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Zheng Y, Li J, Wen H, Weng K, Zhuang S, Wu X, Li J, Zheng H, Hua X, Chen Z, Hu J, Le S. Experience in improving treatment outcomes for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: real-world results for a province in China, 2011-2020. Leuk Lymphoma 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38767239 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2024.2350665] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the real-world results of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (cALL) cases in Fujian, China. The clinical data of 1414 patients with newly diagnosed cALL in Fujian were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were treated according to the Chinese Children Leukemia Group 2008 protocol (CCLG-ALL 2008 group) or Chinese Children's Cancer Group 2015 protocol (CCCG-ALL 2015 group). Cumulative incidence of treatment abandonment (TA) at 5 years was 4.2% ± 0.6% and significantly associated with treatment period and risk stratification. The 5-OS and EFS were significantly higher in the CCCG-ALL 2015 group than in the CCLG-ALL 2008 group. Patients treated with CCCG-ALL 2015 from Fujian Medical Union Hospital had a significantly higher 4-year OS and EFS than did those from the other four hospitals. Real-world TA of cALL greatly decreased, and its long-term survival significantly increased in Fujian, which may be related to optimizing programs, multi-center collaboration, and improving treatment compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhi Zheng
- Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiazheng Li
- Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hong Wen
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Kaizhi Weng
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Rheumatology and Nephrology, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Shuquan Zhuang
- Department of Pediatrics, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xingguo Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanping First Hospital of Fujian Province, Nanping, China
| | - Jian Li
- Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xueling Hua
- Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zaisheng Chen
- Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jianda Hu
- Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Medical University 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Quanzhou, China
| | - Shaohua Le
- Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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Farrag A, Mohammed K, Ghazaly MH, Berthold F. Noncompliance of pediatric cancer patients with chemotherapy: A single-center experience in a lower-middle income country. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2024; 41:41-53. [PMID: 37740941 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2023.2256780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Noncompliance with therapy is a big obstacle to successful therapy. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors affecting the compliance of pediatric cancer patients with therapy in a tertiary care center far away from the capital in a lower-middle income country (LMIC). A retrospective cohort study of reports of all pediatric cancer patients who were diagnosed and started treatment between 2006 and 2010 at South Egypt Cancer Institute (SECI) was done. The following data were collected: Age, sex, diagnosis, compliance with therapy, and data on potential risk factors that might affect compliance, including time duration of travel from the patient's home to SECI, time lag between the first symptom until the first visit to SECI and until the start of treatment, results of reevaluation after the initial course of therapy, and therapy-related severe adverse events. Noncompliance with therapy was defined as when patients missed their determined therapy appointment for one week or more or abandoned therapy. This study included 510 patients. Eighty-three (16.3%) were non-compliant, as forty patients missed their therapy appointment (7.8%), and 43 abandoned further therapy (8.4%). Noncompliance was found to be more prevalent among patients with solid tumors. Non-compliant patients suffered a significantly higher relapse rate (47.7% vs. 11.2% in compliant patients, p < .001). Unfortunately, 75% of the abandoned patients who returned for further therapy suffered a relapse. Noncompliance with treatment is still a big problem facing cancer management in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Farrag
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - K Mohammed
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - M H Ghazaly
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - F Berthold
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Wang X, Lian Z, Wu Q, Wu F, Zhang G, Liu J, Chen C, Sun J. Refusal of treatment among HER2-positive breast cancer patients in China: a retrospective analysis. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1305544. [PMID: 38303960 PMCID: PMC10832033 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1305544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background There is a need to update the understanding of treatment refusal among cancer patients in China, taking into account recent developments. This study investigated how public insurance coverage of the first breast cancer targeted therapy contributed to the changes in treatment refusal among HER2-positive breast cancer patients in China. And it intensively examined and discussed additional barriers affecting patient utilization of innovative anticancer medicines based on the types and reasons for treatment refusal. Methods This retrospective study included female breast cancer patients diagnosed as HER2-positive who received treatment at a provincial oncology center in southern China between 2014 and 2020. Multivariable analysis was conducted using a binary logistic regression model. Subgroup analysis was performed with the same regression model. Results Among the 1,322 HER2-positive breast cancer patients who received treatment at the study hospital between 2014 and 2020, 327 (24.55%) had ever refused treatment. Economic reasons were reported as the primary cause by 142 patients (43.43%). Patients diagnosed after September 2017, when the first breast cancer targeted therapy was included in the public health insurance, were less likely to refuse treatment (OR = 0.64, 95% CI:0.45 ~ 0.91, p = 0.01) compared to those diagnosed before September 2017. Patients enrolled in the resident health insurance were more likely to refuse treatment (OR = 2.43, 95% CI:1.77 ~ 3.35, p < 0.001) than those enrolled in the employee health insurance. Conclusion This study reveals a high rate of treatment refusal among HER2-positive breast cancer patients, primarily attributed to financial factors. The disparity in public health insurance benefits resulted in a heavier economic burden for patients with less comprehensive benefits. Furthermore, the study identified challenges faced by patients seeking quality-assured cancer care in underdeveloped regions in China. By addressing economic barriers, promoting accurate health information, and improving cancer care capacity across the country can reduce the rate of treatment refusal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwei Lian
- Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiyou Wu
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Gong Zhang
- Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chuanben Chen
- Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jing Sun
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Gallardo-Pérez MM, Gale RP, Reyes-Cisneros OA, Sánchez-Bonilla D, Fernández-Gutiérrez JA, Stock W, Murrieta-Álvarez I, Olivares-Gazca JC, Ruiz-Delgado GJ, Fonseca R, Ruiz-Argüelles GJ. Therapy of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in resource-poor geospaces. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1187268. [PMID: 37397374 PMCID: PMC10312136 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1187268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapy of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in limited resource geospaces is challenging and must balance safety, efficacy, availability, and affordability. We modified the control arm of the St. Jude Total XI protocol for outpatient delivery including once-weekly daunorubicin and vincristine in initial therapy, postponing intrathecal chemotherapy until day 22, prophylactic oral antibiotics/antimycotics, use of generic drugs, and no central nervous system (CNS) radiation. Data were interrogated from 104 consecutive children ≤12 years (median, 6 years [interquartile range (IQR), 3, 9 years]. All therapies were given in an outpatient setting in 72 children. Median follow-up is 56 months (IQR 20, 126 months). A total of 88 children achieved a hematological complete remission. Median event-free survival (EFS) is 87 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 39, 60], 7.6 years in low-risk children (3.4, 8 years) whereas 2.5 years (1, 10 years) in high-risk children. The 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) is 28% (18, 35%), 26% (14, 37%) in low-risk children and 35% (14, 52%) in high-risk children. Median survival for all subjects is not reached but must exceed 5 years. A total of 36 children relapsed at a median of 12 months (5, 23 months). Outcomes were comparable to those reported in the control arm of the Total Therapy XI study, but inferior to current treatment protocols in high-income countries. The average cost of the first 2 years of therapy was $28,500 USD compared with an average cost of approximately $150,000 USD in the US, an 80% saving. In conclusion, using an outpatient-based modification of the St. Jude Total XI protocol, we obtained good results with relatively few hospitalizations or adverse events and at a substantial saving. This model can be applied in other resource-poor geospaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés M. Gallardo-Pérez
- Centro de Hematología y Medicina Interna, Clínica Ruiz, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
- Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, Facultad de Medicina, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Robert Peter Gale
- Centre for Haematology, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oscar A. Reyes-Cisneros
- Centro de Hematología y Medicina Interna, Clínica Ruiz, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
- Universidad Anáhuac, Facultad de Medicina, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Daniela Sánchez-Bonilla
- Centro de Hematología y Medicina Interna, Clínica Ruiz, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
- Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, Facultad de Medicina, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - José A. Fernández-Gutiérrez
- Centro de Hematología y Medicina Interna, Clínica Ruiz, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
- Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, Facultad de Medicina, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Wendy Stock
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Iván Murrieta-Álvarez
- Centro de Hematología y Medicina Interna, Clínica Ruiz, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
- Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, Facultad de Medicina, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Olivares-Gazca
- Centro de Hematología y Medicina Interna, Clínica Ruiz, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
- Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, Facultad de Medicina, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Guillermo J. Ruiz-Delgado
- Centro de Hematología y Medicina Interna, Clínica Ruiz, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
- Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, Facultad de Medicina, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
- Laboratorios Ruiz, SYNLAB, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Rafael Fonseca
- Mayo Clinic, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Guillermo J. Ruiz-Argüelles
- Centro de Hematología y Medicina Interna, Clínica Ruiz, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
- Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, Facultad de Medicina, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
- Laboratorios Ruiz, SYNLAB, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
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Ji X, Su J, Liu X, Mao Z, Zhang W, Zhang J, Sun X, Han X. Childhood cancer survivorship in China: An overview of the past two decades. Cancer Med 2022; 11:4588-4601. [PMID: 35599452 PMCID: PMC9741979 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Across countries in the world, China has the largest population of childhood cancer survivors. Research and care for the childhood cancer survivor population in China is fragmented. We searched studies published in English or Chinese language between January 1, 2000 and June 30, 2021, which examined various aspects of childhood cancer survivorship in China. The existing China-focused studies were largely based on a single institution, convenient samplings with relatively small sample sizes, restricted geographic areas, cross-sectional design, and focused on young survivors in their childhood or adolescence. These studies primarily focused on the physical late effects of cancer and its treatment, as well as the inferior psychological wellbeing among childhood cancer survivors, with few studies examining financial hardship, health promotion, and disease prevention, or healthcare delivery in survivorship. Our findings highlight the urgent need for research and evidence-based survivorship care to serve the childhood cancer survivor population in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Ji
- Department of PediatricsEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA,Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders CenterChildren's Healthcare of AtlantaAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Jun Su
- Center for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina,NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University)JinanShandongChina
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Center for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina,NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University)JinanShandongChina
| | - Ziling Mao
- Surveillance and Health Equity ScienceAmerican Cancer SocietyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA,Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public HealthUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Center for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina,NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University)JinanShandongChina
| | - Jinhe Zhang
- Center for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina,NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University)JinanShandongChina
| | - Xiaojie Sun
- Center for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina,NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University)JinanShandongChina
| | - Xuesong Han
- Surveillance and Health Equity ScienceAmerican Cancer SocietyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
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Zhan C, Wu Z, Yang L, Yu L, Deng J, Luk K, Duan C, Zhang L. Disparities in economic burden for children with leukemia insured by resident basic medical insurance: evidence from real-world data 2015–2019 in Guangdong, China. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:229. [PMID: 35183172 PMCID: PMC8858506 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07564-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatric leukemia is the most prevalent childhood cancer in China and incurs heavy economic burden to patients without sufficient insurance protection. Although all Chinese children are obliged to enroll in the national insurance scheme, “Resident Basic Medical Insurance (RBMI)”, the protection may vary among patient subgroups. This study is designed to measure the disparities in economic burden for patients with leukemia under RBMI protection and explore the influencing factors. Methods The included patients were aged ≤ 15 and diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML, with/without transplantation). They all completed treatment course consecutively in Nanfang Hospital and Zhujiang Hospital from Jan.1, 2015, to Dec.30, 2019, in Guangzhou, China. Their inpatient treatment and insurance settlement data were drawn from the Hospital Information System (HIS) and Insurance Settlement System (ISS). A total of 765 consecutive patients and 14,477 inpatient medical records were included and analyzed. Their insurance status (6 subtypes), economic burden [total cost, out-of-pocket cost (OOP), reimbursement, reimbursement rate (RR)], and cost structures (operation/procedure, blood products, drug, simple treatment) were calculated respectively. Non-normally distributed costs were reported as the median and interquartile range (IQR). Wilcoxon test was used for univariate tests and generalized linear model with log link was used to explore the influencing factors. Results The insured patients who were treated in the location of insurance with instant reimbursement reported the highest total cost and reimbursement, while those who seek medical care cross-province with no instant reimbursement reported the lowest total cost and highest OOP payment. In terms of annual change, the total cost of children with leukemia decreased from 2015–2019 with stably increasing reimbursement rate. Blood products and drugs were the major components of total cost, but they decreased annually. Patients who received transplantation and treated across provinces were with a higher economic burden. Conclusion The economic burden for children with leukemia decreased overtime under the protection of RBMI, but disparities exist among subtypes. The payer-provider contract on instant reimbursement and drug cost control are effective measures for insurance administrators to curb the economic burdens of pediatric leukemia treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07564-8.
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Li CK, Tang J, Zheng H, Fang J, Sun X. Treatment of childhood cancer in China: Current status and future direction. Pediatr Investig 2020; 4:153-156. [PMID: 33150308 PMCID: PMC7520102 DOI: 10.1002/ped4.12210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Kong Li
- Department of Paediatrics The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Children's Hospital Hong Kong China
| | - Jingyan Tang
- Department of Hematology/Oncology Shanghai Children's Medical Centre Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine National Center for Children's Health China
| | - Huyong Zheng
- Hematology Oncology Center Beijing Children's Hospital Capital Medical University National Center for Children's Health China
| | - Jianpei Fang
- Department of Pediatrics Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou China
| | - Xiaofei Sun
- Department of Pediatric Oncology Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center Guangzhou China
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Palagyi A, Balane C, Shanthosh J, Jun M, Bhoo-Pathy N, Gadsden T, Canfell K, Jan S. Treatment abandonment in children with cancer: Does a sex difference exist? A systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence from low- and middle-income countries. Int J Cancer 2020; 148:895-904. [PMID: 32875569 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In this systematic review and meta-analyses, we sought to determine sex-disparities in treatment abandonment in children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and identify the characteristics of children and their families most disadvantaged by such abandonment. Sex-disaggregated data on treatment abandonment were collated from the available literature and a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to compare the rates in girls with those in boys. Subgroup analyses were conducted in which studies were stratified by design, cancer type and the Gender Inequality Index of the country of study. Eighteen studies were included in the systematic review and of these studies, 16 qualified for the meta-analysis, representing 10 754 children. The pooled rate of treatment abandonment overall was 30%. We observed no difference in the proportion of treatment abandonment in girls relative to estimates observed in boys (rate ratio [RR] 0.95, 95% CI: 0.79-1.15; P = .61). There was significant heterogeneity across the included studies and in the pooled estimate of RR for girls vs boys (both I2 > 98%). Subgroup analyses did not reveal any effect on abandonment risk. Risk factors for abandonment observed fell into three main categories: socio-demographic; geographic; and travel-related. In conclusion, a high rate of treatment abandonment (30%) was observed overall for children with cancer in included studies in LMICs, although this was variable and context specific. No evidence of gender bias in childhood cancer treatment abandonment rates across LMICs was found. Given that the risk factors for abandonment are context specific, in-depth country-level analyses may provide further insights into the role of a child's gender in treatment abandonment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Palagyi
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christine Balane
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Janani Shanthosh
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Australian Human Rights Institute, Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Min Jun
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Thomas Gadsden
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Karen Canfell
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Woolloomooloo, Australia.,Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Price of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephen Jan
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Lan BN, Castor A, Wiebe T, Toporski J, Moëll C, Hagander L. Adherence to childhood cancer treatment: a prospective cohort study from Northern Vietnam. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e026863. [PMID: 31383696 PMCID: PMC6687055 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Global incidence and attention to childhood cancer is increasing and treatment abandonment is a major cause of treatment failure in low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of factors contributing to non-adherence to treatment. DESIGN A prospective cohort study with 2 year follow-up of incidence, family-reported motives and risk factors. SETTING The largest tertiary paediatric oncology centre in Northern Vietnam. PARTICIPANTS All children offered curative cancer treatment, from January 2008 to December 2009. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Family decision to start treatment was analysed with multivariable logistic regression, and family decision to continue treatment was analysed with a multivariable Cox model. This assessment of non-adherence is thereby methodologically consistent with the accepted definitions and recommended practices for evaluation of treatment abandonment. RESULTS Among 731 consecutively admitted patients, 677 were eligible for treatment and were followed for a maximum 2 years. Almost half the parents chose to decline curative care (45.5%), either before (35.2%) or during (10.3%) the course of treatment. Most parents reported perceived poor prognosis as the main reason for non-adherence, followed by financial constraints and traditional medicine preference. The odds of starting treatment increased throughout the study-period (OR 1.04 per month (1.01 to 1.07), p=0.002), and were independently associated with prognosis (OR 0.51 (0.41 to 0.64), p=<0.0001) and travel distance to hospital (OR 0.998 per km (0.996 to 0.999), p=0.004). The results also suggest that adherence to initiated treatment was significantly higher among boys than girls (HR 1.69 (1.05 to 2.73), p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS Non-adherence influenced the prognosis of childhood cancer, and was associated with cultural and local perceptions of cancer and the economic power of the affected families. Prevention of abandonment is a prerequisite for successful cancer care, and a crucial early step in quality improvements to care for all children with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bui Ngoc Lan
- Pediatric Oncology Hematology Center, Vietnam National Children’s Hospital (VNCH), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Anders Castor
- Pediatric Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences in Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Thomas Wiebe
- Pediatric Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences in Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jacek Toporski
- Pediatric Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences in Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Christian Moëll
- Pediatric Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences in Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars Hagander
- Pediatric Surgery, Department of Clinical Sciences in Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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10
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Alam A, Kumar A. Prevalence, predictors, causes of treatment refusal and abandonment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia over 18 years in North India. Treatment phase affecting factors: A step towards better focussed counselling. Cancer Epidemiol 2018; 57:53-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Cui L, Li ZG, Chai YH, Yu J, Gao J, Zhu XF, Jin RM, Shi XD, Zhang LP, Gao YJ, Zhang RD, Zheng HY, Hu SY, Cui YH, Zhu YP, Zou Y, Ng MHL, Xiao Y, Li JH, Zhang YH, He HL, Xian Y, Wang TY, Li CK, Wu MY. Outcome of children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with CCLG-ALL 2008: The first nation-wide prospective multicenter study in China. Am J Hematol 2018; 93:913-920. [PMID: 29675840 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.25124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy among children. The trial Chinese Children Leukemia Group (CCLG)-ALL 2008 was a prospective clinical trial designed to improve treatment outcome of childhood ALL through the first nation-wide collaborative study in China. Totally 2231 patients were recruited from ten tertiary hospitals in eight cities. The patients were stratified according to clinical-biological characteristics and early treatment response. Standard risk (SR) and intermediate risk (IR) groups were treated with a modified BFM based protocol, and there was 25%-50% dose reduction during intensification phases in the SR group. Patients in high risk (HR) group received a more intensive maintenance treatment. Minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring with treatment adjustment was performed in two hospitals (the MRD group). Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 2100 patients (94.1%). At five years, the estimate for overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) of the whole group was 85.3% and 79.9%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) was 15.3% at five years. The OS, EFS and CIR for the SR group were 91.5%, 87.9%, and 9.7%, respectively. The outcome of the MRD group is better than the non-MRD group (5y-EFS: 82.4% vs 78.3%, P = .038; 5y-CIR: 10.7% vs 18.0%, P < .001). Our results demonstrated that the large-scale multicenter trial for pediatric ALL was feasible in China. Dose reduction in the SR group could achieve high EFS. MRD-based risk stratification might improve the treatment outcome for childhood ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Cui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology; National Key Discipline of Pediatrics (Capital Medical University); Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education; Hematology Oncology Center; Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
- Hematology and Oncology Laboratory, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology; National Key Discipline of Pediatrics (Capital Medical University); Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education; Hematology Oncology Center; Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
- Hematology and Oncology Laboratory, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Huan Chai
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorder, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Ju Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao-Fan Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Hematology and Hospital of Blood Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Run-Ming Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Shi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Le-Ping Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Jin Gao
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui-Dong Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology; National Key Discipline of Pediatrics (Capital Medical University); Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education; Hematology Oncology Center; Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Hu-Yong Zheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology; National Key Discipline of Pediatrics (Capital Medical University); Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education; Hematology Oncology Center; Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Shao-Yan Hu
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow, China
| | - Ying-Hui Cui
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorder, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi-Ping Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Zou
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Hematology and Hospital of Blood Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Margaret H L Ng
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yan Xiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun-Hui Li
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Yong-Hong Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology; National Key Discipline of Pediatrics (Capital Medical University); Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education; Hematology Oncology Center; Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Long He
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow, China
| | - Ying Xian
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorder, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Tian-You Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology; National Key Discipline of Pediatrics (Capital Medical University); Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education; Hematology Oncology Center; Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Chi-Kong Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; The Hong Kong Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Study Group, Hong Kong, China
| | - Min-Yuan Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology; National Key Discipline of Pediatrics (Capital Medical University); Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education; Hematology Oncology Center; Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
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Jaime-Pérez JC, Jiménez-Castillo RA, Pinzón-Uresti MA, Cantú-Rodríguez OG, Herrera-Garza JL, Marfil-Rivera LJ, Gómez-Almaguer D. Real-world outcomes of treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia during adolescence in a financially restricted environment: Results at a single center in Latin America. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2017; 64. [PMID: 27957789 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a paucity of the studies of adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This is more noticeable in low- and middle-income countries. The international 5-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for this age group is around 80%, with pediatric-inspired protocols offering better results. METHODS A retrospective analysis of adolescents aged 16-20 diagnosed with ALL during the period 2004-2015 treated with a high-risk pediatric protocol at an academic center from a middle-income country was performed. Five-year OS and EFS were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier analysis. Hazard ratios of relapse and death were estimated by the Cox regression model. RESULTS Five-year EFS and OS for 57 adolescents were 23.3% and 48.9%, respectively. From the 41 patients who achieved complete remission, 24 (58.5%) relapsed. Bone marrow and central nervous system were the most frequent sites of relapse. Hazard ratio of treatment failure and death for patients with organomegaly at diagnosis was 2.026 and 2.970, respectively. Treatment-related toxicity developed in 31 (54.4%) patients and febrile neutropenia was the most frequent in 14 (24.6%) cases. Twelve patients (21.1%) had poor adherence to treatment. CONCLUSIONS High relapse rate and low 5-year EFS compared with international standards, was documented. Use of intensified pediatric regimens, adherence to proven effective medications, improved supportive care, and prevention of abandonment are necessary to improve survival rates in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- José C Jaime-Pérez
- Internal Medicine Division, Department of Hematology, "Dr. José E. González" University Hospital of the School of Medicine of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, México
| | - Raúl A Jiménez-Castillo
- Internal Medicine Division, Department of Hematology, "Dr. José E. González" University Hospital of the School of Medicine of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, México
| | - Mónica A Pinzón-Uresti
- Internal Medicine Division, Department of Hematology, "Dr. José E. González" University Hospital of the School of Medicine of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, México
| | - Olga G Cantú-Rodríguez
- Internal Medicine Division, Department of Hematology, "Dr. José E. González" University Hospital of the School of Medicine of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, México
| | - José L Herrera-Garza
- Internal Medicine Division, Department of Hematology, "Dr. José E. González" University Hospital of the School of Medicine of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, México
| | - Luis J Marfil-Rivera
- Internal Medicine Division, Department of Hematology, "Dr. José E. González" University Hospital of the School of Medicine of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, México
| | - David Gómez-Almaguer
- Internal Medicine Division, Department of Hematology, "Dr. José E. González" University Hospital of the School of Medicine of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, México
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Rossell N, Challinor J, Gigengack R, Reis R. Choosing a miracle: Impoverishment, mistrust, and discordant views in abandonment of treatment of children with cancer in El Salvador. Psychooncology 2016; 26:1324-1329. [PMID: 27862585 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In El Salvador, at the only hospital offering pediatric oncology care, the number of children abandoning treatment for cancer has decreased in recent years (13%-3%). An investigation of caregivers' motives for abandonment was performed over 15 months from 2012 to 2014. Caregiver and health team perspectives on abandonment are reported using the explanatory model (EM) framework. METHOD Semistructured in-depth interviews and in hospital participant observations were conducted with caregivers of children diagnosed with cancer, who abandoned their child's treatment or were considering abandoning, and with members of the medical team. RESULTS Of the 41 caregivers interviewed, 26 caregivers (of 19 children) abandoned their child's treatment, returned from a series of missed appointments, or showed a risk of abandoning. Caregivers of 8 children stated that a miraculous cure was the main reason for abandoning; increasing impoverishment and misgivings toward treatment and outcomes were also mentioned. The responses of the medical team demonstrated a discordant EM for the child's cancer and treatment effects and that only biomedical treatment was effective for cure. CONCLUSIONS The caregivers' increasing impoverishment (not only financial) and misgivings about the child's treatment caused them to reconsider their therapeutic choices and rely on their belief in a miraculous cure, thus abandoning. The caregivers and medical team's discordant EM about the child's cancer and treatment must be acknowledged and shared decision making considered, together with consistency in the strategies that currently demonstrate to be effective decreasing abandonment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Rossell
- Amsterdam Institute for Social Sciences Research (AISSR), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julia Challinor
- Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Roy Gigengack
- Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ria Reis
- Amsterdam Institute for Social Sciences Research (AISSR), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,School of Child and Adolescent Health, The Children's Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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14
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Determinants of Treatment Abandonment in Childhood Cancer: Results from a Global Survey. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163090. [PMID: 27736871 PMCID: PMC5063311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding and addressing treatment abandonment (TxA) is crucial for bridging the pediatric cancer survival gap between high-income (HIC) and low-and middle-income countries (LMC). In childhood cancer, TxA is defined as failure to start or complete curative cancer therapy and known to be a complex phenomenon. With rising interest on causes and consequences of TxA in LMC, this study aimed to establish the lay-of-the-land regarding determinants of TxA globally, perform and promote comparative research, and raise awareness on this subject. METHODS Physicians (medical oncologists, surgeons, and radiation therapists), nurses, social workers, and psychologists involved in care of children with cancer were approached through an online survey February-May 2012. Queries addressed social, economic, and treatment-related determinants of TxA. Free-text comments were collected. Descriptive and qualitative analyses were performed. Appraisal of overall frequency, burden, and predictors of TxA has been reported separately. RESULTS 581 responses from 101 countries were obtained (contact rate = 26%, cooperation rate = 70%). Most respondents were physicians (86%), practicing pediatric hematology/oncology (86%) for >10 years (54%). Providers from LMC considered social/economic factors (families' low socioeconomic status, low education, and long travel time), as most influential in increasing risk of TxA. Treatment-related considerations such as preference for complementary and alternative medicine and concerns about treatment adverse effects and toxicity, were perceived to play an important role in both LMC and HIC. Perceived prognosis seemed to mediate the role of other determinants such as diagnosis and treatment phase on TxA risk. For example, high-risk of TxA was most frequently reported when prognosis clearly worsened (i.e. lack of response to therapy, relapse), or conversely when the patient appeared improved (i.e. induction completed, mass removed), as well as before aggressive/mutilating surgery. Provider responses allowed development of an expanded conceptual model of determinants of TxA; one which illustrates established and emerging individual, family, center, and context specific factors to be considered in order to tackle this problem. Emerging factors included vulnerability, family dynamics, perceptions, center capacity, public awareness, and governmental healthcare financing, among others. CONCLUSION TxA is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon. With increased recognition of the role of TxA on global pediatric cancer outcomes, factors beyond social/economic status and beliefs have emerged. Our results provide insights regarding the role of established determinants of TxA in different geographical and economic contexts, allow probing of key determinants by deliberating their mechanisms, and allow building an expanded conceptual model of established and emerging determinants TxA.
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Roy Moulik N, Kulkarni KP, Kumar A. Tracking children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who abandoned therapy: Experience, challenges, parental perspectives, and impact of treatment subsidies and intensified counseling. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2016; 33:327-337. [PMID: 27645371 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2016.1212956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Refusal for treatment and therapy abandonment are important reasons for unfavorable outcome of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in resource-poor countries. The present study, conducted on children with ALL whose treatment was abandoned, attempted to track all these children to ascertain the causes and outcome of therapy abandonment/refusal. In order to improve outcome of ALL, measures to prevent abandonment were introduced in the form of treatment subsidies and intensified multistage counseling. Of the 77 (of 418) children abandoning therapy, 17 (22%) refused upfront, whereas the rest abandoned during various phases of chemotherapy. Only 39 (50.6%) of these 77 families could be subsequently contacted. Financial problems, too many dependents at home, and wrong perceptions about cancer led to abandonment in majority. Children abandoning treatment before completion of induction had a significantly shorter survival than who abandoned post induction (P < .0001). Intensified preabandonment counseling and subsidized treatment led to significant reduction in abandonment rates (P < .0001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmalya Roy Moulik
- a Department of Pediatrics , King George's Medical University , Lucknow , India
| | - Ketan Prasad Kulkarni
- b Division of Hematology/Oncology , Department of Pediatrics , IWK Health Centre , Halifax , Canada
| | - Archana Kumar
- c Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology , Department of Pediatrics , King George's Medical University , Lucknow , India
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16
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Ospina-Romero M, Portilla CA, Bravo LE, Ramirez O. Caregivers' Self-Reported Absence of Social Support Networks is Related to Treatment Abandonment in Children With Cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2016; 63:825-31. [PMID: 26871640 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 11/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment abandonment (TxA) is a primary cause of therapy failure in children with cancer in low-/middle-income countries. We explored the absence of social support network (SSN), among other predictive factors, and TxA in children with cancer in Cali, Colombia. PROCEDURE In this prospective cohort study, we included children diagnosed with cancer at a public university hospital. A social worker and a psychologist administered semistructured questionnaires to patients' caregivers. We extracted information from the questionnaires about social, economic, and psychological conditions of the patients' families. Outcomes were death, relapse, and TxA. Failure either to start or to continue the planned course of curative treatment for 4 weeks or more was defined as TxA. We identified events with Cali's childhood cancer outcomes surveillance system (VIGICANCER). We adjusted the hazard ratios (HRs) for potential confounders using multivariate Cox regression analyses. RESULTS Among 188 patients diagnosed from January 2011 to June 2013, 99 interviews were conducted. Median age was 5 years old (range: 0.3, 14.9), 53% were male, 17% were of Colombian-Indian ethnicity, and 68% lived in rural areas. The 2-year cumulative incidence of TxA was 21% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13, 35) and the annual proportion was 14%. The adjusted HR for the absence of SSN was 4.9 (95% CI: 1.6, 15.3). CONCLUSIONS We found a strong association between the absence of SSN and TxA that was independent of other covariates, including surrogate measures of wealth. Our findings highlight the imperative understanding of social ties and support surrounding children's families for planning strategies to prevent TxA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Andrés Portilla
- School of Medicine, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.,Valley Public University Hospital, Cali, Colombia.,POHEMA Foundation, Cali, Colombia
| | - Luis Eduardo Bravo
- School of Medicine, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.,Population Based Cali Cancer Registry, Colombia
| | - Oscar Ramirez
- POHEMA Foundation, Cali, Colombia.,Imbanaco Medical Center, Cali, Colombia.,Population Based Cali Cancer Registry, Colombia
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18
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Viana SS, de Lima LMMR, do Nascimento JB, Cardoso CAF, Rosário ACD, Mendonça CDQ, de Menezes-Neto OA, Cipolotti R. Secular trends and predictors of mortality in acute lymphoblastic leukemia for children of low socioeconomic level in Northeast Brazil. Leuk Res 2015; 39:1060-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2015.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Friedrich P, Lam CG, Itriago E, Perez R, Ribeiro RC, Arora RS. Magnitude of Treatment Abandonment in Childhood Cancer. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135230. [PMID: 26422208 PMCID: PMC4589240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment abandonment (TxA) is recognized as a leading cause of treatment failure for children with cancer in low-and-middle-income countries (LMC). However, its global frequency and burden have remained elusive due to lack of global data. This study aimed to obtain an estimate using survey and population data. METHODS Childhood cancer clinicians (medical oncologists, surgeons, and radiation therapists), nurses, social workers, and psychologists involved in care of children with cancer were approached through an online survey February-May 2012. Incidence and population data were obtained from public sources. Descriptive, univariable, and multivariable analyses were conducted. RESULTS 602 responses from 101 countries were obtained from physicians (84%), practicing pediatric hematology/oncology (83%) in general or children's hospitals (79%). Results suggested, 23,854 (15%) of 155,088 children <15 years old newly diagnosed with cancer annually in the countries analyzed, abandon therapy. Importantly, 83% of new childhood cancer cases and 99% of TxA were attributable to LMC. The annual number of cases of TxA expected in LMC worldwide (26,166) was nearly equivalent to the annual number of cancer cases in children <15 years expected in HIC (26,368). Approximately two thirds of LMC had median TxA ≥ 6%, but TxA ≥ 6% was reported in high- (9%), upper-middle- (41%), lower-middle- (80%), and low-income countries (90%, p<0.001). Most LMC centers reporting TxA > 6% were outside the capital. Lower national income category, higher reliance on out-of-pocket payments, and high prevalence of economic hardship at the center were independent contextual predictors for TxA ≥ 6% (p<0.001). Global survival data available for more developed and less developed regions suggests TxA may account for at least a third of the survival gap between HIC and LMC. CONCLUSION Results show TxA is prevalent (compromising cancer survival for 1 in 7 children globally), confirm the suspected high burden of TxA in LMC, and illustrate the negative impact of poverty on its occurrence. The present estimates may appear small compared to the global burden of child death from malnutrition and infection (measured in millions). However, absolute numbers suggest the burden of TxA in LMC is nearly equivalent to annually losing all kids diagnosed with cancer in HIC just to TxA, without even considering deaths from disease progression, relapse or toxicity-the main causes of childhood cancer mortality in HIC. Results document the importance of monitoring and addressing TxA as part of childhood cancer outcomes in at-risk settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Friedrich
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Catherine G. Lam
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- International Outreach Program, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Elena Itriago
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rafael Perez
- Villa Victoria Center for the Arts, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Raul C. Ribeiro
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
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Zhou Q, Hong D, Lu J, Zheng D, Ashwani N, Hu S. Pediatric Medical Care System in China Has Significantly Reduced Abandonment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2015; 37:181-4. [PMID: 25393454 PMCID: PMC4368124 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000000285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we have analyzed both administrative and clinical data from our hospital during 2002 to 2012 to evaluate the influence of government medical policies on reducing abandonment treatment in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Two policies funding for the catastrophic diseases and the new rural cooperative medical care system (NRCMS) were initiated in 2005 and 2011, respectively. About 1151 children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia were enrolled in our study during this period and 316 cases abandoned treatment. Statistical differences in sex, age, number of children in the family, and family financial status were observed. Of most importance, the medical insurance coverage was critical for reducing abandonment treatment. However, 92 cases abandoning treatment after relapse did not show significant difference either in medical insurance coverage or in duration from first complete remission. In conclusion, financial crisis was the main reason for abandoning treatment. Government-funded health care expenditure programs reduced families' economic burden and thereby reduced the abandonment rate with resultant increased overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhou
- The Children’s Hospital of Soochow University
| | - Dan Hong
- The Children’s Hospital of Soochow University
| | - Jun Lu
- The Children’s Hospital of Soochow University
| | - Defei Zheng
- The Children’s Hospital of Soochow University
| | | | - Shaoyan Hu
- The Children’s Hospital of Soochow University,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Rossell N, Gigengack R, Blume S. Childhood cancer in El Salvador: A preliminary exploration of parental concerns in the abandonment of treatment. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2015; 19:370-5. [PMID: 25726358 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In El Salvador, children under 12 diagnosed with cancer have access to free treatment at a specialized national facility. Until recently, 13 percent of patients annually abandoned therapy--a serious loss of lives and scarce resources. This qualitative study explores how some parents perceived their child's cancer and treatment, and what led them to stop bringing their child for chemotherapy. METHOD In in-depth interviews, parents of six children who abandoned their child's cancer treatment discussed sickness and life circumstances during the course of treatment. RESULTS Poverty, effects of treatment, mistrust, emotions and religious convictions all figured in the parents' explanation of their actions. However, each family weighed these concerns differently. It was the interaction of the concerns, and not the concern per se, that represented the explanatory frameworks the families used to explain stopping their child's treatment. This finding illustrates the parents' navigation among a collection of variable concerns, rather than exposing one fixed cause for their behavior. For example, poverty affects a parent's worldview as well as concrete living conditions, and therefore has a complex relationship with abandonment of treatment. Thus, it follows that strategies to reduce treatment abandonment (and increase a child's chance for survival) must be multidimensional. CONCLUSIONS Qualitative studies of how families perceive childhood cancer and treatment can illuminate the processes and relationships involved in abandonment of treatment. This approach can also show how families' living circumstances frame their perceptions and inform strategies to improve how medical services are provided, thus reducing abandonment of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Rossell
- Amsterdam Institute of Social Science Research AISSR, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 166, 1018 WV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Sociology of Development and Change Chair Group, Wageningen University and Research, Hollandseweg 1, 6700 EW Wageningen, The Netherlands; Oncology Department, Hospital Nacional de Niños Benjamin Bloom, Boulevard Los Heroes, Contiguo Hospital Anexo, San Salvador, El Salvador.
| | - Roy Gigengack
- Sociology of Development and Change Chair Group, Wageningen University and Research, Hollandseweg 1, 6700 EW Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Stuart Blume
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 166, 1018 WV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador.
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Gunawan S, Wolters E, van Dongen J, van de Ven P, Sitaresmi M, Veerman A, Mantik M, Kaspers G, Mostert S. Parents' and health-care providers' perspectives on side- effects of childhood cancer treatment in Indonesia. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 15:3593-9. [PMID: 24870763 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.8.3593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efficacy of childhood cancer treatment in low-income countries may be impacted by parents' and health-care providers' perspectives on chemotherapy-related side-effects. This study explores prevalence and severity of side-effects in childhood cancer, and compares health beliefs about side-effects between parents and health-care providers, and between nurses and doctors in Indonesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Semi-structured questionnaires were filled in by 40 parents and 207 health-care providers in an academic hospital. RESULTS Parents exporessed a desire to receive more information about side-effects (98%) and worried about this aspect of treatment (90%), although side-effects were less severe than expected (66%). The most frequent was behavior alteration (98%) and the most severe was hair loss. Only 26% of parents consulted doctors about side-effects. More parents, compared to health-care providers, believed that medicines work better when side-effects are more severe (p<0.001), and accepted severe side-effects (p=0.021). More health-care providers, compared to parents, believed that chemotherapy can be stopped or the dosage altered when there are side-effects (p=0.011). More nurses, compared to doctors, stated that side-effects were unbearable (p=0.004) and made them doubt efficacy of treatment (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Behavior alteration is the most frequent and hair loss the most severe side-effect. Apparent discrepancies in health beliefs about side-effects exist between parents and health-care providers. A sustainable parental education program about side-effects is recommended. Health-care providers need to update and improve their knowledge and communication skills in order to give appropriate information. Such measures may improve outcome of childhood cancer treatment in low-income countries, where adherence to therapy is a major issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanus Gunawan
- Department of Pediatric Oncology-Hematology, Prof Dr RD Kandou Hospital, Manado, Indonesia E-mail :
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Zhang W, Wang X, Li J, Xu Z. Uncompensated care for children without insurance or from low-income families in a Chinese children's hospital. Med Sci Monit 2014; 20:1162-7. [PMID: 25002099 PMCID: PMC4099210 DOI: 10.12659/msm.890368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In China, children from low-income families, particularly those of rural to urban migrant families, have become one of the most vulnerable populations in terms of healthcare access. Without support, these families will finally give up treatment for their children. Our hospital has sought several ways to fund the uncompensated care for children without insurance or from low-income families. Material/Methods The annual hospital financial report and donated patients’ medical records from 2005 to 2011 were reviewed for extracting data, including disease type, and sources and amounts of donations. Files with information on uncompensated care were also reviewed. Uncompensated care was defined as the sum of a hospital’s “bad debt” and the charity care it provides. Results The total expense of uncompensated care increased from 813 597 RMB in 2005 to 4 415 967 RMB in 2011, with a percentage of total budget ranging from 0.24% to 1.6% from 2005 to 2011. The hospital’s bad debt accounts for 17.6% of the uncompensated care charge on average per year. The charity care was from: 1) donations from common warm-hearted persons, companies, and institutions after media reporting; 2) governmental charity organizations; 3) non-governmental charity organizations; and 4) special funding from contributions solicited by hospital, media, and governmental charity organizations’ collaboration. Leukemia and congenital heart disease were the 2 leading types of diseases benefitted from the uncompensated care from 2005 to 2011. Conclusions Uncompensated care is still an indispensable complementary supporting measure for pediatric care access in China. Children from rural-to-urban migrant families should be considered as a target population for the government to focus on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifang Zhang
- Department of Administration, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China (mainland)
| | - Xuefei Wang
- Department of Administration, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China (mainland)
| | - Jinzhong Li
- Department of Administration, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China (mainland)
| | - Zhuopu Xu
- Guanghua School of Law, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China (mainland)
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Gao YJ, Pan C, Tang JY, Lu FJ, Chen J, Xue HL, Zhai XW, Li J, Ye QD, Zhou M, Wang HS, Miao H, Qian XW, Xu Z, Meng JH. Clinical outcome of childhood lymphoblastic lymphoma in Shanghai China 2001-2010. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:659-63. [PMID: 24243691 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.24848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This retrospective cohort study analysed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with childhood lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) treated in Shanghai, China. PROCEDURE From 2001 to 2010, 108 evaluable patients ≤16 years of age who were newly diagnosed with biopsy-proven LBL were treated with one of three treatment protocols: CCCG-99, SCMC-T-NHL-2002, or LBL-CHOF-2006. RESULTS Two patients had Stage I disease, 5 had Stage II, 55 had Stage III, and 46 had Stage IV. The immunophenotype was T-cell LBL in 92 patients (85.2%) and precursor B-cell LBL in 16 (14.8%). The abandonment rate was 11.5%. Twenty-five patients (23.2%) suffered from resistant disease, including 1 with isolated central nervous system (CNS) relapse. At a median follow-up of 40.4 months (range, 0-114 months), the 5-year probability of event-free survival (pEFS) was 63.9 ± 4.6% in all patients. The 5-year pEFS for patients with pB-LBL was better than for patients with T-LBL (100% vs. 61.3 ± 5.1%, P = 0.007). Patients who had achieved complete remission on day 33 of induction had significantly better pEFS than those who had not (78.8 ± 4.6% vs. 28.2 ± 9.0%, P = 0.000). Three of 25 patients who experienced resistant disease were alive at the end of the study period. CONCLUSIONS The abandonment rate was lower for patients with LBL than for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Prophylactic cranial radiation can be omitted for patients with LBL even when advanced-stage disease is present, as intensive systemic chemotherapy with intrathecal therapy is sufficient to prevent CNS relapse. The survival of patients with resistant disease was very poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jin Gao
- Children's Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Gupta S, Wilejto M, Pole JD, Guttmann A, Sung L. Low socioeconomic status is associated with worse survival in children with cancer: a systematic review. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89482. [PMID: 24586813 PMCID: PMC3935876 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While low socioeconomic status (SES) has been associated with inferior cancer outcome among adults, its impact in pediatric oncology is unclear. Our objective was therefore to conduct a systematic review to determine the impact of SES upon outcome in children with cancer. METHODS We searched Ovid Medline, EMBASE and CINAHL from inception to December 2012. Studies for which survival-related outcomes were reported by socioeconomic subgroups were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently assessed articles and extracted data. Given anticipated heterogeneity, no quantitative meta-analyses were planned a priori. RESULTS Of 7,737 publications, 527 in ten languages met criteria for full review; 36 studies met final inclusion criteria. In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), lower SES was uniformly associated with inferior survival, regardless of the measure chosen. The majority of associations were statistically significant. Of 52 associations between socioeconomic variables and outcome among high-income country (HIC) children, 38 (73.1%) found low SES to be associated with worse survival, 15 of which were statistically significant. Of the remaining 14 (no association or high SES associated with worse survival), only one was statistically significant. Both HIC studies examining the effect of insurance found uninsured status to be statistically associated with inferior survival. CONCLUSIONS Socioeconomic gradients in which low SES is associated with inferior childhood cancer survival are ubiquitous in LMIC and common in HIC. Future studies should elucidate mechanisms underlying these gradients, allowing the design of interventions mediating socioeconomic effects. Targeting the effect of low SES will allow for further improvements in childhood cancer survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Gupta
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Child Health Evaluative Sciences, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Health, Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marta Wilejto
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Child Health Evaluative Sciences, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason D. Pole
- Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Clinical and Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Astrid Guttmann
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Clinical and Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Paediatric Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Health, Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lillian Sung
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Child Health Evaluative Sciences, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Health, Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Gao YJ, Qian XW, Lu FJ, Zhai XW, Wang HS, Li J. Improved outcome for children with non-high risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia after using an ALL IC-BFM 2002-based protocol in Shanghai, China. Br J Haematol 2012; 160:363-7. [PMID: 23151178 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.12122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jin Gao
- Children's Hospital; Shanghai Medical College; Fudan University; Shanghai; China
| | - Xiao-Wen Qian
- Children's Hospital; Shanghai Medical College; Fudan University; Shanghai; China
| | - Feng-Juan Lu
- Children's Hospital; Shanghai Medical College; Fudan University; Shanghai; China
| | - Xiao-Wen Zhai
- Children's Hospital; Shanghai Medical College; Fudan University; Shanghai; China
| | - Hong-Sheng Wang
- Children's Hospital; Shanghai Medical College; Fudan University; Shanghai; China
| | - Jun Li
- Children's Hospital; Shanghai Medical College; Fudan University; Shanghai; China
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Xu XJ, Tang YM, Shen HQ, Song H, Yang SL, Shi SW, Xu WQ. Day 22 of induction therapy is important for minimal residual disease assessment by flow cytometry in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leuk Res 2012; 36:1022-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2012.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Revised: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Li EQ, Jin RM. Causes for refusal or abandonment during treatment of pediatric acute promyelocytic leukemia. Leuk Res 2012; 36:e193-4. [PMID: 22727511 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2012.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Revised: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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