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Chapman H, Ntemi PS, Gisiri M, Vasudevan L, Kashaigili HJ, Schroeder K. Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with Burkitt lymphoma treated in Tanzania following the implementation of the 2016 National Treatment Guidelines: Poor outcomes to current standard-of-care therapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e31145. [PMID: 38924656 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the excellent outcomes achieved in the treatment of pediatric Burkitt lymphoma (BL) in high-income countries (HICs), outcomes remain poor in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Efforts to improve BL outcomes in Tanzania included the creation of National Treatment Guidelines in 2016. However, disease outcomes in Tanzania following the creation of these guidelines have not been reported to date. PROCEDURE Historical records from 2016 to 2021 for patients 0-18 years of age with a diagnosis of BL and seen at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC), in Mwanza, Tanzania, were curated into an electronic database and analyzed descriptively. Patients in this cohort were treated per the Tanzanian National Treatment Guidelines, which include six cycles of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and methotrexate (COM) chemotherapy with intrathecal methotrexate and cytarabine. RESULTS In total, 92 BL patients' records were eligible for analysis. Patients in this cohort were most commonly Murphy stage II (28%) or stage III (34%). Nearly all, 91%, met International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research (INCTR) high-risk criteria at presentation. Forty-two percent of patients did not receive a biopsy and were treated with a presumed diagnosis of BL alone. A 1-year event-free survival of 29.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.3%-39.5%) and a 1-year overall survival of 38.5% (95% CI: 28%-48.9%) were observed. A high rate of treatment abandonment (34%) was also observed. CONCLUSION In a historical cohort of pediatric patients with BL treated per the 2016 Tanzanian National Treatment Guidelines, we observed poor outcomes and a high rate of abandonment. These outcomes appear inferior to those achieved in the INCTR clinical trial that informed the guidelines' creation, and highlights the importance of "real-world" outcomes data in LMICs. These data reinforce the idea that continued clinical research and capacity building efforts are necessary to improve BL outcomes in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hutton Chapman
- Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Lavanya Vasudevan
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Heronima J Kashaigili
- Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Catholic University of Allied and Health Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Kristin Schroeder
- Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
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Nri-Ezedi CA, Ulasi TO, Menkiti FE, Ndukwe CO, Igwenagu CM, Akpuaka FC. Epidemiological trends and treatment abandonment of paediatric solid tumours in a nigerian tertiary hospital: a seven-year review (2016-2022). BMC Cancer 2024; 24:943. [PMID: 39095784 PMCID: PMC11295635 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12723-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paediatric solid tumours, both benign and malignant, present significant health challenges, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where comprehensive data is limited. This study aims to elucidate the prevalence, distribution, and treatment outcomes of paediatric solid neoplasms in a tertiary hospital in South-East Nigeria over a seven-year period. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria. Clinical details and histological slides of confirmed cases from January 2016 to December 2022 were reviewed. Data extraction focused on socio-demographic variables and treatment outcomes, analysed using statistical methods. RESULTS The study included 293 children diagnosed with solid tumours (58.1% malignant, 41.9% benign), with a female predominance (61.8%). The median age at diagnosis was 12 years. Fibroadenoma was the most common benign tumour (61.8% of benign cases), while non-Hodgkin lymphoma was the predominant malignant tumour (18.2% of malignant cases). Treatment abandonment rates differed significantly between benign (13.8%) and malignant (51.2%) tumours. Significant associations were found between treatment outcomes and factors such as gender (p = 0.0001 for benign tumours), age category (p = 0.0001 for benign tumours), and specific diagnoses (p = 0.0001 for both benign and malignant tumours). CONCLUSION This study underscores the substantial burden of paediatric solid tumours in South-East Nigeria and highlights the critical need for improved treatment adherence strategies, particularly for malignant cases. The findings emphasize the importance of tailored interventions based on tumour type, age, and gender. These insights can inform future research, policy formulation, and healthcare strategies aimed at enhancing the management and outcomes of paediatric solid neoplasms in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Felix Emeka Menkiti
- Department of Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, Nigeria.
| | - Chinedu Onwuka Ndukwe
- Department of Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, Nigeria
| | - Chinelo M Igwenagu
- Department of Industrial Mathematics and Applied Statistics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Frank Chinedu Akpuaka
- Department of Surgery, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra, Nigeria
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Zeng C, Du N, He L, Wang H, Zhao T, Jia R, Li L, Han M, Hou L. Factors influencing parental fatigue in children with retinoblastoma based on the unpleasant symptoms theory. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17389. [PMID: 39075052 PMCID: PMC11286795 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67155-x] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Parents of children with retinoblastoma, the most common primary ocular malignant tumour in childhood, bear a heavy caregiving burden and are very susceptible to fatigue. However, little is known about their current status of fatigue and factors influencing fatigue; therefore,this study, based on the theory of unpleasant symptoms, and included 317 parents of children with retinoblastoma in China, whose general demographic data were collected, and on whom the fatigue severity scale (FSS), the generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) and 2-item patient health questionnaire (PHQ-2) were administered, from 9 March to 1 June 2020. The parents' FSS score and fatigue incidence were 4.41 ± 1.14 and 67.19%, respectively. The fatigue level was positively correlated with anxiety, depression, education, times of hospitalisations, and treatment types (r = 0.125-0.468, P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with health status, sleep quality, economic status, and family economic situation (r = - 0.120 to - 0.322, P < 0.05). Parent's anxiety level, being an only child and female sex of child influenced parents' fatigue. Healthcare personnel need to focus their attention on this high-risk fatigue group and implement appropriate interventions to reduce their fatigue level, promote their physical and mental health, and facilitate better care for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- ChangJuan Zeng
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Nursing, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Na Du
- Department of Nursing, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Liangyu He
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Department of Nursing, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Minglei Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Lili Hou
- Department of Nursing, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Hordofa DF, Ahmed M, Birhanu Z, Weitzman S, Broas J, Shad A, Bonilla M, Alexander TB. Childhood cancer presentation and initial outcomes in Ethiopia: Findings from a recently opened pediatric oncology unit. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003379. [PMID: 38985815 PMCID: PMC11236196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
There were no pediatric oncology centers in southwest Ethiopia prior to 2016. This study aims to describe presenting diagnoses and initial outcomes at Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC), the first pediatric oncology unit (POU) in southwest Ethiopia, provide initial insights into regional pediatric cancer epidemiology, illustrate the rapid growth of pediatric cancer services, and highlight ongoing challenges. We used a retrospective descriptive approach to assess the epidemiologic pattern and initial treatment outcomes of pediatric cancer at JUMC POU from August 2016 through December 2022. During the study period, 749 children were diagnosed with cancer at JUMC. The mean age was 7.2 years (20 days-18 years). Acute lymphoblastic leukemia was the most common diagnosis (16.4%), followed by non-Hodgkin lymphoma (12.4%), Wilms tumor (11.1%), soft tissue sarcoma (8.8%), Hodgkin lymphoma (8.4%), and retinoblastoma (8.3%). Brain tumors accounted for only 2.7% of the diagnoses. Of the 703 patients that were not referred elsewhere, 42% of the patients abandoned treatment, 29% died, 17% completed treatment, and 7% remained on treatment at the time of this assessment. The findings emphasize the growth in the diagnosis and treatment of children with cancer in the southwest region of Ethiopia. The data suggests a different epidemiologic profile of childhood cancer cases diagnosed at the JUMC POU compared to high-income countries and neighbouring countries in Africa. Treatment abandonment remains a barrier to care. Ongoing areas of focus include establishment of a hospital-based cancer registry, reduction of treatment abandonment, improvement of diagnostic capacity, and increased access to advanced supportive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diriba Fufa Hordofa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Muktar Ahmed
- Department of Epidemiology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Zewdie Birhanu
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | | | - Julie Broas
- The Aslan Project, Inc., Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Aziza Shad
- The Aslan Project, Inc., Washington, DC, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, The Herman and Walter Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Miguel Bonilla
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Thomas B. Alexander
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Nanteza S, Yap A, Stephens CQ, Kambagu JB, Kisa P, Kakembo N, Fadil G, Nimanya SA, Okello I, Naluyimbazi R, Mbwali F, Kayima P, Ssewanyana Y, Grabski D, Naik-Mathuria B, Langer M, Ozgediz D, Sekabira J. Treatment abandonment in children with Wilms tumor at a national referral hospital in Uganda. Pediatr Surg Int 2024; 40:162. [PMID: 38926234 PMCID: PMC11208238 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-024-05744-7] [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] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The incidence of pediatric Wilms' tumor (WT) is high in Africa, though patients abandon treatment after initial diagnosis. We sought to identify factors associated with WT treatment abandonment in Uganda. METHODS A cohort study of patients < 18 years with WT in a Ugandan national referral hospital examined clinical and treatment outcomes data, comparing children whose families adhered to and abandoned treatment. Abandonment was defined as the inability to complete neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery for patients with unilateral WT and definitive chemotherapy for patients with bilateral WT. Patient factors were assessed via bivariate logistic regression. RESULTS 137 WT patients were included from 2012 to 2017. The mean age was 3.9 years, 71% (n = 98) were stage III or higher. After diagnosis, 86% (n = 118) started neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 59% (n = 82) completed neoadjuvant therapy, and 55% (n = 75) adhered to treatment through surgery. Treatment abandonment was associated with poor chemotherapy response (odds ratio [OR] 4.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30-17.0) and tumor size > 25 cm (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.05-6.81). CONCLUSIONS Children with WT in Uganda frequently abandon care during neoadjuvant therapy, particularly those with large tumors with poor response. Further investigation into the factors that influence treatment abandonment and a deeper understanding of tumor biology are needed to improve treatment adherence of children with WT in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumayiya Nanteza
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ava Yap
- Center of Health Equity in Surgery and Anesthesia, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th St, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - Caroline Q Stephens
- Center of Health Equity in Surgery and Anesthesia, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th St, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | | | - Phyllis Kisa
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Makerere University College of Health and Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nasser Kakembo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Makerere University College of Health and Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Geriga Fadil
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Ugandan Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stella A Nimanya
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Innocent Okello
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Fiona Mbwali
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter Kayima
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Yasin Ssewanyana
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Grabski
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Bindi Naik-Mathuria
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Webster, TX, USA
| | - Monica Langer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Doruk Ozgediz
- Center of Health Equity in Surgery and Anesthesia, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th St, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - John Sekabira
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
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Marfo M, Acheampong AK, Asare C. Financial burden faced by breastfeeding mothers caring for children diagnosed with cancer in Ghana; an exploratory qualitative study. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:177. [PMID: 38486146 PMCID: PMC10938724 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-02931-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When children are diagnosed of cancer, parents face varied financial issues. Among some of the identifiable factors that cause financial challenges among breastfeeding mothers include the high cost of childhood cancer care. The high cost of childhood cancer care could impede the sustainability of access to prompt care. There is paucity of literature on the financial burdens faced by breastfeeding mothers with children diagnosed with cancer in Ghana. Therefore, this study sought to explore the financial burden faced by mothers with breastfeeding children diagnosed with cancer. METHODS The study employed qualitative exploratory descriptive design. One-on-one interviews were conducted among 13 mothers with breastfeeding children diagnosed of cancer. Permission was sought for data to be recorded, transcribed concurrently and inductive content analysis done. RESULTS Three main themes emerged after data analysis: High cost (sub-themes; expensive medications, laboratory investigation fees, and cost of mothers' feeding), Public support (sub-themes; appeal for funds, national health insurance scheme) and Self-financing (loans, personal savings). Most of the breastfeeding mothers narrated that high cost of childhood cancer care generated financial distress to them. They shared that the cost involved in purchasing their children's cancer medications, paying for laboratory investigations and feeding themselves to produce adequate breastmilk to feed their children were challenging. Some of the mothers self-financed the cost of their children's cancer care through loans and personal savings. CONCLUSION Government and other stakeholders should allocate annual budget and funds towards childhood cancer care to lessen the financial burden breastfeeding mothers caring for children with cancer experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Marfo
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Wisconsin International University College-Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Comfort Asare
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Wisconsin International University College-Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Wang M, Fang J, Hu X, Cai T, Wu F, Lin Y. Chemotherapy-related symptoms in children with leukemia: application of latent profile analysis and network analysis. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:207. [PMID: 38436749 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08410-9] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Children with leukemia may experience a range of chemotherapy-related symptoms. Identifying subgroups and their distinct characteristics of symptoms may improve symptom management. We aimed to identify subgroups and their distinct characteristics of chemotherapy-related symptoms in children with leukemia. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 500 children with leukemia, who completed questionnaires that assessed their demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. Latent profile analysis was conducted to identify subgroups of symptoms. Additionally, multiple regression analysis and network analysis were utilized to reveal the characteristics of each subgroup. RESULTS Four subgroups were identified: "Profile 1: low symptom burden subgroup" (26.2%), "Profile 2: moderate symptom burden subgroup in transitional period" (14.8%), "Profile 3: moderate psychological symptom burden subgroup" (35.6%), and "Profile 4: high symptom burden subgroup" (23.4%). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that lower primary caregiver's education level, lower family monthly income, self-paid medical expenses, induction remission period, and consolidation enhancement period were associated with more severe symptoms of subgroups. Network analysis further revealed that nausea was the core symptom in Profiles 1 and 2, while the core symptom in Profile 3 was "I don't look like myself." Additionally, worrying was the core symptom in Profile 4. CONCLUSION There exists heterogeneity in chemotherapy-related symptoms. Four subgroups and their corresponding characteristics of children with varying symptom severity were identified. Identifying these subgroups will facilitate personalized care, maximize intervention effectiveness, and alleviate symptom burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixiang Wang
- Department of Nursing, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, No.9 Huasui Road, Guangzhou, 510620, China
- School of Nursing, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Fang
- School of Nursing, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Hu
- Department of Nursing, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, No.9 Huasui Road, Guangzhou, 510620, China
| | - Tingting Cai
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fulei Wu
- School of Nursing, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Nursing, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, No.9 Huasui Road, Guangzhou, 510620, China.
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Bhatia KP, Ganguly S, Sasi A, Kumar V, Agarwala S, Meel R, Khan SA, Pushpam D, Bagai P, Sharma S, Ahamad N, Kumari M, Bakhshi S. Sex Bias in Treatment Abandonment of Childhood Cancer in India. Indian J Pediatr 2024:10.1007/s12098-023-05010-z. [PMID: 38270753 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-023-05010-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the magnitude of sex bias and determinants of treatment abandonment (TA) in childhood cancer in India. METHODS Individual data of children (0-19 y) registered between January 1, 2017 and July 31, 2022, was compiled. TA was defined as defaulting curative intent treatment ≥4 wk. Defaulting treatment irrespective of intent ≥4 wk was defined as Treatment Default (TD). The primary outcome was the proportion of male-to-female children with TA. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of male-to-female children with upfront TA, TA at relapse, TD, TD-p (TD only in the palliative setting). The impact of clinico-demographic factors on TA was analysed using multivariable regression and propensity score matching (PSM). RESULTS Three thousand two hundred eighty four patients were analysed. The overall male-to-female ratio (MFR) was 2.08 (95% CI 1.94-2.24). Of 2906 patients treated with curative intent, 415 (14·3%) abandoned treatment. TA was higher in females than males (16·4% vs. 13·3%; p = 0·022) with adjusted MFR of 0·81 (0·66-0·98). The adjusted MFR of TA for treatment-naïve and relapsed patients and TD were 0·73 (0·59-0·91), 1·13 (0·65-1·96) and 0·84 (0·71-1·00) respectively. Sex independently predicted TA on multivariable analysis. However, on PSM analysis including socio-economic variables, lower maternal education predicted higher TA in children with cancer (10·1% vs. 6%, p = 0·015). CONCLUSIONS Child sex predicted TA in childhood cancer in India with more females abandoning treatment. Maternal education is a more crucial factor predicting TA over child sex, when socio-economic factors were considered. Hence, policies promoting female education and gender equality may mitigate sex-based gaps in childhood cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanu Priya Bhatia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Shuvadeep Ganguly
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Archana Sasi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Sandeep Agarwala
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Rachna Meel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Shah Alam Khan
- Department of Orthopedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Deepam Pushpam
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Poonam Bagai
- CanKids KidsCan, National Society for Change for Childhood Cancer in India, New Delhi, India
| | - Sonal Sharma
- CanKids KidsCan, National Society for Change for Childhood Cancer in India, New Delhi, India
| | - Nasim Ahamad
- CanKids KidsCan, National Society for Change for Childhood Cancer in India, New Delhi, India
| | - Mamta Kumari
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Sameer Bakhshi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India.
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Phiri L, Li WHC, Phiri PGMC, Cheung AT, Wanda‐Kalizang'oma W, Kamwendo A, Lemon S. Experiences of caregivers of children with cancer in Malawi: A qualitative study. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6963. [PMID: 38379330 PMCID: PMC10844995 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown that caregivers of children with cancer experience challenges when caring for their children. To date, no studies have examined the experience of caregivers of children with cancer in Malawi, a low-income country in sub-Saharan Africa. Hence, this study aimed to explore the experiences of caregivers of Malawian children receiving cancer treatment. METHODS This explorative qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to collect data from 22 caregivers of children receiving cancer treatment. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Five themes emerged from the QCA. The caregivers perceived their children's cancer as a burden, a form of psychological torture and a disruptor of family routines and social lifestyles. They also reported self-isolation due to the stigma that they faced in the course of caring for their children and a need for informational, psychosocial, spiritual and financial support. CONCLUSION Caregivers of Malawian children with cancer experience physical and psychosocial challenges as they are caring for their children with cancer. Developing appropriate interventions would enable nurses to offer optimal support to these caregivers in dealing with these challenges and meeting their needs effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lophina Phiri
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinNew TerritoriesHong Kong
| | - William Ho Cheung Li
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinNew TerritoriesHong Kong
| | - Patrick G. M. C. Phiri
- Institute of Applied Technology, Fatima College of Health SciencesAl AinAbu DhabiUnited Arab Emirates
| | - Ankie Tan Cheung
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinNew TerritoriesHong Kong
| | | | | | - Sellina Lemon
- Baylor College of Medicine Childrens Foundation, Global HOPE ProjectLilongweMalawi
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10
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Lukamba RM, Budiongo AN, Monga BB, Yao A, Bey P, Chenge GB, Desjardins L, Doz F, Mwembo AT, Kabesha TA, Luboya ON. Treatment adherence in retinoblastoma: A retro-prospective cohort study in Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2023; 7:e1949. [PMID: 38146612 PMCID: PMC10849925 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1949] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In high-income countries, retinoblastoma is curable in more than 95% of cases, whereas in low-income countries, mortality remains high, especially when the diagnosis is made late or the treatment is discontinued. AIMS To determine the factors associated with adherence to the treatment of retinoblastoma in the Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). METHODS AND RESULTS A retro-prospective cohort study was carried out. Data were collected from patient folders and follow-up records of parents. RESULTS A total of 175 children with retinoblastoma were registered from January 2013 to December 2015. Seventy-six children (43%) were 5 years old and above. Care costs were covered by families in 86.9% of cases. Chemotherapy refusal was recorded in 39 cases (22.3%), and enucleation refusal was recorded in 79 cases (45.1%). After 36 months of follow-up, we recorded 16.6% deaths, 27.4% treatment dropouts, and 18.3% loss to follow-up after treatment. The commonest cause for enucleation refusal was fear of infirmity, while chemotherapy refusal and absconding treatment were due to financial constraints. CONCLUSION Poor adherence to retinoblastoma management was due to financial constraints, and a lack of knowledge of the disease and its treatment. Family psychosocial support is needed to improve this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Mbuli Lukamba
- Department of Pediatrics (Pediatric Oncology Unit)University of LubumbashiLubumbashiDemocratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
| | - Aléine Nzazi Budiongo
- Department of Pediatrics (Pediatric Oncology Unit)University of KinshasaKinshasaDemocratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
| | - Ben Bondo Monga
- Faculty of Medicine and School of Public HealthUniversity of LubumbashiLubumbashiDemocratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
| | - Atteby Yao
- Pediatric Oncology UnitUniversity Teaching Hospital of TreichvilleAbidjanIvory Coast
| | - Pierre Bey
- Advisor to the President of Institut CurieUniversity of Lorraine and AMCCParisFrance
| | | | | | - François Doz
- SIREDO Oncology Center (Care, Innovation, Research in Child Oncology, Adolescent and Young Adult) Institut Curie and University Paris CitéParisFrance
| | - Albert Tambwe Mwembo
- Faculty of Medicine and School of Public HealthUniversity of LubumbashiLubumbashiDemocratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
| | | | - Oscar Numbi Luboya
- Department of Pediatrics and School of Public HealthUniversity of LubumbashiLubumbashiDemocratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
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Linder LA, Challinor J. Pediatric Oncology Nurse-Led Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Global Exemplars to Reduce Disparity. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY NURSING 2023; 40:281-285. [PMID: 37971201 DOI: 10.1177/27527530231190371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauri A Linder
- University of Utah College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Clinical Nurse Specialist, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Julia Challinor
- School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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12
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Holmes DM, Matatiyo A, Mpasa A, Huibers MHW, Manda G, Tomoka T, Mulenga M, Namazzi R, Mehta P, Zobeck M, Mzikamanda R, Chintagumpala M, Allen C, Nuchtern JG, Borgstein E, Aronson DC, Ozuah N, Nandi B, McAtee CL. Outcomes of Wilms tumor therapy in Lilongwe, Malawi, 2016-2021: Successes and ongoing research priorities. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30242. [PMID: 36798020 PMCID: PMC10698850 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Wilms tumor therapy in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) relies on treatment protocols adapted to resource limitations, but these protocols have rarely been evaluated in real-world settings. Such evaluations are necessary to identify high-impact research priorities for clinical and implementation trials in LMICs. The purpose of this study was to identify highest priority targets for future clinical and implementation trials in sub-Saharan Africa by assessing outcomes of a resource-adapted treatment protocol in Malawi. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children treated for Wilms tumor with an adapted SIOP-backbone protocol in Lilongwe, Malawi between 2016 and 2021. Survival analysis assessed variables associated with poor outcome with high potential for future research and intervention. RESULTS We identified 136 patients, most commonly with stage III (n = 35; 25.7%) or IV disease (n = 35; 25.7%). Two-year event-free survival (EFS) was 54% for stage I/II, 51% for stage III, and 13% for stage IV. A single patient with stage V disease survived to 1 year. Treatment abandonment occurred in 36 (26.5%) patients. Radiotherapy was indicated for 55 (40.4%), among whom three received it. Of these 55 patients, 2-year EFS was 31%. Of 14 patients with persistent metastatic pulmonary disease at the time of nephrectomy, none survived to 2 years. Notable variables independently associated with survival were severe acute malnutrition (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.9), increasing tumor stage (HR: 1.5), and vena cava involvement (HR: 3.1). CONCLUSION High-impact targets for clinical and implementation trials in low-resource settings include treatment abandonment, late presentation, and approaches optimized for healthcare systems with persistently unavailable radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Holmes
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Apatsa Matatiyo
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Atupele Mpasa
- Global Hematology-Oncology pediatric Excellence (HOPE), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Minke H W Huibers
- Department of Outreach, Princess Maxima Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Geoffrey Manda
- Global Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tamiwe Tomoka
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Maurice Mulenga
- Department of Pathology, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Ruth Namazzi
- Global Hematology-Oncology pediatric Excellence (HOPE), Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Parth Mehta
- Global Hematology-Oncology pediatric Excellence (HOPE), Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mark Zobeck
- Global Hematology-Oncology pediatric Excellence (HOPE), Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rizine Mzikamanda
- Global Hematology-Oncology pediatric Excellence (HOPE), Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Carl Allen
- Global Hematology-Oncology pediatric Excellence (HOPE), Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jed G Nuchtern
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eric Borgstein
- Department of Surgery, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Daniel C Aronson
- Department of Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nmazuo Ozuah
- Global Hematology-Oncology pediatric Excellence (HOPE), Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bip Nandi
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Surgery, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Casey L McAtee
- Global Hematology-Oncology pediatric Excellence (HOPE), Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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13
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Mirutse MK, Tolla MT, Memirie ST, Palm MT, Hailu D, Abdi KA, Buli ED, Norheim OF. The magnitude and perceived reasons for childhood cancer treatment abandonment in Ethiopia: from health care providers' perspective. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1014. [PMID: 35941600 PMCID: PMC9361525 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08188-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment abandonment is one of major reasons for childhood cancer treatment failure and low survival rate in low- and middle-income countries. Ethiopia plans to reduce abandonment rate by 60% (2019–2023), but baseline data and information about the contextual risk factors that influence treatment abandonment are scarce. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 5 to 22, 2021, on the three major pediatric oncology centers in Ethiopia. Data on the incidence and reasons for treatment abandonment were obtained from healthcare professionals. We were unable to obtain data about the patients’ or guardians’ perspective because the information available in the cancer registry was incomplete to contact adequate number of respondents. We used a validated, semi-structured questionnaire developed by the International Society of Pediatric Oncology Abandonment Technical Working Group. We included all (N = 38) health care professionals (physicians, nurses, and social workers) working at these centers who had more than one year of experience in childhood cancer service provision (a universal sampling and 100% response rate). Results The perceived mean abandonment rate in Ethiopia is 34% (SE 2.5%). The risk of treatment abandonment is dependent on the type of cancer (high for bone sarcoma and brain tumor), the phase of treatment and treatment outcome. The highest risk is during maintenance and treatment failure or relapse for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and during pre- or post-surgical phase for Wilms tumor and bone sarcoma. The major influencing risk factors in Ethiopia includes high cost of care, low economic status, long travel time to treatment centers, long waiting time, belief in the incurability of cancer and poor public awareness about childhood cancer. Conclusions The perceived abandonment rate in Ethiopia is high, and the risk of abandonment varies according to the type of cancer, phase of treatment or treatment outcome. Therefore, mitigation strategies to reduce the abandonment rate should include identifying specific risk factors and prioritizing strategies based on their level of influence, effectiveness, feasibility, and affordability. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08188-8.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mieraf Taddesse Tolla
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting (BCEPS), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Solomon Tessema Memirie
- Addis Center for Ethics and Priority Setting, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Daniel Hailu
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Ole F Norheim
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting (BCEPS), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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14
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Ngwa W, Addai BW, Adewole I, Ainsworth V, Alaro J, Alatise OI, Ali Z, Anderson BO, Anorlu R, Avery S, Barango P, Bih N, Booth CM, Brawley OW, Dangou JM, Denny L, Dent J, Elmore SNC, Elzawawy A, Gashumba D, Geel J, Graef K, Gupta S, Gueye SM, Hammad N, Hessissen L, Ilbawi AM, Kambugu J, Kozlakidis Z, Manga S, Maree L, Mohammed SI, Msadabwe S, Mutebi M, Nakaganda A, Ndlovu N, Ndoh K, Ndumbalo J, Ngoma M, Ngoma T, Ntizimira C, Rebbeck TR, Renner L, Romanoff A, Rubagumya F, Sayed S, Sud S, Simonds H, Sullivan R, Swanson W, Vanderpuye V, Wiafe B, Kerr D. Cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: a Lancet Oncology Commission. Lancet Oncol 2022; 23:e251-e312. [PMID: 35550267 PMCID: PMC9393090 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(21)00720-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), urgent action is needed to curb a growing crisis in cancer incidence and mortality. Without rapid interventions, data estimates show a major increase in cancer mortality from 520 348 in 2020 to about 1 million deaths per year by 2030. Here, we detail the state of cancer in SSA, recommend key actions on the basis of analysis, and highlight case studies and successful models that can be emulated, adapted, or improved across the region to reduce the growing cancer crises. Recommended actions begin with the need to develop or update national cancer control plans in each country. Plans must include childhood cancer plans, managing comorbidities such as HIV and malnutrition, a reliable and predictable supply of medication, and the provision of psychosocial, supportive, and palliative care. Plans should also engage traditional, complementary, and alternative medical practices employed by more than 80% of SSA populations and pathways to reduce missed diagnoses and late referrals. More substantial investment is needed in developing cancer registries and cancer diagnostics for core cancer tests. We show that investments in, and increased adoption of, some approaches used during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as hypofractionated radiotherapy and telehealth, can substantially increase access to cancer care in Africa, accelerate cancer prevention and control efforts, increase survival, and save billions of US dollars over the next decade. The involvement of African First Ladies in cancer prevention efforts represents one practical approach that should be amplified across SSA. Moreover, investments in workforce training are crucial to prevent millions of avoidable deaths by 2030. We present a framework that can be used to strategically plan cancer research enhancement in SSA, with investments in research that can produce a return on investment and help drive policy and effective collaborations. Expansion of universal health coverage to incorporate cancer into essential benefits packages is also vital. Implementation of the recommended actions in this Commission will be crucial for reducing the growing cancer crises in SSA and achieving political commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by a third by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfred Ngwa
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Information and Sciences, ICT University, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Beatrice W Addai
- Breast Care International, Peace and Love Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Isaac Adewole
- College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Victoria Ainsworth
- Department of Physics and Applied Physics, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - James Alaro
- National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Zipporah Ali
- Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Benjamin O Anderson
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Non-communicable Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rose Anorlu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Stephen Avery
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Prebo Barango
- WHO, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Noella Bih
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher M Booth
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Otis W Brawley
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Lynette Denny
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council, Gynaecological Cancer Research Centre, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | | | - Shekinah N C Elmore
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ahmed Elzawawy
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | | | - Jennifer Geel
- Division of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Katy Graef
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Nazik Hammad
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Laila Hessissen
- Pediatric Oncology Department, Pediatric Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Andre M Ilbawi
- Department of Non-communicable Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joyce Kambugu
- Department of Pediatrics, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Zisis Kozlakidis
- Laboratory Services and Biobank Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO, Lyon, France
| | - Simon Manga
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Lize Maree
- Department of Nursing Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sulma I Mohammed
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Susan Msadabwe
- Department of Radiation Therapy, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Miriam Mutebi
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Ntokozo Ndlovu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Kingsley Ndoh
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Mamsau Ngoma
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Twalib Ngoma
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Timothy R Rebbeck
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lorna Renner
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anya Romanoff
- Department of Health System Design and Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fidel Rubagumya
- Department of Oncology, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda; University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Shahin Sayed
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Shivani Sud
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hannah Simonds
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Tygerberg Hospital and University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - William Swanson
- Department of Physics and Applied Physics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Verna Vanderpuye
- National Centre for Radiotherapy, Oncology, and Nuclear Medicine, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - David Kerr
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Venkatraman K, Vijayalakshmi V, Sudarsanam N, Manoharan A. Designing Dynamic Interventions to Improve Adherence in Pediatric Long-Term Treatment - The Role of Perceived Value of the Physician by Primary Caregivers. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 36:1825-1840. [PMID: 32731759 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2020.1796284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Primary Caregivers are the fulcrum in the physician-caregiver-child triad. Existing literature discusses static multi-component interventions in detail. In long-term treatments, dynamic intervention design is needed as the environment and situations of the families are dynamic. The objectives of this study are (a) to identify the components of the primary caregiver's perception of the physician's value with reference to the effectiveness of consultation and relationships with the former and with the child; (b) to establish the role of this perception in designing dynamic interventions, and (c) to describe the perception's potential influence on adherence. A PRISMA, chronological, and morphological analysis of the literature is carried out about caregivers' adherence in the pediatric long-term treatment context. We define communication and consultation as the functional, whereas relationship as the emotional component of the caregiver's perception of the physician. We propose a theoretical model that incorporates intervention as an integral component of care. Adherence happens as a response to changing situations and hence fluctuates. Hence, a dynamic intervention design to benefit the child should be incorporated into care through the caregiver-physician bridge. Future research should explore how intervention needs change and the driving reasons for understanding the static and dynamic components of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - V Vijayalakshmi
- Department of Management Studies, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
| | - Nandan Sudarsanam
- Department of Management Studies, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
| | - Anand Manoharan
- Department of Clinical Research, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital
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Atwiine B, Busingye I, Kyarisiima R, Baluku E, Mbabazi R, Bamwine B, Ankunda S, Libes J, Weinstein H, Schwartz K, Kiwanuka G. "Money was the problem": Caregivers' self-reported reasons for abandoning their children's cancer treatment in southwest Uganda. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29311. [PMID: 34459106 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment abandonment contributes significantly to poor survival of children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). In order to inform an approach to this problem, we investigated why caregivers withdraw their children from treatment. METHODS In a qualitative study, carried out in October and November 2020, in-depth interviews were conducted with caregivers of children who had abandoned cancer treatment at the Pediatric Cancer Unit of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in south-western Uganda. Recorded in-depth interviews were transcribed and analyzed to identify themes of caregivers' self-reported reasons for treatment abandonment. The study was approved by the Review and Ethics Committee of Mbarara University of Science and Technology. RESULTS Seventy-seven out of 343 (22.4%) children diagnosed with cancer abandoned treatment during the study period; 20 contactable and consenting caregivers participated in the study. The median age of the caregivers was 37 years and most (65%) were mothers. At the time of this study, eight (40%) children were alive and five (62.5%) were males; with a median age of 6.5 years. Financial difficulty, other obligations, the child falsely appearing cured, preference for alternative treatments, belief that cancer was incurable, fear that the child's death was imminent and chemotherapy side effects were the caregivers' reasons for treatment abandonment. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION Seeking cancer treatment for children in Uganda is an expensive venture and treatment abandonment is mainly caused by caregivers' difficult socio-economic circumstances. This problem needs to be approached with empathy and support rather than blame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barnabas Atwiine
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Imelda Busingye
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Rose Kyarisiima
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Baluku
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Ruth Mbabazi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Brian Bamwine
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Siyadora Ankunda
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jaime Libes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, Illinois, USA
| | - Howard Weinstein
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kevin Schwartz
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gertrude Kiwanuka
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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17
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Fischer AN, Roecker R, Saba da Silva N, Cavalheiro S, Finlay JL, Cappellano A, Osorio DS. Validated quantitative needs assessment differences in the management of children with central nervous system cancer between Brazil, an upper middle-income country, and the United States of America, a high income country. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e28958. [PMID: 33760367 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric cancer cure rates differ among high-income countries (HIC) and upper middle-income countries (UMIC). We have compared individual capacities of two major referral pediatric centers from a HIC and an UMIC caring for children with central nervous system (CNS) cancer. METHODS A quantitative needs assessment questionnaire and key informant interviews, distributed in March of 2017, were used to evaluate the treatment of children with CNS cancer at Grupo de Apoio ao Adolescente e à Criança com Câncer (GRAACC) children's cancer center in São Paulo, Brazil and Nationwide Children's Hospital (NCH) in Columbus, Ohio, United States of America (USA). RESULTS Both hospitals had 24-hour pediatric oncology, nursing and intensivist coverage. Supportive care available at both institutions included social workers, psychologists, child life specialists, and physical/occupational/speech therapists. Differences included two part-time neuroradiologists and one pathologist specializing in neuropathology at IOP/GRAACC/UNIFESP, whereas eight full-time neuroradiologists and two neuropathologists at NCH/OSU. There were four pediatric neurosurgeons on staff at each hospital; however, there were only 2 operative days per week at IOP/GRAACC/UNIFESP, compared with 7 days at NCH/OSU. Additionally, time to initiation of radiation therapy at IOP/GRAACC/UNIFESP extended 2-4 weeks compared with less than 1 week at NCH/OSU. CONCLUSIONS Center-specific differences in resources exist in highly specialized hospitals caring for children with CNS cancer in HIC and UMIC. This quantitative needs assessment may facilitate the development of targeted strategies for effective interventions to improve on the management of children with CNS cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison N Fischer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Roberto Roecker
- Division of Pediatric Oncology/BMT, IOP/GRAACC/UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Sergio Cavalheiro
- Division of Pediatric Oncology/BMT, IOP/GRAACC/UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jonathan L Finlay
- Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Andrea Cappellano
- Division of Pediatric Oncology/BMT, IOP/GRAACC/UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diana S Osorio
- Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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18
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Meta approaches in knowledge synthesis in nursing: A bibliometric analysis. Nurs Outlook 2021; 69:815-825. [PMID: 33814160 DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the bibliometric patterns of meta-approaches use in nursing research literature. METHODS Descriptive, exploratory and historical bibliometrics analyses were used. The papers were harvested from the Web of Science Core Collection. FINDINGS The search resulted in 2065 publications. The trends in using most individual meta approaches show that the use of meta-analysis is increasing exponentially, the use of meta-synthesis is increasing linearly, while the use of meta-ethnography is constant in last 6 years. Most productive countries were United States of America, United Kingdom and Peoples Republic of China. Most publications were published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing, International Journal of Nursing Studies, and Journal of Clinical Nursing. Twenty-seven percent of all publications were funded. Thirty-four meta approaches were identified. DISCUSSION The study revealed that the trend in the literature production is positive. Research community use of meta-approaches in nursing exhibit considerable growth. Regional concentration of literature production was observed.
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Joseph A, Akinsete A, Awofeso O, Balogun O, Oyeyinka K, Onitilo A. Direct cost of treating childhood cancer in Lagos, Nigeria: A tale of financial inaccessibility to care. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/jcls.jcls_87_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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20
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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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21
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Santacroce SJ, Kneipp SM. A Conceptual Model of Financial Toxicity in Pediatric Oncology. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs 2020; 36:6-16. [PMID: 30798687 DOI: 10.1177/1043454218810137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to explicate a conceptual framework for financial toxicity in pediatric oncology to guide nursing practice and research. The framework is based on one for financial outcomes of severe illness attributed to Scott Ramsey and adapted by the National Cancer Institute to describe relationships between preexisting factors, a cancer diagnosis, financial distress, and health outcomes for adult cancer patients and survivors. The adaption for pediatric oncology was informed by the results of a systematic scoping review to identify advances and gaps in the recent literature about the personal costs of illness to parents in the pediatric oncology context. The conceptual model for pediatric oncology indicates that existing and dynamic parent and family factors, other risk and protective factors, the child's diagnosis and treatment, and treatment-related financial costs can affect parent financial coping behaviors and parent health and family financial outcomes, all of which may affect child outcomes. Additionally, nursing's historic emphasis on holistic care, quality of life, and health determinants justify attention to financial toxicity as a nursing role. Therefore, pediatric oncology nurses must be sensitive to financial toxicity and related risk factors, become comfortable communicating about treatment-related financial costs and financial distress with parents and other health professionals, and collaborate in efforts that draw on the expertise of multiple stakeholders to identify potential or actual financial toxicity in parents and mitigate its impact on childhood cancer health outcomes through direct care, referral, research, quality improvement, and health advocacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shawn M Kneipp
- 1 The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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22
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Freeman EE, Busakhala N, Regan S, Asirwa FC, Wenger M, Seth D, Moon KC, Semeere A, Maurer T, Wools-Kaloustian K, Bassett I, Martin J. Real-world use of chemotherapy for Kaposi's sarcoma in a large community-based HIV primary care system in Kenya. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:71. [PMID: 31996161 PMCID: PMC6990575 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-6506-3] [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: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is one of the most common HIV-associated malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa. Worldwide, the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved KS survival. In resource-rich settings, survival has also benefited from chemotherapy, which is widely available. Little is known, however, about the epidemiology of chemotherapy use for HIV-associated KS in resource-limited regions such as sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS We identified all patients newly diagnosed with HIV-related KS from 2009 to 2012 in the 26-clinic AMPATH network, a large community-based care network in Kenya. We ascertained disease severity at diagnosis, frequency of initiation of chemotherapy, and distribution of chemotherapeutic regimens used. Indications for chemotherapy included AIDS Clinical Trial Group T1 stage and/or "severe" disease defined by WHO KS treatment guidelines. RESULTS Of 674 patients diagnosed with KS, charts were available for 588; 61% were men, median age was 35 years, and median CD4 at KS diagnosis was 185 cells/μl. At time of diagnosis, 58% had at least one chemotherapy indication, and 22% had more than one indication. For patients with a chemotherapy indication, cumulative incidence of chemotherapy initiation (with death as a competing event) was 37% by 1 month and 56% by 1 year. Median time from diagnosis to chemotherapy initiation was 25 days (IQR 1-50 days). In multivariable regression, patients with > 3 chemotherapy indications at time of diagnosis had a 2.30 (95% CI 1.46-3.60) increased risk of rapid chemotherapy initiation (within 30 days of diagnosis) compared to those with only one chemotherapy indication (p < 0.001). Initial regimens were bleomycin-vincristine (78%), adriamycin-bleomycin-vincristine (11%), etoposide (7%), and gemcitabine (4%). CONCLUSIONS A substantial fraction of patients with KS in East Africa are diagnosed at advanced disease stage. For patients with chemotherapy indications, nearly half did not receive chemotherapy by one year. Liposomal anthracyclines, often used in resource-rich settings, were not first line. These findings emphasize challenges in East Africa cancer care, and highlight the need for further advocacy for improved access to higher quality chemotherapy in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther E Freeman
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Bartlett Hall 6R, 55 Fruit Street, Boston MA, MA, 02114, USA.
| | | | - Susan Regan
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Bartlett Hall 6R, 55 Fruit Street, Boston MA, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Fredrick Chite Asirwa
- AMPATH, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
- Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Divya Seth
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Bartlett Hall 6R, 55 Fruit Street, Boston MA, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Khatiya Chelidze Moon
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Bartlett Hall 6R, 55 Fruit Street, Boston MA, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Aggrey Semeere
- University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Toby Maurer
- University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | | | - Ingrid Bassett
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Bartlett Hall 6R, 55 Fruit Street, Boston MA, MA, 02114, USA
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Challinor JM, Day SW, Afungchwi GM, Alqudimat MR. Pediatric Oncology Nursing Research in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-25804-7_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Elhassan MMA, Mohamedani AA, Osman HHM, Yousif NO, Elhaj NM, Qaddoumi I. Patterns, treatments, and outcomes of pediatric central nervous system tumors in Sudan: a single institution experience. Childs Nerv Syst 2019; 35:437-444. [PMID: 30610484 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-018-04032-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Studies of epidemiology, treatment modalities, and outcomes of childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors in Sudan are scarce. To address this shortcoming, we evaluated baseline information about the epidemiology, treatment types, and outcomes of childhood CNS tumors at the National Cancer Institute, University of Gezira (NCI-UG) in Wad Madani, Sudan. METHODS We performed a retrospective health facility-based study of children with CNS tumors who were treated at the NCI-UG from January 2000 to December 2015. RESULTS A total of 62 (5.4% of all childhood cancers) pediatric patients with CNS tumors were identified over the study period. Tumors were more common among male children and involved the infratentorial compartment in 58% of cases. The median age at diagnosis was 9 years (range, 2-14 years). Approximately 60% (n = 37) of the study population had histology-determined diagnoses. Astrocytomas and medulloblastomas were the most common tumors in these cases. The mean time to diagnosis was 6 months (SD, 9). During the study period, the number of children with CNS tumors who were referred for treatment at the NCI-UG increased every year. Of the 37 patients who received surgical interventions, 8 received gross total resections, 20 received partial resections, and 24 received postoperative radiotherapy. The treatment abandonment rate was 11%. The 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 33% and 13%, respectively. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal a high incidence of poor outcomes for patients with CNS tumors in Sudan, which is most likely due to many distinct factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mohammed Ali Elhassan
- Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, University of Gezira, PO Box 20, Wad Madani, Sudan.
| | - A Abdalla Mohamedani
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Gezira, Wad Madani, Sudan
| | | | - N Osman Yousif
- Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, University of Gezira, PO Box 20, Wad Madani, Sudan
| | - N Mohamed Elhaj
- Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, University of Gezira, PO Box 20, Wad Madani, Sudan
| | - I Qaddoumi
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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