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Adegoke S, Jallow C, Ogun O, Camara W, Jaiteh M, Mendy P, Ogun G, Leigh O, Pizer B. A prospective registry study of the epidemiology and management of childhood cancer in the Gambia-The first year experience. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e70084. [PMID: 39319248 PMCID: PMC11420287 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.70084] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Globally, over 180,000 children develop cancers yearly, with about 80% residing in low- or middle-income countries where cancer-associated mortality is also high. In The Gambia, cumulative incidence rate of 27.6 childhood cancers/million population was reported between 2002 and 2011. The current study appraised newly-established pediatric oncological services in The Gambia. Methods In this prospective registry study, children with cancer who presented at the pediatric units, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, between November 2022 and October 2023 were assessed. Data on sociodemographic variables, mode of admission and presentation, tumor type, diagnostic methods, and challenges such as laboratory support, treatment, use of blood/blood products; and eventual outcome were analyzed. Results The median (interquartile range, IQR) age at presentation of the 44 children was 36.0 (22.3-117.0) months. Wilms tumor was the most common tumor 12 (27.3%); followed by leukemia 11 (25.0%); germ cell tumor 8 (18.2%); lymphoma 6 (13.6%); retinoblastoma 4 (9.1%); rhabdomyosarcoma 2 (4.5%) and one central nervous system tumor (2.3%). The median(IQR) duration of symptoms before presentation was 48 (21-90) days, presentation to diagnosis 7.5 (3-20.8) days, and first symptom to diagnosis 62.5 (32-126.8) days. Treatment refusal and abandonment rates were 20.5% and 13.6%, respectively. Families of 93.8% of children could not procure cytotoxic drugs due to nonavailability, high cost, or both. Adequate laboratory monitoring was only available in 6.8%, and none had platelet concentrate transfusion or radiotherapy. The nine (20.5%) who completed treatment are currently being followed up, 10(22.7%) are still receiving chemotherapy, while 2(4.5%) were referred. Eight (18.2%) died, predominantly from metastasis (75%) and severe drug toxicities (25%). Conclusion Late presentation and diagnosis, poverty, unavailability of drugs, suboptimal or lack of laboratory testing, blood product, adjuvant medications, and psychosocial supports contributed to high treatment refusal, abandonment, and mortality. These daunting challenges can be ameliorated with regular community sensitization, frequent cancer auditing, and strong political will.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Adegoke
- Department of PaediatricsEdward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH)BanjulThe Gambia
- Department of PaediatricsObafemi Awolowo UniversityIle‐IfeNigeria
| | - Cherno Jallow
- Department of Surgery, Paediatric Surgical UnitEFSTHBanjulThe Gambia
| | - Olufunmilola Ogun
- Department of OphthalmologySheikh Zayed Regional Eye Care CentreKanifingThe Gambia
| | - Wuday Camara
- Department of PaediatricsEdward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH)BanjulThe Gambia
| | - Musa Jaiteh
- Department of PaediatricsEdward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH)BanjulThe Gambia
| | - Peter Mendy
- Department of PaediatricsEdward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH)BanjulThe Gambia
| | - Gabriel Ogun
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Histopathology UnitEFSTHBanjulThe Gambia
| | - Ousman Leigh
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Histopathology UnitEFSTHBanjulThe Gambia
| | - Barry Pizer
- Paediatric oncology DivisionUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
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Suleiman DE, Adamu AS, Ezenkwa US, Yusuf MO, Lawan AI, Dachi RA, Bwala KJ, Liman HU, Kabir A, Adamu AI, Kolomi MA, Jimoh AA, Garba II, Abdullahi YM, Audu BM. Incidence of childhood cancers in the North East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1379968. [PMID: 39281377 PMCID: PMC11392771 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1379968] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancers are a major cause of childhood mortality worldwide especially in LMICs where underdiagnoses and lack of quality cancer data hampers effective cancer control efforts. This study aimed to document and describe the patterns and characteristics of childhood cancers in the North East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study that collected cancer data from 4 out of the 6 states in the North East of Nigeria. The data included all malignancies diagnosed in children aged 0-19 years between 2019 and 2022. The age-specific incidence rates were also calculated for the individual 5-year age groups (0-4 years, 5-9 years, 10-14 years, and 15-19 years). The crude incidence rates (CIR) were calculated as the weighted averages of the respective ASRs in each age range within 0-14 years and 0-19 years respectively. The cancers were grouped according to the International Incidence of Childhood Cancers, volume 3 (IICC3). Results Cancers in people <20 years accounted for 7.3% of all cancers diagnosed over the same period. The crude incidence rates (CIR) for cancers in children and adolescents were 20.9 per million children aged 0-19 years and 18.8 per million children aged 0-14 years respectively, while the age-standardized rates (ASR) were 1.80 and 1.63 per million person-years respectively. There was a variation in the most commonly diagnosed cancers across all age groups. However, lymphomas were the most commonly diagnosed cancers overall, while CNS tumors were overwhelmingly rare. Conclusion Despite data limitations, this study provides useful insights into patterns of cancers in the region and will hopefully provide a basis for the strengthening of pediatric oncology care, childhood cancer control programs and population-based cancer registries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dauda Eneyamire Suleiman
- Department of Histopathology, College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria
| | - Adamu Saidu Adamu
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria
| | - Uchenna Simon Ezenkwa
- Department of Histopathology, Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria
| | - Maimuna Orahachi Yusuf
- Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of Health Sciences/Federal Medical Centre, Azare, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Ibrahim Lawan
- Department of Histopathology, College of Medical Sciences, Gombe State University/Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria
| | - Rufai Abdu Dachi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Kefas John Bwala
- Department of Surgery, College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Haruna Usman Liman
- Department of Surgery, College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Abba Kabir
- Department of Histopathology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri/University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Adamu Isa Adamu
- Department of Histopathology, Yobe State University/Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria
| | | | - Abdulrazaq Ajanaku Jimoh
- Department of Histopathology, Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria
| | | | - Yusuf Mohammed Abdullahi
- Department of Histopathology, College of Medical Sciences, Gombe State University/Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria
| | - Bala Mohammed Audu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Nigeria
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Businge L, Hagenimana M, Motlhale M, Bardot A, Liu B, Anastos K, Castle PE, Murenzi G, Claire K, Sabushimike D, Cyuzuzo C, Kubwimana G, Maniragaba T, Uwinkindi F, Paczkowski M, Soerjomataram I, Parkin DM. Stage at diagnosis and survival by stage for the leading childhood cancers in Rwanda. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e31020. [PMID: 38668553 PMCID: PMC11116036 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31020] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of accurate population-based information on childhood cancer stage and survival in low-income countries is a barrier to improving childhood cancer outcomes. METHODS In this study, data from the Rwanda National Cancer Registry (RNCR) were examined for children aged 0-14 diagnosed in 2013-2017 for the eight most commonly occurring childhood cancers: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), Burkitt lymphoma (BL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma excluding BL, retinoblastoma, Wilms tumour, osteosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Utilising the Toronto Childhood Cancer Stage Guidelines Tier 1, the study assigned stage at diagnosis to all, except HL, and conducted active follow-ups to calculate 1-, 3- and 5-year observed and relative survival by cancer type and stage at diagnosis. RESULTS The cohort comprised 412 children, of whom 49% (n = 202) died within 5 years of diagnosis. Five-year survival ranged from 28% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.5%-45.6%) for BL to 68% (CI: 55%-78%) for retinoblastoma. For the cancers for which staging was carried out, it was assigned for 83% patients (n = 301 of 362), with over half (58%) having limited or localised stage at diagnosis. Stage was a strong predictor of survival; for example, 3-year survival was 70% (95% CI: 45.1%-85.3%) and 11.8% (2.0%-31.2%) for limited and advanced non-HL, respectively (p < .001). CONCLUSION This study is only the second to report on stage distribution and stage-specific survival for childhood cancers in sub-Saharan Africa. It demonstrates the feasibility of the Toronto Stage Guidelines in a low-resource setting, and highlights the value of population-based cancer registries in aiding our understanding of the poor outcomes experienced by this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Businge
- Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Kigali, Rwanda
- Einstein-Rwanda Research and Capacity Building Program, Research for Development (RD Rwanda), Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Melitah Motlhale
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
- National Cancer Registry, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Aude Bardot
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
| | - Biying Liu
- African Cancer Registry Network, Prama House, 267 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7HT, UK
| | - Kathryn Anastos
- Einstein-Rwanda Research and Capacity Building Program, Research for Development (RD Rwanda), Kigali, Rwanda
- Departments of Medicine and of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Philip E. Castle
- Divisions of Cancer Prevention and Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gad Murenzi
- Einstein-Rwanda Research and Capacity Building Program, Research for Development (RD Rwanda), Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | | | - Gallican Kubwimana
- Einstein-Rwanda Research and Capacity Building Program, Research for Development (RD Rwanda), Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Theoneste Maniragaba
- Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), Kigali, Rwanda
- Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | | | - Donald Maxwell Parkin
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
- African Cancer Registry Network, Prama House, 267 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7HT, UK
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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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Kabahweza HM, Spencer A. Childhood Hodgkin Lymphoma in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of the Use of Chemotherapy Alone. Glob Pediatr Health 2024; 11:2333794X231223266. [PMID: 38188077 PMCID: PMC10771044 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x231223266] [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: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Childhood Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is often curable, but in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), access to standard treatments like combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy is limited. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of using chemotherapy alone for children with HL in SSA. Methods. We searched Medline, Embase, Cinahl Plus and Cochrane Central databases for records of studies that evaluated childhood HL survival outcomes from January 2000 to December 2022. Results. Six observational studies were identified for inclusion, and 3 were included in the meta-analysis. Most HL cases included in the analysis presented with lymphadenopathy and the nodular sclerosing subtype, with a high percentage (80%) in advanced stages. The GRADE certainty of the evidence for the assessed outcomes was rated as very low. Overall survival with chemotherapy was 67.8% (95% CI: 42.1%-88.8%). Conclusion. Chemotherapy is a potential treatment choice for childhood HL in SSA. However, it is crucial to approach this option cautiously due to the limited certainty of the supporting evidence. To improve outcomes for affected children in SSA, more robust studies are needed, along with a focus on early detection and supportive care.
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Kayiira A, Xiong S, Zaake D, Balagadde JK, Gomez-Lobo V, Wabinga H, Ghebre R. Shared Decision-Making About Future Fertility in Childhood Cancer Survivorship: Perspectives of Parents in Uganda. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:718-726. [PMID: 36787466 PMCID: PMC10611960 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite a plethora of literature on barriers to addressing future fertility in childhood cancer survivors, the data are not representative of limited middle-income settings. Unique and context-specific factors may influence addressing future fertility care among childhood cancer survivors in Uganda. This study aimed to explore the experiences, attitudes, and perceptions of parents on their interactions with health providers about future fertility, as part of their child's cancer survivorship. Methods: Using grounded theory, semistructured interviews were conducted with parents of children diagnosed with cancer, <18 years of age, and not in the induction or consolidation phases of treatment. Transcripts were thematically analyzed. Results: A total of 20 participants were interviewed, with the majority identifying as female (n = 18). The global theme that arose was the importance of shared decision-making, and the key themes encompassing this were as follows: (1) importance of accurate information, (2) respect of autonomy, and (3) engagement and psychosocial support. Conclusion: In Uganda, parents of children with cancer value a multifaceted approach to satisfactory decision-making within the context of oncofertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Kayiira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Uganda Martyrs University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Mulago Specialized Women's and Neonatal Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Serena Xiong
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Daniel Zaake
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Uganda Martyrs University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Veronica Gomez-Lobo
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Henry Wabinga
- Department of Pathology, Kampala Cancer Registry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rahel Ghebre
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Sabourin KR, Mugisha J, Asiki G, Nalwoga A, Labo N, Miley W, Beyer R, Rochford R, Johnston TW, Newton R, Whitby D. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody changes over time in a general population cohort in rural Uganda, 1992-2008. Infect Agent Cancer 2023; 18:55. [PMID: 37775773 PMCID: PMC10543268 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-023-00534-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is ubiquitous and in sub-Saharan Africa, occurs early in life. In a population-based rural African cohort, we leveraged historical samples from the General Population Cohort (GPC) in Uganda to examine the epidemiology of infection with EBV over time, in the era of HIV. METHODS We used 9024 serum samples collected from the GPC in 1992, 2000, 2008, from 7576 participants across the age range (0-99 years of age) and tested for anti-EBV immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to EAd, VCA, and EBNA-1 using a multiplex bead-based assay. The related gammaherpesvirus, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) seropositivity was also determined by detection of anti-KSHV IgG antibodies to K8.1 or ORF73 measured by recombinant protein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data on sex, age, and HIV serostatus were also collected. EBV seropositivity was modeled with age (excluding those under one year, who may have had maternal antibodies), sex, HIV serostatus, and KSHV serostatus using generalized linear mixed effects models to produce beta estimates. RESULTS More than 93% of children were EBV seropositive by one year of age. EBV seropositivity was significantly associated with KSHV seropositivity. Anti-EBNA-1 antibody levels decreased with increasing age and were lower on average in people living with HIV. In general, anti-EAd antibody levels increased with age, were higher in males and KSHV seropositive persons, but decreased over calendar time. Anti-VCA antibody levels increased with age and with calendar time and were higher in KSHV seropositive persons but lower in males. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to identify factors associated with EBV antibodies across the entire life-course in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Consistent with other studies, EBV was near ubiquitous in the population by age one year. Patterns of antibodies show changes by age, sex and calendar time, but no association with HIV was evident, suggesting no relationship between EBV sero-epidemiology and the spread of HIV in the population over time in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R Sabourin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, CU School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave, RC1N P18-9403D, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- UK Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Health and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda.
| | - Joseph Mugisha
- UK Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Health and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Gershim Asiki
- UK Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Health and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- The African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Angela Nalwoga
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, CU School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave, RC1N P18-9403D, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- UK Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Health and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Nazzarena Labo
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Wendell Miley
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Rachel Beyer
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Rosemary Rochford
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, CU School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave, RC1N P18-9403D, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | | | - Robert Newton
- UK Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Health and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- University of York, York, UK
| | - Denise Whitby
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
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Mitala Y, Ssenkumba B, Nabulya R, Kitenda FN, Tumwesigye H, Birungi A, Dratu Chau R, Mushabe B, Baker N, Atwine R. Primary Breast Burkitt Lymphoma. A Case Report of a 16-Year-Old Female with a Rapidly Growing Unilateral Breast Mass. Cancer Manag Res 2023; 15:1047-1052. [PMID: 37790899 PMCID: PMC10543409 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s426780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Primary breast Burkitt lymphoma is extremely rare. Commonly endemic Burkitt lymphoma presents with abdominal, jaw, periorbital, or genitourinary mass. Case Presentation We report a case of a 16-year-old girl with rapidly enlarging left breast swelling associated with evening fevers. This was later confirmed to be stage 1 primary breast Burkitt lymphoma involving the left breast. This represents the first described case of primary breast endemic Burkitt lymphoma in Uganda. She was started on chemotherapy and exhibited an impressive response to the drugs. Conclusion This case raises awareness of rare sites for endemic Burkitt lymphoma in Uganda. Accurately diagnosing this case was of great importance since it determined the treatment modality (mastectomy or not) which would have an everlasting impact on her life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yekosani Mitala
- Department of Pathology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara City, Uganda
| | - Brian Ssenkumba
- Department of Pathology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara City, Uganda
| | - Rita Nabulya
- Department of Pathology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara City, Uganda
| | - Francis Nsumba Kitenda
- Department of Pathology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara City, Uganda
| | - Habert Tumwesigye
- Department of Pathology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara City, Uganda
| | - Abraham Birungi
- Department of Pathology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara City, Uganda
| | - Richard Dratu Chau
- Department of Pathology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara City, Uganda
| | - Branchard Mushabe
- Department of Pediatrics, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara City, Uganda
| | - Nichole Baker
- Department of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Raymond Atwine
- Department of Pathology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara City, Uganda
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9
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Kayiira A, Neda John J, Zaake D, Xiong S, Kambugu Balagadde J, Gomez-Lobo V, Wabinga H, Ghebre R. Understanding Fertility Attitudes and Outcomes Among Survivors of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers in a Low-Resource Setting: A Registry-Based Computer-Assisted Telephone Interview Survey. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:520-528. [PMID: 36579945 PMCID: PMC10457622 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To establish the extent of self-reported reproductive failure associated with cancer treatment, and attitudes toward fertility among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors in Uganda. Methods: A registry-based computer-assisted telephone interview survey was conducted in Uganda. The survey population were survivors of childhood, adolescent and early adulthood cancers diagnosed between 2007 and 2018. The survey explored fertility outcomes, experiences of oncofertility and fertility attitudes of AYA cancer survivors. Results: Thirty-four (female = 14 and male = 20) interviews were completed. Survivors were 18-35 years of age. The median age at cancer diagnosis was 23.5 for females and 17.5 for males. Kaposi's sarcoma contributed to 44% of primary cancer diagnoses. All the survivors had received chemotherapy alone or in combination with other modalities and 79% of survivors had not received satisfactory information about future fertility before cancer treatment. Twenty one percent of males and 46% females met the criteria for infertility and 60% of these had met this criterion after their cancer diagnosis. Eighty two percent wanted to raise a biologically related child. Forty seven percent would be dissatisfied with their lives if they were unable to have a child or additional children. Conclusion: AYA cancer survivors in this low-resource setting reported reproductive failure, despite a strong fertility desire. Information and counseling provided on therapy-related problems before cancer treatment was insufficient and reinforces the need to build capacity for oncofertility resources within the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Kayiira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uganda Martyrs University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Mulago Specialized Women's and Neonatal Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Daniel Zaake
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uganda Martyrs University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Serena Xiong
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis. Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Veronica Gomez-Lobo
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Henry Wabinga
- Kampala Cancer Registry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rahel Ghebre
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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10
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Campbell LR, Silverstein A, Peckham-Gregory E, Kamiyango W, Villiera J, McAtee CL, Bacha JM, Kovarik CL, Mehta PS, Chanroo T, Kapesa A, Malingoti B, Mzikamanda R, Ozuah NW, Allen CE, Scheurer ME, El-Mallawany NK. Divergent clinical presentations and outcomes among children and adolescents with Kaposi sarcoma in Malawi and Tanzania. HIV Med 2023; 24:664-675. [PMID: 36627111 PMCID: PMC10257738 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Kaposi sarcoma (KS) T0 versus T1 staging classification does not address the unique clinical features of paediatric KS in human gammaherpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) endemic regions of Africa. This study seeks to define patterns of childhood KS using a paediatric-specific approach. METHODS The Lilongwe paediatric KS staging classification categorizes disease based on clinical phenotype: stage 1 = mild/moderate KS limited to cutaneous/oral involvement, stage 2 = primarily lymphadenopathic disease, stage 3 = woody edema KS, stage 4 = visceral and/or severe/disseminated mucocutaneous disease. Characteristics and outcomes were evaluated from paediatric referral centres in Lilongwe, Malawi, and Mbeya, Tanzania. RESULTS Among 171 patients, the median age was 9.3 years, 37% (n = 63) were female, and 87% (n = 149) had HIV. Breakdown by stage was as follows: 18% (n = 31) stage 1, 33% (n = 56) stage 2, 19% (n = 33) stage 3, and 30% (n = 51) stage 4. Age (younger stage 2 and older stage 3), severe CD4 count suppression (lower CD4 for stages 1 and 4), and presence of severe anaemia and thrombocytopenia (worse for stages 2 and 4) differed across stages. Estimated 2-year event-free survival/progression-free survival/overall survival by stage was as follows: stage 1, 81%/81%/87%; stage 2, 50%/50%/63%; stage 3, 24%/49%/81%; and stage 4, 29%/34%/54%. Sub-analysis of stage 2 lymphadenopathic KS demonstrated superior long-term 6-year event-free survival of 70% (95% confidence interval [CI] 49-83) for younger children (aged <7 years) versus 27% (95% CI 8-51) for older children. CONCLUSIONS This paediatric-specific staging classification categorizes patients with distinct characteristics and patterns of treatment response. This platform may guide clinicians to provide risk-stratified treatment with the hope of improving survival among children with KS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liane R. Campbell
- Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation - Tanzania, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Allison Silverstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Erin Peckham-Gregory
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - William Kamiyango
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jimmy Villiera
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Casey L. McAtee
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Global HOPE, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jason M. Bacha
- Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation - Tanzania, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | | | - Parth S. Mehta
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Global HOPE, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Toni Chanroo
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Asulwisye Kapesa
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation - Tanzania, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Beatrice Malingoti
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation - Tanzania, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Rizine Mzikamanda
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Nmazuo W. Ozuah
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Global HOPE, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carl E. Allen
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Global HOPE, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael E. Scheurer
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nader Kim El-Mallawany
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Global HOPE, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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11
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Ekuk E, Odongo CN, Tibaijuka L, Oyania F, Egesa WI, Bongomin F, Atwiine R, Acan M, Situma M. One year overall survival of wilms tumor cases and its predictors, among children diagnosed at a teaching hospital in South Western Uganda: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:196. [PMID: 36864435 PMCID: PMC9979450 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10601-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wilms tumor (WT) is the second most common solid tumor in Africa with both low overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) rates. However, no known factors are predicting this poor overall survival. OBJECTIVE The study was to determine the one-year overall survival of WT cases and its predictors among children diagnosed in the pediatric oncology and surgical units of Mbarara regional referral hospital (MRRH), western Uganda. METHODOLOGY Children's treatment charts and files diagnosed and managed for WT were retrospectively followed up for the period between January 2017 to January 2021. Charts of children with histologically confirmed diagnoses were reviewed for demographics, clinical and histological characteristics, as well as treatment modalities. RESULTS One-year overall survival was found to be 59.3% (95% CI: 40.7-73.3), with tumor size greater than 15 cm (p 0.021) and unfavorable WT type (p 0.012) being the predominant predictors. CONCLUSION Overall survival (OS) of WT at MRRH was found to be 59.3%, and predictive factors noted were unfavorable histology and tumor size greater than 115 cm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddymond Ekuk
- Department of Surgery, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda.
| | - Charles Newton Odongo
- Department of Surgery, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Soroti University, Soroti, Uganda
| | - Leevan Tibaijuka
- Department of Surgery, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Felix Oyania
- Department of Surgery, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Walufu Ivan Egesa
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Microbiology, Mycology, and Immunology, Internal Medicine Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Raymond Atwiine
- Department of Surgery, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Moses Acan
- Department of Surgery, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Martin Situma
- Department of Surgery, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara, Uganda
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12
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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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13
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Huibers MHW, Manda G, Silverstein A, Wanda W, Mtete I, Makuti S, Westmoreland KD, Mehta P, Ozuah NW. The Burden of Malnutrition in Childhood Cancer in Malawi - Risk Regardless of Age. Nutr Cancer 2022; 74:3322-3328. [PMID: 35608604 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2022.2076888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Malnutrion among children with childhood cancer in low and middle income countries (LMICs) is prevelant. While national nutrition programs focus on children under 5 years, childhood cancer can occur regardless of their age. Through a single-center retrospective cohort in Lilongwe, Malawi, we aim to characterize the burden of age-related malnutrition among children diagnosed with cancer in Lilongwe, Malawi, and evaluate them for any associations with mortality. Four hundred and sixty-three children (63.5% ≥5 years and 58.3% males) were identified.The majority of children (63.3%) were malnourished; 23.1% had moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and 40.2% had severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Malnutrition was more common in children ≥5 years (70.0%) compared to children <5 years (51.8%); p < 0.0001. Age <5 years (HR 1.6; 95%CI 1.1-2.3, p = 0.016) and presence of sever acute malnutrition (HR 1.6, 95%CI 1.1-2.3, p = 0.012) were both associated with increased mortality risk. Acute malnutrition was highly prevalent among children with cancer above 5 years of age. This age group is not prioritized among malnutrition programs in LMICs, hence there is a direct need to include children with cancer regardless of age in national nutrition guidelines in LMICs to give them acces to adequate nutritional support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minke H W Huibers
- Global Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE) Program, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Houston, TX, USA.,Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Amsterdam UMC Locatie Meibergdreef, Global Child Health Group, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Geoffrey Manda
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Watipaso Wanda
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Idah Mtete
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Samuel Makuti
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) Program, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kate D Westmoreland
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Parth Mehta
- Global Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE) Program, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nmazuo W Ozuah
- Global Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence (HOPE) Program, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Houston, TX, USA
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14
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Clinical presentation and outcomes in children with retinoblastoma managed at the Uganda Cancer Institute. J Cancer Epidemiol 2022; 2022:8817215. [PMID: 35308301 PMCID: PMC8924608 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8817215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The majority of patients with retinoblastoma, the most common intraocular cancer of childhood, are found in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), with leukocoria being the most common initial presenting sign and indication for referral. Findings from the current study serve to augment earlier findings on the clinical presentation and outcomes of children with retinoblastoma in Uganda. Methods This was a retrospective study in which we reviewed records of children admitted with a diagnosis of retinoblastoma at the Uganda Cancer Institute from January 2009 to February 2020. From the electronic database, using admission numbers, files were retrieved. Patient information was recorded in a data extraction tool. Results A total of 90 retinoblastoma patients were studied, with a mean age at the first Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) presentation of 36.7 months. There were more males (57.8%) than females, with a male to female ratio of 1.37 : 1. The majority (54.4%) had retinoblastoma treatment prior to UCI admission. The most common presenting symptoms were leukocoria (85.6%), eye reddening (64.4%), and eye swelling (63.3%). At 3 years of follow-up after index admission at UCI, 36.7% of the patients had died, 41.1% were alive, and 22.2% had been lost to follow-up. The median 3-year survival for children with retinoblastoma in our study was 2.18 years. Significant predictors of survival in the multivariate analysis were follow-up duration (P¯<0.001), features of metastatic spread (P = 0.001), history of eye swelling (P = 0.012), and bilateral enucleation (P = 0.011). Conclusions The majority of children who presented to the Uganda Cancer Institute were referred with advanced retinoblastoma, and there was a high mortality rate. Retinoblastoma management requires a multidisciplinary team that should include paediatric ophthalmologists, paediatric oncologists, ocular oncologists, radiation oncologists, and nurses.
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15
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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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16
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Parkin DM, Youlden DR, Chitsike I, Chokunonga E, Couitchéré L, Gnahatin F, Nambooze S, Wabinga H, Aitken JF. Stage at diagnosis and survival by stage for the leading childhood cancers in three populations of sub-Saharan Africa. Int J Cancer 2021; 148:2685-2691. [PMID: 33433927 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The lack of accurate population-based information on childhood cancer stage and survival in low-income countries is a barrier to improving childhood cancer outcomes. In our study, data from three population-based registries in sub-Saharan Africa (Abidjan, Harare and Kampala) were examined for children aged under 15. We assessed the feasibility of assigning stage at diagnosis according to Tier 1 of the Toronto Childhood Cancer Stage Guidelines for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma [including Burkitt lymphoma (BL)], retinoblastoma and Wilms' tumour. Patients were actively followed-up, allowing calculation of 3-year relative survival by cancer type and registry. Stage-specific observed survival was estimated. The cohort comprised 381 children, of whom half (n = 192, 50%) died from any cause within 3 years of diagnosis. Three-year relative survival varied by malignancy and location and ranged from 17% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 6%-33%] for BL in Harare to 57% (95% CI = 31%-76%) for retinoblastoma in Kampala. Stage was assigned for 83% of patients (n = 317 of 381), with over half having metastatic or advanced disease at diagnosis (n = 166, 52%). Stage was a strong predictor of survival for each malignancy; for example, 3-year observed survival was 88% (95% CI = 68%-96%) and 13% (4%-29%) for localised and advanced BL, respectively (P < .001). These are the first data on stage distribution and stage-specific survival for childhood cancers in Africa. They demonstrate the feasibility of the Toronto Stage Guidelines in a low-resource setting and highlight the value of population-based cancer registries in aiding our understanding of the poor outcomes experienced by this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Maxwell Parkin
- Cancer Surveillance Unit, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- African Cancer Registry Network, INCTR, Oxford, UK
| | - Danny R Youlden
- Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Inam Chitsike
- Paediatric Heme-Oncology Unit, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Line Couitchéré
- Pediatric Unit, Teaching Hospital of Treichville, Félix Houphouët Boigny Université, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Franck Gnahatin
- Registre du Cancer d'Abidjan (RCA), Programme National de Lutte contre le Cancer (PNLCa), Ministère de la Santé et de l'Hygiène Publique (MSHP), Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Sarah Nambooze
- Kampala Cancer Registry, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henry Wabinga
- Department of Pathology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joanne F Aitken
- Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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17
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Abila DB, Ainembabazi P, Wabinga H. COVID-19 pandemic and the widening gap to access cancer services in Uganda. Pan Afr Med J 2020; 35:140. [PMID: 33193955 PMCID: PMC7608761 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.supp.2020.35.140.25029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and its public health control measures have led to worldwide interruptions in healthcare service delivery, and cancer services are no exception. These interruptions have exacerbated the effects of previously reported barriers to accessing cancer care which was reportedly low even before the pandemic. If these effects are not mitigated, the achievements in cancer control that had already been made could be watered down. Measuring the impact of COVID-19 pandemic control measures on delivery of and access to cancer services in Uganda as well as other countries worldwide can inform the design of current and future responses to epidemics while putting into context other diseases like cancer that have a high burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derrick Bary Abila
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.,Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Provia Ainembabazi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henry Wabinga
- Kampala Cancer Registry, Department of Pathology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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18
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Kamiyango W, Villiera J, Silverstein A, Peckham-Gregory E, Campbell LR, El-Mallawany NK. Navigating the heterogeneous landscape of pediatric Kaposi sarcoma. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 38:749-758. [PMID: 31845111 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-019-09823-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Vivid descriptions of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) occurring in children and adolescents from central and eastern Africa originated over 50 years ago. Unique clinical characteristics of pediatric KS in Africa were well described within these geographic regions that were eventually understood to be endemic for human herpesvirus-8/Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (HHV-8/KSHV) infection, the causative agent of KS. Having catapulted in incidence with the HIV epidemic, KS is currently among the top five most common childhood cancers in numerous countries throughout the region. The main feature that differentiates the childhood form of KS from adult disease is clinical presentation with primarily bulging lymphadenopathy. This group of patients represents the most common clinical subtype of pediatric KS in KSHV-endemic regions. Lymphadenopathic KS in children is associated with other distinct features, such as sparse occurrence of prototypical hyperpigmented cutaneous lesions, frequent presentation with severe cytopenias and a normal CD4 count, and a fulminant clinical course if untreated with chemotherapy. Increased awareness and improved recognition of lymphadenopathic KS are critically important, particularly because this subset of patients typically experiences a favorable response to chemotherapy characterized by durable complete remission. Clinical phenotypes typically observed in adult KS also occur in children-mild/moderate disease limited to cutaneous and oral involvement, woody edema, and visceral disease. This review summarizes the heterogeneous patterns of disease presentation and treatment response observed among the divergent clinical phenotypes of pediatric KS, highlights additional KSHV-related malignancies, and explores some of the potential biological drivers of such clinical phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Kamiyango
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jimmy Villiera
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Allison Silverstein
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers Global HOPE Program, Lilongwe, Malawi.,Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Erin Peckham-Gregory
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence), Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Feigin Tower, Room 1025.16, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Liane R Campbell
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Tanzania, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Nader Kim El-Mallawany
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. .,Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence), Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Feigin Tower, Room 1025.16, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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