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Brownlee AJ, Dewey M, Chagomerana MB, Tomoka T, Mulenga M, Khan S, Kampani C, Chimzimu F, Gastier-Foster JM, Westmoreland KD, Ozuah NW, Krysiak R, Malamba-Banda C, Painschab MS, Gopal S, Fedoriw Y. Update on pathology laboratory development and research in advancing regional cancer care in Malawi. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1336861. [PMID: 38298817 PMCID: PMC10829605 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1336861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathology laboratory at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe, Malawi was established in 2011. We published our initial experiences in laboratory development and telepathology in 2013 and 2016, respectively. The purpose of this paper is to provide an update on our work by highlighting the positive role laboratory development has played in improving regional cancer care and research. In addition, we provide a summary of the adult pathology data from specimens received between July 1, 2011, and May 31, 2019, with an emphasis on malignant diagnoses. We compare these summaries to estimates of cancer incidence in this region to identify gaps and future needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J. Brownlee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Morgan Dewey
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Maganizo B. Chagomerana
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Tamiwe Tomoka
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Maurice Mulenga
- Kamuzu Central Hospital, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Shiraz Khan
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Kamuzu Central Hospital, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Coxcilly Kampani
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Fred Chimzimu
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Julie M. Gastier-Foster
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kate D. Westmoreland
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Nmazuo W. Ozuah
- Section of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Robert Krysiak
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Chikondi Malamba-Banda
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Malawi University of Science and Technology, Limbe, Malawi
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Program, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Matthew S. Painschab
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Satish Gopal
- Center for Global Health, National Cancer Institute (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yuri Fedoriw
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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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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3
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Duarte NL, Bueno APS, Sanches BS, Ramos GA, Santos JMBD, Silva HFHE, Pondé JDO, Sá JGD, Rossi PM, Horn PRCB, Sztajnbok DCDN, Rubini NDPM, da Costa ES, Milito CB, de Abreu TF, Land MGP. Prognostic Factors in Children and Adolescents with Lymphomas and Vertical Transmission of HIV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A Multicentric Hospital-Based Survival Analysis Study. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082292. [PMID: 37190220 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphomas related to HIV are generally aggressive and have a poor prognosis, despite the use of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) and effective chemotherapy treatment. To determine survival and prognostic factors in children and adolescents living with HIV (CLWH) in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil, who developed lymphomas, we performed a retrospective and observational study of vertically infected CLWH aged from 0 to 20 incomplete years during1995 to 2018 at five reference centers for cancer and HIV/AIDS treatment. Of the 25 lymphomas, 19 were AIDS-defining malignancies (ADM) and 6 were non-AIDS-defining malignancies (NADM). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and 5-year event-free survival (EFS) probabilities were both 32.00% (95% CI = 13.72-50.23%), and the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) probability was 53.30% (95% CI = 28.02-78.58%). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, performance status 4 (PS 4) was considered a poor prognostic factor for OS (HR 4.85, 95% CI = 1.81-12.97, p = 0.002) and EFS (HR 4.95, 95% CI = 1.84-13.34, p = 0.002). For the DFS, higher CD4+ T-cell counts were considered a better prognostic factor (HR 0.86, 95% CI = 0.76-0.97, p = 0.017) in the multivariate Cox regression analysis. This study demonstrates, for the first time, survival and prognostic factors for CLWH who developed lymphomas in RJ, Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Lopez Duarte
- Faculty of Medicine (FM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- Internal Medicine Postgraduate Program, Faculty of Medicine (FM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Child and Adolescent Health (NTISCA), Institute of Pediatrics and Childcare Martagão Gesteira (IPPMG), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-612, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Silva Bueno
- Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Child and Adolescent Health (NTISCA), Institute of Pediatrics and Childcare Martagão Gesteira (IPPMG), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-612, Brazil
- Pediatric Hematology Service, Institute of Pediatrics and Childcare Martagão Gesteira (IPPMG), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-612, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Sarni Sanches
- Faculty of Medicine (FM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Child and Adolescent Health (NTISCA), Institute of Pediatrics and Childcare Martagão Gesteira (IPPMG), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-612, Brazil
| | - Gabriella Alves Ramos
- Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Child and Adolescent Health (NTISCA), Institute of Pediatrics and Childcare Martagão Gesteira (IPPMG), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-612, Brazil
- Faculty of Medical Sciences (FCM), Pedro Ernesto University Hospital (HUPE), State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20551-030, Brazil
| | - Julia Maria Bispo Dos Santos
- Faculty of Medicine (FM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Child and Adolescent Health (NTISCA), Institute of Pediatrics and Childcare Martagão Gesteira (IPPMG), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-612, Brazil
| | - Henrique Floriano Hess E Silva
- Faculty of Medicine (FM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Child and Adolescent Health (NTISCA), Institute of Pediatrics and Childcare Martagão Gesteira (IPPMG), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-612, Brazil
| | - Janaina de Oliveira Pondé
- Faculty of Medicine (FM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Child and Adolescent Health (NTISCA), Institute of Pediatrics and Childcare Martagão Gesteira (IPPMG), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-612, Brazil
| | - José Gilberto de Sá
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Hospital Municipal Jesus (HMJ), Municipal Health Secretariat (SMS-RJ), Rio de Janeiro 20550-200, Brazil
| | - Priscila Mazucanti Rossi
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Hospital Municipal Jesus (HMJ), Municipal Health Secretariat (SMS-RJ), Rio de Janeiro 20550-200, Brazil
| | | | - Denise Cardoso das Neves Sztajnbok
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Pediatrics, Pedro Ernesto University Hospital (HUPE), State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20551-030, Brazil
| | - Norma de Paula Motta Rubini
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, School of Medicine and Surgery, Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital (HUGG), Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro 20270-004, Brazil
| | - Elaine Sobral da Costa
- Faculty of Medicine (FM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- Internal Medicine Postgraduate Program, Faculty of Medicine (FM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Child and Adolescent Health (NTISCA), Institute of Pediatrics and Childcare Martagão Gesteira (IPPMG), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-612, Brazil
- Pediatric Hematology Service, Institute of Pediatrics and Childcare Martagão Gesteira (IPPMG), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-612, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Bedran Milito
- Faculty of Medicine (FM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine (FM), Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital (HUCFF), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
| | - Thalita Fernandes de Abreu
- Faculty of Medicine (FM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Service, Institute of Pediatrics and Childcare Martagão Gesteira (IPPMG), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-612, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Gerardin Poirot Land
- Faculty of Medicine (FM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- Internal Medicine Postgraduate Program, Faculty of Medicine (FM), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Child and Adolescent Health (NTISCA), Institute of Pediatrics and Childcare Martagão Gesteira (IPPMG), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-612, Brazil
- Pediatric Hematology Service, Institute of Pediatrics and Childcare Martagão Gesteira (IPPMG), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-612, Brazil
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Lemmen J, Njuguna F, Verhulst S, Vik TA, Ket JCF, Kaspers G, Mostert S. Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Survivors in Africa: a Scoping Review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 185:103981. [PMID: 37003444 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.103981] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The number of children surviving cancer in Africa is increasing. Knowledge about late effects of survivors is lacking. Our study maps literature regarding late effects of childhood cancer survivors in Africa. METHODS Scoping review was performed following JBI-guidelines. Systematic literature search was conducted in: Medline, Embase, African Index Medicus, Web of Science, Scopus, Psycinfo. Titles and abstracts were screened by two reviewers, followed by full-text analysis by the lead reviewer. RESULTS Sixty-eight studies were included for content analysis. Studies originated from 10 of 54 African countries. Most studies had retrospective study design, 2-5 years follow-up, solely chemotherapy as treatment modality, Egypt as country of origin. Fifty-three studies described physical, and seventeen studies described psychosocial late effects. CONCLUSION Literature concerning late effects is available from a limited number of African countries. Psychosocial domain lacks attention compared to the physical domain. More countries should report on this topic to prevent, identify and monitor late effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Lemmen
- Emma's Children Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric oncology, the Netherlands; Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Festus Njuguna
- Department of Child Health and Pediatrics, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Sanne Verhulst
- Emma's Children Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric oncology, the Netherlands
| | - Terry A Vik
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States of America
| | | | - Gertjan Kaspers
- Emma's Children Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric oncology, the Netherlands; Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia Mostert
- Emma's Children Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric oncology, the Netherlands; Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Tilly AE, Evans A, Chen JS, Manda A, Salima A, Bingo S, Chikasema M, Westmoreland KD. Kusankha Pamodzi: Health Care Decision-Making Preferences Among Patients with Cancer in Malawi. Palliat Med Rep 2023; 4:127-132. [PMID: 37138948 PMCID: PMC10150710 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2023.0002] [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] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Oncology teams are encouraged to include patient preferences and goals of care in determining appropriate treatment courses. There are no existing data from Malawi exploring decision-making preferences among cancer patients. Methods In the oncology clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi, 50 patients were surveyed for decision making. Results Most participants (70%, n = 35) preferred to engage in shared decision making regarding cancer treatment. About half (52%, n = 24) did not feel that their medical team involved them in decision making and 64% (n = 32) felt that they were never or only sometimes listened to by the medical team. Nearly all (94%, n = 47) preferred to have their medical team inform them how likely treatments are to lead to cure. Conclusions Shared decision making was the preferred mode of treatment decision making by the majority of the surveyed cancer patients in Malawi. Cancer patients in Malawi may have similar preferences to cancer patients in other low-resource settings regarding decision making and communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa E. Tilly
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Address correspondence to: Alyssa E. Tilly, MD, UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe A-104, Malawi,
| | - April Evans
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jane S. Chen
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Katherine D. Westmoreland
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Incidence and Clinical Description of Lymphomas in Children and Adolescents with Vertical Transmission of HIV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in Pre- and Post-Combined Antiretroviral Therapy Eras: A Multicentric Hospital-Based Survival Analysis Study. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246129. [PMID: 36551614 PMCID: PMC9776495 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246129] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of cancer in children living with HIV (CLWH) is high and lymphomas are the most common type of cancer in this population. The combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) changed the natural history of HIV infection. To determine the incidence and profile of these CLWH malignancies in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil, we conducted a retrospective and observational study of vertically infected CLWH, ranging from 0−20 incomplete years, from 1995 to 2018, at five reference centers. The study period was divided into three eras in accordance with the widespread use of cART in Brazil. 1306 patients were included. Of the 25 lymphomas found, 19 were AIDS-defining malignancies (ADM); 6 were non-AIDS-defining malignancies (NADM). The incidence rate (IR) of lymphoma developing was 1.70 per 1000 children-year (95% CI 1.09−2.50). ADM development IR decreased from 2.09−1.75−0.19 per 1000 children-year (p < 0.001) through cART eras. Cumulative Nelson−Aalen hazards of developing ADM over a 20-year period were 3.73% in the Early-cART era, 3.07% in the Mid-cART era, and 0.32% in the Late-cART era (p = 0.013). This study demonstrates the IR of lymphoma in CLWH in RJ, Brazil, as well as the benefit of cART in reducing ADM and death occurrence in the Post-cART era.
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Kizub D, Manner CK, Graef K, Abubakar B, Orem J, Odedina F, Adeyeye MC, Nakigudde G, Ayalew K, Kalidas C, Lyerly HK, Norman T, Fashoyin-Aje L, Freedman J, Dent J, Cance B, Gralow J. Action for Increasing Diversity, Market Access, and Capacity in Oncology Registration Trials—Is Africa the Answer? Report From a Satellite Session of the Accelerating Anti-Cancer Agent Development and Validation Workshop. JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2200117. [PMID: 35714309 PMCID: PMC9232363 DOI: 10.1200/go.22.00117] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients of African ancestry are not well-represented in cancer clinical trials despite bearing a disproportionate share of mortality both in United States and Africa. We describe key stakeholder perspectives and priorities related to bringing early-stage cancer clinical trials to Africa and outline essential action steps. Increasing Diversity, Market Access, and Capacity in Oncology Registration Trials—Is Africa the Answer? satellite session was organized at 2021 Accelerating Anti-Cancer Agent Development and Validation Workshop. Panelists included representatives of African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer, Uganda Cancer Institute, Uganda Women's Cancer Support Organization, BIO Ventures for Global Health, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the US Food and Drug Administration, Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Bayer, and Genentech, with moderators from ASCO and American Cancer Society. Key discussion themes and resulting action steps were agreed upon by all participants. Panelists agreed that increasing diversity in cancer clinical trials by including African patients is key to ensuring novel drugs are safe and effective across populations. They underscored the importance of equity in clinical trial access for patients in Africa. Panelists discussed their values related to access and barriers to opening clinical trials in Africa and described innovative solutions from their work aimed at overcoming these obstacles. Multisectoral collaboration efforts that allow leveraging of limited resources and result in sustainable capacity building and mutually beneficial long-term partnerships were discussed as key to outlined action steps. The panel discussion resulted in valuable insights about key stakeholder values and priorities related to bringing early-stage clinical trials to Africa, as well as specific actions for each stakeholder group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya Kizub
- University of Texas MD Anderson Research Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Katy Graef
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, Seattle, WA
| | - Bello Abubakar
- National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
- African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), Rondebosch, South Africa
| | | | - Folakemi Odedina
- African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), Rondebosch, South Africa
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | | | - Kassa Ayalew
- United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD
| | | | | | - Thea Norman
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | | | | | - Julie Gralow
- American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, VA
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8
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Tilly AE, Ellis GK, Chen JS, Manda A, Salima A, Mtangwanika A, Tewete B, Kaimila B, Kasonkanji E, Kayira E, Chikasema M, Nyirenda R, Bingo S, Chiyoyola S, Seguin R, Gopal S, Zuze T, Tomoka T, Westmoreland KD. Implementation and Evaluation of Educational Videos to Improve Cancer Knowledge and Patient Empowerment. JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2100315. [PMID: 35175832 PMCID: PMC8863121 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Low health literacy is a leading cause of treatment abandonment among patients receiving cancer care at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Malawi. METHODS We developed cancer educational videos featuring Malawian providers and played them in the KCH oncology clinic. The videos addressed cancer-related topics, including disease biology, common myths, diagnostic procedures, treatment, side effects, and survivorship. After 6 months of implementation, we compared results from 50 pre- and postintervention surveys to assess change in cancer knowledge and care experience. RESULTS Both pre- and postintervention cancer knowledge were good: a median of nine questions were answered correctly of 11 in both assessments. Despite the intervention, most continued to incorrectly identify cancer as an infection (pre: n = 26, 52%; post: n = 25, 50%; P = 1.0), although improvements were observed in patients' knowledge of correct actions for fever at home (pre: n = 38, 76%; post: n = 43, 86%; P = .31). Care experiences were overall good. Postintervention results indicate that more patients felt always listened to by their providers (pre: n = 18, 36%; post: n = 29, 58%; P < .01). However, we also noted a higher rate of patient dissatisfaction of care as more patients felt that they could not understand chemotherapy counseling (pre: n = 11, 22%; post: n = 22, 44%; P < .01). Assessments of video satisfaction indicate that patients found the videos very helpful in terms of understanding their disease (n = 47, 96%) and side effects (n = 48, 98%) and felt empowered to speak up with their providers (n = 46, 96%). CONCLUSION Standardized education materials for patients that can be feasibly implemented throughout sub-Saharan Africa are urgently needed. Cancer educational videos are a low-cost way to educate and empower patients with cancer in resource-constrained settings although in-person discussions remain a crucial part of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa E. Tilly
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | - Jane S. Chen
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Satish Gopal
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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Verdu-Bou M, Tapia G, Hernandez-Rodriguez A, Navarro JT. Clinical and Therapeutic Implications of Epstein-Barr Virus in HIV-Related Lymphomas. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5534. [PMID: 34771697 PMCID: PMC8583310 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of lymphomas is increased in people living with HIV (PLWH). Aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are the most common and are considered an AIDS-defining cancer (ADC). Although Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is not considered an ADC, its incidence is also increased in PLWH. Among all HIV-related lymphomas (HRL), the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is high. It has been shown that EBV is involved in different lymphomagenic mechanisms mediated by some of its proteins, contributing to the development of different lymphoma subtypes. Additionally, cooperation between both HIV and EBV can lead to the proliferation of aberrant B-cells, thereby being an additional lymphomagenic mechanism in EBV-associated HRL. Despite the close relationship between EBV and HRL, the impact of EBV on clinical aspects has not been extensively studied. These lymphomas are treated with the same therapeutic regimens as the general population in combination with cART. Nevertheless, new therapeutic strategies targeting EBV are promising for these lymphomas. In this article, the different types of HRL are extensively reviewed, focusing on the influence of EBV on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and pathological characteristics of each lymphoma subtype. Moreover, novel therapies targeting EBV and future strategies to treat HRL harboring EBV are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Verdu-Bou
- Lymphoid Neoplasms Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Can Ruti Campus, 08916 Badalona, Spain;
| | - Gustavo Tapia
- Department of Pathology, Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain;
| | - Agueda Hernandez-Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology, Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain;
| | - Jose-Tomas Navarro
- Lymphoid Neoplasms Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Can Ruti Campus, 08916 Badalona, Spain;
- Department of Hematology, Institut Català d’Oncologia-Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
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Ellis GK, Chapman H, Manda A, Salima A, Itimu S, Banda G, Seguin R, Manda G, Butia M, Huibers M, Ozuah N, Tilly A, Stover AM, Basch E, Gopal S, Reeve BB, Westmoreland KD. Pediatric lymphoma patients in Malawi present with poor health-related quality of life at diagnosis and improve throughout treatment and follow-up across all Pediatric PROMIS-25 domains. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29257. [PMID: 34339099 PMCID: PMC8497011 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-reportedoutcomes (PROs) that assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are increasingly important components of cancer care and research that are infrequently used in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). METHODS We administered the Chichewa Pediatric Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Pediatric (PROMIS)-25 at diagnosis, active treatment, and follow-up among pediatric lymphoma patients in Lilongwe, Malawi. Mean scores were calculated for the six PROMIS-25 HRQoL domains (Mobility, Anxiety, Depressive Symptoms, Fatigue, Peer Relationships, Pain Interference). Differences in HRQoL throughout treatment were compared using the minimally important difference (MID) and an ANOVA analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox hazard ratios for mortality are reported. RESULTS Seventy-five children completed PROMIS-25 surveys at diagnosis, 35 (47%) during active treatment, and 24 (32%) at follow-up. The majority of patients died (n = 37, 49%) or were lost to follow-up (n = 6, 8%). Most (n = 51, 68%) were male, median age was 10 (interquartile range [IQR] 8-12), 48/73 (66%) presented with advanced stage III/IV, 61 (81%) were diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma and 14 (19%) Hodgkin lymphoma. At diagnosis, HRQoL was poor across all domains, except for Peer Relationships. Improvements in HRQoL during active treatment and follow-up exceeded the MID. On exploratory analysis, fair-poor PROMIS Mobility <40 and severe Pain Intensity = 10 at diagnosis were associated with increased mortality risk and worse survival, but were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric lymphoma patients in Malawi present with poor HRQoL that improves throughout treatment and survivorship. Baseline PROMIS scores may provide important prognostic information. PROs offer an opportunity to include patient voices and prioritize holistic patient-centered care in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hutton Chapman
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Salama Itimu
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Global Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE) Program, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - Geoffrey Manda
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Global Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE) Program, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mercy Butia
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Global Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE) Program, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Minke Huibers
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Global Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE) Program, Houston, Texas, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nmazuo Ozuah
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Global Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE) Program, Houston, Texas, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alyssa Tilly
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Angela M Stover
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ethan Basch
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Satish Gopal
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bryce B Reeve
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Katherine D Westmoreland
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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11
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Ellis GK, Manda A, Topazian H, Stanley CC, Seguin R, Minnick CE, Tewete B, Mtangwanika A, Chawinga M, Chiyoyola S, Chikasema M, Salima A, Kimani S, Kasonkanji E, Mithi V, Kaimila B, Painschab MS, Gopal S, Westmoreland KD. Feasibility of upfront mobile money transfers for transportation reimbursement to promote retention among patients receiving lymphoma treatment in Malawi. Int Health 2021; 13:297-304. [PMID: 33037426 PMCID: PMC8079308 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihaa075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remain suboptimal, in part due to poor patient retention. Many patients travel long distances to receive care, and transportation costs are often prohibitively expensive. These are well-known and established causes of delayed treatment and care abandonment in Malawi and across SSA. METHODS We sent visit reminder texts and offered upfront money to cover transportation costs through a mobile money transfer (MMT) platform to lymphoma patients enrolled in a prospective cohort in Malawi. The primary aim was to test the feasibility of upfront MMTs. RESULTS We sent 1034 visit reminder texts to 189 participating patients. Of these texts, 614 (59%) were successfully delivered, with 536 (52%) responses. 320/536 (60%) MMTs were sent to interested patients and 312/320 (98%) came to their appointment on time. Of 189 total patients, 120 (63%) were reached via text and 84 (44%) received MMTs a median of three times (IQR 2-5). Median age of reachable patients was 41 (IQR 30-50), 75 (63%) were male, 62 (52%) were HIV+ and 79 (66%) resided outside of Lilongwe. CONCLUSION MMTs were a feasible way to cover upfront transportation costs for patients reachable via text, however many of our patients were unreachable. Future studies exploring barriers to care, particularly among unreachable patients, may help improve the efficacy of MMT initiatives and guide retention strategies throughout SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hillary Topazian
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stephen Kimani
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Matthew S Painschab
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Satish Gopal
- National Cancer Institute, Center for Global Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Katherine D Westmoreland
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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12
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Brief Report: HIV-Associated Hodgkin Lymphoma Involving the Bone Marrow Identifies a Very High-Risk Subpopulation in the Era of Widescale Antiretroviral Therapy Use in Johannesburg, South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 83:345-349. [PMID: 32097194 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of HIV-associated Hodgkin lymphoma (HIV-HL) has not dropped in the era of widespread antiretroviral therapy (ART), and there have reportedly been shifts in the most prevalent variants encountered. In this study, factors of interest in cases of HIV-HL diagnosed before and after the widespread availability of ART in Johannesburg, South Africa, were compared. METHODS All cases of HIV-HL diagnosed in 2007 and 2017 were extracted from the laboratory information system, and pertinent factors compared. RESULTS The number of cases of HL increased significantly over the period assessed, but without a clear increase in the incidence of HIV-HL. As has been reported previously, the proportion of HIV-HL subclassified as the Nodular Sclerosis and Mixed Cellularity subtypes increased and decreased respectively over the period. The number of unclassifiable cases also increased significantly largely because of more frequent diagnosis in bone marrow (BM). BM involvement was highly prevalent at both timepoints (51.7% in 2007 vs 66.2% in 2017; P = 0.18), but was more frequently associated with multiple cytopenias in 2017. Despite significant ART upscaling, the median CD4 count was significantly lower in 2017 (242.5 cells/μL in 2007 vs 85.5 in 2017; P = 0.002). This particularly affected patients with BM involvement, and the median survival time was significantly shorter among BM+ patients diagnosed in 2017 as compared to those diagnosed in 2007. Notably, 40.8% of the patients with BM involvement diagnosed in 2017 died before the diagnosis was established. CONCLUSION HIV-HL with BM involvement identifies a very high-risk subpopulation in the post-ART era.
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13
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Kimani SM, Painschab MS, Horner MJ, Muchengeti M, Fedoriw Y, Shiels MS, Gopal S. Epidemiology of haematological malignancies in people living with HIV. Lancet HIV 2020; 7:e641-e651. [PMID: 32791045 PMCID: PMC10199168 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30118-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
People living with HIV or AIDS are at increased risk of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma compared with HIV-negative individuals. Data on the risk of multiple myeloma or leukaemia are inconsistent and of low quality but the risk does not seem to be increased. Specific haematological malignancies occur in different contexts of age, CD4 cell count, HIV control, viral co-infections, or chronic inflammation, and the expansion of combination antiretroviral therapy has led to varied demographic and epidemiological shifts among people with HIV. Increased use of combination antiretroviral therapy has substantially reduced the risks of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, and primary CNS lymphoma, and to a lesser extent, Hodgkin lymphoma. There is no effect of combination antiretroviral therapy use on multiple myeloma or leukaemia. Although many cases of HIV are in low-income and middle-income countries, high-quality epidemiological data for haematological malignancies from these regions are scarce. Closing this gap is an essential first step in decreasing mortality from HIV-associated haematological malignancies worldwide. Finally, although multicentric Castleman disease is not a neoplastic condition, it is an emerging precursor to neoplastic high-grade B-cell lymphoproliferation among people with HIV, especially for individuals on long-term combination antiretroviral therapy with well controlled HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Kimani
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Matthew S Painschab
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Marie-Josèphe Horner
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - Yuri Fedoriw
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Meredith S Shiels
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Satish Gopal
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.
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14
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Zhang XY, Wang ZM. Relevance on the diagnosis of malignant lymphoma of the salivary gland. World J Clin Cases 2020; 8:2717-2726. [PMID: 32742982 PMCID: PMC7360714 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i13.2717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant lymphoma originates from the lymphohematopoietic system. It can occur in any lymphoid tissue. Malignant lymphoma of the salivary gland is rare, but its incidence has increased in recent years. Its clinical- presentations are non-specific, and it is often manifested as a painless mass in a salivary gland, which can be accompanied by multiple swollen cervical lymph nodes. Confirmation of the diagnosis before an invasive procedure is difficult. Clinically, malignant lymphoma of the salivary gland tends to be misdiagnosed, leading to an inappropriate treatment plan and the ultimate delay in the optimal treatment of the disease. This article reviews the pathogenesis, clinical features, imaging findings, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of malignant lymphoma of the salivary gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yue Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
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15
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Prospective study of Burkitt lymphoma treatment in adolescents and adults in Malawi. Blood Adv 2020; 3:612-620. [PMID: 30796065 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2018029199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is common in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In high-income countries, BL is highly curable with chemotherapy. However, there are few prospective studies from SSA describing nonpediatric BL and no regional standard of care. Thirty-five participants age 15 years or older with newly diagnosed BL were enrolled in Malawi from 2013 to 2018. Chemotherapy was administered according to institutional guidelines, with concurrent antiretroviral therapy if HIV infected. Median age was 21 years (range, 15-61) and 15 participants (43%) were HIV infected. Twenty-seven participants (77%) had stage III to IV disease, and 19 (54%) had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status >1. Among HIV-infected participants, median CD4 count was 130 (range, 29-605) and 10 (67%) had suppressed HIV viral load. Four participants (11%) died before receiving chemotherapy. First-line chemotherapy consisted of: cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) (n = 22 [71%]); infusional etoposide, prednisolone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin (n = 4 [13%]); high-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy (n = 4 [13%]); and rituximab plus CHOP (n = 1 [3%]). Among 28 evaluable participants, 14 (50%) achieved a complete response. Median overall survival (OS) was 7 months; 1-year OS was 40% (95% confidence interval [CI], 24%-56%). Sixteen (73%) of 22 deaths were a result of disease progression. Compared with CHOP, more intensive chemotherapy was associated with decreased mortality (hazard ratio, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.05-1.02; P = .05). This is among the best characterized prospective cohorts of nonpediatric BL in SSA. Most deaths resulted from progressive BL. Patients who received more intensive therapy seemed to have better outcomes. Defining optimal approaches is an urgent priority in SSA.
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16
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Montgomery ND, Randall C, Painschab M, Seguin R, Kaimila B, Kasonkanji E, Zuze T, Krysiak R, Sanders MK, Elliott A, Miller MB, Kampani C, Chimzimu F, Mulenga M, Damania B, Tomoka T, Fedoriw Y, Dittmer DP, Gopal S. High pretreatment plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA level is a poor prognostic marker in HIV-associated, EBV-negative diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in Malawi. Cancer Med 2020; 9:552-561. [PMID: 31782984 PMCID: PMC6970037 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA measurement has established prognostic utility in EBV-driven lymphomas, where it serves as a circulating tumor DNA marker. The value of plasma EBV measurement may be amplified in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where advanced imaging and molecular technologies for risk stratification are not typically available. However, its utility in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is less certain, given that only a subset of DLBCLs are EBV-positive. To explore this possibility, we measured plasma EBV DNA at diagnosis in a cohort of patients with DLBCL in Malawi. High plasma EBV DNA at diagnosis (≥3.0 log10 copies/mL) was associated with decreased overall survival (OS) (P = .048). When stratified by HIV status, the prognostic utility of baseline plasma EBV DNA level was restricted to HIV-positive patients. Unexpectedly, most HIV-positive patients with high plasma EBV DNA at diagnosis had EBV-negative lymphomas, as confirmed by multiple methods. Even in these HIV-positive patients with EBV-negative DLBCL, high plasma EBV DNA remained associated with shorter OS (P = .014). These results suggest that EBV reactivation in nontumor cells is a poor prognostic finding even in HIV-positive patients with convincingly EBV-negative DLBCL, extending the potential utility of EBV measurement as a valuable and implementable prognostic marker in SSA.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Biomarkers, Tumor/blood
- DNA, Viral/blood
- DNA, Viral/genetics
- Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/blood
- Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/complications
- Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/diagnosis
- Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/virology
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- HIV/isolation & purification
- HIV Infections/blood
- HIV Infections/complications
- HIV Infections/diagnosis
- HIV Infections/virology
- Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
- Herpesvirus 4, Human/isolation & purification
- Humans
- Lymphoma, AIDS-Related/blood
- Lymphoma, AIDS-Related/epidemiology
- Lymphoma, AIDS-Related/mortality
- Lymphoma, AIDS-Related/virology
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/blood
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/epidemiology
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/mortality
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/virology
- Malawi/epidemiology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prognosis
- Prospective Studies
- Survival Rate
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D. Montgomery
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
- UNC Project‐MalawiLilongweMalawi
| | - Cara Randall
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
- UNC Project‐MalawiLilongweMalawi
| | - Matthew Painschab
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
- UNC Project‐MalawiLilongweMalawi
- Department of MedicineDivision of Hematology & OncologyUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marcia K. Sanders
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
| | | | - Melissa B. Miller
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
| | | | | | | | - Blossom Damania
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
| | | | - Yuri Fedoriw
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
- UNC Project‐MalawiLilongweMalawi
| | - Dirk P. Dittmer
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
| | - Satish Gopal
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
- UNC Project‐MalawiLilongweMalawi
- Department of MedicineDivision of Hematology & OncologyUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
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Macharia LW, Mureithi MW, Anzala O. Cancer in Kenya: types and infection-attributable. Data from the adult population of two National referral hospitals (2008-2012). AAS Open Res 2019; 1:25. [PMID: 32382698 PMCID: PMC7185250 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.12910.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancer in Africa is an emerging health problem. In Kenya it ranks third as a cause of death after infectious and cardiovascular diseases. Nearly 31% of the total cancer burden in sub-Saharan Africa is attributable to infectious agents. Information on cancer burden is scanty in Kenya and this study aimed to provide comprehensive hospital based data to inform policies. Method: A cross-sectional retrospective survey was conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) from January 2008 to December 2012. Data was obtained from the patients files and the study was approved by the KNH/University of Nairobi and MTRH Ethics and Research Committees. Results: In KNH, the top five cancers were: cervical (62, 12.4%), breast (59, 11.8%), colorectal (31, 6.2%), chronic leukemia (27, 5.4%) and stomach cancer (26, 5.2%). Some 154 (30.8%) of these cancers were associated with infectious agents, while an estimated 138 (27.6%) were attributable to infections. Cancers of the cervix (62, 12.4%), stomach (26, 5.2%) and nasopharynx (17, 3.4%) were the commonest infection-associated cancers. In MTRH, the five common types of cancers were Kaposi's sarcoma (93, 18.6%), breast (77, 15.4%), cervical (41, 8.2%), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (37, 7.4%) and colorectal, chronic leukemia and esophageal cancer all with 27 (5.4%). Some 241 (48.2%) of these cancers were associated with infectious agents, while an estimated 222 (44.4%) were attributable to infections. Kaposi's sarcoma (93, 18.6%), cancer of the cervix (41, 8.2%) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (37, 7.4%) were the commonest infection-associated cancers. Conclusion: Our results suggest that 30.8% and 48.2% of the total cancer cases sampled in KNH and MTRH respectively were associated with infectious agents, while 27.6% and 44.4% were attributable to infections in the two hospitals respectively. Reducing the burden of infection-attributable cancers can translate to a reduction of the overall cancer burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Wanjiku Macharia
- Department of medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marianne Wanjiru Mureithi
- Department of medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR), College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Omu Anzala
- Department of medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR), College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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18
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Macharia LW, Mureithi MW, Anzala O. Cancer in Kenya: types and infection-attributable. Data from the adult population of two National referral hospitals (2008-2012). AAS Open Res 2019; 1:25. [PMID: 32382698 PMCID: PMC7185250 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.12910.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancer in Africa is an emerging health problem. In Kenya it ranks third as a cause of death after infectious and cardiovascular diseases. Nearly 31% of the total cancer burden in sub-Saharan Africa is attributable to infectious agents. Information on cancer burden is scanty in Kenya and this study aimed to provide comprehensive hospital based data to inform policies. Method: A cross-sectional retrospective survey was conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) from January 2008 to December 2012. Data was obtained from the patients files and the study was approved by the KNH/University of Nairobi and MTRH Ethics and Research Committees. Results: In KNH, the top five cancers were: cervical (62, 12.4%), breast (59, 11.8%), colorectal (31, 6.2%), chronic leukemia (27, 5.4%) and stomach cancer 26 (5.2%). Some 154 (30.8%) of these cancers were associated with infectious agents, while an estimated 138 (27.6%) were attributable to infections. Cancers of the cervix (62, 12.4%), stomach (26, 5.2%) and nasopharynx (17, 3.4%) were the commonest infection-associated cancers. In MTRH, the five common types of cancers were Kaposi's sarcoma (93, 18.6%), breast (77, 15.4%), cervical (41, 8.2%), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (37, 7.4%) and colorectal, chronic leukemia and esophageal cancer all with 27 (5.4%). Some 241 (48.2%) of these cancers were associated with infectious agents, while an estimated 222 (44.4%) were attributable to infections. Kaposi's sarcoma (93, 18.6%), cancer of the cervix (41, 8.2%) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (37, 7.4%) were the commonest infection-associated cancers. Conclusion: Our results suggest that 30.8% and 48.2% of the total cancer cases sampled in KNH and MTRH respectively were associated with infectious agents, while 27.6% and 44.4% were attributable to infections in the two hospitals respectively. Reducing the burden of infection-attributable cancers can translate to a reduction of the overall cancer burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Wanjiku Macharia
- Department of medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marianne Wanjiru Mureithi
- Department of medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR), College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Omu Anzala
- Department of medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR), College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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Epstein-Barr virus biomarkers have no prognostic value in HIV-related Hodgkin lymphoma in the modern combined antiretroviral therapy era. AIDS 2019; 33:993-1000. [PMID: 30946153 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been implicated in lymphomagenesis of HIV-related classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HIV-cHL). The utility of EBV molecular and serological biomarkers has scarcely been examined in HIV-cHL in the recent combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) era. DESIGN We evaluated EBV DNA load and a panel of EBV antibodies in HIV-cHL patients prospectively enrolled in the French ANRS-CO16 Lymphovir cohort between 2008 and 2015. METHODS Pretreatment whole blood, plasma EBV DNA load and serological profiles were analysed in 63 HIV-infected patients diagnosed with cHL. For the 42 patients with available material, comparisons were performed between values at diagnosis and 6 months after the initiation of chemotherapy. RESULTS Pretreatment whole blood and plasma EBV DNA loads were positive in 84 and 59% of HIV-cHL patients, respectively. Two-year progression-free survival estimates did not differ between the patients with pretreatment whole blood (n = 53) or plasma (n = 37) EBV DNA(+) and the patients with pretreatment whole blood (n = 10) or plasma (n = 26) EBV DNA(-) (92 vs. 80% or 89 vs. 92%, P = 0.36 and 0.47, respectively). At diagnosis, 47% of patients harboured an EBV reactivation serological profile. Following chemotherapy, whole blood and plasma EBV DNA levels significantly declined from medians of 1570 [interquartile range, 230-3760) and 73 (0-320) copies/ml to 690 (0-1830) and 0 (0-0) copies/ml, respectively (P = 0.02 and P < 0.0001, respectively]. Anti-EBV IgG antibody level significantly dropped at 6-month follow-up (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION Whole blood and plasma EBV DNA loads do not constitute prognostic markers in HIV-cHL patients in the modern cART era.
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20
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Macharia LW, Mureithi MW, Anzala O. Cancer in Kenya: types and infection-attributable. Data from two National referral hospitals. AAS Open Res 2019; 1:25. [PMID: 32382698 PMCID: PMC7185250 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.12910.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancer in Africa is an emerging health problem. In Kenya it ranks third as a cause of death after infectious and cardiovascular diseases. Nearly 31% of the total cancer burden in sub-Saharan Africa is attributable to infectious agents. Information on cancer burden is scanty in Kenya and this study aimed to provide comprehensive hospital based data to inform policies. Method: A cross-sectional retrospective survey was conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) from 2008 to 2012. Data was obtained from the patients files and the study was approved by the KNH/University of Nairobi and MTRH Ethics and Research Committees. Results: In KNH, the top five cancers were: cervical (62, 12.4%), breast (59, 11.8%), colorectal (31, 6.2%), chronic leukemia (27, 5.4%) and stomach cancer 26 (5.2%). Some 154 (30.8%) of these cancers were associated with infectious agents, while an estimated 138 (27.6%) were attributable to infections. Cancers of the cervix (62, 12.4%), stomach (26, 5.2%) and nasopharynx (17, 3.4%) were the commonest infection-associated cancers. In MTRH, the five common types of cancers were Kaposi's sarcoma (93, 18.6%), breast (77, 15.4%), cervical (41, 8.2%), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (37, 7.4%) and colorectal, chronic leukemia and esophageal cancer all with 27 (5.4%). Some 241 (48.2%) of these cancers were associated with infectious agents, while an estimated 222 (44.4%) were attributable to infections. Kaposi's sarcoma (93, 18.6%), cancer of the cervix (41, 8.2%) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (37, 7.4%) were the commonest infection-associated cancers. Conclusion: Our results suggest that 30.8% and 48.2% of the total cancer cases sampled in KNH and MTRH respectively were associated with infectious agents, while 27.6% and 44.4% were attributable to infections in the two hospitals respectively. Reducing the burden of infection-attributable cancers can translate to a reduction of the overall cancer burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Wanjiku Macharia
- Department of medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marianne Wanjiru Mureithi
- Department of medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR), College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Omu Anzala
- Department of medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR), College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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21
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Macharia LW, Mureithi MW, Anzala O. Burden of cancer in Kenya: types, infection-attributable and trends. A national referral hospital retrospective survey. AAS Open Res 2018; 1:25. [PMID: 32382698 PMCID: PMC7185250 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.12910.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancer in Africa is an emerging health problem. In Kenya it ranks third as a cause of death after infectious and cardiovascular diseases. Nearly 31% of the total cancer burden in sub-Saharan Africa is attributable to infectious agents. Information on cancer burden is scanty in Kenya and this study aimed to provide comprehensive hospital based data to inform policies. Method: A cross-sectional retrospective survey was conducted at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) from 2008 to 2012. Data was obtained from the patients files and the study was approved by the KNH/University of Nairobi and MTRH Ethics and Research Committees. Results: In KNH, the top five cancers were: cervical (62, 12.4%), breast (59, 11.8%), colorectal (31, 6.2%), chronic leukemia (27, 5.4%) and stomach cancer 26 (5.2%). Some 154 (30.8%) of these cancers were associated with infectious agents, while an estimated 138 (27.6%) were attributable to infections. Cancers of the cervix (62, 12.4%), stomach (26, 5.2%) and nasopharynx (17, 3.4%) were the commonest infection-associated cancers. In MTRH, the five common types of cancers were Kaposi's sarcoma (93, 18.6%), breast (77, 15.4%), cervical (41, 8.2%), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (37, 7.4%) and colorectal, chronic leukemia and esophageal cancer all with 27 (5.4%). Some 241 (48.2%) of these cancers were associated with infectious agents, while an estimated 222 (44.4%) were attributable to infections. Kaposi's sarcoma (93, 18.6%), cancer of the cervix (41, 8.2%) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (37, 7.4%) were the commonest infection-associated cancers. Conclusion: Our results suggest that 30.8% and 48.2% of the total cancer cases sampled in KNH and MTRH respectively were associated with infectious agents, while 27.6% and 44.4% were attributable to infections in the two hospitals respectively. Reducing the burden of infection-attributable cancers can translate to a reduction of the overall cancer burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Wanjiku Macharia
- Department of medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marianne Wanjiru Mureithi
- Department of medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR), College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Omu Anzala
- Department of medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR), College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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22
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Westmoreland K, Reeve BB, Amuquandoh A, van der Gronde T, Manthalu O, Correia H, Stanley C, Itimu S, Salima A, Chikasema M, Ward P, Mpasa A, Wachepa S, Mtete I, Butia M, Chasela M, Mtunda M, Wasswa P, Martin S, Kim NEM, Kazembe P, Gopal S. Translation, psychometric validation, and baseline results of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pediatric measures to assess health-related quality of life of patients with pediatric lymphoma in Malawi. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2018; 65:e27353. [PMID: 30015407 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Internationally validated tools to measure patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are available, but efforts to translate and culturally validate such tools in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are scarce, particularly among children. METHODS The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 25-item pediatric short form (PROMIS-25) assesses six HRQoL domains-mobility, anxiety, depression, fatigue, peer relationships, and pain interference-by asking four questions per domain. There is a single-item pain intensity item. The PROMIS-25 was translated into Chichewa and validated for use in Malawi using mixed qualitative and quantitative methods. The validity and reliability of the PROMIS-25 was assessed. RESULTS Fifty-four pediatric patients with lymphoma completed the PROMIS-25. Structural validity was supported by interitem correlations and principal component analysis. Reliability of each scale was satisfactory (range alpha = 0.71-0.93). Known group validity testing showed that anemic children had worse fatigue (P = 0.016) and children with poor performance status had worse mobility (P < 0.001) and pain interference (P = 0.005). Compared to children with cancer in the United States, children from Malawi reported lower levels of mobility, higher anxiety, higher depressive symptoms, higher fatigue, better satisfaction with peer relationships, and higher pain interference. CONCLUSION Translation and cultural validation of the PROMIS-25 into Chichewa for Malawi was successful. Baseline HRQoL for patients with pediatric lymphoma in Malawi is poor for all domains except peer relationships. This emphasizes an urgent need to address HRQoL among children undergoing cancer treatment in SSA using self-reported instruments validated within the local context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Westmoreland
- Cancer Program, UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Bryce B Reeve
- Department of Population Health Science, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | | | | | - Helena Correia
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Salama Itimu
- Cancer Program, UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Ande Salima
- Cancer Program, UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Paula Ward
- Cancer Program, UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Atupele Mpasa
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Stella Wachepa
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Idah Mtete
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mercy Butia
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mary Chasela
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mary Mtunda
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Peter Wasswa
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Steven Martin
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Nader El-Mallawany Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Peter Kazembe
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Satish Gopal
- Cancer Program, UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Department of Medicine, Divisions of Hematology-Oncology & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
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23
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Nagaharu K, Masuya M, Kageyama Y, Yamaguchi T, Ito R, Kawakami K, Ito M, Katayama N. Successful treatment of primary bone marrow Hodgkin lymphoma with brentuximab vedotin: a case report and review of the literature. J Med Case Rep 2018; 12:151. [PMID: 29843820 PMCID: PMC5975584 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-018-1693-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hodgkin lymphoma usually presents with sequential enlargement of peripheral lymph nodes, and bone marrow invasion rarely occurs (approximately 3–5%). However, several cases have been reported as “primary” bone marrow Hodgkin lymphoma, especially among patients with human immunodeficiency virus and the elderly. This type of Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by no peripheral lymphadenopathies and has been reported to have poorer prognosis. Case presentation A 38-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital because of fever of unknown origin and pancytopenia without lymphadenopathies. Bone marrow examination revealed Hodgkin cells mimicking abnormal cells. These were positive for CD30, EBER-1, CD15, PAX-5, and Bob-1 and negative for Oct-2, CD3, CD20, surface immunoglobulin, CD56. On the basis of systemic evaluation and bone marrow examination, he was diagnosed with primary bone marrow Hodgkin lymphoma. We initiated therapy with DeVIC (dexamethasone, etoposide, ifosfamide, and carboplatin) therapy, but remission was not achieved. Then, the patient was treated with brentuximab vedotin combined with systemic chemotherapy (Adriamycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine), which was effective. Conclusions There is no established treatment strategy for Hodgkin lymphoma, and therapeutic outcomes using ABVD (Adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine)-like or CHOP (cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisone)-like regimens are reportedly poor. Only a few patients have been reported to achieve long-term remission. Through this case report, we suggest an alternative therapeutic option for primary bone marrow Hodgkin lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiki Nagaharu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Suzuka General Hospital, Mie, Japan. .,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Masuya
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Yuki Kageyama
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan
| | - Takanori Yamaguchi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Suzuka General Hospital, Mie, Japan
| | - Ryugo Ito
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Suzuka General Hospital, Mie, Japan
| | - Keiki Kawakami
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Suzuka General Hospital, Mie, Japan
| | - Masafumi Ito
- Department of Pathology, Japanese Red Cross Nagoya First Hospital, Aichi, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Katayama
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Suzuka General Hospital, Mie, Japan
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24
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How I treat Burkitt lymphoma in children, adolescents, and young adults in sub-Saharan Africa. Blood 2018; 132:254-263. [PMID: 29769263 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2018-04-844472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is the most common pediatric cancer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and also occurs frequently among adolescents and young adults (AYAs), often associated with HIV. Treating BL in SSA poses particular challenges. Although highly effective, high-intensity cytotoxic treatments used in resource-rich settings are usually not feasible, and lower-intensity continuous infusion approaches are impractical. In this article, based on evidence from the region, we review management strategies for SSA focused on diagnosis and use of prephase and definitive treatment. Additionally, potentially better approaches for risk stratification and individualized therapy are elaborated. Compared with historical very low-intensity approaches, the relative safety, feasibility, and outcomes of regimens incorporating anthracyclines and/or high-dose systemic methotrexate for this population are discussed, along with requirements to administer such regimens safely. Finally, research priorities for BL in SSA are outlined including novel therapies, to reduce the unacceptable gap in outcomes for patients in SSA vs high-income countries (HICs). Sustained commitment to incremental advances and innovation, as in cooperative pediatric oncology groups in HICs, is required to transform care and outcomes for BL in SSA through international collaboration.
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25
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Tomoka T, Montgomery ND, Powers E, Dhungel BM, Morgan EA, Mulenga M, Gopal S, Fedoriw Y. Lymphoma and Pathology in Sub-Saharan Africa: Current Approaches and Future Directions. Clin Lab Med 2018; 38:91-100. [PMID: 29412887 PMCID: PMC5999328 DOI: 10.1016/j.cll.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The care of patients with lymphoma relies heavily on accurate tissue diagnosis and classification. In sub-Saharan Africa, where lymphoma burden is increasing because of population growth, aging, and continued epidemic levels of human immunodeficiency virus infection, diagnostic pathology services are limited. This article summarizes lymphoma epidemiology, current diagnostic capacity, and obstacles and opportunities for improving practice in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamiwe Tomoka
- UNC Project Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Nathan D Montgomery
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, CB 7525, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7525, USA
| | - Eric Powers
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, CB 7525, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7525, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth A Morgan
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Amory Building, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Satish Gopal
- UNC Project Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, CB 7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295, USA
| | - Yuri Fedoriw
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, CB 7525, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7525, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, CB 7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295, USA.
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26
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Grewal R, Irimie A, Naidoo N, Mohamed N, Petrushev B, Chetty M, Tomuleasa C, Abayomi EA. Hodgkin's lymphoma and its association with EBV and HIV infection. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2018; 55:102-114. [PMID: 29316828 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2017.1422692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) constitutes a clonal expansion of what appears to be malignant B cells. Viruses are involved in its pathogenesis, such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Since these viral infections have been shown to play key roles in the pathogenesis of HL, countries with a prevalence of HIV and EBV represent interesting population targets to study the pathogenesis of HL, linking the evolution of the disease with viral infections. Usually, patients present with late stage disease often involving the bone marrow at the time of diagnosis. The present paper discusses the role of viral infection in African countries, as HL is considered to be a malignant disease characterized by an inflammatory reaction to an aberrant B cell clone that is well known as the Reed-Sternberg cell (HRS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravnit Grewal
- a Department of Pathology, Division of Haematopathology , National Health Laboratory Service, Stellenbosch University , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Alexandra Irimie
- b School of Dentistry , Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy , Cluj Napoca , Romania
| | - Nasheen Naidoo
- a Department of Pathology, Division of Haematopathology , National Health Laboratory Service, Stellenbosch University , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Nooroudien Mohamed
- c Department of Pathology, Division of Anatomical Pathology , National Health Laboratory Service/Stellenbosch University , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Bobe Petrushev
- d Department of Pathology , Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute , Cluj Napoca , Romania
| | - Manogari Chetty
- e Department of Oral and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Dentistry , University of the Western Cape , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Ciprian Tomuleasa
- f Department of Hematology/Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine , Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy - Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute , Cluj Napoca , Romania
| | - Emmanuel-Akinola Abayomi
- a Department of Pathology, Division of Haematopathology , National Health Laboratory Service, Stellenbosch University , Cape Town , South Africa
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27
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Baş Y, Hassan HA, Adıgüzel C, Bulur O, Ibrahim İA, Soydan S. The distribution of cancer cases in Somalia. Semin Oncol 2017; 44:178-186. [PMID: 29248129 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and distribution of cancer cases in a defined time period in Somalia. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 403 cancer cases were diagnosed between January 01, 2016 and March 01, 2017 in the Department of Pathology at the Somalia Mogadishu-Turkey Education and Research Hospital or the Department of Oncology at Uniso Hospital, Somalia University. Data on cancer type, patient age, and gender were obtained from pathology reports and hospital records. RESULTS Female patients totaled 49.6% (n = 200) and 50.4% of patients were male (n = 203). The youngest patient was 18 years of age, the oldest was 97, and the average age was 53.4 years. The 10 most common types of cancer were esophageal (n = 130, 32.3%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 35, 8.7%), liver (n = 26, 6.5%), breast (n = 24, 6.0%), skin (n = 17, 4.2%), thyroid (n = 13, 3.2%), brain (n = 12, 3.0%), bone (n = 11, 2.7%), colorectal (n = 11, 2.7%), and soft tissue (n = 11, 2.7%). The most common site of cancer in both males and females was the esophagus. CONCLUSION These results show a high incidence of esophageal cancer in Somalia, and strongly suggest that environmental risk factors and nutritional habits have a strong impact in this population. Serious and extensive research on the etiology of esophageal cancer is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yılmaz Baş
- Department of Pathology, Somalia-Turkey Education and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia; Hitit University Medical School, Çorum, Turkey.
| | | | - Cevdet Adıgüzel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Somalia-Turkey Education and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia
| | - Oktay Bulur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Somalia-Turkey Education and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia
| | - İkram Abdikarim Ibrahim
- Department of General Surgery, Somalia-Turkey Education and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia
| | - Seçil Soydan
- Department of General Surgery, Somalia-Turkey Education and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia
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28
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Risk factors and reasons for treatment abandonment among children with lymphoma in Malawi. Support Care Cancer 2017; 26:967-973. [PMID: 28986643 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-017-3917-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Lymphoma is the commonest pediatric cancer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Frequent treatment abandonment contributes to suboptimal outcomes. We examined risk factors and reasons for treatment abandonment for this population in Malawi. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods study among children < 18 years old with newly diagnosed lymphoma, prospectively enrolled during 2013-2016. All children received standardized diagnosis and treatment, and were followed for up to 2 years. Treatment abandonment was defined as failure to attend prescribed chemotherapy within 4 weeks, or post-treatment visit within 3 months. Child, guardian, and household characteristics associated with treatment abandonment were assessed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with primary caregivers of children experiencing treatment abandonment. RESULTS Of 121 children with newly diagnosed lymphoma, 72 (60%) had complete information regarding child, guardian, and household characteristics. Of these, 56 (78%) had Burkitt's and 16 (22%) Hodgkin's lymphoma. Forty-nine (68%) were male, median age was 10.6 years (interquartile range [IQR] 7.9-13.0), and 26 (36%) experienced treatment abandonment. Lack of guardian education and travel time ≥ 4 h to clinic were independently associated with treatment abandonment, with adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 3.8 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-8.9, p = 0.005] and aHR 2.9 (95% CI 1.2-6.9, p = 0.019), respectively. Commonest reasons for treatment abandonment endorsed by 15 guardians were community influence, suboptimal clinic environment, logistical challenges, transport costs, treatment toxicities, loss of hope, alternative healers, and beliefs about cure. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight families at risk for treatment abandonment, underlying reasons, and opportunities to improve retention in care for pediatric cancer patients in SSA.
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29
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Kaimila B, van der Gronde T, Stanley C, Kasonkanji E, Chikasema M, Tewete B, Fox P, Gopal S. Salvage chemotherapy for adults with relapsed or refractory lymphoma in Malawi. Infect Agent Cancer 2017; 12:45. [PMID: 28808480 PMCID: PMC5551007 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-017-0156-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphoma is highly associated with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which contributes to worse outcomes relative to resource-rich settings, and frequent failure of first-line chemotherapy. However, there are no second-line treatment descriptions for adults with relapsed or refractory lymphoma (RRL) in SSA. METHODS We describe HIV+ and HIV- patients with RRL receiving salvage chemotherapy in Malawi. Patients were prospectively treated at a national teaching hospital in Lilongwe, with the modified EPIC regimen (etoposide, prednisolone, ifosfamide, cisplatin) between June 2013 and May 2016, after failing prior first-line chemotherapy. RESULTS Among 21 patients (18 relapsed, 3 refractory), median age was 40 years (range 16-78), 12 (57%) were male. Thirteen patients (62%) were HIV+, of whom 12 (92%) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at initiation of salvage chemotherapy, with median CD4 cell count 139 cells/μL (range 12-529) and 11 (85%) with suppressed HIV RNA. Median number of EPIC cycles was 3 (range 1-6), and the commonest toxicity was grade 3/4 neutropenia in 19 patients (90%). Fifteen patients responded (3 complete, 12 partial, overall response rate 71%), but durations were brief. Median overall survival was 4.5 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.4-5.6]. However, three patients, all HIV+, experienced sustained remissions. Tolerability, response, and survival did not differ by HIV status. CONCLUSIONS The appropriateness and cost-effectiveness of this approach in severely resource-limited environments is uncertain, and multifaceted efforts to improve first-line lymphoma treatment should be emphasized, to reduce frequency with which patients require salvage chemotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02835911. Registered 19 January 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Paula Fox
- UNC Project-Malawi, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Satish Gopal
- UNC Project-Malawi, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi.,University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.,University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
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30
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El-Mallawany NK, Wasswa P, Mtete I, Mutai M, Stanley CC, Mtunda M, Chasela M, Mpasa A, Wachepa S, Kamiyango W, Villiera J, Kazembe PN, Mehta PS. Identifying opportunities to bridge disparity gaps in curing childhood cancer in Malawi: Malignancies with excellent curative potential account for the majority of diagnoses. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2017; 34:261-274. [PMID: 29190181 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2017.1395934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The majority of African children with cancer die without access to resources. We describe efforts to build a public treatment program with curative intent for childhood cancer in Lilongwe, Malawi despite severe limitations in diagnostic and therapeutic resources. We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of childhood cancer patients at Kamuzu Central Hospital from 12/2011-6/2013. Consistently available chemotherapeutic agents were limited to cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, bleomycin, methotrexate, and prednisone. Of 258 newly diagnosed childhood malignancies, 17 patients with retinoblastoma were excluded from clinical analyses due to insufficient clinical data. Among the remainder of the cohort (n = 241), 42% were female with median age 8.4 years (range 0.6-17.9). Forty-six (19%) were HIV-infected (42 Kaposi sarcoma, 3 Burkitt lymphoma, 1 Hodgkin lymphoma). The most common clinical presentations were palpable abdominal mass (41%), peripheral lymphadenopathy (33%), and jaw mass (17%). Nearly two-thirds of total diagnoses were accounted for by Burkitt lymphoma (n = 74), Kaposi sarcoma (n = 52), Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 21), and Wilms tumor (n = 19). Twelve-month overall survival for these 4 most common diagnoses was 54% (95% confidence interval 46-61) versus 19% (95% confidence interval 11-30) for all other diagnoses (median follow-up 19 months). Treatment-related mortality was highest in patients with non-Wilms solid tumors of the abdomen (48% versus 10% for the overall cohort, p < 0.001), while treatment abandonment was highest in patients with bone and soft-tissue sarcomas (29% versus 14% overall, p = 0.05). Childhood cancers with excellent curative potential accounted for the majority of patients, establishing an opportunity to build treatment programs with curative intent despite severe limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Kim El-Mallawany
- a Department of Pediatrics , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , Texas , USA.,b Department of Pediatrics , Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Peter Wasswa
- b Department of Pediatrics , Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers , Houston , Texas , USA.,c Department of Pediatrics , Kamuzu Central Hospital , Lilongwe , Malawi.,d Department of Pediatrics , Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - Idah Mtete
- c Department of Pediatrics , Kamuzu Central Hospital , Lilongwe , Malawi.,d Department of Pediatrics , Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - Mercy Mutai
- c Department of Pediatrics , Kamuzu Central Hospital , Lilongwe , Malawi.,d Department of Pediatrics , Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | | | - Mary Mtunda
- c Department of Pediatrics , Kamuzu Central Hospital , Lilongwe , Malawi.,d Department of Pediatrics , Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - Mary Chasela
- c Department of Pediatrics , Kamuzu Central Hospital , Lilongwe , Malawi.,d Department of Pediatrics , Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - Atupele Mpasa
- c Department of Pediatrics , Kamuzu Central Hospital , Lilongwe , Malawi.,d Department of Pediatrics , Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - Stella Wachepa
- c Department of Pediatrics , Kamuzu Central Hospital , Lilongwe , Malawi.,d Department of Pediatrics , Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - William Kamiyango
- c Department of Pediatrics , Kamuzu Central Hospital , Lilongwe , Malawi.,d Department of Pediatrics , Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - Jimmy Villiera
- c Department of Pediatrics , Kamuzu Central Hospital , Lilongwe , Malawi.,d Department of Pediatrics , Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - Peter N Kazembe
- c Department of Pediatrics , Kamuzu Central Hospital , Lilongwe , Malawi.,d Department of Pediatrics , Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi , Lilongwe , Malawi
| | - Parth S Mehta
- a Department of Pediatrics , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , Texas , USA.,b Department of Pediatrics , Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers , Houston , Texas , USA
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31
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Stanley CC, Westmoreland KD, Itimu S, Salima A, van der Gronde T, Wasswa P, Mtete I, Butia M, El-Mallawany NK, Gopal S. Quantifying bias in survival estimates resulting from loss to follow-up among children with lymphoma in Malawi. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2017; 64:10.1002/pbc.26370. [PMID: 27896944 PMCID: PMC5520975 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric lymphoma is common in sub-Saharan Africa, where survival estimates are often based on limited follow-up with incomplete retention, introducing potential for bias. We compared follow-up and overall survival (OS) between passive and active tracing within a prospective cohort of children with lymphoma in Malawi. Median follow-up times were 4.4 months (interquartile range [IQR] 2.0-9.4) and 10.8 months (IQR 6.2-20.6) in passive and active follow-up, respectively. Twelve-month overall survival (OS) was 69% (95% confidence interval [CI] 54-80) in passive and 44% (95% CI 34-54) in active follow-up. Passive follow-up significantly overestimated the OS and underestimated the mortality. Efforts to improve retention in regional studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate D. Westmoreland
- UNC Project—Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi,University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | | | | | - Peter Wasswa
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas,Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Idah Mtete
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mercy Butia
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Satish Gopal
- UNC Project—Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi,University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina,University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
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