difference in survival postintervention. The ROBINS-I checklist indicated that all studies were at serious risk of bias. CONCLUSION Though current evidence suggests that LMIC interventions targeting early detection of childhood cancer through health professional training and/or public awareness campaigns may be effective, this evidence is limited and of poor quality. Robust trials or quasi-experimental designs with long-term follow up are needed to identify the most effective interventions. Such studies will facilitate and inform the widespread uptake of early detection interventions across LMIC settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weeda Zabih
- Division of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anilkrishna B Thota
- Division of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Glenn Mbah
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Hospitals, Mbingo, Cameroon
| | | | - Sumit Gupta
- Division of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Avram E Denburg
- Division of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Githang'a J, Brown B, Chitsike I, Schroeder K, Chekwenda-Makore N, Majahasi F, Ogundoyin O, Renner L, Petricca K, Denburg AE, Horton SE, Gupta S. The cost-effectiveness of treating childhood cancer in 4 centers across sub-Saharan Africa. Cancer 2020; 127:787-793. [PMID: 33108002 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of childhood cancer often is assumed to be costly in African settings, thereby limiting advocacy and policy efforts. The authors determined the cost and cost-effectiveness of maintaining childhood cancer centers across 4 hospitals throughout sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS Within hospitals representing 4 countries (Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe), cost was determined either retrospectively or prospectively for all inputs related to operating a pediatric cancer unit (eg, laboratory costs, medications, and salaries). Cost-effectiveness was calculated based on the annual number of newly diagnosed patients, survival rates, and life expectancy. RESULTS Cost per new diagnosis ranged from $2400 to $31,000, attributable to variances with regard to center size, case mix, drug prices, admission practices, and the treatment abandonment rate, which also affected survival. The most expensive cost input was found to be associated with medication in Kenya, and medical personnel in the other 3 centers. The cost per disability-adjusted life-year averted ranged from 0.3 to 3.6 times the per capita gross national income. Childhood cancer treatment therefore was considered to be very cost-effective by World Health Organization standards in 2 countries and cost-effective in 1 additional country. In all centers, abandonment of treatment was common; modeling exercises suggested that public funding of treatment, additional psychosocial personnel, and modifications of inpatient policies would increase survival rates while maintaining or even improving cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS Across various African countries, childhood cancer treatment units represent cost-effective interventions. Cost-effectiveness can be increased through the control of drug prices, appropriate policy environments, and decreasing the rate of treatment abandonment. These results will inform national childhood cancer strategies across Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie Githang'a
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Biobele Brown
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Inam Chitsike
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Kristin Schroeder
- Department of Pediatrics and Global Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Nester Chekwenda-Makore
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Olakayode Ogundoyin
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Lorna Renner
- Department of Child Health, University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kadia Petricca
- Unit for Policy and Economic Research in Childhood Cancer, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Avram E Denburg
- Unit for Policy and Economic Research in Childhood Cancer, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sue E Horton
- Unit for Policy and Economic Research in Childhood Cancer, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Unit for Policy and Economic Research in Childhood Cancer, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Gheorghe A, Chalkidou K, Shamieh O, Kutluk T, Fouad F, Sultan I, Sullivan R. Economics of Pediatric Cancer in Four Eastern Mediterranean Countries: A Comparative Assessment. JCO Glob Oncol 2020; 6:1155-1170. [PMID: 32697668 PMCID: PMC7392699 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer is a leading cause of death among children in the Eastern Mediterranean region, where conflict and economic downturn place additional burden on the health sector. In this context, using economic evidence to inform policy decisions is crucial for maximizing health outcomes from available resources. We summarized the available evidence on the economics of pediatric cancer in Jordan, Lebanon, the occupied Palestinian territory, and Turkey. METHODS A scoping review was performed of seven academic databases and gray literature pertaining to pediatric cancer in the four jurisdictions, published between January 1, 2010, and July 17, 2019. Information was extracted and organized using an analytical framework that synthesizes economic information on four dimensions: the context of the health system, the economics of health care inputs, the economics of service provision, and the economic consequences of disease. RESULTS Most of the economic evidence available across the four jurisdictions pertains to the availability of health care inputs (ie, drugs, human resources, cancer registration data, and treatment protocols) and individual-level outcomes (either clinical or health-related quality of life). We identified little evidence on the efficiency or quality of health care inputs and of pediatric cancer services. Moreover, we identified no studies examining the cost-effectiveness of any intervention, program, or treatment protocol. Evidence on the economic consequences of pediatric cancer on families and the society at large was predominantly qualitative. CONCLUSION The available economic evidence on pediatric cancer care in the four countries is limited to resource availability and, to an extent, patient outcomes, with a substantial gap in information on drug quality, service provision efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Links between researchers and policymakers must be strengthened if pediatric cancer spending decisions, and, ultimately, treatment outcomes, are to improve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Gheorghe
- Global Health and Development, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kalipso Chalkidou
- Global Health and Development, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Center for Global Development Europe, London, United Kingdom
| | - Omar Shamieh
- Center for Palliative and Cancer Care in Conflict, Department of Palliative Care, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Tezer Kutluk
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fouad Fouad
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Iyad Sultan
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Richard Sullivan
- Institute for Cancer Policy and Conflict & Health Research Group, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Atun R, Bhakta N, Denburg A, Frazier AL, Friedrich P, Gupta S, Lam CG, Ward ZJ, Yeh JM, Allemani C, Coleman MP, Di Carlo V, Loucaides E, Fitchett E, Girardi F, Horton SE, Bray F, Steliarova-Foucher E, Sullivan R, Aitken JF, Banavali S, Binagwaho A, Alcasabas P, Antillon F, Arora RS, Barr RD, Bouffet E, Challinor J, Fuentes-Alabi S, Gross T, Hagander L, Hoffman RI, Herrera C, Kutluk T, Marcus KJ, Moreira C, Pritchard-Jones K, Ramirez O, Renner L, Robison LL, Shalkow J, Sung L, Yeoh A, Rodriguez-Galindo C. Sustainable care for children with cancer: a Lancet Oncology Commission. Lancet Oncol 2020; 21:e185-e224. [PMID: 32240612 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(20)30022-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We estimate that there will be 13·7 million new cases of childhood cancer globally between 2020 and 2050. At current levels of health system performance (including access and referral), 6·1 million (44·9%) of these children will be undiagnosed. Between 2020 and 2050, 11·1 million children will die from cancer if no additional investments are made to improve access to health-care services or childhood cancer treatment. Of this total, 9·3 million children (84·1%) will be in low-income and lower-middle-income countries. This burden could be vastly reduced with new funding to scale up cost-effective interventions. Simultaneous comprehensive scale-up of interventions could avert 6·2 million deaths in children with cancer in this period, more than half (56·1%) of the total number of deaths otherwise projected. Taking excess mortality risk into consideration, this reduction in the number of deaths is projected to produce a gain of 318 million life-years. In addition, the global lifetime productivity gains of US$2580 billion in 2020-50 would be four times greater than the cumulative treatment costs of $594 billion, producing a net benefit of $1986 billion on the global investment: a net return of $3 for every $1 invested. In sum, the burden of childhood cancer, which has been grossly underestimated in the past, can be effectively diminished to realise massive health and economic benefits and to avert millions of needless deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rifat Atun
- Department of Global health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston MA, USA; Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston MA, USA.
| | - Nickhill Bhakta
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Avram Denburg
- Division of Haematology and Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A Lindsay Frazier
- Dana-Farber and Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paola Friedrich
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Division of Haematology and Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Catherine G Lam
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Zachary J Ward
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston MA, USA
| | - Jennifer M Yeh
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston MA, USA; Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Claudia Allemani
- Cancer Survival Group, Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Michel P Coleman
- Cancer Survival Group, Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Veronica Di Carlo
- Cancer Survival Group, Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Elizabeth Fitchett
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Fabio Girardi
- Cancer Survival Group, Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Susan E Horton
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Freddie Bray
- Section of Cancer Surveillance, International Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO, Lyon, France
| | - Eva Steliarova-Foucher
- Section of Cancer Surveillance, International Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO, Lyon, France
| | - Richard Sullivan
- Institute of Cancer Policy, Conflict and Health Research Group, School of Cancer Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Joanne F Aitken
- Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shripad Banavali
- Department of Medical and Pediatric Oncology, Tata Memorial Center, Mumbai, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Patricia Alcasabas
- Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | - Federico Antillon
- Unidad Nacional de Oncología Pediátrica and the School of Medicine, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Ramandeep S Arora
- Department of Medical Oncology, Max Super-Specialty Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ronald D Barr
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pathology and Medicine, Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Eric Bouffet
- Division of Haematology and Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julia Challinor
- School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Thomas Gross
- Center for Global Health, US National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lars Hagander
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Pediatric Surgery, WHO Collaborating Centre for Surgery and Public Health, Lund University Faculty of Medicine, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ruth I Hoffman
- American Childhood Cancer Organization, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Cristian Herrera
- Health Division, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Paris, France; Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Tezer Kutluk
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey; Cancer Institute, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Karen J Marcus
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston MA, USA; Division of Radiation Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Claude Moreira
- Institut Jean Lemerle, African Paediatric Oncology Formation, Dakar, Senegal; Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Kathy Pritchard-Jones
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Oscar Ramirez
- Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, Centro Médico Imbanaco de Cali, Cali, Colombia; Cali Cancer Population-based Registry, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Lorna Renner
- Department of Child Health, University of Ghana Medical School Accra, Ghana; Paediatric Oncology Unit, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Leslie L Robison
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jaime Shalkow
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, National Institute of Pediatrics, Mexico City, Mexico; School of Medicine, Anahuac University, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lillian Sung
- Division of Haematology and Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Allen Yeoh
- Division of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Horton
- University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sumit Gupta
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Fung A, Horton S, Zabih V, Denburg A, Gupta S. Cost and cost-effectiveness of childhood cancer treatment in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001825. [PMID: 31749998 PMCID: PMC6830048 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A major barrier to improving childhood cancer survival is the perception that paediatric oncology services are too costly for low-income and middle-income country (LMIC) health systems. We conducted a systematic review to synthesise existing evidence on the costs and cost-effectiveness of treating childhood cancers in LMICs. METHODS We searched multiple databases from their inception to March 2019. All studies reporting costs or cost-effectiveness of treating any childhood cancer in an LMIC were included. We appraised included articles using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist. Where possible, we extracted or calculated the cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted using reported survival and country-specific life expectancy. Cost/DALY averted was compared with per capita gross domestic product (GDP) as per WHO-Choosing Interventions that are Cost-Effective guidelines to determine cost-effectiveness. RESULTS Of 2802 studies identified, 30 met inclusion criteria. Studies represented 22 countries and nine different malignancies. The most commonly studied cancers were acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (n=10), Burkitt lymphoma (n=4) and Wilms tumour (n=3). The median CHEERS checklist score was 18 of 24. Many studies omitted key cost inputs. Notably, only 11 studies included healthcare worker salaries. Cost/DALY averted was extracted or calculated for 12 studies and ranged from US$22 to US$4475, although the lower-end costs were primarily from studies that omitted key cost components. In all 12, cost/DALY averted through treatment was substantially less than country per capita GDP, and therefore considered very cost-effective. CONCLUSION Many included studies did not account for key cost inputs, thus underestimating true treatment costs. Costs/DALY averted were nonetheless substantially lower than per capita GDP, suggesting that even if all relevant inputs are included, LMIC childhood cancer treatment is consistently very cost-effective. While additional rigorous economic evaluations are required, our results can inform the development of LMIC national childhood cancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair Fung
- Pediatrics and Child Health, Winnipeg Children's Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Susan Horton
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Veda Zabih
- Child Health and Evaluative Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Avram Denburg
- Child Health and Evaluative Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Child Health and Evaluative Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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20
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Renner L, Shah S, Bhakta N, Denburg A, Horton S, Gupta S. Evidence From Ghana Indicates That Childhood Cancer Treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa Is Very Cost Effective: A Report From the Childhood Cancer 2030 Network. J Glob Oncol 2019; 4:1-9. [PMID: 30241273 PMCID: PMC6223505 DOI: 10.1200/jgo.17.00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose No published study to date has examined total cost and cost-effectiveness of maintaining a pediatric oncology treatment center in an African setting, thus limiting childhood cancer advocacy and policy efforts. Methods Within the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana, costing data were gathered for all inputs related to operating a pediatric cancer unit. Cost and volume data for relevant clinical services (eg, laboratory, pathology, medications) were obtained retrospectively or prospectively. Salaries were determined and multiplied by proportion of time dedicated toward pediatric patients with cancer. Costs associated with inpatient bed use, outpatient clinic use, administrative fees, and overhead were estimated. Costs were summed for a total annual operating cost. Cost-effectiveness was calculated based on annual patients with newly diagnosed disease, survival rates, and life expectancy. Results The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital pediatric cancer unit treats on average 170 new diagnoses annually. Total operating cost was $1.7 million/y. Personnel salaries and operating room costs were the most expensive inputs, contributing 45% and 21% of total costs. Together, medications, imaging, radiation, and pathology services accounted for 7%. The cost per disability-adjusted life-year averted was $1,034, less than the Ghanaian per capita income, and thus considered very cost effective as per WHO-CHOICE methodology. Conclusion To our knowledge, this study is the first to examine institution-level costs and cost-effectiveness of a childhood cancer program in an African setting, demonstrating that operating such a program in this setting is very cost effective. These results will inform national childhood cancer strategies in Africa and other low- and middle-income country settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna Renner
- Lorna Renner, University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry, Accra, Ghana; Shivani Shah, Avram Denburg, Sue Horton, and Sumit Gupta, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto; Sue Horton, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; and Nickhill Bhakta, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Shivani Shah
- Lorna Renner, University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry, Accra, Ghana; Shivani Shah, Avram Denburg, Sue Horton, and Sumit Gupta, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto; Sue Horton, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; and Nickhill Bhakta, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Nickhill Bhakta
- Lorna Renner, University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry, Accra, Ghana; Shivani Shah, Avram Denburg, Sue Horton, and Sumit Gupta, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto; Sue Horton, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; and Nickhill Bhakta, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Avram Denburg
- Lorna Renner, University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry, Accra, Ghana; Shivani Shah, Avram Denburg, Sue Horton, and Sumit Gupta, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto; Sue Horton, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; and Nickhill Bhakta, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Sue Horton
- Lorna Renner, University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry, Accra, Ghana; Shivani Shah, Avram Denburg, Sue Horton, and Sumit Gupta, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto; Sue Horton, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; and Nickhill Bhakta, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Lorna Renner, University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry, Accra, Ghana; Shivani Shah, Avram Denburg, Sue Horton, and Sumit Gupta, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto; Sue Horton, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; and Nickhill Bhakta, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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21
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The global burden of childhood and adolescent cancer in 2017: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Lancet Oncol 2019; 20:1211-1225. [PMID: 31371206 PMCID: PMC6722045 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(19)30339-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate childhood cancer burden data are crucial for resource planning and health policy prioritisation. Model-based estimates are necessary because cancer surveillance data are scarce or non-existent in many countries. Although global incidence and mortality estimates are available, there are no previous analyses of the global burden of childhood cancer represented in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). METHODS Using the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2017 methodology, childhood (ages 0-19 years) cancer mortality was estimated by use of vital registration system data, verbal autopsy data, and population-based cancer registry incidence data, which were transformed to mortality estimates through modelled mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs). Childhood cancer incidence was estimated using the mortality estimates and corresponding MIRs. Prevalence estimates were calculated by using MIR to model survival and multiplied by disability weights to obtain years lived with disability (YLDs). Years of life lost (YLLs) were calculated by multiplying age-specific cancer deaths by the difference between the age of death and a reference life expectancy. DALYs were calculated as the sum of YLLs and YLDs. Final point estimates are reported with 95% uncertainty intervals. FINDINGS Globally, in 2017, there were 11·5 million (95% uncertainty interval 10·6-12·3) DALYs due to childhood cancer, 97·3% (97·3-97·3) of which were attributable to YLLs and 2·7% (2·7-2·7) of which were attributable to YLDs. Childhood cancer was the sixth leading cause of total cancer burden globally and the ninth leading cause of childhood disease burden globally. 82·2% (82·1-82·2) of global childhood cancer DALYs occurred in low, low-middle, or middle Socio-demographic Index locations, whereas 50·3% (50·3-50·3) of adult cancer DALYs occurred in these same locations. Cancers that are uncategorised in the current GBD framework comprised 26·5% (26·5-26·5) of global childhood cancer DALYs. INTERPRETATION The GBD 2017 results call attention to the substantial burden of childhood cancer globally, which disproportionately affects populations in resource-limited settings. The use of DALY-based estimates is crucial in demonstrating that childhood cancer burden represents an important global cancer and child health concern. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC), and St. Baldrick's Foundation.
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22
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Agulnik A, Antillon-Klussmann F, Soberanis Vasquez DJ, Arango R, Moran E, Lopez V, Rodriguez-Galindo C, Bhakta N. Cost-benefit analysis of implementing a pediatric early warning system at a pediatric oncology hospital in a low-middle income country. Cancer 2019; 125:4052-4058. [PMID: 31436324 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospitalized pediatric oncology patients are at high risk of clinical decline and mortality, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Pediatric early warning systems (PEWS) assist with the early identification of deterioration. To the authors' knowledge, no studies to date have evaluated the cost-benefit of PEWS in LMICs. METHODS A PEWS was implemented at the National Pediatric Oncology Unit (Unidad Nacional de Oncologia Pediatrica [UNOP]), a pediatric oncology hospital in Guatemala, resulting in a reduction in unplanned pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) transfers. Variable costs of maintaining the PICU and hospital floor were calculated for the year prior to and after the implementation of PEWS using administrative data. PEWS implementation costs were tabulated. The number of PICU inpatient days averted due to reduced unplanned PICU transfers after implementation was calculated, adjusting for changes in hospital inpatient days. Savings per inpatient day from unplanned PICU transfers were calculated. All costs were adjusted for inflation. RESULTS There were 457 fewer PICU inpatient days due to unplanned transfers noted the year after implementation of PEWS, adjusting for changes in hospital volume. The variable costs of an unplanned PICU transfer versus a bed on the hospital floor was $806 per day. The total cost of implementing PEWS at UNOP was $13,644 ($7 per admission). Through reductions in variable PICU costs, UNOP saved a net $173 per admission ($354,514 annual net savings) after implementation of PEWS. The cost savings were sustained in a series of more conservative 1-way sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of PEWS at UNOP resulted in an incremental savings due to a reduction in the number of unplanned PICU transfers. The results of the current study demonstrate that hospital investment in PEWS can improve the quality of pediatric cancer care, optimize PICU use, and reduce costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asya Agulnik
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Federico Antillon-Klussmann
- Unidad Nacional de Oncologıa Pediatrica, Guatemala City, Guatemala.,Francisco Marroquin University School of Medicine, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | | | - Rosa Arango
- Unidad Nacional de Oncologıa Pediatrica, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Elmer Moran
- Unidad Nacional de Oncologıa Pediatrica, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Victor Lopez
- Unidad Nacional de Oncologıa Pediatrica, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Nickhill Bhakta
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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23
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Denburg AE, Ramirez A, Pavuluri S, McCann E, Shah S, Alcasabas T, Antillon F, Arora R, Fuentes-Alabi S, Renner L, Lam C, Friedrich P, Maser B, Force L, Galindo CR, Atun R. Political priority and pathways to scale-up of childhood cancer care in five nations. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221292. [PMID: 31425526 PMCID: PMC6699697 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite increasing global attention to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their incorporation into universal health coverage (UHC), the factors that determine whether and how NCDs are prioritized in national health agendas and integrated into health systems remain poorly understood. Childhood cancer is a leading non-communicable cause of death in children aged 0-14 years worldwide. We investigated the political, social, and economic factors that influence health system priority-setting on childhood cancer care in a range of low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). METHODS AND FINDINGS Based on in-depth qualitative case studies, we analyzed the determinants of priority-setting for childhood cancer care in El Salvador, Guatemala, Ghana, India, and the Philippines using a conceptual framework that considers four principal influences on political prioritization: political contexts, actor power, ideas, and issue characteristics. Data for the analysis derived from in-depth interviews (n = 68) with key informants involved in or impacted by childhood cancer policies and programs in participating countries, supplemented by published academic literature and available policy documents. Political priority for childhood cancer varies widely across the countries studied and is most influenced by political context and actor power dynamics. Ghana has placed relatively little national priority on childhood cancer, largely due to competing priorities and a lack of cohesion among stakeholders. In both El Salvador and Guatemala, actor power has played a central role in generating national priority for childhood cancer, where well-organized and -resourced civil society organizations have disrupted legacies of fragmented governance and financing to create priority for childhood cancer care. In India, the role of a uniquely empowered private actor was instrumental in creating political priority and establishing sustained channels of financing for childhood cancer care. In the Philippines, the childhood cancer community has capitalized on a window of opportunity to expand access and reduce disparities in childhood cancer care through the political prioritization of UHC and NCDs in current health system reforms. CONCLUSIONS The importance of key health system actors in determining the relative political priority for childhood cancer in the countries studied points to actor power as a critical enabler of prioritization in other LMIC. Responsiveness to political contexts-in particular, rhetorical and policy priority placed on NCDs and UHC-will be crucial to efforts to place childhood cancer firmly on national health agendas. National governments must be convinced of the potential for foundational health system strengthening through attention to childhood cancer care, and the presence and capability of networked actors primed to amplify public sector investments and catalyze change on the ground.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avram E. Denburg
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Adriana Ramirez
- Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Suresh Pavuluri
- Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Erin McCann
- Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Shivani Shah
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Federico Antillon
- School of Medicine, Universidad Franciso Marroquin, Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Unidad Nacional de Oncología Pediátrica, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | | | | | | | - Catherine Lam
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Paola Friedrich
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Brandon Maser
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lisa Force
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Carlos Rodriguez Galindo
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Rifat Atun
- Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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24
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Barr RD, Feeny DA. Health-related quality of life in adolescents and young adults with cancer - Including a focus on economic evaluation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2019; 66:e27808. [PMID: 31081602 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is an amalgam of three elements - the opportunities that a person's health status affords, the constraints that it places upon the person and the value that a person places on his/her health status. HRQL measures are specific, for example for a disease, or generic with broad applicability. The latter include preference-based measures that can be used to generate quality-adjusted life years and so contribute to economic evaluation. Measures of HRQL in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer may fail to capture some important dimensions, for example sexual health. However, the use of HRQL measures in this population has identified burdens of morbidity according to disease, treatment status and duration of follow-up. There are few economic evaluations of the treatment of cancer in AYAs but preliminary evidence suggests that this is a cost-effective undertaking. Opportunities abound to include measurement of HRQL in routine clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald D Barr
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - David A Feeny
- Department of Economics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Health Utilities Incorporated, Dundas, Ontario, Canada
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25
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Cai J, Yu J, Zhu X, Hu S, Zhu Y, Jiang H, Li C, Fang Y, Liang C, Ju X, Tian X, Zhai X, Hao J, Hu Q, Wang N, Jiang H, Sun L, Li CK, Pan K, Yang M, Shen S, Cheng C, Ribeiro RC, Pui CH, Tang J. Treatment abandonment in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in China: a retrospective cohort study of the Chinese Children's Cancer Group. Arch Dis Child 2019; 104:522-529. [PMID: 30705079 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2018-316181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Before 2003, most children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) abandoned treatment, with only approximately 30% treated in China. With the development of national insurance for underprivileged patients, we assessed the current frequency and causes of treatment abandonment among patients with ALL who were enrolled in the Chinese Children's Cancer Group ALL protocol between 2015 and 2016. METHODS Demographic, clinical and laboratory data on patients who abandoned treatment, as well as economic and sociocultural data of their families were collected and analysed. General health-related statistics were retrieved from publicly accessible databanks maintained by the Chinese government. RESULTS At a median follow-up of 119 weeks, 83 (3.1%, 95% CI 2.5% to 3.8%) of the 2641 patients abandoned treatment. Factors independently associated with abandonment included standard/high-risk ALL (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.43 to 4.77), presence of minimal residual disease at the end of remission induction (OR 3.57, 95% CI 1.90 to 6.74) and low-income economic region (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.89 to 7.05). According to the family members, economic constraints (50.6%, p=0.0001) were the main reason for treatment abandonment, followed by the belief of incurability, severe side effects and concern over late complications. CONCLUSIONS The rate of ALL treatment abandonment has been greatly reduced in China. Standard/high-risk ALL, residence in a low-income region and economic difficulties were associated with treatment abandonment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR-IPR-14005706, pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoyang Cai
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Key Lab of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology of China Ministry of Health, and National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Chongqing Medical University Affiliated Children's Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaofan Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Disease Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Shaoyan Hu
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yiping Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua Jiang
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Health Care Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunfu Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Southern Medical University Affiliated Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongjun Fang
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Nanjing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Changda Liang
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiuli Ju
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xin Tian
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaowen Zhai
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinjin Hao
- Department of Pediatrics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Tongji Medical College Union Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Qun Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Tongji Medical College Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Ningling Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Anhui Medical University Second Affiliated Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lirong Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Qingdao University Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Chi Kong Li
- Deparment of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Kaili Pan
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Minghua Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuhong Shen
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Key Lab of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology of China Ministry of Health, and National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Biostatistics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Raul C Ribeiro
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, USA
| | - Ching-Hon Pui
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, USA
| | - Jingyan Tang
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Key Lab of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology of China Ministry of Health, and National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
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Denburg AE, Laher N, Mutyaba I, McGoldrick S, Kambugu J, Sessle E, Orem J, Casper C. The cost effectiveness of treating Burkitt lymphoma in Uganda. Cancer 2019; 125:1918-1928. [PMID: 30840316 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perceptions of high cost and resource intensity remain political barriers to the prioritization of childhood cancer treatment programs in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Little knowledge exists of the actual cost and cost-effectiveness of such programs. To improve outcomes for children with Burkitt lymphoma (BL), the most common childhood cancer in Africa, the Uganda Cancer Institute implemented a comprehensive BL treatment program in 2012. We undertook an economic evaluation of the program to ascertain the cost-effectiveness of BL therapy in a specific LIC setting. METHODS We compared the treatment of BL to usual care in a cohort of 122 patients treated between 2012 and 2014. Costs included variable, fixed, and family costs. Our primary measure of effectiveness was overall survival (OS). Patient outcomes were determined through prospective capture and retrospective chart abstraction. The cost per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted was calculated using the World Health Organization's Choosing Interventions That Are Cost-Effective (WHO-CHOICE) methodology. RESULTS The 2-year OS with treatment was 55% (95% CI, 45% to 64%). The cost per DALY averted in the treatment group was US$97 (Int$301). Cumulative estimate of national DALYs averted through treatment was 8607 years, and the total national annual cost of treatment was US$834,879 (Int$2,590,845). The cost of BL treatment fell well within WHO-CHOICE cost-effectiveness thresholds. The ratio of cost per DALY averted to per capita gross domestic product was 0.14, reflecting a very cost-effective intervention. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that treating BL with locally tailored protocols is very cost-effective by international standards. Studies of this kind will furnish crucial evidence to help policymakers prioritize the allocation of LMIC health system resources among noncommunicable diseases, including childhood cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avram E Denburg
- The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nazeefah Laher
- The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Wellesley Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Innocent Mutyaba
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Suzanne McGoldrick
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Joyce Kambugu
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Jackson Orem
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Corey Casper
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
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Bhakta N. Building the financial case for treating childhood cancer in resource-limited settings. Cancer 2019; 125:1774-1776. [PMID: 30840310 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nickhill Bhakta
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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28
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Bhakta N, Force LM, Allemani C, Atun R, Bray F, Coleman MP, Steliarova-Foucher E, Frazier AL, Robison LL, Rodriguez-Galindo C, Fitzmaurice C. Childhood cancer burden: a review of global estimates. Lancet Oncol 2019; 20:e42-e53. [PMID: 30614477 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(18)30761-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
5-year net survival of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer is approximately 80% in many high-income countries. This estimate is encouraging as it shows the substantial progress that has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer. Unfortunately, scarce data are available for low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), where nearly 90% of children with cancer reside, suggesting that global survival estimates are substantially worse in these regions. As LMICs are undergoing a rapid epidemiological transition, with a shifting burden from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases, cancer care for all ages has become a global focus. To improve outcomes for children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer worldwide, an accurate appraisal of the global burden of childhood cancer is a necessary first step. In this Review, we analyse four studies of the global cancer burden that included data for children and adolescents. Each study used various overlapping and non-overlapping statistical approaches and outcome metrics. Moreover, to provide guidance on improving future estimates of the childhood global cancer burden, we propose several recommendations to strengthen data collection and standardise analyses. Ultimately, these data could help stakeholders to develop plans for national and institutional cancer programmes, with the overall aim of helping to reduce the global burden of cancer in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nickhill Bhakta
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Lisa M Force
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Claudia Allemani
- Cancer Survival Group, Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rifat Atun
- Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Freddie Bray
- Section of Cancer Surveillance, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Michel P Coleman
- Cancer Survival Group, Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Eva Steliarova-Foucher
- Section of Cancer Surveillance, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - A Lindsay Frazier
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leslie L Robison
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Christina Fitzmaurice
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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29
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Pui CH, Yang JJ, Bhakta N, Rodriguez-Galindo C. Global efforts toward the cure of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2018; 2:440-454. [PMID: 30169285 PMCID: PMC6467529 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(18)30066-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Improvements in risk-directed treatment and supportive care, together with increased reliance on both national and international collaborative studies, have made childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) one of the most curable human cancers. Next-generation sequencing studies of leukaemia cells and the host germline provide new opportunities for precision medicine and thus potential improvements in the cure rate and quality of life of patients. Efforts are underway to assess the global impact of childhood ALL and develop initiatives that can meet the long-term challenge of providing quality care to children with this disease worldwide and improving cure rates globally. This ambitious task will rely on increased collaborative research and international networking so that the therapeutic gains in high-income countries can be translated to patients in low-income and middle-income countries. Ultimately, the greatest obstacle to overcome will be to fully understand leukaemogenesis, enabling measures to decrease the risk of leukaemia development and thus close the last major gap in offering a cure to any child who might have the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Hon Pui
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Jun J Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Nickhill Bhakta
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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