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Mjumbe CK, Kulimba DM, Numbi OL, Nkumuyaya M, Balimo DM, Diyoka CK, Ilunga BK. Financial costs of pediatric cancer management in Africa: systematic review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1175560. [PMID: 37808990 PMCID: PMC10556248 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1175560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The high costs of cancer treatment and the lack of investment in health care are significant barriers to public health on the African continent. The objective of this study was to investigate the financial cost of children cancer treating in sub-Saharan Africa. We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies between March 2000 and December 2022. We selected articles that specifically addressed the US dollar financial costs of childhood cancer in African countries. Medians and interquartile ranges (IQR) were calculated. We also calculated the economic burden of childhood cancer at the individual level, by dividing the direct costs of cancer per patient by the GDP per capita, PPP of the country studied. The quality of economic studies was assessed using the CHEERS (2022) 28-point checklist. A total of 17 studies met our eligibility criteria. The median (IQR) of total childhood cancer costs by region was $909.5 ($455.3-$1,765) and ranged from $88803.10 for neuroblastoma to $163.80 for lymphoma. No significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for comparisons of the direct cost of childhood cancer between the geopolitical zone of sub-Saharan Africa. Differences in the direct costs of childhood cancer were significant for different cancer types (p < 0.05). In the majority of 17 out of 54 countries on Africa the continent, the economic burden of childhood cancer exceeds 80% of GDP per capita, PPP, up to 345.38% of Nigeria's GDP for Rhabdomyosarcoma. The cost of treating childhood cancers is high in Africa is catastrophic, if not downright prohibitive for households in Sub-Saharan Africa. We believe that the data from our study will be able to help make different objective advocacy allowing it to be provided with funds based of the evidence that can strengthen this program in order to install cancerology structures in the countries and by following the system plan. Cost reduction in the treatment of childhood cancer in particular and in general all types of cancer. Systematic review registration Approval of the study was given by the ethics committee of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lubumbashi (UNILU/CEM/135/2018) and (UNILU/CEM/096/2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Criss Koba Mjumbe
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Desiré Mashinda Kulimba
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Oscar Luboya Numbi
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Murielle Nkumuyaya
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | - Chadrack Kabeya Diyoka
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Benjamin Kabyla Ilunga
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
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Gopal S. The case for prioritizing malignant hematology services in low- and middle-income countries. Semin Hematol 2023; 60:189-191. [PMID: 37723025 PMCID: PMC10840687 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2023.08.005] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
A clear case for can be made for prioritizing malignant hematology services in low- and middle-income countries based on large public health burden, convincing demonstrations of cure and control, innovation opportunities with likely worldwide implications, and sizable returns on investment for health systems and societies. We must now ensure that need and opportunity are matched by commensurate levels of investment and attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Gopal
- Center for Global Health, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD.
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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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Mirutse MK, Palm MT, Tolla MT, Memirie ST, Kefyalew ES, Hailu D, Norheim OF. Cost of childhood cancer treatment in Ethiopia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286461. [PMID: 37267276 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the recent interest in expanding pediatric oncology units in Ethiopia, reflected in the National Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Control Plan (NCACCP), little is known about the cost of running a pediatric oncology unit and treating childhood cancers. METHODS We collected historical cost data and quantity of services provided for the pediatric oncology unit and all other departments in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) from 8 July 2018 to 7 July 2019, using a provider perspective and mixed (top-down and bottom-up) costing approaches. Direct costs (human resources, drugs, supplies, medical equipment) of the pediatric oncology unit, costs at other relevant clinical departments, and overhead cost share are summed up to estimate the total annual cost of running the unit. Further, unit costs were estimated at specific childhood cancer levels. RESULTS The estimated annual total cost of running a pediatric oncology unit was USD 776,060 (equivalent to USD 577 per treated child). The cost of running a pediatric oncology unit per treated child ranged from USD 469 to USD 1,085, on the scenario-based sensitivity analysis. Drugs and supplies, and human resources accounted for 33% and 27% of the total cost, respectively. Outpatient department and inpatient department shared 37% and 63% of the cost, respectively. For the pediatric oncology unit, the cost per OPD visit, cost per bed day, and cost per episode of hospital admission were USD 36.9, 39.9, and 373.3, respectively. The annual cost per treated child ranged from USD 322 to USD 1,313 for the specific childhood cancers. CONCLUSION Running a pediatric oncology unit in Ethiopia is likely to be affordable. Further analysis of cost effectiveness, equity, and financial risk protection impacts of investing in childhood cancer programs could better inform the prioritization of childhood cancer control interventions in the Ethiopia Essential Health Service Package.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizan Kiros Mirutse
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting (BCEPS), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Ministry of Health Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Mieraf Taddesse Tolla
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting (BCEPS), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Solomon Tessema Memirie
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting (BCEPS), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Addis Center for Ethics and Priority Setting, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Daniel Hailu
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ole F Norheim
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting (BCEPS), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
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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] [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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Haier J, Schaefers J. Economic Perspective of Cancer Care and Its Consequences for Vulnerable Groups. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133158. [PMID: 35804928 PMCID: PMC9265013 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary For cancer patients, many different reasons can cause financial burdens and economic threads. Sociodemographic factors, rural/remote location and income are known determinants for these vulnerable groups. This economic vulnerability is related to the reduced utilization of cancer care and the impact on outcome. Financial burden has been reported in many countries throughout the world and needs to be addressed as part of the sufficient quality of cancer care. Abstract Within healthcare systems in all countries, vulnerable groups of patients can be identified and are characterized by the reduced utilization of available healthcare. Many different reasons can be attributed to this observation, summarized as implementation barriers involving acceptance, accessibility, affordability, acceptability and quality of care. For many patients, cancer care is specifically associated with the occurrence of vulnerability due to the complex disease, very different target groups and delivery situations (from prevention to palliative care) as well as cost-intensive care. Sociodemographic factors, such as educational level, rural/remote location and income, are known determinants for these vulnerable groups. However, different forms of financial burdens likely influence this vulnerability in cancer care delivery in a distinct manner. In a narrative review, these socioeconomic challenges are summarized regarding their occurrence and consequences to current cancer care. Overall, besides direct costs such as for treatment, many facets of indirect costs including survivorship costs for the cancer patients and their social environment need to be considered regarding the impact on vulnerability, treatment compliance and abundance. In addition, individual cancer-related financial burden might also affect the society due to the loss of productivity and workforce availability. Healthcare providers are requested to address this vulnerability during the treatment of cancer patients.
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Kasonkanji E, Kimani S, Skiver B, Ellis G, Seguin R, Kaimila B, Tomoka T, Mulenga M, Montgomery N, Fedoriw Y, Gopal S, Westmorland KD, Painschab MS. Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Adolescents and Young Adults in Malawi. JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2100388. [PMID: 35772043 PMCID: PMC9276115 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
There are limited data on treatment and outcomes for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) among adolescents and young adults in sub-Saharan Africa. We describe a prospective observational cohort in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen Kimani
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | | | - Grace Ellis
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Ryan Seguin
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Bongani Kaimila
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Tamiwe Tomoka
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Nathan Montgomery
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Yuri Fedoriw
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Satish Gopal
- Center for Global Health, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | - Katherine D. Westmorland
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Matthew S. Painschab
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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Ngwa W, Addai BW, Adewole I, Ainsworth V, Alaro J, Alatise OI, Ali Z, Anderson BO, Anorlu R, Avery S, Barango P, Bih N, Booth CM, Brawley OW, Dangou JM, Denny L, Dent J, Elmore SNC, Elzawawy A, Gashumba D, Geel J, Graef K, Gupta S, Gueye SM, Hammad N, Hessissen L, Ilbawi AM, Kambugu J, Kozlakidis Z, Manga S, Maree L, Mohammed SI, Msadabwe S, Mutebi M, Nakaganda A, Ndlovu N, Ndoh K, Ndumbalo J, Ngoma M, Ngoma T, Ntizimira C, Rebbeck TR, Renner L, Romanoff A, Rubagumya F, Sayed S, Sud S, Simonds H, Sullivan R, Swanson W, Vanderpuye V, Wiafe B, Kerr D. Cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: a Lancet Oncology Commission. Lancet Oncol 2022; 23:e251-e312. [PMID: 35550267 PMCID: PMC9393090 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(21)00720-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), urgent action is needed to curb a growing crisis in cancer incidence and mortality. Without rapid interventions, data estimates show a major increase in cancer mortality from 520 348 in 2020 to about 1 million deaths per year by 2030. Here, we detail the state of cancer in SSA, recommend key actions on the basis of analysis, and highlight case studies and successful models that can be emulated, adapted, or improved across the region to reduce the growing cancer crises. Recommended actions begin with the need to develop or update national cancer control plans in each country. Plans must include childhood cancer plans, managing comorbidities such as HIV and malnutrition, a reliable and predictable supply of medication, and the provision of psychosocial, supportive, and palliative care. Plans should also engage traditional, complementary, and alternative medical practices employed by more than 80% of SSA populations and pathways to reduce missed diagnoses and late referrals. More substantial investment is needed in developing cancer registries and cancer diagnostics for core cancer tests. We show that investments in, and increased adoption of, some approaches used during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as hypofractionated radiotherapy and telehealth, can substantially increase access to cancer care in Africa, accelerate cancer prevention and control efforts, increase survival, and save billions of US dollars over the next decade. The involvement of African First Ladies in cancer prevention efforts represents one practical approach that should be amplified across SSA. Moreover, investments in workforce training are crucial to prevent millions of avoidable deaths by 2030. We present a framework that can be used to strategically plan cancer research enhancement in SSA, with investments in research that can produce a return on investment and help drive policy and effective collaborations. Expansion of universal health coverage to incorporate cancer into essential benefits packages is also vital. Implementation of the recommended actions in this Commission will be crucial for reducing the growing cancer crises in SSA and achieving political commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by a third by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfred Ngwa
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Information and Sciences, ICT University, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Beatrice W Addai
- Breast Care International, Peace and Love Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Isaac Adewole
- College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Victoria Ainsworth
- Department of Physics and Applied Physics, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - James Alaro
- National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Zipporah Ali
- Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Benjamin O Anderson
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Non-communicable Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rose Anorlu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Stephen Avery
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Prebo Barango
- WHO, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Noella Bih
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher M Booth
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Otis W Brawley
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Lynette Denny
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council, Gynaecological Cancer Research Centre, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | | | - Shekinah N C Elmore
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ahmed Elzawawy
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | | | - Jennifer Geel
- Division of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Katy Graef
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Nazik Hammad
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Laila Hessissen
- Pediatric Oncology Department, Pediatric Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Andre M Ilbawi
- Department of Non-communicable Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joyce Kambugu
- Department of Pediatrics, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Zisis Kozlakidis
- Laboratory Services and Biobank Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO, Lyon, France
| | - Simon Manga
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Lize Maree
- Department of Nursing Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sulma I Mohammed
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Susan Msadabwe
- Department of Radiation Therapy, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Miriam Mutebi
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Ntokozo Ndlovu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Kingsley Ndoh
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Mamsau Ngoma
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Twalib Ngoma
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Timothy R Rebbeck
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lorna Renner
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anya Romanoff
- Department of Health System Design and Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fidel Rubagumya
- Department of Oncology, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda; University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Shahin Sayed
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Shivani Sud
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hannah Simonds
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Tygerberg Hospital and University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - William Swanson
- Department of Physics and Applied Physics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Verna Vanderpuye
- National Centre for Radiotherapy, Oncology, and Nuclear Medicine, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - David Kerr
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Painschab MS, Kohler R, Kimani S, Mhango W, Kaimila B, Zuze T, Mithi V, Kasonkanji E, Mumba N, Nyasosela R, Wheeler S, Gopal S. Comparison of best supportive care, CHOP, or R-CHOP for treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in Malawi: a cost-effectiveness analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2021; 9:e1305-e1313. [PMID: 34303416 PMCID: PMC8403678 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00261-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cost-effectiveness data for cancer treatment are needed from sub-Saharan Africa, where diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a common, curable cancer. In high-income countries, the standard of care for DLBCL is R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) chemoimmunotherapy. Rituximab is often not available in sub-Saharan Africa due to perceived unaffordability, and treatment with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) is common. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of treatment in Malawi, comparing best supportive care, CHOP, or R-CHOP in patients with DLBCL. METHODS For this cost-effectiveness analysis, we used published Malawi microcosting data, clinical data from a prospective cohort treated with CHOP, and clinical trial data evaluating R-CHOP. We used a decision-tree model to calculate costs per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted from the health system perspective for the treatment of patients with DLBCL with best supportive care, CHOP, or R-CHOP, running the model on a per-patient basis and a Malawi population-level basis. We used the WHO definitions of cost-effective (three times the GDP per capita of the country) and extremely cost-effective (equal to the GDP per capita of the country) as willingness-to-pay thresholds for Malawi. FINDINGS On a per-patient level, compared with best supportive care, CHOP was estimated to avert a mean 7·4 DALYs at an incremental cost of US$1384, for an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $189 per DALY averted, which is substantially lower than the willingness-to-pay threshold (extremely cost-effective). Compared with CHOP, R-CHOP was estimated to avert 2·8 DALYs at an incremental cost of $3324, resulting in an ICER of $1204 per DALY averted, which is slightly higher than the cost-effective willingness-to-pay threshold. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, CHOP remained cost-effective for DLBCL treatment in more than 99% of simulations, whereas R-CHOP was lower than the threshold in 46% of simulations. INTERPRETATION We estimated CHOP to be cost-effective for DLBCL treatment in Malawi, and that the addition of rituximab might be cost-effective. Despite upfront costs, DLBCL treatment is probably a prudent investment relative to other accepted health interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. FUNDING National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Painschab
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.
| | - Racquel Kohler
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Stephen Kimani
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Bongani Kaimila
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Takondwa Zuze
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Victor Mithi
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Noel Mumba
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Stephanie Wheeler
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Satish Gopal
- Center for Global Health, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
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10
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van Heerden J, Zaghloul M, Neven A, de Rojas T, Geel J, Patte C, Balagadde-Kambugu J, Hesseling P, Tchintseme F, Bouffet E, Hessissen L. Pediatric Oncology Clinical Trials and Collaborative Research in Africa: Current Landscape and Future Perspectives. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 6:1264-1275. [PMID: 32762563 PMCID: PMC7456323 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Adequate clinical services have yet to be established in the majority of African countries, where childhood cancer survival rates vary from 8.1% to 30.3%. The aim of this review is to describe the landscape of pediatric oncology trials in Africa, identify challenges, and offer future opportunities for research collaborations. METHODS The study includes data from the International Pediatric Oncology Society (SIOP) global mapping survey, meta-research identifying trials in Africa in ClinicalTrials.gov, and a literature overview of publications on the subject of pediatric oncology clinical research supported by expert opinions on the current situation and challenges. RESULTS The SIOP global mapping survey received responses from 47 of 54 African countries, of which 23 have active clinical research programs. A preliminary search of ClinicalTrials.gov showed that only 105 (12.1%) of 868 African oncology studies included children and adolescents. Of these, 53 (50.5%) were interventional trials according to the registry’s classification. The small number of African trials for children and adolescents included palliative care and leukemia trials. In African oncology journals and international pediatric oncology journals, < 1% of the pediatric oncology publications come from Africa. Services and research were strengthened by international collaboration. National studies focused on clinical needs, local challenges, or interventional priorities. Both the literature review and the expert opinions highlight the need to expand clinical research in Africa, despite ongoing regional instability and lack of resources. CONCLUSION While a low number of pediatric clinical treatment trials are open to African children and adolescents, clinical research of high quality is being done in Africa. Several initiatives are stimulating the development of the research capacity across the continent, which should increase the publication output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaques van Heerden
- Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mohamed Zaghloul
- Radiation Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University and Children's Cancer Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Anouk Neven
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda.,Statistics Department, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Teresa de Rojas
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda.,Pediatric OncoGenomics Unit, Pediatric Oncology-Hematology Department, Children's University Hospital Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jennifer Geel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Catherine Patte
- Franco-African Pediatric Oncology Group and Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Peter Hesseling
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Tygerberg Childrens' Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - Eric Bouffet
- Pediatric Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laila Hessissen
- Pediatric Haematology and Oncology Center, University Mohamed V. Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
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11
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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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12
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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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13
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Martei YM, Iwamoto K, Barr RD, Wiernkowski JT, Robertson J. Shortages and price variability of essential cytotoxic medicines for treating children with cancers. BMJ Glob Health 2020; 5:bmjgh-2020-003282. [PMID: 33173011 PMCID: PMC7656942 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) face the largest burden of mortality from childhood cancers with limited access to curative therapies. Few comparative analyses across all income groups and world regions have examined the availability and acquisition costs of essential medicines for treating cancers in children. Methods A cross-sectional survey involved countries in five income groups—low-income (LIC), lower-middle-income (LMC), upper-middle-income (UMC), two high-income country groups (HIC1, HIC2). Physicians and pharmacists reported institutional use, availability, stock outs and prices (brand and generic products) of 34 essential medicines. Price comparisons used US$, applying foreign exchange rates (XR) and purchasing power parity (PPP) adjustments. Medicine costs for treating acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and Wilms tumour (WT) were calculated (child 29 kg, body surface area 1 m2). Comparisons were conducted using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results Fifty-eight respondents (50 countries) provided information on medicine use, availability and stock outs, with usable price data from 42 facilities (37 countries). The extent of use of International Society of Paediatric Oncology core and ancillary medicines varied across income groups (p<0.0001 and p=0.0002 respectively). LMC and LIC facilities used fewer medicines than UMC and HIC facilities. UMC and LMC facilities were more likely to report medicines not available or stockouts. Medicine prices varied widely within and between income bands; generic products were not always cheaper than brand equivalents. PPP adjustment showed relatively higher prices in UMC and LMC facilities for some medicines. Medicine costs were highest in HICs for ALL (p=0.0075 XR; p=0.0178 PPP-adjusted analyses) and WT (p =<0.0001 XR; p=0.0007 PPP-adjusted). Medicine costs for BL were not significantly different. Conclusion Problems with the availability of essential medicines, dependable supply chains, confidential medicine prices and wide variability in treatment costs contribute to persistent challenges in the care of children with treatable cancers, especially in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehoda M Martei
- Hematology - Oncology Division, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kotoji Iwamoto
- Health Technology and Pharmaceuticals Programme, World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ronald D Barr
- Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, McMaster University and McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - John T Wiernkowski
- Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, McMaster University and McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jane Robertson
- Health Technology and Pharmaceuticals Programme, World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Clinical Pharmacology, University of Newcastle, Waratah, New South Wales, Australia
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14
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Barr RD. The challenges of delivering cost-effective and affordable care to children with cancer in the developing world. Cancer 2020; 127:676-678. [PMID: 33107984 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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15
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Booth CM, Hammad N. Childhood cancer care: closing equity gaps on the ground. Lancet Oncol 2020; 21:485-487. [PMID: 32240605 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(20)30094-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Booth
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's University Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada; Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Nazik Hammad
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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16
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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: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [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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17
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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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18
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McGoldrick SM, Mutyaba I, Adams SV, Larsen A, Krantz EM, Namirembe C, Mooka P, Nabakooza S, Ndagire M, Mubiru K, Nabwana M, Nankinga R, Gerdts S, Gordon-Maclean C, Geriga F, Omoding A, Sessle E, Kambugu J, Uldrick TS, Orem J, Casper C. Survival of children with endemic Burkitt lymphoma in a prospective clinical care project in Uganda. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2019; 66:e27813. [PMID: 31157502 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE "Endemic" Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a common childhood cancer in Africa. Social and treatment factors may contribute to poor survival. With the aim of improving BL outcomes in Uganda, we undertook a comprehensive project (BL Project) that provided diagnostic support, access to standard chemotherapy, nutritional evaluations, and case management. We evaluated survival of children with BL in the context of the project. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients followed by the BL Project who consented to research were enrolled in this study. Children with a pathology diagnosis consistent with BL were eligible. Data were collected prospectively. First-line chemotherapy generally consisted of six cycles of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, low-dose methotrexate (COM). We used Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses to evaluate factors associated with overall survival (OS). RESULTS Between July 2012 and June 2017, 341 patients with suspected BL presented to the BL Project. One hundred eighty patients with a pathology-based diagnosis were included in this study. The median age was seven years (interquartile range, 5-9), 74% lived ≥100 km from the Uganda Cancer Institute, 61% had late-stage disease, 84% had ECOG performance status < 3, 63% reported B-symptoms, and 22% showed neurologic symptoms. Fewer than 10% abandoned therapy. The four-year OS rate was 44% (95% CI, 36%-53%). In a multivariate model, ECOG status was significantly associated with mortality. CONCLUSION The BL Project reduced effects of lacking supportive care and oncology resources, and allowed patients from Uganda to receive curative intent therapy with minimal loss to follow-up. Nonetheless, OS remains unacceptably low. Improved therapeutic approaches to endemic BL are urgently needed in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Scott V Adams
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Anna Larsen
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | - Peter Mooka
- Hutchinson Centre Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Kelvin Mubiru
- Hutchinson Centre Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Rose Nankinga
- Hutchinson Centre Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Gerdts
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Corey Casper
- Departments of Medicine and Global Health, Infectious Disease Research Institute and the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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19
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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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